B.A.S.S. Nation 2023 regional championship schedule announced
The 2023 TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Series schedule features five regional championship events.
Photo by Grant Moxley/B.A.S.S.
January 18, 2023
B.A.S.S. Nation 2023 regional championship schedule announced
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The 2023 TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation schedule features five opportunities for grass-roots anglers to battle some of the country’s best bass fisheries. Each regional championship will provide opportunities for everyday anglers to qualify for the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Championship and a shot at one of three berths in the 2024 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic.
“As we’ve seen in the past with anglers like 2010 B.A.S.S. Nation champion and two-time Angler of the Year Brandon Palaniuk and Taylor Smith, who represented the Nation with a Top 10 finish at the 2022 Classic, the B.A.S.S. Nation can be a fantastic opportunity for weekend anglers to fish for big money on a big stage or the gateway to a stellar career in professional fishing,” said B.A.S.S. Vice President of Tournaments Chris Bowes. “All of these anglers are going to have the opportunity to compete on fantastic and historic fisheries. We’re proud to offer three Nation anglers the opportunity to compete in the iconic Bassmaster Classic, where anything is possible.”
The schedule will kick off next spring with the Central Regional on the Arkansas River in Muskogee, Okla., May 3-5. The fishery, known for its variety of structure, has hosted a dozen major B.A.S.S. events, including two Bassmaster Classics and, most recently, a 2020 Bassmaster Open.
After a stop at Douglas Lake in Jefferson County, Tenn., May 24-26 for the Southeast Regional, the schedule will swing to the upper region of the United States in June with the Northeast Regional on the Potomac River in Charles County, Md., June 7-9 and the Northern Regional June 28-30 on Lake Winnebago in Fox Cities, Wis.
"We are excited to welcome B.A.S.S Nation anglers to the Fox Cities of Wisconsin for the first time in 2023,” said Matt Ten Haken, director of sports marketing for the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The competitors will find that our waterways are some of the best fisheries in the Midwest and will surely provide a fun challenge. When they are not on the water, the unique dining, shopping and nightlife options of the Fox Cities will make for a complete weekend experience.”
The final regular-season event, the Western Regional, along with the date and location for the 2023 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship will be announced at a later date.
The Championship tournament will be made up of qualifiers from all five regionals as well as international anglers and the Paralyzed Veterans of America Angler of the Year. The Top 3 anglers from the overall standings will earn a berth to the 2024 Bassmaster Classic.
The winner of the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship will earn the title of “Nation’s Best,” which includes the use of a fully-rigged tournament boat for a year, an invitation to join the 2024 Bassmaster Elite Series and a cash prize. The second- and third-place finishers and nonboater champion will each earn paid entry fees for all divisions of the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens as well.
“The B.A.S.S. Nation local clubs have been the foundation of our organization for more than five decades and mean so much to so many different people,” said GL Compton, tournament director for the B.A.S.S. Nation. “As someone who grew up fishing with the South Carolina B.A.S.S. Nation, I know that these clubs add so much to the culture and growth of our sport through their conservation efforts and youth events and initiatives.”
2023 TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Schedule
Central Regional: May 3-5, Arkansas River, Muskogee, Okla.
Southeast Regional: May 24-26, Douglas Lake, Jefferson County, Tenn.
Northeast Regional: June 7-9, Potomac River, Charles County, Md.
Northern Regional: June 28-30, Lake Winnebago, Fox Cities, Wis.
Western Regional: September 13-15, TBD
2023 B.A.S.S. Nation Title Sponsor: TNT Fireworks
2023 B.A.S.S. Nation Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2023 B.A.S.S. Nation Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2023 B.A.S.S. Nation Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
Thrown to the wolves
The guys welcome Bassmaster Elite Series angler Drew Benton to talk about his career path so far and what has helped him become a consistent angler, leading to an awesome 2022 season. Tournament results and West Coast news on this episode of the AnglersChannel Insider Podcast.
Nightwave, marine digital night vision camera can now stream to a mobile device via the new SIONYX app
SIONYX, leader of digital night vision camera technology, announces the launch of the new SIONYX app, offering Nightwave camera users more flexibility and installation options.
Nightwave, which launched in July 2022, is the first of its kind digital night vision camera which allows mariners to see a 44-degree field of view in color in ultra-low-light conditions. Upon launch, the marine camera could only connect to a boat's MFD via analog or a computer system via USB to display video. With the addition of the new SIONYX app, the WiFi-enabled camera can now seamlessly stream live video to a tablet or phone. This option gives night vision accessibility to all types of boaters and offers more situational flexibility than ever before. In addition to its streaming capabilities, the app has convenient control functions that help users set up their camera for optimal use. Over time, the SIONYX product team will work to enhance and add new features to the camera, which will all be upgradeable through the app via over-the-air firmware updates.
Nightwave was created to provide navigational aid and added safety to those operating a boat in ultra low-light conditions. Whether a mariner is cruising to distant places on a sailboat, or a fisherman is traversing the open sea before the sun comes up, Nightwave is a tool that enhances safety on the water and allows boaters to navigate with confidence.
SIONYX App Key Features:
• Stream Nightwave video up to 30fps via WiFi: Mariners can connect their WIFi enabled Nightwave camera and stream to any mobile device that supports Android or iOS through the new SIONYX app. Users also have the option to connect Nightwave to a boat's MFD via analog output, integrating into existing electronics systems.
• Connect multiple mobile devices to one Nightwave camera: Multiply the eyes on the sea by connecting to multiple mobile devices or connect Nightwave to an MFD and mobile device simultaneously, increasing nighttime vision to make voyages in the dark even safer.
• Stay up-to-date and in complete control: The Nightwave app offers easy-to-use command and control features and over-the-air wireless firmware updates to ensure that mariners have the latest software.
For more information about Nightwave or SIONYX products, visit www.Sionyx.com.
Sportsman’s Warehouse Jacksonville Grand Opening video
https://youtu.be/TqBqR3_N1e0
The AnglersChannel crew was onsite at the grand opening of the Sportsman’s Warehouse in Jacksonville. Come join us as we give you a peek at this new one stop outdoors store in northern Florida.
MLF Bass Fishing League Gator Division Opener on Lake Okeechobee Cancelled Due to High Winds
WHAT:
The BFL Gator Division season-opener tournament on Lake Okeechobee, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 14, has been cancelled due to forecasted high winds and unsafe conditions. The event, set to launch at Roland & Mary Ann Martin’s Marina & Resort in Clewiston, has been canceled and a new date will be announced in the coming days.
NOTES:
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five winners in each Gator Division qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 12-14 Bass Fishing League Regional tournament on the Lake Eufaula in Eufaula, Alabama.
The 2023 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2023 All-American event will take place May 31-June 2, on Lake Hartwell in Seneca, South Carolina. The event is hosted by Visit Oconee SC.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Texas Team Trail Announces Bassmaster Classic Qualifying
Starting the year off with a BMP!
Welcome back to another season of the AC Insider podcast! DX and KG decide to start the year with none other than 2022 Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year, Brandon Palaniuk. The guys then dive in to changes, changes and more changes.
B.A.S.S. adds new EVP of Sales & Business Development
January 12, 2023
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S., the preeminent name in sportfishing, is pleased to announce the addition of Phillip Johnson as Executive Vice President of Sales & Business Development. Johnson brings 25 years of experience in sales and operations management, business leadership, client relations, strategic planning and new growth market identification to the organization.
Johnson spent 15 years with Anderson Merchandisers, a leading provider of in-store service and sales solutions. Johnson rose through the ranks as Field Execution Director, Senior Program Manager and Divisional Director. Most recently, he served as the Vice President, Walmart Account Executive, where he led the company’s rapidly growing Special Projects Division.
“We are excited to welcome Phillip to the B.A.S.S. team,” said Chase Anderson, CEO of B.A.S.S. “I’ve personally had the pleasure of working with Phillip previously and look forward to the strong work ethic, strategic vision and leadership he will bring to supporting our members, sponsors and associates, strengthening our processes and expanding the Bassmaster brand.”
In addition to sales and business development, Johnson will also oversee marketing, licensing, events, communications and membership.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to support an iconic brand with passionate fans at Bassmaster and work to enhance the experience for all our members, sponsors and associates,” said Johnson. “I look forward to the launch of a successful 2023 tournament season and expanding the brand through strategic partnerships and evolving opportunities that create value for everyone associated with B.A.S.S.”
Females in Fisheries scholarship application deadline April 15
January 12, 2023
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Applications are being accepted until April 15 for the 2023 Noreen Clough Memorial Scholarship for Females in Fisheries. The two scholarships will honor female graduate students with a demonstrated commitment to pursuing a career in fishery management and conservation. The women selected will best reflect Noreen’s passion and commitment to the profession and to the sport of fishing.
This will be the seventh year that the American Fisheries Society Black Bass Conservation Committee and B.A.S.S. have awarded the scholarships. In 2022 the honors went to Iowa State University student Madeline Lewis of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and Noel Schmitz, of Sparta, Wis., who is studying at The Ohio State University.
Clough blazed many trails in the field of fisheries. As the first female regional director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and later as the B.A.S.S. Conservation Director, her long and distinguished career was dedicated to the conservation and management of fish and wildlife. Clough passed away in January 2015 from pancreatic cancer. As a tribute to her, friends and colleagues established an endowment to provide a scholarship for female students working toward a career in fisheries conservation.
More information on the scholarship requirements and judging criteria can be found at Bassmaster.com/conservation-news or by contacting B.A.S.S. National Conservation Director Gene Gilliland at [email protected].
American Tackle Wins Again!
Sunline Add's Elite Pros Austin Felix & Cody Huff To Its Pro Team
Torrance, California. — Sunline America is proud to announce the addition of Bassmaster Elite Series pros Austin Felix and Cody Huff to its coveted pro staff for the 2023 tournament season.
Sunline President Nobuyuki Kajio is excited to be adding these two accomplished young anglers to their pro staff. “Our pro staff had a record year in 2022 and we have added two more accomplished anglers likeCody and Austin. Both anglers have demonstrated their skills under a wide range of conditions and both have a very detailed and technical approach to their fishing line. We wish these new team members and our entire pro team great success in the coming season.”
Sunline is a Japanese fishing line manufacturer, established in 1977. Sunline produces every conceivable type of fishing line for every type of target and fishing method. Materials include nylon, fluorocarbon, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, polyester (polyethylene terephthalate), and metal.
Sunline maintains a top share in the Japanese line market and exports its line to more than 40 countries worldwide. Sunline America is a subsidiary of Sunline Japan and is responsible for distribution and marketing in North American markets. The fundamental concept at Sunline has always been to develop a thinner, stronger fishing line. The company is constantly challenging itself to give full play to its original technology in the creation of new products including patented technology like Plasma Rise.
Gamakatsu hooks title sponsorship for Bassmaster Elite at Lake Seminole
January 10, 2023
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Gamakatsu, a leading manufacturer and innovator of fishing hooks and terminal tackle, has signed on as the tournament title sponsor for the Bassmaster Elite Series at Lake Seminole. The 2023 Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite at Lake Seminole will be held February 23-26 in Bainbridge, Ga.
“Gamakatsu has had a great relationship with B.A.S.S. over the years, and we are excited to advance this year with the title sponsorship of the Seminole event,” said Ted Thibault, sales manager at Gamakatsu USA. “The Seminole event will feature big bass caught with a wide range of techniques. We are excited to showcase the Gamakatsu brand and our wide range of products inside of this great tournament.”
While Seminole was once a familiar stop on the Bassmaster Tournament Trail — B.A.S.S. has visited the 37,500-acre Chattahoochee River reservoir 15 times since 1968 — there hasn’t been an event on the fishery since 2015. The lake has historically been known for some of the best sight fishing for bedding largemouth in the country, and the timing of the event in late February could play right into that storyline.
Gamakatsu has deep relationships within the Elite Series ranks, with 17 current Elite Series anglers on their pro staff, including 2022 Elite Series champion Drew Cook of Cairo, Ga., who has been fishing Seminole for most of his life.
“I'm very excited to have a company that has believed in and been with me my whole career sponsoring an event on my home lake,” said Cook. “Seminole is fishing great, and I think we will see some really big weights fishing multiple patterns.”
Live coverage of all four days of the Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite at Lake Seminole starts Thursday, Feb. 23 on Bassmaster.com and the FOX Sports digital platforms. FS1 will also broadcast live with the tournament leaders beginning at 8 a.m. ET on Saturday and Sunday.
Picasso Lures Releases Speed Drop
Designed with Million Dollar Winner, College Phenom Tucker Smith
Indiana, Penn. - January 2, 2023 – The fishing world has become enamored with the advent of Forward-Facing Sonar. When anglers discussed how they won events in the past, the answer would be a technique or a lure category. Now, thanks to advancements in electronics, one technique that is used now is the term “Livescoping.” This general term refers to the angler using the forward-facing sonar of their choice, seeing fish in the water column and casting to it to trigger strikes.
Many products have been used to cast to these fish seen on the screen, but the products used were repurposed from those designed for other techniques.
Until now. Picasso Lures, in collaboration with Tucker Smith, the Auburn University College Bass Fishing Champion and one half of the $1-million winning team of the Bass Pro Shops U.S. Open National Bass Fishing Championship, introduce the Speed Drop Jighead.
The Speed Drop is a uniquely designed round jighead that is engineered to get down to the fish quickly and efficiently, and keep the lure presented properly to the fish once there.
The 20-year-old Auburn University junior has quickly established himself as a force in the bass fishing game with college level wins to go along with the U.S. Open National Bass Fishing Championship, he is also a skilled tactician.
Smith said the Speed Drop is something that was needed for targeting fish on forward facing sonar. “There are heads out there that we’ve all been using, but they have limitations,” he said. “Standard heads spiral on the fall; they have hooks that are weak, and they don’t keep the bait horizontalthrough the whole retrieve; the Speed Drop is better at all of those.”
He said that he and Terry Monteleone at Picasso Lures worked together to achieve the perfect head for the technique. They modified the shape of the head to speed up the sink rate and remove the spiraling action, put in a small, thin, 2X strong hook, adjusted the line tie position and incorporated a low angle dual barb bait keeper.
“The tapered head makes the lure fall fast and straight without spiraling,” said Smith. “The keeper barbs are at a tight angle for easy rigging and holding all types of plastics tight. The line tie is made so that the bait stays as horizontal as possible through the retrieve; it has increased my success ratio a lot.”
Monteleone added that they looked at the market and made improvements. “The hook was the first thing, it needed to be strong enough, but still thindiameter” he said. “The tapered head and bait keepers were vital to action and presentation, but the line tie position was key to making the lure look natural during the retrieve. With most heads, the bait is hanging tail down after the lure gets past a certain point of the retrieve, and we wanted it to be effective throughout the cast.”
Aside from his general fishing knowledge, Monteleone said they love having Smith being a part of the Picasso Lures team. “Tucker is a young man who is extraordinarily accomplished for his young age,” said Monteleone. “He has a maturity beyond his years, and he loves to learn and improve his craft. He’s a pleasure to work with and a great representation for our company – this product is evidence of his skillset and knowledge.”
The Speed Drop is available in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2-ounce sizes, it will be available in five colors to match the most popular shad imitating colors in use today. Built on 2/0 and 3/0 2X Strong Gamakatsu hooks, comes in packs of two and retails for $5.98.
Picasso Lures are produced in their US manufacturing facility located in Pennsylvania. For more information visit Picasso Lures on the web at www.picassooutdoors.com and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PicassoLures/.
Heck Yeah! Lufkin Boater Hayden Heck Kicks Off MLF Season with Victory at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event on Sam Rayburn Reservoir
|
Sam Rayburn winners, boater Hayden Heck of Lufkin, Texas (l) and Strike-King co-angler Tim Hawkins of Anna, Texas (r).
|
| BROOKELAND, Texas (Jan. 9, 2023) – Boater Hayden Heck of Lufkin, Texas, caught a five-bass limit weighing 28 pounds, 11 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Sam Rayburn Reservoir . The tournament, hosted by the Jasper County Development District, was the season-opening event for the BFL Cowboy Division. Heck earned $14,000, including the lucrative $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus, for his victory.
“I started out and ran up the lake a way, then stopped on my first spot I had and just got lucky,” said Heck. “My first couple of casts I pulled a couple of fish off the spot.” Heck said he left his first spot and roamed the lake, relocating to different areas and picking off fish. Heck said he threw a combination of a crankbait, a big worm and a jig to boat his bass and targeted hard spots in eight to 20 feet of water. He said his big bass, an 8-pound, 5-ounce largemouth that was the Berkley Big Bass of the day, fell for a Zoom Trick Worm. “These spots were nothing special,” Heck said. “It was just a lot of graphing to find the little areas that the fish get on in the winter time. I had three areas I felt really confident in, and there were little schools of four or five fish on them – nothing crazy.” Heck said he relocated to Texas four years ago to pursue tournament fishing, and said he spends four to five days a week fishing Sam Rayburn. That time on the water seems to have paid off for Heck, as he said he caught only five fish during the course of the day – the right five fish. Confident in the weight in his livewell, he stopped fishing and tried to find areas to boost his co-angler’s weight. “I got lucky and got a bite or two off of each spot, and it all worked out,” Heck went on to say. “I’m really happy with the way I fished. I’m just hoping I can go out and do the same thing next time.” The top 10 boaters finished the tournament: 1st: Hayden Heck, Lufkin, Texas, five bass, 28-11, $14,000 (includes $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus) Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com. Heck’s largemouth that weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces, was the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division and earned him the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $1,000.
Tim Hawkins of Anna, Texas, won the Strike King co-angler division and a total of $3,000 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that weighed 15 pounds, 11 ounces. The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished: 1st: Tim Hawkins, Anna, Texas, five bass, 15-11, $3,000 Matzke earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $500, catching a largemouth that weighed in at 9 pounds, 10 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 5-7 BFL Regional tournament on Lake Eufaula in Eufaula, Oklahoma. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard. The 2023 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2023 All-American event will take place May 31-June 2, on Lake Hartwell in Seneca, South Carolina. The event is hosted by Visit Oconee SC. Proud sponsors of the 2023 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 4WP, 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, General Tire, Grundéns, Gill, Lew’s, Lowrance, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Wiley X and YETI. For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. |
New Phoenix Boats/Alabama Bass Trail Pay Day Cash Bonus Announced for Anglers Competing in Alabama Bass Trail Tournaments in 2023
Decatur, Ala. (January 9, 2023) - The Alabama Bass Trail (ABT), the largest team trail tournament fishing organization in the Southeast, is excited to announce a new bonus program to the 2023 tournament schedule which gets underway January 21 on Lake Wedowee for the ABT 100 Series and February 11 on Lewis Smith for the ABT Tournament Series.
In 2023, Phoenix Boats will sponsor a $2,500 cash bonus called the Phoenix Boats Pay Day through the Alabama Bass Trail to the highest finishing angler in each tournament of the ABT Tournament Series and ABT 100 Series who fishes out of their original-owner Phoenix Boat. To qualify for the Phoenix Boats Pay Day, angler must:
- Be the original owner and compete in their Phoenix Boat during the tournament all tournament days.
- Be the highest finishing team inside the top 25 and there is not a Phoenix Boats’ First Flight Winner.
- Have the Phoenix Boat registered with the Alabama Bass Trail staff prior to tournament date, entry forms will be available through the Alabama Bass Trail.
- Have a photo made on stage the day of the tournament with the Phoenix Boats Pay Day check.
- Final decisions will be made by the Director of the Alabama Bass Trail.“What a great way to celebrate the tenth year of our relationship with Phoenix Boats,” said ABT Program Director Kay Donaldson. “Phoenix Boats recognizes the loyalty that has been shown by ABT anglers and have graciously expanded their current bonus program to include a $2,500 highest finisher bonus. We love working with our partners to create opportunities to put more money in the pockets of our dedicated anglers and that is exactly what this will do.”
The ABT Tournament Series will continue to be sanctioned as a Phoenix Boats First Flight Program Tier One tournament. Original owners who finish in first place in a Tier One Tournament will be paid First Flight Tournament Rewards. Tier One entitles the winner of an ABT event who is registered and qualifies for Phoenix First Flight to win up to $7,000. Winners are not eligible for the additional $2,500.
“Phoenix Boats prides itself on being the title sponsor of the Alabama Bass Trail Tournament Series since day one and we are thrilled to continue to grow with them. We recognize the loyalty the Alabama Bass Trail anglers have shown toward our brand and we want to thank them in a big way with this new bonus program that is tailored to them,” says Teresa Johnson, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Phoenix Boats.
Headquartered in Winchester, Tenn., Phoenix Bass Boats was established in 2007. The headquarters are located in a modern 125,000 square foot facility on 10 acres and offer 14 models of boats ranging in size from 18 feet 6 inches to 21 feet 6 inches in length. For more information, visit www.phoenixbassboats.com.
For more information on the ABT and its tournaments, visit www.alabamabasstrail.org or call Donaldson at 855.9FISHAL.
Lester: FFS and fewer suppers from a sack
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
You might think after the phenomenal season Team Toyota’s Brandon Lester had in 2022, there’d be no need for him to make any New Year’s resolutions for ’23, but a champ like Lester is always looking to improve his game. So, count him among the 40% of Americans with a fresh list of goals for self-improvement as a new year begins.
“I always say I want to catch more fish in the season ahead than I did last year, and if I do that, it’ll be a pretty epic year ahead,” smiles the humble Tennessee pro.
“But I also want to keep learning more about forward facing sonar (FFS)and clean up my diet to a point that old Tim McGraw song that talks about “another supper from a sack, a 99-cent heart attack” doesn’t haunt me anymore,” laughs Lester.
Lester loves country music, and he says that particular McGraw lyric crosses his mind literally every time he finds himself chasing a fast, easy, meal in a paper sack amid tackle preparation for the next day.
“My wife Kim is a personal fitness trainer, so when she and my girls are on the road with me we tend to eat fairly healthy, but a lot of the time I’m alone, and the last thing I want to do is sit at a lonely table inside a restaurant and eat a salad. So, I’ve got to start looking for healthier options I can grab on-the-go this season,” says Lester.
Speaking of food on the go, he says his continued study of forward-facing sonar has revealed bass are far more ‘on the move’ in their hunt for food than he ever realized. To the point not even a cozy brushpile is necessarily a place they call home for hours or days at a time, but instead more like a drive-thru window they dip into to ambush bait, and then often move on from.
“What I’ve learned from studying Lowrance’s Active Target is pretty mind-blowing. I’ve seen bass on the move so many times, I think it’s the reason we can catch fish on the exact same stretch of shoreline somebody else just fished. I think fish are always moving in and out of feeding locations like we do our favorite restaurants,” he explains.
Lester says he feels good about his practice day strategies, the lures he leans on most, and his mental approach to the career he loves. But as a pro he admits he’s constantly thinking on how to get better at his craft.
“You can debate forward facing sonar all you want, but the fact of the matter is, it’s a technology that’s here to stay. You either embrace it or get left behind. So I’m embracing it, constantly trying to interpret it better, and catch more fish with it,” he says.
His commitment to mastering fishing’s latest game-changing sonar is a sure bet, but we might need to encourage him a little extra when it comes to staying clear of paper bag dinners in the year ahead.
