AnglersChannel

Inclement Weather Postpones Two Major League Fishing BFL Tournaments This Weekend

WHAT:
The Major League Fishing (MLF) Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine Choo Choo division tournament on Lake Guntersville and Cowboy division tournament on Toledo Bend Reservoir, both scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24, have been postponed due to inclement weather forecasted across the region that could make travel difficult and potentially hazardous due to accumulating snow and ice.

NOTES:
The tournaments have been rescheduled.

The Cowboy division tournament on Toledo Bend Reservoir has been rescheduled to Sunday, Feb. 22. and will be the second event of a back-to-back BFL Cowboy division tournament weekend in Zwolle, Louisiana. Anglers will launch from San Miguel Park in Zwolle, Louisiana, that weekend.

The Choo Choo division season-opening tournament set for Lake Guntersville has been rescheduled to Sunday, March 8, and will be the second event of a back-to-back BFL Choo Choo division tournament weekend in Guntersville. Anglers in those events will now launch from Civitan Park in Guntersville, Alabama.

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

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

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

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

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

by AnglersChannel

Camp Hill’s Harrison Edges Field for Victory at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Martin

Moody’s Jennings Earns Win in Co-Angler Division

ALEXANDER CITY, Ala. (Jan. 19, 2026) – Boater Josh Harrison of Camp Hill, Alabama, caught a five-bass limit totaling 13 pounds, 15 ounces, to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Martin. The tournament was the first of five events of the season for the BFL Bama Division. Harrison earned $3,630 for his victory.

Harrison said he began the tournament on the upper end of the lake.

“I had four or five areas that had fish in them lately, and I stayed in one area half the day and just kind of grinded it out,” Harrison said. “I was fishing pretty shallow, and I culled through a bunch of small fish. Then about mid-morning I caught close to a 4-pound fish.”

Harrison then relocated to a mid-lake area and caught some small keepers before he hooked into his second 4-pounder of the day.

“I knew when I caught that second big one I was probably going to cash a good check – a Top 5 or Top 10,” Harrison said. “I figured it was going to take 15 or 16 pounds to win. Usually, it takes 12 to 14 pounds to win there, but I figured there’d be some pretty big largemouth weighed in.”

Harrison said he fished the areas thoroughly with a crankbait, spinnerbait and jig and never used forward-facing sonar during the event. He estimated that he caught 20 keepers during the course of the tournament, and the 4-pounders he caught fell for a crankbait and a jig.

“Martin can be a tough lake,” Harrison went on to say. “And because it’s so tough, it gave me a challenge to really figure it out. I guess I’m going against the grain as far as technology goes, but to not use the technology available and get the win was my biggest accomplishment.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

1st:        Josh Harrison, Camp Hill, Ala., five bass, 13-15, $3,630
2nd:      Blake Davenport, Jemison, Ala., five bass, 13-12, $1,770
3rd:       Lucas Lindsay, Auburn, Ala., five bass, 13-6, $890
4th:        Ed Payne, Guin, Ala., five bass, 12-13, $710
5th:        Alexander Wilson Sr., Millbrook, Ala., five bass, 12-3, $630
6th:        Tristen Price, Madison, Ala., five bass, 12-0, $540
7th:        Larry Franks Jr., Wilsonville, Ala., five bass, 11-11, $1,020 (includes $500 Phoenix bonus)
8th:        Bill Spratlin, Rockford, Ala., five bass, 11-4, $490
9th:        Jerry Brumfield, Cumming, Ga., five bass, 11-2, $470
10th:     Anthony Goggins, Chelsea, Ala., five bass, 10-15, $450

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Manning Larkins of Hueytown, Alabama, earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award after landing a 4-pound, 7-ounce bass worth $200.

Colton Jennings of Moody, Alabama, won the co-angler division and the top prize of $1,765 Saturday after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 7 pounds, 3 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers finished:

1st:        Colton Jennings, Moody, Ala., three bass, 7-3, $1,765
2nd:      Alvin Shirey, Talladega, Ala., three bass, 7-2, $561
2nd:      Thomas Mercer, Montgomery, Ala., three bass, 7-2, $611
2nd:       Nic Harden, Deatsville, Ala., three bass, 7-2, $561
5th:        Rodney Graham, Childersburg, Ala., three bass, 6-9, $365
6th:        Steve Watson, Dadeville, Ala., three bass, 6-7, $270
7th:        Jeffrey Ford, Trion, Ga., three bass, 5-14, $252
7th:        Larry Chadwick, Phenix City, Ala., three bass, 5-14, $252
9th:        Raymond Sturz, Opelika, Ala., three bass, 5-13, $240
10th:     Colt Hinson, Andalusia, Ala., three bass, 5-12, $225

Rodney Graham of Childersburg, Alabama, and Thomas Mercer of Montgomery, Alabama, split the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $100 after each landed a 3-pound, 2-ounce bass.

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

by AnglersChannel

Drew Gill Wins MLF Bass Pro Tour B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 on Lake Guntersville

Illinois pro catches 28 bass weighing 82 pounds, 4 ounces and holds off hard charge from Walker and Wheeler to win season-opening event and earn top prize of $125,000

GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. (Jan. 18, 2026) – When he launched his boat onto Lake Guntersville for the Championship Round of B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 Presented by Mercury Sunday morning, pro Drew Gill of Mount Carmel, Illinois, never considered that he would end the day hoisting his third Bass Pro Tour trophy.

Gill has been a mainstay in the Top 10 during his young BPT career. This marked his ninth Championship Round appearance in his first 17 events. But after leaning hard on all the productive spots he’d found to make the Knockout and Championship Round cuts, it was the first time he entered the final day thinking he didn’t have a shot to keep pace with the leaders.

“This is the first time I’ve made a Top 10 where I’ve been like, ‘I know it’s not possible tomorrow,’” Gill said. “Because I had burned my ‘Scope stuff. I mean, I caught 150 pounds off one place for the last three days, and they got progressively harder to catch every day. And I couldn’t get a no-‘Scope bite going yesterday to save my life. So, I was like, ‘I’m cooked.’”

Turns out, Gill was still able to use his mastery of forward-facing sonar to stack up weight in a hurry. The 23-year-old boated 20 scorable bass for 53 pounds, 5 ounces in the first period, building a lead of more than 24 pounds over his nearest pursuer. Then, he did just enough to hold off hard charges from Jacob Walker, Jacob Wheeler and others. Walker landed a 6-9 brute right before lines out, but it wasn’t quite enough. Gill’s 82-4 total edged him by 1-5.

The win marks Gill’s third Bass Pro Tour victory and fourth total MLF win and earned him the first $125,000 paycheck of the season. He’s also the early leader in the Fishing Clash Angler of the Year race, a title he’s coveted since arriving on tour.

Even more important for the hyper-competitive Gill, it broke him out of a streak of near-misses. Since the end of the 2025 regular season, he’s finished second in two Team Series events as well as the Toyota Series Championship in November, where he missed out on a $200,000 win by tiebreaker.

“Man, I just hate coming close and losing,” Gill said. “Money and points aside, how you feel after the tournament is over, I would way rather finish between like third and sixth than I would second. Second is a hard pill. And I knew, with how tight it was getting in the last 20 minutes, I was like, ‘If I don’t win, I’m finishing second.’ I had to not psych myself up that I was going to win mentally, because I knew if I had worked myself up to it and got excited for it and it didn’t happen, I would have been really, really crushed. So it means the world to me.”

Gill reminded fans this week why he’s widely considered one of the best anglers alive at using modern technology to catch bass. He knew he would need to take full advantage of his one allotted period per day with forward-facing sonar to have a chance to win, and he did just that.

After catching 43-8 during the first period on Day 1, he topped 50 pounds each of the following three days for a grand total of just over 200 pounds using forward-facing sonar throughout the event. Gill caught just about all of those fish using a 4 1/4-inch Big Bite Baits Spotlight Minnow in blue gizzard on a 3/16-ounce jighead with a 2/0 hook.

Even more impressive is that all those fish came off one spot. During the last hour of practice, Gill found a huge school of bass chasing bait by a bridge at the mouth of a creek. The area had all the ingredients of prime wintertime habitat – plenty of baitfish, a pinch-point for bass to corral them and a place for them to rest while not feeding.

“That place was perfect,” Gill said. “Right out from the bridge, there’s a roadbed that’s about 10 feet deep, and so they had a place where they could sit when they weren’t feeding, and they had that baitfish presence not even 100 yards away.

“Two hundred pounds in four days – an average of 50 pounds a ‘Scope period. That is absolute filth. That is murder.”

One reason the spot surprised Gill Sunday is he was no longer sharing it. Each of the first three days, Banks Shaw had started the first period fishing right next to Gill, also using his forward-facing sonar. But Shaw, who felt the bite slowing down Saturday, opted to start the Championship Round elsewhere.

“I couldn’t win if we were sharing that water, because it just gets diluted,” Gill said. “That was critical, for sure.”

While a 24-pound lead after the first period might seem like significant breathing room, Gill knew it wouldn’t be nearly enough to win. All week, the shallow winding bite had been getting better in the afternoon, leading to some big third-period comebacks.

Meanwhile, keeping the pace once he turned his transducers off had been a challenge for Gill. On Day 1, he didn’t catch a single fish after the first period. He fared better on Day 2, catching eight scorable bass for 23-13, but found the bite tougher again during the Knockout Round, when he caught seven for 17-11.

Gill started the second period with a jerkbait and added four scorable bass in the frame, but it was just one here, one there – not steady action. Noticing that the wind had picked up, he switched to a crankbait, which had keyed his solid afternoon on Day 2. He went to a shallow bar and, after breaking the bill off his shad-colored plug, nearly left. But he saw a “divot” with cleaner water and made one more cast to it with a craw-colored bait, which produced a 2-14. The very next cast, he caught a 2-3.

“I was like, ‘Dang, maybe there’s something to this,’” Gill recalled. “So, I go run to another stretch. As soon as I pull up, I catch a non-scorable. Fire back out there, catch a 4-8. Go another like 8 minutes, fire out there, catch a 3-8. At that point, it was an hour and change left, and I was sold. I was like, ‘I’m going to commit to this the rest of the day.’”

Gill caught six bass on the crankbait to bring his non-FFS total on the day to 28-15 on 10 scorable bass. He would need every single one of them.

Throughout the third period, he kept getting word of other anglers making big moves up SCORETRACKER®. Right before Gill’s flurry early in the third period, Walker had caught a 7-pounder to pull within 5 pounds. Zack Birge and Shaw both made charges to pull within 20 pounds – a deficit that could be erased in five casts on Guntersville. Then there was Wheeler. The 10-time BPT winner, who Gill (and everyone else on Tour) always seems to be battling for his wins, made a roughly 50-mile run to the upper end of the fishery and caught 22 pounds of smallmouth in 16 minutes to trim his deficit to 7 pounds with about 10 minutes remaining.

“It was awful,” Gill said. “Banks hit a streak where he started smashing them. Jacob Walker was there all day long, and man, his big-fish bite that he had going on this week was horrifying, because he could make up so much ground in the blink of an eye with how many big fish he was catching. And then obviously, anytime you’ve got Wheeler behind you in a less-than-double-digit pursuit, it’s not ideal.”

Walker, who caught four bass over 6 pounds on the day, including a 7-4 that earned Berkley Big Bass honors, looked for a moment like he had pulled off a second miraculous buzzer-beater in his BPT debut, but his last-minute fish weighed just a little light.

That left Gill to celebrate a win he never saw coming with his parents and fiancée watching from shore.

“I’ve gotten to win a Pro Circuit and now three Bass Pro tour events, but I’ve never had my family present for one,” Gill said. “My parents are here, and my fiancée is here, and that’s super, super cool. It means the world to me to get to experience this with them.”

The top 10 pros at the B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 at Lake Guntersville Presented by Mercury finished:

1st:        Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., 28 bass, 82-4
2nd:      Jacob Walker, Springville, Ala., 20 bass, 80-15
3rd:       Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., 22 bass, 75-4
4th:        Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., 19 bass, 65-12
5th:        Banks Shaw, Harrison, Tenn., 21 bass, 63-14
6th:        Justin Cooper, Zwolle, La., 18 bass, 49-12
7th:        Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn., 17 bass, 48-8
8th:        Mark Daniels Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., 17 bass, 44-1
9th:        Chris Lane, Guntersville, Ala., 12 bass, 37-10
10th:     Keith Carson, DeBary, Fla., 11 bass, 36-14

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

Overall, there were 185 bass caught weighing 584 pounds, 14 ounces, caught by the final 10 Bass Pro Tour anglers on Sunday.

Sunday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award went to pro Jacob Walker who weighed in a 7-pound, 4-ounce largemouth during the third period on a bladed swimjig. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day.

The four-day B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 at Lake Guntersville Presented by Mercury was hosted by Marshall County Tourism & Sports and featured a roster of 51 of the top professional anglers in the world competing for a $125,000 top prize and their share of the $600,000 purse, along with valuable Angler of the Year (AOY) points in hopes of qualifying for the MLF Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2027, the Bass Pro Tour championship.

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

Television coverage of the B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 at Lake Guntersville Presented by Mercury will premiere as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, July 4, on Discovery. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on Outdoor Channel.

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

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

by AnglersChannel

Scroggins and Berling finish strong in Bassmaster High School win at Kissimmee Chain

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — A late-day adjustment yielded the deal-sealing catch for Eli Scroggins and Drew Berling of the Park Hills Athletic Club, who topped the Strike King Bassmaster High School Series at Kissimmee Chain with a five-bass limit of 24 pounds, 5 ounces.

Making the trip from Kentucky, the winners fished the south end of Lake Toho and the canal linking Toho to Lake Cypress. Scroggins, a senior, said Toho produced the majority of their fish.

An approaching cold front that brought big midday winds influenced the anglers’ focus.

“We fished deep hydrilla and grass piles in 8-10 feet,” Scroggins said. “Since we had a cold front, I figured that the fish had either spawned before the front, or they decided not to spawn yet and they pushed back out. So, we went out to the deep water and found our bigger fish there.”

The only exception was the team’s heaviest bass — a 6-13 that bit at 2:30 p.m.

“We ended up catching a 6-pounder right around noon that made us feel pretty confident, but we knew we needed one more big bite,” Scroggins said. “The wind started getting pretty rough out where we were fishing on the main lake, so we ran to the canal to get out of the wind and find some shallow grass close to deep water where the fish could move up and down as they wanted to.

“We fished in there a while and ended up getting her to bite.”

Berling, a junior, said the winning game plan was one that combined search tactics with targeted presentations.

“Eli was on the front fishing finesse baits, while I was on the back covering water with moving baits,” he said.

Berling’s reaction bait lineup included ChatterBaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits. Scroggins committed his time to a wacky/neko presentations with a custom 5-inch stick worm in green pumpkin.

“You had to find fish on the bottom,” Scroggins said. “The fish that were floating wouldn’t eat it. You had to find them near grass piles where they felt safe and ready to ambush. It was usually better if there were one or two others with the fish I was targeting.”

The winners got their day off to a fast start with a limit by 8:45. Berling noted that maintaining effective boat positioning was critical, but their efforts paid off with about 25 keeper size fish.

“We were culling 3-pounders by the end of the day,” Berling said. “The mental part was the biggest challenge. When that wind picked up, it got cold and staying on them was a big factor.”

Scroggins said the victory, which qualifies him and Berling for the Strike King Bassmaster High School Series National Championship, came as a pleasant surprise.

“I couldn't be more happy about it,” Scroggins said. “I came down here expecting just to try to qualify (for the Nationals) and I didn’t fully expect to win the tournament against a bunch of local hammers.

“We put in the hard work for the past few days. We put in the time to find the right fish and it paid off.”

Kieran Stephenson and Grady Stanley of the Triangle Bass Club placed second with 22-14.

Jack Sebring and Mason Turner of the Highlands County Anglers Club finished third with 20-8.

Bobby Lane III of Mulberry, Fla., won the Phoenix Boats Big Bass award with his 10-6.

Experience Kissimmee, Florida hosted this event.

About B.A.S.S.

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

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

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

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

2026 Strike King Bassmaster High School Series at Lake Toho 1/18-1/18
Lake Toho, Kissimmee FL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1

Angler Club/School Pts

1. Eli Scroggins - Drew Berling Park Hills Athletic Club 0
Day 1: 5 24-05 Total: 5 24-05
2. Kieran Stephenson - Grady Stanley Triangle Bass Club 0
Day 1: 5 22-14 Total: 5 22-14
3. Jack Sebring - Mason Turner Highlands County Anglers Club 0
Day 1: 5 20-08 Total: 5 20-08
4. Oliver Williams - Corvin Katzban Eagleton Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 5 20-00 Total: 5 20-00
5. Bobby Lane III - Bryden Tyler LCS Viking Anglers - FL 0
Day 1: 3 19-09 Total: 3 19-09
6. Caleb Logue - Hayden Reynolds Bainbridge High School Bass Cats 0
Day 1: 5 19-00 Total: 5 19-00
7. Sarah Parker - Asher Wheat Petal High School 0
Day 1: 5 17-11 Total: 5 17-11
8. Paxton Wormsley - Grayson Dykes Campbell County High School 0
Day 1: 5 17-08 Total: 5 17-08
9. Brady Garrison - Madison County High School 0
Day 1: 5 14-06 Total: 5 14-06
10. Gavin Burnett - Justin Ackel Sulphur Fishing Team - Sulphur H 0
Day 1: 5 14-04 Total: 5 14-04
11. Kannon Wood - Gulf Port High School 0
Day 1: 4 14-03 Total: 4 14-03
12. Weston Bouchikas - Luke Hoskinson Junior Keystone Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 5 14-02 Total: 5 14-02
13. Tyler Nelson - Sawyer Reynolds Bandys High School 0
Day 1: 5 14-01 Total: 5 14-01
14. Jax Whitaker - Eli Kline Highlands County Anglers Club - 0
Day 1: 4 13-12 Total: 4 13-12
15. Cooper Rouse - Ryker Reed D'iberville Hs Warrior Bass Nati 0
Day 1: 5 13-08 Total: 5 13-08
16. Thomas Newman - Cayden Ryman Frederick County Bass 0
Day 1: 5 13-03 Total: 5 13-03
17. Johnson Mcguire - Auburn High School - AL 0
Day 1: 5 13-02 Total: 5 13-02
18. Chase Woodham - Jack Bishop Rehobeth High School 0
Day 1: 5 12-15 Total: 5 12-15
19. Ragyn Mohney - Dian Coxen Okeechobee Brahmans 0
Day 1: 5 12-12 Total: 5 12-12
20. Brandon Goodman - Cason Hornsby Tallassee High School Anglers 0
Day 1: 5 12-08 Total: 5 12-08
20. Harrison Hobbs - Cade Speligene Music City Bass 0
Day 1: 5 12-08 Total: 5 12-08
22. Holden Cone - Remington Cobb Hctc Hs Fishing 0
Day 1: 5 12-07 Total: 5 12-07
23. Anderson Thrower - Wade Spooner Vestavia Hills Rebel Anglers 0
Day 1: 5 12-02 Total: 5 12-02
24. Nathan Alexander - Sam Hayes Music City Bass 0
Day 1: 5 12-01 Total: 5 12-01
25. Hunter Dickinson - Case Payton Central Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 5 12-00 Total: 5 12-00
26. Connor Kennedy - Brennan Enfinger Bainbridge High School Bass Cats 0
Day 1: 5 11-09 Total: 5 11-09
27. Crews Mcferrin - Colin Bourne Karns Jr High School 0
Day 1: 5 11-07 Total: 5 11-07
27. Ellis Turner - Colby Senn Heard County Bass Anglers 0
Day 1: 5 11-07 Total: 5 11-07
29. Hudson Logan - Weston Rigsby A1 Anglers Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 5 11-04 Total: 5 11-04
30. Porter Morrison - Harrison Kirkpatrick Catholic High School Fishing Bat 0
Day 1: 4 10-13 Total: 4 10-13
31. Kyle Wood - Bradley Merritt Central Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 4 10-11 Total: 4 10-11
32. Lawton Cohen - Finn Walker 863 Anglers 0
Day 1: 5 10-10 Total: 5 10-10
33. Elliott Clay - Kam Sessions Riley's Catch 0
Day 1: 4 10-06 Total: 4 10-06
33. Oliver Neumann - Zimmerman Thunder 0
Day 1: 4 10-06 Total: 4 10-06
33. Sawyer Walters - Chap Chancey Geneva Panthers Bass Fishing Tea 0
Day 1: 4 10-06 Total: 4 10-06
36. Kallen Williams - Jaxon Johnson 863 Anglers 0
Day 1: 5 10-01 Total: 5 10-01
37. Jackson Caudill - Cooper Lightsey Lakeland Junior Hawg Hunters 0
Day 1: 5 09-12 Total: 5 09-12
38. Jackson Brownlee - Tristian Gowdown Sc Lower State Hs Bass Club 0
Day 1: 4 09-11 Total: 4 09-11
39. Brayden Elliott - Kalen Chandler White Oak High School Bass Fishi 0
Day 1: 3 09-08 Total: 3 09-08
40. Lowry Dean - Zack Marine Highlands County Anglers Club - 0
Day 1: 5 09-07 Total: 5 09-07
41. Tristan Stewart - Talen Ashworth Mt Pleasant High School Bass Tea 0
Day 1: 5 09-06 Total: 5 09-06
42. Jack Kennedy - Mason Bright Mid Florida Youth Anglers HS 0
Day 1: 5 09-05 Total: 5 09-05
43. Hayes Henderson - Caden Harris Headland Jr High School - AL 0
Day 1: 5 09-02 Total: 5 09-02
44. Parker Bilbrey - Tyler Thompson Monterey Anglers 0
Day 1: 4 09-02 Total: 4 09-02
45. Grant Pergler - Kyler Utzman Central Florida Youth Anglers 0
Day 1: 4 09-01 Total: 4 09-01
46. Connor Crawford - Jackson Crawford Liberty County Anglers 0
Day 1: 5 09-00 Total: 5 09-00
46. Rankin Williams - Hilton Jones Lee Scott Academy 0
Day 1: 5 09-00 Total: 5 09-00
48. Cullen Sanders - Nathan Phillips Liberty County Junior Anglers 0
Day 1: 5 08-15 Total: 5 08-15
49. Hank Mcillwain - Hunter Davis Music City Bass 0
Day 1: 4 08-12 Total: 4 08-12
50. Brayden Jenner - Kasyn Arender St. Martin Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 4 08-09 Total: 4 08-09
51. TJ Murray - Brack Robertson Meigs County High School Fishing 0
Day 1: 4 08-08 Total: 4 08-08
52. Payton Muns - Harrison Wheatley Clarks Hill Youth Fishing Team - 0
Day 1: 3 08-06 Total: 3 08-06
53. Connor Watts - Devin Martin Rehobeth High School 0
Day 1: 5 08-03 Total: 5 08-03
54. Micah Foy - Hudson Hoagberg Highlands County Anglers Club 0
Day 1: 4 07-15 Total: 4 07-15
54. Owen Wiggins - Britton Alery Cartersville Fishing 0
Day 1: 4 07-15 Total: 4 07-15
56. Noah Wright - Shane Williams South Greene High School 0
Day 1: 3 07-15 Total: 3 07-15
57. Bridget Mathis - Dominick Andux Dixie Bass Masters - FL 0
Day 1: 3 07-14 Total: 3 07-14
58. Gavin Ebert - Kale Webb Music City Bass 0
Day 1: 4 07-13 Total: 4 07-13
59. Pacey Coyle - Kieran Gowdown Sc Lower State Hs Bass Club 0
Day 1: 4 07-08 Total: 4 07-08
60. Walker Brogdon - Drake Walls Bainbridge High School Bass Cats 0
Day 1: 3 07-08 Total: 3 07-08
60. Tyler Curry - Remmi Alton Mt. Vernon Bass Team 0
Day 1: 3 07-08 Total: 3 07-08
62. Landyn Myers - Cameron Ball Seminole Junior Anglers 0
Day 1: 4 07-01 Total: 4 07-01
63. Mason Bush - Hayden Berryman Club Florida High School Bassmas 0
Day 1: 3 07-00 Total: 3 07-00
64. William Collins - Curren Malinchak Soddy Daisy High School 0
Day 1: 4 06-12 Total: 4 06-12
65. Jake Paradis - JT Cross L/A Junior Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 3 06-02 Total: 3 06-02
66. Jesse Lancaster - Fisher Lancaster Triangle Bass Club 0
Day 1: 4 06-01 Total: 4 06-01
67. Evan Bush - Cason Thomas Lowndes High School Lip Rippers 0
Day 1: 3 05-15 Total: 3 05-15
67. Landon Vaughn - Will Taylor Pendleton High School Fishing Te 0
Day 1: 3 05-15 Total: 3 05-15
69. Griffin Sheets - John Hicks SML Anglers 0
Day 1: 3 05-14 Total: 3 05-14
70. Tytus Sadowski - Spencer Goehrig Seminole Junior Anglers 0
Day 1: 2 05-14 Total: 2 05-14
71. Carter Pjesky - Landon Gabby Off The Hook High School Bassmas 0
Day 1: 4 05-13 Total: 4 05-13
72. Maddox Kelly - Felix Bradshaw Headland Bass Team 0
Day 1: 3 05-13 Total: 3 05-13
73. Elijah Booker - Bayler Cooksey Mt. Juliet Fishing 0
Day 1: 3 05-08 Total: 3 05-08
74. Levi Stanley - Landen Bean Triangle Bass Club 0
Day 1: 2 05-07 Total: 2 05-07
75. Bradford Vandemark II - Elias Hitson Eagleville Fishing Club 0
Day 1: 3 05-04 Total: 3 05-04
76. Max McCorkle - Walker Thompson Vestavia Hills Bass Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 3 05-02 Total: 3 05-02
76. Brody Musser - Cooper Reynolds Swva Bassin 0
Day 1: 3 05-02 Total: 3 05-02
78. Dawson Lytton - Collier Alderman 0
Day 1: 3 04-15 Total: 3 04-15
79. Ella Ready - Sarah Rising George Jenkins Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 2 04-15 Total: 2 04-15
80. Dylan Owens - Braxton Smith Rehobeth High School 0
Day 1: 2 04-14 Total: 2 04-14
81. Parker Jones - Brady Jones Sc Lower State Hs Bass Club 0
Day 1: 4 04-13 Total: 4 04-13
82. Jonah Yates - Wyatt Harmon Central Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 1 04-13 Total: 1 04-13
83. Michael Harris - Danil Williams Mt Juliet Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 3 04-11 Total: 3 04-11
84. Jordan Rapp - Logan Schrupp Seminole Junior Anglers 0
Day 1: 3 04-10 Total: 3 04-10
85. Brayden Tisdale - Tanner Smith Emerald Coast Youth Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 3 04-09 Total: 3 04-09
86. Brayden Rivest - Zach Stall Off The Hook High School Bassmas 0
Day 1: 1 04-09 Total: 1 04-09
87. Murphy Childers - Ryder Colee Brewer High School Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 3 04-07 Total: 3 04-07
88. Jacob Hicks - Sml Anglers 0
Day 1: 2 04-07 Total: 2 04-07
89. Logan Brown - Caleb Southerly Lake Anna Elite Anglers 0
Day 1: 3 04-04 Total: 3 04-04
90. Jake Gwin - Hayden Barnes York Co High School Anglers 0
Day 1: 2 03-14 Total: 2 03-14
91. Eli McCraney - Nathan Mason Tallassee High School Anglers 0
Day 1: 1 03-14 Total: 1 03-14
92. Logan Parker - Hudson Howell Cherokee Bass Team 0
Day 1: 3 03-11 Total: 3 03-11
93. Quinn Walsh - Aidan Younker Tampa Bay Junior Bass Club High 0
Day 1: 1 03-11 Total: 1 03-11
94. Johann Cloete - Luke Ayotte Tampa Bay Junior Bass Club High 0
Day 1: 2 03-10 Total: 2 03-10
94. Parker Creech - Lawton Rollison Central Florida Youth Anglers 0
Day 1: 2 03-10 Total: 2 03-10
96. Hayden Blume - Brody Matthews Karns High School 0
Day 1: 1 03-10 Total: 1 03-10
97. Caleb Moore - Dean Austin Off The Hook IL Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 2 03-09 Total: 2 03-09
98. Jacob Holt - Hayden Spears Warren Co High School Pioneer An 0
Day 1: 2 03-05 Total: 2 03-05
99. Ben Purvis Jr - Mason Turner Okeechobee Brahmans 0
Day 1: 2 03-04 Total: 2 03-04
100. Zach Schrock - Owen Kemmerer Hs Potomac River Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 1 03-00 Total: 1 03-00
101. Wallace Rampey - Weston Harvey Lowndes High School Lip Rippers 0
Day 1: 1 02-13 Total: 1 02-13
102. Ryals Blanton - Alexander Jordan Fort White High School Bassmaste 0
Day 1: 2 02-12 Total: 2 02-12
103. Andrew Carr - Landon Tusing Lake Anna Elite Anglers Junior 0
Day 1: 2 02-11 Total: 2 02-11
104. Christian Lee - Caleb Cook Free State Bass 0
Day 1: 1 02-11 Total: 1 02-11
105. Faith Burks - Allie Reagan Clay County Anglers 0
Day 1: 1 02-10 Total: 1 02-10
106. Memphis Howard - Holt Harmon Central Lion Fishing 0
Day 1: 1 02-06 Total: 1 02-06
107. Clifford Heidel - Preston Memoly Seminole Junior Anglers 0
Day 1: 1 02-05 Total: 1 02-05
107. Reiston Ratchford - Lawson Gamble Headland Bass Team 0
Day 1: 1 02-05 Total: 1 02-05
109. Fisher Ruff - Winston Sharpe Lowndes High School Lip Rippers 0
Day 1: 1 02-02 Total: 1 02-02
110. Tyson Giles - Petal High School 0
Day 1: 1 02-01 Total: 1 02-01
111. Ayden Parker - Hunter Wilkins Gaffney High School Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 1 02-00 Total: 1 02-00
112. Brenson Pulley - Noah Schoviak South Carolina - At Large 0
Day 1: 1 01-13 Total: 1 01-13
112. Caden Schilling - Patrick St Charles V Hixson High School - TN 0
Day 1: 1 01-13 Total: 1 01-13
114. Olevir Johnson - Rhett Shirrell Oldham Co High School Bass Team 0
Day 1: 1 01-11 Total: 1 01-11
115. John Parker Deal - Vin Radetic Headland Bass Team 0
Day 1: 1 01-10 Total: 1 01-10
115. Garrett Loggans - Bryson Whaley Hamblen County Anglers 0
Day 1: 1 01-10 Total: 1 01-10
117. Kohen Dulaney - Mcdowell High School Bass Fishin 0
Day 1: 1 01-09 Total: 1 01-09
118. Hunter Brakefield - Luke Childs Music City Bass 0
Day 1: 1 01-05 Total: 1 01-05
119. Brady Wells - Zeke Brock Bath County Juniors 0
Day 1: 1 00-06 Total: 1 00-06
120. Clayton Barry - Tanner Sikes Columbia High School Bassmastesr 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Jaxson Beard - Preston Russell Pendleton High School Fishing Te 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Taylor Bogard - Wilkes County Bandits 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Corbin Bornstein - Logan Tolbert Lipscomb Academy 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Bryan Castro-Rosales - Preston Nance George Jenkins Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Christopher Celestin - Connor Knoblock Vandebilt Catholic Bass Fishing 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Wyatt Crow - Mann Smothers Lipscomb Academy 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Emily Dewberry - Reece Wheeler Bremen High School Bass Fishing 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Carson Durrance - Ryder Axt Okeechobee Brahmans 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Cort Elrod - Bryce Collins T L Hanna High School Fishing Te 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Colby Frazier - Weston Payne Marion County High School - FL 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Gavin Gazdak - Gavin Gold Seminole Junior Anglers 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Jaiden Grantham - Jaikob Grantham Petal High School 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Conner Harris - Nathan Mccoy Riley's Catch 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Landon Haynes - Caleb Jackson Marion County High School - FL 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Ian Hendricks - Josiah Ennes 314 Fishing Club 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Luke Herald - Kullen Fryman Oldham Co High School Bass Team 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Keaton Hickman - Michael Palmer Okeechobee Brahmans 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Cooper Hoare - Chandler Caison Putnam County Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. DJ Johnson - Coltin Butler Mt Pleasant Junior Bass Team 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Kaeden Kirby - Caleb Smith Lipscomb Academy 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Harper Krohn - Olivia King D'iberville Hs Warrior Bass Nati 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Brock Lovering - Carter Rouse 863 Anglers 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Cason Mancill - Benjamin Burke Huntington High School 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Ethan McBrayer - Preston Howard Briarwood High School 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Anderson Mesplay - Layla Mesplay Keowee Outdoors 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Jaxon Rapp - Hunter Miller Highlands County Anglers Club 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Dawson Reeves - Troy Baker Opp Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Eli Richards - Walker Kaiser Tift Co Blue Devil Bass Team 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Tucker Ricks - Preston Smith Putnam County Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Ayden Rigsbee - Solomon Crawford Triangle Bass Club 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Aiden Roberson-Barber - Daniel Lowhorn Monterey Anglers 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Renner Roberts - Logan Smith Liberty County Anglers (326) 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Tucker Robertson - Meigs County High School Fishing 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Jack Sharpe - Patrick Givens Sumner County Bass Team - TN 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Jonah Singletary - Mercer Singletary Music City Bass 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Abe Sledge - Bryson Sutton Loudon Bass Club 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Hayden Starnes - Bryce Kelly 863 Anglers 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Colton Stockdale - Lane Hodges III Headland Bass Team 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Kaden Tomblin - Southern Garrett Bass Slayer 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Caydan Waters - Cameron Waters 904 Anglers 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. Brentley West - McKeel High school 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
120. William Gunner Willoughby - Bryce Alfrey George Rogers Clark High School 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
BIG BASS OF TOURN
Bobby Lane III Mulberry, FL 10-06 $0.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 37 394 948-05
----------------------------------
37 394 948-05

