Kaneland High School Wins MLF High School Fishing Open on Lake Erie
A field of 40 teams competed in the no-entry fee tournament, which launched from the Shelby Street Public Boat Launch in Sandusky. In MLF and The Bass Federation (TBF) High School Fishing competition, the top 10 percent of teams competing advance to the High School Fishing National Championship.
The top four teams that advanced to the 2023 High School Fishing National Championship are:
2nd: Nordonia High School, Northfield, Ohio – Tyler Lewis, Macedonia, Ohio, and Brody Thompson, Rogers, Ohio, five bass, 15-4
3rd: Black Swamp Bass Club, Ohio – Kyle Johnson, Helena, Ohio, and Carson Kellogg, Junction City, Ohio, five bass, 14-10
4th: Jackson Bass Fishing, Jackson, Mich. – Ryan Hamlin and Jack Swihart, both of Jackson, Mich., five bass, 14-4
6th: Hopewell-Loudon High School, Bascom, Ohio – Mathew Flores, Fostoria, Ohio, and Caine McDonald, Tiffin, Ohio, five bass, 13-14
7th: Perry High School, Perry, Ohio – Tommy Angelucci, Concord, Ohio, and Julia Miller, Perry, Ohio, five bass, 13-11
8th: Hartleys Hawgs Bass Club, Ohio – Ryan Pardi, Worthington, Ohio, and Mason Smith, Ashville, Ohio, five bass, 13-9
9th: Wheelersburg High School, Wheelersburg, Ohio – Braxton Howard and Matthew Strickland, both of Portsmouth, Ohio, five bass, 12-14
10th: Northwest Ohio Junior Bassmasters – Tristan Dix, Defiance, Ohio, and Daniel Ruhe, Maumee, Ohio, five bass, 12-9
The MLF High School Fishing Presented by Favorite Fishing Open at Lake Erie was hosted by City of Sandusky. The next event for High School Fishing anglers will be the MLF High School Fishing Presented by Favorite Fishing Open on Lake of the Ozarks, Oct. 15 in Osage Beach, Missouri.
MLF High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing tournaments are free, two-person (team) events for students in grades 7-12 and are open to any MLF and TBF Student Angler Federation-affiliated high school club. The top 10 percent of teams at each Open event, along with the TBF High School Fishing state championships, will advance to the 2023 High School Fishing National Championship. The 2023 MLF High School Fishing National Championship will be held in La Crosse on the Mississippi River, June 20-24, 2023, and is also hosted by the La Crosse County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF High School Fishing Presented by Favorite Fishing include: 4WP, 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, A.R.E. Truck Caps, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, Gary Yamamoto Baits, General Tire, Lew’s, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, 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 High School Fishing updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Penn State University Wins MLF Wiley X College Faceoff at Lake Erie
SANDUSKY, Ohio (Sept. 13, 2022) – The Penn State University team of Stephen Botek, Anthony Riello, Dylan Crystaloski and Jason Zubris, won the Major League Fishing (MLF) Wiley X College Faceoff at Lake Erie in Sandusky, Ohio, Saturday. The Nittany Lions bass club boated nine bass weighing 24 pounds, 11 ounces to win the third and final Wiley X College Faceoff Event of the 2022 season and earn the win by a 1-pound, 14-ounce margin over Kentucky Christian University.
The five teams that competed in the Wiley X College Faceoff at Lake Erie finished:
1st: Penn State University – Stephen Botek, Anthony Riello, Dylan Crystaloski and Jason Zubris, nine bass, 24-11
2nd: Kentucky Christian University – Jonathan Fraley, Reece Kenney, Jonathan Fitch and Blayne Leeman, eight bass, 22-13
3rd: Adrian College – Matthew Davis, Sam Shoemaker, Cole Carr and Paxton Glenn, nine bass, 21-4
4th: Western Michigan University – Mason Jones, Jack Schable, Branden Burrill and John Simmons, four bass, 10-4
5th: Ohio State University – Patrick Henry, Jared Minor, Nicholas Owens and Jeff Thomas, two bass, 5-3
The Wiley X College Faceoffs are single-day tournaments where competitors fish in an MLF-style catch, weigh, immediate-release team format at each event. The College Faceoff tournaments occur the Saturday following an Abu Garcia College Fishing competition, on the same body of water. The results from the College Fishing tournament the previous day determine the 20 competitors for the Wiley X College Faceoff, with the top two teams (four anglers) from the top five schools in the regular season tournament qualifying to fish in the ten-boat faceoff the following day.
The Wiley X College Faceoff tournament on Lake Erie was the third and final Faceoff event for MLF collegiate anglers in 2022.
MLF College Fishing teams compete in three regular-season tournaments in one of five conferences – Central, Northern, Southern, Southeastern and Western. The top 10 teams from each division’s three regular-season tournaments and the top 20 teams from the annual Abu Garcia College Fishing Open will advance to the following season’s National Championship. The 2022 MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship Presented by Lowrance will be held on Fort Gibson Lake in Wagoner, Oklahoma, March 29-31, and is hosted by the Wagoner Area Chamber of Commerce.
Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI include: 4WP, 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, A.R.E. Truck Caps, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, Gary Yamamoto Baits, General Tire, Lew’s, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, 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 College Fishing updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Lil’ Super Trooper
New PowerBait MaxScent bait adds claws to a ned-style presentation giving anglers even more ways to catch fish
COLUMBIA, S.C. (September 13, 2022) – Expanding on its popular line of tournament winning PowerBait MaxScent soft baits, the team at Berkley Labs continues to offer anglers new and innovative fish-catching shapes. The newest addition is the crazy cousin of the already popular Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Lil' Trooper, the new Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Lil’ Super Trooper, which gives anglers a separate and unique finesse crawfish-style bait to catch more fish.
Infused with proven PowerBait MaxScent technology that is backed by science, the Lil’ Super Trooper has the action, scent and taste to lure fish in and keep them holding on longer. When the bite is tough and fishing pressure is high, a finesse presentation is key. On the pause, the pinchers flare out giving it a defensive crawfish look and the flat bottom shape allows it to glide to the bottom. Available in 10 colors, the 2.5-inch kicking crawfish-style bait is ideal for ned rigs and other finesse applications. The Lil’ Super Trooper is a diverse finesse soft bait that can also be used as a flapping trailer for smaller jig presentations.
Key Features
• Super kicking finesse claws provide action with any movement
• 2.5-inch compact crawfish imitation ideal for ned rig and finesse applications
• Pinchers flare out when paused imitating a defensive craw
• Back tail designed to pair with half-head and ned-style jig heads
• Flat bottom shape allows bait to glide
• Works as a trailer for smaller jigs
Colors: Green Pumpkin • Black Powder • Green Pumpkin w/ Watermelon • Watermelon Candy • Rusty Craw • Blue Pearl Black Hologram • Peanut Butter and Jelly • Watermelon Copper Orange w/ Red • Canada Eh’ Craw • Hot Craw
MSRP: $7.99
Available: September 2022
Scroggins Tries to Rally into REDCREST
Courtesy of Luke Stoner - Dynamic Sponsorships
Photo by MLF / Garrick Dixon
Mille Lacs Lake may be the fishery where Bally Bet Stage Seven presented by Minn Kota is being contested this week, but anglers anywhere near the REDCREST IV qualification line are quick to admit the Bass Pro Tour Championship is the tournament consuming their minds here in Minnesota. Terry “Big Show” Scroggins is one of them.
Big Show came into Stage Seven 36th in points, a few spots on the right side of the REDCREST qualification line. Riding the momentum of a top five finish at Cayuga in Stage Six, Scroggins is poised to make his first REDCREST and would love nothing more than to roll into the North Carolina as a competitor next March.
“It was a 26-hour drive in the Tundra from my house to Mille Lacs, so I had plenty of time to think about just how bad I want to qualify for REDCREST,” Scroggins said with a smile. “You run all these numbers and try to do the math, but at the end of the day all I can control is my time on the water. I needed to come here and make Wednesday’s Knockout Round. If I do that, I’ve done my job.”
The Team Toyota pro is competing in Group B this week and started his first period red hot on Sunday, before having the smallmouth he found in practice all but vanish on him for the remainder of the day. After an up and down day, Scroggins ultimately ended Group B’s Qualifying Day 1 sitting in 17thplace. Theoretically, Big Show just needs to finish better than 20th place by the end of the day on Tuesday. So, he’s right where he needs to be.
“These smallmouth move so much based on the weather conditions and time of day,” Scroggins explained. “In practice we had lots of clouds and strong winds, then yesterday (Sunday) it was sunny and flat calm. It’s the same deal as thinking about the points… the more you rack your brain on where they went and how to outsmart them, the worse off you are.
“I landed on them in the morning, and it was fun while it lasted! After my initial flurry I pretty much went all day until towards the end of the third period without a scoreable bass. But I’m glad to have the ones I did catch and feel pretty good about being able to stay consistent tomorrow (Tuesday). One day at a time.”
Scroggins isn’t one to give excuses or dwell on the negative, but his last few seasons have been plagued with health issues. Between major surgeries, recovering from those operations, and dealing with the average ailments full time anglers navigate he’s had a constant hill to climb. Thankfully, Big Show has been able to stay healthy in 2022. He’s down thirty plus pounds since the start of the year; he’s feeling good and fishing well.
Ask anyone on the Bass Pro Tour and they’ll tell you Scroggins is the kind of guy you want to have around whether you’re in a pinch and need help, or you want to throw some meat on the grill and relax. It’s not out of the ordinary to find him in a parking lot past dark lending a helping hand to a competitor with mechanical issues or dropping off pizzas he bought to treat the behind-the-scenes heroes of professional fishing – the service crew. Big Show is simply a good dude.
But for better or worse, the fish don’t know that, and they don’t care. They aren’t bothered with the dreams, livelihoods, and personal lives of professional anglers or anyone who fishes for them. It’s all up to the person holding the fishing rod. Tomorrow, it’ll all be on Big Show to finish high enough for a ticket to his first REDCREST and put the finishing touches on a solid yearlong effort. Tune into MLF NOW! Starting at 7:45a.m. C.T. to see how it shakes out.
MDJ Rallies From 43 Pounds Back to Win Qualifying Round at Bass Pro Tour Bally Bet Stage Seven at Mille Lacs Lake Presented by Minn Kota
Tuskegee, Alabama pro Mark Daniels, Jr., Catches 20 Scorable Smallmouth Weighing 79-12 to Overtake Bertrand and Win Qualifying Round for Group A, Group B to Wrap Up Their Qualifying Round Tuesday
ONAMIA, Minn. (Sept. 12, 2022) – In the biggest Qualifying Round comeback in Bass Pro Tour history, Tuskegee, Alabama, pro Mark Daniels, Jr., boated 20 scorable bass weighing 79 pounds, 12 ounces, to overtake Day 1 leader Arizona’s Josh Bertrand and win the Group A Qualifying Round Monday at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour Bally Bet Stage Seven at Mille Lacs Lake Presented by Minn Kota in Onamia, Minnesota.
Daniels started the day in seventh place, with a 42-pound, 15-ounce deficit to leader Bertrand. Bertrand struggled, only catching eight keepers on the day for 25 pounds, while Daniels slowly rallied throughout the day, eventually overtaking Bertrand in the third period and coasting to the win by an 11-pound, 13-ounce margin. Daniels ended the two-day Qualifying Round with a two-day total of 32 bass for 123-10, while Bertrand finished second with 35 bass weighing 111-13.
The top 20 anglers from Group A will now have an off day from competition Tuesday, while the 40 anglers competing in Qualifying Group B will complete their two-day Qualifying Round. The Knockout Round, featuring 38 anglers competing to finish in the top eight, will take place Wednesday. Thursday’s Championship Round will feature Mark Daniels, Jr., Tuesday’s Group B winner, and the top eight anglers from the Knockout Round competing in a final-day shootout for the top prize of $100,000.
“Man, what a crazy, crazy day,” Daniels said in his post-game interview. “I went out this morning knowing I needed to catch a few bass to ensure I made the Knockout Round. I caught a few early – a couple of really big ones – and those five-pounders can really add up quick. Next thing you know, I’m 30 pounds back. But I’m still thinking no, that’s still quite a bit.
“So I keep plucking, just fishing around, and boom, I catch two or three more. Now I’m at 25. I keep fishing around and it’s just going down. 25. 17. 15. 11. Once I heard 15, I was like, ‘that’s only three or four bites, if they don’t start catching them pretty quick, I can probably make something happen.’ And that’s what happened. I just circled through areas where I knew fish were living and tried to maximize my fishing time. And man, I caught some big ones today.”
Daniels caught his bass mainly on a drop-shot rig, but he also added a few scorable keepers on a swimbait. He credited his Garmin electronics and Favorite Fishing HEX spinning rods as being the keys to his success.
“I was fortunate to win the round, and I couldn’t be any happier,” Daniels went on to say. “I just kept it simple, panning around, looking at my electronics, and making precise casts to targets. It was such fun day, and hopefully we can drag in some more like we did today on Championship Thursday.”
Bertrand, despite his Day 2 struggles, remained optimistic about his chances in Wednesday’s Knockout Round.
“Overall, it was a really tough day for me, but late in the day I learned a couple of things that can be really valuable for me in the Knockout Round,” Bertrand said. “The biggest thing that I learned is that when it’s calm, these fish definitely seem to get up and cruise the flats.
“In the Knockout Round, I’m going to use the same drop-shot rig with the same (Berkley PowerBait MaxScent) Hit Worm I was using in the deep boulders, but I’m going to a lighter weight,” he continued. “I am switching to a 3/8-ounce weight instead of the ½-ounce. I’m just going to lighten everything up and try to get a little stealthier.”
The top 20 pros in Qualifying Group A that now advance to Wednesday’s Knockout Round on Mille Lacs Lake are:
1st: Mark Daniels, Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., 32 bass, 123-10 – ADVANCES TO CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND
2nd: Josh Bertrand, Queen Creek, Ariz., 35 bass, 111-13
3rd: Stephen Browning, Hot Springs, Ark., 26 bass, 108-6
4th: Jordan Lee, Cullman, Ala., 28 bass, 93-12
5th: Brent Chapman, Lake Quivira, Kan., 30 bass, 86-3
6th: Luke Clausen, Spokane, Wash., 21 bass, 81-15
7th: David Walker, Sevierville, Tenn., 22 bass, 81-12
8th: Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., 23 bass, 80-2
9th: Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas, 21 bass, 79-4
10th: Matt Lee, Cullman, Ala., 21 bass, 78-8
11th: Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark., 27 bass, 78-4
12th: Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., 22 bass, 78-1
13th: Jeff Kriet, Ardmore, Okla., 20 bass, 74-13
14th: Jonathon VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., 20 bass, 73-11
15th: Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, 23 bass, 72-5
16th: Roy Hawk, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., 21 bass, 72-5
17th: Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., 20 bass, 72-0
18th: Ish Monroe, Oakdale, Calif., 21 bass, 71-3
19th: Marty Robinson, Lyman, S.C., 20 bass, 70-13
20th: Boyd Duckett, Guntersville, Ala., 23 bass, 70-11
A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 381 scorable bass weighing 1,295 pounds, 13 ounces caught by the 40 pros Monday.
Pro Stephen Browning of Hot Springs, Arkansas, earned Monday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award with a huge smallmouth weighing 6 pounds, 8 ounces that he caught in Period 3 on a vibrating jig. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day, and a $3,000 bonus to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass of the tournament.
The six-day tournament, hosted by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, showcases 80 of the best professional anglers in the world competing for a purse of more than $805,000, including a top payout of $100,000 to the winner. The tournament is livestreamed each day at MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MOTV app, and also filmed for television broadcast later this fall on the Discovery Channel.
The 40 Anglers in Group A competed in their two-day qualifying round on Saturday and Monday – the 40 anglers in Group B on Sunday and Tuesday. After each two-day qualifying round is complete, the anglers that finish in 2nd through 20th place from both groups advance to Wednesday’s Knockout Round, while the winner of each group advances directly to Thursday’s Championship Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the remaining 38 anglers compete to finish in the top 8 to advance to the Championship Round. In the final day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.
Anglers will launch each day at 7:30 a.m. CT from Eddy’s Resort, located at 41334 Shakopee Lake Road in Onamia. Each day’s General Tire Takeout will be held at the Resort, beginning at 4 p.m.Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLF NOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
On Championship Thursday, Sept. 15, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF will host a Celebration Event for fans of all ages, inviting fans to come out and celebrate with the professional anglers from the Bass Pro Tour as they crown the champion of the Bally Bet Stage Seven on Mille Lacs Lake Presented by Minn Kota. The first 50 youth anglers 10 and under in attendance will receive a free Pure Fishing Shakespeare Kid’s Rod and Reel combo. The final 10 Championship Round Bass Pro Tour anglers will be on hand at the trophy celebration to meet and greet fans, sign autographs, and take selfies.
The Bally Bet Stage Seven on Mille Lacs Lake Presented by Minn Kota features anglers competing with a 2-pound minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. Minimum weights are determined individually for each competition waters that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.
The Bass Pro Tour features a field of 80 of the top professional anglers in the world competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, competing for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST IV, the Bass Pro Tour championship, which will be held next March on Lake Norman in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The MLF NOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee, Marty Stone and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action on all six days of competition from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT. MLF NOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.
Television coverage of the Bally Bet Stage Seven on Mille Lacs Lake Presented by Minn Kota will premiere as a two-hour episode at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Nov. 19 on the Discovery Channel. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on the Discovery Channel, with additional re-airings on the Outdoor Channel. Each two-hour long reality-based episode goes in-depth to break down each day of tournament competition.
Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Bass Pro Tour include: 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, A.R.E. Truck Caps, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bally Bet, Bass Cat, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Covercraft, Favorite Fishing, Garmin, General Tire, Googan Baits, Grundéns, Guaranteed Rate, Humminbird, Lowrance, Luminox, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Nitro Performance Boats, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, Power Stop, Rapala, Starbrite, Toro, Toyota, Wrangler, Yellowstone Bourbon and Zoom.
For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Bass Pro Tour, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Meuth Wins Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Tournament on Kentucky-Barkley Lakes
Fogerty Claims Strike King Co-Angler Division
BUCHANAN, Tenn. (Sept. 12, 2022) – Boater Richard Meuth of Henderson, Kentucky, caught 10 bass weighing 30 pounds, 8 ounces, to win the two-day MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on Kentucky-Barkley Lake s in Buchanan, Tennessee. The tournament, hosted by the Henry County Tourism Authority, was the fifth and final regular-season event for the Bass Fishing League LBL Division. Meuth earned $5,460 for his victory.
Meuth said he had a good practice near Paris and found areas that were holding fish keying on bait and cover. He said he fished water stretching five miles in both directions of takeoff on the first day of competition.
“I caught 10 to 12 keepers Saturday and had a really good day,” Meuth said. “I didn’t lose any fish and fished really clean.
“However, Sunday morning, the baitfish were gone,” Meuth added. “I went to my spots and they were just gone.”
Meuth said he changed his approach and headed north toward the dam and focused on areas he was familiar with. He utilized a shaky-head rig and jigs, and targeted brush piles, rock piles and stumps with baitfish in 8 to 20 feet of water. Meuth said finding fish on his Humminbird electronics and Garmin Livescope were key to his success.
“I had a five-keeper bite day there and was blessed enough to put all five of them in the boat,” Meuth said.
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
1st: Richard Meuth, Henderson, Ky., 10 bass, 30-8, $5,460
2nd: Keith Amerson, Bethel Springs, Tenn., nine bass, 29-12, $2,730
3rd: Ramie Colson Jr., Cadiz, Ky., eight bass, 25-11, $1,820
4th: Carl Norris, Clarkson, Ky., seven bass, 24-13, $1,274
5th: Steve Freeman, Eddyville, Ky., seven bass, 24-6, $1,392
6th: Lance Freeman, Eddyville, Ky., eight bass, 23-8, $1,201
7th: Kevin Meunier, Lamar, Ind., six bass, 22-12, $1,622
8th: Lloyd Pickett Jr., Bartlett, Tenn., eight bass, 21-1, $819
9th: Dan Martin, Elmhurst, Ill, Ind., eight bass, 20-13, $728
10th: Edward Gettys, Paris, Tenn., seven bass, 19-7, $637
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Kevin Meunier of Lamar, Indiana, caught a bass weighing 5 pounds, 5 ounces – the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division – to earn the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $712.
Colin Fogerty of Memphis, Tennessee, won the Strike King Co-angler Division and $3,086 Sunday after catching a two-day total of four bass weighing 16 pounds, 6 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers were:
1st: Colin Fogerty, Memphis, Tenn., four bass, 16-6, $3,086
2nd: Charlie Kuebler, Jasper, Ind., five bass, 13-9, $1,365
3rd: Ronald Franks, Hermitage, Tenn., five bass, 12-15, $909
4th: Brant Gish, Evansville, Ind. four bass, 12-13, $937
5th: Bradley Miller, Guthrie, Ky., four bass, 10-2, $546
6th: Chanler Fleetwood, Vallonia, Ind., four bass, 9-11, $501
7th: Ryan Ridgeway, Thompsonville, Ill., three bass, 8-7, $455
8th: Tim Burke, Petersburg, Ky., three bass, 8-2, $410
9th: Robert Burnette, Madisonville, Ky., two bass, 7-2, $564
10th: Brady Kendall, Paducah, Ky., three bass, 6-11, $469
Fogerty also caught the largest bass in the Strike King Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 5 pounds, 2 ounces. The catch earned him the Berkley Big Bass Co-angler award of $356.
With the regular season now complete, boater Jordan Hartman of Benton, Kentucky, won the 2022 Bass Fishing League LBL Division Boater Angler of the Year (AOY) race with a five-event total of 1,268 points to earn the $1,000 boater AOY award. Pat Rapp of Hawesville, Kentucky, won the 2022 Strike King Co-Angler LBL Division AOY race with 1,243 points and earned the $500 Strike King Co-angler of the Year award.
Now, the top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will advance to compete in the Oct. 13-15 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Pickwick Lake in Counce, Tennessee. Boaters will compete 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 fish for a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.
The 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six Regional Championships where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the MLF Toyota Series, the pathway to the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 4WP, 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, AFTCO, A.R.E. Truck Caps, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, Gary Yamamoto Baits, General Tire, Lew’s, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Revital Outdoors, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Wiley X, YETI and Yo-Zuri.
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.
Wright Claims Victory at Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Tournament on Kerr Lake
HENDERSON, N.C. (Sept. 12, 2022) – Boater David Wright of Lexington, North Carolina, caught 10 bass weighing 29 pounds, 1 ounce, to win the two-day MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on Kerr Lake in Henderson, North Carolina. The tournament, hosted by Vance County Tourism, was the fifth and final regular-season event for the Bass Fishing League North Carolina Division. Wright earned $8,448 for his victory, including the lucrative $2,500 Phoenix MLF5 contingency bonus.