AMERICAN BAITWORKS INTRODUCES NEW SPEED FREAK SPINNERBAIT
OCEAN SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI – January 6, 2023. Anglers, are you tired of spinnerbaits that wash out at the surface and just can't keep up with your fast retrieves? American Baitworks has the solution for you with the new Speed Freak™ Spinnerbait from Freedom Tackle.
This keel head spinnerbait is designed to stay down and slice through the water, even on Mach-speed retrieves. Its unique down-winged head creates downforce on the bait, allowing it to achieve high speeds. The head is finished with a 2-barb super sticky bait keeper and a premium black nickel hook, sized matched for the spinnerbait weight and size-stamped on the head. The head also features a proprietary collar to increase skirt flair.
But the FT Speed Freak's performance doesn't stop there. It also features a patented Kilter blade, which allows for an erratic action from the bait and skirt that fish have never felt before, with a truly unique vibration and flash. This blade sets the Speed Freak apart from other spinnerbaits on the market. It's sure to become a favorite among anglers.
Compact and Full Frame versions of the Speed Freak are available, allowing you to shorten up when the bass are short-striking or chasing small jaws with a compact frame. The compact version is also great for targeting smaller fish or for use in areas with heavy cover, while the full frame version is ideal for larger fish and open-water situations. No matter what you’re fishing, the Speed Freak has you covered.
In the world of fishing, speed is key. And with the new Speed Freak Spinnerbait from American Baitworks, you can run your bait as fast as you want without sacrificing performance. Its unique head design and patented Kilter blade make it the ultimate high-speed spinnerbait, and it's available now in a variety of sizes and colors to suit any angler's needs. Don't miss out on this exciting new product – try the Speed Freak Spinnerbait today and feel the rush of reeling in the big one.
At American Baitworks, we're committed to providing the highest quality fishing products on the market. That's why we've put so much time and effort into perfecting the Speed Freak Spinnerbait. We believe that it's the best spinnerbait available, and we're confident that you'll agree once you give it a try. So why wait? Get your hands on a Speed Freak today and see the difference for yourself. Now available at Bass Pro Shops and Tackle Warehouse.
Major League Fishing Set to Kick Off 2023 Season with Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Sam Rayburn
BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 6, 2023) – After an extremely successful 2022 season that brought tremendous growth and excitement to the sport of bass fishing, Major League Fishing (MLF) is primed to do it again. The 2023 MLF season kicks off this weekend, Saturday, Jan. 7, with the Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) opener at Sam Rayburn Reservoir.
The event, hosted by the Jasper County Development District, will showcase more than 350 weekend boaters and Strike King co-anglers competing for a top prize of up to $13,000, including the lucrative Phoenix MLF Bonus contingency award. The last few years, the BFL season opener on Sam Rayburn has drawn major media attention – huge fields and huge bass. The 2020 season opener saw a record-breaking field of 230 boats, and both the 2020 and 2021 events required five-bass limits in excess of 40 pounds for competitors hoping to actually win the tournament.
“The Phoenix Bass Fishing League is the top-level tournament trail for weekend anglers that want to compete in bass-fishing tournaments,” said MLF Senior Tournament Director Daniel Fennel. “It’s only fitting that a BFL event kicks off the year, as it is the premier avenue for anglers, whether they are starting as amateur or striving to become a professional that competes on the Bass Pro Tour.”
With more than 196 tournaments on the schedule this year in the United States alone, the schedule includes MLF’s biggest and most prestigious event, REDCREST IV, which will take place March 8-12on Lake Norman in Charlotte, North Carolina. The General Tire Outdoor Expo – a free family-friendly festival featuring the latest and greatest tackle, boats and equipment – will be held March 10-12 in conjunction with the tournament.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Simms Launches Spring 2023
An All-New Product Collection Loaded with New Styles, Designs, and Innovations
Bozeman, Mont. (January 5, 2023) – Simms Fishing Products, preeminent manufacturer of waders, outerwear, footwear, and technical apparel in fishing wrap up a record-setting 2022 and embark on the new year with an all-new, bar-raising product collection designed to inspire the world to fish.
In addition to the new Spring 2023 line, in February of this year, anglers will also have access to the all-new, limited edition Simms Watershed Stockingfoot Wader. Through Watershed sales and in association with Montana Freshwater Partners, a $50,000 contribution will be made to the Yellowstone Stewardship Campaign, a campaign developed to engage the community, out-of-state visitors, and business to give back to projects that support the overall health and vitality of one of southwest Montana’s most beloved outdoor resources, the Yellowstone River.
“Looking back at the past year, Simms has a lot to be proud of. It was the most successful year in the company’s history and these achievements are the direct result of a highly committed and talented team,” says Simms Chief Operating Officer, Ben Christensen. The success of 2022 is just a preview of what’s coming in 2023 and beyond.”
Spring 2023 reaffirms the longstanding reputation of delivering angler-driven, technical fishing gear that Simms has cultivated over the past 30 years. True to form, Spring 2023 encompasses fishing focused innovations and advancements across all categories and boasts standouts in each.
In March of this year, Simms will launch an all-new iteration of their Freestone® collection of waders. Available in Men’s, Women’s and a Pant, the revamped Freestone Waders are constructed from a durable, waterproof/breathable 4-layer Toray® Quadralam fabric. Featuring a fleece-lined, reach-through chest pocket, zippered stretch-woven stash pocket, and a built-in Tippet Tender pocket, all Freestone waders provide ample on-body storage for small essentials. Also equipped with Simms’patented front and back leg seams, stretch elastic suspenders with opposing buckles that allow for a waist-high conversion on hot days, and built-in neoprene gravel guards, anglers can reap the rewards of comfort and a completely unhindered range of motion.
Built from Simms’ award-winning wader DNA, Spring 2023 also brings with it, the all-new Tributary collection of waders. Available in Men’s, Women’s, and Kid’s, all Tributary waders are constructed from a lightweight, waterproof/breathable nylon fabric and include fishy features such as a built-in Tippet Tender pocket, a fleece-lined chest pocket, built-in gravel guards, a zippered top stash pocket, and anatomically engineered neoprene stockingfeet.
Leading the pack in terms of innovation is the all-new, award-winning G4 Pro® Powerlock Boot. Available with a Vibram® Idrogrip rubber outsole or a 12mm felt outsole, the G4 Pro Powerlock Boot takes wading footwear performance and durability to the next level. Built with durable synthetic leather, scratch leather, and highly abrasion- resistant mesh, the boot comes equipped with a partial neoprene lining for comfort and easy on/off and laser-cut fabric eye stays for a secure fit. For comfort and in-stream support, a molded TPU heel counter and a dual-density EVA midsole have been included. On both the Vibram and felt models, an innovative powerlock system allows for quick and customizable cleat installment and removal with unmatched cleat retention. All G4 Pro Powerlock Boots come with 14 TPR cleats for use in boats, 14 aluminum cleats for wade fishing applications, and the Simms Ripper Tool for installment and removal.
Simms footwear category expands further with the arrival of the all-new Flyweight Access Wet Wading Shoe. Featuring a high-top construction, the Flyweight Access Wet Wading Shoe comes equipped with an adjustable ankle gasket to keep debris out, integrated drainage holes, and a quick-adjust lacing system with a built-in lace garage to prevent line snags. Powered by the award-winning VibramIdrogrip Flex rubber outsole, anglers can now enjoy the same slip-resistance as the Flyweight Access Boot in a comfortable wet-wading platform.
Season after season, Simms’ sportswear category continues to grow and Spring 2023 is no exception. In order to bolster an already expansive collection of UPF 50 sun protective clothing, Simms has added a multitude of new SolarFlex® options built from the highest performing solar protective knit fabric that feels smooth to the touch, stretches for comfort, dries fast, and keeps anglers odor and stain free with the inclusion of HeiQ Fresh and HeiQ Stain Away technology. New styles include but aren’t limited to the Men’s SolarFlex Guide Hoody, Men’s and Women’s SolarFlex Hoody and Crew, and the Men’s and Women’s Bugstopper SolarFlex Hoody.
In addition to the expansion of the SolarFlex collection, Simms is also proud to launch the all-new Simms Challenger Solar collection, available in numerous Men’s and Women’s styles. Offering UPF 30+ sun protection, Simms Challenger Solar collection is built from lightweight Jersey knit fabric that’s smooth, stretchy, and wicks moisture to keep anglers comfortable on the hottest days on the water.
Other newcomers to Simms’ sportswear collection include the Intruder® Hoody that’s available in Men’s and Women’s, the Bugstopper Intruder Hoody, the Intruder Bicomp LS Shirt, the Women’s Bugstopper Jogger, and the Women’s Bugstopper Legging.
For rainy days, open water crossings, and choppy conditions, Simms has reimagined their ever popular Men’s and Women’s Challenger Jacket and Bib. Built from waterproof/breathable 2-layer, recycled Toray® fabric, the all-new Challenger Suit features oversized chest pockets with built-in sunglass chamois, adjustable watertight cuffs, a 3-point adjustable/stashable storm hood, and reflective logos for safety. Additional features include kill-switch D-ring attachments, an adjustable bottom hem and reinforced overlays in high wear zones on the bib for increased durability.
Another new addition to Simms outerwear collection is the all-new Splash Cast Jacket. Whether casting in heavy surf, taking waves over the jetty, or kayaking toward fishy coordinates, the Splash Cast Jacket keeps anglers dry and comfortable regardless of the weather and/or conditions. Constructed from a rugged 3-layer waterproof/breathable Toray fabric, the Splash Cast Jacket features an internal adjustable neoprene neck cuff, wrist cuffs, and bottom hem to keep water out. Additional features include a fully submersible dump pocket and roll away storm hood.
The Spring 2023 collection wouldn’t be complete without a couple of new standouts in the equipment category. Constructed from 420D double ripstop Nylon for long-term durability and water resistance, the all-new Dry Creek Boat Bag is built for long days on the water that call for extra capacity. Featuring a magnetized catch-and-release buckle that keeps an overhanging compression molded lid securely closed even when unzipped, the Dry Creek Boat Bag also offers customizable internal dividers and under-lid zippered stash pockets for optimal organization.
For waders and boots, anglers can deploy the all-new Riverkit Wader Tote for easy and convenient carry to and from their next destination. Built from a heavy-duty 600D Polyester fabric with a backside PU coating, the RiverkitWader Tote is durable and highly water resistant. Breathable mesh panels flank the side for ventilation and a padded lid unfolds and doubles as changing mat.
The National Professional Fishing League Announces BaitWRX as the Official Tackle Provider for the 2023 Season
Tackle retailer BaitWRX partners with the NPFL to be the official tackle provider of the 2023 NPFL season
WILKESVILLE, OH (Jan 3, 2022) — The National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) announces tackle retailer BaitWRX as the official tackle provider for the 2023 season. With a focus on customer service, BaitWRX is the premiere online fishing tackle destination with a retail location in the greater Springfield, MO area.
"BaitWRX is excited to be the Official Tackle Provider of the National Professional Fishing League,” said Bryan Williams of BaitWRX. “Partnering with an organization like the NPFL that shares so many of our goals like putting anglers and customers first is a perfect match. We look forward to a great season of supporting the anglers and fans of the National Professional Fishing League!"
BaitWRX is Springfield’s premier fishing tackle dealer, with over 25 years of combined tackle experience. They carry top quality brands with the best staff in the business to help their customers catch more fish.
“We are extremely excited for the partnership with BaitWRX for 2023 with The League,” said Paul Benson of the NPFL. “As a newer company with a strong foundation of knowledgeable staff from within the fishing industry, they have a great understanding of how to keep up with supply and demand on all of the new products available in today's fast paced market.”
The partnership will bring future programs and opportunities for all the anglers and fans alike. Both the NPFL and BaitWRX are looking forward to building a long-standing relationship for years to come.
Greg Hackney Joins Gamakatsu Pro Team in 2023
Tacoma, Washington (Date) - Gamakatsu®, the world’s leading manufacturer and innovator of fishing hooks and terminal tackle is proud to announce the addition of Bassmaster Elite Series pro Greg Hackney to their pro staff. Hackney has asserted himself as a dominant force on the professional fishing scene for nearly two decades, amassing multiple titles throughout his illustrious career.
Known for his shallow water, power fishing prowess the "Hack Attack" is looking forward to working with the team at Gamakatsu® during the 2023 season and beyond that. "Joining the Gamakatsu team for me is like getting the band back together! I started using the hooks in the 90’s and never looked back. I’ve been blessed in my career to surround myself with leaders of the industry and now the circle is complete, Greg Hackney.
Gamakatsu Sales Manager, Ted Thibault is excited to welcome Hackney to the pro staff. "It is a great honor to add an angler with Greg’s skill level and success to our pro angling team in 2023. He was already familiar with our brand and has a great technical knowledge about fish hooks and how to catch more fish with them. We look forward to working with him in the years to come."
From humble beginnings as Japan’s smallest fishing hook manufacturer in 1955, Gamakatsu® Ltd has evolved to become the world’s preeminent hook manufacturer. Over the years, manufacturing upgrades and cutting-edge innovations have fueled Gamakatsu® USA’s rise as a top producer of fishing hooks, apparel, and fishing-related items.
When anglers purchase Gamakatsu® hooks, they are buying an original product made exclusively by Gamakatsu®. Gamakatsu® is continuously testing new materials and striving to improve its products, which already sets the standard for the rest of the industry.
2023 TXTT Registration OPENS at 9am, Thursday January 12th!!!
Missile Baits Partners For Spunk Shad
Salem, Va. – January 2, 2023 –Missile Baits has partnered with Hog Farmer Baits to offer the Spunk Shad in the Missile Baits soft plastic line up. The Spunk Shad is a pintail swimbait with a thick ribbed body and a small pintail that creates a seductive shimmy when fished on a Chatterbait, Scrounger, Ned rig, or weightless hook. Missile Baits will start with the Spunk Shad in 4.5” and 5.5” sizes.
“The Spunk Shad is a great bait on a Chatterbait and I have thrown it for years. Hog Farmer makes a bunch of great baits but has limited distribution for their Spunk Shad. We think this partnership will be mutually beneficial for both companies,” says John Crews, BASS pro angler and Missile Baits owner.
The Spunk Shad from Missile Baits will be offered in the 4.5” and 5.5” sizes. Both sizes will come in 6 colors, most of which match perfectly with the most popular Chatterbait Jackhammer colors including Green Pumpkin Delight that looks seamless with the BHite Delight colored Jackhammer. The Spunk Shads will be packaged in Missile Baits bags and be available anywhere you find Missile Baits. The Spunk Shad 4.5” and 5.5” will retail for the same price as the Hog Farmer colors, which are $5.99 for the 4.5” and $6.19 for the 5.5”.
Major League Fishing’s General Tire Team Series to Premiere Saturday on Outdoor Channel
| Lucas Oil Qualifier Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches to Kick Off First Season of Major League Fishing’s General Tire Team Series on Outdoor Channel, New Episodes Premiere Every Saturday from 2-4 p.m. ET
BENTON, Ky. (Dec. 29, 2022) – The first season of Major League Fishing’s (MLF) General Tire Team Series is set to premiere this Saturday, Dec. 31, at 2 p.m. ET, with a two-hour episode on the Outdoor Channel – Match No. 1 of the Lucas Oil Qualifier Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches. The event was filmed this fall in Alexandria, Minnesota. The General Tire Team Series showcases the superstars from the Bass Pro Tour competing as teams across four events for hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash payouts. Each episode will feature nine MLF anglers competing as three, three-man teams. The anglers on each team wear wireless earpieces, which provide constant communication with their teammates. This communication allows each team to work together and strategize in real time on the water, shifting baits, techniques and areas as needed. Each Qualifier is broken down into three matches. Saturday’s two-hour premiere will feature three teams visiting the Le Homme Dieu Chain of Lakes in Alexandria, Minnesota. The anglers do not learn where they are competing until they arrive to the launch ramp each morning of competition. |
|
|
The complete premiere schedule for the 2023 General Tire Team Series on the Outdoor Channel is:
- Dec. 31 Lucas Oil Qualifier Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Match 1 – Day 1 (Alexandria, Minn.) The winning three-man team in the General Tire Team Series Championship will claim the $300,000 top prize. The second-place team will earn $60,000, and the third-place team will win $30,000. Teams 4-9 in the championship will each earn a $15,000 prize. All anglers receive $3,000 for participating in the no-entry fee qualifying events. Proud sponsors of the MLF General Tire Team Series include: B&W Hitches, Barbasol, Bass Cat Boats, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Builders FirstSource, C-MAP, Crockett Creek Beef Jerky, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, Ferguson, General Tire, Knighten Industries, Kubota, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Optima Batteries, Phoenix Boats, Power-Pole, Rapala Baits, Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff, Star brite, T-H Marine, Toyota, USAA, and YETI. For complete details and updated information on the General Tire Team Series visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube . |
Veteran pro bass angler Billy Mcdonald has agreed to sponsorship terms with EVOLV Fishing for the 2023 season
“I am incredibly excited to partner with such an innovative new company” said Billy Mcdonald “EVOLV Fishing puts a ton thought and ingenuity into all their products. Designed by fishermen, they have a great understanding of what us anglers need and what really works”
“EVOLV Fishing couldn’t be more thrilled to have Billy Mcdonald join our team.” Said Mark Zarzour of Evolv Fishing “Billy’s experience and reputation throughout the industry is second to none. Having Billy on board brings a new level of professionalism to our brand, and we are confident that he will be a tremendous help in achieving our goals in the near future”
Iaconelli buys trout for Tulsa anglers
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
Thanks to a generous donation from Team Toyota’s Mike Iaconelli and The Ike Foundation, Santa’s sleigh showed up with several hundred extra trout at Veterans Park Pond in Tulsa’s southern suburbs on Thursday,December 15th.
Turnpike traffic rushed by to the south, and the glow of fast food chain neon signs could be seen to the north, as dozens of rainbow trout entered the highly accessible waters as part of The Ike Foundation’s “Stock a Lake” campaign that aims to improve fishing for children in urban areas like Tulsa.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation actually stocks select waters across the state with trout once waters cool enough for their survival.
However, Iaconelli’s generosity added significantly more fish to the popular urban angling destination located just 12 miles south of Tulsa’s 19,000 seat BOK Center where “Ike” weighed-in during the 2013 and 2016 Bassmaster Classics.
“The goal of The Ike Foundation is to get more kids fishing, and Tulsa is a great example of an urban place where some kids will never experience fishing if we don’t work to create improved opportunities,” says a passionate Iaconelli.
“The other great thing about Tulsa is that it ties into my fishing history. From tournaments I fished with B. A. S. S., some of my sponsors being located there, and some of the Bassmaster Classics that I fished in the past. The opportunity for The Ike Foundation to get kids into fishing in Tulsa feels like everything has come full circle. More kids casting, more kids fishing, more kids in the outdoors. That’s our number one goal at The Ike Foundation,” he concludes.
Goal met, Mr. Iaconelli.
The Tulsa community is grateful for Ike’s admirable generosity and heartfelt passion for making fishing more accessible to the youth of the community with the help of a Santa’s sleigh-like trout stocking truck you helped add dozens more cold-water salmonids to.
2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic Final Day Broadcast Moving To FOX
Bassmaster LIVE cameras capture the action as 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic champion Jason Christie catches an important bass on Championship Sunday.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
December 16, 2022
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – After more than 4.3 million fans tuned in to FOX and FS1 for the dramatic live coverage of the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic, which saw a tie heading into the final day, the network and B.A.S.S. announced that Championship Sunday action from the upcoming Bassmaster Classic on the Tennessee River will be broadcast on FOX March 26, 2023. Later that evening, a Super Six recap show with weigh-in highlights will air on FS1.
“When every catch can mean the difference between bringing home the sport’s biggest prize or falling down the leaderboard, Championship Sunday at the Bassmaster Classic can be full of emotional and heartbreaking moments,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “We’re so excited to bring Bassmaster LIVE to the largest possible audience by broadcasting on FOX in the hours leading up to the final weigh-in. Our FOX Sports partnership has allowed us to reach new fans over the past two seasons. And whether they are already a fishing fan or not, the passion and drama of the Classic are sure to hook viewers.”
Sunday afternoon’s Bassmaster Classic LIVE coverage will begin at 12 p.m. ET while FS1 will broadcast the Classic leaders on Saturday morning, beginning just after Day 2’s takeoff at 8 a.m.
In addition to expanded coverage of the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic, FS1 and the FOX Sports digital platforms will carry weekend coverage with tournament leaders from all of the Bassmaster Elite Series events — combining for a total of more than 60 hours of Bassmaster LIVE programming.
“There’s some great coverage coming on FOX and FS1 and it will be hosted again by the best talent in the business,” said Vice President of Media Content and Bassmaster LIVE Executive Producer Mike McKinnis. “Tommy Sanders, Mark Zona and Davy Hite — joined by Ronnie Moore and Mike Suchan — will all be breaking down the competition in real time. Plus, we’re bringing more drone and on-the-water camera coverage than ever before.”
Bassmaster LIVE kicks off tournament coverage for every Elite tournament on Thursday and Friday mornings at 8 a.m. on Bassmaster.com and the FOX Sports digital platforms. FS1 will broadcast live with the tournament leaders on Saturday and Sunday. Viewers can also join a variety of Elite anglers for LIVE Mix on Saturday and Sunday mornings at Bassmaster.com. Live weigh-ins will be streamed on Bassmaster.com.
|
Air Date
|
Start Time
|
Event
|
Network
|
|
Sat., February 18
|
8 a.m. ET
|
Bassmaster Elite at Lake Okeechobee
|
FS1
|
|
Sun., February 19
|
8 a.m. ET
|
Bassmaster Elite at Lake Okeechobee
|
FS1
|
|
Sat., February 25
|
8 a.m. ET
|
Bassmaster Elite at Lake Seminole
|
FS1
|
|
Sun., February 26
|
8 a.m. ET
|
Bassmaster Elite at Lake Seminole
|
FS1
|
|
Sat., March 25
|
8 a.m. ET
|
Bassmaster Classic
|
FS1
|
|
Sun., March 26
|
12 p.m. ET
|
Bassmaster Classic
|
FOX
|
|
Sun., March 26
|
10 p.m. ET
|
Bassmaster Classic Super Six
|
FS1
|
|
Sat., April 22
|
8 a.m. ET
|
Bassmaster Elite at Lake Murray
|
FS1
|
|
Sun., April 23
|
8 a.m. ET
|
Bassmaster Elite at Lake Murray
|
FS1
|
|
Sat., April 29
|
8 a.m. ET
|
Bassmaster Elite at Santee Cooper Lakes
|
FS1
|
|
Sun., April 30
|
8 a.m. ET
|
Bassmaster Elite at Santee Cooper Lakes
|
FS1
|
|
Sat., May 13
|
8 a.m. ET
|
Bassmaster Elite at Lay Lake
|
FS1
|
|
Sun., May 14
|
8 a.m. ET
|
Bassmaster Elite at Lay Lake
|
FS1
|
|
Sat., June 3
|
8 a.m. ET
|
Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River
|
FS1
|
|
Sun., June 4
|
8 a.m. ET
|
Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River
|
FS1
|
|
Sat., July 29
|
8 a.m. ET
|
Bassmaster Elite at Lake St. Clair
|
FS1
|
|
Sun., July 30
|
8 a.m. ET
|
Bassmaster Elite at Lake St. Clair
|
FS1
|
|
Sat., August 19
|
8 a.m. ET
|
Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain
|
FS1
|
|
Sun., August 20
|
8 a.m. ET
|
Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain
|
FS1
|
|
Sat., August 26
|
8 a.m. ET
|
Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River
|
FS1
|
|
Sun., August 27
|
8 a.m. ET
|
Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River
|
FS1
|
Schedule subject to change.