by AnglersChannel

Anderson’s solo mission yields Bassmaster Junior win at Kissimmee Chain

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Weather and team dynamics did not make it easy for Cooper Anderson of Scotts Hill Student Anglers, but the 8th grader from Henderson, Tenn., sacked up a 19-pound, 8-ounce limit and won the Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Series event at Kissimmee Chain.

On a day that saw a weather system bring 25-knot winds, Anderson fished the season opener alone. His partner was unable to make the trip to Central Florida, but that wasn’t stopping Anderson from making his pals at Chester County Jr. High proud.

“It was really special to get the win on my first try,” Anderson said. “This is my first year fishing the Junior Series and to come down here and accomplish that meant a lot.

“I thought it would be a lot more challenging to get the bites with only one line. I focused more on deeper water, because I didn’t have to set up the boat in position for two people to fish.”

With his father, Spencer, serving as his boat captain, Anderson stayed on the north end of Lake Toho and fished various submerged vegetation on areas that dropped from 5-15 feet. Most of his fish bit in about 7 feet.

“I caught all my fish on a Hog Farmer (umbrella rig) with Keitech 3.8 FAT Swing Impact swimbaits in bluegill color with a white one in the middle,” Anderson said. “Most of my fish bit the center bait.

“If they were following the rig, I would twitch it a little and that would get them to bite it.”

Anderson fished two main spots and spent most of his time on the first one. At the end of the day, he stopped at his second spot about 500 yards away and added a final keeper.

“My best action was between 10:30 and 11:30,” Anderson said. “I didn’t have a keeper at 10:30, but once they started biting, it happened quickly.

“My biggest fish was a 5-8. I caught that one around 1:30.”

Anderson said the day’s early hours were easily manageable, but once the strong winds started around noon, boat positioning became challenging. Power-Poles and Minn Kota Spot-Lock played key roles in allowing him to effectively line up with the wind.

Brayden Bontrager and Creek Bradtmiller of Track and Channel Youth placed second place with 14-2.

Knox White and Jacob Deane of Mt. Juliet Fishing - Juniors finished third with 13-4.

Gunner Robbins and Drew Smith of Livingston Academy Junior Bassmaster won the Phoenix Boats Big Bass award with a 6-7.

Experience Kissimmee, Florida hosted this event.

About B.A.S.S.

by AnglersChannel

Guntersville’s Chris Lane Paces Knockout Round at MLF Bass Pro Tour B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 on Lake Guntersville

Lane rallies with 29 bass for 91-10 to win Knockout Round and Advance, Final 10 Now Set for Championship Sunday Shootout for $125,000

GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. (Jan. 17, 2026) – With one period left in the Qualifying Round on Friday afternoon, pro Chris Lane of Guntersville, Alabama, faced an uphill climb just to make the cut and advance to the Knockout Round at B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 Presented by Mercury . Twenty-four hours later, he found himself atop SCORETRACKER® and safely booked into Sunday’s Championship Round, quite possibly the angler to beat on his adopted home lake, Lake Guntersville.

Lane, who caught more than 30 pounds in the third period Friday, carried that momentum to Saturday morning. He boated 18 scorable bass totaling 62 pounds, 5 ounces in the first period alone. He then added nearly 22 pounds in the second frame, which allowed him to spend a final period that was stressful for just about everyone else scouting new water. Lane finished the day with 91-10, 12-13 ahead of fellow Alabama resident, Tuskegee’s Mark Daniels Jr.

Weights will once again reset overnight, then Lane and the rest of the top nine finishers from the Knockout Round will join Qualifying Round winner Jacob Walker of Springville, Alabama, in a battle for the first trophy and $125,000 paycheck of the year.

Lane’s massive third period Friday came after he moved to a new area. No surprise, he started the Knockout Round there, but he put together his strong morning using a different bait on different spots.

Those decisions resulted from a combination of well-honed Guntersville instincts and a fortunate break from Mother Nature. When Lane arrived at the area Saturday morning, he elected not to run all the way to his best stretch from the prior afternoon due to the fog, figuring he could fish his way there. That decision quickly paid off – he caught three scorable bass in the first 5 minutes after lines in.

“I went into the same area except a different spot,” he said. “That’s what was probably the game-changer. It was so foggy, I said, ‘Well, I need to be over there, but I’ll just work my way over there.’ And I never got over there until middle of the second period.”

Whereas Lane had done most of his damage Friday on a Bass Pro Shops XPS Chatterbomb bladed jig, he read the conditions and started Saturday with an XPS Staredown jerkbait instead. That proved prudent. Lane didn’t realize it at the time, but the slick calm conditions made it difficult for just about anyone else to generate an early winding bite.

“I think it was my very first cast, I got a bite, and I’m like, ‘oh boy,’” Lane said. “Then my next cast, I got another bite. And I’m like, ‘Okay, this is what they want.’ I switched up and picked up a Chatterbomb and threw it out there – what I caught them on yesterday. And I never had a bite.”

Lane is in his comfort zone not only because he’s competing on the lake where he’s lived since 2009 but because he’s fishing his preferred style. He never turned on his forward-facing sonar during the Knockout Round (nor did Daniels, for that matter).

Lane thinks there are still plenty of fish left in his area, although he knows it’ll take a big day to earn his second Bass Pro Tour victory. He predicted the winning weight could be north of 100 pounds. During his afternoon scouting expedition, he did find a couple more productive spots, although he thinks they’re more likely to yield a bite or two than house a big school. Still, he can use them during the Championship Round to give his main zone a chance to rest if need be.

“I’m going to burn up everything I’ve got for two periods, then maybe go make an adjustment on some spots that I found later today where I caught two or three of them,” he said. “And maybe I can catch five there and then go back to where I started late in the day and try to be there about an hour before lines out and see if they really turn on. If they do, then I feel like I can get right very quick.”

Lane, whose one prior BPT win came in 2023 on Florida’s Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, where he grew up, said a victory on his new home water would be an “amazing” addition to his many fond Guntersville memories.

“It would probably be pretty emotional and pretty exciting, just because this is where my kids grew up,” he said. “This is where we spent all of our time out on the lake, whether it was taking the kids fishing when they were really young and letting them catch a bunch of fish or taking the pontoon out and just cruising around the lake.”

The top nine pros that advanced to Championship Sunday on Lake Guntersville are:

1st:        Chris Lane, Guntersville, Ala., 29 bass, 91-10
2nd:       Mark Daniels Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., 26 bass, 78-13
3rd:       Banks Shaw, Harrison, Tenn., 22 bass, 76-14
4th:        Keith Carson, DeBary, Fla., 24 bass, 76-10
5th:        Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., 27 bass, 72-9
6th:        Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., 23 bass, 72-1
7th:        Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., 23 bass, 70-14
8th:        Justin Cooper, Zwolle, La., 20 bass, 68-0
9th:        Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn., 23 bass, 66-9
*QR Winner: Jacob Walker, Springville, Ala.

Eliminated from competition are:

11th:     Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., 21 bass, 62-14, $15,900
12th:     Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., 22 bass, 57-8, $15,800
13th:     Casey Ashley, Donalds, S.C., 17 bass, 50-13, $15,700
14th:     Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark., 16 bass, 48-13, $15,600
15th:     Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., 15 bass, 46-14, $15,500
16th:     Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas, 14 bass, 45-15, $15,400
17th:     Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 14 bass, 42-9, $15,300
18th:     Mark Davis, Mount Ida, Ark., 13 bass, 40-11, $15,200
19th:     Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., 15 bass, 39-9, $15,100
20th:     Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, 11 bass, 34-8, $15,000
21st:      Colby Miller, Elmer, La., nine bass, 26-8, $15,000
22nd:    Jacob Wall, New Hope, Ala., 10 bass, 25-8, $15,000
23rd:     Nick Hatfield, Greeneville, Tenn., eight bass, 23-2, $15,000
24th:     Dean Rojas, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., six bass, 17-4, $15,000
25th:     Andy Montgomery, Blacksburg, S.C., five bass, 17-1, $15,000

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

Overall, there were 413 bass caught weighing 1,253 pounds, 9 ounces, caught by the 24 Bass Pro Tour anglers on Saturday.

The $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award on Saturday went to pro Banks Shaw of Harrison, Tennessee, who caught a 7-pound, 11-ounce largemouth during the third period on a jighead minnow. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day.

Hosted by Marshall County Tourism & Sports, the four-day event features a roster of 51 of the top professional anglers in the world competing for a $125,000 top prize and their share of the $600,000 purse, along with valuable Angler of the Year (AOY) points in hopes of qualifying for the MLF Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2027, the Bass Pro Tour championship.

The full field of 51 anglers competed in the two-day Qualifying Round on Thursday and Friday. After the two-day Qualifying Round was complete, the pro with the heaviest two-day total – Jacob Walker – advanced directly to Sunday’s Championship Round. Anglers that finished 2nd through 25th competed in Saturday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round, weights were zeroed, and the remaining anglers competed to finish in the top nine to advance to Sunday’s Championship Round. In Sunday’s final-day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $125,000.

The final 10 anglers will arrive Sunday morning at 5:30 a.m. CT to the Civitan Park Boat Launch, located at 1130 Sunset Drive in Guntersville, Alabama. The Bass Pro Tour trailering policy has been enacted for this event, so anglers will depart Civitan Park each morning at 6 a.m. to launch ramps located around the fishery. Anglers will return to the Civitan Park Boat Launch each evening following the end of competition at 3:45 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to watch the event live online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® livestream and follow along with SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

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

On Sunday, Jan. 18, from 3–6 p.m., MLF invites fans of all ages to Nash’s at City Harbor, located at 299 Scott St., in Guntersville, for the MLF Fan Experience & Watch Party. Fans can watch the Bass Pro Tour pros live on the MLFNOW!® big screen, enjoy free food for the first 100 fans, enter hourly giveaways, browse MLF merchandise and the bargain bait bin, and cheer on their favorite anglers. Youth of all ages can take part in a fishing derby (gear and bait provided, weather permitting) and a casting contest. Live music from Jackson Cannon begins at 4 p.m., followed by Top 10 angler interviews and the trophy presentation at 5 p.m., including autographs and photos with Bass Pro Tour finalists. The first 50 kids ages 14 and under will also receive a free rod and reel combo.

The B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 at Lake Guntersville Presented by Mercury features anglers competing with a 2-pound minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. The MLF Fisheries Management Division determines minimum weights for each body of water that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.

by AnglersChannel

Hot Start Amidst Cold Conditions for Mark Daniels Jr.

Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships

As the sun crested the ridges that surround Lake Guntersville and illuminated this iconic fishery on day two of competition for B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One of the Bass Pro Tour, Mark Daniels Jr. was preparing to try and duplicate what he described as an excellent start to his eighth season on the Bass Pro Tour.

“Man, what more can you ask for to start the season,” MDJ offered. “I’m inside the top ten, I’m fishing a pattern that I’m super comfortable with and confident in. I put myself in a good position right out of the gate, which is all I could ask for. If I was giving it a letter grade, I’d give it an A-minus.”

The California native who now calls Alabama home caught over 80-lbs of bass yesterday, which found MDJ sitting firmly inside the top ten in seventh place. He hung twenty-nine scoreable bass on the Bubba Scales, all while battling frigid temperatures and a brutal north wind that even the most die-hard angler would deem as lousy fishing conditions.

MDJ and the rest of the Bass Pro Tour roster proved that even uncharacteristically cold weather can’t cool down the hot fishing on Lake Guntersville. The caliber of anglers competing in this stacked 51-person field deserve much of the credit, but so does this body of water. The consistency in which this fishery churns out quality bass, regardless of fishing pressure or conditions, is truly incredible.

Guntersville is not only showing out in terms of catch rates. We’re seeing a myriad of techniques, presentations, and baits being used to mine dozens of chunky largemouth from the grass lines and offshore haunts that the TVA chain of lakes is known for. While several anglers are using their one FFS period to bolster their weight total, there are others who didn’t rely on the technology at all enroute to a heavyweight day on the water.

“I didn’t weigh-in a single scoreable bass yesterday using LiveScope,” Daniels Jr. admitted. “Y’all know I love to use FFS and I still turned mine on during the third period, but every one of the 29 scoreables I caught came fishing a hard reaction bait. Not looking at a screen. It certainly helps, but you don’t need ‘Scope to smash them in the wintertime.

“Today my main goal is to make the top 25 cut but really, I am hoping to catch about seven keepers in the first period to lock up the cut and then spend the next two periods practicing for the weekend. That’s the number one and number two goals.”

That’s one of the things unique to the Bass Pro Tour’s format – tournament strategy and gamesmanship begins on day one for these anglers, and it turns into a form of on-the-water chess by day two. Only the chess pieces in this game have tails and like to move on their own, throwing a wrinkle into even the best game plans.

MDJ spent last night thinking through different scenarios and mapped out what he believed it would take for him to advance to Saturday and ultimately, to win this event, down to the specific number of scoreable bass. The strategy baked into BPT events due to the ruleset and the presence of the Scoretracker is particular to this format and something that naturally brings out the best from this star-studded field of anglers.

Another factor exclusive to the Bass Pro Tour in 2026 is how spread-out anglers are due to being able to trailer and launch from different boat ramps in this event to combat the dangerously cold weather. This, on top of what is already a smaller field of 51-pro anglers, has allowed BPT competitors to fish extremely free during Stage One.

“I’ve been getting a nice 30-minute drive in my cozy Tundra each morning instead of a freezing boat ride up the lake,” Daniels Jr. said with a smile. “I love that our league allows us to trailer in inclement weather but more than just safety and comfort, it really spreads us out. I literally saw one competitor boat yesterday. For that to happen on Guntersville is crazy, man. Usually, we’re out here fighting a floatilla of competitors and local boats alike.”

Overall, MDJ is liking what he is seeing to start of the 2026 season. The Team Toyota pro looks to continue the momentum he ended his 2025 campaign with and ideally give himself an opportunity to claim his first BPT trophy on the shores of this famous fishery by Sunday afternoon.

by AnglersChannel

DRYOUT® pioneers the future of moisture removal to safeguard electronics, defense and outdoor gear

Breakthrough technology absorbs moisture dramatically faster than existing solutions, helping safeguard equipment in real‑world conditions

DRAPER, Utah (Jan. 15, 2025) — Pioneering a new category of moisture management for gear and equipment, DRYOUT, a groundbreaking new advanced materials brand launching in 2026, offers a way to more effectively protect and rescue critical gear after exposure to the elements.

DRYOUT technology helps protect everything from electronics, cell phones, tablets, earbuds, and battery packs to photo/video gear, firearms, optics, night vision goggles, drone controllers, ammunition, medical devices, tools, and more. It provides active moisture protection during enclosed storage and carry, including use in cases, bags, pouches, packs and similar items.

Launching in January and available in a wide range of consumer and military products later this spring, DRYOUT technology is a patented, super-absorbent layered construction that is engineered into a range of different types of storage and carry solutions. Its unique pairing of materials results in unprecedented ability to actively pull and trap moisture at a higher rate of speed than traditional desiccants.

The DRYOUT brand will exhibit the technology to potential brand partners and defense organizations at SHOW Show in Las Vegas, Nev., Jan. 20-23.

“Moisture is one of the most persistent and expensive threats to mission-critical gear, whether that mission is outdoor adventure, hunting, traveling, military, aerospace, or just daily life with electronic devices,” said Romney Williams, CEO of DRYOUT. “Until now, there hasn’t been an electricity-free moisture-management solution this powerful, reusable, or versatile.”

Using its proprietary dual-action technology, DRYOUT actively pulls and traps moisture, holding it away from gear. The trapped moisture can later be released from the DRYOUT material, so it can be reused indefinitely to defend equipment from rust, corrosion, condensation, fogging, ingress, and electrical failure. This powerful performance is achieved by DRYOUT’s advanced design, which combines a moisture-wicking nylon exterior with a patented core of moisture absorption materials to create a layered construction where each layer plays a critical role in working together to move and manage moisture.

A 6-by-12 inch DRYOUT panel — roughly the amount used to protect gear the size of a tablet, handgun or a VR headset — absorbs up to 3,400 times more moisture than a silica gel packet — what most people call to mind when they think of desiccants — and 15.3 times more than a silica gel canister and 10.2 times more than a plug-in dehumidifier.
A 6-by-12 inch DRYOUT panel has an absorption capacity of up to 32.4 grams of moisture or 667 drops of water, a capacity that increases as panels increase in size.
DRYOUT can pull moisture up to 8 inches away from a wet hard good, helping protect gear without needing direct contact.
It actively eliminates “fog cycles” in camera lenses, night vision goggles, and thermal imaging cameras, helping maintain clear optics in high-stakes conditions.
DRYOUT is easily reset for repeat use in as little as 30 minutes by exposing it to sunlight, controlled heat, or airflow, thereby reducing waste and total cost of ownership.

While traditional desiccants only passively absorb humidity, DRYOUT is the only reusable technology that actively pulls moisture out of wet gear, then absorbs and locks it away — without power, chemicals, or single-use waste.

DRYOUT partners with consumer brands, OEMs, Tier 1 government suppliers, and government and defense agencies that require high-reliability solutions. DRYOUT offers a collaborative design, development, and production service to enable partners to ideate, test, and bring DRYOUT-enabled products to market fast and efficiently.

Interested customers can visit DRYOUT.com for more information.