“What normally happens on Kerr this time of year is you find suspending fish,” said Wright, who notched his 14th career BFL win. “And a lot of fish can be caught suspended, but they’re all 1½-pounds or 2-pounders. So, I decided I would fish the way I’ve always fished, and that’s around cover.
Wright said the majority of his bass fell for a shaky-head, but he also caught a few on a drop-shot rig and a Zoom Trick Worm. He focused on finding bait in the mid-lake area that was holding close to the bottom, on breaks in 12 to 20 feet of water.
“Most of my friends out there were catching 2-pounders, so I moved just a bit more shallow and was catching 3-pounders, and that was the difference,” Wright said. “Of course, they caught a lot more than I did, but I was catching just a little bit bigger fish.
“I’ve been bass fishing for 45 years, and I still enjoy it about as much as I did when I started this,” Wright added.
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
2nd: Tyler Trent, Nathalie, Va., eight bass, 24-7, $2,824
3rd: Tommy Jones, Salisbury, N.C., nine bass, 22-6, $2,082
4th: Jeffrey Davis, Raleigh, N.C., 10 bass, 22-3, $1,318
5th: Derik Hudson, Concord, Va., 10 bass, 21-11, $1,630
6th: Aaron Digh, Denver, N.C., 10 bass, 20-9, $1,035
7th: Robert Walser, Lexington, N.C., eight bass, 19-7, $1,691
8th: Ryan McGee, Battleboro, N.C., eight bass, 18-13, $847
9th: Brandon Pritchett, Goode, Va., eight bass, 18-11, $753
10th: Michael Birr, Franklinton, N.C., nine bass, 17-7, $659
Robert Walser of Lexington, North Carolina, caught a bass weighing 5 pounds, 8 ounces – the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division – to earn the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $750.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers were:
2nd: Mekye Barnes, Raleigh, N.C., five bass, 13-3, $1,612
3rd: Curtis Vick, Boydton, Va., five bass, 12-9, $1,140
4th: Sean Tobatto, Greensboro, N.C., seven bass, 12-3, $659
5th: Roy Burgess, Newton, N.C., three bass, 9-3, $565
6th: Jerry Pruitt, Vale, N.C., four bass, 8-7, $518
7th: Jay Kleinfeld, Winston Salem, N.C., four bass, 8-1, $471
8th: Gregory Haverlock, Concord, N.C., three bass, 7-15, $799
9th: Jon Mitchell, Wendell, N.C., four bass, 7-11, $377
10th: Alex Ortiz, Asheboro, N.C., three bass, 7-9, $329
With the regular season now complete, boater Aaron Digh of Denver, North Carolina, won the 2022 Bass Fishing League North Carolina Division Boater Angler of the Year (AOY) race with a five-event total of 1,318 points to earn the $1,000 boater AOY award. Trevor Wright of Chesterfield, Virginia, won the 2022 Strike King Co-Angler North Carolina Division AOY race with 1,234 points and earned the $500 Strike King Co-angler of the Year award.
Now, the top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will advance to compete in the Oct. 20-22 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on the James River in Richmond, Virginia. Boaters will compete 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 fish for a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.
The 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six Regional Championships where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the MLF Toyota Series, the pathway to the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 4WP, 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, AFTCO, A.R.E. Truck Caps, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, Gary Yamamoto Baits, General Tire, Lew’s, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Revital Outdoors, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Wiley X, YETI and Yo-Zuri.
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.
Prince Wins Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Tournament on Lake Hartwell
LAVONIA, Ga. (Sept. 12, 2022) – Boater Alex Prince of Blue Ridge, Georgia, caught 10 bass weighing 38 pounds, 6 ounces, to win the two-day MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Hartwell in Lavonia, Georgia. The tournament, hosted by the City of Lavonia, was the fifth and final regular-season event for the Bass Fishing League Savannah River Division. Prince earned $6,121 for his victory.
Prince said he started the tournament hot out of the gate Saturday morning, catching good fish at his first location on the main lake throwing a topwater bait.
“They were just biting, and we were catching,” the 23-year-old Prince said. “There was wind, and the weather was good.”
However, Prince said things changed for him on Sunday, and he only had 10 pounds in the livewell at noon. Then the sun came out, the wind picked up, and the fish turned on.
“They started biting, and I culled three times with three of my biggest fish,” Prince said. “I was chasing big schools of fish that were roaming, and I was catching them on a fluke-style bait rigged on a 4/0 Gamakatsu EWG hook. I also caught a couple on a walking bait.
“The key thing for me on Sunday was when the sun came out, they sat up on the brush, and you knew where they were instead of chasing them around,” Prince added. “I caught them anywhere from 15 to 30 feet deep.
“It was an awesome day,” Prince added. “I’m just a young kid who likes to bass fish. I never dreamed of winning one of these. I know the Savannah River division has some of the best fishermen in the country. This win is such a blessing.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
2nd: Emil Wagner, Marietta, Ga, 10 bass, 35-8, $3,760 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF5 contingency bonus)
3rd: Tyler Campbell, Martin, Ga., 10 bass, 34-15, $2,041
4th: Bradford Beavers, Summerville, S.C., 10 bass, 33-6, $1,428
5th: Cole Wilson, Nicholson, Ga, 10 bass, 32-5, $1,224
6th: Jayme Rampey, Liberty, S.C., 10 bass, 31-14, $1,122
7th: Justin Tingen, Moore, S.C., 10 bass, 31-2, $1,020
8th: Collin Smith, Honea Path, S.C., 10 bass, 30-12, $1,758
9th: Matthew O’Connell, Brooks, Ga., 10 bass, 29-9, $1,116
10th: Justin Raines, Easley, S.C., 10 bass, 29-0, $714
Collin Smith of Honea Path, South Carolina, caught a bass weighing 6 pounds, 12 ounces – the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division – to earn the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $840.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers were:
2nd: Caleb Warrington, Watkinsville, Ga., 10 bass, 22-7, $1,517
3rd: Brody Bowen, Cleveland, Ga., 10 bass, 20-12, $1,010
4th: Damon Phillips, Anderson, S.C., 10 bass, 20-9, $708
5th: Lee Polatty, Abbeville, S.C., eight bass, 17-12, $607
6th: Kevin Henderson, Honea Path, S.C., nine bass, 17-4, $556
7th: Zach Pringle, Newton, N.C., eight bass, 16-5, $506
8th: Corey Veal, Royston, Ga., 10 bass, 15-13, $445
9th: Jacob Turner, Hodges, S.C., six bass, 15-6, $1,054
10th: Darren Jeter, Candler, N.C., 10 bass, 15-3, $354
With the regular season now complete, boater Greg Glouse of Liberty, South Carolina, won the 2022 Bass Fishing League Savannah River Division Boater Angler of the Year (AOY) race with a five-event total of 1,335 points to earn the $1,000 boater AOY award. Johnny Hancox of West Union, S.C., won the 2022 Strike King Co-Angler Savannah River Division AOY race with 1,314 points and earned the $500 Strike King Co-angler of the Year award.
Now, the top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will advance to compete in the Oct. 20-22 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Lewis Smith Lake in Cullman, Alabama. Boaters will compete 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 fish for a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.
The 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six Regional Championships where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the MLF Toyota Series, the pathway to the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 4WP, 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, AFTCO, A.R.E. Truck Caps, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, Gary Yamamoto Baits, General Tire, Lew’s, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Revital Outdoors, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Wiley X, YETI and Yo-Zuri.
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.
Bowling Wins Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Tournament on Watts Bar
Bailey Claims Strike King Co-Angler Division
SPRING CITY, Tenn. (Sept. 12, 2022) – Boater Jonathan Bowling of Harriman, Tennessee, caught eight bass weighing 31 pounds, 14 ounces, to win the two-day MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on Watts Bar Presented by Lithium Pros in Spring City, Tennessee. The tournament, hosted by Fish Dayton and the Rhea Economic & Tourism Council, was the fifth and final regular-season event for the Bass Fishing League Volunteer Division. Bowling earned $5,817 for his victory.
“I had a good practice and located some very big largemouth between six and eight pounds,” Bowling said. “I executed my pattern and plan, and everything just fell into place. I didn’t lose any big fish. I only caught four fish both days, but they were big for the most part – I caught one nearly seven pounds yesterday and three over five pounds today.”
Bowling said he locked through to Lake Chickamauga for the event to fish the main channel and submerged vegetation in four to six feet of water. Bowling employed a variety of baits to catch his bass, including jointed swimbaits as well as a punch rig, a popper and a frog.
“I had to scramble and make an adjustment on Sunday, because the cloud cover affected the fish Saturday, and the fish didn’t bite exactly like they did in practice, so I had to make adjustments,” Bowling said. “So, I went a bit deeper. On Saturday I was fishing grass in two to four feet of water.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
2nd: Chase Henley, Kingston, Tenn., 10 bass, 26-1, $3,609 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF5 contingency bonus)
3rd: Jimmy Neece Jr., Bristol, Tenn., nine bass, 25-6, $1,939
4th: Brian Hatfield, Spring City, Tenn., eight bass, 24-6, $1,357
5th: Jack Daniel Williams, Kingsport, Tenn., 10 bass, 24-4, $1,935
6th: Chris Frazier, Afton, Tenn., 10 bass, 21-10, $1,266
7th: Dale Pelfrey, Rockwood, Tenn., seven bass, 20-6, $970
8th: Michael Delvisco, Dandridge, Tenn., seven bass, 16-2, $1,173
9th: Casey Majni, Knoxville, Tenn., seven bass, 15-7, $776
10th: Bud McKelvey, Knoxville, Tenn., six bass, 14-9, $679
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.Jack Daniel Williams of Kingsport, Tennessee, caught a bass weighing 7 pounds, 8 ounces – the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division – to earn the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $772.
Blake Bailey of Rutledge, Tennessee, won the Strike King Co-angler Division and $2,909 Sunday after catching a two-day total of three bass weighing 11 pounds, 8 ounces.The top 10 Strike King co-anglers were:
2nd: Gerrit Goins, Charleston, Tenn., three bass, 10-14, $1,840
3rd: Chris Hamby, Harriman, Tenn., four bass, 8-11, $970
4th: Thomas Doc Legassie, Kingsport, Tenn., four bass, 7-15, $679
5th: Matt Brown, Harriman, Tenn., four bass, 7-11, $582
6th: Craig Jones, Knoxville, Tenn., three bass, 7-4, $1,033
7th: Shane Bowman, Caryville, Tenn., four bass, 7-3, $485
8th: James Roten, West Jefferson, N.C., two bass, 5-15, $436
9th: Steve Simmons, Dalton, Ga., four bass, 5-14, $388
10th: Caden Mullins, Norton, Va., two bass, 5-10, $339
Gerrit Goins of Charleston, Tennessee, caught the largest bass in the Strike King Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 3 pounds, 15 ounces. The catch earned him the Berkley Big Bass Co-angler award of $386.With the regular season now complete, boater Casey Majni of Knoxville, Tennessee, won the 2022 Bass Fishing League Volunteer Division Boater Angler of the Year (AOY) race with a five-event total of 1,272 points to earn the $1,000 boater AOY award. Brad Barton of Middlesboro, Kentucky, won the 2022 Strike King Co-Angler Volunteer Division AOY race with 1,317 points and earned the $500 Strike King Co-angler of the Year award.
Now, the top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will advance to compete in the Oct. 20-22 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Lewis Smith Lake in Cullman, Alabama. Boaters will compete 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 fish for a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.
The 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six Regional Championships where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the MLF Toyota Series, the pathway to the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 4WP, 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, AFTCO, A.R.E. Truck Caps, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, Gary Yamamoto Baits, General Tire, Lew’s, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Revital Outdoors, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Wiley X, YETI and Yo-Zuri.
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.
Adrian College Wins MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Tournament on Lake Erie
“We had found some decent fish in practice,” Davis said. “Maybe not the quantity we wanted, but we were catching some really nice-sized fish.”
“There wasn’t a whole lot of wind (Friday), and that kind of scared us,” Shoemaker said. “But when we got out there, there was still a little bit of chop to the water. On one of the first couple of pitches, Matt hooked up on one right underneath the boat. It came up to the surface and jumped, and I don’t know if there was a nick in the line or what, but it snapped off. That fish was every bit of four pounds.”
The Bulldog team didn’t let that rocky start faze them, and they continued to focus on their game plan – using their Garmin LiveScope to toss baits at boulders in 16 to 24 feet of water in the Middle Bass Island part of Lake Erie. Davis said he threw a Ned rig with a green pumpkin Z-Man TRD, while Shoemaker used the same bait on a drop-shot rig. Their tactics resulted in seven smallmouth during the course of the tournament. Davis said they caught all of their fish between noon and 2:30 p.m.
“We went and fished a couple of other areas, but for some reason, that spot was just a gut feeling. It was calling our name,” Shoemaker said. “We caught a lot of drum and catfish, but once we caught some brown fish in between, it gave us the confidence to stay in that area and put our nose to the grindstone and try to make something happen.”
Davis said the key to their victory was moving into water that was a bit more shallow. He said the bright sun was moving smallmouth into the 16-foot range to hold on large boulders.
“This is just a very surreal moment,” Shoemaker said. “I didn’t think it was going to pan out like that. But we’re very glad it fell into place. I just can’t put this feeling into words.
“I’m a senior, and I’ve been fishing MLF since I was a freshman, and to come out and put that much effort into every event and then get the win on Erie, especially as tough as that part of Erie is … I’m just super stoked,” Shoemaker continued.
The top 10 teams that advanced to the 2023 College Fishing National Championship are:
2nd: Penn State University – Michael Staub, State College, Pa., and Eric Wawrzyniak, Lebanon, Pa., five bass, 19-8, $1,000
3rd: Western Michigan University – Branden Burrill, Galesburg, Mich., and John Simmons, Kalamazoo, Mich., five bass, 18-9, $500
4th: Adrian College – Cole Carr, New Baltimore, Mich., and Paxton Giem, Boyne City, Mich., five bass, 18-6, $500
5th: Kentucky Christian University – Jonathan Fraley, Flat Gap, Ky., and Reece Keeney, Hortonville, Wis., five bass, 18-3, $500
6th: Adrian College – Braylon Eggerding, Grand Rapids, Mich., and Nicholas Seitz, Maumee, Ohio, five bass, 18-2
7th: Adrian College – Shane Nelson, Wadsworth, Ohio, and Derek Rodriguez, Okemos, Mich., five bass, 17-11
8th: Kentucky Christian University – Jonathan Fitch, Inez, Ky., and Blayne Leeman, Kokomo, Ind., five bass, 17-0
9th: Nicholls State University – Zachary Henderson, Metairie, La., and Miles Smith, Houma, La., five bass, 16-14
10th: Minnesota State University-Mankato – Brian Linder, Mankato, Minn., and Nathan Thompson, Eagan, Minn., five bass, 16-12
The Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI event on Lake Erie was hosted by the City of Sandusky. It was the last of three regular-season tournaments for Northern Conference anglers. The next event for College Fishing anglers will be the Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI event on Lake of the Ozarks, Oct. 14 in Osage Beach, Missouri.
MLF College Fishing teams compete in three regular-season tournaments in one of five conferences – Central, Northern, Southern, Southeastern and Western. The top 10 teams from each division’s three regular-season tournaments and the top 20 teams from the annual Abu Garcia College Fishing Open will advance to the following season’s National Championship.
Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI include: 4WP, 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, A.R.E. Truck Caps, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, Gary Yamamoto Baits, General Tire, Lew’s, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, 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 College Fishing updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Hatfield Wins Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Tournament on Mosquito Lake
Leary Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
CORTLAND, Ohio (Sept. 12, 2022) – Boater Steven Hatfield of Ashland, Ohio, caught 10 bass weighing 32 pounds, 10 ounces, to win the two-day MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on Mosquito Lake in Cortland, Ohio. The tournament was the fifth and final regular-season event for the Bass Fishing League Buckeye Division. Hatfield earned $5,831 for his victory.
“The first day I started on a couple of offshore areas and thought I was going to get some fish, but the fish were leaving and going shallow, and I didn’t catch a keeper until around 9 o’clock,” Hatfield said. “Then I started checking shallow stuff in grass and caught a 5-14, which carried me into Sunday. Without that fish, I don’t think I would have made it.”
Hatfield said he decided to stay shallow on Sunday, and used swimjigs, vibrating jigs, Texas-rigged creature baits and worms in the Causeway area and the northeast side of the lake to catch his bass. Hatfield said he caught a dozen fish on each day of competition, in 3 to 7 feet of water.
“This win was a shocker, but it feels awesome,” Hatfield said. “I had kind of a rough tournament and lost several fish that I felt certain would hurt me, but somehow it worked out.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
2nd: Gary Ginter, Bellefontaine, Ohio, 10 bass, 31-10, $2,915
3rd: Buddy Busse, Cardington, Ohio, 10 bass, 31-1, $2,945
4th: Matthew Michael, Warsaw, Ohio, 10 bass, 30-12, $1,361
5th: Stan Miketa, New Middletown, Ohio, 10 bass, 30-4, $1,166
6th: Seth Fricke, Oxford, Ohio, 10 bass, 30-3, $1,069
7th: Michael Nesbitt, St. Paris, Ohio, 10 bass, 29-9, $2,009
8th: Chris Martinkovic, Hamilton, Ohio, 10 bass, 29-5, $875
9th: Mike Reeves, Brecksville, Ohio, 10 bass, 28-10, $777
10th: Kyle Weisenburger, Columbus Grove, Ohio, 10 bass, 27-14, $680
2nd: Jeff Moorman, Liberty Township, Ohio, 10 bass, 24-14, $1,458
3rd: Jacob Alltop, Lewistown, Ohio, 10 bass, 21-8, $971
4th: Dylan Phillips, Albany, Ohio, nine bass, 20-14, $680
5th: Matt Fisher, Glouster, Ohio, 10 bass, 20-13, $1,233
6th: Christopher Chapman, Lancaster, Ohio, 10 bass, 20-9, $535
7th: Matthew Hostetter, East Palestine, Ohio, nine bass, 19-8, $486
8th: John Cantale, Lake Placid, Fla., 10 bass, 19-7, $437
9th: J.R. Selke, Waynesville, Ohio, 10 bass, 19-6, $389
10th: James Fulton, Ray, Ohio, 10 bass, 18-14, $340
Now, the top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will advance to compete in the Oct. 20-22 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on the James River in Richmond, Virginia. Boaters will compete 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 fish for a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.
The 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six Regional Championships where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the MLF Toyota Series, the pathway to the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 4WP, 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, AFTCO, A.R.E. Truck Caps, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, Gary Yamamoto Baits, General Tire, Lew’s, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Revital Outdoors, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Wiley X, YETI and Yo-Zuri.
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.
Weber Wins Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Tournament on the Mississippi River
Oates Tops Field in Strike King Co-Angler Division
LA CROSSE, Wis. (Sept. 12, 2022) – Boater Clayton Weber of West Salem, Wisconsin, caught 10 bass weighing 34 pounds, 2 ounces, to win the two-day MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The tournament was hosted by the La Crosse County Convention & Visitors Bureau, and was the fifth and final regular-season event for the Bass Fishing League Great Lakes Division. Weber earned $5,886 for his victory.
“I’m on cloud nine,” Weber added. “This win was one of those things where you don’t know if it will ever happen, but you never stop trying.”
Weber said he started out his tournament by locking to Pool 7 of the Mississippi to fish for smallmouth, but the main channel was rough from storms and wind. Weber said he changed his plans, and he went to a place he had found largemouth schooling on bait fish.
“I really didn’t know how big they were, but I knew there were a good number of them,” Weber said. “I caught about 14½ pounds of them in about 10 minutes, then left them alone to fish for smallmouth. I was able to cull two times with smallmouth. Then I went back to my largemouth, and on my first cast I culled up to the fish I weighed in.”
Weber said Sunday’s weather was much better for him with wind and clouds, but no rain. He returned to his largemouth but found they had repositioned because of the weather change. He managed to eke out 12½ pounds of largemouth there, then relocated to smallmouth water.
“I started culling out my 2½ pounders, so I was gaining a crazy amount of weight,” Weber said.
Weber said his largemouth were in grass, feeding on a school of gizzard shad on a flat. He said he caught them on a Kureiji Sakana Tackle Company Panic Swim Jig, which features a wide, side-to-side wobbling action that mimicked the gizzard shad running from bass. Weber’s smallmouth fell for a number of baits, including an Evergreen Shower Blows topwater bait, a Carolina rig and a swimbait.
“For the smallmouth, it just seemed that every fish ate its own bait,” Weber said.
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
2nd: Cade Laufenberg, La Crosse, Wis., 10 bass, 33-10, $3,643 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF5 contingency bonus)
3rd: Kyle Meyer, Blaine, Minn., 10 bass, 31-14, $1,964
4th: Mike Brueggen, La Crosse, Wis., 10 bass, 31-14, $1,373
5th: Benny Stutzman, Caledonia, Minn., 10 bass, 31-6, $1,177
6th: Rob Leidholdt, Milton, Wis., 10 bass, 30-3, $1,079
7th: Chad Moldenhauer, Coon Valley, Wis., 10 bass, 29-8, $981
8th: Tong Lor, La Crosse, Wis., 10 bass, 28-14, $883
9th: Jeff Benson, Holmen, Wis., 10 bass, 28-10, $785
10th: Joe Pollak, Lake Geneva, Wis., 10 bass, 28-8, $1,737
2nd: Matt McVeigh, Fort Dodge, Iowa, nine bass, 20-3, $1,458
3rd: Mark Folsom, Waterville, Iowa, nine bass, 19-9, $971
4th: Kevin Clark, Lancaster, Wis., nine bass, 19-7, $680
5th: Devan Jenkins, Milwaukee, Wis., eight bass, 16-12, $583
6th: Lee Lewis, Peoria, Ill., eight bass, 16-10, $535
7th: Jessie Pollard, Whitehall, Wis., six bass, 15-14, $486
8th: Larry Litchfield, Macomb, Ill., six bass, 15-2, $437
9th: David Ondrla, Elmhurst, Ill., six bass, 14-15, $389
10th: Jeff Pfeffer, Isanti, Minn., six bass, 14-11, $340
Now, the top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will advance to compete in the Oct. 20-22 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Grand Lake in Grove, Oklahoma. Boaters will compete 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 fish for a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.
The 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six Regional Championships where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the MLF Toyota Series, the pathway to the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 4WP, 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, AFTCO, A.R.E. Truck Caps, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, Gary Yamamoto Baits, General Tire, Lew’s, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Revital Outdoors, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Wiley X, YETI and Yo-Zuri.
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.