Highlight shows will run throughout January and February on both FS1 and FS2. For a complete schedule, visit Bassmaster.com/tv-schedule.
Wheels on the Bus........
This week David & Kenneth get back in the Drivers Seats and dive into a discussion on the upcoming Big Bass Tour Schedule, changes in the National Professional Fishing League, rosters for the MLF Invitationals and the Bassmaster Opens. Check it out and Happy Holidays!!
Bass Pro Shops Championship Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches Closes Production in Lake County, Florida
General Tire Team Series Wraps Season with Nine 3-Man Teams Competing for $300,000 Championship Payout on Clermont Chain of Lakes
CLERMONT, Fla. (Dec. 13, 2022) – The Bass Pro Shops Championship Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches, which featured 27 of the world’s best pro anglers competing as nine 3-man teams for a top prize of $300,000 wrapped production this past weekend in Clermont, Florida. The event, hosted by Lake County, Florida, was shot over seven days and filmed entirely for television broadcast. It was the culmination of the General Tire Team Series season, featuring nine teams of three anglers that had earned their way into the season-ending competition competing for the inaugural Bass Pro Shops Championship.
“On behalf of our partners, the City of Clermont and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, we are thrilled to have hosted the Major League Fishing General Tire Team Championship in Lake County,” said Ryan Ritchie, Director of Discover Lake County, Florida – Office of Tourism and Sports. “Without the support from the Lake County Board of County Commissioners and Tourist Development Council, opportunities like this would not be possible. Events like this, create national exposure and bring attention to the championship fishing in Lake County, as well as enhancing our economic development and impact with anglers, visitors, production crews and staff visiting our communities.”
The seven-episode, two-hour series features the professional anglers visiting Lake County to compete on either the Clermont Chain of Lakes or Lake Apopka on each day of competition. The anglers do not learn where they are competing until they arrive to the launch ramp each morning of competition, creating a reality-based television episode that showcases how the top anglers in the world break down new and unfamiliar waters.
The MLF Bass Pro Shops Championship Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches will air on the Outdoor Channel as seven, two-hour original episodes each Saturday afternoon starting May 6, 2023, airing from 2 to 4 p.m. ET. The full television schedule can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com/tv-schedule.
The winning three-man team in the Bass Pro Shops Championship will claim the $300,000 top prize. The second-place team will earn $60,000, and the third-place team will win $30,000. Teams 4-9 in the championship will each earn $15,000 prize.
Proud sponsors of the MLF General Tire Team Series include: B&W Hitches, Barbasol, Bass Cat Boats, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Builders FirstSource, C-MAP, Crockett Creek Beef Jerky, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, Ferguson, General Tire, Knighten Industries, Kubota, Lew’s, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Optima Batteries, Phoenix Boats, Power-Pole, Rapala, Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff, Star brite, Strike King, T-H Marine, Toyota, USAA, and YETI.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
BOLTZ AND BOWMAN ARE THE 2022 CHAMPIONS
CLEWISTON, FL – How was your weekend? Did you enjoy the sunshine in flip flops and shorts? Spend it on the water filling the well with giant bass? Or maybe pocketing $35,000 on a day you’ll never forget? Well, on Lake Okeechobee in December, that’s how we deck the halls.
The 2022 Roland Martin Marine Center Series Championship presented by HUK made dreams come true for Jerod Boltz and Jon Bowman with a giant stocking stuffer worth $35,000 that is sure to have them laughing all the way to the bank this holiday season.
Boltz and Bowman came into Championship Sunday sitting in 16th place with a respectable 17.5 pounds. So a decent day could mean a nice payday for the cousins. With almost 30 pounds on the final day, they were everything but decent.
“The first thing this morning, we pulled up to our spot and I cracked a six right off the bat on a chatterbait,” said Boltz. “Then I said man, we need to put on another chatterbait.”
That first bass was followed by another six pounder, and by 8 o’clock, they had practically 29 pounds.
“We fished speed worms and chatterbaits and flipped outside cattails on day one,”said Boltz. “The spot we were in yesterday, I thought we could really get a good bag but it just didn’t produce.”
That gave them almost 18 pounds but hardly a favorite to claim the Championship on Sunday. Then, the most unlikely thing happened.
“We were fishing the ugliest, nastiest things you could imagine,” said Bowman. “We were fishing dead cattails in absolute muck.”
That led to a 8.15 pound kicker that gave them a nice cushion and put their names on the biggest check paid out in Florida for a team tournament series.
Just under 3 pounds back was the second place team of Kelley Autrey and Cody Davis that turned 44.55 pounds into a $10,000 payday. And rounding out the top three was the always dangerous team of Kail Stevens and Bradley MacQueen that had another solid championship finish and collected $5,000 with 41.82 pounds and the 3rd place finish.
As the highest paying team tournament trail in Florida, the payouts continued deep into the 133 team field for the final event of the 2022 season.
The U.S. Sugar Big Bass put another $500 in the winner’s pockets with their 8.15 pound giant. The 2nd Big Bass on Championship Sunday of 7.05 pounds earned the team of Benjamin Wright and Steve Connell $100 Gambler Bucks. U.S. Sugar also awarded $500 to Brad Gibson and Colton Heston for the Day One Big Bass of 7.51. And the team of Justin Morgan and Garrett Folbrecht earned $100 Gambler Bucks for their Day One 2nd Big Bass of 6.89. Boat Covers Anywhere awarded Angie Holley $250 for her 5.05 bass as the biggest bass caught by a female angler. They also awarded Camryn Prowant $100 for her 3.75 bass that was the 2nd biggest bass caught by a female angler. As the highest finishing team to take the stage in HUK Gear, the team of Kelly Autrey and Cody Davis collected $250 from our presenting sponsor. The Mercury contingency award of $250 went to the highest finishing qualifying team of Kail Stevens and Bradley MacQueen. The highest finishing youth angler, Dalton Ryburn, received $100 from Mercury as well. Melinda Markley received $100 from Mary Ann Martin as the highest finishing female angler. Dell Hatfield and Rick Wilhelm earned $500 as the highest finishing Gilbert Chevrolet owner. And last for bringing in the least, the team of Shawn Callahan and Matt Byrd turned two limits weighing just 11.64 pounds into $500 from AV Inspection as the smallest limits weighed.
That brings an end to the 2022 Roland Martin Marine Center Series Season. Wait until you hear what we have in store for 2023. Spoiler alert: think big!
Until then, we wish you all a safe and Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year.
South Carolina’s Smith Wins Bassmaster Classic Fish-Off On Lake Hartwell
Collin Smith of Anderson, S.C., has won the 2022 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off on Lake Hartwell with a two-day total of 28 pounds, 1 ounce and will advance to the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic.
Photo by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S.
December 10, 2022
ANDERSON, S.C. — Collin Smith has spent much of his life honing his skills on the waters of fabled Lake Hartwell
All that work paid off Saturday with his win in the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off.
Smith, a 27-year-old grounds foreman for Anderson County, weighed a two-day total of 10 bass totaling 28 pounds, 1 ounce to claim victory in the final Bassmaster event of the 2022 season. With it, he earned entry into the biggest tournament of the 2023 season — the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic, scheduled for March 24-26 on the Tennessee River in Knoxville.
“I’ve dedicated the majority of my time to this pond (Hartwell) because all the big tournaments are out here,” Smith said. “I’m superthankful for the chance to fish the Classic. It probably won’t set in until I’m going up the road there for pre-practice ... It’s been a lifelong dream. There has been a lot of blood, sweat and tears behind the steering wheel of my boat to get me to this point.”
No doubt there were dozens more miles added this week on Lake Hartwell, with Mother Nature throwing a variety of looks at the 500 anglers who started the team portion of the tournament on Wednesday. That two-day event was hindered by dense fog, but Smith and 5 Alive Sunday Series teammate Brady Kimbrell, also of Anderson, totaled 30-13 over two days to win the team title and the $25,000 cash prize that accompanied it.
Their performance set the stage for Smith’s ascension in the Fish-Off. The Top 3 teams, only six anglers in all, had their weights zeroed and then set out individually for two more days of competition. They were greeted by steady rain on Friday when Smith and Tyler Campbell of Martin, Ga., both caught 14-1 to tie for the Day 1 lead.
The temperature plummeted into the lower 40s by the final weigh-in, but Smith remained steady, following his Day 1 total with a 14-pound limit on Day 2 — just enough to nose him past Campbell, who wound up second with 27 pounds over two days.
The final day of the Fish-Off didn’t start swimmingly for Smith. The deep timber he exploited on Friday didn’t produce Saturday. Smith said that could have been due to changes in barometric pressure that followed repeated weather shifts in the region.
So, Smith put his intimate knowledge of Hartwell to use. He covered a lot of water on Saturday, fishing some reliable spots, but also a few he hadn’t tried at all this week.
“I went to a place this morning where yesterday there were 100 or 150 fish,” he said. “Today, they were just roaming. They wouldn’t sit still, so I chased them, but still couldn’t make them bite. At 8:30 this morning, I didn’t have a fish in the boat.”
Eventually, he did get the bites he needed, three of his spotted bass keepers coming off a rockpile in about 20 feet of water.
“I used a V&M 3/4-ounce football-head jig (green pumpkin/orange), especially out that deep,” Smith said.
“But I noticed the change in presentation is what worked today,” he continued. “Yesterday I was able to fish pretty fast. Today, you had to beg and plead with them to bite. I’d hold the bait in front of them for at least a minute sometimes before I even moved it.”
Reading the subtle changes helped him make the most of Hartwell’s bite.
“I used the Garmin LiveScope all week,” he said. “It’s a heck of a tool, but it can be pretty frustrating when you know you’re around 100 of them and they won’t bite. It helps, but you have to do different retrieves and different things to make the fish bite. You don’t just throw at them and catch them.”
The Classic berth is the grandest prize, of course, but Smith also picked up a $500 Bass Pro Shops gift card for winning the Fish-Off. It’s a perfect opportunity to pick up some gear before his turn in the sport's biggest tournament — a derby he hopes is the start of something special in his fishing career.
“I can’t even fathom I’m going to the Classic,” he said. “But I’ll be focused. I’m not gonna’ just show up. I’ll give it 100%.”
Campbell, 21, was only 18 ounces from winning the Fish-Off. The 5 Alive Team Trail angler was disappointed but said he expects to be a factor in the future.
Chris Nelson caught a 16-1 limit on Saturday, the heaviest of the Fish-Off, with a largemouth kicker that pushed 6 pounds. That helped the Social Circle, Ga., resident to a 24-4 total, good enough to jump from sixth place on Friday to third overall.
Elberton, Ga., resident Jeremy Strong, Nelson’s teammate on the Palmetto Boat Center Team Trail, finished fourth with 23-14.
Joe Mitchell of Martin, Ga., and the 5 Alive Team Trail was fifth with 23-7 and Kimbrell finished sixth with 22-8.
Visit Anderson hosted this week’s tournaments.
2022 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off 12/9-12/10
Lake Hartwell, Anderson SC.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Club/School Hometown
1. Collin Smith - 5 Alive Sunday Series Anderson, SC
Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 14-00 Total: 10 28-01
2. Tyler Campbell - 5 Alive Team Trail Martin, GA
Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 12-15 Total: 10 27-00
3. Chris Nelson - Palmetto Boat Center Team Trail Social Circle, GA
Day 1: 5 08-03 Day 2: 5 16-01 Total: 10 24-04
4. Jeremy Strong - Palmetto Boat Center Team Trail Elberton, GA
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 12-05 Total: 10 23-14
5. Joe Mitchell - 5 Alive Team Trail Martin, GA
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 09-13 Total: 10 23-07
6. Brady Kimbrell - 5 Alive Sunday Series Anderson, SC
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 10-02 Total: 10 22-08
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 6 30 73-14
2 6 30 75-04
----------------------------------
12 60 149-02
Campbell, Smith Tied Atop Leaderboard At Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off
Collin Smith of Anderson, S.C., and Tyler Campbell of Martin, Ga., are tied for the lead after Day 1 of the 2022 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off on Lake Hartwell with 14 pounds, 1 ounce.
Photos by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S.
December 9, 2022
ANDERSON, S.C. — Tyler Campbell and Collin Smith will start Day 2 of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off locked in a dead-even battle for the grand prize.
Campbell of Martin, Ga., and Smith of Anderson, S.C., worked their way to the top of the leaderboard on a cold and rainy Friday on Lake Hartwell. Both anglers caught limits weighing 14 pounds, 1 ounce, which gives them a slim lead over the other four anglers who advanced to this portion of this tournament.
It’s a winner-take-all affair with the heaviest two-day total earning one angler a berth in the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic, which will be held March 24-26 on the Tennessee River in Knoxville.
Campbell, a 21-year-old who competes for the Emmanuel College bass fishing team, said versatility has been the key to his success this week. And with the different looks Mother Nature has thrown at competitors, that makes perfect sense.
“I’m mixing it up a lot, just treating it like a practice, really,” Campbell said. “Now, we’ve got some sunshine in the forecast tomorrow. If that happens, I’m going largemouth fishing. I’ve got one place I’ve been saving all week. It’s hit or miss, but if there’s one laying up there, it’ll be a big one.
“If you get that one bite — that 4- to 6-pound largemouth to start your day — that sets the tone. Whoever catches 16 pounds tomorrow is gonna win. I’m going for it.”
Right now, the edge belongs to Campbell and Smith, but their teammates are right on their heels.
Joe Mitchell, another Martin, Ga., resident who paired with Campbell earlier in the week to finish second in the Team Championship portion of the event, is in third place in the Fish-Off with a limit weighing 13-10. Anderson resident Brady Kimbrell, who teamed with Smith to win the Team Championship portion, is fourth in the Fish-Off with 12-6.
Jeremy Strong of Elberton, Ga., is in fifth place with 11-9 and Chris Nelson of Social Circle, Ga., is sixth with 8-3. That duo finished third in the team championship which was held Wednesday and Thursday on Hartwell.
Both days of the Team Championship were shortened by dense fog, including a delay of more than three hours on Thursday. Then, temperatures dipped from the low 70s into the low 50s on Friday with a steady rain awaiting the six anglers who took off from legendary Green Pond Landing and Events Center with zeroed weights for individual competition.
Smith, a 27-year-old grounds foreman for Anderson County, started Friday slowly, but the change in weather helped him.
“I could feel the pressure changing, that temperature dropping, so I went to a place I haven’t fished in the tournament,” he said. “It’s just a deep timber hole in about 50 feet of water. When I got there, they were biting. When I left it, they were still biting. There are tons of fish in there.”
Smith said he’s casting to those spotted bass rather than drop shotting into the hole.
“I’m throwing big jigs into that timber,” he said. “You’ve got to have something heavy to get them out of there. I leave the docks with three colored jigs — one with some orange, one with some blue and one with a natural green color. It just depends on the day. Sometimes they want it to fall slower and sometimes they want it burning past their heads.
“Using your electronics, you can judge that a little bit better.”
Campbell agreed, saying electronics have been essential this week, with variable weather scattering Hartwell’s bass.
“I’m on the Garmin LiveScope, looking at every fish before I caught it,” he said. “It’s a hard-bottom situation. There are transitions from sand to clay to chunk rock. It’s happening in about 9 to 10 feet of water right now. I’m pulling up onto these long, tapering points in about 30 feet and scanning all the way up the bank. You don’t know where they’re going to be. You just have to keep moving.”
Campbell said he's had to be versatile too, with the weather being so unpredictable.
“I caught one fish on a Keitech worm today, and that’s the only fish I’ve caught on a moving bait all week,” Campbell said. “Everything has been on the bottom — drop shots, shaky heads. Mostly it’s green pumpkin.
“It’s very basic stuff, but you have got to be dialed in with your electronics.”
Campbell and Smith will have to bring the same focus — and maybe some good fortune — to hold off the four competitors chasing them for the final Classic berth. They’ve made it this far, emerging from a field of 250 teams (500 anglers) that started in the Team Championship on Wednesday.
“I didn’t sleep a wink, but I’ve got one more day to go,” Campbell said. “These are the two most important days of my life.”
The final day of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off will begin at 7 a.m. ET on Saturday from Green Pond Landing and Events Center. Weigh-in is set for 3 p.m. Follow the action on Bassmaster.com.
Visit Anderson is hosting the event.
2022 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off 12/9-12/10
Lake Hartwell, Anderson SC.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Club/School Hometown
1. Tyler Campbell - 5 Alive Team Trail Martin, GA
Day 1: 5 14-01 Total: 5 14-01
1. Collin Smith - 5 Alive Sunday Series Anderson, SC
Day 1: 5 14-01 Total: 5 14-01
3. Joe Mitchell - 5 Alive Team Trail Martin, GA
Day 1: 5 13-10 Total: 5 13-10
4. Brady Kimbrell - 5 Alive Sunday Series Anderson, SC
Day 1: 5 12-06 Total: 5 12-06
5. Jeremy Strong - Palmetto Boat Center Team Trail Elberton, GA
Day 1: 5 11-09 Total: 5 11-09
6. Chris Nelson - Palmetto Boat Center Team Trail Social Circle, GA
Day 1: 5 08-03 Total: 5 08-03
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 6 30 73-14
----------------------------------
6 30 73-14
Bassmaster Opens Elite Qualifiers Division Has Mix Of Veteran Stars, Young Heavyweights
Ish Monroe of Oakdale, Calif., is among the field of 175 anglers who will fish all nine of the 2023 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens in an attempt to qualify for the Elite Series via the new Opens EQ format.
Photo by B.A.S.S.
December 9, 2022
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — For the past several years, the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens have been incredibly popular, as the competition to earn a spot on the Bassmaster Elite Series has become more intense than ever.
Now, the Opens will feature the added intrigue of a trail within the trail — and some of the biggest names in bass fishing will make up that field.
The Opens Elite Qualifiers division will consist of 175 anglers who’ve signed up to fish all nine events on the 2023 schedule. Though Opens tournament winners will still earn a berth into the 2024 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic, only those in the EQs division — the ones who fish all nine events — will be eligible to qualify for one of nine coveted invitations to fish the Elite Series.
Veteran California pro Ish Monroe — one of the giants of the sport who is returning to B.A.S.S. after several years away — hopes to achieve an Elite invitation while swinging nine times for his 11th career Classic berth.
“I’m gonna fish every tournament to try to win,” said Monroe, who has one previous Bassmaster Opens victory in addition to four Elite Series wins. “My dream is to win the Classic, and you can’t win the Classic if you’re not in it. I feel like, if I go out and fish to win every event — even if I don’t win — I’m still going to fall in that check range. If I fall in that check range at every event, I qualify for the Elites.”
Another superstar of professional bass fishing who has joined the Opens EQs field is Florida veteran Bobby Lane, a two-time winner with B.A.S.S., a 12-time Classic qualifier and the reigning Redcrest champion.
Like Monroe, Lane has publicly stated that his goal is to not only requalify for the Elites after several years away but to win a Classic title like his brother, Chris, did in 2012. Lane has four Top 10 Classic finishes, including a second-place showing in the 2015 event at Lake Hartwell.
Tennessee pro Brad Knight, the 2015 Forrest Wood Cup champion, has also entered the EQs fray, along with a string of former Elites, including Destin DeMarion, Charlie Hartley, Dale Hightower, Harvey Horne, Shane Lineberger, Yusuke Miyazaki, Kyle Monti, James Niggemeyer, Garrett Paquetteand Casey Scanlon.
Joining the seasoned veterans will be a long list of talented up-and-comers with true star potential, including former Bassmaster High School All-American and college superstar Logan Parks, former College Classic Bracket winner and High School All-American Trevor McKinney and Louis Monetti, part of this year’s Bassmaster College Team of the Year and winner of the 2022 College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’s.
Monroe said the field will be formidable, but he’s glad to see the Bassmaster Opens make the format switch, requiring anglers to fish all nine events to qualify for the Elites instead of just three in one part of the country.
“It’s an avenue to the Classic; it’s an avenue to the Elites; it’s a lot of different things,” he said. “I’ve got so many mixed, good emotions about the EQs. I love that you have to fish all nine now to qualify because it takes that regional guy who is phenomenal in his region and forces him to travel. It forces him to be good enough to actually be on the Elite Series.
“The Elites [are] the top level of bass fishing. It’s the deal. You have a hundred guys who are good everywhere they go — and to be thrown into that, you have to be better than just good in your region. You have to be good everywhere.”
B.A.S.S. Executive Director of Tournaments Hank Weldon, who oversees the Opens trail, was thrilled with the overwhelming response to the EQs format — the 175 anglers who signed up this year more than double the number who fished all nine events last year.
He says he’s anxious to get started with the new season.
“I was already looking forward to the new year, just because I feel like we have one of the best schedules we’ve had in a long time,” Weldon said. “But now you throw in the format change and all of the people who are so excited to take part in the EQs; I absolutely can’t wait.”