About DRYOUT®

DRYOUT was founded with a single-minded mission to protect and rescue gear that shouldn’t get wet. Our patented, layered material combines nylon and superabsorbent technology to pull and trap moisture away from electronics, firearms, optics, ammunition, batteries, photo/video gear, tools, and more. DRYOUT® technology is the only reusable, electricity-free solution that actively absorbs moisture. Trusted by consumer product brands, OEMs, government, and defense suppliers, DRYOUT® helps keep valuable hardgoods dry, safe, and mission-ready. A portion of all profits supports organizations focused on mental health and wellness for children and veterans. www.DRYOUT.com

MEDIA CONTACT

Verde Brand Communications

[email protected]

(970) 235-0268

by AnglersChannel

AFTCO Surpasses $9 Million Donated to Conservation Through Its 10% Pledge

SANTA ANA, Ca., January 8, 2026 – Since 1973, AFTCO has worked to protect saltwater species and the habitats they rely on. From 2005 to 2025, AFTCO and the Shedd family have contributed $9+ million to conservation through the 10% Pledge, a commitment to donate at least 10% of annual profits to fisheries conservation and sustainability initiatives.

In 2025 alone, AFTCO donated more than $600,000, continuing a multigenerational commitment that dates back more than 50 years and remains central to how the company operates today.

“The 10% Pledge sits at the core of AFTCO,” said AFTCO President Casey Shedd. “It’s a pledge made by our family, but one that starts and ends with the passionate anglers who purchase AFTCO and make it possible. Your support enabled us to donate over $600,000 in 2025 alone.”

A Legacy Rooted in Responsibility

The origins of the 10% Pledge trace back to Milt Shedd, who believed deeply that those who benefit from the ocean have a responsibility to protect it. That philosophy began taking shape in the early 1970s and was formally established as a company-wide commitment by his son, Bill Shedd, embedding conservation directly into AFTCO’s business model.

Today, the third generation of the Shedd family continues to lead the company with that same long-term vision.

“This consistency and multigenerational belief are among the things that make small, family-owned companies special,” AFTCO President Casey Shedd added. “There is no short-term business justification for this kind of expense, yet I believe it is our most important discretionary spend. The 10% Pledge, and programs like it, carried out by small, family-owned businesses across the country, require passion, independence, and a long-term vision.”

Longstanding Partnerships, Measurable Impact

Over the past two decades, AFTCO’s 10% Pledge has supported conservation across fisheries management, habitat restoration, marine science, and efforts to ensure responsible public access for anglers.

AFTCO’s longest-standing partner is Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, an organization founded by Milt Shedd in 1963. The Shedd family and AFTCO have contributed more than $2 million to support Hubbs’ mission, including the White Seabass Hatchery Program, which has released millions of juvenile white seabass into Southern California waters.

Key Partners and Contributions Include:

$635,000+ to the Coastal Conservation Association and its habitat arm, the Building Conservation Trust
$407,395 to the Center for Sportfishing Policy, supporting fisheries policy and advocacy efforts since 2010
$219,000 to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA)
$165,000 supporting grassroots Bass Nation club conservation projects
$100,000 contributed to Captains For Clean Water, raising awareness and pushing for science-based solutions to Florida’s water management issues

These figures do not include the tens of thousands of volunteer hours or millions of dollars in donated product. Notably, AFTCO Chairman Bill Shedd has volunteered over 400 hours annually on conservation and fishing access issues for over 40 years.

AFTCO also supports causes through product donations and volunteer time. AFTCO staff is encouraged to use company time to volunteer with AFTCO’s 10% Pledge partners and dedicate significant time to initiatives such as fish hatcheries, CCA events, and cleanup projects.

A Commitment for the Long Term

Many of AFTCO’s conservation investments support behind-the-scenes efforts that are critical to long-term fisheries health but often go unseen by the public. While new partnerships continue to emerge, the company’s focus remains on building durable, decades-long relationships that deliver lasting impact.

“The 10% Pledge isn’t a campaign or a trend, it’s a long-term commitment rooted in our family’s history, and one we intend to uphold for generations to come. Most importantly, it’s made possible by the anglers who support AFTCO, Marsh Wear, and the products our company has made, past and present.”

For more information about AFTCO’s conservation initiatives and the 10% Pledge, visit https://www.aftco.com/pages/conservation.

About AFTCO

Family-owned and operated by three generations of the Shedd family, the American Fishing Tackle Company (AFTCO) represents unparalleled quality, performance, and reliability when it counts most. Worn across the globe, AFTCO’s fishing clothing is designed to handle the harshest elements. AFTCO products are field tested from our Southern California offices where many of our core saltwater fishing tackle products are still proudly handcrafted and manufactured in our U.S. based machine shop. Marine conservation has been a brand focus since 1973. Through our 10% Pledge to Protect and Conserve, we give 10% of profits back to causes for the resource and angling rights.

Press Contact:

Casey Sandoval
Ecommerce Director
[email protected]

by AnglersChannel

Ultimate Angler Expands 2026 Sanctioned Tours, Welcoming some of the Nation’s Top Anglers to Lake Guntersville

Unified Pros is thrilled to announce the sanctioned tours and qualifying categories feeding into the 2026 Ultimate Angler World Championship, returning to Lake Guntersville in Scottsboro, Alabama, from September 27 – October 3, 2026.

The 2026 championship will feature 200 of the most accomplished anglers in the country, creating one of the deepest and most competitive multi-tour fields in modern bass fishing. Anglers from every major circuit — professional, regional, collegiate, and independent — will converge for a week-long competition designed to crown the most consistent, high-performing angler in the sport.

About the Ultimate Angler World Championship

The Ultimate Angler is a one-of-a-kind championship event that unites anglers from every major organization into a single, earned-entry competition. The week includes:

A multi-day elimination tournament format
Daily fan experiences, vendor exhibits, and outdoor industry showcases
A major concert and entertainment lineup for spectators
Youth education programs, conservation exhibits, and school field trips
Weigh-ins and broadcasts designed to highlight the best in competitive fishing

This event not only celebrates elite angling talent but also drives significant economic impact, tourism, and community engagement for North Alabama.

Sanctioned Tours & Qualifying Categories for 2026

The Ultimate Angler recognizes standout performances across the entire competitive landscape, including:

Major League Fishing (MLF)

Bass Pro Tour (BPT)
MLF Toyota Series
Tackle Warehouse Invitational Series
MLF BFL Divisions
MLF Heavy Hitters
REDCREST Championship
MLF College Series

B.A.S.S.

Bassmaster Elite Series
Bassmaster Classic
Bassmaster Opens
Bassmaster College Series
B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifiers

National Professional Fishing League (NPFL)

NPFL Championship
Full regular-season tour

BAM Trail

Western ProAm Series
Super 60 Series
Northwest ProAm Series

Alabama Bass Trail (ABT)

North Division
South Division
ABT 100 Series

WON BASS

Clear Lake Open
Shasta Open
Lake Havasu Open

iKon Tailgate Series

Regional single-day events across FL, AL, KY, GA

Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail

Berkley Classic Series Championship qualifiers

Additional Regional & Independent Circuits

Castin’ n Catchin’
Big Bucks Bass Trail – AOY qualifiers
Solo 100 Series
Additional sanctioned ProAm and team tournaments nationwide

A Unified Path to the Championship

The Ultimate Angler is the only championship that merges qualification opportunities from all major tours, allowing pros, semi-pros, college stars, and high-performing regional anglers to compete on equal footing. It is a true “best of the best” showdown that reflects the full spectrum of competitive fishing talent across the United States.

Full Sanctioned Event List Available Online

A complete and updated list of all sanctioned events — including tour schedules, qualification details, and updates — is available at:

www.theultimateangler.org

As the season advances, fans and anglers can follow rankings, qualifications, and major announcements as the race intensifies for one of only 200 championship spots.

by AnglersChannel

Sprague Leads After Chilly Day 1 at MLF Bass Pro Tour B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 at Lake Guntersville

Texas pro catches 31 bass weighing 108 pounds, 15 ounces to grab early lead, three anglers cross 100-pound mark

GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. (Jan. 15, 2025) – A cold front arrived with the start of the 2026 Bass Pro Tour season, with sub-freezing temperatures and wind chills in the single digits greeting the field as it launched on Lake Guntersville Thursday morning. But the legendary fishery’s bass didn’t seem to mind.

The bite started hot and stayed that way all the way until lines out on the opening day of the Qualifying Round at B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 Presented by Mercury. Three anglers – Jeff Sprague, Brent Ehrler and Jacob Walker – topped 100 pounds, and it took nearly 44 pounds to claim a spot inside the Top 25. Twenty-nine bass over 5 pounds hit SCORETRACKER®, highlighted by Walker’s 7-pound, 10-ounce brute, which earned Berkley Big Bass honors.

Sprague provided a fitting end to the day when he caught a 5-8 in the final minute of the third period (his 11th bass over 4 pounds) to take the top spot from Ehrler. He finished the day with 108-15 on 31 scorable bass compared to 108-1 for Ehrler.

“This place is literally full of 4- and 5-pounders,” Sprague said. “That’s the going rate at this place. It was an extremely fun day to be on a fishery like this catching the quality and the amount of them that we did. Just a great all-around day of fishing.”

Unfortunately, the thrill of his last-minute 5-pounder didn’t last long for Sprague. Shortly after lines out, he got word that his father passed away suddenly on Thursday.

“The one thing that he gave me was the love of fishing, and I thank him so much for that,” an emotional Sprague said.

As of Thursday afternoon, Sprague planned to continue to compete with an eye on winning his first national event for his dad. If Day 1 is any indication, he’s found the fish to do it.

Sprague knew he’d found an area holding some bass during practice, but he had no idea it would be this productive.

“I wasn’t expecting that,” he admitted. “The area that I caught these fish in, I made a quick pass through in practice and had a handful of bites that were quality bites. But it was a really fast pass. And when I got there and started expanding, the more I expanded, the more bites I got. So, that’s when I really realized how many fish were in the area.”

Notably, Sprague caught all 31 of his scorable bass winding reaction baits around shallow vegetation. He started Period 1 planning to utilize forward-facing sonar to target suspended bass but quickly punted on that strategy.

“I started with a minnow in my hand this morning for about 20, 30 minutes,” he said, “and when my braided line froze solid as a rock and it was stiff as I was trying to throw it, I put it up and I said, ‘let’s go bass fishing.’”

Sprague was one of several anglers to stack up serious weight without the aid of forward-facing sonar. That was perhaps the biggest surprise of Day 1. Given the time of year and the weather, many expected jighead minnows to dominate, even if anglers were only allowed to utilize modern technology for one period per day. But according to SCORETRACKER Insiderä, just 32.5% of the weight caught by the field came while using forward-facing sonar, meaning it wasn’t any more productive than fishing without it.

“That is pure roots bass fishing, in my opinion,” Sprague said of his winding bite. “To be able to still have fisheries like Guntersville to put out those numbers and that quality of fish, that just speaks to how healthy this fishery is.”

Sprague’s 15 career Top 10s are the second most among any Bass Pro Tour angler without a win – behind only Ehrler, interestingly enough. To break through and claim his first BPT trophy, Sprague believes he needs to locate more productive water. But he’s optimistic he’s found an area that has more untapped fish.

“I’ll go look tomorrow for more water,” he said. “That last 5-pounder was somewhere I never made a cast in practice, and so now I know I just need to keep looking. I think the area I’m in is just special at this particular moment.”

Sprague’s top priority on Day 2 will be locating more fish. He’s not sure yet how many he’ll try to catch in an effort to maintain the top spot on SCORETRACKER® and claim the automatic berth to Sunday’s Championship Round awarded to the Qualifying Round winner.

“I’m going to watch the SCORETRACKER® in the morning and make a decision based off of that,” he said. “I don’t want to burn up 80 more pounds of bass for somebody to come in behind me and one-up me. So, it’s a strategy; I’ll have to think that through.”

The top 25 pros after Day 1 on Lake Guntersville are:

1st:        Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas, 31 bass, 108-15
2nd:      Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., 38 bass, 108-1
3rd:       Jacob Walker, Springville, Ala., 26 bass, 103-14
4th:        Banks Shaw, Harrison, Tenn., 27 bass, 88-9
5th:        Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., 29 bass, 83-13
6th:        Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., 29 bass, 81-8
7th:        Mark Daniels Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., 29 bass, 81-7
8th:        Andy Montgomery, Blacksburg, S.C., 25 bass, 75-7
9th:        Jacob Wall, New Hope, Ala., 23 bass, 70-14
10th:     Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, 22 bass, 67-0
11th:     Keith Carson, DeBary, Fla., 19 bass, 61-11
12th:     Dean Rojas, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., 17 bass, 56-14
13th:     Colby Miller, Elmer, La., 20 bass, 56-12
14th:     Mark Davis, Mount Ida, Ark., 18 bass, 55-7
15th:     Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 17 bass, 54-13
16th:     Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C., 17 bass, 51-12
17th:     Ron Nelson, Berrien Springs, Mich., 19 bass, 51-6
18th:     Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J., 15 bass, 49-6
19th:     Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., 18 bass, 49-3
20th:     Nick Hatfield, Greeneville, Tenn., 18 bass, 48-0
21st:      Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark., 15 bass, 47-6
22nd:    Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., 18 bass, 47-4
23rd:     Alton Jones Jr., Waco, Texas, 17 bass, 46-8
24th:     Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn., 15 bass, 45-13
25th:     Edwin Evers, Talala, Okla., 12 bass, 43-15

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

Overall, there were 818 bass caught weighing 2,471 pounds, 1 ounce, caught by the 51 Bass Pro Tour anglers on Thursday.

Thursday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award was earned by Bass Pro Tour rookie Jacob Walker of Springville, Alabama, who caught a 7-pound, 10-ounce largemouth in the third period throwing a bladed swimjig. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day.

Hosted by Marshall County Tourism & Sports, the four-day event will feature a roster of 51 of the top professional anglers in the world competing for a $125,000 top prize and their share of the $600,000 purse, along with valuable Angler of the Year (AOY) points in hopes of qualifying for the MLF Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2027, the Bass Pro Tour championship.

The full field of 51 anglers compete in the two-day Qualifying Round on Thursday and Friday. After the two-day Qualifying Round is complete, the pro with the heaviest two-day total will advance directly to Sunday’s Championship Round. Anglers that finish 2nd through 25th will advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the remaining anglers compete to finish in the top nine to advance to Sunday’s Championship Round. In the final-day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $125,000.

Anglers will arrive each morning at 5:30 a.m. CT to the Civitan Park Boat Launch, located at 1130 Sunset Drive in Guntersville, Alabama. The Bass Pro Tour trailering policy has been enacted for this event, so anglers will depart Civitan Park each morning at 6 a.m. to launch ramps located around the fishery. Anglers will return to the Civitan Park Boat Launch each evening following the end of competition at 3:45 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to watch the event live online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® livestream and follow along with SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

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

On Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 17–18, from 3–6 p.m., MLF invites fans of all ages to Nash’s at City Harbor, located at 299 Scott St., in Guntersville, for the MLF Fan Experience & Watch Party. Fans can watch the Bass Pro Tour pros live on the MLFNOW!® big screen, enjoy free food for the first 100 fans each day, enter hourly giveaways, browse MLF merchandise and the bargain bait bin, and cheer on their favorite anglers. Youth of all ages can take part in a fishing derby (gear and bait provided, weather permitting) and a casting contest. Live music from Jackson Cannon begins at 4 p.m., followed by Top 10 angler interviews and the trophy presentation at 5 p.m., including autographs and photos with Bass Pro Tour finalists. The first 50 kids ages 14 and under will receive a free rod and reel each day.

The B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 at Lake Guntersville Presented by Mercury will feature anglers competing with a 2-pound minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. The MLF Fisheries Management Division determines minimum weights for each body of water that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.

by AnglersChannel

College Series kicks off 2026 season at Kissimmee Chain of Lakes

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The 2026 Bassmaster Tournament Trail will kick off at the Kissimmee Chain at a time of year when weather will determine the trajectory of each tournament held on the powerhouse fishery.

The Strike King Bassmaster High School Series and the Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Series will start off the week, taking to the waters of Kissimmee on Jan. 18 for a single-day event. Following later in the week, the Legends Trail of the 2026 Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops will take to the water Jan. 22-23.

Daily takeoffs are slated for 7 a.m. at Big Toho Marina for all three events on their respective days. Weigh-ins are set to begin around 2 p.m. for the Junior Series event and 3 p.m. for the High School and College Series events.

Competing college teams will earn points toward the 2026 Bassmaster College Series Team of the Year race, and the top 10% of the field will earn spots in the 2026 Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops.

Known for its giant largemouth, the Kissimmee Chain has been a recurring destination for Bassmaster’s various tournament trails. Most recently, it took more than 200 inches to win the 2025 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft event held there, while Brandon Lester won the last Bassmaster Open held on the chain in 2022.

Lake Toho, Cypress Lake, Lake Hatchineha and Lake Kissimmee will be in play for this event. While each lake could produce big stringers, Toho and Kissimmee have the upper hand, according to 2023 Bassmaster Team Championship winner Aaron Yavorsky of Palm Harbor, Fla.

How good fishing is on any of the lakes will be determined by the weather and if a pesky cold front moves through prior to or during the tournament.

“It is hard to spread out in Florida,” says Yavorsky, now a Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens presented by Battery Tender pro. “Kissimmee and Toho will be the main players. Kissimmee will play the most, I think. If it is a really cold year, you could see teams spread out in Toho some. And you’ll have teams fish some of the other lakes, and if they find bass there, they will have it to themselves. It just might not hold up for multiple days.”

Lake Toho has seen good hydrilla growth over the past year, Yavorsky says, while Kissimmee grass, lily pads, hyacinth, eelgrass and peppergrass play a role across the fishery.

“Lily pads will play, especially if they are spawning,” he adds. “Hyacinth mats could be good if it gets super-cold. The big bass will hunker down under those.”

Several patterns could play out, depending on the conditions. While sight fishing options will be limited because of the tannic water, spawning largemouth will certainly be a factor if the water temperatures are high enough.

“[Garmin LiveScope] Perspective mode could come into play,” he adds.

While there will be plenty of opportunities to catch good bags along the bank and shallow grasslines, Yavorsky believes the winning team will likely be targeting bass on offshore hard spots or grass patches, especially if the water is on the cooler side.

“It could be a hard spot or a single grass clump with some shell nearby,” he says. “If there is a warming trend, it could go down up shallow for sure.”

Jerkbaits and Carolina rigs will be key baits offshore, while a punch rig, Texas-rigged Yamamoto Senko, Z-Man ChatterBait and Zoom Speed Worm are popular choices in the shallows.

Follow along with all of the action on Bassmaster.com.

Experience Kissimmee, Florida is hosting these events.

About B.A.S.S.

by AnglersChannel

Cold Resolve on Guntersville: Mark Daniels Jr. Ready to Open 2026 MLF Season

By Walker Smith, Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships / Photos: MLF

By the time the calendar flips to tournament season, Mark Daniels Jr. is ready for the road again.

That doesn’t mean he rushes past the offseason. Quite the opposite, actually. For the Team Toyota pro and Major League Fishing veteran, the time away from competition is about grounding himself in the things that matter most such as family, friendships and the perspective that fuels a long year of chasing bass across the country.

“My offseason was awesome,” MDJ said. “It’s always too short because time with family is so precious to me and the traveling was awesome. We went to California and saw family for Thanksgiving and hosted Christmas at our house in Alabama. Then I went to Puerto Rico for New Years with my fishing buddies. It sure was busy but it was great to unwind with the folks I love before another busy tournament season kicks off.”

That busy season is about to begin, and Daniels Jr. will open the 2026 Bass Pro Tour campaign on one of the most demanding and well-known fisheries in the country. Lake Guntersville in northern Alabama is a place rich in history, pressure and promise. It’s also one that will test not only anglers’ skills but their mental resolve.

MDJ enters the season with renewed confidence after a late-year reminder that winning feels pretty good.

“Jacob Wheeler and I won that Team Series event in Wisconsin to close out our 2025 season and it was awesome to touch a trophy again,” MDJ said. “It felt great, and it put some fire back into me and reminded me that I still know how to win. I’m hungry to get out there and compete again.”

That hunger will be tested quickly. Guntersville is famous for its grass, its size and its ability to humble even the most seasoned pros. Daniels Jr. spent time on the water ahead of the opener and came away with a healthy respect for what lies beneath the surface.

“During practice I was reminded that Guntersville bass are some of the smartest and most educated fish I’ve ever seen. But you just have to get out there, figure it out, and compete. They get a lot of fishing pressure around here but complaining about it isn’t going to do a single thing for me. We’re all fishing the same conditions so now is the time to be mentally tough and get prepared to fish hard.”

That mental toughness will be essential in a fishery where pressure is constant, and patterns can be fleeting. Like many in the field, MDJ has found fish in practice but hasn’t yet discovered the kind of consistency that lets an angler relax.

“I caught several scoreables in practice but I don’t think I’ve found a super strong pattern or area. I feel like I’m running around a little too much throughout the day. I’m hearing the same thing from others this week, as well.”

That uncertainty is magnified by the weather forecast. Winter tournaments are nothing new on the BPT schedule but opening day on Guntersville is expected to be especially harsh.

“On the first day of the tournament, the high temperature is going to be 36 degrees,” Daniels Jr said. “So, it’s going to take a lot of mental preparation. It’s going to be very cold and uncomfortable but whoever can block it out of their head and fish clean will have a chance to get a leg-up on the competition.”

Cold conditions often compress the field but Guntersville’s reputation for producing numbers and size still looms large. MDJ expects weights that reflect the lake’s potential, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

“I’d expect 30 to 35 pounds a day to make the cut which is really strong,” he said. “That’s a lot of keepers per day in this format.”

The fish are there. The challenge is turning opportunities into points.

“If you can get enough bites, the quality is there. The average bite is over 2 pounds, with a few 4 to 5-pounders mixed in. It’s a matter of getting enough bites to stay in it and of course, you gotta land those crucial bites.”

For Daniels Jr., success this season hinges less on any single lure or location and more on a shift in mindset. Experience has taught him that the biggest mistake an angler can make is clinging too tightly to yesterday’s plan.

“One of my things this year is that I want to keep an open mind,” MDJ said. “Whatever you find in practice is leaving you a lot of times and then you get stubborn and end up fishing history. I’ve struggled to pivot at times in the past, so I’m focusing on fishing a little more fluid and freer this season. If I do that, good things will come.”

That philosophy fits MDJ’s career arc. He’s never been content to fish one way or rely on a single strength. Guntersville, with its endless combinations of grass, current and roaming fish, demands adaptability.

It also demands patience. That’s something Daniels Jr. sharpened during an offseason spent far from boat docks or weigh-in stages. Those moments with family and friends, he said, help put the grind into perspective.

As the 2026 season begins, MDJ carries that balance with him. The fire is back. The confidence is locked down. The conditions are cold, the bass are wary and the margins for error are thin. But for an angler eager to compete, willing to adjust and ready to embrace the discomfort, Stage One offers exactly the kind of proving ground that can define a season.

And for Mark Daniels Jr., it all starts now.

by AnglersChannel

Columbia PFG Expands Partnership with Major League Fishing, Becomes Title Sponsor of MLF College Fishing

BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 13, 2026) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced today that Columbia PFG has renewed and expanded its partnership with the organization, becoming the title sponsor of the MLF College Fishing circuit beginning in 2026 and increasing its investment in the development of young anglers nationwide.

The expanded 2026 partnership focuses on elevating the student angler experience through new competitive opportunities and increased access, highlighted by the introduction of the Columbia PFG College Heavy Hitters, a season-ending all-star event built to spotlight the sport’s most exciting collegiate talent.

“The Columbia PFG College Heavy Hitters is designed to be a true all-star event for College Fishing,” said Jim Wilburn, President of Sales for Major League Fishing. “These will be the top teams from the entire season competing in a high-intensity format that rewards bold decisions, big moments and big fish. It is a showcase of the very best college anglers and a celebration of what they have accomplished throughout the season.”

As part of the agreement, Columbia PFG College Heavy Hitters will be a one-day, big-bass shootout that brings together the top teams from across the country that have weighed in the largest bass during the season – just like the Heavy Hitters event that the Bass Pro Tour anglers compete in each year. The event will use MLF’s SCORETRACKER technology and catch, weigh and immediate-release format to capture what is sure to be some of the most dynamic moments of the collegiate season. Columbia will outfit competitors with custom-branded apparel and award significant merchandise prizes. Full details about the Columbia PFG College Heavy Hitters event will be announced this spring.

Columbia PFG will also serve as title sponsor of a new Student Angler Clinic series held in conjunction with select Bass Pro Tour events in 2026. These clinics will provide high school and college anglers with in-person instruction, hands-on learning and direct interaction with professional anglers during live event environments.

The expanded partnership also continues Columbia PFG’s support of high school programs, with the brand returning as title sponsor of the MLF High School Fishing Camp in June 2026 at Murray State University and as presenting sponsor of multiple MLF High School Fishing Open events.

“Columbia PFG is excited to build on our long relationship with Major League Fishing to expand our support of student anglers at every level,” said Matt Sutton, Head of Marketing at Columbia. “We believe in creating experiences that help young anglers grow, compete and connect with the outdoors, and this partnership allows us to make a meaningful impact on the future of the sport.”

Together, MLF and Columbia PFG are strengthening the pathway for young anglers, creating clearer opportunities to learn, compete and advance through the ranks. The expanded partnership reflects a shared commitment to growing the sport and developing the next generation of fishing leaders.

For more information about Columbia PFG, visit Columbia.com or follow Columbia PFG on Facebook and Instagram. For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing, its tournaments and sponsors, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com . For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

About Columbia Sportswear
Columbia, the flagship brand of Portland, Oregon-based Columbia Sportswear Company, has been creating innovative apparel, footwear, accessories, and equipment for outdoor enthusiasts since 1938. Columbia has become a leading global brand by channeling the company’s innovative spirit and passion for the outdoors into technologies and performance products that keep people warm, dry, cool and protected year-round. To learn more, please visit the company's website at www.columbia.com.

by AnglersChannel

Major League Fishing Launches Road to REDCREST Sweepstakes, Offering Fans a Trip to REDCREST 2026

BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 12, 2026) – All roads lead to REDCREST in 2026, and Major League Fishing (MLF) is giving fans a chance to be part of the action with the launch of the 2026 MLF Road to REDCREST Sweepstakes, now open for entries.