Alton Jones Sr. Out Front Early for Group B at Bass Pro Tour Bally Bet Stage Seven at Mille Lacs Lake Presented by Minn Kota
Texas Pro Catches 25 Scorable Smallmouth Weighing 92 Pounds, 13 Ounces to Lead Group B Qualifying Round By 27 Pounds after Day 1, Group A to Wrap Up Their Qualifying Round Monday
ONAMIA, Minn. (Sept. 11, 2022) – Although widely regarded as a shallow-water, sight-fishing expert, Texas pro Alton Jones, Sr., demonstrated Sunday that he also knows a thing or two about catching northern smallmouth as well. The Lorena, Texas, pro caught 25 scorable smallmouth bass Sunday weighing 92 pounds, 13 ounces, to pace the field by 27 pounds after Day 1 for Group B at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour Bally Bet Stage Seven at Mille Lacs Lake Presented by Minn Kota.
Jones will bring a comfortable lead over second-place, Googan Baits pro Dustin Connell of Clanton, Alabama, into Tuesday’s second day of competition in the Qualifying Round for Group B. Connell landed 17 scoreable bass – all smallmouth – weighing 65-13, while Bally Bet Angler of the Year (AOY) leader pro Jacob Wheeler of Harrison, Tennessee, rounds out the top three with 17 scorable bass weighing 58-13 to end the day in third place.
The 40 anglers in Group B will now have a day off on Monday, while the 40 anglers from Group A will wrap up their two-day Qualifying Round. Group B will finish their Qualifying Round on Tuesday.
“It’s humbling when you have a day like this,” Jones said in his post-game interview. “It was a great day – better than the other 39 guys today, and better than everyone that was on the water yesterday, too. So, I’m very pleased, and very thankful.
“I had a good practice, but that doesn’t always translate into a good tournament. This week it has, so far,” Jones continued. “I was able to move around to a lot of different places today and get bit, so I’m feeling really good with how my day went.”
With a 27-pound lead heading into the second day of Qualifying Round competition, Jones is already eyeing the automatic qualification to the Championship Round.
“I think I’ve got a strong enough lead that I can really try to go for it and win the round on Tuesday,” Jones went on to say. “The negative part is that if you go for it and someone passes you and you don’t win the round, you end up burning a lot of fish that you’ll need in the Knockout Round. We’ll see. If someone catches up real quick Tuesday and passes me and I’m struggling, I’ll back off and just start practicing. There is so much strategy that goes into this game. We’ll see how it goes.”
The top 20 pros in Group B after Day 1 on Mille Lacs Lake are:
1st: Alton Jones, Lorena, Texas, 25 bass, 92-13
2nd: Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 17 bass, 65-13
3rd: Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., 17 bass, 58-13
4th: Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., 16 bass, 57-4
5th: Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J., 15 bass, 53-4
6th: Cliff Pace, Petal, Miss., 14 bass, 52-2
7th: Alton Jones, Jr., Waco, Texas, 15 bass, 47-13
8th: Ryan Salzman, Huntsville, Ala., 14 bass, 46-11
9th: Jared Lintner, Covington, Ga., 16 bass, 46-7
10th: James Elam, Tulsa, Okla., 13 bass, 45-11
11th: Kevin VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., 13 bass, 43-6
12th: Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn., 12 bass, 42-12
13th: Shin Fukae, Osaka, Japan, 14 bass, 42-7
14th: Gerald Spohrer, Gonzales, La., 11 bass, 41-3
15th: Jeremy Lawyer, Sarcoxie, Mo., 12 bass, 39-12
16th: Casey Ashley, Donalds, S.C., 12 bass, 39-8
17th: Terry Scroggins, San Mateo, Fla., 12 bass, 35-5
18th: Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla., 11 bass, 33-15
19th: Randall Tharp, Port Saint Joe, Fla., 11 bass, 33-8
20th: Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., 10 bass, 32-13
A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 382 scorable bass weighing 1,291 pounds, 14 ounces caught by 39 pros Sunday. Pro Keith Poche of Pike Road, Alabama, did not compete due to illness.
Pros Cliff Pace and Gerald Spohrer tied for Sunday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award for the largest bass of the day – each caught a smallmouth weighing 5 pounds, 10 ounces. Pace caught his 5-10 on a Ned rig during Period 1, while Spohrer’s 5-10 came on a medium-diving crankbait, also during Period 1. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day, and a $3,000 bonus to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass of the tournament.
The six-day tournament, hosted by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, showcases 80 of the best professional anglers in the world competing for a purse of more than $805,000, including a top payout of $100,000 to the winner. The tournament is livestreamed each day at MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MOTV app, and also filmed for television broadcast later this fall on the Discovery Channel.
The 40 Anglers in Group A compete in their two-day qualifying round on Saturday and Monday – the 40 anglers in Group B on Sunday and Tuesday. After each two-day qualifying round is complete, the anglers that finish in 2nd through 20th place from both groups advance to Wednesday’s Knockout Round, while the winner of each group advances directly to Thursday’s Championship Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the remaining 38 anglers compete to finish in the top 8 to advance to the Championship Round. In the final day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.
Anglers will launch each day at 7:30 a.m. CT from Eddy’s Resort, located at 41334 Shakopee Lake Road in Onamia. Each day’s General Tire Takeout will be held at the Resort, beginning at 4 p.m.Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLF NOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
On Championship Thursday, Sept. 15, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF will host a Celebration Event for fans of all ages, inviting fans to come out and celebrate with the professional anglers from the Bass Pro Tour as they crown the champion of the Bally Bet Stage Seven on Mille Lacs Lake Presented by Minn Kota. The first 50 youth anglers 10 and under in attendance will receive a free Pure Fishing Shakespeare Kid’s Rod and Reel combo. The final 10 Championship Round Bass Pro Tour anglers will be on hand at the trophy celebration to meet and greet fans, sign autographs, and take selfies.
The Bally Bet Stage Seven on Mille Lacs Lake Presented by Minn Kota features anglers competing with a 2-pound minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. Minimum weights are determined individually for each competition waters that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.
The Bass Pro Tour features a field of 80 of the top professional anglers in the world competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, competing for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST IV, the Bass Pro Tour championship, which will be held next March on Lake Norman in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The MLF NOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee, Marty Stone and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action on all six days of competition from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT. MLF NOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.
Television coverage of the Bally Bet Stage Seven on Mille Lacs Lake Presented by Minn Kota will premiere as a two-hour episode at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Nov. 19 on the Discovery Channel. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on the Discovery Channel, with additional re-airings on the Outdoor Channel. Each two-hour long reality-based episode goes in-depth to break down each day of tournament competition.
Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Bass Pro Tour include: 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, A.R.E. Truck Caps, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bally Bet, Bass Cat, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Covercraft, Favorite Fishing, Garmin, General Tire, Googan Baits, Grundéns, Guaranteed Rate, Humminbird, Lowrance, Luminox, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Nitro Performance Boats, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, Power Stop, Rapala, Starbrite, Toro, Toyota, Wrangler, Yellowstone Bourbon and Zoom.
For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Bass Pro Tour, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Thompkins Comes From Behind To Win Bassmaster Open At Chesapeake Bay
JT Thompkins of Myrtle Beach, S.C., has won the 2022 St. Croix Bassmaster Northern Open at Upper Chesapeake Bay presented by Mossy Oak Fishing with a three-day total of 39 pounds, 12 ounces.
Photo by Kyle Jessie/B.A.S.S.
September 10, 2022
Thompkins Comes From Behind To Win Bassmaster Open At Chesapeake Bay
CECIL COUNTY, Md. — JT Thompkins was a man on a mission and his Championship Saturday performance fulfilled this truth with a 17-pound, 4-ounce limit that capped a three-day total of 39-12 and propelled him to victory in the St. Croix Bassmaster Northern Open at Upper Chesapeake Bay presented by Mossy Oak Fishing.
After posting weights of 11-0 and 11-8, Thompkins started Day 3 in ninth place — 11-6 off the lead set by Chris Beaudrie. At the final tally, he had edged Beaudrie by 15 ounces.
For his win, the 20-year-old from Myrtle Beach, S.C., earned $42,267 and a berth in the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic to be held in Knoxville, Tenn., March 24-26.
“I didn’t think there was any way for this to happen; I don’t even know what to say,” Thompkins said of his come-from-behind victory. “This whole year, I’ve talked about dreaming of going to the Classic. It’s a dream come true.
“This was a tournament where I just had to make sure not to slip up and if I had an opportunity, to take advantage. I’m so happy to have this bag today to be able to do that.”
Maximizing his time, Thompkins stayed within sight of the weigh-in venue for most of the tournament. Working broad grass flats in 2 to 9 feet, he targeted hard-cover current breaks.
“I found this area in pre-practice; I was just scanning and I saw the stumps and it set up perfectly,” Thompkins said. “I really didn’t fish it in practice. I just knew that’s where it was gonna go down.”
Thompkins caught his Day 3 fish on a 1/2-ounce craw-colored Outkast Tackle jig with a green pumpkin Strike King Rage Menace. Earlier in the event, he also caught bass on a Senko and a ChatterBait.
“This was a day where everything worked out and every decision that I made, every time I made a move, there was a fish waiting for me,” he said.
“I caught more fish today than I caught the entire practice. I figured some things out today because the first two days, I messed up (my tide decisions). Today, I was able to correct that, and I was able to capitalize on a lot of things.”
Thompkins got off to a blistering start with a limit of approximately 14 1/2 pounds by 7:40 a.m. After a dry spell, he added a key afternoon cull that sealed his win.
Sweetening his victory, Thompkins won his first Bassmaster Open on his mother’s birthday. “I want to let my mom know I love her and how much she means to me.”
Hailing from Princeton, Ky., Beaudrie finished second with 38-13. On Day 1, he placed second with 17-8, just 11 ounces off the lead. Adding 16-6 on Day 2 pushed him into the top spot.
Unfortunately, Beaudrie’s productivity fizzled on Championship Saturday and he managed only three bass for 4-15.
Beaudrie had been working matted vegetation with lots of baitfish in the Susquehanna River. With the weekend’s full moon pushing tides higher than normal, Beaudrie’s fish rode the rising level deeper into the mats. Following their progression and fishing a frog superslow delivered his two big bags.
“I found those fish in practice throwing a Picasso Lures spinnerbait,” Beaudrie said. “They were off the edge of the grass mat and during the tournament, I saw the conditions change, so I adjusted to throwing a white frog and punching a green pumpkin Senko.”
Beaudrie noted that switching from his standard 7-foot, 4-inch frog rod to a 7-7 heavy iRod and 65-pound Vicious braid helped him wrestle bass out of the vegetation from deep in the mat.
Pete Gluszek of Mount Laurel, N.J., finished third with 37-2. His first two days’ limits of 15-9 and 10-8 sent him to Championship Saturday in third place. Closing with 11-1 kept him at that spot.
With 30 years of guiding and instructional work on the Chesapeake Bay, the Bass University founder leaned on his extensive local knowledge to work through the tough summer conditions and dial in a particular pattern.
“September scatters the fish; the baitfish are scattered, the bass are doing a bunch of different things and that makes it a little bit challenging,” he said. “I had a thing in the Susquehanna where I was fishing hard cover adjacent to grass beds and that’s where I was able to get bit consistently doing that.”
Gluszek targeted stumps, laydowns and docks where bass positioned to ambush passing bait pods. His main baits were a Rapala DT Fat, Texas-rigged Strike King Rage Bug with 3/8- and 1/2-ounce VMC weights and what he calls the Bass University Dean’s Rig — a Texas-rigged worm with a 1/16-ounce VMC Half Moon tail weight.
Cole Drummond of Effingham, S.C., won the $750 Phoenix Boats Big Bass award with his 5-13.
Alex Wetherell of Middletown, Conn., won the Bassmaster Northern Opens title with 572 points. Kyoya Fujita of Minamitsuru, Yamanashi, Japan, finished second with 566, followed by Keith Poche of Montgomery, Ala., with 549, Jacob Walker of Springville, Ala., with 547 and Thompkins with 537.
Wetherell, Fujita and Poche will receive invitations to fish the 2023 Bassmaster Elite Series. Notably, Fujita qualified during his first season fishing in America.
Cooper Gallant of Bowmanville, Canada, leads the overall Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year standings with 983 points.
2022 St. Croix Bassmaster Northern Open #3 Upper Chesapeake presented by Mossy Oak Fishing 9/8-9/10
Chesapeake Bay, North East MD.
(BOATER) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 15 39-12 200 $42,267.00
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 5 11-08 Day 3: 5 17-04
2. Chris Beaudrie Princeton, KY 13 38-13 199 $20,287.00
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 16-06 Day 3: 3 04-15
3. Pete Gluszek Mount Laurel, NJ 15 37-02 198 $14,320.00
Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 10-08 Day 3: 5 11-01
4. Trevor McKinney Benton, IL 14 37-00 197 $11,933.00
Day 1: 4 10-13 Day 2: 5 13-12 Day 3: 5 12-07
5. Kyle Austin Ridgeville, SC 15 35-09 196 $10,382.00
Day 1: 5 08-05 Day 2: 5 14-13 Day 3: 5 12-07
6. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 15 35-08 195 $9,547.00
Day 1: 5 12-13 Day 2: 5 10-03 Day 3: 5 12-08
7. Duke Nave Oxford, PA 13 30-15 194 $8,950.00
Day 1: 3 10-14 Day 2: 5 11-06 Day 3: 5 08-11
8. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 11 30-02 193 $8,353.00
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 3 09-08 Day 3: 3 06-04
9. Kyle Patrick Cooperstown, NY 12 24-13 192 $6,563.00
Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 5 08-10 Day 3: 2 02-05
10. Brian Mullaney Ijamsville, MD 8 22-03 191 $10,143.00
Day 1: 5 15-00 Day 2: 3 07-03
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Cole Drummond Effingham, SC 05-13 $750.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 43 471 1045-02
2 33 391 866-08
3 6 38 87-14
----------------------------------
82 900 1999-08
Josh Bertrand Leads Early After Day 1 of MLF Bass Pro Tour Bally Bet Stage Seven at Mille Lacs Lake Presented by Minn Kota
Arizona Pro Weighs 27 Bass Totaling 86 Pounds, 13 Ounces to Lead Early for Group A – Group B to Start Competition Sunday
ONAMIA, Minn. (Sept. 10, 2022) – Berkley pro Josh Bertrand of Queen Creek, Arizona, caught 27 scorable smallmouth bass weighing 86 pounds, 13 ounces, to grab the early lead after Day 1 of the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour Bally Bet Stage Seven at Mille Lacs Lake Presented by Minn Kota. Right behind Bertrand in second place is Hot Springs, Arkansas’ Stephen Browning, who caught 20 scorable bass weighing 84-13. The duo traded the lead back and forth multiple times throughout the third period, with Bertrand ending on top by the narrow 2-pound margin as time expired.
The six-day tournament, hosted by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, showcases 80 of the best professional anglers in the world competing for a purse of more than $805,000, including a top payout of $100,000 to the winner. The tournament is livestreamed each day at MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MOTV app, and also filmed for television broadcast later this fall on the Discovery Channel.
It’s seems to be a two-horse race in Group A, as Bertrand and Browning have a substantial 30-pound lead on the rest of the field. Weights are fairly stacked up in the remainder of the top 10. Pro Matt Lee of Cullman, Alabama, ended the day in third place with 15 bass totaling 53-11. Ardmore, Oklahoma’s Jeff Kriet caught 13 bass weighing 50-5 to end the day in fourth, while Berkley pro Jordan Lee of Cullman, Alabama , rounds out the top five with 15 bass weighing 46-11.
The 40 anglers in Group A will now have an off day from competition on Sunday, while the 40 anglers competing in Group B will begin their first day of competition. Group A will resume competition on Monday.
“It was a great first day – I caught a bunch of fish, and a lot of really good quality ones,” Bertrand said. “I caught them multiple different ways. This morning I caught them cranking and throwing a Carolina rig – they were really biting the reaction baits early. Then this afternoon it slicked off and I ended up catching them on a drop-shot rig, using a Berkley (PowerBait) MaxScent Hit Worm.
“The forecast is calling for really calm conditions for the next few days, but it’s supposed to get nasty again in our Knockout Round on Wednesday. So, I’m really going to try hard to win this Qualifying Round and advance straight to Championship Thursday – I do not want to be out here when it’s nasty,” Bertrand went on to say. “We’ve got a lot of fishing still ahead of us, but I’m thankful to be off to a really good start.”
The top 20 pros in Group A after Day 1 on Mille Lacs Lake are:
1st: Josh Bertrand, Queen Creek, Ariz., 27 bass, 86-13
2nd: Stephen Browning, Hot Springs, Ark., 20 bass, 84-13
3rd: Matt Lee, Cullman, Ala., 15 bass, 53-11
4th: Jeff Kriet, Ardmore, Okla., 13 bass, 50-5
5th: Jordan Lee, Cullman, Ala., 15 bass, 46-11
6th: Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., 13 bass, 43-14
7th: Mark Daniels, Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., 12 bass, 43-14
8th: Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark., 14 bass, 42-12
9th: Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., 11 bass, 41-9
10th: Marty Robinson, Lyman, S.C., 11 bass, 41-2
11th: Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C., 11 bass, 38-8
12th: David Walker, Sevierville, Tenn., 11 bass, 37-10
13th: Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., 10 bass, 34-7
14th: Luke Clausen, Spokane, Wash., nine bass, 34-6
15th: Mike McClelland, Blue Eye, Mo., nine bass, 34-1
16th: Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., 10 bass, 33-10
17th: Boyd Duckett, Guntersville, Ala., 16 bass, 33-6
18th: Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, 10 bass, 32-4
19th: Brent Chapman, Lake Quivira, Kan., 11 bass, 31-11
20th: Takahiro Omori, Tokyo, Japan, eight bass, 31-5
A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 396 scorable bass weighing 1,339 pounds, 2 ounces caught by the 40 pros Saturday.
Browning caught the biggest fish of the day, a chunky 5-pound, 8-ounce smallmouth bass during Period 1 to earn the first $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award of the event. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day, and a $3,000 bonus to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass of the tournament.
The 40 Anglers in Group A compete in their two-day qualifying round on Saturday and Monday – the 40 anglers in Group B on Sunday and Tuesday. After each two-day qualifying round is complete, the anglers that finish in 2nd through 20th place from both groups advance to Wednesday’s Knockout Round, while the winner of each group advances directly to Thursday’s Championship Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the remaining 38 anglers compete to finish in the top 8 to advance to the Championship Round. In the final day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.
Anglers will launch each day at 7:30 a.m. CT from Eddy’s Resort, located at 41334 Shakopee Lake Road in Onamia. Each day’s General Tire Takeout will be held at the Resort, beginning at 4 p.m.Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLF NOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
On Championship Thursday, Sept. 15, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF will host a Celebration Event for fans of all ages, inviting fans to come out and celebrate with the professional anglers from the Bass Pro Tour as they crown the champion of the Bally Bet Stage Seven on Mille Lacs Lake Presented by Minn Kota. The first 50 youth anglers 10 and under in attendance will receive a free Pure Fishing Shakespeare Kid’s Rod and Reel combo. The final 10 Championship Round Bass Pro Tour anglers will be on hand at the trophy celebration to meet and greet fans, sign autographs, and take selfies.
The Bally Bet Stage Seven on Mille Lacs Lake Presented by Minn Kota will feature anglers competing with a 2-pound minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. Minimum weights are determined individually for each competition waters that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.
The Bass Pro Tour features a field of 80 of the top professional anglers in the world competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, competing for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST IV, the Bass Pro Tour championship, which will be held next March on Lake Norman in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The MLF NOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee, Marty Stone and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action on all six days of competition from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT. MLF NOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.
Television coverage of the Bally Bet Stage Seven on Mille Lacs Lake Presented by Minn Kota will premiere as a two-hour episode at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Nov. 19 on the Discovery Channel. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on the Discovery Channel, with additional re-airings on the Outdoor Channel. Each two-hour long reality-based episode goes in-depth to break down each day of tournament competition.
Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Bass Pro Tour include: 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, A.R.E. Truck Caps, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bally Bet, Bass Cat, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Covercraft, Favorite Fishing, Garmin, General Tire, Googan Baits, Grundéns, Guaranteed Rate, Humminbird, Lowrance, Luminox, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Nitro Performance Boats, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, Power Stop, Rapala, Starbrite, Toro, Toyota, Wrangler, Yellowstone Bourbon and Zoom.
For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Bass Pro Tour, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Beaudrie Takes Over Lead In Bassmaster Northern Open At Chesapeake Bay
Chris Beaudrie of Princeton, Ky., is leading after Day 2 of the 2022 St. Croix Bassmaster Northern Open at Upper Chesapeake Bay presented by Mossy Oak Fishing with a two-day total of 33 pounds, 14 ounces.
Photo by Kyle Jessie/B.A.S.S.
September 9, 2022
Beaudrie Takes Over Lead In Bassmaster Northern Open At Chesapeake Bay
CECIL COUNTY, Md. — No one was more surprised to see Chris Beaudrie atop the leaderboard than Beaudrie himself. Nevertheless, a two-day total of 33 pounds, 14 ounces has the pro from Princeton, Ky., leading Day 2 of the St. Croix Bassmaster Northern Open at Upper Chesapeake Bay presented by Mossy Oak Fishing.
On Day 1, Beaudrie placed second with 17-8, just 11 ounces off the lead. Adding 16-6 on Day 2, Beaudrie heads into Championship Saturday with nearly a 7-pound lead over Trey Swindle.
“You could have bet me any amount of money and never in my wildest dreams would I have thought this would happen,” Beaudrie said. “It’s going so good; I’m catching my fish quickly and I’m looking forward to having a full day of fishing tomorrow because both days I’ve stopped fishing at 12 (to conserve the spot).”
With tough late-summer conditions plus the week’s full moon creating a tough bite, Day 1 yielded only 44 limits on the pro side and 23 for co-anglers. Day 2 saw those stats drop to 34 and 19.
Despite making his first appearance on Chesapeake Bay, Beaudrie looked like he was competing on a totally different fishery. Returning to his Day 1 spot, he stayed within 20 to 30 minutes of takeoff.
Notably, the area he selected was not very productive during practice. However, Wednesday’s rain ushered in a pleasantly refreshing cooldown that lowered water temperatures and brought a rejuvenating force.
“One of the areas I’m fishing has an extremely large culvert,” Beaudrie said. “On Monday, the (plume of water) dumping out of there was 3 or 4 feet high, so it was pouring fresh water into the area.”
Also helping Beaudrie’s cause — abundant forage.
“You can hear the baitfish schooling in the grass nonstop, which wasn’t happening during practice,” he said. “I only found one other area that had that bait activity in the grass and it came alive on the first morning of the tournament.”
Beaudrie opted to keep his bait details under wraps for now, but he said a single reaction bait produced all of his bass. The key, Beaudrie said, was working the bait slowly.
“The pattern I’m doing is a little different than what other guys are doing,” Beaudrie said. “Hopefully, we can finish it out.”