2023 Opens Elite Qualifiers Field:
Alabama
Clayton Barnes, Clanton, AL
Bailey Boutries, Mobile, AL
Jon Canada, Helena, AL
Cody Detweiler, Guntersville, AL
Tom Frink, Southside, AL
Sam George, Athens, AL
Wesley Gore, Clanton, AL
Zeke Gossett, Pell City, AL
Nikki Jo Hatten, Clanton, AL
Logan Johnson, Jasper, AL
Jake Maddux, Birmingham, AL
Joey Nania, Cropwell, AL
Tripp Noojin, Bryant, AL
Logan Parks, Auburn, AL
Griffin Phillips, Mount Olive, AL
J T Russell, McCalla, AL
Caiden Sinclair, Logan, AL
Trey Swindle, Cleveland, AL
Brady Vernon, Sterrett, AL
Arizona
Phil Killian, Solomon, AZ
Julius Mazy, Phoenix, AZ
Arkansas
Evan Barnes, Dardanelle, AR
Greg Bohannan, Bentonville, AR
Scout Echols, Monticello, AR
Harvey Horne, Bella Vista, AR
Jason Lieblong, Conway, AR
California
Ish Monroe, Oakdale, CA
Colorado
Jason Carpenter, Castle Pines, CO
Tyrel Faber, Pagosa Springs, CO
Delaware
Kurt Mitchell, Milford, DE
Florida
Darrell Davis, Dover, FL
Tim Frederick, Leesburg, FL
Josh Hubbard, Dunnellon, FL
Teb Jones, Yalaha, FL
Scott Kerslake, Okeechobee, FL
Chris Kingree, Inverness, FL
Bobby Lane, Lakeland, FL
Brandon McMillan, Clewiston, FL
Jason Meninger, Yulee, FL
Ricardo Mitchell, Naples, FL
Kyle Monti, Okeechobee, FL
Christian Shoda, Crystal River, FL
Blake Smith, Lakeland, FL
Mike Surman, Boca Raton, FL
Daniel Valois Gomez, Coral Springs, FL
Georgia
Josh Bragg, Fayetteville, GA
Allen Brooks, Canton, GA
Tony Dumitras, Winston, GA
Matt Henry, Milledgeville, GA
Justin Kimmel, Athens, GA
James Meers, Rome, GA
Jesse Millsaps, Jasper, GA
Logan Shaddix, Cummings, GA
Cody Stahl, Barnsville, GA
Idaho
Kyle Gelles, Pingree, ID
Illinois
Tyler Lubbat, Wheeling, IL
Trevor McKinney, Benton, IL
Trey McKinney, Carbondale, IL
A.J. Menssen, Bloomington, IL
Indiana
Billy McDonald, Greenwood, IN
Iowa
Chancy Walters, West Des Moines, IA
Kentucky
Chris Beaudrie, Princeton, KY
Danger Kelly, Somerset, KY
Bobby Lanham, Eddyville, KY
Lafe Messer, Warfield, KY
Matt Messer, Warfield, KY
Tommy Williams, Shepherdsville, KY
Louisiana
Jim Dillard, West Monroe, LA
Alex Heintze, Denham Springs, LA
Bronk McDaniel, Alexandria, LA
Alex Murray, Lake Charles, LA
Clark Reehm, Elm Grove, LA
Blake Sylvester, Plaquemine, LA
B.J. Usie, Bourg, LA
Maine
Tyler Williams, Belgrade, ME
Maryland
Brian Mullaney, Ijamsville, MD
Reece Tremaglio, Dunkirk, MD
Michigan
Buck Mallory, Lawton, MI
Garrett Paquette, Canton, MI
Paul Tabisz, Whitmore Lake, MI
Bo Thomas, Edwardsburg, MI
Minnesota
Denny Fiedler, Wabasha, MN
Chad Grigsby, Maple Grove, MN
Brad Leuthner, Independence, MN
Keith Tuma, Brainerd, MN
Mississippi
Keith Brumfield, Vicksburg, MS
Jerry Riddle Jr., Summit, MS
Missouri
Casey Scanlon, Eldon, MO
Nebraska
Brock Belik, Orchard, NE
New York
Zach Goutremout, Chaumont, NY
Kyle Patrick, Cooperstown, NY
North Carolina
Logan Anderson, Catawba, NC
Jeremy Bogard, Wilkesboro, NC
Craig Chambers, Midland, NC
Shane Lineberger, Lincolnton, NC
Louis Monetti, Charlotte, NC
Brayden Rakes, Winston Salem, NC
Ohio
Willy Dennison, Willoughby Hills, OH
Charlie Hartley, Grove City, OH
Oklahoma
Sterling Bougher, Mannford, OK
Austin Cranford, Norman, OK
Dale Hightower, Mannford, OK
Allan Nail, Sand Springs, OK
Matt Pangrac, Bixby, OK
Steve Tennison, Lexington, OK
Chad Warren, Sand Springs, OK
Pennsylvania
Destin DeMarion, Harborcreek, PA
Jonathan Dietz, Corry, PA
Joe Labarbera, Montrose, PA
South Carolina
Kyle Austin, Ridgeville, SC
Chris Blanchette, Charleston, SC
Cole Drummond, Effingham, SC
Derek Lehtonen, Woodruff, SC
Matt Mollohan, Batesburg, SC
Lance Owen, Greer, SC
Jacob Thompkins, Myrtle Beach, SC
JT Thompkins, Myrtle Beach, SC
Timmy Thompkins, Myrtle Beach, SC
South Dakota
Kenny Mittelstaedt, Sturgis, SD
Tennessee
Jason Abram, Piney Flats, TN
Miles Burghoff, Dayton, TN
John Garrett, Union City, TN
Robert Gee, Knoxville, TN
Chris Keeble, Lenoir City, TN
Brad Knight, Lancing, TN
Jason Lambert, Savannah, TN
Jacob Pyles, Nolensville, TN
Hunter Sales, Blaine, TN
Jaxon Sullivan, Reagan, TN
Jimmy Washam, Stantonville, TN
Taylor Watkins, Clinton, TN
David Wootton, Collierville, TN
Kenji Yamada, Hixson, TN
Texas
Paul Browning, Pecos, TX
Shaine Campbell, Brookeland, TX
Brett Cannon, Willis, TX
Richard Cathey, San Antonio, TX
Hugh Cosculluela, Spring, TX
Joey Hanna, Corsicana, TX
Andrew Hargrove, Moody, TX
Andrew Harp, Linden, TX
Scott Isaacs, Ladonia, TX
Terry Luedtke, Burton, TX
Mike Mayo, Athens, TX
Ben Milliken, New Caney, TX
Yusuke Miyazaki, Forney, TX
James Niggemeyer, Van, TX
Danny Ramsey, Trinidad, TX
Marc Schilling, Carrollton, TX
Steve Sennikoff, Edgewood, TX
Bart Stanisz, Wichita Falls, TX
Jimmy Steed, Zapata, TX
Jack Tindel, Orange, TX
Andrew Upshaw, Hemphill, TX
Jack York, Emory, TX
Vermont
Steve Morella, Townshend, VT
Virginia
Chase Clarke, Virginia Beach, VA
Jack Dice, Lynchburg, VA
David Perdue, Wirtz, VA
Jason Tibbetts, Centreville, VA
West Virginia
Wil Dieffenbauch, Morgantown, WV
Brandon Tallhamer, Parkersburg, WV
Wisconsin
Jacob Bigelow, Cecil, WI
Kyle Goltz, Cornell, WI
Brian Post, Janesville, WI
Adam Rasmussen, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Canada
Paul Bouvier, Kingston, Ontario
Jamie Bruce, Kenora, Ontario
Ryan Clark, Whitby, Ontario
Evan Kung, Pickering, Ontario
Danny McGarry, Newcastle, Ontario
Japan
Seiji Kato, Otsu, Shiga
Kenta Kimura, Hirakata, Osaka
Daisuke Kita, Otsu, Shiga
Takayuki Koike, Otsu, Shiga
South Carolina’s Smith And Kimbrell Take Bassmaster Team Championship, Advance To Classic Fish-Off
The 5 Alive Sunday Series team of Collin Smith and Brady Kimbrell from Anderson, S.C., have won the 2022 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship on Lake Hartwell with a two-day total of 30 pounds, 13 ounces and will advance to the Bassmaster Classic Fish-Off.
Photo by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S.
December 8, 2022
ANDERSON, S.C. — Even when everything goes right, it’s hard enough to hold off a 250-boat field to win a tournament like the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship.
If you cut the final day’s fishing time by nearly 50%, the task gets that much harder.
Collin Smith and Brady Kimbrell powered through a fog-shortened tournament on Lake Hartwell, however, and won the team championship with a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 30 pounds, 13 ounces. The duo caught 16-10 on Day 1 and followed with 14-3 a day later to seal the win.
While those aren’t huge numbers, they’re impressive considering Thursday’s start was delayed by three hours and fifteen minutes because of dense fog. Day 1 also started late, by some 90 minutes, further cutting into the time teams had to ply Hartwell’s bass-rich waters.
Smith and Kimbrell, who fish with the South Carolina-based 5 Alive Sunday Series, will split a $25,000 cash prize for the win, part of a $120,000 total cash purse distributed to the Top 50 teams. And as one of the Top 3 teams in the team portion of this derby, they’ll advance to fish in the Bassmaster Classic Fish-Off to be held Friday and Saturday.
Joining them in the fish-off are Tyler Campbell and Joe Mitchell of the 5 Alive Team Trail, who finished second with a pair of limits for a two-day total of 30-4. Chris Nelson and Jeremy Strong of the Palmetto Boat Center Team Trail (South Carolina) weighed in a two-day total of 29-15 to place third and also make the cut.
All those weights have been zeroed and the six anglers will fish individually the next two days, with the winner claiming the final spot in the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic to be held March 24-26 on the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tenn.
Smith and Kimbrell, both residents of Anderson, S.C., knew familiarity with Hartwell put them in a position to fare well this week. Still, the lengthy delay Thursday morning didn’t ease the anxiety to get back on the water after finishing Day 1 tied for second place.
“We got to socialize most of the morning and tried to keep the mood light,” Smith said. “But it was nerve-wracking. We felt like the pressure was on us, this being our home pond. We had to keep each other sane, for sure.”
Smith, 27, and Kimbrell, 34, fished timber in the deepest parts of Hartwell with a variety of lures, though they didn’t share exactly which baits they threw. They did say, though, that they needed a variety of looks to get the tight-lipped spotted bass biting this week. Fishing was made tough not only by thick fog but also by a warming trend that sent water and air temperatures climbing following last weekend’s chill.
“It was tough all day,” Kimbrell said. “We caught a few here and there, but the last one we caught came at 3:51 (p.m., only nine minutes before check-in). It was the first bite we had in about three hours, and it was a 1 1/2-pound cull. It came at a great time.”
Smith said after combining for 30 bites on Day 1, he and Kimbrell only boated eight or nine bass on Thursday. They got the right bites, though.
“We knew if we swung the rods nine or 10 times, things could work in our favor,” Smith said.
After teaming for $25,000 and the Team Championship trophy, the local anglers said they’re looking forward to competing against one another and four other competitors in the fish-off.
“This being our home pond, we have enough stuff. There's plenty to go around,” Kimbrell said.
“And at the end of this,” Smith continued, “we’re still best friends. Nothing gets in the way of that.”
Campbell and Mitchell, a pair of 21-year-olds from nearby Martin, Ga., weighed the heaviest bag on Day 2 — a 16-8 limit — to jump from 19th place to second overall. They also have a deep knowledge of Hartwell, fishing here as many as six days a week, Campbell said, and have been best friends for as long as they can remember.
“We’re fishing deep and mixing it up a little bit,” said Campbell, who fishes for Emmanuel College. “We’re throwing a shaky head and a Keitech worm; just rotating through a lot of bottom baits.”
Mitchell said he’s looking forward to the fish-off, regardless of the outcome.
“This is gonna be awesome,” he said. “We’re both competitive, so it’ll be fun.”
Nelson and Strong were fourth after Day 1, and their 13-12 limit on Thursday vaulted them into a podium finish.
“Today was harder obviously, and it put us behind a little bit,” Nelson said. “We started slower than we did yesterday. But we kept grinding and were able to cull a couple of times throughout the day.”
Three of the 10 bass they weighed were largemouth, which likely gave them the few extra ounces they needed to make the cut.
“They were among the bigger fish,” Strong said. “After an hour or so, it picked up. We had to slow down. We were throwing spoons and drop shots in 30 to 50 feet.”
“You have to be thorough,” Nelson added. “It takes some time.”
Billy Baugus and Matthew Garvin with the USA Bassin Trail won the $500 Big Bass Award with a 5-8 they caught on Thursday.
The Bassmaster Classic Fish-Off is scheduled to begin on Friday at 7 a.m. ET from Green Pond Landing and Event Center, with weigh-in set for 3 p.m. back at Green Pond Landing and Event Center. Follow the action on Bassmaster.com.
This week's Team Championship and Classic Fish-Off are being hosted by Visit Anderson.
2022 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship 12/7-12/8
Lake Hartwell, Anderson SC.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Club/School Pts
1. Collin Smith - Brady Kimbrell 5 Alive Sunday Series 0
Day 1: 5 16-10 Day 2: 5 14-03 Total: 10 30-13
2. Tyler Campbell - Joe Mitchell 5 Alive Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 5 16-08 Total: 10 30-04
3. Chris Nelson - Jeremy Strong Palmetto Boat Center Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 13-12 Total: 10 29-15
4. Brian Stiffler - Wesley Gore Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 17-04 Day 2: 5 11-08 Total: 10 28-12
5. Greg Glouse - Joe Anders 5 Alive Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 14-14 Total: 10 27-15
6. Kyle Healey - Adam Howell Renegade Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 13-12 Total: 10 27-13
7. Wesley Sams - Jordan Wiggins Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 13-07 Total: 10 27-10
8. Brad Jelinek - Mark Wiese Jr Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 12-05 Total: 10 27-02
9. Jake Lee - Joe Lee Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 5 15-08 Day 2: 5 11-03 Total: 10 26-11
10. Nate Caldwell - Shane Mccoy Centennial Bass Club 0
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 15-06 Total: 10 26-11
11. Alex Korol - Cameron Alldredge Empire Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 5 13-15 Total: 10 26-11
12. Brent Crow - Simon Morrow Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 5 13-15 Total: 10 26-09
13. Camran Fleming - Dustin Welborn 5 Alive Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-05 Day 2: 5 16-13 Total: 10 26-02
14. Russell Davis - William Dudley 5 Alive Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 14-00 Total: 10 26-00
15. Jason Adams - Zach Peaslee Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 12-10 Total: 10 25-14
16. Joseph Hemmen - Trent Suratt Tennessee River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 11-06 Total: 10 25-10
17. Jeffrey Barrickman - Cole Findley World Fishing Tour 0
Day 1: 5 10-15 Day 2: 5 14-06 Total: 10 25-05
18. Matthew Oconnell - Mark Denney Berry’s Tournament Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 12-15 Total: 10 25-05
19. Tony Mayfield - Fisher Mayfield Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 10-07 Total: 10 25-01
20. Andrus Kung - Evan Kung CSFL 0
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 10-03 Total: 10 25-00
21. Mitch Mitchell - Candler McCollum Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 5 10-13 Total: 10 24-13
22. Von Dilbeck - Keith McDeerman Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 11-09 Total: 10 24-10
23. Mark Lodge - Shawn Grover Maine BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 16-10 Day 2: 5 07-10 Total: 10 24-04
24. Drew Sagely - Travis Harriman Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 13-09 Total: 10 24-04
25. Johnathan Harris - Joseph Batton Alabama BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 5 12-02 Total: 10 24-04
26. Greg Lamb - David Powell Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-15 Day 2: 5 13-00 Total: 10 23-15
27. Adam Bain - Kris Colley Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 5 14-04 Total: 10 23-07
28. Justen Fain - Ty Fain Great Lakes Largemouth Series 0
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 09-12 Total: 10 23-06
29. Sean Clayton - Owen DiMaio 5 Alive Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 09-15 Total: 10 23-06
30. Neil Vandebiezen - Joseph LaFountain West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 10-13 Total: 10 23-06
31. Justin Kimmel - Matt Henry Berry’s Tournament Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 5 09-06 Total: 10 23-05
32. Richard Owen - Austin Minton VA Elite 70 0
Day 1: 5 10-14 Day 2: 5 12-05 Total: 10 23-03
33. Alvin Shaw - Preston Harris Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 5 09-11 Day 2: 5 13-07 Total: 10 23-02
34. Nolen Spencer - Jonathon Reese Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 10-02 Total: 10 23-02
35. Joey Teofilo - Joseph Di Cienzo CSFL 0
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 11-15 Total: 10 23-02
36. Rob Lee - Steve Winslett Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 09-11 Total: 10 22-15
37. Brandon Pritchett - Derik Hudson Pulaski Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 5 11-13 Total: 10 22-14
38. Danny Gwinn - Chris Darby Trader Bill's 0
Day 1: 5 08-00 Day 2: 5 14-13 Total: 10 22-13
39. Billy Baugus - Matthew Garvin USA Bassin 0
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 4 09-15 Total: 9 22-13
40. Kyle Zacharuk - Chelsea Webb CSFL 0
Day 1: 5 16-01 Day 2: 3 06-09 Total: 8 22-10
41. Billy Shelton - Michael Garner VA Elite 70 0
Day 1: 5 15-01 Day 2: 5 07-08 Total: 10 22-09
42. Donovan Hensley - Josh Hensley Ozark Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-13 Day 2: 3 09-10 Total: 8 22-07
43. Aaron Green - Wade Ritchey PA BASS Nation 0
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 10-00 Total: 10 22-07
44. Justin Lane - Luke Mason Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 5 11-11 Total: 10 22-05
45. Mike Hyrtle - Michael Hyrtle Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 07-13 Day 2: 5 14-06 Total: 10 22-03
46. Joe Leonard - Brandon Booher Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 5 11-03 Total: 10 21-13
47. Wyatt Burkhalter - Dax Massey Airport Marine 0
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 5 11-01 Total: 10 21-13
48. Justy Varkevisser - Reed Eastman SABAA 0
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 08-04 Total: 10 21-11
49. Michael Smith - David Boshears Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 10-05 Total: 10 21-10
50. Andrew Mercer - Jack Morgan Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 10-14 Day 2: 5 10-12 Total: 10 21-10
51. AJ Barnes - Jesse Schwab Chattanooga Bass Association 0
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 09-14 Total: 10 21-07
52. Tristan Abbott - Derek Flynn NTBA 0
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 3 07-10 Total: 8 21-00
53. Eric Olliverson - Mike Gold World Fishing Tour 0
Day 1: 5 09-02 Day 2: 5 11-13 Total: 10 20-15
54. Jeff Cherry - Stephen Rosson Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 10-02 Total: 10 20-13
55. Haden Lamb - Trevor Porter Chattanooga Bass Association 0
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 3 05-00 Total: 8 20-12
56. Jerry Prochko - Diego Segui Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 5 10-01 Total: 10 20-11
57. Grant Kelly - Jeffery Kelly Berry’s Tournament Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 5 10-05 Total: 10 20-11
58. Spiro Agouros - Justin Beckett Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 4 08-03 Total: 9 20-09
59. Eric Metheny - Brian Ude Cheat Lake Bass Anglers Club 0
Day 1: 5 09-07 Day 2: 5 11-02 Total: 10 20-09
60. Matt Seiber - Mike Bridges Great Lakes Largemouth Series 0
Day 1: 5 08-06 Day 2: 5 12-02 Total: 10 20-08
61. Damien Willis - Tyler Kiker Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 4 06-02 Total: 9 20-05
62. Peter Bayerle - Mike Williams NTBA 0
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 5 09-03 Total: 10 20-04
63. Craig Denobrega - Hayden Denobrega CSFL 0
Day 1: 5 09-02 Day 2: 5 10-14 Total: 10 20-00
64. Kip Starling - Ron Scriver CSFL 0
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 4 09-04 Total: 9 20-00
65. Steven Sparrow - Sawyer Sparrow SC BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 5 08-14 Total: 10 19-14
66. Bill Perkins - Jacob Perkins Empire Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-12 Day 2: 5 10-14 Total: 10 19-10
67. Jordon Crago - Alexander May Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 5 09-10 Total: 10 19-09
68. David Warrior - Chris Haney Angler Nation 0
Day 1: 5 09-11 Day 2: 5 09-13 Total: 10 19-08
69. Scott Acheson - Matt Loudon Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 08-13 Total: 10 19-06
70. Timothy Merkh - Rob Jilka KBN Team Series 0
Day 1: 5 12-05 Day 2: 5 06-15 Total: 10 19-04
71. Shannon Moats - Blake Lehman USA Bassin 0
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 3 07-12 Total: 8 19-04
72. Zach Cappon - Tyler Vanderbilt Empire Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 4 09-05 Total: 9 19-04
73. Dalton Laster - Curtis Laster SABBA 0
Day 1: 5 09-08 Day 2: 4 09-12 Total: 9 19-04
74. Jason Smith - Thomas Brewer Tennessee River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-15 Day 2: 5 12-01 Total: 10 19-00
75. Brad Fowler - Brock Taylor Palmetto Boat Center Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 5 06-13 Total: 10 18-14
76. Nick Leonard - Cody Seeger OH BN Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-09 Day 2: 5 09-04 Total: 10 18-13
77. Kip Carter - Joe Ellington Berry’s Tournament Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 07-09 Total: 10 18-12
78. Mark Ownby - Bobby Chambers Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 5 09-00 Day 2: 5 09-12 Total: 10 18-12
79. Dale Teaney - Randy Alexander Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 2 06-02 Total: 7 18-11
80. Craig Grubbs - Matt Ferguson Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 3 06-07 Total: 8 18-11
81. Robert Mills - David Mills Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 5 07-02 Day 2: 5 11-07 Total: 10 18-09
82. Jason Burroughs - Darren Ashley 5 Alive Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 4 06-04 Total: 9 18-08
83. Stephen Waller - Ty Overmyer Palmetto Boat Center Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 4 07-05 Total: 9 18-07
84. Jim Lovan - Michael Fornelli Ozark Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-13 Day 2: 2 05-09 Total: 7 18-06
85. Marshall Halverson - Mark Halverson Iowa BASS Nation 0
Day 1: 5 08-06 Day 2: 5 09-15 Total: 10 18-05
86. Ed Powell - Joshua Milam WV BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-05 Day 2: 3 08-13 Total: 8 18-02
87. Ed Bauer - Matthew Bishop IN BN Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-00 Day 2: 5 09-02 Total: 10 18-02
88. John Warren - Eric Johnson USA Bassin 0
Day 1: 5 07-07 Day 2: 5 10-09 Total: 10 18-00
89. Daniel Conn - Michael Conn Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 4 06-01 Total: 9 17-15
90. Joe Ellis - Ron Ellis Tennessee Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-04 Day 2: 5 09-07 Total: 10 17-11
91. Don Ingram - Ronnie Grant NTBA 0
Day 1: 5 08-05 Day 2: 4 09-04 Total: 9 17-09
92. Casey Majni - Corey Brooks Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 5 08-13 Day 2: 5 08-11 Total: 10 17-08
93. Travis O'Quinn - Shannon O'Quinn Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 5 06-07 Day 2: 5 11-00 Total: 10 17-07
94. Brandon Linkous - Robert Smith Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 3 07-01 Total: 8 17-07
95. Raylon Zwernemann - Eric Brigman 3 F Fishing 0
Day 1: 5 07-15 Day 2: 5 09-07 Total: 10 17-06
96. Derek Lehtonen - Roger Hughes 5 Alive Sunday Series 0
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 3 07-05 Total: 8 17-05
97. Mark Price - Thomas McMillan Media Bass 0
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 2 04-03 Total: 7 17-04
98. Mark Moran - Mike Moore WV BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 5 06-10 Total: 10 17-04
99. Jeffrey Perron - Peter Owen New Hampshire BASS Nation Team T 0
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 4 06-12 Total: 9 17-02
100. Nathan Nipper - Dirk Robertson Minnesota BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-09 Day 2: 5 09-09 Total: 10 17-02
101. Brandon Cizek - Jim Severson Minnesota BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-05 Day 2: 5 08-13 Total: 10 17-02
102. Dan Shoraga - Adam Eggertsen Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 5 09-08 Day 2: 5 07-09 Total: 10 17-01
103. Cory Conley - Logan Van Loo Angler Nation 0
Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 5 06-12 Total: 10 17-00
104. Ty Ball - Hunter Hamilton Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 5 08-11 Day 2: 5 08-05 Total: 10 17-00
105. Drew Blackwood - Terry Blackwood Hays Bassmaster Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-11 Day 2: 5 07-03 Total: 10 16-14
106. Colton Sowers - Brett Colagiovanni PA Sunday Series 0
Day 1: 4 04-12 Day 2: 5 12-01 Total: 9 16-13
107. Rusty Darnell - Tim Newberry Sr Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 2 02-13 Total: 7 16-11
108. Blain Bartley - Rj Graham Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 0
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 5 07-08 Total: 10 16-11
109. Matt Gorham - David Osterhout West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 5 08-09 Day 2: 5 08-01 Total: 10 16-10
110. Kenneth Malone - Hall Hobbs Airport Marine 0
Day 1: 5 07-14 Day 2: 3 08-11 Total: 8 16-09
111. Lee Byrd Jr. - Anthony Mills Alabama BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-11 Day 2: 5 07-13 Total: 10 16-08
112. Hunter Adams - Doug Hall NTBA 0
Day 1: 5 08-09 Day 2: 5 07-15 Total: 10 16-08
113. Thomas Petron - Cory Putnam Minnesota BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 2 05-12 Total: 7 16-07
114. Vincent De Boer - James Roberts SABAA 0
Day 1: 4 08-01 Day 2: 5 08-05 Total: 9 16-06
115. Josh Lewis - Ryan Thornton Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 3 05-14 Total: 8 16-05
116. Dale Blackwell - Britt Daniel Georgia Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-05 Day 2: 5 06-15 Total: 10 16-04
117. Colby Robertson - Dave Turner Florida BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-12 Day 2: 5 06-07 Total: 10 16-03
118. Dan Weber - Robert Leininger Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-07 Day 2: 5 06-12 Total: 10 16-03
119. Austin Johnson - Quincy Grupenhoff Montana BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 06-05 Day 2: 5 09-12 Total: 8 16-01
120. Ron Mehr - Joe Wambeke Minnesota Bass Series 0
Day 1: 5 08-02 Day 2: 5 07-15 Total: 10 16-01
121. Patrick Wylie - Eddie Nicholas Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 09-07 Day 2: 5 06-08 Total: 10 15-15
122. Michael Cannon - Roy Cannon SABAA 0
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 2 03-12 Total: 7 15-09