One lucky winner will receive a trip to attend REDCREST 2026 and the REDCREST Outdoor Sports Expo, April 17–19, in Springfield, Missouri, along with the opportunity to compete on-site for Daily Prizes during championship weekend.

Fans can enter daily now through March 15, with no purchase necessary, at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

“REDCREST is the ultimate celebration of MLF competition, and this sweepstakes gives our fans a chance to experience it up close,” said Todd Hollowell, Sweepstakes & Marketing Solutions Manager at MLF. “It’s our way of bringing fans inside the action and making championship week even more special.”

Sweepstakes Details
The Sweepstakes Period runs from 12:01 a.m. CT on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, through 4 p.m. CT on Sunday, April 19, 2026, and features two separate entry periods:

Entry Period #1

Entry Dates: Jan. 12 – March 15, 2026
Drawing Date: March 16, 2026
Prize: One (1) winner will receive a trip package to attend REDCREST 2026 and the Outdoor Sports Expo in Springfield, Missouri, plus the opportunity to participate in a Daily Prize Game during the event.

Entry Period #2 (On-Site Daily Prizes)

Entry Dates: April 17–19, 2026
Daily Drawings: April 17, 18 and 19
Prizes: One (1) Daily Winner each day will receive a Daily Prize.

Entries must be received during the applicable entry period to be eligible for that period’s drawing. Non-winning entries do not roll over between entry periods. Fans are encouraged to enter early and enter often, as daily entries increase chances to win.

For complete rules and official details, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.

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

by AnglersChannel

2026 BoatUS Foundation Turning the Tide Summit Seeks Presenter Applications

Submissions are now open to speak at the in-person conference on removal and disposal of abandoned & derelict vessels (ADVs) and boating-related debris

SPRINGFIELD, Va, Jan. 12, 2026 – The BoatUS Foundation is now seeking speakers for its Turning the Tide Summit in New Orleans on Dec. 6-9, 2026. The summit will bring together government agencies, environmentalists, marine professionals, and recycle and waste management experts nationwide to explore best practices for responsible and sustainable removal and disposal of abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs) and boating-related debris along with sharing emerging technologies and innovative recycling programs.

The BoatUS Foundation is seeking speakers who can share their experience and expertise regarding:

Projects pertaining to ADV removals and vessel turn-in programs.
Projects and efforts that focused on sustainable disposal and recycling solutions for ADVs and boating-related debris.
Initiatives and/or programs geared towards preventing ADVs and boating-related debris.

Interested speakers are invited to apply here. The deadline for submissions is June 1, 2026.

The 2026 Turning the Tide Summit is open to environmental experts, boating and waste industry leaders, policymakers, and others interested in the topic. Attendees will have access to resources, panel discussions and keynote addresses that focus on ADVs and sustainable disposal solutions for boating related waste, including fiberglass and shrinkwrap.

This summit is part of the BoatUS Foundation ADV Program, whose ultimate aim is removing ADVs from the nation’s coastal waters and the Great Lakes. The program also includes the creation of a national database to pinpoint locations of ADVs and track their removal. These efforts are supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program.

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ABOUT THE BOATUS FOUNDATION:

BoatUS Foundation is supporting projects that were selected through their nationally competitive grant program for the removal of abandoned and derelict vessels throughout coastal and marine areas of the United States, including the Great Lakes, U.S. territories, and Freely Associated States. This project is supported by the NOAA Marine Debris Program. In an effort to help educate and prevent future ADVs, the Foundation will also create a national ADV database to track the scope of the challenge and measure success, document ADV prevention and removal activities to share with the public, and support a national dialogue and education efforts on boating-related debris disposal.

by AnglersChannel

Major League Fishing Launches 2026 Phoenix Fantasy Fishing Presented by 13 Fishing

BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 9, 2026) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today that registration is officially open for the 2026 Phoenix Fantasy Fishing Presented by 13 Fishing season, giving fans another shot to test their Bass Pro Tour knowledge, out-pick their buddies and compete for an incredible lineup of prizes throughout the year.

The free-to-play game runs alongside the nine-event 2026 Bass Pro Tour and seven-event Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit schedules and challenges players to select rosters of 10 anglers for each event, earning points based on the total cumulative weight their teams catch.

New for 2026 is Beat J.T. Kenney Presented by 13 Fishing, a season-long Bass Pro Tour bonus competition that pits every Fantasy Fishing player against longtime MLFNOW! color commentator and tournament veteran J.T. Kenney. Players who outscore Kenney at each event earn points toward a separate leaderboard, with the overall winner taking home a Heavy Hitters-style championship belt and a premium prize package from 13 Fishing.

“Fantasy Fishing has become one of the most fun ways for fans to stay locked in all season long,” said Kenney (or Jim Wilburn, President of Sales at Major League Fishing. “With new prizes, new challenges like Beat J.T. Kenney Presented by 13 Fishing and some incredible fishing destinations on the 2026 schedule, this is shaping up to be our most competitive Fantasy Fishing season yet.”

In addition to the Beat J.T. Kenney competition, the 2026 Fantasy Fishing season features major incentives for both weekly and season-long success:

Event winners will earn prize packages including a $250 13 Fishing gift card and a BUBBA Pro Series Smart Fish Scale.

The overall season champions for both the Bass Pro Tour and the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit will receive a Tackle Warehouse prize package valued at $3,000, with the BPT winner also winning a fishing experience in Florida with Bass Pro Tour pro Bobby Lane and the Pro Circuit winner receiving a fishing experience in Alabama with Bass Pro Tour pro Justin Lucas.

All registered Fantasy Fishing players are automatically entered once they submit their roster before lines-in for that event. Rosters can be updated as often as players like prior to lock time, allowing fans to fine-tune their picks based on conditions, momentum and matchups.

The 2026 Fantasy Fishing season opens with B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 Presented by Mercury at Lake Guntersville, and team selections are now live.

Fans can register, view official rules and make their picks at FantasyFishing.com or through the Major League Fishing mobile app.

by AnglersChannel

REGISTRATION OPENS FRIDAY, JANUARY 9 FOR THE 2026 MINN KOTA & HUMMINBIRD OWNERS TOURNAMENT

Registration for the 2026 Minn Kota & Humminbird Owners Tournament will open Friday, January 9 at 9:00 AM CST, with the event returning to Lake Eufaula, Alabama, April 10–12, 2026.

This three-day big bass tournament is one of the most anticipated owner-exclusive events of the season, offering over $225,000 in guaranteed prizes and payouts and a format that rewards anglers every hour on the water.

Event Overview

Lake: Lake Eufaula, Alabama
Dates: April 10–12, 2026 (Friday–Sunday)
Format: Big Bass
Guaranteed Prizes & Payouts: $225,000+

Anglers will compete for:

Guaranteed grand prize: Fully rigged 2026 Nitro Z20 XL powered by Minn Kota and Humminbird electronics and equipment (valued over $88,000)
$63,525 in guaranteed hourly paybacks

Early Entry Bonus

The first 250 anglers who register for a 2- or 3-day entry will receive an Abu Garcia Veritas® BFS 7'1" casting rod (retail value $119.95).
One-day entries are not eligible for the early entry prize. Early entry prizes are available while supplies last.

Anglers planning to fish this event are encouraged to be online when registration opens, as early entry prizes typically go fast for spring events.

Eligibility

Boat captains must own at least one Minn Kota or Humminbird product
Co-anglers are not required to own product
Ownership will be verified on-site during check-in

Entry Options

3-Day Entry: $275
2-Day Entry: $175
1-Day Entry: $125

Lake Eufaula is known for producing heavyweight bass in the spring, making it a strong setting for a high-payout, big-bass format event.

Full event details, rules, and registration information are be available at www.minnkotaowners.com

About Minn Kota and Humminbird

JOHNSON OUTDOORS is comprised of the Humminbird®, Minn Kota® and Cannon® brands. Humminbird is a leading global innovator and manufacturer of marine electronics products including fish finders, multifunction displays, autopilots, ice flashers, and premium cartography products. Minn Kota is the world’s leading manufacturer of electric trolling motors, as well as a complete line of shallow water anchors, battery chargers and marine accessories. Cannon is the leader in controlled-depth fishing and includes a full line of downrigger products and accessories.

Visit Humminbird at www.humminbird.com

Visit Minn Kota at www.minnkotamotors.com

Visit Cannon at www.cannondownriggers.com

JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global outdoor recreation company that inspires more people to experience the awe of the great outdoors with innovative, top-quality products. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft, Fishing, Diving and Camping.

Visit Johnson Outdoors at www.johnsonoutdoors.com

Tournament Contact:
Minn Kota Owners Tournament
2300 Woodforest Pkwy. N, Suite 250-444
Montgomery, TX 77316
Phone: 262-240-4010
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.minnkotaowners.com

by AnglersChannel

Mercury Marine, Lowrance expand sponsorship roles with B.A.S.S.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. today announced an expanded multiyear partnership with Mercury Marine and Lowrance, two of the most respected brands in the marine industry. As part of the agreement, Mercury Marine will continue its title sponsorship of the B.A.S.S. Nation and continue as a premier sponsor of B.A.S.S., while Lowrance will serve as the presenting sponsor of the B.A.S.S. Nation and the title sponsor of the 2026 Bassmaster Elite at the St. Lawrence River as well as a 2027 Bassmaster Elite Series event.

Mercury Marine and Lowrance are both part of Brunswick Corporation, the world’s largest recreational marine company and the parent to many of the industry’s most innovative brands. Brunswick’s portfolio emphasizes cutting-edge technology, reliability and performance — values that align directly with the needs of Bassmaster anglers from grass-roots competition to the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series.

The strengthened relationship highlights the company’s shared commitment to supporting grass-roots anglers, advancing technology on the water and powering the highest levels of competitive bass fishing.

“Brunswick Corporation is delighted to extend our partnership with B.A.S.S. for the 2026 and 2027 seasons,” said Lauren Beckstedt, Chief Marketing Officer at Brunswick Corporation. “Our brands, particularly Mercury Marine and Lowrance, have maintained a long and successful relationship with B.A.S.S. This continuation further solidifies our brands’ preference among the sport's leading names, and we look forward to showcasing them throughout the season, especially during the Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville in March.”

As title sponsor of the B.A.S.S. Nation, Mercury Marine will continue its long-standing investment in the grass-roots level of competitive fishing, supporting anglers who advance through state and regional competition toward the opportunity to compete on the sport’s biggest stages.

Lowrance’s role as presenting sponsor further reinforces its commitment to helping developing anglers leverage cutting-edge sonar and navigation technology from their earliest competitive experiences.

Lowrance’s event sponsorships offer the brand marquee visibility at two of the most anticipated tournaments on future schedules.

“Mercury Marine and Lowrance have been integral to the growth of our sport and the success of anglers across every level of competition,” said Phillip Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of B.A.S.S. “Their continued investment in the B.A.S.S. Nation and the Elite Series underscores the strength of these programs and the passion shared by the anglers who rely on their products. We’re proud to continue building on a partnership that elevates the experience for competitors and fans alike.”

The expanded partnerships will be showcased across tournament venues, livestreamed coverage and fan activations throughout the 2026 and 2027 Bassmaster seasons, including the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour in Knoxville this March, where Mercury Marine and Lowrance products will be visible at every level of the competition.

About Brunswick Corporation:

Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) is the global leader in marine recreation, delivering innovation that transforms experiences on the water and beyond. Our unique, technology-driven solutions are informed and inspired by deep consumer insights and powered by our belief that “Next Never Rests™”. Brunswick is dedicated to industry leadership, to being the best and most trusted partner to our many customers, and to building synergies and ecosystems that enable us to challenge convention and define the future. Brunswick is home to more than 60 industry-leading brands. In the category of Marine Propulsion, these brands include, Mercury Marine, Mercury Racing, MerCruiser, and Flite. Brunswick’s comprehensive collection of parts, accessories, distribution, and technology brands includes Mercury Parts & Accessories, Land ‘N’ Sea, Lowrance, Simrad, B&G, Mastervolt, RELiON, Attwood and Whale. Our boat brands are some of the best known in the world, including Boston Whaler, Lund, Sea Ray, Bayliner, Harris Pontoons, Princecraft and Quicksilver. Our service, digital and shared-access businesses include Freedom Boat Club, Boateka and a range of financing, insurance, and extended warranty businesses. While focused primarily on the marine industry, Brunswick also successfully leverages its portfolio of advanced technologies to deliver an exceptional suite of solutions in mobile and industrial applications. Headquartered in Mettawa, IL, Brunswick has 17,000 employees operating in 25 countries. In 2023, Brunswick was named by Forbes as a World’s Best Employer and as one of America’s Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek, both for the fourth consecutive year. For more information, visit www.Brunswick.com.

About B.A.S.S.

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

by AnglersChannel

MLF Bass Pro Tour Launches 2026 Season with B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 at Lake Guntersville

Season-opening event marks third Bass Pro Tour visit to Lake Guntersville, features field of 51 pros competing for $600,000 purse

GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. (Jan. 7, 2026) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour (BPT) is set to kick off its 2026 season in iconic fashion next week at Lake Guntersville. The B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 Presented by Mercury will take place Jan. 15-18, launching the seven-event BPT campaign and opening the year on one of the most celebrated fisheries in professional bass fishing.

“Lake Guntersville provides some of the best bass fishing in the country, and we are excited to be the first tournament on the Bass Pro Tour this year," said Katy Norton, President of Marshall County Tourism and Sports. “We expect the MLF pros to catch a lot of large fish and look forward to once again partnering with Major League Fishing to kick off the 2026 season."

The field is loaded with star power and storylines, led by reigning Bass Pro Tour Angler of the Year and 10-time BPT champion Jacob Wheeler, along with back-to-back REDCREST champion Dustin Connell. The roster also features proven winners and fan favorites such as Edwin Evers, Ott DeFoe and Matt Becker, alongside a talented rookie class ready to make its mark at the sport’s highest level. Four newcomers will make their BPT debuts – Banks Shaw, Dustin Smith, Mitchell Robinson and Jacob Walker – adding fresh energy to one of the deepest fields in professional bass fishing history. Competition will unfold under MLF’s catch, weigh, immediate-release format, where every bass counts and momentum can shift quickly as anglers chase weight in real time, feeling the pressure of the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard. The event will be filmed for television broadcast later this year on Discovery.

This event will mark the third BPT visit to Lake Guntersville, tying it for the second-most visits to any fishery in BPT history. The most recent trip came last spring during REDCREST 2025, when the legendary Tennessee River impoundment once again rose to the occasion on the sport’s biggest stage and produced a championship performance to remember by Connell. With a proven history of delivering high-stakes drama and showcasing the full spectrum of Guntersville’s bass population, the lake remains a favorite among anglers and fans alike. Now, with the BPT returning at an entirely different time of year, anticipation is high for what a January chapter at “Big G” might reveal.

Local pro Jacob Wall of New Hope, Alabama, who will be among the 51 pros competing in this event, believes “Big G” will present a much different look than the last time the circuit visited the fishery, with the winter timing creating conditions few anglers have experienced in national competition.

“It’s definitely going to be a little different than the last time we were here,” Wall said. “We just don’t have many big events on Guntersville this time of year, so I think it’s going to fish different than what we’ve seen in the past. But there are still a lot of big fish in there, and I think the catch rate will be pretty good.”

While Wall expects the pace of bites to be slightly slower than spring tournaments, the quality of the fish should be impressive.

“This is when the fish are at their healthiest and their fattest,” he said. “A fish that might weigh three pounds most of the year is probably going to weigh closer to four pounds right now. We’ll see a lot of 4-, 5- and 6-pound fish, and some even bigger than that. You don’t have to catch an insane number of fish to stay in the cut – just a steady pace and good fish should keep you competitive.”

Wall also shared his take on strategies that could separate anglers, highlighting a mix of traditional patterns and modern technology.

“When we’re allowed to use forward-facing sonar, guys will throw jerkbaits, minnow baits and small swimbaits,” he said. “Then when that’s off-limits, traditional winter baits like red lipless crankbaits and shallow-running crankbaits will come into play. Guntersville always has a lot of quality fish, no matter the time of year.”

For Wall, starting the season on his home lake adds another layer of excitement this year.

“Being able to start the season at home gives me a lot of peace of mind,” he said. “My wife’s about to have our first baby any day now – the due date is the week following this event – and it’s just a great place to start the year. It’s Lake Guntersville – the fish are always biting. I’m excited to see how this January chapter plays out.”

Anglers will arrive each morning at 6:15 a.m. CT to the Civitan Park Boat Launch, located at 1130 Sunset Drive in Guntersville, Alabama. Anglers will return to the Civitan Park Boat Launch each evening following the end of competition at 3:45 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to watch the event live online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® livestream and follow along with SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

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

by AnglersChannel

Cigars International Keeps the Celebration Rolling with Major League Fishing

BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 8, 2026) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today that Cigars International has renewed its partnership with the organization as an Official Sponsor for the 2026 season, continuing a relationship that celebrates winning moments across professional bass fishing.

As part of the renewed agreement, Cigars International will serve as an Official Sponsor of the Bass Pro Tour, MLF Team Series, Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit, Toyota Series and Phoenix Bass Fishing League. The partnership builds on a successful 2025 season with an increased focus on recognizing tournament champions throughout the year.

In addition to championship trophies and prize payouts, Cigars International will enhance the winner’s experience by presenting all Bass Pro Tour and Team Series champions with a custom humidor and celebratory cigars, offering anglers a unique way to mark their victories and share the moment with family, friends and fellow competitors.

“Winning on the water is the result of countless hours of preparation, sacrifice and focus,” said Kim Shay, Marketing Director, North America at Cigars International. “We’re proud to continue our partnership with Major League Fishing and to give those champions something special that helps them celebrate hard-earned moments and enjoy the accomplishment, long after the final cast.”

The comprehensive partnership also includes year-round branding and integration across multiple MLF media platforms, including livestream commercials, digital coverage, website presence, eNewsletter features and social media activation, allowing Cigars International to connect with fans and anglers across the sport.

“Cigars International has been a terrific partner, and their focus on celebrating champions fits perfectly with who we are as an organization,” said Chris Bork, Vice President of Sponsorship & Sales Development for Major League Fishing. “They understand the meaning of winning at this level and bring a fun and authentic element to those moments when anglers finally get to exhale and enjoy what they’ve accomplished.”

The renewed partnership reinforces Cigars International’s commitment to the fishing community and underscores MLF’s ability to deliver meaningful, year-long sponsor integration across its premier tournament platforms.

For more information about Cigars International, visit CigarsInternational.com or follow Cigars International on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube . For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing, its tournaments and sponsors, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

About Cigars International
Cigars International (CI) is an online and catalog based retailer of cigars owned by Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S. CI sells an extensive range of handmade cigars directly to 885,000 US consumers. Established in 1996, Cigars International has become the fastest growing retailer, and today is an industry leader in online and direct marketing of premium to value segmented handmade cigars and tobacco accessories. Headquartered in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, CI has a leading position in the US, and owns and operates retail stores in Pennsylvania, Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky and Florida. Cigars International distributes 19 million catalogs on an annual basis and has more than 90 leading brands in their portfolio.

by AnglersChannel

Anglers Channel Proudly Announces Partnership with Suzuki Marine as Official Outboard Partner

Columbia, SC (January 8, 2025) Anglers Channel, the nation’s premier bass fishing media platform, is excited to announce a new partnership with Suzuki Marine USA. Suzuki Marine has been named the Official Outboard of Anglers Channel and AnglersChannel.com, marking a significant milestone in delivering enhanced content and performance to anglers nationwide.

This partnership brings together Anglers Channel’s trusted tournament coverage and expert insights with Suzuki Marine’s industry-leading outboard technology. Anglers Channel viewers can expect integrated content featuring Suzuki’s reliable, fuel-efficient, and high-performance outboards, designed to elevate the fishing experience on and off the water.

"We are thrilled to join forces with Suzuki Marine," said John Byrne, CEO of Anglers Channel. "Their commitment to innovation and quality perfectly aligns with our mission to provide anglers with the best tools and information to succeed in competitive bass fishing and enjoy the sport to its fullest."

As part of this collaboration, Suzuki Marine will be prominently featured across Anglers Channel’s digital platforms, video series, and tournament broadcasts, reinforcing the brand’s presence in the angling community. The 2026 Vexus Boats “AC Dream Rig” will also be powered by the 250 horsepower, 4.0 L V6 Suzuki STEALTH LINE® model, the same outboard chosen by some of the nation’s top bass professionals.

"We’re proud to partner with Anglers Channel to support anglers nationwide," said Brandon Cerka, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "Our outboards are designed to provide dependable power and efficiency, helping anglers get the most out of their time on the water. We look forward to highlighting our brand, products, and history across the Anglers Channel platform in 2026 and beyond."

Stay tuned for exciting content, product highlights, and exclusive insights powered by Suzuki Marine, only on AnglersChannel.com and the associated social pages.

About AnglersChannel.com

AnglersChannel.com multimedia platform combines the web, social media platforms, on-site event coverage and The Anglers Channel Bass Wrap Up Show on Pursuit to bring you the No. 1 resource in tournament bass fishing. Anglers Channel features the web’s most robust tournament database, including schedules, results and searchable details by body of water. Anglers Channel also delivers industry news as it happens, along with coverage of all tournament bass fishing, from BASS and Major League Fishing to the weekend warriors. Visit Anglers Channel via the web, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

For more information about Angler’s Channel, contact Danny Blandford at [email protected]

About Suzuki Marine

Suzuki is a leading manufacturer of 4-stroke outboard motors ranging from the ultra-portable 2.5 horsepower to the flagship DF350 V-6 with contra-rotating dual propellers. Over the years, Suzuki outboards have won nine Innovation Awards from the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association (NMMA) for motors as small as 25 horsepower, demonstrating Suzuki’s commitment to making the best technology available to the widest possible audience. Over the past few years, Suzuki Marine USA opened a U.S. Marine Technical Center in Panama City, Florida and moved to a new corporate headquarters in Tampa, Florida, to be closer to the heart of the U.S. boating industry and boating capital of the country. Through its CLEAN OCEAN PROJECT, regional cleanup and habitat restoration efforts around the world, and company-wide plastic waste reduction efforts, Suzuki has demonstrated a commitment to protecting coastal and marine habitat at home and around the world.

by AnglersChannel

Dylan Akins is Trading Tundras After Year as College Champion

Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships

In January of 2025 Dylan Akins flew out to Tulsa, Oklahoma to pick up a brand-new Toyota Tundra that sported his name and his alma mater’s logo on the wrap. Akins won full rights to use that Tundra and a matching Nitro Z20 Boat through being crowned the Bassmaster College Series Classic Bracket Champion.

After a bit of a white-knuckle drive home from Tulsa amidst a winter storm, Akins went on to have a strong season as college fishing’s representative in the Bassmaster Classic and Bassmaster Opens. Akins competed on the biggest stage in bass fishing, placed inside the top 50 in points for Opens Division 1 and qualified for the inaugural year of Elite Qualifiers (EQs).

Akins successes were far more than on-the-water related, however, as he proved to be an excellent representative of Emmanuel University, the College Classic Bracket program and college bass fishing. The Georgia native towed his boat over 25,000 miles in 2025 and learned a lot about new lakes, life as a full-time tournament angler and himself in the process.

“This year was eye-opening and educational for me in so many ways,” Akins said. “I learned so much about fishing new bodies of water as a solo angler this year, which was a major change from college fishing. In college I had a partner, a coach, and an entire team to bounce ideas off of. In the Opens it’s just you, the fish, and the competition. It really forces you to step up in all facets of tournament competition; whether that’s organization, managing equipment, staying on top of maintenance, or making decisions on the water.”

Going forward Akins will continue to pursue fishing at the highest levels, competing in one division of the Bassmaster Open EQs, select MLF Toyota Series events, along with local team trails throughout Georgia and the Carolinas. He’s working as a field staff member for Toyota Bonus Bucks in 2026, a program he’s come to know well, while continuing as a project and social media manager for Defyne Payments, a position he held on top of his full fishing schedule in 2025.

Another one of the perks of winning the College Classic Bracket program revolves around making contacts within the fishing industry. Akins, and all the college champions before him, work directly with marketing directors for brands like Strike King, Lew’s, Bass Pro Shops, Nitro, Humminbird, and Minn Kota to name a few. Akins tried to be a sponge in these connections and will continue to look for career opportunities within the industry while competing.

“Probably the biggest lesson or takeaway from this year was how to approach tournament fishing as a career versus winging it in college,” Akins said with a smile. “Working with so many great brands, I learned how important the promotion side is off the water. The importance of social media and building a relationship with your sponsors and supporters.”

This revelation is something all young anglers must learn as they grow in their careers, but Akins college education and base from working with his Coach, the late Pam Martin Wells, at Emmanuel University helped him shine in his role.

Fast forward to the end of his year as the College Classic Bracket Champion, Akins made a second trip out to Tulsa in December of 2025, but this time it was to turn in his leased vehicle and pick up a 2026 Toyota Tundra of his very own.

A new Tundra was the biggest purchase of the young man’s life, but one he was confident to make after spending so much time in the driver’s seat of a Tundra last year.

“I knew after my first few drives I wanted to get a new Tundra after my year as the college champion,” Akins explained. “The Toyota Bonus Bucks program in and of itself was a huge incentive; heck four of the five people I’m traveling with for the Opens in 2026 drive vehicles eligible for Bonus Bucks payouts. But more than that they are just rock solid, reliable vehicles. I did my homework, talked to multiple dealers and ultimately bought my new truck from Southwest Toyota in Lawton, OK.”