Encouraged by two strong days of productivity, Beaudrie said he’s eager to get back to his spot.
“Both days, I got what I thought I needed and then left them alone,” he said. “At the end of the day, I found one more spot and made a cull. That’s a whole stretch where I think I might be able to catch some as well.
“A 20-pound bag is possible in my area. The stars would have to align perfectly, but it’s definitely possible. By fishing half days in there, I haven’t exploited it.”
Hailing from Cleveland, Ala., Swindle is in second place with 26-15. Adding 11-3 to his first-round limit of 15-12, Swindle gained three spots in the standings, but doing so required overcoming two obstacles.
“My main area was covered in boats this morning, so I started on one of my better places from yesterday, but the tide was wrong this morning,” Swindle said. “Yesterday, I caught them on a falling tide, but this morning, it was rising and it was going to get really high and it wasn’t going to start falling until noon.
“I just went around and found more fish. I had a little more than I thought, but it was a grind. I was throwing a crankbait, and I caught every one of my fish off a new place, within that area that was covered up.”
Pete Gluszek of Mount Laurel, N.J., is in third place with 26-1. After placing sixth on Day 1 with 15-9, the Chesapeake Bay veteran followed with 10-8. A late-day adjustment proved critical to his success.
“I had to get more finessey today,” Gluszek said. “Yesterday I caught them power fishing and finesse fishing; today I really had to lean on finesse.
“The areas where I caught them yesterday were absolute mob scenes today. I struggled to find a place where I could be effective and I did this afternoon. I made two nice culls — I caught two 3 1/2-pounders and a big smallmouth. That got me into the cut for tomorrow.”
Cole Drummond of Effingham, S.C., is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 5-13.
Eugene Kim of Lindenhurst, Ill., won the co-angler division with 16 pounds. After placing fifth on Day 1 with 8-2, Kim needed 7-14 to edge Ryan Bauman of Reading, Pa., who had set the lead at 15-15. When Tournament Director Hank Weldon read Kim’s Day 2 weight of 7-14, the reaction was pure tournament drama.
“I knew it was going to be close — I didn’t realize it was going to be that close,” Kim said. “This is my first year fishing Bassmaster Opens and it’s been an absolute blessing for me. This will probably set in sometime during the 14-hour drive home.”
Enhancing the joy of winning the co-angler title and the $15,300 top prize, Kim was able to catch his winning fish on a bait designed by his family’s tackle company, Convergence Tournament Tackle. The prototype 3/4-ounce chartreuse/white spinnerbait with downsized gold willow-leaf blades and a Strike King Caffeine Shad trailer earned a special initiation.
“One of our mantras is that we don’t sell a (tackle item) until we’ve won on it — it’s a beautiful thing,” Kim said. “I had three bites yesterday (on a Texas-rigged worm) and four bites today. I was blessed to be able to capitalize on those. This is just unreal.”
Roland Gittings of Perryville, Md., won the Phoenix Boats Big Bass award in the co-angler division with a 5-1.
Alex Wetherell of Middletown, Conn. leads the Bassmaster Northern Opens standings with 571 points. Kyoya Fujita of Minamitsuru, Yamanashi, Japan, is second with 565, followed by Keith Poche of Montgomery, Ala., with 548, Jacob Walker of Springville, Ala., with 546 and Mike Iaconelli of Pittsgrove, N.J., with 532.
Cooper Gallant of Bowmanville, Canada, leads the overall Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year standings with 982 points.
Takeoff is scheduled for 6:30 a.m. ET at Anchor Marina and North East Community Park. The weigh-in will be held at the park at 2:30 p.m. Full event coverage will be available on Bassmaster.com, while Championship Saturday action will be broadcast live on FS1 beginning at 8 a.m. ET.
2022 St. Croix Bassmaster Northern Open #3 Upper Chesapeake presented by Mossy Oak Fishing 9/8-9/10
Chesapeake Bay, North East MD.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Chris Beaudrie Princeton, KY 10 33-14 200
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 16-06
2. Trey Swindle Cleveland, AL 10 26-15 199
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 5 11-03
3. Pete Gluszek Mount Laurel, NJ 10 26-01 198
Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 10-08
4. Trevor McKinney Benton, IL 9 24-09 197
Day 1: 4 10-13 Day 2: 5 13-12
5. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 8 23-14 196
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 3 09-08
6. Kyle Austin Ridgeville, SC 10 23-02 195
Day 1: 5 08-05 Day 2: 5 14-13
7. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 10 23-00 194
Day 1: 5 12-13 Day 2: 5 10-03
8. Kyle Patrick Cooperstown, NY 10 22-08 193
Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 5 08-10
9. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 10 22-08 192
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 5 11-08
10. Duke Nave Oxford, PA 8 22-04 191
Day 1: 3 10-14 Day 2: 5 11-06
11. Brian Mullaney Ijamsville, MD 8 22-03 190 $4,773.00
Day 1: 5 15-00 Day 2: 3 07-03
12. Kyoya Fujita Minamitsuru, Yamanashi 10 22-00 189 $4,177.00
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 10-02
13. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 10 21-12 188 $3,282.00
Day 1: 5 07-11 Day 2: 5 14-01
14. Logan Parks Auburn, AL 10 21-03 187 $3,282.00
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 09-03
15. John Duarte Jr Conway, SC 10 21-00 186 $3,282.00
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 07-05
16. Kenny Mittelstaedt Minnetonka, MN 8 20-13 185 $3,282.00
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 3 07-15
17. Grae Buck Green Lane, PA 8 20-04 184 $3,282.00
Day 1: 4 13-05 Day 2: 4 06-15
18. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 9 20-02 183 $3,282.00
Day 1: 4 10-14 Day 2: 5 09-04
19. Hunter Sales Blaine, TN 7 20-01 182 $3,282.00
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 2 07-15
20. Jacob Walker Springville, AL 7 19-15 181 $3,282.00
Day 1: 5 15-14 Day 2: 2 04-01
21. Cole Sands Calhoun , TN 8 19-13 180 $2,983.00
Day 1: 3 06-00 Day 2: 5 13-13
22. Jody Gardner Tippecanoe, OH 6 19-11 179 $2,983.00
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 1 01-08
23. Tom Knee Newtown Square, PA 7 19-11 178 $2,983.00
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 2 03-14
24. Michael Duarte Middle River, MD 8 19-09 177 $2,983.00
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 3 05-12
25. Chris Hellebuyck Waterford, MI 8 19-09 176 $2,983.00
Day 1: 3 07-09 Day 2: 5 12-00
26. Cooper Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CAN 8 19-09 175 $2,745.00
Day 1: 4 09-10 Day 2: 4 09-15
27. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 9 19-06 174 $2,745.00
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 4 07-08
28. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 7 19-05 173 $2,745.00
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 2 05-10
29. Richard Leadbeater North East, MD 8 19-00 172 $2,745.00
Day 1: 3 07-06 Day 2: 5 11-10
30. Ryan Whitacre Chicago, IL 9 18-15 171 $2,745.00
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 4 05-14
31. Wesley Gore Clanton, AL 9 18-13 170 $2,745.00
Day 1: 4 08-00 Day 2: 5 10-13
32. Jeremy Radford Huntly, VA 9 18-11 169 $2,745.00
Day 1: 4 07-03 Day 2: 5 11-08
33. Chad Smith Minnetonka, MN 7 18-10 168 $2,745.00
Day 1: 2 04-07 Day 2: 5 14-03
34. Michael Iaconelli Pittsgrove, NJ 9 18-07 167 $2,745.00
Day 1: 4 08-04 Day 2: 5 10-03
35. Travis Lugar McGaheysville, VA 8 18-06 166 $2,745.00
Day 1: 3 07-00 Day 2: 5 11-06
36. Steven Camp Mechanicsville, VA 9 18-04 165 $2,745.00
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 4 08-01
37. Anthony Cicero Palmyra, PA 10 18-04 164 $2,745.00
Day 1: 5 09-12 Day 2: 5 08-08
38. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 8 17-14 163 $2,745.00
Day 1: 3 05-15 Day 2: 5 11-15
39. John Garrett Union City, TN 9 17-14 162 $2,745.00
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 4 06-05
40. Cole Drummond Effingham, SC 6 17-13 161 $2,745.00
Day 1: 4 13-15 Day 2: 2 03-14
41. Luke Shrader Maple Shade, NJ 10 17-07 160
Day 1: 5 07-08 Day 2: 5 09-15
42. Darold Gleason Many, LA 7 17-06 159
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 2 06-11
43. Tyler Williams Belgrade, ME 7 17-02 158
Day 1: 2 04-13 Day 2: 5 12-05
44. Daisuke Kita Ohtsu Shiga JAPAN 7 16-11 157
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 2 04-01
45. Joel Willert Prior Lake, MN 6 16-08 156
Day 1: 2 03-10 Day 2: 4 12-14
46. Timothy Reams Morgantown, WV 8 16-04 155
Day 1: 5 08-05 Day 2: 3 07-15
47. Scout Echols Monticello, AR 8 16-03 154
Day 1: 4 07-13 Day 2: 4 08-06
48. John Vanore Mullica Hill, NJ 9 16-02 153
Day 1: 5 08-14 Day 2: 4 07-04
49. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 8 16-00 152
Day 1: 5 08-05 Day 2: 3 07-11
50. Danny Snyder Annandale, VA 6 15-15 151
Day 1: 1 02-13 Day 2: 5 13-02
51. Michael Crocker Pasadena, MD 8 15-13 150
Day 1: 5 09-04 Day 2: 3 06-09
52. Julius Mazy Phoenix, AZ 7 15-06 149
Day 1: 3 03-11 Day 2: 4 11-11
53. Danny Rodriguez Monkton, MD 5 15-04 148
Day 1: 1 03-13 Day 2: 4 11-07
54. Ryan Broughman Corapeake, NC 7 15-02 147
Day 1: 2 02-12 Day 2: 5 12-06
55. Kayden Tanner Tolar, TX 5 15-00 146
Day 1: 5 15-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
56. Brian Trieschman Ellicott City, MD 8 14-14 145
Day 1: 4 07-11 Day 2: 4 07-03
57. Bradley Hallman Edmond, OK 8 14-13 144
Day 1: 4 08-02 Day 2: 4 06-11
58. Jeff Salmon Chester, VA 6 14-10 143
Day 1: 1 02-03 Day 2: 5 12-07
59. Brent Shores Boise, ID 7 14-02 142
Day 1: 4 05-13 Day 2: 3 08-05
60. Casey Smith Victor, NY 6 13-13 141
Day 1: 3 09-00 Day 2: 3 04-13
61. Jake Maddux Birmingham, AL 6 13-11 140
Day 1: 4 05-02 Day 2: 2 08-09
62. Ken Golubjatnikov Pittsford, NY 5 13-11 139
Day 1: 3 06-13 Day 2: 2 06-14
63. Scott Ashmore Broken Arrow, OK 6 13-08 138
Day 1: 5 11-12 Day 2: 1 01-12
64. Chancy Walters West Des Moines, IA 7 13-02 137
Day 1: 4 07-08 Day 2: 3 05-10
65. Jason Borofka Lavon, TX 6 13-01 136
Day 1: 5 09-08 Day 2: 1 03-09
66. Shayne Berlo Mclean, VA 6 12-14 135
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 1 01-09
67. Woo Daves Spring Grove, VA 8 12-13 134
Day 1: 3 03-03 Day 2: 5 09-10
68. Blake Sylvester Plaquemine, LA 6 12-13 133
Day 1: 2 04-08 Day 2: 4 08-05
69. Eddie Casey Whiteford, MD 6 12-13 132
Day 1: 2 05-04 Day 2: 4 07-09
70. Tommy Williams Shepherdsville, KY 5 12-12 131
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
71. Barry Brandt Jr. Newport News, VA 5 12-09 130
Day 1: 1 02-05 Day 2: 4 10-04
72. John Soukup Sapulpa, OK 5 12-06 129
Day 1: 3 06-13 Day 2: 2 05-09
73. Reese Hudson Broomall, PA 6 12-05 128
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 1 01-04
74. Hugh Cosculluela Spring, TX 6 12-05 127
Day 1: 3 06-06 Day 2: 3 05-15
75. Mike McKay Manlius, NY 7 12-03 126
Day 1: 5 08-09 Day 2: 2 03-10
76. Cole Huskins Gastonia, NC 5 12-00 125
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 12-00
77. Bridget Allen Manheim, PA 5 11-12 124
Day 1: 5 11-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
78. Trent Cole Mullica Hill, NJ 4 11-08 123
Day 1: 2 05-04 Day 2: 2 06-04
79. Jared Miller Norman, OK 6 11-08 122
Day 1: 2 05-08 Day 2: 4 06-00
80. Scott Pellegrin Chippewa Falls, WI 5 11-03 121
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 11-03
81. Logan Johnson Jasper, AL 4 11-03 120
Day 1: 1 03-03 Day 2: 3 08-00
82. Chris Price Church Hill, MD 5 10-15 119
Day 1: 5 10-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
83. Jacopo Gallelli Horton AL ITALY 6 10-15 118
Day 1: 4 07-07 Day 2: 2 03-08
84. Charles Proctor Conway, SC 5 10-15 117
Day 1: 2 04-00 Day 2: 3 06-15
85. Matt Pangrac Bixby, OK 5 10-14 116
Day 1: 3 07-01 Day 2: 2 03-13
86. Austin Cranford Moore, OK 5 10-10 115
Day 1: 3 07-06 Day 2: 2 03-04
87. Chris Kingree Inverness, FL 6 10-09 114
Day 1: 5 08-14 Day 2: 1 01-11
88. Kenta Kimura Osaka JAPAN 4 10-08 113
Day 1: 1 01-11 Day 2: 3 08-13
89. Jeremy Sadowski Voluntown, CT 4 10-04 112
Day 1: 3 07-14 Day 2: 1 02-06
90. Tanner Ward Woodsfield, OH 5 10-00 111
Day 1: 3 06-04 Day 2: 2 03-12
91. Jeff Jensen Beech Creek, PA 4 09-14 110
Day 1: 1 03-09 Day 2: 3 06-05
92. Joe McClosky Swanton, MD 5 09-13 109
Day 1: 2 04-11 Day 2: 3 05-02
93. Brian Post Janesville, WI 5 09-11 108
Day 1: 3 06-05 Day 2: 2 03-06
94. Michael Machmer Newark, DE 5 09-10 107
Day 1: 3 06-08 Day 2: 2 03-02
95. Jordan Sypeck Weston, PA 4 09-09 106
Day 1: 1 02-03 Day 2: 3 07-06
96. Tj Milton Chester, VA 4 09-09 105
Day 1: 1 04-02 Day 2: 3 05-07
97. Kurt Dove Del Rio, TX 6 09-08 104
Day 1: 3 05-09 Day 2: 3 03-15
98. Justin Margraves Diana, TX 5 09-06 103
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 09-06
99. Paul Kimball Glastonbury, CT 5 09-06 102
Day 1: 2 03-10 Day 2: 3 05-12
100. Brad Webb Hampton, VA 4 09-05 101
Day 1: 1 02-12 Day 2: 3 06-09
101. Jamey Caldwell Carthage, NC 6 09-05 100
Day 1: 2 03-09 Day 2: 4 05-12
102. Patrick Martin St Roch De L Achigan Qu 3 09-00 99
Day 1: 1 02-02 Day 2: 2 06-14
103. Tim Malone Kodak, TN 4 08-15 98
Day 1: 1 03-05 Day 2: 3 05-10
104. Thomas Gilroy Stockholm, NJ 4 08-14 97
Day 1: 3 07-05 Day 2: 1 01-09
105. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 6 08-12 96
Day 1: 5 07-05 Day 2: 1 01-07
106. Tristan McCormick Burns, TN 5 08-11 95
Day 1: 2 04-09 Day 2: 3 04-02
107. Aaron Dixon Bel Alton, MD 4 08-10 94
Day 1: 2 04-03 Day 2: 2 04-07
108. Marcus Griffin North East, MD 3 08-05 93
Day 1: 2 05-05 Day 2: 1 03-00
109. Greg Alexander Hebron, MD 5 08-04 92
Day 1: 2 04-01 Day 2: 3 04-03
110. Mark Dimarzio McDonald, PA 3 07-14 91
Day 1: 3 07-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
111. D.J. Ellis Crestview, FL 7 07-13 90
Day 1: 2 06-15 Day 2: 5 00-14
112. Douglas Lyon Glendale, OH 4 07-08 89
Day 1: 3 04-14 Day 2: 1 02-10
113. Chris Keeble Lenoir City, TN 3 07-08 88
Day 1: 2 04-07 Day 2: 1 03-01
114. Bobby "J" Nakatomi Sacramento, CA 3 07-06 87
Day 1: 2 05-10 Day 2: 1 01-12
115. Stanley Sypeck Jr Sugarloaf, PA 3 07-06 86
Day 1: 2 03-09 Day 2: 1 03-13
116. Ed Powell Sandyville, WV 5 07-05 85
Day 1: 4 03-12 Day 2: 1 03-09
117. Bart Stanisz Wichita Falls , TX 3 07-01 84
Day 1: 2 04-11 Day 2: 1 02-06
118. Brian Brooks Sea Isle City, NJ 5 07-01 83
Day 1: 4 04-10 Day 2: 1 02-07
119. Cody Bertrand Dyer, IN 3 07-01 82
Day 1: 2 04-06 Day 2: 1 02-11
120. Tanner Sanderson Ackerly, TX 3 06-13 81
Day 1: 2 03-14 Day 2: 1 02-15
121. Wayne Hall Cottonwood, AZ 3 06-12 80
Day 1: 3 06-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
122. Chris Dillow Waynesboro, VA 3 06-11 79
Day 1: 3 06-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
123. Destin DeMarion Harborcreek, PA 2 06-09 78
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 06-09
124. Ronald Young New Braunfels, TX 4 06-08 77
Day 1: 4 06-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
125. Brad Leuthner Independence, MN 3 06-06 76
Day 1: 2 03-08 Day 2: 1 02-14
126. Caiden Sinclair Wilsonville, AL 5 06-01 75
Day 1: 5 06-01 Day 2: 0 00-00
127. Chaz Carrington Suffolk, VA 2 05-14 74
Day 1: 2 05-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
128. Douglas Reed Bridgeton, NJ 2 05-13 73
Day 1: 2 05-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
129. Cody Meyer Eagle, ID 4 05-10 72
Day 1: 4 05-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
130. Randy Huffman Charleston, WV 3 05-09 71
Day 1: 3 05-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
131. David Perdue Wirtz, VA 2 05-07 70
Day 1: 1 02-08 Day 2: 1 02-15
132. Andrew Upshaw Hemphill, TX 3 05-04 69
Day 1: 3 05-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
133. Cody Detweiler Guntersville, AL 2 05-03 68
Day 1: 1 02-14 Day 2: 1 02-05
134. David Shaw Royersford, PA 3 05-02 67
Day 1: 3 05-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
135. Phillip Kroll Otego, NY 2 05-02 66
Day 1: 2 05-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
136. Jeremy Maye Windsor, VA 3 04-15 65
Day 1: 1 01-12 Day 2: 2 03-03
137. Troy Coney Endicott, NY 2 04-14 64
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 04-14
138. Kane Stein Jeannette, PA 2 04-14 63
Day 1: 1 02-06 Day 2: 1 02-08
139. Austin Hoke Lititz, PA 4 04-10 62
Day 1: 2 01-11 Day 2: 2 02-15
140. Joey Murphy Elkton, MD 3 04-09 61
Day 1: 3 04-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
141. Douglas Dulin Apex, NC 3 04-09 60
Day 1: 1 01-07 Day 2: 2 03-02
142. Jon Jezierski Troy, MI 2 04-05 59
Day 1: 2 04-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
143. Jason Bishop North Prince George, VA 2 03-15 58
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 03-15
144. Sheron Brown Leominster, MA 1 03-15 57
Day 1: 1 03-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
145. Whitney Stephens Waverly, OH 1 03-09 56
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 03-09
146. Michael Rowe Providence Forge, VA 2 03-08 55
Day 1: 1 01-01 Day 2: 1 02-07
147. Cass Terrance Akwewsane, NY 1 03-06 54
Day 1: 1 03-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
148. Hunter Bland Williston, FL 2 03-05 53
Day 1: 1 01-10 Day 2: 1 01-11
149. Keith Tuma Brainerd, MN 1 03-04 52
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 03-04
150. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 1 03-03 51
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 03-03
151. Zach Goutremout Chaumont, NY 1 03-02 50
Day 1: 1 03-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
152. Bradley Sterner Manchester, PA 2 02-14 49
Day 1: 1 01-13 Day 2: 1 01-01
153. Joe Labarbera Montrose, PA 2 02-09 48
Day 1: 2 02-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
154. Hermilo Salgado-Zavaleta Artemus, KY 1 02-06 47
Day 1: 1 02-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
155. Denny Fiedler Wabasha, MN 3 02-05 46
Day 1: 2 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-05
156. Wesley Cashwell Roanoke Rapids, NC 2 02-05 45
Day 1: 2 02-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
157. Frank Poirier North Prince George, VA 1 02-02 44
Day 1: 1 02-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
158. Randy Elliott Severn, MD 2 02-00 43
Day 1: 2 02-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
159. Steve Morella Townshend, VT 1 01-12 42
Day 1: 1 01-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
159. Burley Warf Moneta, VA 1 01-12 42
Day 1: 1 01-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
161. Teb Jones Yalaha, MS 1 01-08 40
Day 1: 1 01-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
162. Ethen Preston Tower City, ND 1 01-06 39
Day 1: 1 01-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
163. Noah Boyett Mountain Home, AR 1 01-00 38
Day 1: 1 01-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
164. Lucas Bogosian Harrington Park, NJ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
164. Joe Booker West Grove, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
164. Brandon Brown Lockport, NY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