123. Clint Haley - Brandon Seats NTBA 0
Day 1: 5 09-05 Day 2: 5 06-03 Total: 10 15-08
124. Troy Adamosky - Mike Doerflinger Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 0
Day 1: 3 04-09 Day 2: 5 10-13 Total: 8 15-06
125. Joshua Noel - Alex Strunk Great Lakes Largemouth Series 0
Day 1: 5 09-01 Day 2: 5 06-02 Total: 10 15-03
126. Ben Baker - Nick Compagner D & R Sports Center Tournament S 0
Day 1: 5 08-00 Day 2: 5 07-01 Total: 10 15-01
127. Ryan Fingleton - Ryan Hubler West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 5 06-03 Day 2: 5 08-10 Total: 10 14-13
128. Elliott Thorn - William Scott Tulsa Southside Hookers 0
Day 1: 4 08-14 Day 2: 3 05-14 Total: 7 14-12
129. Brian Chandler - Jermey Jenks West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 5 07-01 Day 2: 5 07-11 Total: 10 14-12
130. Rowan Timmer - Guy Paulet SABAA 0
Day 1: 3 05-09 Day 2: 5 08-14 Total: 8 14-07
131. Jason Bean - Brian Dillard NTBA 0
Day 1: 5 08-05 Day 2: 3 06-02 Total: 8 14-07
132. Les Charles - Adam Wicks Berry’s Tournament Trail 0
Day 1: 2 02-06 Day 2: 5 11-06 Total: 7 13-12
133. Charles Edgar - Steve Fowler Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-14 Day 2: 5 06-13 Total: 10 13-11
134. Derek Turner - Shane Bowman White Pine Marine 0
Day 1: 5 06-15 Day 2: 5 06-10 Total: 10 13-09
135. Joseph Sanderson - Matteo Turano Three Rivers Bass Team 0
Day 1: 4 05-07 Day 2: 5 08-00 Total: 9 13-07
136. Eric Rasmussen - John Frugo Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 5 08-11 Day 2: 3 04-10 Total: 8 13-05
137. Garret Sanders - Parker Hamil South GA Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 2 04-02 Day 2: 4 09-02 Total: 6 13-04
138. Thomas Sandefur - Tom Ballowe KY BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-05 Day 2: 3 04-14 Total: 8 13-03
139. Robert Storey - John Kellett Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 13-01
140. David Chong - Greg Gervais Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 09-02 Day 2: 3 03-15 Total: 8 13-01
141. Dane Vocelka - Aaron Teal Minnesota BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-09 Day 2: 3 03-07 Total: 8 13-00
142. Mike Williams - Jeff Blanchard Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 07-06 Day 2: 5 05-10 Total: 10 13-00
143. Dave Brown - Kacey Ferguson Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 07-13 Day 2: 5 05-01 Total: 10 12-14
144. Jeff Gilbert - Mathew Morey Polar Bear Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-02 Day 2: 3 04-10 Total: 8 12-12
145. Ray Trudeau - Clinton Lacinak Jr Florida BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-12 Day 2: 5 05-00 Total: 10 12-12
146. Dion Bright - Brian Closson WV BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-11 Day 2: 5 05-11 Total: 10 12-06
147. Leon Potgieter - Gheruan Coutinho SABAA 0
Day 1: 1 01-14 Day 2: 5 10-07 Total: 6 12-05
148. James Buchanan - Eddie Gibson Synergy Series 0
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 12-04
148. James Murphy - David Lowery Berry’s Tournament Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 12-04
150. Robby Hipps - Rodney Chastain 5 Alive Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 12-01
150. Randy Tolbert Jr - Gary Thompson Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 12-01
152. Hank Winks - Dallas Winks Airport Marine 0
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 11-11
153. Jimmy Vanden Berg Jr - Jason Walcott West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 5 06-02 Day 2: 3 05-09 Total: 8 11-11
154. Kamil Jaskolski - Matt Bedigian Mass BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 05-06 Day 2: 5 06-03 Total: 8 11-09
155. Frank Bradfield - Tyler Morgan Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 11-08
156. Dale Black - Jacob Black Western PA Team Bass Series 0
Day 1: 5 09-04 Day 2: 1 02-03 Total: 6 11-07
157. Dewayne Weeks - Rocky Carden Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 06-09 Day 2: 4 04-13 Total: 8 11-06
158. Scott Holmes - Travis Culbreth Alabama BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-10 Day 2: 2 02-11 Total: 7 11-05
159. Gary Bonnet - Matt Hall NTBA 0
Day 1: 5 07-10 Day 2: 3 03-09 Total: 8 11-03
160. Mike Blalock - Caleb Allgood 5 Alive Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-03 Day 2: 3 05-00 Total: 8 11-03
161. Filipe Miguel Santos - Bruno Miguel Marianito Portugal Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 07-12 Day 2: 2 03-06 Total: 6 11-02
162. Barton Aiken - Jeff Rohaley 5 Alive Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 05-00 Day 2: 3 05-14 Total: 6 10-14
163. Shane Tossava - Zack Hammond D & R Sports Center Tournament S 0
Day 1: 5 06-13 Day 2: 2 03-15 Total: 7 10-12
164. Doug Walker - Maurice Smith Fishing With JM Austin 0
Day 1: 4 04-05 Day 2: 5 06-07 Total: 9 10-12
165. Ryan Kelly - Joshua Schumaker West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 4 07-05 Day 2: 3 03-05 Total: 7 10-10
166. Cody George - Josh Prince Tennessee Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 10-06
167. Kyle Smith - David Johnson White Pine Marine 0
Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 10-05
168. Trey McKinney - Rick Cheatham USA Bassin 0
Day 1: 1 01-04 Day 2: 5 09-01 Total: 6 10-05
169. Daniel Padgett - Brad Padgett Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 10-04
170. Steven White - Dakota Bellew Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 1 01-07 Day 2: 5 08-13 Total: 6 10-04
171. Mike Leggett - Andrew Beeman Lakeland Bass Masters 0
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 10-03
172. Matt McCoy - Dennis Davis IN BN Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 10-02
172. Timothy Penhollow - Timothy Sellers-Penhollow Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 10-02
174. Robert Jacuzzi - Jody Jones Trader Bill’s 0
Day 1: 5 09-06 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 09-06
175. Dakota Comstock - Greg Blair Ozark Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 09-03
175. Doug Lehman - Mark Richards Bayou Bassin League 0
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 09-03
177. Justin Garcia - Chase Leblanc Milford Lakes Team Series 0
Day 1: 5 06-01 Day 2: 2 03-02 Total: 7 09-03
178. Josh Chapple - Paul Davis Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 09-00
178. Derek Cummings - Craig Chambers Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 5 09-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 09-00
178. Mike Moran - Mark Flament PA Sunday Series 0
Day 1: 5 09-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 09-00
178. Benjie Seaborn - Johnathon Seaborn Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 09-00
182. Jayson Saliba - Murdock Graham CSFL 0
Day 1: 1 01-01 Day 2: 4 07-15 Total: 5 09-00
183. Roger Fitzpatrick - Chase Fitzpatrick Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 05-03 Day 2: 2 03-11 Total: 5 08-14
184. Chad Pilson - Elliot Pilson Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 5 08-10 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 08-10
185. Dallas Crabtree - Mark Thompson Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 05-09 Day 2: 3 03-00 Total: 8 08-09
186. Scott Parmalee - Ross Parmalee West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 3 04-11 Day 2: 3 03-14 Total: 6 08-09
187. DJ Plotner - Tom Grobe Great Lakes Largemouth Series 0
Day 1: 5 06-15 Day 2: 1 01-08 Total: 6 08-07
188. Jason Cheek - John Duvall Georgia Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 3 05-11 Day 2: 2 02-12 Total: 5 08-07
189. Randall Carter - William Spencer Alabama BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-06 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 08-06
190. Cody Ellison - Ricky Jones World Fishing Tour 0
Day 1: 5 08-05 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 08-05
191. Zeke Gossett - Curtis Gossett Alabama BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-04 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 08-04
192. Rickey York - Ed Gilbert Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 1 02-06 Day 2: 5 05-13 Total: 6 08-03
193. Perry Dewees - Paul Napier Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 5 08-01 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 08-01
194. Billy Norris - Joshua Norris Tennessee Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 07-10 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 07-10
195. Greg Tomlin - Jeremy Tomlin Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-07 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 07-07
196. Randy Franks - Justin Layton World Fishing Tour 0
Day 1: 3 05-13 Day 2: 2 01-10 Total: 5 07-07
197. Scott Clift - Ashley Medley Ozark Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-05 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 07-05
198. Josh Busby - Rick Johnston Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 07-05 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 07-05
199. Russell Sapp III - Logan Sims Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-04 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 07-04
200. Doug Holtrop - Paul Vandentoorn West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 4 07-03 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 07-03
201. Levi Snow - Benjamin Hodgson Columbus Bass Club 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 07-03 Total: 3 07-03
202. Jeston Anderson - Scott Saucer Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 3 07-01 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 07-01
203. Butch Pitts Jr - Chad Pitts Synergy Series 0
Day 1: 4 07-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 07-00
204. Terry Runtz - Christopher Voldock Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 4 06-15 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 06-15
204. Brett Underwood - Joey Wasson NTBA 0
Day 1: 4 06-15 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 06-15
206. Jeff Bailiff - Ned Bailiff White Pine Marine 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 06-15 Total: 3 06-15
206. Joey Davidson - Tullis Lanier Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 3 06-15 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 06-15
208. Keith Hendrix - Greggory Zumwalt Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-13 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 06-13
209. Clay Samples - Scott Moser Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 3 06-10 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 06-10
210. Earl Griffin - Chad Cox Florida BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-08 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 06-08
211. Kyle Mullins - Jimmy Thomas Tulsa Southside Hookers 0
Day 1: 4 06-08 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 06-08
212. Jacob Coverdale - Jeremy Birmingham Delaware BN Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-07 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 06-07
213. Jason Davidson - Darren Tilley Ozark Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-05 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 06-05
214. Tim Randell - Chris Randell Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-04 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 06-04
215. Lance Collins - Scott Jeffers Berry’s Tournament Trail 0
Day 1: 5 05-15 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 05-15
216. Bennie Paschall - Joanne Paschall New Mexico BASS Nation Team Trai 0
Day 1: 5 05-09 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 05-09
217. Toby Lillard - Kurt Rohl TN BN Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 05-08 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 05-08
217. Lake Weidler - Tyler Wolfe Airport Marine 0
Day 1: 4 05-08 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 05-08
219. Trent Erxleben - John Warden Media Bass 0
Day 1: 5 05-07 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 05-07
220. Luke Routh - Tyler Weaver Polar Bear Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 05-06 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 05-06
221. Will Nichols - Jake Young Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 2 05-04 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 05-04
222. Matthew Adams - Richard Payne Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 05-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 05-00
223. Randall Christopher - Nick Coleman KY BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 04-15 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 04-15
224. Kyle Christopher - Mark Lunsford KY BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 04-15 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 04-15
225. Adam Buffington - Eric Sellers Chattanooga Bass Association 0
Day 1: 4 04-13 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 04-13
226. Weston Parker - Jason Parker Berry’s Tournament Trail 0
Day 1: 4 04-11 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 04-11
227. Brian Reinert - Kennan Reinert Centennial Bass Club 0
Day 1: 3 04-10 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 04-10
228. David Bulow - Julie Ziga USA Bassin 0
Day 1: 3 02-14 Day 2: 1 01-12 Total: 4 04-10
229. Ian Strydom - Daniel Strydom Florida BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 2 02-13 Day 2: 1 01-13 Total: 3 04-10
230. Chris Savoie - Casey Kidder KC Team Tour 0
Day 1: 2 03-15 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 03-15
231. Carl Donnelly - Troy Bresee Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 3 03-11 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 03-11
232. Marc Thomas - Tomi Estes KY BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 2 03-07 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 03-07
233. Jeff Cannon - Terry Tucker Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 03-05 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 03-05
234. Austin Horton - Colton Johnson Airport Marine 0
Day 1: 2 03-03 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 03-03
235. Jesse Evans - Stewart Evans Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 03-02 Total: 2 03-02
236. Brian Jones - Matt Russell TX BN Team Trail 0
Day 1: 2 02-12 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 02-12
237. Michael Cartwright - Nick Short KY BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 1 02-09 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 1 02-09
238. Art Mensik - Jim Blumenstein IL BN Team Trail 0
Day 1: 2 01-14 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 01-14
238. Chris Ricks - Ryan Broughman Elite 70 0
Day 1: 2 01-14 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 01-14
240. Joseph Hall - Garrett Goodson 3 F Fishing 0
Day 1: 1 01-08 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 1 01-08
241. Brad Dekraai - Jeff Moore New Hampshire BASS Nation Team T 0
Day 1: 1 01-07 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 1 01-07
242. Clifford Hughes - Charles Sullivan SC BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 1 01-02 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 1 01-02
243. Cecil Burns - Daniel Robinson Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
243. Jimmy Dean - Shawn Meade NTBA 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
243. Jeff Green - Brent Long SC BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
243. Blake Lee - Jake Hubbs Chattanooga Bass Association 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
243. Brad Norris - Ryan Robinson IL BN team series 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
243. Johnny Roth - Greg Marcum NTBA 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
243. Joey Solomon - Daniel Taylor Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
243. Daniel Watkins - Brady McGuire NTBA 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
BIG BASS OF TOURN
Billy Baugus-Matthew Garvin USA Bassin 05-08 $500.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 182 1074 2126-09
2 115 744 1480-09
----------------------------------
297 1818 3607-02
Major League Fishing’s General Tire Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops to Air Sunday on CBS
BENTON, Ky. (Dec. 8, 2022) – Major League Fishing’s General Tire Heavy Hitters Special Presented by Bass Pro Shops, the Bass Pro Tour all-star tournament filmed earlier this year on Lake Palestine in Tyler, Texas, will premiere nationwide this Sunday, Dec. 11, on the CBS Television Network and Paramount+ from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET (or 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET, depending on local NFL schedule). The program showcases 32 pro anglers competing in the no-entry-fee all-star tournament for a purse of more than $500,000, with a top prize of $100,000 to the winner along with Big Bass Bonuses during the competition that pay out $25,000, $50,000, and $100,000 to the biggest fish caught in the Qualifying, Knockout and Championship rounds.
Sunday’s airing on CBS will showcase the highlights from all five days of competition, with behind-the-scenes angler commentary and interviews as well as one of the most dramatic third-period comebacks in Major League Fishing history.
The full, updated television schedule can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF General Tire Heavy Hitters Event include: Abu Garcia, B&W Hitches, Bally Bet, Bass Cat Boats, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Builders First Source, Covercraft, Ferguson, FuelMe, GEICO, General Tire, Guaranteed Rate, Kubota, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak, NITRO Boats, Onyx, Phoenix Boats, Plano, Power-Pole, Power Stop Brakes, Shore Lunch, Sonic, StarBrite, Sqwincher, T-H Marine, Toyota, United States Airforce, Wiley X, Yellowstone Bourbon, and YETI.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Alabama’s Stiffler And Gore Grab Lead At Bassmaster Team Championship On Lake Hartwell
The Alabama Bass Trail team of Brian Stiffler of Columbiana, Ala., and Wesley Gore of Clanton, Ala., are leading after Day 1 of the 2022 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship on Lake Hartwell with 17 pounds, 4 ounces.
Photo by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S.
December 7, 2022
Alabama’s Stiffler And Gore Grab Lead At Bassmaster Team Championship On Lake Hartwell
ANDERSON, S.C. — Brian Stiffler is old enough to be Wesley Gore’s father, but on the water, they are brothers in bass fishing.
The duo showed just how well their partnership works Wednesday on Lake Hartwell in the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship.
Stiffler, 52, and Gore, 22, teamed for a five-bass limit weighing 17 pounds, 4 ounces and grabbed the lead on Day 1 of the final tournament of the 2022 Bassmaster season. A total of 250 teams from 37 states and three foreign countries are competing this week for a purse of $120,000 to be split by the Top 50 tandems.
After the Day 2 weigh-in, the Top 3 teams (six anglers in all) will have their weights zeroed and fish individually for two more days in the Bassmaster Classic Fish-Off. The winner of that portion of the tournament will clinch the final spot in the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic scheduled for March 24-26 in Knoxville, Tenn.
But first things first, and that begins with Stiffler and Gore. The Alabama Bass Trail teammates weighed five quality spotted bass on Wednesday, but the catch didn’t come easily.
“We ran around with two tiny fish for a long time today,” Gore said.
“Two little rats,” Stiffler emphasized.
But the bite eventually turned for the teammates.
“We caught everything we weighed in about an hour and a half,” Gore said. “We were fishing for big spots and 3-pound spots are pretty hard to come by here. They’re gold.
“We were fishing a little bit of everything but we went deep, to the bottom of the lake, and finally got a bite and ran with it,” Gore added. “There was one key adjustment. (Stiffler) noticed it.”
“And then (Wesley) caught them,” Stiffler added, nodding toward his young teammate. “Sometimes one word can key him. Wesley is extremely good at what he does out there.”
Gore, who hails from Clanton, Ala., was a standout angler at the University of Montevallo (Ala.) and fished the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by Mossy Oak Fishing this year. Stiffler, who lives in Columbiana and co-owns Hammer Fishing Rods, made it clear his primary goal this week is to finish among the Top 3 teams at Hartwell so Gore can get a shot in the Bassmaster Classic Fish-Off on Friday and Saturday.
“We’re gonna fish hard,” Stiffler said “We’ll depend on Wesley and his knowledge here.”
Wednesday’s start was delayed by 90 minutes due to heavy fog in the area. The air cleared enough to get the field on the water, but hazy conditions remained. Coupled with a transitioning bass bite, fishing was less than ideal on Day 1.
Still, 182 of the 250 teams caught a limit Wednesday, with 90 of those in double digits.
A pair of teams are tied for second place — Mark Lodge and Shawn Grover of the Maine BASS Nation Team Trail and Collin Smith and Brady Kimbrell of South Carolina’s 5 Alive Sunday Series. Both tandems weighed 16-10 on Day 1 and trail the leaders by less than a pound.
Lodge and Grover said they had 20 to 30 bites, including a limit within the first hour. Lodge said the delayed start didn’t force a change of plans.
“We found fish yesterday and we left them biting,” he said. “The spots were biting again this morning. We got a little more dialed in today, so we should be able to catch another limit tomorrow.”
Grover agreed.
“Some of these guys have an advantage of knowing this lake better than we do, but I feel whatever suits your style, you can find it out here,” he said.
Hartwell is home water to Smith and Kimbrell and they proved their proficiency.
“We covered a lot of water and took it one bite at a time,” Smith said. “We knew with the short day, we’d have to make it happen quickly. Luckily by about 12 o’clock we caught that one largemouth that was almost 5 pounds and that really helped us. It came deep. From there, we were able to piece together some more spots in the 3-pound range.”
Wednesday’s fog did throw a curveball to the South Carolina pair, though.
“We knew we had some places we could get to right off the bat and catch some largemouth early, but obviously we couldn’t this morning,” Smith said. “But the first place we pulled up on, we caught a spot that weighed 3 pounds. Everything just fell into place from there. We really did weigh five fish today that were caught in five different places.”
Chris Nelson and Jeremy Strong of the Palmetto Boat Center Team Trail (South Carolina) are in fourth place with 16-3, and Kyle Zacharuk and Chelsea Webb from Canada’s CSFL are fifth with 16-1.
Day 2 is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. ET from Green Pond Landing and Event Center with weigh-in starting at 3 p.m. Follow the action on Bassmaster.com.
This week’s Team Championship and Classic Fish-Off are being hosted by Visit Anderson.
The Alabama Bass Trail team of Brian Stiffler of Columbiana, Ala., and Wesley Gore of Clanton, Ala., are leading after Day 1 of the 2022 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship on Lake Hartwell with 17 pounds, 4 ounces.
Photo by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S.
December 7, 2022
Alabama’s Stiffler And Gore Grab Lead At Bassmaster Team Championship On Lake Hartwell
ANDERSON, S.C. — Brian Stiffler is old enough to be Wesley Gore’s father, but on the water, they are brothers in bass fishing.
The duo showed just how well their partnership works Wednesday on Lake Hartwell in the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship.
Stiffler, 52, and Gore, 22, teamed for a five-bass limit weighing 17 pounds, 4 ounces and grabbed the lead on Day 1 of the final tournament of the 2022 Bassmaster season. A total of 250 teams from 37 states and three foreign countries are competing this week for a purse of $120,000 to be split by the Top 50 tandems.
After the Day 2 weigh-in, the Top 3 teams (six anglers in all) will have their weights zeroed and fish individually for two more days in the Bassmaster Classic Fish-Off. The winner of that portion of the tournament will clinch the final spot in the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic scheduled for March 24-26 in Knoxville, Tenn.
But first things first, and that begins with Stiffler and Gore. The Alabama Bass Trail teammates weighed five quality spotted bass on Wednesday, but the catch didn’t come easily.
“We ran around with two tiny fish for a long time today,” Gore said.
“Two little rats,” Stiffler emphasized.
But the bite eventually turned for the teammates.
“We caught everything we weighed in about an hour and a half,” Gore said. “We were fishing for big spots and 3-pound spots are pretty hard to come by here. They’re gold.
“We were fishing a little bit of everything but we went deep, to the bottom of the lake, and finally got a bite and ran with it,” Gore added. “There was one key adjustment. (Stiffler) noticed it.”
“And then (Wesley) caught them,” Stiffler added, nodding toward his young teammate. “Sometimes one word can key him. Wesley is extremely good at what he does out there.”