Akins joins a long list of past College Classic Bracket champs who went on to immediately purchase a Tundra after their year driving a leased vehicle. In fact, the past six college champions: Cody Huff, Trevor McKinney, Tristan McCormick, Easton Fothergill, Louis Monetti and now Dylan Akins all purchased a Tundra after ‘graduating’ from the program. A testament to Toyota’s quality and support of bass fishing at all levels of the sport.

Akins has a bright future ahead of him and joins an exclusive fraternity of young anglers who have come through the College Classic Bracket program. This group of now fifteen anglers (including 2026 representative Tripp Berlinsky) has produced numerous Elite Series, MLF, and industry professionals. They’ve won Classic trophies, Elite Series titles, MLF events, Angler of the Year races, Bassmaster Open events and made an impact behind the scenes working for some of the most recognized brands in bass fishing.

by AnglersChannel

Louisiana’s Moore Declared Winner at Season-Opening Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Sam Rayburn Reservoir

Evan Howe, Ethan Howe Disqualified from Tournament

BROOKELAND, Texas (Jan. 6, 2026) – Boater Cole Moore of Anacoco, Louisiana, caught a total of five bass weighing 19 pounds, 15 ounces, to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Sam Rayburn Reservoir. The tournament, hosted by Jasper County Development District, was the first event of the season for the 2026 BFL, and was the first of five events for the BFL Cowboy Division. Moore earned $7,360 for his victory, including the lucrative $2,500 Phoenix MLF Bonus.

Boaters Evan Howe and Ethan Howe, both of Keatchie, Louisiana, were disqualified from the event. The disqualification stems from a protest alleging the anglers violated BFL Rule No. 10, which states, in part, that contestants may not use mobile communication devices to communicate with anyone about locating or catching fish on tournament waters during tournament hours.

Evan Howe admitted to the violation upon speaking with the tournament director as part of MLF’s investigation and turned over a text message exchange with Ethan Howe. The boaters are brothers, and Evan insists they were not familiar with the rule.

As a result of Evan’s disqualifications, boater Cole Moore moves up from second to first place in the tournament and will receive the first-place payout. Third through sixth place finishers in the tournament will each move up a spot with points and payouts adjusted accordingly.

As a result of Ethan’s disqualification, boater Colby Miller of Elmer, Louisiana moves up from eighth to sixth place and will receive $680. All places below eight will each move up two spots with points and payouts adjusted accordingly.

Rules governing the use of mobile communications devices during tournament hours are covered during the pretournament meeting at every BFL tournament.

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

1st:        Cole Moore, Anacoco, La., five bass, 19-15, $7,360 (includes $2,500 Phoenix bonus)
2nd:      Wyatt Frankens, Corrigan, Texas, five bass, 19-8, $2,400
3rd:       Ricky Guy, Humble, Texas, five bass, 19-6, $1,170
4th:        William Easley, Pollok, Texas, five bass, 17-14, $920
5th:        Jeffery Rice, Shreveport, La., five bass, 17-12, $800
6th:        Colby Miller, Elmer, La., five bass, 17-1, $680
7th:        Hut Reeves, Tyler, Texas, five bass, 16-14, $650
8th:        Joshua Tepley, Harrah, Okla., five bass, 15-4, $610
9th:        James Laramore, Vidor, Texas, five bass, 14-15, $580
10th:     Doug Odom, Huntsville, Texas, five bass, 14-14, $550

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Zachary McDaniel of Pitkin, Louisiana, won the co-angler division and the top prize of $2,530 Saturday after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 11 pounds, 10 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers finished:

1st:        Zachary McDaniel, Pitkin, La., three bass, 11-10, $2,530
2nd:      Jeremy Edwards, Lufkin, Texas, three bass, 9-6, $1,200
3rd:       Larry Stewart Jr., Brandon, Miss., three bass, 9-5, $585
4th:        Shane Landry, Winnie, Texas, three bass, 8-11, $460
5th:        Rick Habarka, North Little Rock, Ark., three bass, 8-10, $370
5th:        J.J. Matzke, League City, Texas, three bass, 8-10, $370
7th:        David Gandaria, Hemphill, Texas, three bass, 8-4, $330
8th:        James Grizzle, Many, La., three bass, 7-14, $305
9th:        Jacob Smith, Frisco, Texas, three bass, 7-13, $290
10th:     Sean Johnson, Chalmette, La., three bass, 7-10, $275

Tournament winner McDaniel also earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $100 after landing a 7-pound, 12-ounce bass.

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

by AnglersChannel

Yuengling Joins Major League Fishing as Official Sponsor in 2026

BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 5, 2026) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today that D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., the Oldest Brewery in America, has signed a multiyear agreement to become an Official Sponsor of Major League Fishing beginning in the 2026 season. The agreement brings one of the nation’s most enduring and recognizable beer brands into the MLF ecosystem with a broad slate of on-site activations, event integrations and co-branded consumer promotions.

A cornerstone of the partnership will be an extensive Yuengling Light Lager x MLF retail engagement campaign. The multi-state retail campaign will support a new sweepstakes offering fans the chance to win one of eight VIP invitations to a 2026 MLF Pro-Am event, along with eight Yuengling Light Lager x MLF gear packs featuring MLF apparel, fishing tackle and angler memorabilia.

Yuengling Light Lager will also serve as the Presenting Sponsor of 2026 Bass Pro Tour Yuengling Light Lager Stage 5 on Beaver Lake, bringing elevated fan experiences and on-site hospitality to one of the season’s premier events. Yuengling will have a prominent presence at REDCREST 2026, including the Outdoor Sports Expo and on-site presence at most 2026 Bass Pro Tour events and select MLF5 tournaments.

The partnership will be supported by a broad media presence across television, livestream broadcasts, social media and digital content, giving Yuengling Light Lager consistent visibility throughout the 2026 season.

“Yuengling is an iconic American brand with nearly 200 years of history, and we are proud to welcome them to Major League Fishing,” said Jim Wilburn, MLF President of Sales. “Their commitment to supporting sports, outdoor culture and passionate fan communities aligns perfectly with what MLF represents. This partnership brings exciting opportunities for fans at our events, in retail stores across the country and throughout our media platforms. We look forward to showcasing Yuengling in a way that enhances the entire season.”

As the Oldest Brewery in America, Yuengling continues to expand its reach nationwide with its flagship Yuengling Traditional Lager, Yuengling Light Lager, FLIGHT by Yuengling and a diverse lineup of seasonal offerings.

“We’re excited to partner with Major League Fishing and connect with fans who share our passion for tradition, camaraderie and America’s great outdoors,” said Wendy Yuengling, Chief Administrative Officer of D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. “MLF delivers world-class competition and a uniquely engaged fan base. We’re looking forward to celebrating the 2026 season with anglers and fans through our co-branded promotions, event activations and the expanded visibility this partnership provides.”

For more information about Yuengling, visit Yuengling.com or follow Yuengling on Facebook, X, and Instagram. For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing, its tournaments and sponsors, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

About D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc.
Founded in 1829, D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. is America’s Oldest Brewery, proudly family-owned and operated for six generations. With roots in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, Yuengling crafts an iconic lineup of beers, including Traditional Lager, Light Lager, Black & Tan, Golden Pilsner, FLIGHT, Premium, Premium Light, Dark Brewed Porter, Lord Chesterfield Ale®, Oktoberfest, Bock, and Bongo Fizz.

Visitors can explore Yuengling’s rich history with a free tour of America’s Oldest Brewery and the Museum & Gift Shop in Pottsville, PA. In Tampa, FL, guests can enjoy year-round and seasonal offerings at the Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen, featuring beer-inspired cuisine, local events, and exclusive merchandise.

by AnglersChannel

Steering the Ship: Patterson’s Season of Reset, Faith and Forward Motion

By Walker Smith, Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships / Photos: Brandon Palaniuk

Anastasia Patterson learned this season that pressure carries weight.

The kind she puts on herself. The kind that comes from expectations. The kind that can quietly creep into every cast, every decision, every long drive down the highway to the next weigh-in.

“You want yourself to do the best you can, and I put a ton of pressure on myself,” Patterson said. “Towards the end of the season, I was talking to a friend and fellow competitor, and he gave me some great advice. He told me to just be comfortable with myself and that hit me in a meaningful way.”

For an angler still early in her career, comfort is not something that always comes easily. Patterson, a Team Toyota pro competing at some of the highest levels of bass fishing, spent much of the past year learning what it means to slow down, recalibrate and grow. Not just as an angler but as a woman navigating a demanding, male-dominated sport.

“I felt like I was repositioning myself this past season,” she said. “I feel like I was becoming more of the woman I wanted to be.”

That repositioning did not always feel graceful. Patterson calls this year what many athletes quietly dread.

“The ‘sophomore slump’ definitely happened this year,” she said.

The slump was not about effort. If anything, Patterson admits she may have tried too hard. She stayed busy, chased results and at times worried about details that often live outside an angler’s control. Over time, the constant motion left little room for reflection.

“I’ve been running around so busy,” she said. “But one big thing I’ve learned this year is that fishing local derbies has really helped me when it comes to fishing on the road.”

The local tournaments became grounding. They brought her back to basics. Reading water, trusting instincts and competing for the simple love of fishing. In a sport where careers are built on travel and schedules are relentless, staying connected to home waters offered clarity. That clarity is shaping how Patterson views the next chapter of her career.

“So, I’m in my junior year now and I’m trusting that Jesus is taking the wheel in a big way,” she said.

Faith has long been a steady presence in Patterson’s life but this season it became more visible. Not as a crutch, necessarily, but as an anchor. When results didn’t match expectations, faith helped reframe success.

“If I can help one person through fishing and lead them to faith, I’m all for it,” she said.

That mindset carries into nearly every corner of Patterson’s professional life, including her involvement with BassmastHER, a growing community dedicated to supporting and developing women in fishing.

“BassmastHER has been one of the greatest things I’ve ever had the opportunity to attach my name to,” Patterson said. “I go to every workshop and the girls are like my sisters. I talk to them all the time and it’s just the coolest thing I’ve ever done.”

The organization offers more than instruction. For Patterson, it provides belonging.

“There is something special about getting to know each other on a deeper level,” she said. “Meeting other outdoorswomen with a like-mindedness is so rewarding to all of us.”

Those relationships mattered during a year when confidence wavered. In conversations behind the scenes far from cameras and weigh-in stages, Patterson found reminders that growth rarely moves in a straight line.

“The biggest lesson I’ve learned this year is that you never stop learning,” she said. “Soaking in knowledge and networking are helping me in ways I don’t even see yet.”

That lesson extends beyond fishing technique. It applies to how she manages expectations, how she communicates with fans and how she presents herself publicly. Looking ahead, Patterson is not talking about minor tweaks. She is talking about a full reset.

“I’m in a whole reset for 2026,” she said. “Everything from my mind and body, to my shop and boat. New boats, trucks, getting my hair done; some stuff I haven’t had the chance to do as a woman.”

It is a statement that reflects the unique balance female anglers often must strike in the form of performing at a high level while carving out space to simply be themselves. For Patterson, that reset is not cosmetic. It is intentional.

“I am going to steer the ship as it sails,” she said. “No matter the conditions. There is no plan B. Just route A.”

That resolve is shaping her competitive goals as well. Patterson has history with nearly every fishery on the 2026 Opens schedule and that experience can be an asset or a burden.

“My goals for 2026 revolve around fishing in the moment,” she said. “I have a lot of history with almost every fishery on the Opens schedule. This past year I was probably too worried about the small details that could go wrong. But this upcoming year, I’d like to focus on the things that could actually go right.”

It’s a subtle shift but an important one. Instead of fishing defensively, Patterson wants to fish freely while trusting preparation without being trapped by it. That same philosophy is guiding how she plans to tell her story moving forward. Social media has become an unavoidable part of professional fishing, often presenting a polished version of reality. Patterson wants something different.

“I also want to start a YouTube channel and positively highlight women in fishing and tell my story better than I have been,” she said. “I want to show my good and bad times. I don’t want my social media accounts to be a highlight reel; I want everyone to see the good, the bad and the ugly.”

It is a vulnerable approach, but one Patterson believes is necessary, especially for young anglers watching from the sidelines. Her journey, marked by setbacks and self-discovery, mirrors what most competitors experience but rarely articulate. The pressure, the doubt and the recalibration are all part of the process.

Comforting herself, as her friend advised, did not mean lowering standards. It meant accepting that growth sometimes comes disguised as struggle. As Patterson prepares for what she calls her junior year, she does so with a clearer sense of purpose. Faith, community and self-awareness now sit alongside technique and preparation.

The water will still be unpredictable. The pressure will still exist. But Patterson is learning how to carry it differently. If along the way her story helps someone else feel seen in fishing, in faith or in life, then the season will have meant something far greater than numbers on a leaderboard.

by AnglersChannel

Competing, Guiding, and Mentoring – Chase Carey’s Pursuit of Fishing for a Living

When Chase Carey graduated from Emmanuel University with a degree in Sports Management last year he had one major goal in mind: find a way to fish for a living. Like many up-and-comers in this next generation of tournament anglers, Carey made a name for himself through college fishing.

Under the leadership of a bass fishing legend, the late Pam Martin-Wells, or “Coach Pam” as Carey calls her, Chase and his partner Dylan Akins were crowned the Bassmaster College Series Team of the Year his senior year. Team of the Year was one of many accolades and accomplishments Carey compiled throughout his collegiate fishing career.

Since graduating, Carey has gone on to compete in the gauntlet that is the Bassmaster Opens, with hopes of one-day qualifying for the Elite Series through the Open EQs. Along with fishing tournaments, Carey started a guiding business to help off-set tournament expenses.

“I worked part-time for my dad’s automotive accessory business in the Atlanta-metro the first few months after graduating,” Carey explained. “But I realized I needed to spend more time on the water if I wanted to be able to compete with the best and get closer to my goal of fishing for a living. That was the catalyst to starting guide trips.”

Like many new fishing guides, Carey’s business started slowly but has steadily picked up as he grows his network and client list. Guide trips have allowed him to spend more time on the water the past six months, helping him hone his craft while simultaneously giving back to the next generation of fish-obsessed youngsters.

In addition to traditional 4-hour, 6-hour and electronics guide trips, Carey offers a unique and impactful option called “Youth Angler Mentorship” on his website. An idea that came to Carey after having a few kids approach him when he drove his boat past the neighborhood fishing pond.

“I usually stop and talk to the kids at our local fishing pond because I know how much impact one or two fishing mentors had on me when I was younger,” Carey said. “One day it hit me… why not create a service for young anglers where I could take them fishing monthly or semi-monthly on local lakes. With a consistent schedule, it’s more like teaching and training versus a fish-catching trip.

“I worked it out to make this option more cost effective for the kids and their parents than traditional guide trips, and it’s been great so far. One of my dad’s buddies, Chad Hart, was my fishing mentor in high school and it had a huge influence on me. I’m hoping this service can offer that same chance to kids who love to fish and are eager to learn.”

Carey’s time on the water has increased to an all-time high in the latter half of 2025, with guide trips, local tournaments and competing in one division of the Bassmaster Opens EQs complementing his ultimate goal. His relationship with Skeeter Boats and the Yamaha Power Pay contingency program have additionally helped Carey with his professional fishing pursuits.

During his years in the college fishing ranks, Carey won thousands of dollars through Yamaha Power Pay. Carey is quick to praise the program for its support of tournament fishermen and for the parents of high school and collegiate anglers.

This year Carey ran his third Skeeter boat powered by a Yamaha 250-horsepower V MAX SHO® and was rewarded with another $1,300 of bonus payouts for being the highest finishing angler in supported tournaments through Yamaha’s popular program.

“I owned my boat this year so I can tell you exactly how much I pocketed through Power Pay,” Carey said with a laugh. “Honestly, I couldn’t tell you how much money I made through the program in college because I gave all my checks to my dad, but I know the extra money was hugely helpful. My dad owned the boat in college and has always been my number one supporter. It’s the least I could do with all my family has done to help my dream.”

Carey’s response about his college Power Pay winnings and the genuine appreciation he has for his parents and supporters says a lot about his character. In a time where many people are quick to take all the credit, claim the rewards, stick out their chest and inflate their ego; it’s refreshing to hear Carey humbly give credit where it’s due.

More than just a talented young angler on the rise, Carey has proven to have a great head on his shoulders, too. There is little doubt he has a bright future ahead of him.

If you want to learn more about potential rewards through Yamaha’s free-to-register Power Pay program, follow this ink: https://yamahapowerpay.com/.

by AnglersChannel

FIshful Thinking: Am I a Closeted Fly Fisherman?

By Vance McCullough, AC Insider

When tournament season winds down I stash a lot of the power fishing gear. Now I wade gin-clear shallows to cast diminutive offerings to small fish whose strikes I greet with the joy normally reserved for the birth of a child.

That would be ‘exhibit A’ in the case against me as a hard-core bass angler.

To keep the playing field level, I use a 6ft rod designed for lines testing between 1-and-4 pounds, paired with a gossamer thread of fluorocarbon boasting 4lbs of strength and hooks so small I frequently catch ambitious bluegill.

‘Exhibit B’.

I truly am out here for the joy of the whole experience, not just the short-lived thrill of landing a fish.

‘Exhibit C’ and likely the nail in the coffin for my case.

I do all the things I’ve always laughed at Western trout anglers for. Saltwater fly fishing is a different thing. Anyone who tames a giant tarpon or surging snook with a feather and a fly rod is cool. That’s some epic angling.

So my issue isn’t the gear involved. It’s the elitist attitudes of many trout chasers. As far as I can tell, the objective of their game is to wear as much of the LL Bean catalogue as possible in a single outing. If you catch a fish, fine. If not, “It’s about the process.” Of course, if you don’t post a selfie none of it counts.

OK – I’m kidding! Sort of. Wouldn’t want a fluff-chucker to spit white wine in my eye and try to run me over in their Saab.

But even down here in the land of eternal sunshine, there are seasons and patterns. Right now we’re in the ‘off’ season for major tournament action. All I want to do is see a fish eat and feel it fight so I take my little finesse spinning rod for a hike through the pine flats. A backpack is more than adequate to house the small selection of slinky worms and stubby minnows I’ve packed, all of which work well on a dropshot. The maximum depth I’ll fish today is three feet and you could read the label on a bottle lying on the bottom. So my dropshot is weightless. I cut the leader off completely. I nose hook a straight sliver of plastic designed for quivering over suspended bass located on electronics that cost more than a high-end fly rod. I use my eyes to find fish and the targets that may hide them. Just like my flyfishing cousins. See? We’re not that different. I even use expensive brand name eye wear. That’s 1 more point for me on the fly angler scale! I might be coming out of the closet here.

Besides, it’s all good as we’ll see.

Winter typically brings low, clear water conditions to start with and this year we’ve also had a bit of drought, so I’m adjusting by seeking out not the deepest lakes around, but the shallowest, the ones most affected by low water conditions. The ones that leave their fish no option but to crowd into predictable places where a stealthy angler can score quickly. Hence, the fly rod cross-dressed as a fairy wand spinning rod, either of which would garner much scorn should I be seen by other bass anglers. This is no small part of the reason I seek the solitude of heavily wooded ponds and shallow sloughs.

It is in these places - where winds seldom reach through soaring pines and palmetto-packed forest floor – where nothing stirs the surface to break up my approach to the transparent water, bounded by sand below and air only a couple of feet above, where there is no room for error, this is where my best is demanded of me. This is where I practice my art on the smallest scale I know. And for such extreme endeavor on these small waters I am rewarded with equally small fish, giants all of them.

You get good at fishing by fishing. It doesn’t matter what for, doesn’t matter which technique you employ, the art of pursuit is learned through experience, through feel, through stripping away all that distracts you from your game and by just going fishing.

Then there’s the scenery. I’ve always figured it to be a major draw for those who wade mountain streams. The mountains. Snowcapped and distant, shedding water that broadens the landscape you tread. Sure, there are fish. But if you didn’t catch one you’d be no worse off for the glimpse of Heaven. And so it goes when I’m on a wooded gem, small as a diamond and sometimes as hard to crack. If I catch nothing but the sunset I’ve lived a hundred years today, silver barked maples pressing water’s edge, their scarlet leaves reflected on the surface through which I focus to see a bass spook from the shadow of my ‘invisible’ line.

Note to self: don’t put anything, including invisible line, between the fish and the sun.

It’s little lessons like this that you didn’t know you’d forgotten that will take your angling from good to great once they become a solid habit. Winning is a habit and I’ll get back to that aspect of the sport in a couple of months. This experience today will help me then. It’s not that I’ll use 4lb line in a tournament but every time you cast a lure you continue to sharpen your skills. All fishing trips have value. I grew up bream fishing the St Johns River with a cane pole. When I picked up a baitcaster, the flipping technique came natural to me. I had been using it for years to drop a live cricket in tiny spots between lily pads and then play the feisty bluegills out on 6lb line. Those experiences formed the basis of my fishing DNA. Every cast counts. For life.

I’ll be back to tournament fishing with 65lb braid and flipping sticks soon enough. For now, I’m a kid again as Christmas rolls around and I fish for simply the pure joy of it, taking what comes as a grateful child accepts a gift. Socks and underwear? Uh, thanks Grandma!

by AnglersChannel

Battery Tender named Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. officials have announced that Battery Tender®, a global leader in battery chargers, maintainers and portable power solutions, has signed on as the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series, one of the sport’s most competitive and influential tournament trails.

The multievent partnership brings together two brands known for dependability and performance, strengthening support for the next generation of Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series pros while enhancing the tournament experience for anglers and fans nationwide.

“Bassmaster is the gold standard in the fishing world, and for a family-owned company with our own deep history, partnering with an organization that has defined the sport for decades is a major milestone,” said Michael Prelec Jr., CEO of Battery Tender. “It's an opportunity to align our brand with the very best in the industry and demonstrate our commitment to keeping anglers powered and ready for the future of sportfishing. We look forward to a successful collaboration that elevates the experience for fans and pros alike.”

With more than 35 years of experience delivering trusted charging and power-management technology, Battery Tender has become a staple for boaters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts who rely on dependable equipment. The company’s lineup of smart chargers, maintainers and portable power solutions ensures batteries stay healthy, efficient and ready for peak performance — a critical advantage for anglers who depend on their electronics, trolling motors and onboard systems during long, demanding competition days.

This shared emphasis on reliability and readiness makes Battery Tender a natural fit for Bassmaster, where success often hinges on preparation and having gear that performs flawlessly on the water.

“Battery Tender has earned a reputation for reliability and innovation — two qualities that resonate deeply with our anglers and fans,” said Phillip Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of B.A.S.S. “As presenting sponsor of the 2026 Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens, they’ll play a pivotal role in supporting the pathway to the Elite Series and helping us deliver the best possible tournament experience. We’re excited to welcome them into the Bassmaster family and look forward to a strong and impactful partnership.”

The 2026 Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens presented by Battery Tender will kick off January 29 on Florida’s renowned Kissimmee Chain of Lakes in Kissimmee, Fla. The season-opening tournament is expected to draw a full field of aspiring Elite Series pros eager to test their skills on one of the Sunshine State’s most dynamic fisheries. Known for producing heavyweight largemouth and dramatic early-season competition, the Kissimmee event will set the tone for a high-stakes Opens schedule that spans diverse fisheries across the country.

The Opens Series will continue to offer developing pros a direct path to the Bassmaster Elite Series while showcasing emerging talent. As presenting sponsor, Battery Tender will be integrated across on-site activations, live coverage and digital platforms, helping connect anglers with reliable power solutions built for life on the water.

For registration and more information about the Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens presented by Battery Tender visit Bassmaster.com/Opens.

About Battery Tender®
Battery Tender® is a leading force in the power management and battery industry, dedicated to crafting cutting-edge charging and maintenance solutions. With a rich legacy spanning over 35 years, our brand has garnered unwavering trust from customers, owing to our steadfast commitment to performance and unmatched product reliability. For more information, visit BatteryTender.com and follow @BatteryTender on social.

About B.A.S.S.

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

by AnglersChannel

Winslow Cashes in on the Mississippi, Claims $5,000 Yamaha Power Pay Bonus at La Crosse

By Walker Smith / Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships

Noah Winslow’s week on the Mississippi River in La Crosse will be remembered for more than just another strong finish. It marked a turning point. It was a breakout moment blending performance, preparation and timely decisions that paid off in a big way. By finishing as the highest-qualified Yamaha angler in the field at the 2025 BASS Nation National Championship, Winslow captured the Yamaha Power Pay contingency prize and walked away with a $5,000 bonus to go along with a career-defining tournament.

Winslow’s second-place finish and his Power Pay payday on the storied Mississippi River was validation that the young angler has what it takes to compete at the next level. Fishing against a stacked field on a dynamic fishery known for current, changing water levels and endless decision-making, the 26-year-old Connecticut pro leaned into his strengths and trusted his instincts.

“I caught them all on the main river and channel-oriented spots,” Winslow said. “I fished on the outside of eel grass areas a good bit. I made a point to target a lot of hard cover and rock.”

That simple, straightforward approach is emblematic of Winslow’s style. He doesn’t overcomplicate things. Instead, he focuses on where fish live and how they feed, especially in river systems where positioning matters more than finding a school. The bass told him exactly what they wanted as the tournament unfolded.

“They were really eating bluegills, and I ended up catching them all on a plastic free rig in 2 to 5 feet of water.”

The free rig, a relatively simple yet highly effective presentation, was the key to triggering bites in the Mississippi’s rolling current. Winslow explained how the setup helped him present his bait more naturally in moving water.

“A free rig is essentially a drop shot sinker on your line that can slide up and down freely. It lets your plastic look much more natural in current. I mainly used a 1/8- or 3/16-ounce weight on the Mississippi.”