164. Tony Dumitras Winston, GA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
164. Joe Ford Bewdely CANADA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
164. Rick Hawkins Roanoke, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
164. Richard Kaluba Litchfield, OH 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
164. Seiji Kato Outsu Shiga JAPAN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
164. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
164. Joey Nania Cropwell, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
164. Adam Rasmussen Sturgeon Bay, WI 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
164. Greg Secord Salem, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
164. Josh Summerville Lilly, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
164. Craig Townsend Westampton, NJ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
164. Richard Vonnordick Jarrettsville, MD 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
164. John Watts Jr Flushing, MI 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 44 476 1060-14
2 34 396 877-11
----------------------------------
78 872 1938-09
2022 St. Croix Bassmaster Northern Open #3 Upper Chesapeake presented by Mossy Oak Fishing 9/8-9/10
Chesapeake Bay, North East MD.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Eugene Kim Lindenhurst, IL 6 16-00 200 $15,300.00
Day 1: 3 08-02 Day 2: 3 07-14
2. Ryan Bauman Reading, PA 6 15-15 199 $3,600.00
Day 1: 3 08-03 Day 2: 3 07-12
3. Jess Salmon Milford, NJ 6 14-00 198 $2,700.00
Day 1: 3 07-00 Day 2: 3 07-00
4. Mike Penney Columbia, SC 6 13-07 197 $2,025.00
Day 1: 3 07-02 Day 2: 3 06-05
5. Dawson Wisner Westminster, MD 6 13-04 196 $1,890.00
Day 1: 3 08-11 Day 2: 3 04-09
6. Scott Spencer Raleigh, NC 5 12-10 195 $1,800.00
Day 1: 3 07-07 Day 2: 2 05-03
7. Joseph Dellavalle Doylestown, PA 6 11-14 194 $1,710.00
Day 1: 3 06-11 Day 2: 3 05-03
8. Joshua Geyer Loganton, PA 5 11-03 193 $1,620.00
Day 1: 2 04-06 Day 2: 3 06-13
9. Jonathan Werner Bethlehem, PA 4 11-02 192 $1,485.00
Day 1: 2 05-02 Day 2: 2 06-00
10. Tyler Caldwell Portsmouth, VA 5 10-14 191 $1,350.00
Day 1: 3 07-05 Day 2: 2 03-09
11. Jeff Cephalis Forest Hill, MD 4 10-08 190 $1,260.00
Day 1: 1 01-12 Day 2: 3 08-12
12. Jonathan Ceaser Maidens, VA 4 10-06 189 $1,170.00
Day 1: 1 02-02 Day 2: 3 08-04
13. Roland Gittings Perryville, MD 4 10-06 188 $1,195.00
Day 1: 2 06-13 Day 2: 2 03-09
13. Mike Mueller Mechanicsburg, PA 4 10-06 188 $945.00
Day 1: 1 03-09 Day 2: 3 06-13
15. Jim Calhoun Norfolk, VA 4 10-00 186 $810.00
Day 1: 3 08-05 Day 2: 1 01-11
16. Ronald Humiston Oakville, CT 4 09-14 185 $720.00
Day 1: 3 07-07 Day 2: 1 02-07
17. Chris McCarthy Woonsocket, RI 3 09-04 184 $675.00
Day 1: 3 09-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
18. Mark Ely Chester Springs, PA 4 09-01 183 $675.00
Day 1: 2 05-12 Day 2: 2 03-05
19. Akira Okuyama Forest Hills, NY 4 09-01 182 $675.00
Day 1: 2 05-05 Day 2: 2 03-12
20. Christopher Underwood Oak Hill, VA 2 08-12 181 $675.00
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 08-12
21. Mark Rebolos Long Island City, NY 4 08-07 180 $630.00
Day 1: 3 06-13 Day 2: 1 01-10
22. Lance Owen Greer, SC 3 08-07 179 $630.00
Day 1: 1 03-04 Day 2: 2 05-03
23. Lynn Hoeffer Chesapeake, VA 4 08-04 178 $630.00
Day 1: 3 07-04 Day 2: 1 01-00
24. Joshua Torres Port Tobacco, MD 3 08-02 177 $630.00
Day 1: 1 04-03 Day 2: 2 03-15
25. Yua Kishimoto Osaka JAPAN 4 08-01 176 $630.00
Day 1: 2 03-09 Day 2: 2 04-08
26. Joseph Strauss Lititz, PA 4 08-01 175 $540.00
Day 1: 2 04-03 Day 2: 2 03-14
27. Tj Andrews Elkton, MD 3 07-15 174 $540.00
Day 1: 3 07-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
27. Angela Mayo Maiden, NC 3 07-15 174 $540.00
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 07-15
29. Bailey Rothrock Monticello, IN 3 07-15 172 $540.00
Day 1: 2 04-02 Day 2: 1 03-13
30. Scott Weiland Saddle Brook, NJ 3 07-13 171 $540.00
Day 1: 2 05-12 Day 2: 1 02-01
31. Kyle Slomba Baltimore, MD 4 07-11 170 $495.00
Day 1: 1 00-15 Day 2: 3 06-12
32. Jimmy Fellegy Lakeville, MN 4 07-11 169 $495.00
Day 1: 1 01-12 Day 2: 3 05-15
33. Laz Durham Dumfries, VA 4 07-11 168 $495.00
Day 1: 2 03-09 Day 2: 2 04-02
34. Joe Devoe Aberdeen, MD 3 07-09 167 $495.00
Day 1: 3 07-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
35. Mickey Soler Newington, CT 4 07-09 166 $495.00
Day 1: 3 06-04 Day 2: 1 01-05
36. Jaypee Hey Munster, IN 4 07-01 165 $495.00
Day 1: 1 01-06 Day 2: 3 05-11
37. Greg Mauldin Archdale, NC 4 07-01 164 $495.00
Day 1: 2 02-06 Day 2: 2 04-11
38. Joe Franzwa Pittsgrove, NJ 4 06-13 163 $495.00
Day 1: 3 04-12 Day 2: 1 02-01
39. Rick Jerman Springfield, VA 4 06-13 162 $495.00
Day 1: 3 03-01 Day 2: 1 03-12
40. Jeff Mellott Warfordsburg, PA 2 06-10 161 $495.00
Day 1: 2 06-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
41. Victor Auriemma Baltimore, MD 4 06-09 160
Day 1: 1 01-08 Day 2: 3 05-01
42. Christopher Mcdaniel Victoria , VA 3 06-09 159
Day 1: 1 02-01 Day 2: 2 04-08
43. Erik Brztowski Lemont, IL 4 06-05 158
Day 1: 3 04-01 Day 2: 1 02-04
44. Satoshi Egawa New York, NY 3 06-03 157
Day 1: 2 03-11 Day 2: 1 02-08
45. David Wright Ft. Meade, MD 4 06-00 156
Day 1: 3 03-13 Day 2: 1 02-03
46. Mitchell Eychner Rome, NY 3 05-14 155
Day 1: 3 05-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
47. Max Meister Atco, NJ 3 05-05 154
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 05-05
48. Brad Goetz Montello, WI 2 05-05 153
Day 1: 1 01-13 Day 2: 1 03-08
49. Ron Ryals Jr Live Oak, FL 2 05-04 152
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 05-04
50. Bill Wiley III Joppa, MD 2 05-03 151
Day 1: 1 02-06 Day 2: 1 02-13
51. Sean Mckee IV Haddon Heights, NJ 3 05-02 150
Day 1: 3 05-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
52. Trevor Easter Morgan, TX 3 05-02 149
Day 1: 1 02-01 Day 2: 2 03-01
53. Gavin English Atwater, OH 3 04-15 148
Day 1: 2 03-10 Day 2: 1 01-05
54. Rich Knisely Jr. Disputanta, VA 2 04-11 147
Day 1: 1 01-13 Day 2: 1 02-14
55. Bud Conley Pasadena, MD 1 04-10 146
Day 1: 1 04-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
56. Troy Bowings Essex, MD 3 04-08 145
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 04-08
57. Brian Durham Dinwiddie, VA 1 04-08 144
Day 1: 1 04-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
57. AJ Jones Lutz, FL 1 04-08 144
Day 1: 1 04-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
59. Charlie Pulay Fulton, MD 2 04-06 142
Day 1: 2 04-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
60. David Compton Mount Bethel, PA 1 04-05 141
Day 1: 1 04-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
61. Bird Jones Loxahatchee, FL 2 04-03 140
Day 1: 1 01-13 Day 2: 1 02-06
62. James Goins Joppa, MD 2 04-02 139
Day 1: 2 04-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
63. Ryan Patterson Scott Township, PA 2 04-02 138
Day 1: 1 02-07 Day 2: 1 01-11
64. Regan Coffey North Chesterfield, VA 2 04-01 137
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 04-01
65. Cory Weaver Ankeny, IA 3 04-01 136
Day 1: 2 02-13 Day 2: 1 01-04
66. Joe Stalb Manheim, PA 2 03-14 135
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 03-14
67. Tim Mcglenn Welcome, MD 1 03-14 134
Day 1: 1 03-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
68. Logan Buttolph Doswell, VA 2 03-12 133
Day 1: 2 03-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
69. Tyrone Adams Fredericksburg, VA 3 03-10 132
Day 1: 1 00-00 Day 2: 2 03-10
70. Paul Kimball Philadelphia, PA 2 03-10 131
Day 1: 2 03-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
71. Martin Payne Shrewsbury, PA 3 03-10 130
Day 1: 1 01-04 Day 2: 2 02-06
72. Chris Donavant Yorktown, VA 1 03-08 129
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 03-08
73. Thanh Hoang Rosedale, MD 1 03-07 128
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 03-07
73. Jacob Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 1 03-07 128
Day 1: 1 03-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
75. Jiles Richards New Carrollton, MD 1 03-05 126
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 03-05
76. David Winters Rock Hill, SC 3 03-04 125
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 03-04
77. Rob Tipton III Pitman, NJ 1 03-03 124
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 03-03
78. Christopher House Walworth, NY 1 02-15 123
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-15
78. James Tilley Aylett, VA 1 02-15 123
Day 1: 1 02-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
80. William Gaston Sylacauga, AL 2 02-13 121
Day 1: 2 02-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
81. Jim Short Ocean Pines, MD 1 02-13 120
Day 1: 1 02-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
82. Joseph Zapf Oak Ridge, NJ 2 02-13 119
Day 1: 1 01-03 Day 2: 1 01-10
83. Jared Phillips Addison, NY 3 02-11 118
Day 1: 3 02-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
84. Ron Horton Dover, DE 2 02-10 117
Day 1: 2 02-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
85. George Epley Livingston Manor, NY 2 02-09 116
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 02-09
86. Harry Nurk Elkton, MD 1 02-08 115
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-08
86. Tom Tennity Ontario, NY 1 02-08 115
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-08
88. Robert Bruguiere Roseland, VA 1 02-04 113
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-04
89. Joe Sodora Garfield, NJ 1 02-03 112
Day 1: 1 02-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
90. Jason Sherwood Damascus, MD 1 02-02 111
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-02
90. Joe Zellers Westminster, MD 1 02-02 111
Day 1: 1 02-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
92. Clayton Payne The Plains, VA 1 02-01 109
Day 1: 1 02-01 Day 2: 0 00-00
93. Sean Weiss Halethorpe, MD 1 02-00 108
Day 1: 1 02-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
94. Sakae Ushio Tonawanda, NY 1 01-15 107
Day 1: 1 01-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
95. John Barnes Henrico, VA 1 01-12 106
Day 1: 1 01-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
95. Howie Range Levittown, PA 1 01-12 106
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-12
97. Stephen Brady Woodlawn, VA 1 01-10 104
Day 1: 1 01-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
98. Robert Mcgarry Clarks Summit, PA 1 01-09 103
Day 1: 1 01-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
99. David Booth Erin, TN 1 01-08 102
Day 1: 1 01-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
100. Chris Ferrara Wilmington, DE 1 01-07 101
Day 1: 1 01-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
101. Anthony Ell Stanhope, NJ 1 01-06 100
Day 1: 1 01-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
101. Michael Martinez Lanexa, VA 1 01-06 100
Day 1: 1 01-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
103. Scott Speidel Levittown, PA 1 01-05 98
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-05
104. David Camp Sterling, OH 1 01-04 97
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-04
105. Frank Williams Jackson, MO 1 01-03 96
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-03
106. Mathew Thompson Hogansburg, NY 1 01-02 95
Day 1: 1 01-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
106. Tommy Young II Linden, NC 1 01-02 95
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-02
108. George Bizub Toms River, NJ 1 00-13 93
Day 1: 1 00-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
109. Joe Lineberry Selwn CANADA 3 00-00 92
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 00-00
110. Levi Allgeier Bardstown, KY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Bryce Bason Mill Hall, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Anthony Boris Kansasville, WI 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Scott Devault New Philadelphia, OH 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Frank Elasavage Owings Mills, MD 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Robert Emmell Pennsburg, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Johnnie Garrett Union City, TN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Scott Gibson Mattawan, MI 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Andrew Goins Joppa, MD 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. JC Henry Elkton, MD 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Stacey Jefferson Conway, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Kevin Mallow Kansas, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Joshua McGeary Mt. Pleasant, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Devon Norwood Kitson Montclair , NJ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Jim O'Connell Jr Castle Rock, CO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Jim Opetaia-Williamson Winter Garden, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Fran Pratt Charlestown, MD 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Jimmy Schaffer Oak Ridge, NJ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Thomas Simmons Glen Rock, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Richard Slomba Dundalk, MD 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Tommy Stalb Manheim, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Ron Stierstorfer Middle River, MD 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Christopher Trovinger Sabillasville, MD 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Alex Varga Asbury Park, NJ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Robert Winward Jr Newark, DE 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
135. Chad Boyer Elizabethtown, PA 0 -1-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 -01-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 23 152 330-14
2 19 133 279-00
----------------------------------
42 285 609-14
Gardner’s Persistence Yields Day 1 Lead In Bassmaster Open On Chesapeake Bay
Jody Gardner of Tippecanoe, Ohio, is leading after Day 1 of the 2022 St. Croix Bassmaster Northern Open at Upper Chesapeake Bay presented by Mossy Oak Fishing with 18 pounds, 3 ounces.
Photo by Kyle Jessie/B.A.S.S.
September 8, 2022
CECIL COUNTY, Md. — Calling Jody Gardner “hardheaded” would be neither insulting nor incorrect. In fact, that mentality delivered a limit of 18 pounds, 3 ounces that leads Day 1 of the St. Croix Bassmaster Northern Open at Upper Chesapeake Bay presented by Mossy Oak Fishing.
On a tough day that saw only 44 limits on the pro side and 23 for co-anglers, Gardner found himself faring far better than he’d expected.
“These days usually don’t happen to me,” said the pro from Tippecanoe, Ohio.
Gardner said the key to his success was focusing on hard cover. Writing off the bay’s vast acreage of submerged grass, he devoted his day to docks and shallow wood.
“I practiced in the grass, but I couldn’t locate them and it just didn’t work,” he said. “I caught two off of one tree and the rest of them came within a quarter mile of each other.
“I covered a lot of water. I made a run and fished a couple of creeks because I think the fresh water coming in (from recent rains) stirred them up a little bit.”
Finding only six keeper bites, Gardner anchored his bag with a 4-14 that bit around midday. That fish, he said, exemplified the persistence his lead required.
“Today, I really fished slow,” Gardner said. “I soaked the bait and threw three or four times to the same spot.
“For the big one, I actually threw 10 times to the same dock post and he finally grabbed it.”
Gardner caught all of his bass on Texas-rigged plastics. He had multiple baits and kept rotating size and color to trigger the bites.
“The higher water in the morning was a little better for me and when the bottom fell out (slack low tide), I quit catching them,” Gardner said. “Then, when the tide started to come back, I got a couple more.
“I changed my baits with each area. I would throw one color for a little bit and then I’d throw another color. It seemed like sometimes I’d switch the color and get them to bite.”
Looking ahead to Day 2, Gardner said he plans to replicate his opening effort. “I don’t know if I can back it up tomorrow, but we’ll find out.”
Chris Beaudrie of Princeton, Ky., is in second place with 17-8. Making his Chesapeake Bay debut, Beaudrie stayed within 20 to 30 minutes of takeoff. Recognizing the vastness of tournament waters, he thought it best to carve out a manageable section and build on his practice findings.
“I fished a couple of different areas until about noon or 1 o’clock and came back,” Beaudrie said. “It was slow going; just here and there. I didn’t catch them in practice, so I went into today with an open mind and tried some new stuff.
“I had a few bites and they showed up in a big way. I think the weather brought them into my area. With a little cooldown and the rain, the water temperatures dropped probably four degrees since I got here for practice. I think that moved them a little bit.”
Beaudrie said he followed a run-and-gun strategy and focused his attention on wood and grass. He threw reaction baits to find fish and then slowed down to fish promising areas with plastics.
Jacob Walker of Springville, Ala., is third with 15-14. His game plan started with a 30- to 40-mile run south.
“I spent all of my time down there mostly because I felt like it was going to be unpressured,” Walker said. “I do better when I’m by myself. I can settle down and pick it apart.”
Walker started with three keepers by 10:30 a.m. After that, he ran farther south and added a 4-pounder at 1 p.m.
“I ran around a little bit and I knew I had to leave at 3 o’clock to make it back,” Walker said. “I had four fish and I had one dock I had (already) hit three times. I pulled up to it and on my first flip, I lost one that was 6 or 7 pounds. Then I caught one that was 3 and one that was close to 3.
“It was all about the tide. It was best when it was falling.”
Walker said he caught all of his bass on a jig. He used chunk and swimbait trailers, depending on where he was fishing.
Cole Drummond of Effingham, S.C., is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 5-13.
Chris McCarthy of Woonsocket, R.I., leads the co-angler division with 9-4. McCarthy holds a 9-ounce lead over Dawson Wisner of Westminster, Md.
Roland Gittings of Perryville, Md., holds the Phoenix Boats Big Bass lead among co-anglers with a 5-1.
Walker leads the Bassmaster Northern Open standings with 563 points. Alex Wetherell of Middletown, Conn., is second with 557, followed by Kyoya Fujita of Minamitsuru, Yamanashi, Japan, with 554, John Garrett of Union City, Tenn., with 529 and Mike Iaconelli of Pittsgrove, N.J., with 518.
Cooper Gallant of Bowmanville, Canada, leads the overall Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year standings with 970 points.
Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 6:30 a.m. ET at Anchor Marina and North East Community Park. The weigh-in will be held at the park at 2:30 p.m. Full event coverage will be available on Bassmaster.com, while Championship Saturday action will be broadcast live on FS1 beginning at 8 a.m. ET.