Gore, who hails from Clanton, Ala., was a standout angler at the University of Montevallo (Ala.) and fished the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by Mossy Oak Fishing this year. Stiffler, who lives in Columbiana and co-owns Hammer Fishing Rods, made it clear his primary goal this week is to finish among the Top 3 teams at Hartwell so Gore can get a shot in the Bassmaster Classic Fish-Off on Friday and Saturday.
“We’re gonna fish hard,” Stiffler said “We’ll depend on Wesley and his knowledge here.”
Wednesday’s start was delayed by 90 minutes due to heavy fog in the area. The air cleared enough to get the field on the water, but hazy conditions remained. Coupled with a transitioning bass bite, fishing was less than ideal on Day 1.
Still, 182 of the 250 teams caught a limit Wednesday, with 90 of those in double digits.
A pair of teams are tied for second place — Mark Lodge and Shawn Grover of the Maine BASS Nation Team Trail and Collin Smith and Brady Kimbrell of South Carolina’s 5 Alive Sunday Series. Both tandems weighed 16-10 on Day 1 and trail the leaders by less than a pound.
Lodge and Grover said they had 20 to 30 bites, including a limit within the first hour. Lodge said the delayed start didn’t force a change of plans.
“We found fish yesterday and we left them biting,” he said. “The spots were biting again this morning. We got a little more dialed in today, so we should be able to catch another limit tomorrow.”
Grover agreed.
“Some of these guys have an advantage of knowing this lake better than we do, but I feel whatever suits your style, you can find it out here,” he said.
Hartwell is home water to Smith and Kimbrell and they proved their proficiency.
“We covered a lot of water and took it one bite at a time,” Smith said. “We knew with the short day, we’d have to make it happen quickly. Luckily by about 12 o’clock we caught that one largemouth that was almost 5 pounds and that really helped us. It came deep. From there, we were able to piece together some more spots in the 3-pound range.”
Wednesday’s fog did throw a curveball to the South Carolina pair, though.
“We knew we had some places we could get to right off the bat and catch some largemouth early, but obviously we couldn’t this morning,” Smith said. “But the first place we pulled up on, we caught a spot that weighed 3 pounds. Everything just fell into place from there. We really did weigh five fish today that were caught in five different places.”
Chris Nelson and Jeremy Strong of the Palmetto Boat Center Team Trail (South Carolina) are in fourth place with 16-3, and Kyle Zacharuk and Chelsea Webb from Canada’s CSFL are fifth with 16-1.
Day 2 is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. ET from Green Pond Landing and Event Center with weigh-in starting at 3 p.m. Follow the action on Bassmaster.com.
This week’s Team Championship and Classic Fish-Off are being hosted by Visit Anderson.
2022 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship 12/7-12/8
Lake Hartwell, Anderson SC.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Club/School Pts
1. Brian Stiffler - Wesley Gore Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 17-04 Total: 5 17-04
2. Mark Lodge - Shawn Grover Maine BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 16-10 Total: 5 16-10
2. Collin Smith - Brady Kimbrell 5 Alive Sunday Series 0
Day 1: 5 16-10 Total: 5 16-10
4. Chris Nelson - Jeremy Strong Palmetto Boat Center Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 16-03 Total: 5 16-03
5. Kyle Zacharuk - Chelsea Webb CSFL 0
Day 1: 5 16-01 Total: 5 16-01
6. Haden Lamb - Trevor Porter Chattanooga Bass Association 0
Day 1: 5 15-12 Total: 5 15-12
7. Jake Lee - Joe Lee Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 5 15-08 Total: 5 15-08
8. Billy Shelton - Michael Garner VA Elite 70 0
Day 1: 5 15-01 Total: 5 15-01
9. Brad Jelinek - Mark Wiese Jr Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 5 14-13 Total: 5 14-13
9. Andrus Kung - Evan Kung CSFL 0
Day 1: 5 14-13 Total: 5 14-13
11. Tony Mayfield - Fisher Mayfield Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 14-10 Total: 5 14-10
12. Joseph Hemmen - Trent Suratt Tennessee River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 14-04 Total: 5 14-04
13. Wesley Sams - Jordan Wiggins Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 14-03 Total: 5 14-03
13. Damien Willis - Tyler Kiker Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 14-03 Total: 5 14-03
15. Kyle Healey - Adam Howell Renegade Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 14-01 Total: 5 14-01
16. Mitch Mitchell - Candler McCollum Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 14-00 Total: 5 14-00
17. Justin Kimmel - Matt Henry Berry’s Tournament Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-15 Total: 5 13-15
18. Rusty Darnell - Tim Newberry Sr Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-14 Total: 5 13-14
19. Tyler Campbell - Joe Mitchell 5 Alive Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-12 Total: 5 13-12
20. Justen Fain - Ty Fain Great Lakes Largemouth Series 0
Day 1: 5 13-10 Total: 5 13-10
21. Sean Clayton - Owen DiMaio 5 Alive Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-07 Total: 5 13-07
21. Justy Varkevisser - Reed Eastman SABAA 0
Day 1: 5 13-07 Total: 5 13-07
23. Tristan Abbott - Derek Flynn NTBA 0
Day 1: 5 13-06 Total: 5 13-06
24. Jason Adams - Zach Peaslee Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 5 13-04 Total: 5 13-04
24. Rob Lee - Steve Winslett Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-04 Total: 5 13-04
26. Von Dilbeck - Keith McDeerman Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 5 13-01 Total: 5 13-01
26. Greg Glouse - Joe Anders 5 Alive Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-01 Total: 5 13-01
26. Mark Price - Thomas McMillan Media Bass 0
Day 1: 5 13-01 Total: 5 13-01
26. Robert Storey - John Kellett Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-01 Total: 5 13-01
30. Nolen Spencer - Jonathon Reese Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-00 Total: 5 13-00
31. Billy Baugus - Matthew Garvin USA Bassin 0
Day 1: 5 12-14 Total: 5 12-14
32. Donovan Hensley - Josh Hensley Ozark Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-13 Total: 5 12-13
32. Jim Lovan - Michael Fornelli Ozark Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-13 Total: 5 12-13
34. Alex Korol - Cameron Alldredge Empire Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-12 Total: 5 12-12
35. Brent Crow - Simon Morrow Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-10 Total: 5 12-10
36. Dale Teaney - Randy Alexander Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 5 12-09 Total: 5 12-09
36. Neil Vandebiezen - Joseph LaFountain West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 5 12-09 Total: 5 12-09
38. Aaron Green - Wade Ritchey PA BASS Nation 0
Day 1: 5 12-07 Total: 5 12-07
39. Spiro Agouros - Justin Beckett Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 12-06 Total: 5 12-06
39. Matthew Oconnell - Mark Denney Berry’s Tournament Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-06 Total: 5 12-06
41. Timothy Merkh - Rob Jilka KBN Team Series 0
Day 1: 5 12-05 Total: 5 12-05
42. James Buchanan - Eddie Gibson Synergy Series 0
Day 1: 5 12-04 Total: 5 12-04
42. Jason Burroughs - Darren Ashley 5 Alive Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-04 Total: 5 12-04
42. Craig Grubbs - Matt Ferguson Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-04 Total: 5 12-04
42. James Murphy - David Lowery Berry’s Tournament Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-04 Total: 5 12-04
46. Johnathan Harris - Joseph Batton Alabama BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-02 Total: 5 12-02
47. Brad Fowler - Brock Taylor Palmetto Boat Center Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-01 Total: 5 12-01
47. Robby Hipps - Rodney Chastain 5 Alive Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-01 Total: 5 12-01
47. Billy Tolbert Jr - Gary Thompson Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-01 Total: 5 12-01
50. Russell Davis - William Dudley 5 Alive Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-00 Total: 5 12-00
51. Daniel Conn - Michael Conn Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 5 11-14 Total: 5 11-14
52. Michael Cannon - Roy Cannon SABAA 0
Day 1: 5 11-13 Total: 5 11-13
53. Hank Winks - Dallas Winks Airport Marine 0
Day 1: 5 11-11 Total: 5 11-11
54. AJ Barnes - Jesse Schwab Chattanooga Bass Association 0
Day 1: 5 11-09 Total: 5 11-09
55. Frank Bradfield - Tyler Morgan Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-08 Total: 5 11-08
55. Shannon Moats - Blake Lehman USA Bassin 0
Day 1: 5 11-08 Total: 5 11-08
57. Nate Caldwell - Shane Mccoy Centennial Bass Club 0
Day 1: 5 11-05 Total: 5 11-05
57. Michael Smith - Bo Boshears Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 5 11-05 Total: 5 11-05
59. Kip Carter - Joe Ellington Berry’s Tournament Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-03 Total: 5 11-03
59. Joey Teofilo - Joseph Di Cienzo CSFL 0
Day 1: 5 11-03 Total: 5 11-03
61. Stephen Waller - Ty Overmyer Palmetto Boat Center Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-02 Total: 5 11-02
62. Peter Bayerle - Mike Williams NTBA 0
Day 1: 5 11-01 Total: 5 11-01
62. Brandon Pritchett - Derik Hudson Pulaski Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 5 11-01 Total: 5 11-01
64. Steven Sparrow - Sawyer Sparrow SC BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-00 Total: 5 11-00
65. Jeffrey Barrickman - Cole Findley World Fishing Tour 0
Day 1: 5 10-15 Total: 5 10-15
65. Greg Lamb - David Powell Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-15 Total: 5 10-15
67. Andrew Mercer - Jack Morgan Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 10-14 Total: 5 10-14
67. Richard Owen - Austin Minton VA Elite 70 0
Day 1: 5 10-14 Total: 5 10-14
69. Wyatt Burkhalter - Dax Massey Airport Marine 0
Day 1: 5 10-12 Total: 5 10-12
69. Kip Starling - Ron Scriver CSFL 0
Day 1: 5 10-12 Total: 5 10-12
71. Jeff Cherry - Stephen Rosson Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-11 Total: 5 10-11
71. Thomas Petron - Cory Putnam Minnesota BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-11 Total: 5 10-11
71. Drew Sagely - Travis Harriman Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-11 Total: 5 10-11
74. Justin Lane - Luke Mason Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-10 Total: 5 10-10
74. Joe Leonard - Brandon Booher Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 5 10-10 Total: 5 10-10
74. Mark Moran - Mike Moore WV BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-10 Total: 5 10-10
74. Jerry Prochko - Diego Segui Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-10 Total: 5 10-10
78. Scott Acheson - Matt Loudon Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 10-09 Total: 5 10-09
79. Josh Lewis - Ryan Thornton Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 10-07 Total: 5 10-07
80. Cody George - Josh Prince Tennessee Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-06 Total: 5 10-06
80. Grant Kelly - Jeffery Kelly Berry’s Tournament Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-06 Total: 5 10-06
80. Brandon Linkous - Robert Smith Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 5 10-06 Total: 5 10-06
80. Jeffrey Perron - Peter Owen New Hampshire BASS Nation Team T 0
Day 1: 5 10-06 Total: 5 10-06
84. Kyle Smith - David Johnson White Pine Marine 0
Day 1: 5 10-05 Total: 5 10-05
85. Cory Conley - Logan Van Loo Angler Nation 0
Day 1: 5 10-04 Total: 5 10-04
85. Daniel Padgett - Brad Padgett Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 5 10-04 Total: 5 10-04
87. Mike Leggett - Andrew Beeman Lakeland Bass Masters 0
Day 1: 5 10-03 Total: 5 10-03
88. Matt McCoy - Dennis Davis IN BN Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-02 Total: 5 10-02
88. Timothy Penhollow - Timothy Sellers-Penhollow Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 5 10-02 Total: 5 10-02
90. Derek Lehtonen - Roger Hughes 5 Alive Sunday Series 0
Day 1: 5 10-00 Total: 5 10-00
91. Zach Cappon - Tyler Vanderbilt Empire Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-15 Total: 5 09-15
91. Jordon Crago - Alexander May Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 09-15 Total: 5 09-15
93. Colby Robertson - Dave Turner Florida BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-12 Total: 5 09-12
94. Drew Blackwood - Terry Blackwood Hays Bassmaster Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-11 Total: 5 09-11
94. Alvin Shaw - Preston Harris Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 5 09-11 Total: 5 09-11
94. David Warrior - Chris Haney Angler Nation 0
Day 1: 5 09-11 Total: 5 09-11
97. Nick Leonard - Cody Seeger OH BN Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-09 Total: 5 09-09
97. Dane Vocelka - Aaron Teal Minnesota BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-09 Total: 5 09-09
99. Dalton Laster - Curtis Laster SABBA 0
Day 1: 5 09-08 Total: 5 09-08
99. Dan Shoraga - Adam Eggertsen Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 5 09-08 Total: 5 09-08
101. Eric Metheny - Brian Ude Cheat Lake Bass Anglers Club 0
Day 1: 5 09-07 Total: 5 09-07
101. Dan Weber - Robert Leininger Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-07 Total: 5 09-07
101. Patrick Wylie - Eddie Nicholas Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 09-07 Total: 5 09-07
104. Robert Jacuzzi - Jody Jones Trader Bill’s 0
Day 1: 5 09-06 Total: 5 09-06
105. Dale Blackwell - Britt Daniel Georgia Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-05 Total: 5 09-05
105. Camran Fleming - Dustin Welborn 5 Alive Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-05 Total: 5 09-05
105. Clint Haley - Brandon Seats NTBA 0
Day 1: 5 09-05 Total: 5 09-05
105. Ed Powell - Joshua Milam WV BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-05 Total: 5 09-05
109. Dale Black - Jacob Black Western PA Team Bass Series 0
Day 1: 5 09-04 Total: 5 09-04
110. Adam Bain - Kris Colley Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-03 Total: 5 09-03
110. Blain Bartley - Rj Graham Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 0
Day 1: 5 09-03 Total: 5 09-03
110. Dakota Comstock - Greg Blair Ozark Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-03 Total: 5 09-03
110. Doug Lehman - Mark Richards Bayou Bassin League 0
Day 1: 5 09-03 Total: 5 09-03
114. David Chong - Greg Gervais Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 09-02 Total: 5 09-02
114. Craig Denobrega - Hayden Denobrega CSFL 0
Day 1: 5 09-02 Total: 5 09-02
114. Eric Olliverson - Mike Gold World Fishing Tour 0
Day 1: 5 09-02 Total: 5 09-02
117. Joshua Noel - Alex Strunk Great Lakes Largemouth Series 0
Day 1: 5 09-01 Total: 5 09-01
118. Ed Bauer - Matthew Bishop IN BN Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-00 Total: 5 09-00
118. Josh Chapple - Paul Davis Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-00 Total: 5 09-00
118. Derek Cummings - Craig Chambers Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 5 09-00 Total: 5 09-00
118. Mike Moran - Mark Flament PA Sunday Series 0
Day 1: 5 09-00 Total: 5 09-00
118. Mark Ownby - Bobby Chambers Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 5 09-00 Total: 5 09-00
118. Benjie Seaborn - Johnathon Seaborn Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-00 Total: 5 09-00
124. Elliott Thorn - William Scott Tulsa Southside Hookers 0
Day 1: 4 08-14 Total: 4 08-14
125. Casey Majni - Corey Brooks Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 5 08-13 Total: 5 08-13
126. Bill Perkins - Jacob Perkins Empire Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-12 Total: 5 08-12
127. Lee Byrd Jr. - Anthony Mills Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-11 Total: 5 08-11
127. Eric Rasmussen - John Frugo Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 5 08-11 Total: 5 08-11
129. Ty Ball - Hunter Hamilton Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 5 08-11 Total: 5 08-11
130. Scott Holmes - Travis Culbreth Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-10 Total: 5 08-10
130. Chad Pilson - Elliot Pilson Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 5 08-10 Total: 5 08-10
132. Hunter Adams - Doug Hall NTBA 0
Day 1: 5 08-09 Total: 5 08-09
132. Matt Gorham - David Osterhout West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 5 08-09 Total: 5 08-09
134. Randall Carter - William Spencer Alabama BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-06 Total: 5 08-06
134. Marshall Halverson - Mark Halverson Iowa BASS Nation 0
Day 1: 5 08-06 Total: 5 08-06
134. Matt Seiber - Mike Bridges Great Lakes Largemouth Series 0
Day 1: 5 08-06 Total: 5 08-06
137. Jason Bean - Brian Dillard NTBA 0
Day 1: 5 08-05 Total: 5 08-05
137. Brandon Cizek - Jim Severson Minnesota BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-05 Total: 5 08-05
137. Cody Ellison - Ricky Jones World Fishing Tour 0
Day 1: 5 08-05 Total: 5 08-05
137. Don Ingram - Ronnie Grant NTBA 0
Day 1: 5 08-05 Total: 5 08-05
137. Thomas Sandefur - Tom Ballowe KY BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-05 Total: 5 08-05
142. Joe Ellis - Ron Ellis Tennessee Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-04 Total: 5 08-04
142. Zeke Gossett - Curtis Gossett Alabama BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-04 Total: 5 08-04
144. Jeff Gilbert - Mathew Morey Polar Bear Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-02 Total: 5 08-02
144. Ron Mehr - Joe Wambeke Minnesota BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-02 Total: 5 08-02
146. Perry Dewees - Paul Napier Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 5 08-01 Total: 5 08-01
147. Vincent De Boer - James Roberts SABAA 0
Day 1: 4 08-01 Total: 4 08-01
148. Ben Baker - Nick Compagner D & R Sports Center Tournament S 0
Day 1: 5 08-00 Total: 5 08-00
148. Danny Gwinn - Chris Darby Trader Bill's 0
Day 1: 5 08-00 Total: 5 08-00
150. Raylon Zwernemann - Eric Brigman 3 F Fishing 0
Day 1: 5 07-15 Total: 5 07-15
151. Kenneth Malone - Hall Hobbs Airport Marine 0
Day 1: 5 07-14 Total: 5 07-14
152. Dave Brown - Kacey Ferguson Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 07-13 Total: 5 07-13
152. Mike Hyrtle - Michael Hyrtle Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 07-13 Total: 5 07-13
154. Ray Trudeau - Clinton Lacinak Jr Florida BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-12 Total: 5 07-12
155. Filipe Miguel Santos - Bruno Miguel Marianito Portugal Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 07-12 Total: 4 07-12
156. Gary Bonnet - Matt Hall NTBA 0
Day 1: 5 07-10 Total: 5 07-10
157. Billy Norris - Joshua Norris Tennessee Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 07-10 Total: 4 07-10
158. Nathan Nipper - Dirk Robertson Minnesota BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-09 Total: 5 07-09
159. Greg Tomlin - Jeremy Tomlin Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-07 Total: 5 07-07
159. John Warren - Eric Johnson USA Bassin 0
Day 1: 5 07-07 Total: 5 07-07
161. Mike Williams - Jeff Blanchard Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 07-06 Total: 5 07-06
162. Scott Clift - Ashley Medley Ozark Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-05 Total: 5 07-05
163. Josh Busby - Rick Johnston Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 07-05 Total: 4 07-05
163. Ryan Kelly - Joshua Schumaker West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 4 07-05 Total: 4 07-05
165. Russell Sapp III - Logan Sims Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-04 Total: 5 07-04
166. Doug Holtrop - Paul Vandentoorn West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 4 07-03 Total: 4 07-03
167. Robert Mills - David Mills Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 5 07-02 Total: 5 07-02
168. Brian Chandler - Jermey Jenks West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 5 07-01 Total: 5 07-01
169. Jeston Anderson - Scott Saucer Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 3 07-01 Total: 3 07-01
170. Butch Pitts Jr - Chad Pitts Synergy Series 0
Day 1: 4 07-00 Total: 4 07-00
171. DJ Plotner - Tom Grobe Great Lakes Largemouth Series 0
Day 1: 5 06-15 Total: 5 06-15
171. Jason Smith - Thomas Brewer Tennessee River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-15 Total: 5 06-15
171. Derek Turner - Shane Bowman White Pine Marine 0
Day 1: 5 06-15 Total: 5 06-15
174. Terry Runtz - Christopher Voldock Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 4 06-15 Total: 4 06-15
174. Brett Underwood - Joey Wasson NTBA 0
Day 1: 4 06-15 Total: 4 06-15
176. Joey Davidson - Tullis Lanier Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 3 06-15 Total: 3 06-15
177. Charles Edgar - Steve Fowler Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-14 Total: 5 06-14
178. Keith Hendrix - Greggory Zumwalt Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-13 Total: 5 06-13
178. Shane Tossava - Zack Hammond D & R Sports Center Tournament S 0
Day 1: 5 06-13 Total: 5 06-13
180. Dion Bright - Brian Closson WV BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-11 Total: 5 06-11
181. Clay Samples - Scott Moser Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 3 06-10 Total: 3 06-10
182. Dewayne Weeks - Rocky Carden Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 06-09 Total: 4 06-09
183. Earl Griffin - Chad Cox Florida BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-08 Total: 5 06-08
184. Kyle Mullins - Jimmy Thomas Tulsa Southside Hookers 0
Day 1: 4 06-08 Total: 4 06-08
185. Jacob Coverdale - Jeremy Birmingham Delaware BN Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-07 Total: 5 06-07
185. Travis O'Quinn - Shannon O'Quinn Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 5 06-07 Total: 5 06-07
187. Jason Davidson - Darren Tilley Ozark Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-05 Total: 5 06-05
188. Austin Johnson - Quincy Grupenhoff Montana BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 06-05 Total: 3 06-05
189. Tim Randell - Chris Randell Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-04 Total: 5 06-04
190. Mike Blalock - Caleb Allgood 5 Alive Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-03 Total: 5 06-03
190. Ryan Fingleton - Ryan Hubler West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 5 06-03 Total: 5 06-03
192. Jimmy Vanden Berg Jr - Jason Walcott West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 5 06-02 Total: 5 06-02
193. Justin Garcia - Chase Leblanc Milford Lakes Team Series 0
Day 1: 5 06-01 Total: 5 06-01
194. Lance Collins - Scott Jeffers Berry’s Tournament Trail 0
Day 1: 5 05-15 Total: 5 05-15
195. Randy Franks - Justin Layton World Fishing Tour 0
Day 1: 3 05-13 Total: 3 05-13
196. Jason Cheek - John Duvall Georgia Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 3 05-11 Total: 3 05-11
197. Dallas Crabtree - Mark Thompson Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 05-09 Total: 5 05-09
198. Bennie Paschall - Joanne Paschall New Mexico BASS Nation Team Trai 0
Day 1: 5 05-09 Total: 5 05-09
199. Rowan Timmer - Guy Paulet SABAA 0
Day 1: 3 05-09 Total: 3 05-09
200. Toby Lillard - Kurt Rohl TN BN Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 05-08 Total: 4 05-08
200. Lake Weidler - Tyler Wolfe Airport Marine 0
Day 1: 4 05-08 Total: 4 05-08
202. Trent Erxleben - John Warden Media Bass 0
Day 1: 5 05-07 Total: 5 05-07
203. Joseph Sanderson - Matteo Turano Three Rivers Bass Team 0
Day 1: 4 05-07 Total: 4 05-07
204. Luke Routh - Tyler Weaver Polar Bear Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 05-06 Total: 4 05-06
205. Kamil Jaskolski - Matt Bedigian Mass BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 05-06 Total: 3 05-06
206. Will Nichols - Jake Young Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 2 05-04 Total: 2 05-04
207. Roger Fitzpatrick - Chase Fitzpatrick Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 05-03 Total: 3 05-03
208. Matthew Adams - Richard Payne Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 05-00 Total: 5 05-00
209. Barton Aiken - Jeff Rohaley 5 Alive Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 05-00 Total: 3 05-00
210. Randall Christopher - Nick Coleman KY BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 04-15 Total: 4 04-15
211. Kyle Christopher - Mark Lunsford KY BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 04-15 Total: 3 04-15
212. Adam Buffington - Eric Sellers Chattanooga Bass Association 0
Day 1: 4 04-13 Total: 4 04-13
213. Colton Sowers - Brett Colagiovanni PA Sunday Series 0
Day 1: 4 04-12 Total: 4 04-12
214. Weston Parker - Jason Parker Berry’s Tournament Trail 0
Day 1: 4 04-11 Total: 4 04-11
215. Scott Parmalee - Ross Parmalee West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 3 04-11 Total: 3 04-11
216. Brian Reinert - Kennan Reinert Centennial Bass Club 0
Day 1: 3 04-10 Total: 3 04-10
217. Troy Adamosky - Mike Doerflinger Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 0
Day 1: 3 04-09 Total: 3 04-09
218. Doug Walker - Maurice Smith Fishing With JM Austin 0
Day 1: 4 04-05 Total: 4 04-05
219. Garret Sanders - Parker Hamil South GA Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 2 04-02 Total: 2 04-02
220. Chris Savoie - Casey Kidder KC Team Tour 0
Day 1: 2 03-15 Total: 2 03-15
221. Carl Donnelly - Troy Bresee Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 3 03-11 Total: 3 03-11
222. Marc Thomas - Tomi Estes KY BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 2 03-07 Total: 2 03-07
223. Jeff Cannon - Terry Tucker Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 03-05 Total: 3 03-05
224. Austin Horton - Colton Johnson Airport Marine 0
Day 1: 2 03-03 Total: 2 03-03
225. David Bulow - Julie Ziga USA Bassin 0
Day 1: 3 02-14 Total: 3 02-14
226. Ian Strydom - Daniel Strydom Florida BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 2 02-13 Total: 2 02-13
227. Brian Jones - Matt Russell TX BN Team Trail 0
Day 1: 2 02-12 Total: 2 02-12
228. Michael Cartwright - Nick Short KY BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 1 02-09 Total: 1 02-09
229. Les Charles - Adam Wicks Berry’s Tournament Trail 0
Day 1: 2 02-06 Total: 2 02-06
230. Rickey York - Ed Gilbert Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 1 02-06 Total: 1 02-06
231. Art Mensik - Jim Blumenstein IL BN Team Trail 0
Day 1: 2 01-14 Total: 2 01-14
231. Chris Ricks - Ryan Broughman Elite 70 0
Day 1: 2 01-14 Total: 2 01-14
233. Leon Potgieter - Gheruan Coutinho SABAA 0
Day 1: 1 01-14 Total: 1 01-14
234. Joseph Hall - Garrett Goodson 3 F Fishing 0
Day 1: 1 01-08 Total: 1 01-08
235. Brad Dekraai - Jeff Moore New Hampshire BASS Nation Team T 0
Day 1: 1 01-07 Total: 1 01-07
235. Steven White - Dakota Bellew Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 1 01-07 Total: 1 01-07
237. Trey McKinney - Rick Cheatham USA Bassin 0
Day 1: 1 01-04 Total: 1 01-04
238. Clifford Hughes - Charles Sullivan SC BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 1 01-02 Total: 1 01-02
239. Jayson Saliba - Murdock Graham CSFL 0
Day 1: 1 01-01 Total: 1 01-01
240. Jeff Bailiff - Ned Bailiiff White Pine Marine 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
240. Cecil Burns - Daniel Robinson Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
240. Jimmy Dean - Shawn Meade NTBA 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
240. Jesse Evans - Stewart Evans Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
240. Jeff Green - Brent Long SC BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
240. Blake Lee - Jake Hubbs Chattanooga Bass Association 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
240. Brad Norris - Ryan Robinson IL BN team series 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
240. Johnny Roth - Greg Marcum NTBA 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
240. Levi Snow - Benjamin Hodgson Columbus Bass Club 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
240. Joey Solomon - Daniel Taylor Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
240. Daniel Watkins - Brady McGuire NTBA 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 182 1074 2126-09
----------------------------------
182 1074 2126-09
The National Professional Fishing League Announces Changes for 2023 Season
Reduced entry fees and $100,000 first place regular season payouts highlight angler friendly changes for 2023 NPFL season
WILKESVILLE, OH (Dec 7, 2022) — In addition to a 2023 Championship event for the top 40 anglers in the Progressive Angler of the Year Standings, The National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) has announced reduced entry fees and increased payouts amongst additional angler centric changes for the 2023 season.