That attention to detail allowed Winslow to maximize every productive stretch of river. Each bite mattered and by the final day, his consistency propelled him to near the top.

“I finished second in this tournament and qualified for the 2026 Bassmaster Classic®… it was a dream come true.”

For Winslow, the significance of that statement can’t be overstated. The Bassmaster Classic® is the dream, the stage every angler imagines when they first pick up a rod. For someone who grew up far from the traditional bass fishing hotbeds, the opportunity feels even bigger.

“I’m 26 and have never fished a Classic before. I’m so excited for the overall experience of the Classic. Not many people from my neck of the woods in Connecticut get the chance to go.”

Despite the magnitude of what lies ahead, Winslow isn’t allowing the moment to overwhelm him.

“It might be a little intimidating at first, but I don’t get caught up in all of that.”

Instead, he’s already thinking about how he’ll approach the biggest event of his career with aggression and confidence.

“I’m going to fish super hard and take gambles because no one remembers who finished in second place.”

That mindset mirrors how he approached La Crosse, where commitment and execution carried him to both a podium finish and being the highest finishing angler for Yamaha Power Pay payout. Winslow has been loyal to Yamaha for years and his confidence in the equipment runs deep.

“I’ve run a Yamaha for a long time. I’ve genuinely never had a single problem. I could never not run one at this point. From big water on Champlain to backwaters on the Mississippi, my outboard has been flawless.”

That reliability mattered on the Mississippi River, where long runs, shallow backwaters and unpredictable conditions demand an engine that performs without question. Perhaps the most surprising part of the week came after the weigh-in, when Winslow realized just how much the contingency bonus would be worth.

“I didn’t realize the Power Pay check would be that much so I was super pumped about it. I actually signed up right before the tournament and I’m so glad I did!”

It was a reminder that preparation isn’t only about tackle and practice. Sometimes it’s about taking advantage of opportunities off the water as well. For Noah Winslow, La Crosse delivered confidence, cash and a ticket to the Bassmaster Classic®. And if his week on the Mississippi River was any indication, it’s only the beginning.

by AnglersChannel

Gerald Swindle on the Road to Recovery

Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships, Photo: Bassmaster

The 2025 off-season has looked a little different for Team Toyota pro Gerald Swindle. Usually “G-man” and his wife LeAnn are focused on whitetail deer, what the direction is blowing, and which treestand they want to climb into during the break in tournament season throughout fall and winter.

This year, the Swindle’s have been focused on rehab and recovery from knee replacement surgery. The 56-year-old Elite Series veteran and fan favorite scheduled to have both of his knees replaced this offseason. Swindle had his first knee surgery immediately following his duties as emcee for the annual Toyota Bonus Bucks Owners Tournament.

Thankfully his first surgery was successful and smooth. Swindle has since been working hard to recover and get stronger.

“The first week or two post knee replacement sucks, there is no way around that,” Swindle said with candidness. “But it’s been a necessary evil. My knees have been causing me so much pain these last few years, it was time to get these things fixed up. I’m six weeks out from my first replacement and I’m set to go in December 22^nd to have my other knee replaced. And as crazy as it sounds… I’m excited.”

Swindle is six weeks post-op from his first knee replacement and has met every physical therapy milestone with flying colors. He’s been putting in “overtime” miles on the stationary bike he has at home and even met his own goal of getting into a deer blind a time or two since surgery back in early November.

While recovering from a major, invasive surgery like this is anything but easy, the Swindle’s have been encouraged at the results. Though it’s not quite time to let up. Swindle has his second knee replacement surgery scheduled just before Christmas and he knows exactly what lies ahead of him.

“My left knee is already feeling so much better that I can honestly say I’m excited to go back in and have this second one done,” Swindle explained. “I know there is plenty of pain and perseverance on my plate following surgery but it’s like I’ve seen the light at the end of the tunnel. I’m excited to be able to fish and live life without dealing with the knee pain I’ve had.”

If you’re a fan or you’ve followed Swindle over the years, you know his knees are something that have caused him pain and issues in the past. The decision to undergo double knee replacement this off-season, or factory resets as he jokingly calls it, was made with hope that this will help him on and off the water.

Swindle will have to attack his right knee rehab with the same tenacity that he did his left knee replacement, because practice for first Elite Series tournament of the year begins just over six weeks from his surgery date of 12/22. He’ll undergo another arduous six weeks of physical therapy before being cleared to get back on the water in time to kick off the 2026 Elite Series season on Lake Guntersville.

What many may look at as an insurmountable obstacle, Swindle sees a challenge, and one he is ready to conquer.

“Man, you know I’m all about PMA (positive mental attitude) and this fall I’ve been reminded the importance of having goals on top of PMA,” Swindle offered. “They give you milestones at PT (physical therapy), but I had a list of my own goals, too. Little goals like fishing from the bank three weeks after surgery, pushing past the mileage goal on my bike, or climbing into a deer stand six weeks post-op. With my biggest goal of being healthy and ready to fish by tournament time on Guntersville.

“Just things for me to work towards and keep me grinding. No matter where you are in life or what you do, I think you gotta have goals. Little ones, big ones. Things to keep you honest and encourage you to put in the work, no matter what the work may be.”

Gerald Swindle is a two-time Angler of the Year who has amassed nearly $3 million in tournament winnings over his career. He’s achieved more than most could dream of in this sport but the fire to compete still burns hot. G-man still has a hard road ahead of him, but he continues to approach his recovery with the same grit, PMA, effort and swagger that has propelled him throughout his walk of life.

by AnglersChannel

Gill Sets the Bar as MLF’s Youngest Bass-Fishing Millionaire

By: Jody White

When Drew Gill put a bow on his primary tournament season at the Toyota Series Championship, where he finished second by tiebreaker, the $50,000 check pushed his career earnings over the $1 million mark. In itself, winning a million dollars casting for bass is an impressive achievement, and this fall, Gill became the youngest to ever do it with MLF.

Edging ahead of Michael Bennett, who won the Forrest Wood Cup at 24 years old back when it paid $1 million, Gill accomplished the feat at just 23 years old. Over the last few years, Gill has pushed himself into the stratosphere of bass fishing by staying extremely busy, fishing just about every event he could fit on the schedule and almost never missing a payday at any level.

Bennett fished 54 total events with FLW before crossing the $1 million mark, with an FLW Tour win for $100,000 and then a Forrest Wood Cup win for $1 million on the list. Gill fished a total of 66 events with MLF, but only 52 if you remove college events. College and other team winnings aren’t included in this calculation, so, by some measures, Gill also made it in fewer events than Bennett.

Youngest anglers to reach $1 million in career earnings with MLF

Drew Gill, 23 years old
Michael Bennett, 24
Jacob Wheeler, 25
David Dudley, 26
Michael Neal, 29
Luke Clausen, 30
Dakota Ebare, 30
Anthony Gagliardi, 31
Brent Ehrler, 32
Alton Jones Jr., 32

Gill didn’t see it coming
Very cerebral, Gill is usually well aware of any stat, be it bite percentage, the number of scorable bass needed or the check weight. This one, he didn’t really see coming.

“I wasn’t tracking it, and to be honest, because of the All-American and the Forrest Wood Cup, I thought it was a (Jacob) Wheeler accolade that I’d never get,” Gill said. “So, when you texted me that, I was kind of shocked. But I’m tickled.”

Though Gill didn’t have his eye on the record, and Bennett’s success came before his time, he’s been after the $1 million mark hot and heavy.

“When I got into bass fishing and started doing it competitively, having the idea of being the youngest to get to $1 million wasn’t something I considered,” he said. “Once things got rolling, it was a goal of mine. I wanted to reach $1 million by the end of this year, once we got about halfway through the season and I thought it was feasible. To do that was a goal of mine, and to achieve that is super cool. It’s a milestone for most people in bass fishing who get to have long careers.”

Gill made about a third of his money in three events, his two Bass Pro Tour wins (on the Chowan River and Lake Murray) and his Tackle Warehouse Invitationals win on Sam Rayburn. But, only the BPT wins were for six figures, and a lot of his earnings have come with solid Top 10 checks cashed at all levels.

The Neko master
While the internet has been abuzz about minnows, Gill has made big money with a worm.

“I had a high school seminar this weekend, and it came up in conversation, and the Neko rig has been responsible for over $600,000 of my winnings,” Gill said. “Whether solely responsible or in part, it has played a role in over 60% of my tournament winnings.”

Gill is so into the Neko worm that he has a signature bait, the Big Bite Baits Nekorama, which came to market when he was just 22 years old.

“The Nekorama played a role in me winning at the Chowan and Murray, and since its inception last year, it’s been responsible for I think nine Top 10s and two wins,” he said. “It’s been a big part – it alone, or in part – has been a factor in probably $400,000 the last two years.”

Still more to accomplish
In the last few years, Gill has been inescapable – when he’s not in the Top 10, he’s part of the culture of bass fishing. Leading a crop of exciting young anglers on the edge of college, few have fished as well on the top level as Gill.

“There’s a lot of things I’m very grateful for; when it goes so well, you feel like you’re disenfranchising some achievements by highlighting others,” he said. “Having a Bass Pro Tour trophy matters a lot to me, but the Sam Rayburn trophy mattered a lot because it showed me that winning was possible. But, the Bass Pro Tour trophies matter a lot. It’s the best field in fishing – it’s indisputable – so having won twice, proving that it wasn’t a fluke, matters a lot to me.”

Gill’s consistency stands out as well, and he’s actively pursued it.

“One of the things I’m proudest of is that since starting on the Invitationals, out of essentially five seasons of fishing, I’ve missed a total of three checks,” he said. “I’m averaging less than one missed check a season. I always pride myself on my ability to always go for the layup. I’m a safe bet guy, and that safe bet mentality has led to making a lot of checks and a lot of Top 10s.”

Being the youngest to $2 million is well within reach for Gill (with MLF and FLW, it’s David Dudley at 30 years old), but before that, Gill has other goals.

“You’ve got to have this goal, I’m not saying it is realistic or even possible, but gosh dang I’d love to win a Bass Pro Tour Angler of the Year,” he said. “I think that’s the most meaningful trophy in bass fishing right now, because if you get that trophy, you had to beat Jacob Wheeler to do it. That’s Wheeler’s trophy, and if you take it from him, that’s something.

“Most AOY trophies, it’s about being consistent, and if you make Top 10s and Top 20s, you’re good,” he said. “With Wheeler, your Top 10s need to be top fives, and your worst tournament can’t be worse than the 20s. That’s the recipe you need to be on; I don’t know what to do to bridge that gap. This year I had a first, a seventh, an eighth and an 11th, and my four best tournaments are significantly behind him, and I’m not sure how to turn a great tournament into an incredible tournament. A Top 10 is great. To go from great to incredible intentionally is one of the hardest things to do – it’s a lot easier to never be bad.”

Certainly, Gill has made it look easy at times, but considering the statistical company he’s in, it’s anything but. Payouts have changed a little over the years, so getting to $1 million in earnings can happen faster now than Kevin VanDam or Rick Clunn could have imagined. But, when you’re at the head of a list that includes Brent Ehrler, David Dudley, Luke Clausen, Michael Neal and Dakota Ebare, you’re in rare company, and that doesn’t happen easily, or by accident.

by AnglersChannel

Turtlebox Audio named Title Sponsor of Bassmaster Opens Tournament Series

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. officials are excited to announce that Turtlebox Audio, the rugged portable speaker company built for adventure, has signed on as the Title Sponsor of the Bassmaster Opens. The agreement pairs one of the fastest-growing brands in outdoor audio with one of the sport’s most competitive and widely followed tournament series.

Turtlebox delivers the most durable, high-performance audio products built for the outdoors — on the water, in the mountains and beyond. The brand’s products are available nationwide through national and specialty retail partners, major online marketplaces, and owned brand channels. In addition to creating premium audio equipment, Turtlebox actively supports the outdoor community, from conservation causes to grassroots angling events — always encouraging people to get outside and explore.

The Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens serve as a critical proving ground for anglers aspiring to compete at the sport’s highest levels — the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series and ultimately the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour. With eight tournaments across two divisions, the Opens offer a national stage for the next generation of professional bass anglers.

“B.A.S.S. has been a staple in fishing for decades, providing anglers of all ages a real shot at chasing big dreams,” said Will Bradley, Co-Founder of Turtlebox. “Turtlebox is fired up to be the Title Sponsor of the Bassmaster Opens and to stand behind a community that lives and breathes the outdoors as much as we do.”

Phillip Johnson, B.A.S.S. Chief Operating Officer, said the partnership is a natural fit for both organizations. “We’re proud to welcome Turtlebox as the Title Sponsor of the Bassmaster Opens,” Johnson said. “Their passion for adventure and commitment to durability perfectly reflect the spirit of Bassmaster anglers — men and women who depend on reliable gear in every condition. Together, we’ll continue to elevate the Opens and the anglers who make this series so special.”

The Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens will kick off at the Kissimmee Chain in Kissimmee, Fla., January 29-31, 2026, continuing a tradition of competitive excellence that has shaped the careers of some of the sport’s biggest stars.

For registration and more information about the Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series visit Bassmaster.com/Opens.

About Turtlebox:

Originally designed to fuel a shared passion of the outdoors in South-Central Texas, Turtlebox is a leading manufacturer of portable audio devices. The brand’s mission is to produce the best-sounding, most durable, portable speakers available. In pursuit of untamed adventure, Turtlebox products are built to withstand the harshest elements, providing an unmatched, elevated experience outdoors. For more information, please visit TurtleboxAudio.com.

Turtlebox Fishing Marketing Inquiries, Please Contact:

Garren Johanson, Community Marketing Manager

[email protected]

Turtlebox Media Inquiries, Please Contact:

Bird Dog Public Relations

Thacher Stone

[email protected]

About B.A.S.S.

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

by AnglersChannel

Boats, ornaments, and beyond: Lance Newton leads Vexus® with a servant’s heart

Nine summers ago, the son of a rural school superintendent walked into a 14-acre hay pasture full of ticks alongside Forrest L. Wood’s grandson, Keith Daffron, his longtime close friend, and together they began staking out boundaries for an ambitious dream to build their own state-of-the-art boat manufacturing facility in Flippin, Arkansas.

Today, Lance Newton serves as V.P. of Operations for Vexus® Boats, working daily to lead nearly 200 dedicated teammates to build the highest quality fishing boats in the business, in a manner that is not only highly efficient, but also considerate of treating teammates with respect and appreciation throughout the process.

“I can’t help but be proud of the fact we literally started Vexus from the ground up by pounding PVC stakes in the ground that summer day, and have turned it into one of the most respected fishing boat brands in the world, while working with friends and family,” says Newton, who grew up in nearby Viola, and earned a mechanical engineering degree from Arkansas Tech in 2002.

As the ticks take a breather and the leaves disappear from the local Ozark Mountain landscape each autumn, Lance Newton’s heart for serving others takes on an additional focus as he creates the design for the company Christmas ornament, of which close to 500 will be laser cut by Precision Technologies in Ft. Smith, and sent to treasured friends of Vexus along with a card signed by numerous Vexus employees.

“It’s something we’ve been doing since our first Christmas at Vexus for all of our employees, boat dealers, industry partners, and even the local community, like the folks down at Flippin City Hall,” smiles Newton. “Everybody seems to love getting one, so now it’s an expected and fun tradition,” he adds.

This year’s design, shown in the accompanying photo, features a jumping largemouth with a Vexus logo where its eye is located. You can also see several of the ones Newton has designed in previous years in the photo. Look even closer, and you’ll note they’re resting on the original CAD-created blueprints he produced in 2017 to build the state-of-the-art factory.

“We based the factory design on our long-term production goals. Our goal is not to build the most boats, but instead, to build the best boats, and with input from so many people with decades of boat building experience, we’ve definitely learned what not to do, and to make the next new model even better than the last,” says Newton, who loves to drag a football jig on Bull Shoals and pheasant hunt with treasured friends, when he’s not leading the charge at Vexus.

“I think to be a great leader, you’ve got to be a great listener, as well as a great servant,” says Newton. “I’m here to make the lives of our employees and boat buying customers better through compassionate guidance. I believe that leads to us producing boats our customers are really proud to own.”

Certainly, the premium quality boats being built by Newton and his team nearly a decade after he and Daffron waded through ticks with a dream is all the proof necessary he’s a man of his word. But if you need a little added confirmation, look no further than the branches of Christmas trees owned by longtime friends of Vexus, and you’ll see reflections of his kind heart and creative mechanical mind there too.

To learn more about the quality fishing vessels he and his team build, please visit https://vexusboats.com/.

by AnglersChannel

B.A.S.S. announces 2026 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers schedule

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. announced today the 2026 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops (EQ) schedule, marking the second year of the postseason-style format designed to challenge the top anglers from the Bassmaster Opens. After a widely praised debut — one that produced 10 new Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series pros, including rising star Fisher Anaya and long-respected veteran Russ Lane — the EQs will return with a three-event run across some of the most intriguing fisheries in the country.

The 2026 season opens September 23-25 on Norfork Lake in Mountain Home, Ark., a deep, clear Ozarks impoundment known for its finesse-heavy patterns. From there, the trail shifts to Toledo Bend Reservoir in Many, La., October 21-23, where fall transitions, hydrilla flats, underwater forests and trophy-class bass will demand power fishing and precision. The season concludes November 11-13 on legendary Lake Guntersville in Guntersville, Ala., a grass-rich Tennessee River powerhouse that will challenge anglers with shifting fall bait movements, big schools of bass and world-class ledge fishing. Together, these fisheries form a diverse, high-pressure proving ground that embodies what the EQs are intended to be: a final test of versatility, mental toughness and performance under postseason stress.

Each event will now conclude on Friday to maximize digital viewership and fan engagement heading into the weekend. B.A.S.S. will once again award $110,000 in Angler of the Year prize money, while entry fees and payouts remain unchanged from the 2025 structure, based on 135 entries.

The EQ No-Information Rule will mirror the Bassmaster Elites Series, Bassmaster Opens and Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour restriction in order to continue to ensure the highest level of competitive integrity. Forward-Facing Sonar will be allowed at one EQ tournament, one without and the final tournament will be decided by a coin flip at the conclusion of the Bassmaster Opens season.

“We are excited to release this schedule so anglers can prepare for the entire season,” said Hank Weldon, B.A.S.S. Executive Director of Tournaments. “These fisheries will be challenging, and with the diversity they offer in this postseason run, we believe they represent what the EQs are all about.”

The EQ format remains one of the most demanding paths in professional bass fishing, with only 10 Elite Series invitations available and a schedule tailor-made to reveal the best all-around anglers in the Opens field. For more information on the 2026 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops, visit Bassmaster.com.

There are still spots available in both divisions of the 2026 Bassmaster Opens. To register, visit Bassmaster.com/Opens.

2026 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops Schedule:

September 23-25: Norfork Lake, Mountain Home, Ark.
October 21-23: Toledo Bend Reservoir, Many, La.
November 11-13: Lake Guntersville, Guntersville, Ala.

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

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

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

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

by AnglersChannel

101 anglers set to compete on 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series

101 anglers set to compete on 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Coming off the heels of a record-breaking 2025 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series season that awarded 11 century belts, saw four-first time champions (two of which were members of the 2025 rookie class) and garnered over 183 million social media impressions, B.A.S.S. has announced the 101-angler field for an exciting 2026 Elite Series season.

Next year, anglers will be put to the test with the use of forward-facing sonar only being allowed at five of the nine regular-season Elite events. Anglers will be competing for a $100,000 first-place prize at each stop of the season, while also accumulating valuable Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year points in hopes of making it to the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.

“Each season, the Bassmaster Elite Series showcases the very best in professional bass fishing, and 2026 will be no exception,” said B.A.S.S. Elite Series Tournament Director Lisa Talmadge. “We’re excited to welcome 101 incredibly talented anglers who represent the heart of this sport — a mix of proven champions, rising stars and hungry newcomers all ready to compete on some of the most iconic fisheries in the country. It’s going to be an unforgettable season for our anglers and fans alike.”

With the exception of one angler, every 2025 Elite Series angler who qualified is returning next year. The list of anglers includes 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour champion Easton Fothergill of Grand Rapids, Minn., who won the most coveted trophy in bass fishing during his freshman season on the Elites. Two-time Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year Chris Johnston will also join the ranks of returning anglers alongside Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Rookie of the Year Tucker Smith, who took home his first blue trophy at the 2025 Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork with a 127-pound, 8-ounce winning weight that also earned him a century belt .

Ten anglers from the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops will also be joining the 2026 Elite roster, including 20-year-old Alabama phenom Fisher Anaya who claimed the 2025 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops Angler of the Year title. Wisconsin’s Nick Trim clinched an Elite Series spot for himself alongside his big win at the 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship at Upper Mississippi River presented by Lowrance.

The 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series kicks off on Alabama’s Lake Guntersville February 5. From there the tournament trail will wind through six states as anglers battle for cash prizes and attempt to qualify for the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.

Each tournament will begin with the full field of anglers on Days 1 and 2 before the field is cut to the Top 50 on Semifinal Saturday. Only the Top 10 anglers will fish the final day of the event, with a $100,000 first-place prize and a blue trophy on the line.

Keep up with all the action from the 2026 Elite Series season on Bassmaster.com as well as the B.A.S.S. social channels and the FAST Channel on Roku.

2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series Field

Fisher Anaya, Eva, Ala.

Matt Arey, Shelby, N.C.

Justin Atkins, Florence, Ala.

Drew Benton, Panama City, Fla.

Stetson Blaylock, Benton, Ark.

Beau Browning, Hot Springs, Ark.

Scott Canterbury, Odenville, Ala.

Blake Capps, Muskogee, Okla.

Brandon Card, Salisbury, N.C.

Hank Cherry, Lincolnton, N.C.

Jason Christie, Welling, Okla.

Joey Cifuentes, Clinton, Ark.

Brandon Cobb, Greenwood, S.C.

Keith Combs, Huntington, Texas

Drew Cook, Cairo, Ga.

John Cox, DeBary, Fla.

Austin Cranford, Moore, Okla.

John Crews, Salem, Va.

Will Davis Jr., Sylacauga, Ala.

Greg DiPalma, Millville, N.J.

Bob Downey, Detroit Lakes, Minn.

Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas

Seth Feider, New Market, Minn.

Austin Felix, Eden Prairie, Minn.

Easton Fothergill, Grand Rapids, Minn.

Jacob Foutz, Charleston, Tenn.

Kyoya Fujita, Minamitsuru, Yamanashi, Japan

Cooper Gallant, Bowmanville, Canada

John Garrett, Union City, Tenn.

David Gaston, Sylacauga, Ala.

Robert Gee, Knoxville, Tenn.

Wesley Gore, Clanton, Ala.

Buddy Gross, Chickamauga, Ga.

Jeff Gustafson, Keewatin, Canada

Greg Hackney, Gonzales, La.

Justin Hamner, Northport, Ala.

Sam Hanggi, Knoxville, Tenn.

Jamie Hartman, Plumerville, Ark.

Randy Howell, Guntersville, Ala.

Caleb Hudson, Lincolnton, Ga.

Cody Huff, Ava, Mo.

Mike Iaconelli, Pittsgrove, N.J.

Taku Ito, Chiba, Japan

Aaron Jadgfeld, Rochester Hills, Mich.

Carl Jocumsen, Toowoomba, Australia

Chris Johnston, Otonabee, Canada

Cory Johnston, Otonabee, Canada

Steve Kennedy, Auburn, Ala.

Kenta Kimura, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan

Evan Kung, Pickering, Canada

Caleb Kuphall, Mukwonago, Wis.

Russ Lane, Prattville, Ala.

Jordan Lee, Cullman, Ala.

Shane LeHew, Catawba, N.C.

Brandon Lester, Fayetteville, Tenn.

Lee Livesay, Longview, Texas

Andrew Loberg, Guntersville, Ala.

Wes Logan, Springville, Ala.

Bill Lowen, Brookville, Ind.

Paul Marks, Cumming, Ga.

Tristan McCormick, Bon Aqua, Tenn.

Trey McKinney, Carbondale, Ill.

Mark Menendez, Paducah, Ky.

Matt Messer, Warfield, Ky.

Cody Meyer, Eagle, Idaho

Brock Mosley, Collinsville, Miss.

David Mullins, Mt. Carmel, Tenn.

Bryan New, Leesville, S.C.

Kyle Norsetter, Cottage Grove, Wis.

Cliff Pace, Ovett, Miss.

Brandon Palaniuk, Rathdrum, Idaho

Luke Palmer, Coalgate, Okla.

Logan Parks, Auburn, Ala.

Kyle Patrick, Cooperstown, N.Y.

Clifford Pirch, Payson, Ariz.

Jacob Powroznik, North Prince George, Va.

Jay Przekurat, Plover, Wis.

KJ Queen, Catawba, N.C.

Alex Redwine, Blue Ash, Ohio

Brock Reinkemeyer, Warsaw, Mo.

Tyler Rivet, Raceland, La.

Matt Robertson, Kuttawa, Ky.

Cole Sands, Johnson City, Tenn.

Pat Schlapper, Eleva, Wis.

Bryan Schmitt, Deale, Md.

Hunter Shryock, Ooltewah, Tenn.

Bryant Smith, Roseville, Calif.

Tucker Smith, Birmingham, Ala.

Pake South, Winnsboro, Texas

Caleb Sumrall, New Iberia, La.

Gerald Swindle, Guntersville, Ala.

JT Thompkins, Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Nick Trim, Galesville, Wis.

Emil Wagner, Marietta, Ga.

Patrick Walters, Eutawville, S.C.

Kyle Welcher, Valley, Ala.

Brad Whatley, Bivins, Texas

Jake Whitaker, Hendersonville, N.C.

Tyler Williams, Belgrade, Maine

Jason Williamson, Aiken, S.C.

Chris Zaldain, Boyd, Texas

About B.A.S.S.