2022 St. Croix Bassmaster Northern Open #3 Upper Chesapeake presented by Mossy Oak Fishing 9/8-9/10
Chesapeake Bay, North East MD.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Jody Gardner Tippecanoe, OH 5 18-03 200
Day 1: 5 18-03
2. Chris Beaudrie Princeton, KY 5 17-08 199
Day 1: 5 17-08
3. Jacob Walker Springville, AL 5 15-14 198
Day 1: 5 15-14
4. Tom Knee Newtown Square, PA 5 15-13 197
Day 1: 5 15-13
5. Trey Swindle Cleveland, AL 5 15-12 196
Day 1: 5 15-12
6. Pete Gluszek Mount Laurel, NJ 5 15-09 195
Day 1: 5 15-09
7. Brian Mullaney Ijamsville, MD 5 15-00 194
Day 1: 5 15-00
7. Kayden Tanner Tolar, TX 5 15-00 194
Day 1: 5 15-00
9. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 5 14-06 192
Day 1: 5 14-06
10. Cole Drummond Effingham, SC 4 13-15 191
Day 1: 4 13-15
11. Kyle Patrick Cooperstown, NY 5 13-14 190
Day 1: 5 13-14
12. Michael Duarte Middle River, MD 5 13-13 189
Day 1: 5 13-13
13. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 5 13-11 188
Day 1: 5 13-11
13. John Duarte Jr Conway, SC 5 13-11 188
Day 1: 5 13-11
15. Grae Buck Green Lane, PA 4 13-05 186
Day 1: 4 13-05
16. Ryan Whitacre Chicago, IL 5 13-01 185
Day 1: 5 13-01
17. Kenny Mittelstaedt Minnetonka, MN 5 12-14 184
Day 1: 5 12-14
18. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 5 12-13 183
Day 1: 5 12-13
19. Tommy Williams Shepherdsville, KY 5 12-12 182
Day 1: 5 12-12
20. Daisuke Kita Ohtsu Shiga JAPAN 5 12-10 181
Day 1: 5 12-10
21. Hunter Sales Blaine, TN 5 12-02 180
Day 1: 5 12-02
22. Logan Parks Auburn, AL 5 12-00 179
Day 1: 5 12-00
23. Kyoya Fujita Minamitsuru, Yamanashi 5 11-14 178
Day 1: 5 11-14
23. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 5 11-14 178
Day 1: 5 11-14
25. Bridget Allen Manheim, PA 5 11-12 176
Day 1: 5 11-12
25. Scott Ashmore Broken Arrow, OK 5 11-12 176
Day 1: 5 11-12
27. John Garrett Union City, TN 5 11-09 174
Day 1: 5 11-09
28. Shayne Berlo Mclean, VA 5 11-05 173
Day 1: 5 11-05
29. Reese Hudson Broomall, PA 5 11-01 172
Day 1: 5 11-01
30. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 5 11-00 171
Day 1: 5 11-00
31. Chris Price Church Hill, MD 5 10-15 170
Day 1: 5 10-15
32. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 4 10-14 169
Day 1: 4 10-14
33. Duke Nave Oxford, PA 3 10-14 168
Day 1: 3 10-14
34. Trevor McKinney Benton, IL 4 10-13 167
Day 1: 4 10-13
35. Darold Gleason Many, LA 5 10-11 166
Day 1: 5 10-11
36. Steven Camp Mechanicsvlle, VA 5 10-03 165
Day 1: 5 10-03
37. Anthony Cicero Palmyra, PA 5 09-12 164
Day 1: 5 09-12
38. Cooper Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CAN 4 09-10 163
Day 1: 4 09-10
39. Jason Borofka Lavon, TX 5 09-08 162
Day 1: 5 09-08
40. Michael Crocker Pasadena, MD 5 09-04 161
Day 1: 5 09-04
41. Casey Smith Victor, NY 3 09-00 160
Day 1: 3 09-00
42. Chris Kingree Inverness, FL 5 08-14 159
Day 1: 5 08-14
42. John Vanore Mullica Hill, NJ 5 08-14 159
Day 1: 5 08-14
44. Mike McKay Manlius, NY 5 08-09 157
Day 1: 5 08-09
45. Kyle Austin Ridgeville, SC 5 08-05 156
Day 1: 5 08-05
45. Timothy Reams Morgantown, WV 5 08-05 156
Day 1: 5 08-05
45. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 5 08-05 156
Day 1: 5 08-05
48. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 4 08-04 153
Day 1: 4 08-04
49. Bradley Hallman Edmond, OK 4 08-02 152
Day 1: 4 08-02
50. Wesley Gore Clanton, AL 4 08-00 151
Day 1: 4 08-00
51. Mark Dimarzio McDonald, PA 3 07-14 150
Day 1: 3 07-14
51. Jeremy Sadowski Voluntown, CT 3 07-14 150
Day 1: 3 07-14
53. Scout Echols Monticello, AR 4 07-13 148
Day 1: 4 07-13
54. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 5 07-11 147
Day 1: 5 07-11
55. Brian Trieschman Ellicott City, MD 4 07-11 146
Day 1: 4 07-11
56. Chris Hellebuyck Waterford, MI 3 07-09 145
Day 1: 3 07-09
57. Luke Shrader Maple Shade, NJ 5 07-08 144
Day 1: 5 07-08
58. Chancy Walters West Des Moines, IA 4 07-08 143
Day 1: 4 07-08
59. Jacopo Gallelli Horton AL ITALY 4 07-07 142
Day 1: 4 07-07
60. Austin Cranford Moore, OK 3 07-06 141
Day 1: 3 07-06
60. Richard Leadbeater North East, MD 3 07-06 141
Day 1: 3 07-06
62. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 5 07-05 139
Day 1: 5 07-05
63. Thomas Gilroy Stockholm, NJ 3 07-05 138
Day 1: 3 07-05
64. Jeremy Radford Huntly, VA 4 07-03 137
Day 1: 4 07-03
65. Matt Pangrac Bixby, OK 3 07-01 136
Day 1: 3 07-01
66. Travis Lugar McGaheysville, VA 3 07-00 135
Day 1: 3 07-00
67. D.J. Ellis Crestview, FL 2 06-15 134
Day 1: 2 06-15
68. Ken Golubjatnikov Pittsford, NY 3 06-13 133
Day 1: 3 06-13
68. John Soukup Sapulpa, OK 3 06-13 133
Day 1: 3 06-13
70. Wayne Hall Cottonwood, AZ 3 06-12 131
Day 1: 3 06-12
71. Chris Dillow Waynesboro, VA 3 06-11 130
Day 1: 3 06-11
72. Ronald Young New Braunfels, TX 4 06-08 129
Day 1: 4 06-08
73. Michael Machmer Newark, DE 3 06-08 128
Day 1: 3 06-08
74. Hugh Cosculluela Spring, TX 3 06-06 127
Day 1: 3 06-06
75. Brian Post Janesville, WI 3 06-05 126
Day 1: 3 06-05
76. Tanner Ward Woodsfield, OH 3 06-04 125
Day 1: 3 06-04
77. Caiden Sinclair Wilsonville, AL 5 06-01 124
Day 1: 5 06-01
78. Cole Sands Calhoun , TN 3 06-00 123
Day 1: 3 06-00
79. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 3 05-15 122
Day 1: 3 05-15
80. Chaz Carrington Suffolk, VA 2 05-14 121
Day 1: 2 05-14
81. Brent Shores Boise, ID 4 05-13 120
Day 1: 4 05-13
82. Douglas Reed Bridgeton, NJ 2 05-13 119
Day 1: 2 05-13
83. Cody Meyer Eagle, ID 4 05-10 118
Day 1: 4 05-10
84. Bobby "J" Nakatomi Sacramento, CA 2 05-10 117
Day 1: 2 05-10
85. Kurt Dove Del Rio, TX 3 05-09 116
Day 1: 3 05-09
85. Randy Huffman Charleston, WV 3 05-09 116
Day 1: 3 05-09
87. Jared Miller Norman, OK 2 05-08 114
Day 1: 2 05-08
88. Marcus Griffin North East, MD 2 05-05 113
Day 1: 2 05-05
89. Andrew Upshaw Hemphill, TX 3 05-04 112
Day 1: 3 05-04
90. Eddie Casey Whiteford, MD 2 05-04 111
Day 1: 2 05-04
90. Trent Cole Mullica Hill, NJ 2 05-04 111
Day 1: 2 05-04
92. Jake Maddux Birmingham, AL 4 05-02 109
Day 1: 4 05-02
93. David Shaw Royersford, PA 3 05-02 108
Day 1: 3 05-02
94. Phillip Kroll Otego, NY 2 05-02 107
Day 1: 2 05-02
95. Douglas Lyon Glendale, OH 3 04-14 106
Day 1: 3 04-14
96. Tyler Williams Belgrade, ME 2 04-13 105
Day 1: 2 04-13
97. Joe McClosky Swanton, MD 2 04-11 104
Day 1: 2 04-11
97. Bart Stanisz Wichita Falls , TX 2 04-11 104
Day 1: 2 04-11
99. Brian Brooks Sea Isle City, NJ 4 04-10 102
Day 1: 4 04-10
100. Joey Murphy Elkton, MD 3 04-09 101
Day 1: 3 04-09
101. Tristan McCormick Burns, TN 2 04-09 100
Day 1: 2 04-09
102. Blake Sylvester Plaquemine, LA 2 04-08 99
Day 1: 2 04-08
103. Chris Keeble Lenoir City, TN 2 04-07 98
Day 1: 2 04-07
103. Chad Smith Minnetonka, MN 2 04-07 98
Day 1: 2 04-07
105. Cody Bertrand Dyer, IN 2 04-06 96
Day 1: 2 04-06
106. Jon Jezierski Troy, MI 2 04-05 95
Day 1: 2 04-05
107. Aaron Dixon Bel Alton, MD 2 04-03 94
Day 1: 2 04-03
108. Tj Milton Chester, VA 1 04-02 93
Day 1: 1 04-02
109. Greg Alexander Hebron, MD 2 04-01 92
Day 1: 2 04-01
110. Charles Proctor Conway, SC 2 04-00 91
Day 1: 2 04-00
111. Sheron Brown Leominster, MA 1 03-15 90
Day 1: 1 03-15
112. Tanner Sanderson Ackerly, TX 2 03-14 89
Day 1: 2 03-14
113. Danny Rodriguez Monkton, MD 1 03-13 88
Day 1: 1 03-13
114. Ed Powell Sandyville, WV 4 03-12 87
Day 1: 4 03-12
115. Julius Mazy Phoenix, AZ 3 03-11 86
Day 1: 3 03-11
116. Paul Kimball Glastonbury, CT 2 03-10 85
Day 1: 2 03-10
116. Joel Willert Prior Lake, MN 2 03-10 85
Day 1: 2 03-10
118. Jamey Caldwell Carthage, NC 2 03-09 83
Day 1: 2 03-09
118. Stanley Sypeck Jr Sugarloaf, PA 2 03-09 83
Day 1: 2 03-09
120. Jeff Jensen Beech Creek, PA 1 03-09 81
Day 1: 1 03-09
121. Brad Leuthner Independence, MN 2 03-08 80
Day 1: 2 03-08
122. Cass Terrance Akwewsane, NY 1 03-06 79
Day 1: 1 03-06
123. Tim Malone Kodak, TN 1 03-05 78
Day 1: 1 03-05
124. Woo Daves Spring Grove, VA 3 03-03 77
Day 1: 3 03-03
125. Logan Johnson Jasper, AL 1 03-03 76
Day 1: 1 03-03
126. Zach Goutremout Chaumont, NY 1 03-02 75
Day 1: 1 03-02
127. Cody Detweiler Guntersville, AL 1 02-14 74
Day 1: 1 02-14
128. Danny Snyder Annandale, VA 1 02-13 73
Day 1: 1 02-13
129. Ryan Broughman Corapeake, NC 2 02-12 72
Day 1: 2 02-12
130. Brad Webb Hampton, VA 1 02-12 71
Day 1: 1 02-12
131. Joe Labarbera Montrose, PA 2 02-09 70
Day 1: 2 02-09
132. David Perdue Wirtz, VA 1 02-08 69
Day 1: 1 02-08
133. Hermilo Salgado-Zavaleta Artemus, KY 1 02-06 68
Day 1: 1 02-06
133. Kane Stein Jeannette, PA 1 02-06 68
Day 1: 1 02-06
135. Wesley Cashwell Roanoke Rapids, NC 2 02-05 66
Day 1: 2 02-05
136. Barry Brandt Jr. Newport News, VA 1 02-05 65
Day 1: 1 02-05
137. Jeff Salmon Chester, VA 1 02-03 64
Day 1: 1 02-03
137. Jordan Sypeck Weston, PA 1 02-03 64
Day 1: 1 02-03
139. Patrick Martin St Roch De L Achigan Qu 1 02-02 62
Day 1: 1 02-02
139. Frank Poirier North Prince George, VA 1 02-02 62
Day 1: 1 02-02
141. Randy Elliott Severn, MD 2 02-00 60
Day 1: 2 02-00
142. Bradley Sterner Manchester, PA 1 01-13 59
Day 1: 1 01-13
143. Jeremy Maye Windsor, VA 1 01-12 58
Day 1: 1 01-12
143. Steve Morella Townshend, VT 1 01-12 58
Day 1: 1 01-12
143. Burley Warf Moneta, VA 1 01-12 58
Day 1: 1 01-12
146. Austin Hoke Lititz, PA 2 01-11 55
Day 1: 2 01-11
147. Kenta Kimura Osaka JAPAN 1 01-11 54
Day 1: 1 01-11
148. Hunter Bland Williston, FL 1 01-10 53
Day 1: 1 01-10
149. Teb Jones Yalaha, MS 1 01-08 52
Day 1: 1 01-08
150. Douglas Dulin Apex, NC 1 01-07 51
Day 1: 1 01-07
151. Ethen Preston Tower City, ND 1 01-06 50
Day 1: 1 01-06
152. Michael Rowe Providence Forge, VA 1 01-01 49
Day 1: 1 01-01
153. Noah Boyett Mountain Home, AR 1 01-00 48
Day 1: 1 01-00
154. Denny Fiedler Wabasha, MN 2 00-00 47
Day 1: 2 00-00
155. Jason Bishop North Prince George, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
155. Lucas Bogosian Harrington Park, NJ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
155. Joe Booker West Grove, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
155. Brandon Brown Lockport, NY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
155. Troy Coney Endicott, NY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
155. Destin DeMarion Harborcreek, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
155. Tony Dumitras Winston, GA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
155. Joe Ford Bewdely CANADA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
155. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
155. Rick Hawkins Roanoke, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
155. Cole Huskins Gastonia, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
155. Richard Kaluba Litchfield, OH 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
155. Seiji Kato Outsu Shiga JAPAN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
155. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
155. Justin Margraves Diana, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
155. Joey Nania Cropwell, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
155. Scott Pellegrin Chippewa Falls, WI 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
155. Adam Rasmussen Sturgeon Bay, WI 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
155. Greg Secord Salem, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
155. Whitney Stephens Waverly, OH 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
155. Josh Summerville Lilly, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
155. Craig Townsend Westampton, NJ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
155. Keith Tuma Brainerd, MN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
155. Richard Vonnordick Jarrettsville, MD 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
155. John Watts Jr Flushing, MI 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 44 476 1060-14
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44 476 1060-14
2022 St. Croix Bassmaster Northern Open #3 Upper Chesapeake presented by Mossy Oak Fishing 9/8-9/10
Chesapeake Bay, North East MD.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Chris McCarthy Woonsocket, RI 3 09-04 200
Day 1: 3 09-04
2. Dawson Wisner Westminster, MD 3 08-11 199
Day 1: 3 08-11
3. Jim Calhoun Norfolk, VA 3 08-05 198
Day 1: 3 08-05
4. Ryan Bauman Reading, PA 3 08-03 197
Day 1: 3 08-03
5. Eugene Kim Lindenhurst, IL 3 08-02 196
Day 1: 3 08-02
6. Tj Andrews Elkton, MD 3 07-15 195
Day 1: 3 07-15
7. Joe Devoe Aberdeen, MD 3 07-09 194
Day 1: 3 07-09
8. Ronald Humiston Oakville, CT 3 07-07 193
Day 1: 3 07-07
8. Scott Spencer Raleigh, NC 3 07-07 193
Day 1: 3 07-07
10. Tyler Caldwell Portsmouth, VA 3 07-05 191
Day 1: 3 07-05
11. Lynn Hoeffer Chesapeake, VA 3 07-04 190
Day 1: 3 07-04
12. Mike Penney Columbia, SC 3 07-02 189
Day 1: 3 07-02
13. Jess Salmon Milford, NJ 3 07-00 188
Day 1: 3 07-00
14. Mark Rebolos Long Island City, NY 3 06-13 187
Day 1: 3 06-13
15. Roland Gittings Perryville, MD 2 06-13 186
Day 1: 2 06-13
16. Joseph Dellavalle Doylestown, PA 3 06-11 185
Day 1: 3 06-11
17. Jeff Mellott Warfordsburg, PA 2 06-10 184
Day 1: 2 06-10
18. Mickey Soler Newington, CT 3 06-04 183
Day 1: 3 06-04
19. Mitchell Eychner Rome, NY 3 05-14 182
Day 1: 3 05-14
20. Mark Ely Chester Springs, PA 2 05-12 181
Day 1: 2 05-12
20. Scott Weiland Saddle Brook, NJ 2 05-12 181
Day 1: 2 05-12
22. Akira Okuyama Forest Hills, NY 2 05-05 179
Day 1: 2 05-05
23. Sean Mckee IV Haddon Heights, NJ 3 05-02 178
Day 1: 3 05-02
24. Jonathan Werner Bethlehem, PA 2 05-02 177
Day 1: 2 05-02
25. Joe Franzwa Pittsgrove, NJ 3 04-12 176
Day 1: 3 04-12
26. Bud Conley Pasadena, MD 1 04-10 175
Day 1: 1 04-10
27. Brian Durham Dinwiddie, VA 1 04-08 174
Day 1: 1 04-08
27. AJ Jones Lutz, FL 1 04-08 174
Day 1: 1 04-08
29. Joshua Geyer Loganton, PA 2 04-06 172
Day 1: 2 04-06
29. Charlie Pulay Fulton, MD 2 04-06 172
Day 1: 2 04-06
31. David Compton Mount Bethel, PA 1 04-05 170
Day 1: 1 04-05
32. Joseph Strauss Lititz, PA 2 04-03 169
Day 1: 2 04-03
33. Joshua Torres Port Tobacco, MD 1 04-03 168
Day 1: 1 04-03
34. James Goins Joppa, MD 2 04-02 167
Day 1: 2 04-02
35. Bailey Rothrock Monticello, IN 2 04-02 166
Day 1: 2 04-02
36. Erik Brztowski Lemont, IL 3 04-01 165
Day 1: 3 04-01
37. Tim Mcglenn Welcome, MD 1 03-14 164
Day 1: 1 03-14
38. David Wright Ft. Meade, MD 3 03-13 163
Day 1: 3 03-13
39. Logan Buttolph Doswell, VA 2 03-12 162
Day 1: 2 03-12
40. Satoshi Egawa New York, NY 2 03-11 161
Day 1: 2 03-11
41. Gavin English Atwater, OH 2 03-10 160
Day 1: 2 03-10
41. Paul Kimball Philadelphia, PA 2 03-10 160
Day 1: 2 03-10
43. Laz Durham Dumfries, VA 2 03-09 158
Day 1: 2 03-09
43. Yua Kishimoto Osaka JAPAN 2 03-09 158
Day 1: 2 03-09
45. Mike Mueller Mechanicsburg, PA 1 03-09 156
Day 1: 1 03-09
46. Jacob Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 1 03-07 155
Day 1: 1 03-07
47. Lance Owen Greer, SC 1 03-04 154
Day 1: 1 03-04
48. Rick Jerman Springfield, VA 3 03-01 153
Day 1: 3 03-01
49. James Tilley Aylett, VA 1 02-15 152
Day 1: 1 02-15
50. William Gaston Sylacauga, AL 2 02-13 151
Day 1: 2 02-13
50. Cory Weaver Ankeny, IA 2 02-13 151
Day 1: 2 02-13
52. Jim Short Ocean Pines, MD 1 02-13 149
Day 1: 1 02-13
53. Jared Phillips Addison, NY 3 02-11 148
Day 1: 3 02-11
54. Ron Horton Dover, DE 2 02-10 147
Day 1: 2 02-10
55. Ryan Patterson Scott Township, PA 1 02-07 146
Day 1: 1 02-07
56. Greg Mauldin Archdale, NC 2 02-06 145
Day 1: 2 02-06
57. Bill Wiley III Joppa, MD 1 02-06 144
Day 1: 1 02-06
58. Joe Sodora Garfield, NJ 1 02-03 143
Day 1: 1 02-03
59. Jonathan Ceaser Maidens, VA 1 02-02 142
Day 1: 1 02-02
59. Joe Zellers Westminster, MD 1 02-02 142
Day 1: 1 02-02
61. Trevor Easter Morgan, TX 1 02-01 140
Day 1: 1 02-01
61. Christopher Mcdaniel Victoria , VA 1 02-01 140
Day 1: 1 02-01
61. Clayton Payne The Plains, VA 1 02-01 140
Day 1: 1 02-01
64. Sean Weiss Halethorpe, MD 1 02-00 137
Day 1: 1 02-00
65. Sakae Ushio Tonawanda, NY 1 01-15 136
Day 1: 1 01-15
66. Brad Goetz Montello, WI 1 01-13 135
Day 1: 1 01-13
66. Bird Jones Loxahatchee, FL 1 01-13 135
Day 1: 1 01-13
66. Rich Knisely Jr. Disputanta, VA 1 01-13 135
Day 1: 1 01-13
69. John Barnes Henrico, VA 1 01-12 132
Day 1: 1 01-12
69. Jeff Cephalis Forest Hill, MD 1 01-12 132
Day 1: 1 01-12
69. Jimmy Fellegy Lakeville, MN 1 01-12 132
Day 1: 1 01-12
72. Stephen Brady Woodlawn, VA 1 01-10 129
Day 1: 1 01-10
73. Robert Mcgarry Clarks Summit, PA 1 01-09 128
Day 1: 1 01-09
74. Victor Auriemma Baltimore, MD 1 01-08 127
Day 1: 1 01-08
74. David Booth Erin, TN 1 01-08 127
Day 1: 1 01-08
76. Chris Ferrara Wilmington, DE 1 01-07 125
Day 1: 1 01-07
77. Anthony Ell Stanhope, NJ 1 01-06 124
Day 1: 1 01-06
77. Jaypee Hey Munster, IN 1 01-06 124
Day 1: 1 01-06
77. Michael Martinez Lanexa, VA 1 01-06 124
Day 1: 1 01-06
80. Martin Payne Shrewsbury, PA 1 01-04 121
Day 1: 1 01-04
81. Joseph Zapf Oak Ridge, NJ 1 01-03 120
Day 1: 1 01-03
82. Mathew Thompson Hogansburg, NY 1 01-02 119
Day 1: 1 01-02
83. Kyle Slomba Baltimore, MD 1 00-15 118
Day 1: 1 00-15
84. George Bizub Toms River, NJ 1 00-13 117
Day 1: 1 00-13
85. Tyrone Adams Fredericksburg, VA 1 00-00 116
Day 1: 1 00-00
86. Levi Allgeier Bardstown, KY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Bryce Bason Mill Hall, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Anthony Boris Kansasville, WI 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Troy Bowings Essex, MD 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Chad Boyer Elizabethtown, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Robert Bruguiere Roseland, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. David Camp Sterling, OH 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Regan Coffey North Chesterfield, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Scott Devault New Philadelphia, OH 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Chris Donavant Yorktown, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Frank Elasavage Owings Mills, MD 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Robert Emmell Pennsburg, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. George Epley Livingston Manor, NY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Johnnie Garrett Union City, TN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Scott Gibson Mattawan, MI 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Andrew Goins Joppa, MD 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. JC Henry Elkton, MD 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Thanh Hoang Rosedale, MD 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Christopher House Walworth, NY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Stacey Jefferson Conway, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Joe Lineberry Selwn CANADA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Kevin Mallow Kansas, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Angela Mayo Maiden, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Joshua McGeary Mt. Pleasant, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Max Meister Atco, NJ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Devon Norwood Kitson Montclair , NJ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Harry Nurk Elkton, MD 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Jim O'Connell Jr Castle Rock, CO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Jim Opetaia-Williamson Winter Garden, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Fran Pratt Charlestown, MD 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Howie Range Levittown, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Jiles Richards New Carrollton, MD 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Ron Ryals Jr Live Oak, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Jimmy Schaffer Oak Ridge, NJ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Jason Sherwood Damascus, MD 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Thomas Simmons Glen Rock, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Richard Slomba Dundalk, MD 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Scott Speidel Levittown, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Joe Stalb Manheim, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Tommy Stalb Manheim, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Ron Stierstorfer Middle River, MD 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Tom Tennity Ontario, NY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Rob Tipton III Pitman, NJ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Christopher Trovinger Sabillasville, MD 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Christopher Underwood Oak Hill, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Alex Varga Asbury Park, NJ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Frank Williams Jackson, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. David Winters Rock Hill, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Robert Winward Jr Newark, DE 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
86. Tommy Young II Linden, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 23 152 330-14
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23 152 330-14
Cash in with Costa Compete + Conserve
The team from McKendree University finished 3rd at the Bassmaster Colllege Series National Championship this past weekend and scored an additional $2,500 for being signed up for the Costa Compete + Conserve contingency program.
Monocoque Technology for Under $200
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Daiwa’s new Procyon MQ LT brings freshwater and inshore anglers cutting-edge design features at an affordable price. |
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Cypress, CA (September 8, 2022) – Now redesigned for a higher level of performance, the Daiwa Procyon MQ LTspinning reel family is back for freshwater and inshore applications. From speckled trout, redfish, and snook to bass, walleye and trout and bass, the Procyon MQ LT offers anglers the perfect reel for the pursuit. In terms of application, the Procyon MQ LT is available in five sizes—from the PCNMQLT1000D model for panfish, ice fishing, and trout to the PCNMQ4000D-CXH, which fits the bill nicely for inshore angling and larger freshwater fish pursuits. The Procyon MQ LT is rich in its feature set. First, the reel series boasts a one-piece monocoque Zaion V body that allows less body and frame flex providing better support on the gears and bearings and allows increased torque and power while providing longer life to the gears. Anglers will find that the one-piece monocoque Zaion V body of the Procyon MQ LT is incredibly lightweight when they pick it up and put it on their favorite rod. |
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The Procyon MQ LT features an Air Rotor engineered to be very rigid, especially at high drag pressures with little flex. The Procyon MQ LT also has generous cut-outs in its engineering design, which reduces the weight of the Air Rotor. The lighter the rotor, the less inertia it takes to spin around the reel. This makes it much easier to crank the handle. The new reels also showcase a tubular air bail that reduces weight and offers more rigidity than standard wire, so you get less flex and bending or breaking. The tubular air bail is also manufactured with thicker material that feels good on the fingers when flipping the bail by hand. Another element of the series is DIGIGEAR® technology, digitally for considerably better gear meshing increase smoothness and gear wear. Anglers will also find Daiwa’s distinctive Advanced Tournament Drag (ATD™) a benefit for setting the hook and fighting fish. When you set the hook, the reel instantly adds drag resistance, and then as the fish starts pulling drag, the ATD drag curve automatically returns to your prescribed setting. |
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One-piece Monocoque Zaion V Body |
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The Procyon AL family features Long Cast ABS spool as well. The design of the spool’s lip allows the line to exit the reel at a much tighter cone-shaped angle, meeting the guide train with less resistance and force, alleviating wind knots and allowing for longer casts. Lastly, Daiwa’s Procyon AL features a machined screw-in handle that connects directly to the main drive gear and rubber handle knob for a solid grip. Daiwa Senior Marketing Manager, Marc Mills, comments: “The Procyon MQ LT is coming in at $179.99. This is the lowest price point that you can get the MQ body. At under $200, you get the MQ body, Air Rotor, Air Bail, Digigear, a direct-drive machined aluminum screw-in handle, and an all-new color and design with the vibrant island blue highlights and silver on top of silver. It’s a nice-looking and performing reel for freshwater or inshore applications. And it is family priced all the way from a 1000 size to 4000 size reel.” Mills continues: “This reel is intended for the angler who wants to make the switch to Daiwa MQ technology-driven reels, more power, better durability with bigger gears, and smooth operation. The customer could be anyone from a trout angler to an inshore fisherman. The reel features 6+1 ball bearings. The 1000 also features 11 pounds of drag which is great for panfish, trout, ice fishing, and ultra-finesse presentations; then we bump up the 2000, 2500, and 3000 to 22 pounds of drag. And then the 4000—which is going to be great for inshore fishing—features 26.4 pounds of drag.” |
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Daiwa Procyon MQ LT Features:
For freshwater and inshore anglers looking for their next spinning reel, look no further than the Procyon MQ LT, a reel engineered and manufactured with the needs of today’s angler in mind. MSRP $179.99 |
Berkley Expands It’s Saltwater Hard Bait Offerings
Berkley Expands It’s Saltwater Hard Bait Offerings With New Shapes and Sizes
COLUMBIA S.C. (September 8, 2022) Berkley announces new hard baits to the saltwater lineup designed to out-catch the competition. Decades of professional angling experience combined with Berkley’s state-of-the-art design and testing facilities deliver performance and features that help anglers catch more fish at all skill levels.