Since the beginning, the NPFL has focused on offering anglers the best platform to compete and earn a living while fishing a high-level professional bass fishing circuit. The new offering includes reduced entry fees and an increased first place payout of $100,000 to the regular season winner. In addition, the 130-boat capped field will pay out to 41 places giving anglers the opportunity to earn enough money to fish at the highest level.
“We at ‘The League’ see this as being the best offering for anglers looking to fish professionally with us. In two seasons, we have earned our spot in the industry with the level of organization and quality logistics that all anglers who have fished with us are accustom to,” said Paul Benson. “We want to continue to maintain this level of excellence as we provide a platform for anglers to continue to build their brand while competing with the NPFL.”
Starting with the President and CEO of the organization, “The League” as a whole will continue to main the family mindset while providing the highest level of competition and coverage and appreciates the support of the industry, anglers, sponsors and fans.
Notable Highlights for 2023
The National Professional Fishing League is now taking applications for 2023 season. Visit the Angler Application page and register now!
Learn more about the NPFL, here.
Ned Reveals Winter Bass Tricks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pair of Heavy Hitters
|
Bobby Lane, Mike Frenette join Jay & Jason Przekurat and GMAN At NPAA annual Conference |
|
Forestville, WI (December 2, 2022) – The National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) 2023 Annual Conference kicks off in Fort Myers, Florida, January 6 through 8. Early registration for this can’t miss event ends December 5th, but registration will remain open until all seats are sold out. To reserve a seat online, Click Here To Register. “I can’t think of a better way to kick off the new year,” says NPAA’s president, Patrick Neu. “It’s the kind of event you don’t want to miss. The theme is ‘Controlling Your Own Destiny,’ and we’re bringing out the big guns for this one.” Indeed, they are. The irrepressible “GMan,” Gerald Swindle, is slated to be the event’s headline speaker. With 20 Bassmaster Classics, two Bassmaster Angler of the Year titles, and over $2.5 million in prize money under his belt, he’ll divulge what it takes to be a true professional, grow your business and enjoy continued success in the recreational fishing industry. “This meeting isn’t just for pro anglers,” he states. “It’s for anyone making a living in the recreational fishing industry – and you don’t even have to be an NPAA member to attend because everybody’s welcome! We’re all going to be talking about how to make money, and that’s a topic you need to learn more about whether you are just starting out or already established.” Gerald Swindle alone is worth the price of admission, but now comes news Bobby Lane, the 2022 REDCREST Champion, 2021 General Tires Team Champion, and 2019 Major League Fishing World Champion, will join him, as will pro angler Mike Frenette, owner of Delta Outdoor Marketing and Redfish Lodge of Louisiana, and the Pro Angling family duo of Jay and Jason Prezkurat. |
|
|
Professional bass fishing icon Bobby Lane. |
|
“All five of these featured speakers are outstanding voices with first-hand, in-depth knowledge of what it takes to not only survive in our industry, but to thrive,” states Neu. “Bobby Lane's perspective on making a living as a tournament angler will be valuable to anyone aspiring to do the same. As for Mike, running a guide business for two decades is only part of his story. He is one of the most respected saltwater anglers in the industry, making him a perfect choice to speak at this year's NPAA conference. Add in Jay and Jason Prezkurat and their success story as a Pro Angling family and we couldn’t be prouder than to have all five of these professionals as headliners for the event." Already raring to go, Lane is fired-up. “NPAA offers a wonderful opportunity to be involved in the recreational fishing industry,” he says. “The organization is focused on improving the lives of those making a living in this community. We’re teaching members how to be more professional and maximize opportunities. We’re working to bring benefits such as health care options to our members, advocating for our industry, and watching out for the environment. I’ll be talking specifically about how to succeed in this business, how to deal with changes year-to-year and day-to-day, and the importance of not burning bridges because you never know who’s help you’ll need down the line. It’s points like these - things you really need to know to get ahead and increase your revenues - that I’ll be sharing." Frenette is also excited for the NPAA Annual Conference to get underway. “This event may be the best place to network for anyone in our industry,” he says. “You’ll meet real decision makers who can share their knowledge and offer the kind of advice that sets you on a good path.” The trophy redfish expert and fishing lodge owner notes that membership in NPAA provides those working in the recreational fishing industry with a national voice while at the same time helping them acquire the business knowledge necessary to stay afloat and get ahead in this rough and tumble world. “There’s a lot more to being a professional angler, charter skipper, guide, lodge owner, boat mechanic or tackle rep than just fishing,” continues Frenette. “The harder work is the building of your profile, reputation and business model. To come out on top, you need to be professional in all aspects, both on and off the water. It’s the business end of things over which most people stumble. So, we’ll cover how to portray yourself as a professional, build a great reputation, and understand the numbers.” |
|
|
Jason Prezkurat is also excited to be speaking at the conference, and proud to belong to the NPAA. “This organization provides all members of the recreational fishing industry a platform for tackling important issues that affect our livelihoods,” he states. “At the same time, the networking opportunities, contacts, guidance and insights you’ll gain from being a member can help advance your career – especially if you attend the annual conferences. Many industry leaders make it a point to be there, and it’s great to be able to network and to get to know one another on professional and personal levels.” Jay agrees with his father. “I especially appreciate the Annual Conference because of the seminars and chance to speak with successful pros that understand the business side of the sport,” he adds. “The discounts from the organization’s supporting partners are another great benefit. Simply put, NPAA helps me from personal, educational and financial standpoints." The Przekurats will outline how they took control of their collective fishing destiny, including how they’ve managed to fish for a living, run a successful business, and claw their way to the top of the leader board while staying grounded and having fun. Which brings us back to the conference theme: “Controlling Your Destiny!” With this event NPAA provides a first-class ticket to meet, network, speak with and glimpse the psyche of top professional anglers, industry representatives and sport fishing leaders across the country. The conference features business-related educational seminars, networking opportunities, and partner booths in a fun but professional format. It is a key component of the NPAA platform, which exists to help members grow their professional angling careers and run successful industry businesses. The event will also host a Benefit Banquet for the Future Angler Foundation (FAF), which introduces millions of potential new anglers and boaters each year to the thrill and fun of sportfishing and boating. The NPAA 2023 Annual Conference will be held at the 5-Star rated Holiday Inn Fort Myers Airport - Town Center, which is 5 minutes from the SW Florida Regional Airport (RSW) and just off I75 in Fort Myers. Conference registration fees include all activities, meals, and a ticket for the FAF Banquet. More information on registration can be found on the NPAA Conference Page. (Note: The special $149 a night room rate at the Holiday Inn expires on Dec. 5th at midnight.) For more information on joining the NPAA, attending the Annual Conference, and exploring the many benefits membership provides, visit www.npaa.net. |
|
Major League Fishing Announces 2023 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Roster
Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Power-Pole Stop 1 will take place Feb. 8-10 at Lake Okeechobee in Clewiston, Florida. The sixth and final Invitational of the season will be held July 25-27 on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Every day of competition will broadcast live, on the water, on MLF NOW!® and stream to the Major League Fishing app, MyOutdoorTV (MOTV), and MajorLeagueFishing.com. Each event will also air on the CBS Sports Network, with 12 weeks of 2-hour shows scheduled in 2023.
Tackle Warehouse Invitational pros will compete over three days in a five-fish, weigh-in format. All 150 pros will compete the first two days, with the top 50 pros advancing to the third and final day. The winner of each Invitational will be determined by heaviest three-day cumulative weight. The winner of each of the six Invitationals in 2023 will also receive an invitation to compete in REDCREST V in March of 2024. The season-long Invitational Angler of the Year (AOY) will also earn a berth into REDCREST V, for a total of seven REDCREST V qualification opportunities. In addition, the top eight pros based on Angler of the Year (AOY) rank at the end of the 2023 season
will qualify for the 2024 Bass Pro Tour and the top 75 pros based on AOY rank will requalify for the 2024 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals.
For compete details and up-to-date tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
The 150 anglers that will compete in the season opener at Lake Okeechobee are:
- Shannon Abbott, Louisville, Tenn.
- Charles Abshire, Lake Charles, La.
- Chad Allison, Carl Junction, Mo.
- Sean Anderson, Leesville, S.C.
- Ryan Armstrong, Robinson, Ill.
- Casey Ashley, Donalds, S.C.
- Tai Au, Glendale, Ariz.
- Bobby Bakewell, Orlando, Fla.
- Clayton Batts, Butler, Ga.
- Mickey Beck, Lebanon, Tenn.
- Matt Becker, Finleyville, Pa.
- Andrew Behnke, Fond Du Lac, Wis.
- Drew Boggs, Lebanon, Tenn.
- Terry Bolton, Benton, Ky.
- Cole Breeden, Lebanon, Tenn.
- Grae Buck, Green Lane, Pa.
- Josh Butler, Hayden, Ala.
- Eddie Carper, Valliant, Okla.
- Keith Carson, DeBary, Fla.
- Rick Chenoweth, Fredericksburg, Va.
- Jordan Collom, Canyon Lake, Calif.
- Ramie Colson, Jr., Cadiz, Ky.
- Mark Condron, Murfreesboro, Tenn.
- Justin Cooper, Zwolle, La.
- Kyle Cortiana, Broken Arrow, Okla.
- John Cox, DeBary, Fla.
- Kollin Crawford, Broken Bow, Okla.
- Lance Crawford, Broken Bow, Okla.
- Austin Culbertson, Moberly, Mo.
- Connor Cunningham, Springfield, Mo.
- Alex Davis, Albertville, Ala.
- Flint Davis, Leesburg, Ga.
- Randy Despino, Colfax, La.
- Tommy Dickerson, Orange, Texas
- Jonathan Dietz, Corry, Pa.
- Phillip Dutra, Guntersville, Ala.
- Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas
- Paul Elias, Laurel, Miss.
- Hunter Eubanks, Inman, S.C.
- Charlie Evans, Berea, Ky.
- Ron Farrow, Rock Hill, S.C.
- Blake Felix, Warsaw, Mo.
- Mark Fisher, Wauconda, Ill.
- William Fletcher, Dallas, Texas
- Wyatt Frankens, Corrigan, Texas
- Robby Frashier, Carrollton, Ga.
- Jacopo Gallelli, Florence, Italy
- Nolan Gaskin, Broussard, La.
- Paul Gettys, Due West, S.C.
- Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill.
- Kyle Glasgow, Guin, Ala.
- Joe Grafeman, Camdenton, Mo.
- Jason Grape, Attalla, Ala.
- Cody Greaney, Ledbetter, Texas
- Matt Greenblatt, Port St. Lucie, Fla.
- Christian Greico, Tampa, Fla.
- Shaw Grigsby, Gainesville, Fla.
- Chris Groh, Spring Grove, Ill.
- Blake Hall, Rogersville, Ala.
- Kyle Hall, Granbury, Texas
- Michael Harlin, Sunrise Beach, Mo.
- Travis Harriman, Huntsville, Ark.
- Cole Harris, Raleigh, N.C.
- Nick Hatfield, Greeneville, Tenn.
- Cole Hewett, Orange Park, Fla.
- Jordan Hirt, Glenwood, Iowa
- Brett Hite, Phoenix, Ariz.
- Miles Howe, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
- Laker Howell, Guntersville, Ala.
- Randy Howell, Guntersville, Ala.
- Derik Hudson, Concord, Va.
- Brad Jelinek, Lincoln, Mo.
- Frank Kitchens, III, Oxford, Ga.
- Cal Lane, Guntersville, Ala.
- Chris Lane, Guntersville, Ala.
- Brian Latimer, Belton, S.C.
- Nick Lebrun, Bossier City, La.
- Robby Lefere, Jackson, Mich.
- Jared Lintner, Covington, Ga.
- Andrew Loberg, Rocklin, Calif.
- Steve Lopez, Oconomowoc, Wis.
- Richard Lowitzki, Hampshire, Ill.
- Terry Luedtke, Burton, Texas
- Rod Mackinnon III, Middletown, N.Y.
- Cameron Mattison, Benton, La.
- Mike McClelland, Blue Eye, Mo.
- Tristan McCormick, Burns, Tenn.
- Jared McMillan, Clewiston, Fla.
- Elijah Meyers, Fort Wayne, Ind.
- Colby Miller, Elmer, La.
- John-Dalton Miller, Albertville, Ala.
- Hunter Mills, Mayfield, Ky.
- Jesse Millsaps, Jasper, Ga.
- Kyle Minke, Lindstrom, Minn.
- Tom Monsoor, La Crosse, Wis.
- Jim Moynagh, Shakopee, Minn.
- Chad Mrazek, Montgomery, Texas
- Robert Nakatomi, Sacramento, Calif.
- Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn.
- Ron Nelson, Berrien Springs, Mich.
- Andy Newcomb, Camdenton, Mo.
- Andrew Nordbye, Guntersville, Ala.
- Terry Olinger, Louisa, Va.
- Lane Olson, Tualatin, Ore.
- Val Osinski, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
- Kyle Palmer, Winchester, Tenn.
- Eric Panzironi, Longwood, Fla.
- Cody Parker, Ball Ground, Ga.
- Jaden Parrish, Liberty, Texas
- Bruce Parsons, Arbela, Mo.
- Bryan Partak, Marseilles, Ill.
- Cody Petit, Arundel, Maine
- Cody Pike, Powhatan, Va.
- Pete Ponds, Madison, Miss.
- Tom Redington, Royse City, Texas
- Matt Reed, Madisonville, Texas
- Jimmy Reese, Witter Springs, Calif.
- Brock Reinkemeyer, Warsaw, Mo.
- Jeff Reynolds, Calera, Okla.
- Ricky Robinson, Greenback, Tenn.
- Marshall Robinson, Landrum, S.C.
- Kevin Rogers, Pleasant Hill, Mo.
- Fred Roumbanis, Russellville, Ark.
- Rusty Salewske, Alpine, Calif.
- Colby Schrumpf, Highland, Ill.
- Kyle Schutta, Forest Lake, Minn.
- Braxton Setzer, Wetumpka, Ala.
- Danny Shanz, Summerton, S.C.
- Mike Smola, Gravette, Ark.
- Jeremy Southerly, Fulks Run, Va.
- Cody Spetz, Menifee, Calif.
- Matthew Stefan, Junction City, Wis.
- Tyler Stewart, Dubach, La.
- Spike Stoker, Cisco, Texas
- Troy Stokes, Trenton, Mich.
- J. Todd Tucker, Moultrie, Ga.
- Jason Vance, Battle Ground, Ind.
- Martin Villa, Charlottesville, Va.
- Scotty Villines, Ponca, Ark.
- John Voyles, Petersburg, Ind.
- David Walker, Huntingdon, Tenn.
- Todd Walters, Kernersville, N.C.
- Joshua Weaver, Macon, Ga.
- Kyle Weisenburger, Columbus Grove, Ohio
- Jacob Wheeler, Birchwood, Tenn.
- Joe Wieberg, Freeburg, Mo.
- Matt Wieteha, Miami, Fla.
- Scott Wiley, Bay Minette, Ala.
- Jack Williams, Kingsport, Tenn.
- Thomas Wooten, Huddleston, Va.
Power-Pole Stop 1
Feb. 8-10 Lake Okeechobee Clewiston, Fla.
Hosted by the Hendry County Tourism Development Council
Feb. 28-March 2 Clarks Hill Lake Appling, Ga.
Hosted by Columbia County, Georgia, & Thomson-McDuffie County CVB
April 14-16 Eufaula Lake Eufaula, Okla.
Hosted by the Eufaula Conservation & Fishing Association
May 4-6 Lake of the Ozarks Osage Beach, Mo.
Hosted by the Tri-County Lodging Association
June 17-19 Potomac River Marbury, Md.
Hosted by the Charles County Board of Commissioners
July 25-27 Mississippi River La Crosse, Wis.
Hosted by Explore La Crosse
Final Classic Spot On The Line At Bassmaster Team Championship On Lake Hartwell
South Carolina's legendary Lake Hartwell will host the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship and Classic Fish-Off Dec. 7-10.
Photo by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S.
November 30, 2022
ANDERSON, S.C. — Late fall/early winter is a fun time to fish Lake Hartwell, according to Bassmaster Elite Series pro Todd Auten of Lake Wylie, S.C. But anglers who want a chance at winning the 2022 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship — being held Dec. 7-10 on the legendary fishery — will likely have to catch some quality largemouth to stay in contention.
The last tournament on the 2022 Bassmaster tournament series slate, the Team Championship features a unique format — and at the end of the event, one angler will punch a ticket to the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic at Knoxville scheduled for March 24-26.
The team portion of the event will be held Dec. 7-8 and feature the largest field in Bassmaster Team Championship history — more than 250 teams from across the country qualified through B.A.S.S.-sanctioned team trails. The Top 3 teams after the second day will be split into individuals and will compete in a two-day event, with the winner advancing to the Classic.
Hartwell has hosted many compelling events so far in 2022, including the Bassmaster Classic, the St. Croix Bassmaster Southern Open presented by Mossy Oak Fishing and the Abu Garcia Bassmaster High School National Championship presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors. All of those events had two things in common: the lake was below full pool, and quality largemouth were a factor.
Auten believes this tournament will be the same, and he thinks largemouth will be the predominant species caught, as opposed to spotted bass.
“You can probably win some tournaments with spots, but this time of year I think the largemouth will dominate,” Auten said. “There will be a lot of fish caught I’m sure.”
In early December, depending on how the weather sets up, there will still be opportunities to catch offshore spotted bass in cane and brushpiles. If Auten was fishing, he says he’d be headed to the bank.
“It’s the time of year everything changes. Early December, a lot of those fish will be schooling in the backs of creeks and channels going into the backs, right where the water kind of turns to stain. The shad will stack up in there. That is a good pattern. The dock fishing will still be pretty good.”
ChatterBaits and shallow-running crankbaits are a couple of Auten’s favorite techniques. He added that a jerkbait is another productive way to get bites. If it gets cold enough, a jigging spoon could also come into play.
Takeoff will be each morning at 7 a.m. ET from legendary Green Pond Landing, with weigh-ins held back at Green Pond Landing each day at 3 p.m.Full event coverage will be available at Bassmaster.com.
Visit Anderson is hosting the Bassmaster Team Championship and Bassmaster Classic Fish-Off.