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

by AnglersChannel

Missile Baits Announces Freedom Flyer 4.25 Shipping All Over

Salem, VA — [December 9, 2025] — Missile Baits, a leader in innovative soft-plastic lure design, is excited to announce that the highly anticipated Freedom Flyer 4.25 Minnow is officially here and now shipping to dealers across the globe.

Engineered for ultimate action and versatility, the Freedom Flyer 4.25 Minnow brings a new level of performance because of it being the easiest minnow to elicit the fish catching rolling action. The rear mounted side up-pitch elevators cause the easy rolling action. They are manufactured with a patented 3D printed mold cavity process that allows for the totally unique angles and details.

“Anglers want a minnow that is easy to roll because that is the fish catching action,” said John Crews of Missile Baits. “The Freedom Flyer 4.25 is exactly that because of the up-pitch elevators in the rear. There is no other minnow out there like it.”

The Freedom Flyer 4.25 Minnow is available in a wide array of proven fish-catching colors specially selected to match baitfish across all regions. Each bait is poured with Missile Baits’ premium soft-plastic formula, ensuring durability, action, and unmatched attention to detail.

Key Features of the Freedom Flyer™ 4.25 Minnow:

Realistic minnow profile with integrated up-pitch elevators on the rear
Designed for jig heads, Chatterbaits, weightless, and more
Packaged in a protective clam so all baits are perfect
Available in multiple proven fish catching colors
Made in the USA

Dealers around the world have already begun receiving shipments this week, and anglers can expect to find the new Freedom Flyer 4.25 Minnow on store shelves and online tackle shops immediately at www.missilebaits.store.

About Missile Baits
Missile Baits is dedicated to producing high-performance bass fishing baits that deliver real results at the highest levels of competition. We design, test, and refine every bait to meet the demands of today’s top anglers. To see more stories, product news, or angler tips, visit www.missilebaits.store.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
[email protected] | (855) HOOKSET (466-5738)

by AnglersChannel

THE ULTIMATE ANGLER ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL 2026 DATES

September 27 – October 3, 2026 • Goose Pond Colony • Scottsboro, Alabama

Scottsboro, Alabama — Unified Pros is proud to announce that The Ultimate Angler World Championship will officially return September 27 – October 3, 2026, taking over Goose Pond Colony for one of the most electrifying weeks in competitive fishing.

Widely recognized as one of the most unique and fast-growing championship events in the sport, the Ultimate Angler brings together the biggest names, the brightest talent, and thousands of fans for seven days of elite competition, entertainment, and community celebration.

“This event represents everything we love about this sport—competition, conservation, and community,” said Lori Waller, Vice President of Unified Pros. “2026 is shaping up to be our biggest year yet. The anglers, the expo, the concert, the excitement—it all comes together in a way you simply can’t experience anywhere else in the country.”

Details regarding the sanctioned qualifying events and the official 2026 purse will be announced soon.

A WEEK PACKED WITH ACTION, ENTERTAINMENT, AND INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE

The Ultimate Angler is more than a championship—it's an immersive, destination experience. The 2026 event will feature:

The Nation’s Top Professional Anglers

Elite competitors from across all major fishing leagues will converge on Lake Guntersville for a one-of-a-kind showdown that showcases the highest level of skill, strategy, and determination.

A Major Concert Event

A headlining live performance will anchor the week, creating a festival atmosphere that draws spectators from across the region.

The Ultimate Outdoor Expo

Hundreds of vendors, industry partners, and outdoor brands will fill the expo grounds with the latest gear, boats, apparel, technology, and lifestyle experiences.

Community, Youth, and Conservation Initiatives

The event includes youth education programs, field trips, conservation activities, and hands-on learning opportunities that strengthen the next generation’s connection to the outdoors.

GOOSE POND COLONY: A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR A NATIONAL EVENT

Lake Guntersville is renowned as one of America’s most iconic fisheries, and Goose Pond Colony provides the ideal venue for a championship of this scale. With thousands of visitors expected, the 2026 event is projected to deliver significant economic benefit to Scottsboro and the surrounding communities.

“Lake Guntersville is a world-class fishery, and there is no better place to crown our champion,” Waller added.

ABOUT THE ULTIMATE ANGLER

The Ultimate Angler World Championship is an annual, multi-league, invitation-only event that brings together the top anglers from across the country. Built on competition, conservation, and community engagement, the event continues to grow in scale and national recognition, solidifying its place as one of the premier fishing events in the United States.

by AnglersChannel

Registration for the 2026 Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Big Bass Tour Opens December 12 at 8am CST

Montgomery, Texas – Registration for the 2026 Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Big Bass Tour season will officially open on Friday, December 12th at 8AM CST / 9AM EST, giving anglers their first chance to lock in their 2026 event plans.

The 2026 season features 11 events across 10 states, showcasing some of the best bass fisheries in the country. From Florida’s trophy-rich Harris Chain to the powerhouse of Chickamauga and the iconic waters of Guntersville and Table Rock, each stop offers a premier opportunity for anglers to compete for significant payouts and prizes.

The 2026 tour stretches from the deep South to the Midwest, giving anglers access to a diverse mix of fisheries and seasonal patterns. Anglers will have the opportunity to compete on:

Harris Chain of Lakes, Florida: Jan 30 – Feb 1
Lake Conroe, Texas: Feb 27 – Mar 1
Clarks Hill Lake, Georgia: Mar 13 – 15
Table Rock Lake, Missouri: Mar 27 – 29
Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia: Apr 17 – 19
Lake Murray, South Carolina: Apr 24 – 26
Chickamauga Lake, Tennessee: May 15 – 17
Upper Mississippi River (La Crosse), Wisconsin: Jul 31 – Aug 2
Douglas Lake, Tennessee: Oct 2 – 4
Guntersville Lake, Alabama: Oct 9 – 11
Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia: Oct 23 – 25

This schedule highlights the Big Bass Tour’s commitment to bringing anglers to the nation’s most respected and productive fisheries year after year.

Abu Garcia Early Entry Promotions
As always, anglers who register early will have access to exclusive early-entry promotions from Abu Garcia. At each 2026 event, the first number of anglers to register (as defined on the event page) for two or three days, will receive an Abu Garcia early entry promotional item.

Once the early entry allotment for a specific event is filled, the Abu Garcia promotion for that event will close, but event registration will remain open.

With more than a decade of record participation, premier destinations, and one of the most angler-friendly formats in competitive fishing, the Big Bass Tour continues to be the nation’s leading big-bass tournament series.

Registration opens Friday, December 12 at 8AM CST, and anglers can sign up for any combination of events throughout the 2026 season.

Hit the link, pick your lakes, and get ready for another unforgettable year on the water.

https://bigbasstour.com/schedule

by AnglersChannel

BAM Partners with Vexus Boats and Mercury for 2026 and Beyond

Bass Angler Magazine (BAM Trail) is expanding its commitment to western tournament anglers with a major new partnership for the 2026 season. BAM, Vexus Boats, and Mercury Marine have joined forces to deliver one of the most significant prize offerings in modern western bass fishing.

“Six” New Vexus/Mercury Prize Boats Awarded at BAM Pro-Am’s

Beginning in 2026, the first-place pro at every BAM Pro-Am event will receive a brand-new Vexus AVX1880 powered by Mercury. The prize boats will be on-site at each event, showcased for anglers and fans, and delivered directly to the winner at the tournament. This premium aluminum performance boat, combined with Mercury’s reliability and power, marks a major step forward for the BAM Trail and significantly elevates the value of each Pro-Am victory.

Strong Vexus Dealer Network Supporting the West

Vexus Boats maintains a strong dealer network across the western United States, and those dealers are enthusiastic about partnering with BAM throughout the season. Their support adds depth to the partnership and provides local backing for anglers, events, and regional promotion.

BAM Leadership on the Strategic Partnership

Mark Lassagne, CEO of BAM, said the agreement helps move the trail to the next level.
“Vexus builds a premium product and has a strong presence in the West. Teaming up with Vexus and Mercury allows us to provide an outstanding prize while strengthening our trail, our anglers, and the long-term growth of western tournament fishing.”

Vexus Boats Perspective

Keith Daffron, President of Vexus Boats, shared why the partnership is a natural fit. “We’re excited to partner with BAM and support a trail that is truly investing in its anglers. The BAM team is committed to doing things the right way, and our western dealers are looking forward to being part of the season. Putting a Vexus/Mercury package on the line at every Pro-Am is something special, and we’re proud to help lead that effort.”

Looking Ahead to the 2026 BAM Season

The 2026 BAM Pro-Am schedule will feature multiple opportunities for anglers to compete for the Vexus/Mercury prize package, along with expanded media coverage, on-site activation, and national-level visibility across BAM’s print, digital, video, and livestream platforms.

More details, schedules, and registration information will be posted at BAMTrail.com.

About Vexus Boats

Vexus Boats is a U.S.-based manufacturer known for building high-performance fiberglass and aluminum fishing boats designed for serious anglers. Founded by longtime industry leaders in Flippin, Arkansas, Vexus focuses on innovation, durability, and real on-the-water performance across its AVX aluminum and VX fiberglass lines.

With a growing dealer network nationwide — including strong representation across the West — Vexus delivers premium boats backed by hands-on customer support and a commitment to quality craftsmanship. #vexusboats

About Mercury Marine

Mercury Marine is a global leader in marine propulsion, known for building reliable, high-performance outboards trusted by anglers, boaters, and manufacturers worldwide. Founded in 1939 and headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Mercury designs and engineers advanced four-stroke engines, propulsion systems, and marine technologies focused on efficiency, durability, and exceptional on-water performance.

With a long history of innovation and industry-leading support, Mercury continues to power top tournament trails, boat brands, and anglers across the country. #mercurymarine

About BAM Tournament Trail

The Bass Angler Magazine Tournament Trail (BAM Trail) is the West Coast’s fastest-growing premier pro-level bass fishing circuit, built to showcase top anglers and connect leading brands directly with the fishing community.

Powered by Bass Angler Magazine’s national print and digital reach, BAM delivers year-round exposure through tournaments, the magazine, email campaigns, podcasts, social media, YouTube, and our televised Super 60 series — offering unmatched marketing opportunities for anglers and sponsors.

BAM Super 60 title sponsor – Bass Boat Technologies presented by Tackle Warehouse.

BAM Pro-Am title sponsor – Vexus Boats presented by Tackle Warehouse.

The trail is supported by industry leaders including Mercury Outboards along with Storquest Storage Solutions, Chicken Ranch Casino Resort, Ford Fairfield , Power Pole, Black Bear Diner, Bridgford Foods, Bob’s Machine, Anderson Auto Group, Sticky Graphics, and our conservation sponsor Fisherman’s Warehouse.

Tourism partners include; Lake Don Pedro, City of Oakley, and the Boardman Community Development .

Tournament series include the BAM Super 60 Pro Tour, Pro-Am, Scholastic, and Kayak Trail. Events are available to watch on YouTube. Learn more here: BAM TRAIL, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Media / Advertising Contact: Mark Lassagne

#bamtrail #bassanglermagazine #bamsuper60

by AnglersChannel

Anaya grabs final Classic berth with Fish-Off win at Lake Hartwell

ANDERSON, S.C. — Fisher Anaya’s name says it all – the kid from tiny Eva, Ala., seems destined for big things as a professional bass angler.

Fresh off fishing atop the 2025 Bassmaster Elite Qualifier Points Standings last month and locking down a spot in the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series for the next two seasons, the 20-year-old Anaya won the TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off Saturday on Lake Hartwell. His two-day total of 10 bass weighing 39 pounds, 15 ounces was just enough to hold off fellow Alabaman Barrett Choquette, who finished second with 38-5.

The win secured for Anaya the final spot in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour when it’s held March 13-15 on the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tenn. He slipped into the Fish-Off after he and his father, Ryan, finished fifth in the Team Championship portion of the tournament on Thursday. The Top 5 teams in the team standings (10 anglers) had their weights zeroed and then fished individually on Friday and Saturday for a Classic berth.

And as he did throughout the past year, the younger Anaya rose to the challenge.

After catching mostly spotted bass during the Team Championship, Anaya dialed in on a hungry largemouth bite on Friday. His Day 1 weight of 19-8 weight gave him the Fish-Off lead and the confidence he could produce another big bag on Saturday.

He did just that, weighing 20-7 — the heaviest total of the Fish-Off. But it was far from an easy task. Hartwell, the 76,450-acre reservoir straddling the South Carolina/Georgia border, is known to switch up on anglers as it did on Anaya on Day 2.

“It was tough on me early today,” Anaya said. “I caught a 3-pounder on my second cast, and I just knew they were gonna’ bite again. Then I caught a small one, but from that time, I went hours without a bite. I decided to run to some spotted bass I knew I could catch, and I got to like 12 pounds. But I knew that wasn’t going to be enough to win this thing. I had this gut feeling I had to fish new water.”

Listening to his instincts proved wise.

“I moved and the second pocket I went into, I caught two over 4 pounds,” Anaya said. “Then the next pocket I went to, I caught another two over 4 pounds.”

Anaya caught his best bass throwing a Neko (green pumpkin Crush City Janitor Worm) with an 1/8-ounce weight in it. The colder temperatures (which stayed in the lower 40s throughout the Fish-Off) forced him to be patient, waiting for Lake Hartwell bass to bite.

“They weren’t super deep, maybe 10 to 12 feet,” he said. “I’d just had to throw it on them and deadstick it. I’d let the bait sit there. Some casts it might take five minutes to get them moving and some casts it might be instant. But eventually, I could end up catching some if I ran enough water.”

Anaya, who represented the Alabama Bass Trail at Lake Hartwell, said most of his catches came near the dam on the south end of the reservoir.

“It was about a 20-minute run one-way, but it sure was worth it,” he said. “When it’s meant to be, you can’t do wrong.”

The was Anaya’s second consecutive trip to the Classic Fish-Off. The Anayas finished third in last year’s Team Championship at Kentucky Lake, and Fisher placed third of the six anglers who qualified for the 2024 Fish-Off. The young phenom was dominant in Division 2 of the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN held earlier this year, and he finished no lower than 24th in those four tournaments. Then he proved himself in the trio of Nitro Bassmaster Elite Qualifier tournaments presented by Bass Pro Shops, finishing third, fifth and 19th in those derbies to pave a path into the Elite Series.

And now, he’ll add his first Bassmaster Classic to this burgeoning resume.

“When I pulled into that last pocket and caught that last big one, I thought ‘That might have done it. I might be going to the Classic.’ It’s crazy … I knew I had a shot at winning here. I just had to fish clean and catch everything that bit.”

Choquette, representing the Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation, actually led late on Saturday, according to BASSTrakk, but the 18-year-old from Headland, Ala., fell just short. He caught 19-8 on Saturday and finished 1-10 behind Anaya in his quest for a Classic berth.

“Five days ago, I was taking my first exams at Troy University,” he said. “I didn’t have much time to think about strategy. My brother (Hudson) did well in the Team Championship, and I caught some good ones in the Fish-Off. I caught a 5-pounder to start today and another 5-pounder to end the day. I’m proud of what I got done, but Fisher got us by a little bit.”

Choquette threw a green pumpkin Wacky Rig with a Technical Tungsten head with a little Sakamata Shad trailer to boat his best bass in the Fish-Off.

The remainder of the Top 10 who advanced to the Fish-Off are, third, Justin Raines, Lake Hartwell 5 Alive No Scope Series, 33-1; fourth, Dalton Head, Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Fall Series, 32-4; fifth, Hudson Choquette, Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation, 31-4; sixth, Bradley Day, Lake Hartwell 5 Alive No Scope, 30-10; seventh, Peyton Sorrow, Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Fall Series, 29-15; eighth, Austin McCall, Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Scope Trail, 27-15; ninth, Xander Patton, Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Scope Trail, 26-5; and 10^th, Ryan Ayana, Alabama Bass Trail, 23-2.

In all, 200 teams from 48 different states and three other countries qualified for the Team Championship via their respective team trails. A total of $120,000 was divided among the Top 50 teams competing at Lake Hartwell, including $50,000 to Head and Sorrow when they clinched the team title on Thursday.

Visit Anderson and Green Pond Landing hosted the week’s events.

2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Team Championship Title Sponsor: TNT Fireworks

2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Title Sponsor: Mercury

2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Presenting Sponsor: Lowrance

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

About B.A.S.S.

-30-

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

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

2025 TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish Off 12/5-12/6
Lake Hartwell, Anderson SC.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2

Angler Club/School Pts

1. Fisher Anaya - Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 19-08 Day 2: 5 20-07 Total: 10 39-15
2. Barrett Choquette - Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation 0
Day 1: 5 18-13 Day 2: 5 19-08 Total: 10 38-05
3. Justin Raines - Lake Hartwell 5 Alive No Scope 0
Day 1: 5 17-00 Day 2: 5 16-01 Total: 10 33-01
4. Dalton Head - Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Fall Serie 0
Day 1: 5 16-01 Day 2: 5 16-03 Total: 10 32-04
5. Hudson Choquette - Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation 0
Day 1: 4 11-14 Day 2: 5 19-06 Total: 9 31-04
6. Bradley Day - Lake Hartwell 5 Alive No Scope 0
Day 1: 5 18-10 Day 2: 5 12-00 Total: 10 30-10
7. Peyton Sorrow - Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Fall Serie 0
Day 1: 5 17-00 Day 2: 5 12-15 Total: 10 29-15
8. Austin Mccall - Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Scope Trai 0
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 13-10 Total: 10 27-15
9. Xander Patton - Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Scope Trai 0
Day 1: 5 13-02 Day 2: 5 13-03 Total: 10 26-05
10. Ryan Anaya - Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-08 Day 2: 5 14-10 Total: 10 23-02
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 9 49 154-13
2 10 50 157-15
----------------------------------
19 99 312-12

by AnglersChannel

Fisher Anaya takes “surprise” lead on Day 1 of Classic Fish-Off

ANDERSON, S.C. — Fans following the TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off online likely were surprised to see Fisher Anaya, a super-talented 20-year-old angler from Eva, Ala., apparently zeroed Friday on Day 1 of the derby at Lake Hartwell.

That wasn’t the case, though. Far from it.

BassTrakk, the digital phone app used to report weights of the bass caught throughout the day, was malfunctioning for the marshal aboard Anaya’s boat. So, while folks at home might have thought Anaya was striking out on this 76,450-acre reservoir, the young phenom actually was hitting a home run on this fabled fishery straddling the South Carolina/Georgia border.

Anaya stormed to the top of the leaderboard Friday with a limit of five bass weighing 19 pounds, 8 ounces. The Classic Fish-Off will be determined Saturday when the 10 remaining anglers in what was a field of 400 conclude the final tournament of the 2025 Bassmaster season. At stake, of course, is the final spot in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour when it’s held March 13-15 on the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tenn.

Most of the other nine anglers in the Fish-Off are hot on Anaya’s heels, however, with just more than 5 pounds separating seventh place from Anaya’s pole position. Barrett Choquette, an 18-year-old Alabaman who fishes for Troy University, is second with 18-13. Bradley Day, who fishes with the Lake Hartwell 5 Alive No Scope Series and lives about two minutes from the docks at Hartwell’s Green Pond Landing, is third with 18-10.

Anaya said his marshal informed him halfway through Friday’s competition that the BassTrakk app wasn’t registering weights he punched into his phone.

“I told him, ‘Well, I guess we’re gonna’ surprise some people,’” Anaya said, laughing.

Because he was unable to report his catch, Anaya led off Friday’s weigh-in at Green Pond Landing. He had a bounty to share, too.

“I caught probably 15 pounds in the first 20 minutes this morning,” Anaya said. “Soon as I got to my spot, I caught three big largemouth. A little later, I ran new water and caught another big one and then I found an area that had a bunch of big ones –— looked like they all were 4 pounders. I caught one and then left. So, I’m hoping they stick there for tomorrow. I’m not sure where I’ll start, but I’m gonna’ run around and hopefully find the ones I need to win this thing.”

After catching his best bass off points and just inside pockets during the Team Championship portion of this event, Anaya said bass now are stacking in the backs of shallow drains as winter conditions continue to take hold of the Palmetto State. Temperatures hovered around 40 degrees most of Friday with low cloud cover casting a gray pall over the expanse of Hartwell.

Still, Anaya’s growing star has shined.

“I’ve been throwing a Neko (green pumpkin Crush City Janitor Worm) and I have caught a few on a shad-colored minnow this week,” he said. “I started in about 20 feet of water to begin the week. and I probably caught them in about 10 feet today. I had four largemouth after weighing nothing but spots the first few days. Things have been unpredictable, but I know there are at least five more largemouth swimming out there, I’ve just got to stumble across them.”

This is Anaya’s second consecutive trip to the Classic Fish-Off. He and his dad, Ryan, finished third in last year’s Team Championship at Kentucky Lake, and Fisher placed third of the six anglers who qualified for the 2024 Fish-Off.

The Anayas finished fifth in this year’s Team Championship, which concluded Thursday. To their benefit, the 2025 Fish-Off field was expanded from six anglers to 10, allowing the duo from the Alabama Bass Trail another crack at a Classic Fish-Off.

The younger Anaya again is making the most of his opportunity, though he’s already proved his mettle in some of the sport’s biggest events. He finished atop the 2025 Bassmaster Elite Qualifier Points Standings last month, guaranteeing him a spot in the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series for the next two years. He also finished no lower than 24th in the four Division 2 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN held earlier this year.

Choquette had to finish exams at Troy before he could head north to Hartwell for the Team Championship. He and his brother, Hudson Choquette, represent the Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation, and they finished fourth in team tournament. Now Barrett is within a pound of the lead in the biggest derby of his life.

“My brother was up here for practice and found our best spots, so I left those to him today,” Barrett Choquette said. “I ran all new water today and it all paid off, surprisingly.”

Choquette said he’s fishing shallow water along Hartwell’s banks. He primarily used a Neko rig (green pumpkin) on Friday.

“There weren’t many bites. I think every bite I had came in the boat. They were nice to me today. They all ate it deep.”

Day, a 27-year-old fishing home water, said his bite came later on Friday.

“It was 11 in the morning to 1 in the afternoon for me today,” Day said “That was the window. This lake is so prone to those little windows, you have to be around them when they’re biting.”

Day said he’s cruising shallow water on the southern end of Hartwell. He’s relied on a Shaky Head worm and a jig this week, both in green pumpkin variety, but said he’s prepared to switch his approach if necessary.

“You have to fish the day,” he said. “You can fish a few history places, but eventually you have to let the day unfold.”

Justin Raines, of the Lake Hartwell 5 Alive No Scope Series, and Peyton Sorrow, of the Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Fall Series, are tied for fourth with 17 pounds caught Friday.

Sorrow teamed with Dalton Head to win the Team Championship on Thursday, and Head now is in sixth place in the Fish-Off with 16-1. Rounding out the field are Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Scope Trail teammates Austin McCall (14-5) and Xander Patton (13-2). Hudson Choquette is ninth with 11-14 and Ryan Anaya is 10th with 8-8.

The final day of the Bassmaster Classic Fish-Off is scheduled to begin at 7:20 a.m. ET Saturday. The final weigh-in is set for 3:30 p.m. ET.

Visit Anderson and Green Pond Landing are hosting the week’s events.

2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Team Championship Title Sponsor: TNT Fireworks

2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Title Sponsor: Mercury

2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Presenting Sponsor: Lowrance

About B.A.S.S.

-30-

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

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

2025 TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish Off 12/5-12/6
Lake Hartwell, Anderson SC.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1

Angler Club/School Pts

1. Fisher Anaya - Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 19-08 Total: 5 19-08
2. Barrett Choquette - Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation 0
Day 1: 5 18-13 Total: 5 18-13
3. Bradley Day - Lake Hartwell 5 Alive No Scope 0
Day 1: 5 18-10 Total: 5 18-10
4. Justin Raines - Lake Hartwell 5 Alive No Scope 0
Day 1: 5 17-00 Total: 5 17-00
4. Peyton Sorrow - Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Fall Serie 0
Day 1: 5 17-00 Total: 5 17-00
6. Dalton Head - Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Fall Serie 0
Day 1: 5 16-01 Total: 5 16-01
7. Austin Mccall - Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Scope Trai 0
Day 1: 5 14-05 Total: 5 14-05
8. Xander Patton - Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Scope Trai 0
Day 1: 5 13-02 Total: 5 13-02
9. Hudson Choquette - Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation 0
Day 1: 4 11-14 Total: 4 11-14
10. Ryan Anaya - Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-08 Total: 5 08-08
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 9 49 154-13
----------------------------------
9 49 154-13

by AnglersChannel

Sorrow and Head post convincing victory at TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship

ANDERSON, S.C. — There is no sorrow when you’re head of the pack on the final day of the TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship.

In fact, smiles abounded for Peyton Sorrow and Dalton Head on Thursday after they posted a commanding win on Lake Hartwell.

The tandem, representing the Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Fall Series, caught limits of five bass on both days of the derby, giving them a total of 10 bass for 38 pounds, 9 ounces. That was more than 5 pounds heavier than their closest competitors and it secured Sorrow and Head the $50,000 cash prize awarded to the winning duo on this 76,450-acre reservoir along the South Carolina/Georgia border.

Both Sorrow, 21, and Head, 22, compete for the University of Montevallo (Ala.) bass fishing team. Sorrow is from Abbeville, S.C., less than 40 miles southeast of historic Green Pond Landing, and he cut his teeth fishing on Hartwell. Head, a native of Moody, Ala., often travels north with his teammate to try his luck at one of America’s most-fabled bass fisheries.

The pair fished with that sort of knowledge and confidence in the Team Championship. After catching 22-13 on Day 1 (good for a 4 1/2 -pound cushion on the field), they followed with 15-12 on what proved to be a difficult day for most anglers. A 2 1/2-hour fog delay complicated matters with boats not taking off until 10 a.m. Thursday morning.