Whether you find yourself surf casting on the beach, floating in the brackish marsh, or wading through the flats, Berkley Juke, Stick Shadd™, Hit Stick, Cutter, and Cane Walker are all designed to deliver explosive inshore action. Berkley saltwater hardbaits feature stainless-steel hardware with Berkley’s ultra-sharp 3X Anti-Rust Fusion19™ hooks for long-lasting durability in harsh saltwater environments. Each bait is meticulously designed and tested for maximum functionality, durability, and usability with field test staff and professional anglers.
The Berkley Juke is the new highly versatile crankbait for saltwater anglers, with a coffin-shaped bill for maximum darting action with little effort. This flat-sided shad-shaped body, featuring a tantalizing side flash, can be cranked, twitched, or trolled with an extremely lifelike movement that entices strikes from various fish. This bait was designed to provide a level of responsiveness and fantastic rolling action with minimal rod movement and is equipped with precision-tuned rattles for maximum attraction capabilities.
Berkley Juke Key Features
• Sizes: 85MM | 3.75 IN • 100MM | 4 IN
• Weight: 3/8 ounce | 11/16 ounce
• Hook Size: 85MM | #6 • 100MM | #4
• Dive depth: 3 to 6-foot
• Stainless steel hardware and 3X strong, anti-rust Fusion19 treble hooks
• Chip resistant paint finish
• Available in 14 colors: Black Gold • Black Silver • Blue Bullet • Chrome • Chrome/Chartreuse • Clown • HD Pilchard • Mangrove Minnow • Mullet • New Penny • Pearl White • Pink Silver • Red Head • Redfish
MSRP: $9.99
The world-class bait design engineers at Berkley developed the Berkley Cutter 90 Saltwater to imitate small baitfish found along coastal waters. The classic, proven jerk bait shape delivers an erratic rolling action and flash to deliver results in any fishing region. With a shallow pitched bill for targeting fish higher in the water column, the Cutter 90 is up for the challenge and is sized perfectly for various inshore applications.
Berkley Cutter 90 Saltwater Key Features:
• Size: 90MM | 3.5IN
• Weight: 1/2 OZ
• Dive Depth: 3 to 5-foot
• Hook Size: 90MM | #6
• Suspending jerk bait with long-distance castability
• Versatile – twitch, jerk, pause, rip, burn and standard retrieves
• Sticky sharp 3X Anti-Rust Fusion19™ treble hooks
• Available in 14 colors: Black Gold • Black Silver • Blue Bullet • Chrome • Chrome/Chartreuse • Clown • HD Pilchard • Mangrove Minnow • Mullet • New Penny • Pearl White • Pink Silver • Red Head • Redfish
MSRP $9.99
The distinctive design of the Berkley Stick Shadd™ Saltwater features an innovative keel design that creates an erratic action that makes the lure dart, jerk and walk, mimicking a variety of saltwater forage fish. Formerly part of the Sebile brand, the newly refreshed Berkley Stick Shadd now features new colors and textured cosmetics creating a premium look with the same iconic baitfish shape and attributes. It’s a versatile lure sized perfectly for inshore applications in 90 and 14 sizes and eight colorways.
Berkley Stick Shadd Saltwater Key Features:
• Size: 90MM | 3.5 IN, 114 MM | 4.5 IN
• Weight: 90FL 13/32 OZ | 90SU 1/2 OZ, 114FL 1 OZ | 114SU 1 1/3 OZ
• Dive Depth: 3 to 5-foot
• Hook Size: 90MM | #4, 114 MM | #1
• Twitch bait available in floating and suspending buoyancies
• Targeting suspended and shallow fish
• Sticky sharp 3X Anti-Rust Fusion19™ treble hooks
• Available in 8 colors: Black Gold • Black Silver • Blue Bullet • Chrome • Chrome/Chartreuse • HD Pilchard • Mangrove Minnow • Ghostscent
MSRP: $9.99
The Berkley Hit Stick Saltwater is a classically proven jerk bait shape that provides flash and rolling action to elicit aggressive strikes for inshore species. It delivers balsa-like action with super-durable plastic construction that casts and feels like plastic. The tight tail wiggle with a big rolling action mimics wounded prey, while the built-in FlashDisc™ helps balance the bait for optimal tracking for suspended and shallow fish. The Berkley Hit Stick includes a high-pitch rattle that attracts fish from a distance making it optimal for inshore situations. It’s designed to be fished at any speed and is available in two different sizes with 14 colorway selections.
Berkley Hit Stick Key Features:
• Size: 95MM | 3 3/4IN 120MM | 4 3/4IN
• Weight: 3/8 OZ | 1/2 OZ
• Dive Depth: 3 to 5-foot
• Hook Size: 95MM | #2, 120MM | #1
• Ample flash and a rolling action fishes well at any speed and with a variety of techniques
• Sticky sharp 3X Anti-Rust Fusion19™ treble hooks
• Available in 14 colors: Black Gold • Black Silver • Blue Bullet • Chrome • Chrome/Chartreuse • Clown • HD Pilchard • Mangrove Minnow • Mullet • New Penny • Pearl White • Pink Silver • Red Head • Redfish
MSRP: $9.99
The Berkley Cane Walker Saltwater 110 compact topwater lure provides extreme surface disturbance and a lively side-to-side walking action that generates vicious strikes while its cupped face makes it extremely effective as a popping style bait. It features a heavy tail weight for increased casting distance, while the aggressive sound chamber and rattles attract fish from long distances. It’s sized perfectly for inshore application, and the 10 colors perfectly emulate a variety of saltwater and freshwater baitfish.
Berkley Cane Walker Saltwater Key Features:
• Size: 110MM | 4.3IN
• Weight: 3/4 OZ
• Hook Size: #6
• Water Column: Topwater
• Cupped face for topwater popping action and weighted tail for tantalizing side-to-side walking action
• Aggressive sound and rattles for added attraction
• Sticky sharp 3X Anti-Rust Fusion19™ treble hooks
• Available in 10 Colors: Black Chrome • Black Gold • Blue Bullet • Bone • HD Pilchard • HD Pinfish • Mangrove Minnow • Mullet • Pinky • Red Head
MSRP $9.99
Berkley’s expanded hard bait lineup will be available September 2022.
New 'Jack' City
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St. Lawrence River Named 2022’s Best Bass Fishery By Bassmaster Magazine
Bassmaster Magazine has released its rankings for the 100 Best Bass Lakes of 2022 and New York's St. Lawrence River has once more been named the No. 1 fishery in the country.
Photo by Shane Durrance/B.A.S.S.
September 8, 2022
St. Lawrence River Named 2022’s Best Bass Fishery By Bassmaster Magazine
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Like the waters anglers love, the rankings of America’s best bass fisheries can surge or ebb, and this year’s Bassmaster Magazine 100 Best Bass Lakes list is a true reflection of those fluctuations. Anglers eager to do battle with giant smallmouth can head north to the 1000 Islands region of the St. Lawrence River, which has once more topped Bassmaster’s list as the country’s best bass fishery. The St. Lawrence last held the No. 1 position in 2019.
“We are always a little surprised when going through the data how many fisheries make the rankings and then fall off, as well as by those lakes that just always make the list,” explained Bassmaster
Magazine Editor-in-Chief James Hall. “Creating the rankings takes more than two months as we dig through current tournament data as well as state fishery information on stocking efforts, catch rates and angler access.
“While the fisheries may change, our goal is to point anglers toward the most productive waters so that your time is spent with rod bent. These rankings provide a bucket list of destinations for anglers.”
Spectacular scenery and feisty smallmouth meet on the 50-mile stretch of the St. Lawrence River known as the 1000 Islands. History was made on the clear waters of this seaway straddling the U.S-Canadian border during the Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite out of Clayton, N.Y., this summer. The fireworks started on Day 1 when every angler weighed in a limit and the average weight was 20.9 pounds. After four days, two anglers — Jay Przekurat and Cory Johnston — topped the 100-pound mark with solely smallmouth, a first-ever feat for the Elite Series.
Things really are bigger in Texas and that includes the bass coming out of O.H. Ivie Lake. This reservoir has stolen the spotlight over the last two years, producing an eye-popping 24 Legacy ShareLunker bass — a designation for fish weighing more than 13 pounds.
Most commonly known as the California Delta, the No. 3 spot goes to the massive Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, a tidal fishery renowned for producing some of the biggest bass in the country over the past decade. Despite the record drought across the West, in the short term at least, reduced outflows through the Delta’s rivers, tule-lined sloughs and vegetation-filled flooded islands are having a positive impact on the largemouth community thanks to an increase in vegetation and prey.
The rankings identify the top lakes in the nation based on head-to-head comparisons, as well as the Top 25 lakes in four geographical regions — Central, Western, Southeastern and Northeastern.
“We divide the nation into four regions and rank the lakes in each region to give anglers perspective on the fisheries they can most likely reach,” Hall explained.
As for bragging rights on which state has the most fisheries in the Top 100 rankings, that title goes to Texas with a whopping 11 lakes. Right behind the Lone Star State is California with eight fisheries on the list, followed by Florida (seven) and New York and Michigan, which each placed with six lakes on the list.
Bassmaster Magazine’s 100 Best Bass Lakes of 2022
Top 10
1 St. Lawrence River (1000 Islands), New York
2 O.H. Ivie Lake, Texas
3 Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California
4 Lake St. Clair, Michigan
5 Fellsmere Reservoir/Stick Marsh/Kenansville Lake, Florida
6 Clear Lake, California
7 Lake Fork, Texas
8 Lake Erie/Upper Niagara River, New York
9 Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Texas
10 Santee Cooper Lakes (Marion/Moultrie), South Carolina
Truman Lake Set to Host Final Event for Toyota Series Plains Division
WARSAW, Mo. (Sept. 7, 2022) – The Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. Plains Division Presented by Outlaw Ordnance will continue its 2022 season next week in Warsaw, Missouri, Sept. 15-17, with the Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. at Truman Lake. Hosted by the Sedalia Convention and Visitors Bureau and Benton County Tourism and Recreation, the three-day tournament is the third and final event of the season for the Toyota Series Plains Division anglers and will feature the region’s best bass-fishing pros and Strike King co-anglers casting for a top prize of up to $75,000.
“It’s an exciting time in Sedalia leading up to the MLF Toyota Series tournament on Truman Lake in Benton County,” said Kyle Herrick, President of Sedalia Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Only a short drive from Truman Lake, anglers and fans will find a surprising array of amenities in Sedalia – from our user-friendly hotel accommodations to over 80 restaurants – which are sure to add pleasure to the sportsman’s adventure. We are thrilled to welcome the 2022 Toyota Series anglers to our community.”
Anglers will take off daily at 7 a.m. CT from Sterett Creek Resort and Marina located at 18174 Marina Road in Warsaw. Weigh-ins will also be held at the marina and will begin at 3 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend the event or follow the action online through the “MLF Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
"We are very excited to partner with the Sedalia Convention and Visitors Bureau and welcome anglers competing in the MLF Toyota Series tournament to Truman Lake and Benton County, Missouri,” said Lynette Stokes, Director of Benton County Tourism. “We look forward to showcasing Truman Lake – one of Benton County's many assets – and are certain anglers and fans alike will enjoy their stay. On behalf of Warsaw, Benton County Tourism and Sterett Creek Marina and Resort, we wish each participating angler the best of luck.”
Pro Casey Scanlon of Eldon, Missouri said he grew up “cutting his teeth” on the predominantly shallow fishery and is looking forward to getting back out on the water to relive a few memories and hopefully catch a bunch of fish.
“I grew up traveling from Kansas City to fish tournaments on Truman Lake, so I’m excited for the opportunity to fish a bigger tournament on the lake,” Scanlon said. “Fishing in September is typically tough across the country, and there’s been quite a bit of tournament pressure over the past month or two, but it’s a great lake and should make for a fun event.”
Scanlon said there may be some areas that are overlooked by other anglers based on how expansive the fishery is and how hard it can be to navigate – an aspect that should give him a slight advantage due to his experience on the lake.
“There’s a lot of standing timber and rock cover, with large shallow-water expansive flats, so it can be a bit treacherous,” Scanlon said. “There aren’t many clearly marked boat lanes, so guys are going to have to run through the timber and creek channels.”
Scanlon said he predicts it will take 46 to 47 pounds to win the three-day tournament and expects to see quite a few five-bass limits throughout the event.
“The fishing will vary based on the conditions, but there have been several 6- and 7-pounders weighed in at tournaments lately, so I expect to see a few big fish at the weigh-in,” Scanlon continued. “There’s a lot of untapped water on the fishery and there will probably be many anglers that are new to the reservoir, so a variety of techniques will come into play.
“I expect to see guys fishing ultra-shallow with Trophy Bass Company Spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, jigs and various topwater and soft plastic baits, as well as some off-shore fishing with jigs, shaky head rigs and crankbaits.”
In Toyota Series regular-season competition, payouts are based on the number of participants competing in the event, scaling up for every 20 boats over 160 and scaling down for every boat below 160. With a 160-boat field, pros fish for a top prize of $40,000, plus an extra $35,000 if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard (valued at $33,500). With a 260-boat field, pros fish for a top award of $65,000, plus an extra $35,000 if Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard (valued at $33,500) plus $5,000 cash.
The 2022 Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. consists of six divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern, Southwestern and Western – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the six divisions and finish in the top 25 – or the top 12 from the Wild Card division – will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 cash. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard. The 2022 Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. Championship will be held Nov. 3-5 on Lake Guntersville in Guntersville, Alabama, and is hosted by Marshall County Tourism and Sports.
Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. include: 4WP, 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, AFTCO, A.R.E. Truck Caps, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, Gary Yamamoto Baits, General Tire, Lew’s, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Outlaw Ordinance, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Wiley X and YETI.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF Toyota Series on the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube .
Footballing at an Elite Level
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Northland teams with Gamakatsu to create the ultra-sharp Elite Series Finesse Football Jig for building combos or pairing with Ned-sized plastics. |
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BEMIDJI, Minn. (September 7, 2022) – Whether you’re on a natural lake, river, or reservoir, it’s common knowledge that rock, gravel, wood, and hard-bottom areas attract both brown and green bass in numbers and size. But to fish these areas takes just the right presentation. One of the top ways to snatch fish off ledges, rubble and craggy spots? Football head jigs, historically a big fish catcher on the pro tours and a go-to in boats of everyday anglers, especially early and late in the season and anytime on deep, clear bodies of water. The football head design deflects and works better over rocks than standard round heads – that’s a fact. Big down south and both coasts, Midwesterners are catching on, too. |
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Elite Series Finesse Football Jig (BLACK & BLUE) |
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The only problem with traditional football jigs is they’re a bit on the power side and typically feature a large profile. You can downsize in some brands to ¼- and 3/8-ounce, but few offer a simple, undressed football head in sizes you need to bring the bait into the finesse fishing realm—we’re talking 3/16-, ¼-, 5/16-, and 3/8-ounce. Enter Northland, who is proud to introduce the Elite Series Finesse Football Jig in these sizes—even the in-betweeners—with a thin but tough and razor-sharp 1/0 Gamakatsu hook. The perfect size for smaller finesse soft plastics like your Ned-style baits and smaller creatures, the Finesse Football Jig can also be dressed in a skirt of your choosing and a trailer. Anglers can also pair with smaller swimbaits for a whole new presentation look and feel. The options are endless. Available in Black, Green Pumpkin, Rusty Crawdad, and Black & Blue, there’s a color for every situation and to match the bait of your choosing. Sold three per card, they retail for $5.99. That’s two bucks a jig—and worth it. |
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Well-known for his guiding on big smallmouth factory Lake Mille Lacs, Northland Pro Brad Hawthorne has become a huge fan of the new Elite Series Finesse Football Jig since he started testing it last year. Hawthorne explains, “Last year, I received about 20 samples, and it was game on from the get-go. For me, it’s a great finesse option. And I know that sounds strange saying football head jig and finesse, but it’s effective. The hook is beautiful. The largemouth guys may balk at the thin wire but it’s a Gamakatsu, so it’s strong and consistent, won’t break or straighten, and features the sharpest point in the hook market. I run the Finesse Football Jig completely inside of smaller 2-1/2-inch or 3-inch tubes, so when you’re bouncing them off the bottom, they go left and right and kind of wobble all over the place. The other thing I like is the Finesse Football Jig has a great wire hook keeper and molded-in ring to keep plastics right where they should be. When you thread plastics on, they just stay put.” Hawthorne continues: “I also use the Finesse Football Jig with a plain, black curly-tail, which is old school. It sounds kind of crazy, but you put a plain black curly-tail on a black Elite Series Football Head Jig and bounce it off the bottom, and the bite is on. Smallies smack them! I’ve also thrown smaller creatures on them, Ned-style jig worms, and occasionally, a swimbait. You drop the swimbait to the bottom, pull it up, and keep bouncing it. It’s a productive alternative to the typical swimbait presentation.” |
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BLACK |
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GREEN PUMPKIN |
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RUSTY CRAW |
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On Mille Lacs, Hawthorne will vary his football size depending on depth, switching from ¼- to 5/16- to 3/8-ounce. He typically dresses the jig with a subtle plastic. “If I’m working the bottom and the smallies are keying in on it, I’ll run a crawfish imitation and tick it along the bottom and then let it sit. Rinse and repeat and try to imitate how a crawfish behaves on the bottom looking for a hole in the rocks to hide.” For the most part, Hawthorne is throwing the 3/16- to 5/16-ounce size Elite Series Football Head Jig on spinning gear. Later in the fall as he progresses deeper and uses the 3/8-ouncer, he’ll switch to a baitcaster setup. “On my standard spinning setup, I use 3- to 4-feet of 8- or 10-pound fluorocarbon leader, 10-pound braid mainline, a 7-foot rod with extra-fast tip and solid backbone, and a 3000 size reel for longer casts with the bigger spool. Sometimes in clearer waters, distance casting is key.” |
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Beta-testing the new Elite Series Football Head Jigs on smallies, success was found fishing the bait dressed in a green pumpkin skirt and blue craw trailer. Working rock spines that topped out to 2- or 3-feet on the top and leveled out to 8-feet on the sides, long casts were made with the boat on Spot-Lock and the bait worked down the ledges. Both shallow and deeper fish were caught as the football head was fished with slow, short hops and drags down the rock edges. To switch things up, the football head was also fished skirtless with a 4-inch Ned-style worm—also in green pumpkin—and the bite continued. “The thing that impressed me the most was the hook-up ratio,” said Traditions Media’s Jim Edlund, who also tested the Elite Series Football Head Jig. “Even through the fluff of the skirt and the trailer the hook penetrated nicely with its thin wire and sharp point. The hook practically sets itself.” Looking for a new way to catch finicky brown and green bass? Look no further than the Elite Series Football Head Jig from Northland. It just flat-out catches fish no matter how you dress it up… Available early 2023. |
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Top 8 College Anglers Battle For Classic Berth At Bassmaster College Bracket Challenge
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Eight of the country’s best college anglers will launch on Lake Greenwood from Greenwood, S.C., Sept. 30-Oct. 3 during the Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Lew's, fishing for a berth in the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic.
The 2022 Bassmaster College Team of the Year — UNC Charlotte's Louis Monetti and Michael Fugaro — automatically punched their ticket to the College Classic Bracket to compete alongside the Top 3 teams from last week’s Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops in this individual, elimination-style tournament.
“(Winning Team of the Year) is pretty amazing. This is something we set out for at the beginning of the year, and it is something special,” Monetti said. “Just consistency and a lot of hard work. We tried to go out every week trying to outwork the field. There were no special tricks or anything like that, just a lot of hours on the water.”
Joining Monetti and Fugaro will be National champions Andrew Vereen and Connor Cartmell from Coastal Carolina University, former Bassmaster High School All-American Jackson Swisher and Seth Slanker from Florida Gateway College and Tyler Christy and Trey Schroeder from McKendree University in Illinois. Christy also qualified for the 2019 College Classic Bracket, won by then-Bethel University student Cody Huff, who just finished a solid rookie season on the Bassmaster Elite Series.
“Just the thought of another opportunity to get back there knowing how much I have grown as an angler in four years is something I have wanted since I made it the first time,” said Christy. “I know I am so much better now, and now I get one more shot to complete my dream.”
On Day 1 of the event all eight anglers will compete individually to determine seeding and set the bracket for head-to-head competition. Morning action on Days 2 and 3, the first two elimination days in the tournament, will be broadcast on FS1 beginning at 7 a.m. CT. For full coverage of the tournament, visit Bassmaster.com.
In addition to a spot in the Bassmaster Classic, the College Classic Bracket champion will also earn paid entry into the 2023 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by Mossy Oak Fishing and the use of a Toyota Tundra and a Nitro Boat.
The 2022 College Classic Bracket is being hosted by Discover Greenwood, S.C.
If you Don't Like Smallmouth, Don't Listen to this Podcast.......
This week the circus is back and all together as they welcome in The National Professional Fishing League's most recent winner from Sandusky Bay, Scott Siller. Scott is a former Milwaukee Police Officer who retired and moved to Florida. Catch the 411 and more on his win. Chris & The boys also talk Fully Loaded U-Pick-Em's, Bassmaster Opens and more!