Exceptional Casting Combo Now Available
|
Daiwa Tatula TWS combines quality and affordability for bass fishing enthusiasts. |
|
Cypress, CA (November 29, 2022) – Providing anglers with both a proven baitcasting reel matched with the right action and length rod, Daiwa has your bass fishing covered with its new and now available Tatula TWS reel and rod combos. The lineup includes high-speed 7.3:1 gear ratio Tatula 100CT reels in either right- or left-hand retrieves mounted on either a 7-foot or 7-foot-3-inch Daiwa-designed graphite rods. All four available combos retail for $229.99. “These Tatula TWS combos make it easy for more experienced bass anglers to use quality tackle when fishing a weeknight derby, and also perfect in both performance and price for those taking a serious interest in high school and college bass fishing circuits,” said Marc Mills with Daiwa. “From our interaction with bass anglers at these levels, product quality tops the cost in the tackle they want, but we understand there are limits. The new Tatula TWS combos meet all those needs.” |
|
|
Daiwa’s Tatula baitcasting reels have the needed features for every bass technique including the T-Wing System (TWS) for long casts and to reduce backlashes. The 100CT with its high-speed gear ratio matched with 7-foot medium action rod is ideal for jig and worm rigs, smaller/medium crankbaits, and topwater action. When combined with the 7-foot-3 medium-heavy rod, the 100CT is ideal for all-around bass fishing action, including fishing heavy cover, and casting bigger spinnerbaits and small swimbaits. Both rods offer all-day fishing comfort from their EVA split grip handle. These new combos join Daiwa’s ever-expanding Tatula series of bass fishing-focused rods and reels. “As we say when talking about any gear that carries that product name, with the Tatula TWS combos we’ve got your bass covered,” added Mills. “The Tatula TWS combos make it easy to be on the water with rods and reels you can have confidence in.” |
|
|
TATULA CT CASTING COMBO - Quickview Daiwa made it easy for any bass angler with the perfect Tatula TWS combo no matter how savvy of an angler you are. The proven Tatula CT with our Daiwa (TWS) T-Wing System gives you longer casting and more control of backlash reduction. Daiwa then paired the TATULA CT reel with a quality eye-catching matte finished graphite composite rod plus modern comfortable EVA handles for the perfect combo to hit the water with. The TATULA TWS casting comb comes in two gear ratios - 6.3:1 and 7.3:1, and in both right- and left-hand retrieve. This Tatula combo is available in 7’ and 7’ 3” rod lengths and two actions, medium and medium-heavy. MSRP: $239.99 |
Big Bass Tour Expands its Horizons in 2023 - Registration Opens Friday!
Longtime favorites supplemented by more exceptional fisheries
Woodlands, Texas – One goal of the Big Bass Tour is to never rest on our laurels, or in any way remain stagnant, and the expanded 2023 schedule reflects that total level of commitment. All of the longtime favorite venues remain on tap, at the times when they’re likely to show up best, and that murderer’s row of fisheries has been supplemented by a new northern swing: For the first time, we’ll visit New York and Wisconsin, to hit the prolific St. Lawrence River as well as the Upper Mississippi, respectively. If that wasn’t enough, for the first time in its history, the Tour will host four-day mega tournaments at Conroe and Guntersville respectively.
Here's the tale of the tape:
Feb 10-12 | Harris Chain of Lakes, Florida
Florida in February has become a BBT tradition, and with good reason: It’s when the giants show up in the shallows at the heaviest weights they’ll be all year. But the Harris Chain isn’t just any Florida fishery – it offers a wealth of different habitats, and there’s great strategy involved in navigating the chain and employing different techniques. This is one where a double digit isn’t guaranteed to win the top prize.
March 2-5 | Lake Conroe, Texas (4 Day Event for 25th Anniversary, 4 day entry will be $325)
The Big Bass Tour was founded on the back of the Lake Conroe Big Bass Classic and in 2023, will celebrate the 25th annual event with a four-day mega tournament. Highly-developed Lake Conroe may be the best urban bass fishery in the country. It’s just a short drive north of Houston, yet it pumps out giants year after year after year. The other major circuits know it, and have scheduled major events here, but while it’s a popular playground in the summer, at this time of year it’ll swallow up boats and lend itself to various strategies.
March 10-12 | Clarks Hill, Georgia
Located just a stone’s throw from Augusta, Clarks Hill is a textbook fishery, brimming with endless points for anglers to ply and long stretches of river to spread out. While it may not produce a 10-pounder, expect lots of comparably-sized football-shaped bass to hit the scales.
March 24-26 | Lake Norman, North Carolina
Norman is chock full of docks, and that’s always a leading pattern as well as a fallback. The occasional giant largemouth makes a showing, but the increasing population of ever-growing spotted bass should grab some hourly checks.
March 31-April 2 | Lake Eufaula, Alabama
South Alabama in March is a recipe for giant bass moving shallow, and while it may not have the reputation of some of the fisheries of Texas or Florida, rest assured that 10 pound potential exists in every corner of this stories lake from bass fishing history.
April 14-16 | Table Rock Lake, Missouri
Table Rock presents a three-species opportunity – smallmouths and spots will likely earn some of the hourly checks, but expect a big largemouth to take top honors. This is another venue that fishes exceptionally large, and allows skilled anglers to pattern fish among the beauty of the Ozarks.
April 28-30 | Lake Murray, South Carolina
Back to South Carolina, and back to another fishery in the shadows of a big city, in this case Columbia. Murray also has a storied history on the major bass trails, and while the 10-pounders may not show up with regularity, it’s loaded with 6-, 7- and 8-pound studs that make hourly checks and the overall top prize highly competitive.
May 5-7 | Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia (Spring)
The Blue Ridge mountains in the spring are a sight to behold, and Smith Mountain’s clear lower end and two river arms provide anglers with a wide range of habitat for corralling both largemouths and smallmouths. The spawn should be partially over, and everything from a jig to a shakey head or a swimbait could place the winner in his or her prize boat.
May 19-21 | Lake Chickamauga, Tennessee
The first stop on the Tennessee River Chain of lakes couldn’t come at a better time or on a better place than Chickamauga, the grass-filled fishery that has produced 50 pound limits and more 10 pounders over the past decade per acre than just about anywhere on earth. The bass could still be shallow, but many will be headed to their summer haunts.
July 28-30 | St. Lawrence River, New York
It took over a hundred pounds of smallmouths to win a four day tournament on the St. Lawrence last summer, and even the second place finisher was in triple digits. That necessitated our visit, and while we fully expect that a smallmouth will win, the sheer number of 5- and 6-pounders – plus the vast expanses of water available to competitors – will likely take this one down to the wire.
August 4-6 | Upper Mississippi, Wisconsin (LaCrosse)
Our first visit to the Upper Midwest will be held on one of the nation’s most renowned tournament venues, a place where either a largemouth or a smallmouth could claim top honors, and plenty of 3- and 4-pound specimens of both will be caught doing everything from frogging to flipping to cranking to dropshotting.
Sept 29-Oct 1 | Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia (Fall)
Virginia is too pretty and too prolific to only visit once. Four months after our first stop we’ll return, and many of the same places and techniques will still be in play, but as summer turns to fall the fish put on the feed bag and all sorts of new opportunities open up.
Oct 6-8 | Douglas Lake, Tennessee
Douglas, the jewel of East Tennessee, is absolutely loaded with bass, and while some may still be holding offshore, by early October huge numbers are headed to the bank. A big topwater or even a swimbait can be competitive with finesse techniques when this bite window opens up.
Oct 12-15 | Guntersville Lake, Alabama (4 Day Event, 4 day entry will be $325)
We conclude the 2023 season with a four-day mega tournament with a return to the Tennessee River, to perhaps America’s greatest and most resilient tournament lake. Year after year, anglers fish Guntersville’s waters obsessively, and the big bass parade never seems to stop. This is where the Alabama Rig got its first major exposure, but as the fall bite heats up anglers will find multiple big fish patterns.
Registration for the 2023 Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Big Bass Tour will open on Friday December 2nd. Visit www.bigbasstour.com for all details.
Arey assist Eagle Scout with fish habitat project
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
Not unlike the success rate of all who aspire to be prosperous full-time professional anglers, only 2-percent of all Boy Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.
Troop 100 Eagle Scout candidate, Walton Moore, age 17, and Team Toyota pro angler, Matt Arey, both of Shelby, NC, are among the very few to achieve the lofty goal in their respective pursuits, and they’re currently working together to improve fishing habitat on their home lake.
Moore has spent a large portion of his young life trout fishing in Western North Carolina and deer hunting on family land in Chester, SC, but actually lives and bass fishes on Moss Lake where the habitat project is taking place. Arey spends time fishing there when he’s not chasing Bassmaster Elite Series trophies, and credits the lake which is owned by the City of Kings Mountain, for shaping his successful bass fishing career.
“I didn’t actually know about Walton’s project until I was driving past the Boy Scout building in my Tundra and spotted all the artificial trees piled-up. I knew exactly what they were. So, I had to find out more. And that led me to actually going and meeting all the Scouts during their next work day,” Arey explains.
Walton heard about the need for improved aquatic habitat through his Scoutmaster and local landscape architect, Fred Blackley, but it was up to 17-year-old Walton to develop designs, gather materials, and secure approvals for placing the artificial trees in Moss Lake.
Troop 100 has now built 100 artificial trees, and they plan to sink them with supervision from Arey by late November. GPS coordinates will be recorded to document their location. Arey will direct the Scouts on where they will likely attract the most fish and improve the catch rates off all who cast a line on the reservoir located more than an hour’s drive straight west of Charlotte.
“I’m recommending we place them in twenty locations, with five structures per location, in depths ranging from 12 to 20 feet of water,” says Arey. “The cool thing is, they’re made of materials that won’t decompose over time, and they’re pretty snag-free from lures,” he adds.
Man-made brushpiles and boat docks serve as the most fished habitatson Moss Lake currently. Finesse jigs, topwater lures, and small swimbaits rigged on heads like the one Arey helped Pulse Lures designare common lure offerings on the 1,700-acre reservoir that’s now 50-years old.
“I’d probably recommended casting a crankbait at these structures once we get them planted, but for now, I’m just super proud of all the kids in Troop 100, and the community members who helped Walton make this project happen,” says Arey.
“It’s definitely a legacy kind of project Walton created, and the kids even humbled me by asking me to autograph a few of the trees before we sink them,” grins Arey.
That’s a rare autograph request, indeed. Rare like the achievement of Eagle Scout, and one Arey is deeply proud to have a small but guiding hand in.
What we are Thankful For
This week Chris, Kenneth and David do a quick run down of the 2023 Elite Series Roster, KG's Camera work and then finish off the show talking about the Thanksgiving holiday this week and what they are most thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving!!
Two lures Ike’s forever thankful for
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
On the eve of Thanksgiving, Mike Iaconelli will be the first to tell you he’s got a lot to be thankful for. Including a super supportive wife in Becky, four healthy kids, and a list of professional bass fishing achievements he only dreamed of as a teenager. Plus, a recent epic fishing trip to Venice, Louisiana with three of his lifetime best friends.
Venice, you probably recall, is where “Ike” won the 2003 Bassmaster Classic. In the final seven minutes of that event, he caught a life-changing largemouth from a pond in the massive labyrinth of the Louisiana Delta and screamed the now iconic “Never Give Up!”
“We met some great local ‘bass heads’ last week who took us to see the pond where I won the Classic 19 years ago. But man, the hurricanes have changed the Delta waters so much since I won. The actual pond is not even visible anymore. It was amazing,” reflects Ike.
By no means did the trip disappoint, however. Ike and his three buddies, Brian, John and Tom, caught enough speckled trout on the first day to feed themselves throughout the week. Interestingly, it was Tom’s dad who gave Ike his first Bassmaster Magazine 40 years ago that fostered so many of his future dreams.
Plus, they caught 100 largemouth pitching baits into roseaucane the second day, and boated 30 giant bull redfish to round-out the incredible getaway.
“All we needed was us and the fish. And that’s exactly what we had. It’s a trip with three of my all-time best friends that I’ll treasure forever,” he says.
Ike uses the term ‘bass head’ a lot. It’s a term of endearment he uses to describe folks like he and his buddies who are absolutely obsessed with all things bass fishing. So, what two lures would the polarizing personality of a bass head from suburban Philadelphia say are the two he’s most thankful forthroughout his highly decorated 20+ years as a pro?
“Obviously, a lot of fans will probably guess I’d pick the soft plastics I won the Classic on. But honestly, it’s still tough to describe how much winning the 2006 Angler of the Year title means to me, and the highlight of that season was winning at Guntersville. So, I have to choose a chartreuse blue Rapala DT 6 like the one I used at Guntersville as one of the two lures I’m most thankful for,” says Iaconelli.
While that particular event was largely a bed fishing bash, Iaconelli knew fish were quickly migrating away from their spawning grounds to the first available deeper weedlines as the event progressed. So, the Rapala DT 6 proved perfect for spurring bites when he’d rip it free from the inside edge of the grass beds.
Ike’s other choice for his two most treasured lures is the compact ½-ounce Mini Flip jig he helped design for Missile Baits and used to win in front of his hometown crowd on the stingy Delaware River at the 2014 Bassmaster Elite.
“That win brought everything in my life full circle! To win on the river where my best friends and I dreamed of being pros as teenagers, in front of so many lifelong friends and all of my family is not only a top highlight of my fishing career, but also my life,” says Iaconelli.
“We designed that Mini Flip jig with a super stout hook, and at the time, it was about the only compact jig with a hook like that. I caught fish on that little brown-purple jig that I probably shouldn’t have. I was hooking fish inside sunken old rusty barges and able to pull them out because of that jig. So, it’s absolutely one of the lures I’m most thankful for,” he says.
From a treasured trip to the Delta with lifelong best buddies last week, to Classic wins, an AOY title, and an electric hometown Elite Series victory, along with two very special lures and a loving family are indeed all highlights on a long list of things Ike will celebrate during this week of Thanksgiving.
The VanDam's Opening Day Magic
Courtesy of Luke Stoner - Dynamic Sponsorships
There are few things on earth that conjure excitement like the first cast on tournament morning for Kevin VanDam but opening day of Michigan’s whitetail deer rifle season is certainly one of them. Since his twin boys Jackson and Nicholas have been old enough to hunt, they have shared the woods with KVD on this sacred day, making cherished memories and enjoying the fellowship together.
The three VanDam men made a memory that will be tough to top this year on November 15th, when the three of them scored on a trio of mature bucks that KVD and his surrounding neighbors have been after for years. The groundwork for this year’s opening day success has been more than a decade in the making and will be something they remember for the rest of their lives.
“It was truly the kind of day dreams are made of,” VanDamreflected. “Whether we fill our tags or not, opening day in Michigan embodies so much of what we love about the outdoors. It’s tradition, it’s laughs around the grill the night before, it’s patience in the field and putting in the effort during the off season to give everyone in deer camp the best possible chance. This year was a fairytale and the culmination of work we’ve put in since I bought the property 18 years ago. It was magic.”
Like many professional anglers, VanDam has long spent his tournament off-season chasing whitetails in the fall. There is a kinship between the two pursuits that is difficult to describe but absolutely exists. Take a look at your favorite bass anglers’ social media pages in the fall and winter; there is a strong chance their posts revolve around hunting.
In the same way he approaches tournament fishing, KVD works tirelessly to “control the controllable” variables in hunting. He spends as much time as his schedule allows managing habitat on his property. Planting Biologic food plots, performing timber harvests and hinge cuts, looking for shed antlers, running trail cams, planting trees in predetermined areas, hanging tree stands and re-thinking access routes to and from these locations.
If his Tundra doesn’t have his Nitro boat hooked up to the hitch, it's likely loaded down with hunting equipment. When the season rolls around each October VanDam spends time talking to his neighbors, pouring over aerial maps, and studying the Drury’s DeerCast app.
“It’s an obsession - that’s no doubt,” VanDam said. “Over the years it’s truly been special to watch the work we’ve put in make a positive impact. But it’s about more than deer, the habitat management benefits everything from songbirds, to turkeys, to squirrels. Watching my boy’s evolution as gamekeepers has been equally as special. The past five or six years everything has really been coming together from in our neighborhood, and that’s largely in part to the work and ethics many of the surrounding properties share, too.”
While the VanDam’s were treated to a picture-perfect day on the rifle opener and enjoyed the fruits of their labor, this deer season has had its share of ups and downs for KVD leading up to their magical morning. VanDam had his eyes set on a different mature buck throughout the first six weeks of archery season. This deer was super unique, with drop tines coming off both main beams, a true once-in-a-lifetime Michigan buck according to KVD.
After numerous sightings and several close calls, one of their neighbors ended up harvesting that buck just a day after KVD had the deer at 40-yards, but he offered no shot. While he would have loved to taken that deer, VanDam was thrilled for his neighbor.
He didn’t know it at the time but missing the opportunity at his target buck allowed for the incredible opening morning he experienced with his two boys and family at his side. Big antlers and wall-hanger type trophies are cool, but memories made with friends and loved ones are the real reason for the season
Waylon Mullis Justin Hamner win ABT 100 with 25.03
By Jason Duran
Florence, Ala November 19-The Alabama Bass Trail 100 Series concluded the 2022 season with the third and final stop at Pickwick Lake. 100 Teams competed for over $100,000 total purse. The final event also decided the AOY race. With teams reporting a difficult practice and few fish catches, the competition was expected to be tough. However, Pickwick has been known to produce heavy weights in previous ABT events, and this weekend didn’t disappoint. The team of Waylon Mullis and Justin Hammer crossed the scales with 25.03 pounds of Pickwick bass to take the win.
The first-place team of Waylon Mullis and Justin Hamner have fished the ABT series for a long time. Justin fished before he went on to the Bassmaster Elite Series. When asked what they expected this event to be like, Justin shared, “I always think it’s going to take a big bag to win on Pickwick because the fish just live here, but our practice was pretty brutal. Friday, in practice, we got on a little spot and caught a 5-pound and a 4-pound fish off one little spot, so we decided to run with it and milk it for all it was worth. Honestly it was way better than we expected.” The first 30 minutes was a lot of action. The team focused on a stretch along the seven-mile island area to catch most of their weigh. When asked if they expected it to be this good they said, “if you’re catching them, you know somebody else is probably catching them too, so you can’t back down.” They had their limit before 7am and upgraded throughout the day using a Yo-Zuri deep diving jerkbait as their primary bait throwing it around stumps and grass. They also caught a few fish on a Freedom Tackle Swim Jig in white. The jerkbait has a long bill on it and with a moderate retrieve it helps the bait to bounce off stumps. Waylon and Justin were the last team to weigh in. Prior to them there were multiple bags in the 19–20-pound range. However, when they came to the scale and dropped 25.03 it was statement that Pickwick still has the big ones. With this first-place finish, they cashed a $25,000 check.
Jeff Kitchens and Randy Wiggins finished in second-place. “We started on the lower end of the lake on Thursday, and didn’t really find anything. On Friday, we spent our time on the upper end of the lake where we saw a bunch of birds flying around an area we didn’t fish. We spent our time fishing other areas not catching much, so we made a plan Friday night to start in the area where we saw the birds.” They described the spot as, “scattered grass and stumps along a long bar in the seven-mile island area” fishing within sight of the first-place team. “The area had some fresh new grass, and the current flowed by washing against a hard spot pushing the bait up just right for the fish to come up and feed out of the current.” Jeff and Randy said it was a “quick morning bite flurry.” They caught their fish using crankbaits- a Bill Lewis MR7 in white and a Lucky Craft square bill. The team weighed in 20.89 pounds of Pickwick bass giving them a second place and $12,500.
Brandon Groce and Bryan Johnson finished in third-place and won $10,000. They focused on a spot near Brush Creek fishing a “thousand-yard stretch of a river ledge bar in about 5-feet of water. The fish were just holding there. In practice there was very little current, but today the wind and the current helped the fishing. We had a limit by 7:30 and continued to upgrade till 9:30, and it turned on again after a lull about 11:00. We fished a Megabass 110 +1 Jerkbait in pearl.” They caught around 30 fish all day in that spot to upgrade to the 20.59 pounds.
The father and son team of Phillip Dukes and Baily Dukes were the most consistent team this year in the three events they finishing 12th,11th, and 10th. That consistency earned them the 2022 ABT 100 AOY. They earned the highly coveted championship belts which they plan to wear to work tomorrow.
The top five standings are below for a complete list of standings please visit:
https://www.alabamabasstrail100.org/pickwick-lake-results/
Download and listen to the ABT Podcast on your favorite Podcast app by searching for “Alabama Bass Trail Podcast.” The Podcast is released each week on Tuesday.
GMAN on Earning a Living in the Fishing Industry
|
Controlling your destiny is focus of NPAA’s Annual Conference in Fort Myers, FL. |
|
Forestville, WI (November 18, 2022) – The National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) 2023 Annual Conference kicks off in Fort Myers, Florida, January 6 through 8, and headline speaker Gerald Swindle can’t wait to get started. “I hope you’ll be there to hear me because I plan to really bring it,” says Swindle. “This is not just a meeting for professional anglers, it’s for anyone making a living in the recreational fishing industry – and you don’t even have to be an NPAA member to attend because everybody’s welcome. This meeting is going to be a conference where we’re talking about how to make money.” That’s something Swindle says other industry pros don’t generally discuss but it’s going to get full attention at this event, the focus of which is “Controlling Your Destiny!” With this conference NPAA is providing a first-class ticket to meet, network, speak with and glimpse the psyche of top professional anglers, industry representatives and sport fishing leaders across the country. “This is your chance to see, hear and learn how top professionals do business,” points out the legendary bass pro from Guntersville, AL, who has appeared in 20 Bassmaster Classics, twice been named Bassmaster’s Angler of the Year, broken the magical 100-pound tournament limit twice, and earned roughly $2.5 million in prize money in the process. |
|
|
NPAA president, Patrick Neu couldn’t be more thrilled than to have Swindle lined up for the event. “He’s the right guy to headline our speakers,” said Neu. “He’s an NPAA member, a social media icon, and a no-nonsense motivational speaker that knows this industry inside and out. He’s true to himself in every aspect of our sport and not afraid to speak his mind. In short, when the G-Man speaks, everybody listens.” Swindle has plenty to say, of course, but we’ll let him speak for himself in the video link above. Just know that attendance is limited to 200 and tickets are selling fast - so, don’t wait to sign-up, meet, network, speak with and glimpse the psyche of top professional anglers, industry representatives and sport fishing leaders across the country. The NPAA Annual Conference features business-related educational seminars, networking opportunities, and partner booths in a fun but professional format. It is a key component of the NPAA platform, which exists to help members grow their professional angling careers and run successful industry businesses. The event will also host a Benefit Banquet for the Future Angler Foundation (FAF), which introduces millions of potential new anglers and boaters each year to the thrill and fun of sportfishing and boating. |
|
|
Additional seminar speakers will include Jason and Jay Przekurat, MLF Redcrest Champion Bobby Lane, Louisiana guide and Redfish Lodge owner, Mike Frenette, plus a myriad of other angling professionals from top guides to industry veterans, all sharing their knowledge freely in sessions throughout the weekend. Event central is the 5-Star rated Holiday Inn Fort Myers Airport - Town Center, which is 5 minutes from the SW Florida Regional Airport (RSW) and just off I75 in Fort Myers. The NPAA 2023 Annual Conference registration fees include all activities, meals, and a ticket for the FAF Banquet. More information on registration can be found on the NPAA Conference Page. (Note: Non-members who pre-register for the Conference and opt to join the association prior to the end of the Conference will receive a $50 rebate on their Conference Registration Fee.) For more information on joining the NPAA, attending the Annual Conference, and exploring the many benefits membership provides, visit www.npaa.net. |