“Yesterday we had a really quick start and that helped relax us,” Head said. “Today, when we didn’t start quickly, it kind of felt like the wheels were spinning off. But we just kept plunking away and it eventually worked out for us.”

Sorrow said he and Head had nine bites between them on Thursday, when Hartwell’s bite was altered beneath heavy cloud cover and temperatures that didn’t climb out of the 40s. In all, 115 of the teams caught limits on Thursday when 163 had limits a day earlier.

“We weighed two largemouth and three (spotted bass) today,” Sorrow said. "Of the nine bites, two were nonkeepers and two others were extremely small. The five we weighed really counted today.”

That certainly was a different scenario than seen on Wednesday, when Head lit into a 6-3 largemouth early and Sorrow hooked a 5-12 late in the day to pad their lead.

“We were throwing a crawfish-colored jig and a green pumpkin Neko worm in anywhere from 15 feet of water to 8 feet of water,” Sorrow said. “We were putting the trolling motor down and stopping at anything that looked good, whether it was a steep drop on a point or a long, flat point. We’d move really slow and try to pick it apart … Some of the fish were suspended and some were so tight to the bottom you couldn’t see them.”

With the victory, Sorrow and Head advance to the Classic Fish-Off portion of this tournament, to be held Friday and Saturday on Hartwell. The Top 5 tandems in the Team Championship (10 anglers in all) have had their weights zeroed and they’ll fish individually, with the leader after Saturday’s weigh-in claiming the last spot in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour when it’s held March 13-15 on the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tenn.

Joining them in the Fish-Off are, second, Bradley Day and Justin Raines, Lake Hartwell 5 Alive No Scope, 33-5, $17,000; third, Xander Patton and Austin McCall, Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Scope Trail, 33-1, $12,000; fourth, Hudson Choquette and Barrett Choquette, Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation, 31-15, $8,000; and fifth, Fisher Anaya and Ryan Anaya, Alabama Bass Trail, 31-8, $6,000.

The Anayas, a father-son team, also reached the 2024 Team Championship at Kentucky Lake.

Brad Stalnaker and Chris Lumpkin, of Georgia-based Berry’s Team Trail, weighed the heaviest bass at Hartwell — a 6-4 they boated on Wednesday that earned them a $500 prize. Anderson Jones, of the South Carolina-based Palmetto Boat Center Series, won the Garmin Rewards Trolling Motor Award of $500 for being the top angler using that equipment in the tournament. Jared Whitt, of West Virginia-based Ferguson’s Great Outdoors Trail, won the Garmin Rewards Electronics Award of $500.

Barrett Newton and Wesley Kent were disqualified from the 2025 TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship for violation of Rule No. 5, Part III, regarding receiving information from a noncompetitor about catching bass on tournament waters during a no-information period.

Historic Green Pond Landing, 470 Green Pond Road, in Anderson, S.C., is home to the 2025 TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship and Classic Fish-Off. Day 1 of the Fish-Off is set to begin at 7:20 a.m. ET on Friday. Weigh-in is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET.

Visit Anderson and Green Pond Landing are hosting the week’s events.

2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Team Championship Title Sponsor: TNT Fireworks

2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Title Sponsor: Mercury

2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Presenting Sponsor: Lowrance

About B.A.S.S.

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

2025 TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship 12/3-12/4
Lake Hartwell, Anderson SC.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2

Angler Club/School Pts

1. Peyton Sorrow - Dalton Head Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Fall Serie 0
Day 1: 5 22-13 Day 2: 5 15-12 Total: 10 38-09
2. Bradley Day - Justin Raines Lake Hartwell 5 Alive No Scope 0
Day 1: 5 17-00 Day 2: 5 16-05 Total: 10 33-05
3. Xander Patton - Austin Mccall Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Scope Trai 0
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 17-04 Total: 10 33-01
4. Hudson Choquette - Barrett Choquette Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation 0
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 5 17-00 Total: 10 31-15
5. Fisher Anaya - Ryan Anaya Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 5 15-03 Total: 10 31-08
6. Avery Padgett - David Fincher Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation 0
Day 1: 5 17-15 Day 2: 5 13-07 Total: 10 31-06
7. Damien Willis - Tyler Kiker Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 18-04 Day 2: 5 11-11 Total: 10 29-15
8. Alex Korol - Cameron Alldredge Empire Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 16-04 Total: 10 29-11
9. Peyton Dunn - Luke Mcguffin Palmetto Boat Center 0
Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 14-01 Total: 10 29-10

by AnglersChannel

Registration opening soon for 2026 Bassmaster AmBASSador program

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. officials announced today that registration will open to all B.A.S.S. Members Dec. 9 for the 2026 Bassmaster AmBASSador program, offering fans the opportunity to take part in the action at the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour and the 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series tournaments.

The AmBASSador program gives passionate fans the chance to join the world’s top professional anglers on the water, providing an unparalleled behind-the-scenes look at competition days and preparation at the sport’s highest level.

AmBASSadors have the option of signing up for one Elite event or multiple throughout the season. The $99 Elite AmBASSador program fee and $500 Classic AmBASSador program fee awards participants an AFTCO shirt, an AFTCO hat, an AFTCO gift card, a B.A.S.S. hat and, most importantly, a front-row seat to the world’s best anglers in action. Elite Series AmBASSadors are guaranteed spots for Days 1 and 2 of competition. On Day 3, participation is limited to 30 AmBASSadors based on their registration timestamp and 10 Super AmBASSadors selected for blogging excellence. There are no AmBASSadors on the final day of competition. Classic AmBASSadors will have the opportunity to go out on Friday and Saturday of competition, with the option to participate on the practice day, Wednesday, March 11, 2026. On-site registration will be held Thursday, March 12, 2026.

“The AmBASSador program truly bridges the gap between fans and professional anglers,” said Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament Director Lisa Talmadge. “It allows people to see firsthand the dedication, skill and preparation that go into competing on the Bassmaster Elite Series. Every AmBASSador becomes part of the experience, and that’s something unique to B.A.S.S.”

“Having been an AmBASSador for 12 years, I’ve seen it all and I’ve ridden with them all,” said Super AmBASSador Gary Lee Robin. “Last year, I marshaled with Trey McKinney, Cooper Gallant and Kyoya Fujita to name a few, and let me tell you, these kids can catch ’em! Not only will you get to see the techniques and strategies they use from the inside of the boat, you will also get to know what great, positive people they truly are. Why would anyone walk into a tackle store, spend $200 for lures and bad info when you can spend $99 and ride with the best for two days? You’ll make a memory to keep for a lifetime.”

For more information on becoming an AmBASSador, including registration information and detailed guidelines, visit Bassmaster.com/Elite and look under Resources.

About B.A.S.S.

by AnglersChannel

Sorrow and Head take charge in TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship

ANDERSON, S.C. — Peyton Sorrow and Dalton Head know Lake Hartwell pretty darn well, with Sorrow (who lives in nearby Abbeville, S.C.) frequently bringing his University of Montevallo teammate here to fish his home water.

Despite their advanced knowledge of this 76,450-acre reservoir along the South Carolina/Georgia border, neither young man expected to catch a 22-pound, 13-ounce limit on Day 1 of the TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship.

Nevertheless, that was the result of a bountiful Wednesday on Hartwell for the tandem representing the Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Fall Series in the Team Championship. The 22-13 haul helped Sorrow and Head jump into the early lead in this two-day derby which boasts a $50,000 cash prize for first place — part of a $120,000 total cash purse up for grabs at Hartwell.

The Top 5 teams in the standings after Thursday’s weigh-in will advance to the Classic Fish-Off portion of this event, with the 10 anglers having their weights zeroed and fishing individually for two days. The winner of that competition will clinch the final spot in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour when it’s held March 13-15 on the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tenn.

Sorrow and Head knew it was important to get a solid start in the Team Championship, and they did just that, putting a limit of approximately 15 pounds in the livewell early Wednesday morning. Then Head hooked a 6-3 largemouth that quickly improved their catch by another three pounds.

“We saw lots of fish (in practice) but they didn’t bite,” Sorrow said. “We went to those same areas today, though, and just hunkered down, trying to make things work.

“That big one took a lot of pressure off. It gave us a chance to go fish some new areas and practice for tomorrow. We were able to find some fresh fish and not just keep rotating through the ones we’d been beating up on.”

The new water was productive, too, with Sorrow adding a 5-12 to the mix late on Wednesday.

“We saw some fish there in practice, but we only looked at ’em,” Sorrow said. “And honestly, they didn’t look too big. But today, we threw at ’em and it was like turning on a light switch. That area had just blown up with big fish. We got that big bite then just looked at the rest of them. We let them be for tomorrow.”

Sorrow, 21, and Head, a 22-year-old Moody, Ala., resident, weren’t immediately sure of their Day 2 game plan. They have a few good areas to choose from — a fine problem to have with so much riding on Thursday’s results.

“This lake has a lot of big fish in it,” Sorrow said. “And they’re extremely smart, maybe the smartest fish in the country. They see a lot of pressure. So, anything can happen. We’ll talk about what we want to do and hopefully it works out for us.”

Damien Willis and Tyler Kiker, in second place after Day 1 with an 18-4 limit, have high hopes, too. Having combined for eight previous appearances in the Bassmaster Team Championship, Wednesday was by far the best show either angler has had in the event to date. The Alabama Bass Trail partners believe they figured something out midday that could benefit them as they seek a team title and berths in the Classic Fish-Off.

“It scares me how quickly these lakes can change,” Willis said. “But I think we may have found something. We didn’t catch any of the ones we weighed in today until maybe 9 a.m. We were seeing them but couldn’t catch them. When we changed baits, things started happening.”

Rounding out the Top 5 teams on Day 1 are third, Avery Padgett and David Fincher, of the Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation, 17-15, fourth, Bradley Day and Justin Raines, of Lake Hartwell 5 Alive No Scope, 17-0; and fifth, Kyler Murray and Parker Guy, of Georgia-based Super 6 Shootout, 16-15. Fisher and Ryan Anaya, who compete with the Alabama Bass Trail and were one of three tandems to qualify for the 2024 Classic Fish-Off at Kentucky Lake, are currently in a tie for sixth place at Hartwell with 16-5. Illinois B.A.S.S. Nation duo Austin Moore and Jeffrey Lopez also caught 16-5 on Wednesday.

A total of 200 tandems from 48 different states and three other countries began the tournament. In all, 163 of the duos caught a five-fish limit on Wednesday. Brad Stalnaker and Chris Lumpkin, of Georgia-based Berry’s Team Trail, weighed the heaviest bass (6-4) on Day 1 and are in 12th place overall with 15-11.

Other notable tandems in the hunt include Tyler Campbell and Blake Campbell, of Lake Hartwell 5 Alive, in 10th place with 15-13. They were one of three teams to make the 2024 Classic Fish-Off cut, and Tyler Campbell won that portion of last year’s tournament, earning a spot in this year’s Bassmaster Classic in Fort Worth, Texas. Clint Knight and Noah Morgan won last year’s Team Championship and are in 19th place at Hartwell with 14-13. The Russellville, Ky., pair is representing the National Team Bass Association.

Historic Green Pond Landing, 470 Green Pond Road, in Anderson, S.C., is home to the 2025 TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship. The Day 2 take-off is set to begin at 7:20 a.m. ET with weigh-ins starting at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Visit Anderson and Green Pond Landing are hosting the week’s events.

2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Team Championship Title Sponsor: TNT Fireworks

2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Title Sponsor: Mercury

2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Presenting Sponsor: Lowrance

About B.A.S.S.

by AnglersChannel

Bassmaster College Kayak Series to join select 2026 Bassmaster Kayak Series events

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Building on the success of its inaugural season, B.A.S.S. officials have announced that the Bassmaster College Kayak Series will once again be held in conjunction with select Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft tournaments in 2026.

College anglers will have the opportunity to compete alongside some of the nation’s best kayak anglers at three premier fisheries:

Feb. 7-8: Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Kissimmee, Fla.
April 18-19: Caddo Lake/Lake Bistineau, Shreveport, La.
Aug. 1-2: Susquehanna River, Bloomsburg, Pa.

These events will follow the same tournament format that debuted in 2025, designed to give collegiate competitors valuable national-level experience while spotlighting the growth and skill of the kayak fishing community. College Kayak Series anglers must register and pay entry fees for each regular-season Bassmaster Kayak Series event they compete in. The highest-placing College Kayak Series angler will be named the winner of the College Kayak Series event and receive a trophy and a berth to the 2027 Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship. College Kayak Series anglers will be competing against the regular Kayak Series field, which will make it possible for a College Kayak Series angler to win both the Bassmaster Kayak Series event as well as the College Kayak Series event, as evidenced by Carson-Newman angler Ewing Minor who took home both top prizes at the 2025 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series at Dale Hollow Reservoir presented by Native Watercraft.

“In 2025 we had great experience with the college anglers competing in conjunction with the Bassmaster Kayak Series events,” said B.A.S.S. Kayak Series Tournament Director Steve Owens. “The composure and professionalism they each display is a wonderful thing to see in our sport. We look forward to more colleges joining us as we continue to develop the series and highlight its anglers.”

The Bassmaster College Kayak Series allows student anglers to earn recognition on a national stage, connect with peers from other universities and learn the discipline and preparation required to advance within the upper levels of Bassmaster’s tournament trails.

More information on the Bassmaster College Kayak Series, including registration dates and rules, can be found at Bassmaster.com/Kayak.

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

by AnglersChannel

Martin Reinstated for 2026 BFL All-American Following Disclosures

BENTON, Ky. (Dec. 2, 2025) – Boater Aspen Martin of White, Georgia, has been reinstated for the 2026 Bass Fishing League (BFL) All-American championship following new disclosures after he was disqualified from the Lake Murray Regional held Oct. 10-11.

Martin and boater Matt O’Connell of Brooks, Georgia, were disqualified from the tournament following a protest alleging the anglers violated BFL Rule No. 10, which states, in part, that contestants may not use mobile communication devices to communicate with anyone about locating or catching fish on tournament waters during tournament hours.

As part of MLF’s investigation of the protest, both anglers were asked to take a polygraph, at MLF’s expense, as prescribed by tournament rules. Martin cooperated with the investigation and took the polygraph as requested. The results of the polygraph indicated deception (untruthful) responses to the relevant questions asked during the exam, resulting in Martin’s disqualification.

After failing the initial polygraph, Martin turned over text messages from O’Connell showing that O’Connell had requested information about catching fish on tournament waters during tournament hours at the Lake Murray Regional. The messages also show that Martin did not provide the requested information. Based on the disclosure, Martin was granted a second polygraph, at his expense, that considered the text exchange in which information was requested, but none was provided. No deception was indicated in the second polygraph that was administered by an independent examiner mutually agreed upon by MLF and Martin. As such, Martin will be allowed to compete in the 2026 All-American and his $8,530 in winnings from the regional will be restored. He will, however, receive a fine of $500 for failing to report O’Connell’s violation.

O’Connell declined to take a polygraph as requested following the protest and withdrew from the 2025 Toyota Series Championship after being informed that refusal to take the exam would result in disqualification from the Lake Murray Regional and ineligibility to participate in the event. Following his refusal to take a polygraph, O’Connell was suspended from MLF competition through the 2026 season, with eligibility to reapply in 2027. Based on Martin’s subsequent disclosures, however, O’Connell’s suspension has been extended through 2027, with eligibility to reapply in 2028.

“This is an unfortunate situation that could have been avoided had Aspen immediately informed the tournament director of the rule violation by a fellow competitor, which he had direct knowledge of, as required by BFL rule number one,” said Boyd Duckett, MLF President and CEO. “Had he done so, the polygraphs would have been unnecessary. If you are aware of a rule violation, it is your duty to report it to the tournament director.”

As a result of the initial disqualifications, boaters William Bates of Alpharetta, Georgia, and Chad Sims of Lancaster, South Carolina, moved up to second and third place, respectively, in the regional and will advance to the 2026 All-American. Both anglers will keep their All-American spots as well as the adjusted payouts they received along with the remainder of the Lake Murray Regional boaters. Martin’s reinstatement means the 2026 All-American will include an extra boater and co-angler for a field of 47 boats. The extra co-angler spot, to balance the field, goes to Wayne Smelser of Wytheville, Virginia, who finished fourth in the Lake Murray Regional.

by AnglersChannel

2026 NPFL Championship Coming to Smith Lake

CULLMAN, Alabama—The National Professional Fishing League and Visit Cullman are excited to announce that the 2026 NPFL Championship will be held on historic Lewis Smith Lake and hosted by Visit Cullman. The three-day event will run February 26-28 and feature 42 qualifying anglers from the 2025 season.

“Our first visit to Smith Lake will be an important one since it kicks off our 2026 season,” says NPFL president Brad Fuller. “It’s our third annual Championship event and will be the starting point for what’s going to be our biggest year ever. Alabama has hosted four previous league events, and we’ve enjoyed a strong relationship with the state and its bass fishing supporters who have made Alabama a major hub in the tournament world.”

Visit Cullman is one of the sport’s staunchest supporters.

“We are honored to host the 2026 NPFL Championship and welcome these elite anglers to Cullman County,” says Harmony Heard, Executive Director of Visit Cullman. “Smith Lake is one of the most unique and beautiful fisheries in the country, and we are thrilled to showcase our natural resources, hospitality, and the outstanding community that makes Cullman such a special place. Major fishing events like the NPFL Championship play an important role in strengthening Cullman’s local economy. Over this three-day tournament, visiting anglers and spectators will contribute to increased hotel stays, restaurant visits, and retail purchases, supporting small businesses throughout the community. We are grateful for our partnership with NPFL and look forward to welcoming them to our destination.”

Renowned as the most celebrated spotted bass lake in the world, Smith Lake produced several world records in the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s. Since that time, the genetics of those giants have been transplanted across much of the country and still produce the biggest examples of the species. The lake also boasts a thriving population of largemouth bass.

About the National Professional Fishing League

The National Professional Fishing League exists to elevate competitive bass fishing by creating a platform defined by integrity, competition, and tradition. We believe that bass fishing is more than a sport—it is a lifestyle, a culture, and a path to family, friends, and fulfillment. Our mission is to provide anglers and fans with an authentic and accessible experience that honors the spirit of the sport while building a community united by shared passion and purpose.

For more information, visit our website.

by AnglersChannel

Fish Tip Friday - Bring the Thunder with Heavy Bladed Jigs

By Vance McCullough, AC Insider

Bladed jigs dominate. In bass tournaments. Just fun fishing. From pros in big boats to weekend anglers in kayaks to the hardcore shore-bound bank beaters, these angry little jigs with a thin metal blade attached to the head have been responsible for countless catches, amassing heavy weights and tons of tournament cash.

They all work, to an extent, but as with any tool we use in pursuit of our sport, some are simply a cut above the rest of the pack.

Strike King Pro Tristan McCormick proved he’s a cut above the rest by qualifying for the Bassmaster Elite Series via the gauntlet that is the Bassmaster EQ Series. McCormick used forward-facing sonar and a ‘pinging minnow’ to earn his invite to the big leagues by clearing the final EQ hurdle on Lake Okeechobee recently. He’s good with the latest technology as he demonstrated on a trip to a lake in South Georgia last fall. Then, after he walked us through the particulars of ‘video-gaming’ fish with his electronics, McCormick turned his back to the depths and began to dissect shoreline cover with a Strike King Tungsten Thunder Cricket.

“Three-quarters ounce,” said McCormick, then a hustling, hopeful angler trying to make it to the top of the sport. “Everybody throws a bladed jig, but few people use one this heavy and they’re really missing out. Sure, it works well out there where we just were, but it also shines around shallow cover. You can zip it along and it will stay down, getting solid bites from big fish.

“People might think it’s too heavy to use in the shallows, or that it’ll get constantly hung up, but that blade creates a lot of lift and this bait comes through clean.”

Then again, a little snag here and there allows anglers to pop it out of shallow grass and draw vicious reactions from fish. Contact with cover gives the bait a chance to deflect and carrom off stumps, dock pilings and the grass that begs for a bladed jig in the first place.

Sometimes it’s the lack of noise that counts. “I have more control over a slightly heavier bait,” noted McCormick, “so I can pitch this thing in there with barely a ripple. Let it swing gently from the rod tip and use its momentum to get it in there nice and easy. It’s just suddenly in their face with no warning and then it takes off, rattling away and that draws some mean strikes!”

I’ve had a year to test McCormick’s ideas and I have to give him an assist on the extra bites I’ve generated with the heavier-than-usual vibrating jig.

Tungsten construction makes the head small enough to capitalize on the extra weight, keeping it down in the water column. It’s density gives this version of the Thunder Cricket a unique clacking sound that calls bass from cover. Couple that with the tight action that this bait is known for versus other lures in the category and you have a serious weapon on the end of your line.

I was reminded of the 3/4oz’s prowess while fishing offshore hydrilla this week. I used 4 other bladed jigs, including half-ounce Thunder Crickets. I struck out with them. I tied-on the heavier model and instantly hooked a 4-lber. Two casts after releasing that fish, I got soaked by another of equal or greater size that basted the bait at boatside as I was lifting it out of the water.

Needless to say, I fished the 3/4oz tungsten version of my favorite bladed jig the rest of the day and was delighted by the action a half mile from the bank and, later, in the skinniest water I could find. This adaptability makes the heavy bladed jig perfect for finding and catching scattered bass in the fall when a 5-fish limit could come from 5 different places, each with it’s own depth and cover options.

Be ready for anything with the 3/4oz bladed jig!

by AnglersChannel

Everything you need to know about MLF’s 2026 forward-facing sonar rules

BENTON, Ky. (Nov. 26, 2025) – Starting in 2026, Major League Fishing will restrict the use of forward-facing sonar at all professional and boater/co-angler levels of competition, from the Phoenix Bass Fishing League to the Bass Pro Tour. The decision to limit the technology was made in response to positive feedback from fans and anglers about the forward-facing sonar restrictions implemented on the Bass Pro Tour in 2025 as well as feedback from participants at lower levels.

The goal of these restrictions is to promote multi-dimensional angling – allowing anglers to utilize the latest technology while also creating an environment in which traditional techniques remain highly competitive. MLF believes these rules will make for more dynamic, entertaining competitions and will drive tournament participation, thus enhancing payouts.

A full FAQ page that answers the most common questions received by MLF regarding the forward-facing sonar rules can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The 2026 rules regarding forward-facing sonar for each circuit will be as follows:

Bass Pro Tour

No changes from 2025.
Anglers will only be allowed to utilize forward-facing/360-degree sonar for one of three competition periods per day and must declare in advance which period they intend to use it.
The technology will not be restricted during B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters or Fishing Clash Team Series competition, as anglers in those events compete in identical, league-issued boats.

Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit

Anglers will be allowed to utilize forward-facing/360-degree sonar for one 3-hour segment during each competition day.
The 3-hour segment must be continuous.
Restrictions will be enforced via electronic lock boxes that track how long they are unlocked as well as live-streaming security cameras onboard each pro’s boat.

Toyota Series and Phoenix Bass Fishing League

Boaters will be allowed to utilize forward-facing and 360-degree sonar for one 3-hour segment during each competition day.
The 3-hour segment must be continuous.
Co-anglers will act as accountability stewards, like they have done for decades with regard to other tournament rules, and must sign off on boaters following all rules at the end of each competition day.
Co-anglers are allowed to bring a portable forward-facing sonar transducer, but may only utilize it during the same 3-hour period that their boater chooses to use forward-facing sonar. If the boater does not use forward-facing sonar, co-anglers may do so during the final 3 hours of the day.

Abu Garcia College Fishing

No restrictions on forward-facing or 360-degree sonar.

Abu Garcia High School Fishing

Forward-facing and 360-degree sonar are not permitted during any MLF regular season competition.
Forward-facing and 360-degree sonar are not restricted in the High School Fishing National Championship that runs concurrently with the High School Fishing World Finals, as this is a jointly operated event with The Bass Federation.
Events operated by MLF for state high school athletic associations, including KHSAA, GHSA, IHSA and LHSAA, will operate according to rules adopted by the associations.

For complete details and the latest news from Major League Fishing, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

by AnglersChannel

7 Brew Coffee Becomes Title Sponsor of MLF5 Angler of the Year Awards

BENTON, Ky. (Nov. 25, 2025) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today that 7 Brew Coffee has been named title sponsor of the Angler of the Year (AOY) programs for the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit, Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats and Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine.

The announcement comes as MLF launches a revitalized Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit in 2026 with improved payouts and a competitive framework designed to further elevate professional bass fishing. With 7 Brew Coffee stepping in as AOY sponsor across all three circuits, the brand will be prominently connected to one of the sport’s most respected honors.

Founded in Rogers, Arkansas – home of the historic Beaver Lake – 7 Brew Coffee is one of the fastest-growing drive-thru beverage concepts in the nation, known for its upbeat service, customizable drinks and strong community presence across many of the regions where MLF anglers compete. Its addition as AOY title sponsor strengthens the connection between two brands fueled by energy, passion and dedication to being the best in their respective spaces.

7 Brew Coffee 2026 Angler of the Year Awards:

Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit 7 Brew Coffee Angler of the Year: $50,000 Phoenix 819 Pro powered by a 200-HP outboard
Toyota Series 7 Brew Coffee Angler of the Year: $5,000 per division (five divisions total)
Phoenix Bass Fishing League 7 Brew Coffee Angler of the Year: $1,000 per division (24 divisions total)

7 Brew Coffee branding and integration will be featured prominently throughout the 2026 season, including consistent visibility during AOY coverage across MLF digital channels, livestreaming, on-site at event locations and multiple MLF media platforms. Fans can expect to see the 7 Brew Angler of the Year races featured in season-long coverage across the Pro Circuit, Toyota Series and BFL events.

For more information about 7Brew Coffee, visit 7brew.com. For regular MLF5 updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

by AnglersChannel

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