Marathon Man Raises Awareness, Funds and Fun
Canton, Illinois – Fishing’s Marathon Man, Jeff Kolodzinski, is back for the annual event that raises much needed funds for the Fishing For Life Next Gen Program, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on serving children of military families—especially those families that have lost a loved one during active military service—and single-parent households.
The Marathon Man event is a fishing endurance test in which Kolo (as his friends call him) attempts to break his own world record for number of fish caught in 24 hours. Last year he exceeded his goal of 2,977 (the number of persons killed by 9/11 terrorists in 2001) and set a new world standard with 3,186.
This year, the seemingly unattainable goal is 4,000 fish in 24 hours, nearly double the total Kolo had in 2010 when he first established the world record.
The numbers are important for a couple of reasons. First, we should never forget the lives lost on 9/11. Second, some generous individuals and companies will base their tax-deductible donation on the number of fish Kolo catches—a dollar, a quarter, a dime, or even a penny per fish will help.
How will he do it?
“I fish the same way most new anglers do—right from the bank, using the same kind of tackle. I’ll have a simple pole, a float, and live bait. I wat to show anglers—especially new anglers—that you can catch a ton of fish on simple and affordable tackle. The tackle I’ll use costs under $25, so anyone can do this.”
Why does he do it?
“I’ve always had a special place in my heart for the military,” he says, “even though I’ve never formally served. This is my way materially support those who are serving us.
“I also believe that fishing heals and brings people together and closer to nature. If I can show some people what fishing has to offer and they follow up and get involved, we all benefit.”
Where will he do it?
Giant Goose Ranch is a family-focused campground with 45 lakes for fishing, along with a host of other outdoor activities. The owners and operators at Giant Goose Ranch have been perennial supporters of Marathon Man in a great many ways, including providing the venue and backdrop for fishing’s greatest feel-good event. https://www.giantgooseranch.com/
How can you get involved?
Marathon Man will take place from 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 9 to 10:00 a.m. on Saturday September 10. The event will be livestreamed at marathonmanfishing.com. Visit the site to make a donation, offer support, and follow Kolo’s progress.
A special thanks to the supporters of Marathon Man: AFTCO, Black Rifle Coffee, Engel Coolers, Giant Goose Ranch, Fishing Tackle Retailer, Lindy/Thill, Mr. Crappie, St. Croix Rods, Sufix, VMC, Zebco … and hopefully you.
Palaniuk’s Sentimental Appreciation of Yamaha
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
Brandon Palaniuk’s words after receiving a $15,000 Power Pay bonus check from Yamaha for winning the Bassmaster® Angler of the Year title were refreshingly genuine, and he got emotional when asked what his longtime relationship with Yamaha meant to him.
“I could talk for an hour about what Yamaha means to me. It’s the only outboard engine I’ve ever run. In fact, the very first time I was ever in a bass boat, it was a friend’s Skeeter 195 powered by a 200-horsepower Yamaha,” reflected the now two-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year.
Known for pushing every competition day to the final seconds, the former Idaho high school wrestling champion went on to say there’s no way he could fish until the last minute and make the afternoon’s tournament check-in time without knowing his 250-horsepower V6 V MAX SHO® would get him back on time every time.
“I always make it within seconds of my required check-in time, and you only do that if you know you’re running equipment you can absolutely count on,” insists Palaniuk.
Not only can anglers count on reliable Yamaha power, they can also count on Yamaha’s Power Pay bonuses. And the best part is they don’t have to beat top Yamaha pros like Brandon Palaniuk, Patrick Walters or Chris Zaldain to cash in for placing in tournaments.
There are plenty of Power Pay offerings for amateur and semi-pro level competitors with sanctioned tournaments spanning the bass, walleye and saltwater segments, including high school and college competitions.
It’s free to register and anglers don’t have to place first tournament to cash-in on the Power Pay money. To learn more, please visit https://yamahapowerpay.com/.
The Berkley Slobberknocker Wins the First Anglers’ Choice Award
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Ever Green Pencil Lures Draw New Colors
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With six additional colors, these topwaters speak softly but spark big strikes. |
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Cypress, CA (September 6, 2022) – Sometimes you want a lot of splash, noise and frenzy on the surface. Sometimes you don’t. It’s the later scenario where Ever Green's JT-95 and JT-115 excel. Silent pencil baits that cast a mile, call in bass with a quick walk-the-dog retrieve, and stick just about any fish that comes near their hooks, this topwater duo have earned their place in the arsenals of bass fishing sharpies the world over. Now Daiwa is sweetening the pot by adding six new color patterns to further increase the versatility of this popular topwater line, no matter how shallow, deep or heavily pressured the fish. Already available in two proven, scaled patterns including Blue Back Herring, Bone, you can now add Clear, Full Metal, Flask Wakasagi, Magic Gill, Ice Fish, Flash Clear Shad, and Ghost Olive Shad to the mix to match almost any combination of bait, weather conditions or water clarity you encounter. |
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CLEAR |
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FULL METAL |
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FLASH WAKASAGI |
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GHOST OLIVE SHAD |
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ICE FISH |
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MAGIC GILL |
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If you’ve never given these awesome pencil lures a try, you’ve been missing out. With slim, compact body designs, excellent castability and a natural non-rattling finish, they silently coax both smallmouth and largemouth bass into powerful strikes, even in clear water. With their comparatively short bodies, the JT’s are perfect for quick walk-the-dog retrieves that mimic the panic of distressed baitfish. At 3.75 inches, the JT-95 is a great choice for bronzebacks while the 4.5-inch JT-115 is the right size to turn the head of any largemouth – hawgs included. Running slightly heavier than pencil baits of similar lengths – the JT-95 weighs 3/8-ounces while the JT-115 checks in at 11/16-ounces – these lures defeat the problem of hooks being raised out of the water on the retrieve, or the body being splashed aside during aggressive surface smacks. You’ll notice the higher hook-up ratios, and superb balance provides both models with water-grabbing action that lends itself to natural splashes, bubbles, and lifelike sounds. Both lures withstand fierce hits and sink their points into less energetic takers as well. Just in time for spectacular fall surface action, all six new colors for the JT-95 and JT-115 pencil lures are now available. MSRP: $16.99 / $18.99. |
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Coastal Carolina Claims Bassmaster College National Championship On Home Waters
Andrew Vereen and Connor Cartmell of Coastal Carolina University have won the 2022 Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship on Winyah Bay presented by Bass Pro Shops with a three-day total of 40 pounds, 2 ounces.
Photo by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S.
September 4, 2022
GEORGETOWN, S.C. — When it was announced the Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops would be held on Winyah Bay, Murrells Inlet native Andrew Vereen and his Coastal Carolina partner Connor Cartmell knew they had to qualify for the prestigious tournament.
With a three-day total of 40 pounds, 2 ounces, Vereen and Cartmell made their goal a reality and earned the National Championship victory on home waters. They hoisted their trophies in front of a raucous crowd filled with hundreds of their supporters in downtown Georgetown, just a few miles from where Vereen grew up, as well as the school they attend.
“When I was 14, I remember watching it on TV and thinking it would be so cool to win that,” Vereen said. “We go to so many tournaments and see the trophies and only one team wins them. To win a National Championship feels like a million bucks.”
Not only did the Coastal Carolina duo win $5,000 and two Humminbird Helix 10 units, they also secured their spot in the College Classic Bracket. The Top 3 teams from the National Championship will compete in the Bracket with date and location to be announced soon.
“We have traveled so far to get to this point,” Cartmell said. “People thought we were crazy driving to Michigan, to Arkansas and even to Lake Norman. Driving all these miles. ‘Why are you spending so much money to go catch a bass?’ This is why.”
After landing in second after Day 1 with 14-6, Vereen and Cartmell took the lead on the second day with 15-1 before finishing the tournament with 10-11, enough to give them a 2-5 advantage over Jackson Swisher and Seth Slanker from Florida Gateway College.
After falling short at Saginaw Bay, Vereen and Cartmell qualified for the National Championship at the Wild Card event at Logan Martin in June with an eighth-place finish.
“When we qualified in Alabama it was the best drive home,” Vereen said. “All I have been thinking about is this tournament for the whole summer. I’ve been saving money so I can pay for gas and everything. For it to come together like it did, it is crazy.”
Vereen and Cartmell focused their efforts way up the Santee River, a very shallow part of the river with current that flows from the dam at Lake Marion that only got shallower as the tide receded. In that area, they targeted several types of wood cover, but mostly big laydowns that stuck out in the water.
“The bigger bites we had, the logs were probably 20 to 40 feet long and 3 to 5 feet wide. Some were in 3 feet of water, including our biggest fish, and some were in 6 or 7 feet of water. As long as we could see the logs, we were getting bit.”
Gizzard shad, current and a plethora of structure created the perfect ingredients for the CCU duo. Big topwater walking baits were the best producers, but they mixed in a popper, a prop bait and a jig as the tournament progressed.
“The fish had nowhere else to go,” Vereen explained. “Water flows down from Lake Marion and right now they aren’t turning water loose, which is good. It keeps it steady so the fish are willing to bite a little better. That river is full of nothing but rock, timber and wood when you get that far up and that is all we are fishing. The easiest thing to throw is a big topwater and sometimes they will flat out crush it.”
The biggest bass they saw all week, particularly Sunday, never bit.
“Three times today we had a small school follow a fish (we hooked) out,” Cartmell said. “He caught one that was pushing 2 pounds and there were four or five others with it that were over 5 or 6 pounds. You can see them roaming at times. Today I saw two over 8 pounds just cruising the bank.”
With bags of 11-15, 16-2 and 9-12, Swisher and Slanker finished with 37-13 total. While they may not have won the event, the Florida Gateway College team secured their ticket to the College Classic Bracket with their second-place finish.
“It is an amazing opportunity and another toward to going to the Bassmaster Classic,” Slanker said. “I have dreamed about that since I started bass fishing. I couldn’t be more thankful and blessed to be here.”
Last year, Swisher had an opportunity at qualifying for the Classic via an Opens win, but fell just short of that goal. Now, he will get a second chance.
“It is a supercool thing,” he said. “I was close last year and I blew my shot. It feels nice to get another shot at it. You don’t get this opportunity very often.”
Swisher and Slanker fished a specific creek in the Santee River that they shared with Hayden Gaddis and Ben Cully of Carson-Newman University, who finished sixth. Once they got there, they put the trolling motor on high and didn’t pick it up until they left for weigh-in.
With cypress trees and laydowns all around, a buzzbait and a Senko were their best producers.
“Today, Seth picked up a prop bait and gave us a 2-pounder in the last five casts which really made a big difference,” Swisher said.
Tyler Christy and Trey Schroeder from McKendree University were the only team in the Top 10 fishing the Sampit River and it paid off with a three-day total of 36-4 and a third-place finish.
They were one of the most consistent teams, landing 12-14 on Day 1, 12-0 on the second day and then 11-6 on Championship Sunday. Christy made the College Bracket his first season and now will get another opportunity.
“We have been in this situation before,” Christy said. “Just the thought of another opportunity to get back there knowing how much I have grown as an angler in four years is something I have wanted since I made it the first time. I know I am so much better now and now I get one more shot to complete my dream.”
Using a buzzbait and a shaky head, one pocket produced most of their bass this week.
“It was almost like trout fishing,” Schroeder said. “You would pull one off a little eddy and there would be another one there two minutes later. The biggest key was putting the trolling motor on 8 and getting into skinny water and making a few fish react.”
Solomon Glenn and Ryan Thomas from the University of Montevallo won the Big Bass of the Tournament with a 7-3 largemouth they caught on Day 2.
The Top 3 teams, as well as UNC Charlotte's Louis Monetti and Michael Fugaro via their Team of the Year title, will now set their sights on the College Classic Bracket. The March Madness-style tournament will give the winner an automatic berth into the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic scheduled for March 24-26 in Knoxville, Tenn., as well as paid entry into the 2023 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by Mossy Oak Fishing and the use of a Toyota Tundra and a Nitro Boat.
2022 Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship at Winyah Bay presented by Bass Pro Shops 9/2-9/4
Winyah Bay, Georgetown SC.
(BOATER) Standings Day 3
Angler Club/School Pts
1. Andrew Vereen - Connor Cartmell Coastal Carolina University 250
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 15-01 Day 3: 5 10-11 Total: 15 40-02
2. Jackson Swisher - Seth Slanker Florida Gateway College 249
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 16-02 Day 3: 5 09-12 Total: 15 37-13
3. Tyler Christy - Trey Schroeder McKendree University 248
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 12-00 Day 3: 5 11-06 Total: 15 36-04
4. Brooks Anderson - Parker Guy Emmanuel College 247
Day 1: 5 08-15 Day 2: 5 16-06 Day 3: 5 09-04 Total: 15 34-09
5. Conner Dimauro - Justin Botts Bryan College 246
Day 1: 5 08-02 Day 2: 5 15-09 Day 3: 5 10-08 Total: 15 34-03
6. Hayden Gaddis - Ben Cully Carson-Newman University 245
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 13-09 Day 3: 5 07-14 Total: 15 33-02
7. Jake Monti - Samuel Dunson UNC Charlotte 244
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 12-03 Day 3: 5 07-11 Total: 15 32-14
8. Tommy Sendek - Grayson Morris University of Montevallo 243
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 12-11 Day 3: 5 07-08 Total: 15 32-11
9. Matthew Cummings - Levi Mullins Bethel University 242
Day 1: 5 09-05 Day 2: 5 13-15 Day 3: 5 08-12 Total: 15 32-00
10. Connor Jacob - Sam Smith Auburn University 241
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 10-03 Day 3: 5 09-02 Total: 15 30-10
11. James Willoughby - Jacob Pfundt University of Montevallo 240
Day 1: 5 15-15 Day 2: 5 07-01 Day 3: 4 04-13 Total: 14 27-13
12. Owen Januszewski - Matt Mosby Adrian College 239
Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 5 12-03 Day 3: 1 01-10 Total: 11 23-14
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 101 558 961-03
2 84 498 874-07
3 10 55 98-15
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195 1111 1934-09
Scott Siller goes wire-to-wire to win on Sandusky Bay in record-breaking fashion
Story by Justin Brouillard | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons
Starting off with 26-pounds on day one and adding 20-pounds, 15-ounces on day two, Scott Siller seals his first NPFL victory on Lake Erie presented by Fishermans Central with 19-pounds, 9-ounces on the final day and a total weight of 66-pounds, 9-ounces.
“I caught a lot of fish today but it was tougher on me today as well. I was having a hard time with the wind and I could see them spook when the boat was crashing with SpotLock. I was waiting for the wind to die down and it just didn’t stop.”
To catch his fish, Siller would pitch over above the fish and slowly drift his bait through the rocky areas without spooking the fish and could get bit. Making a last-minute push to try and upgrade, with not much time left in the day, he moved to a nearby rock pile and could see fish around it.
“I pulled over and could see them on the edges and they would not bite. I finally casted on top of it and caught my biggest fish. Without that, I wouldn’t have got it done. I don’t even know what to say,” added Siller.
After leading a Bassmaster Open at Lake Champlain for two days a few years back, the memories still are on the top of his mind.
“I was thinking about Champlain last night and thinking man, I can’t close one of these out. I had a chance up there and didn’t get it done. It haunted me last night and it feels really good to close one out and get that off my mind,” Siller added.
Siller had a list of sponsors and a special shout out for the people who support and encourage him every year.
“A big thanks to Black Rifle Coffee obviously, Cashion Rods and Mercury Marine. I also want to thank T.C. for everything
Gary Adkins
A winner at Saginaw Bay in July, Gary Adkins began the day in the 2nd place spot with a two-day total of 41-pounds, 11-ounces. Adding 23-pounds, 9-ounces on day three, Adkins finished the event in the 2nd place spot and goes to the final stop in contention for the Progressive AOY race.
Taylor Watkins
Two-time NPFL champion Taylor Watkins finished in the 3rd place spot with a three-day total of 62-pounds, 13-ounces. Adding 23-pounds, 1-ounces on day three, Watkins worked an area over all three days to catch his fish and make a move up in the Progressive Angler of the Year race.
Before the tournament, he planned to sample Erie before possibly making the move to St. Clair on day two. Despite only four bass on day one, his two-day total of 39-pounds, 12-ounces was enough for him to commit to his area on Erie and for the most part, he had it to himself.
“I spent the whole event on that little area and this morning on angler moved in and caught a five pounder and a four pounder. Around noon another guy came in for a little while. I caught them the same way all three days and I couldn’t have done it without the clean install by Bass Boat Electronics.”
Without livescope, Watkins is sure he wouldn’t have caught half the fish he did, and he was casting a variety of baits around on a dropshot and moving around. A dead fish on the final day cost him some weight but overall, the Tennessee angler made a move in the Progressive AOY race with one event left in Florida.
Sheldon Collings
Adding 21-pounds, 14-ounces to his day one weight of 20-pounds, 8-ounces and day two weight of 18-pounds, 6-ounces, Sheldon Collings caught a three-day total of 60-pounds, 12-ounces to finish at Sandusky in the 4thplace spot.
Coming into the event, Collings knew what he needed to do and first thing on Sunday he caught a four pounder off a boulder and spent the rest of practice looking for similar things.
“I graphed around deeper than 30 foot and marked everything I found. I was fishing a Strike King Z2 on a dropshot and looking at them on Livescope,” said Collings. “I have never done good on smallmouth and to come here and do better than I thought and get a top five feels great.
Dan Blackert
Dan Blackert finished in the 5th place spot with a three-day total of 60-pounds, 4-ounces and added 20-pounds, 12-ounces on day three to wrap up a solid showing on his home waters.
“That second day with only four fish hurt me this week but overall, I had a great time. I want to thank Waikem Auto Family, AFTCO, Big Bite Baits and of course Fishermans Central.”
Trent Palmer
With his biggest bag of the week on day three, Trent Palmer added 20-pounds, 15-ounces to his weight to finish the event in the 6th place spot with a three-day total of 59-pounds, 3-ounces.
Rest of the Best:
Louis Fernandes 58-14
Taylor Umland 58-8
Justin Kimmel 57-4
Patrick Walters 56-9
Local Knowledge Helps Coastal Carolina Take The Lead In Bassmaster College National Championship
Andrew Vereen and Connor Cartmell of the Coastal Carolina University are leading after Day 2 of the 2022 Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship on Winyah Bay presented by Bass Pro Shops with a two-day total of 29 pounds, 7 ounces.
Photo by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S.
September 3, 2022
Local Knowledge Helps Coastal Carolina Take The Lead In Bassmaster College National Championship
GEORGETOWN, S.C. — When Andrew Vereen and Connor Cartmell walked on stage on Day 2 of the Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops, they were met with a cheering section so loud it echoed throughout Front Street in downtown Georgetown.
Vereen and Cartmell rewarded their family, friends and supporters with a 15-pound, 1-ounce bag of largemouth that lifted the Coastal Carolina University duo to the lead with a two-day total of 29-7. Entering the day in second with 14-6, Vereen and Cartmell now hold a 1-6 advantage over Jackson Swisher and Seth Slanker from Florida Gateway College.
“It feels good to have a crowd that knows who we are and is rooting for us,” Vereen said.
Vereen grew up just up the road from Georgetown in Murrells Inlet and has fished the Winyah Bay system his entire life. But he recognized that home-field advantage only does so much when so many quality anglers are in town.
“The local advantage is there for knowing the area better than others,” Vereen said. “As far as fishing goes, you have to put your head down and fish. Any of these boys can catch them. They are all good fishermen. But we do have an advantage in the fact I know how to get around.”
That navigation advantage has played a huge role so far, as they are getting back into tight areas on low tide in the Santee River. They were faced with the same tide situation as Day 1, which makes for an interesting run in the morning.
“We pretty much had the same tide we had yesterday but today it fell out a little lower,” Vereen said. “We have a sketchy run getting to where we are going. I’m a little nervous. If we get up there we are good, but if we take a lower unit off we will be (in trouble).”
While they had their limit by 11:30 a.m. Friday, it was the total opposite on Day 2. They got their biggest bite of the day early in the morning, but that fish never made it in the boat. After that, they adjusted to the conditions and recovered from their early-morning stumble.
“First thing this morning was a struggle. We lost one that was over 6 pounds, maybe 7,” Cartmell said. “We put one in the boat that was 12 inches and we started catching more fish and went from there after 11:30. We filled out a limit around 1 p.m. It was the complete opposite of yesterday because we didn’t catch one after 11 yesterday.”
One bait did the job on the first day in one stretch of the river, but Saturday the CCU duo threw a rotation of baits that included a shaky head and a big topwater bait. Clouds and a little bit of rain moved through the area as well, which Cartmell believes helped the cause.
“Yesterday it was one stretch. Today we caught two or three fish off of it and on the way back we junk fished,” Cartmell added. “We fished what looked good and laydowns that were off the bank 40 or 50 yards. You can barely see them sticking out of the water or submerged in the water.
“We Power-Pole down or Spot-Lock down and throw over it and work that sucker as slow as we can. Let it sit and that's when they eat it.”
Winning on his home waters would mean the world to Vereen, but he said they will need their area to reload a little bit.
“It would mean the world. All I want is that trophy,” he said. “I am nervous for tomorrow. We are kind of running out of fish. We are going to have to grind to get five of the right fish. All we can do is go fishing.”
Swisher and Slanker have used their history on the St. Johns River in Florida this week, catching 11-15 on Day 1 and 16-2 Saturday to climb into second place with a two-day total of 28-1.
“We know how to run the tide,” Swisher said. “I haven’t seen it act how it has acted the last couple days. I don’t know if it is because of the wind or what it is, but we haven’t had a slack tide. It is falling and then all of sudden it will rise. Back home, there is a solid 45 minutes of dead time.”
After a quick start to the morning, Swisher and Slanker suffered a lull before getting back on track.
“We had a 3-pounder as our first fish and then a 2 1/2 and then we went through a slow spell where we only caught some shorts,” Swisher said. “About 10 a.m., we started wearing them out and then in the last 20 minutes I caught a 4 1/2-pounder and that put us where we needed to be.”
The Florida anglers have found several areas of river that are largely untouched by the competition, areas they say most anglers wouldn’t take their boats. Having unpressured fish has been a huge part of their success this week.
Slanker said they ran the same program as they did Friday. But before the big bass today, they hadn’t had a true big bite this week. A buzzbait and a Senko have been their two key baits this week and he is hoping Sunday they will get another big bite that will lift them to victory.
Brooks Anderson and Parker Guy of Emmanuel College are in third with a two-day total 25-5, thanks mostly to their 16-6 Day 2 performance. After attempting their first-day pattern to start the morning, the duo received one key bite mid-morning that keyed them in.
“It really turned our day around,” Anderson said. “It clued us into what we needed to do. From there we put three really good fish in the boat. We had a couple more opportunities but we are hopeful for tomorrow.”
Solomon Glenn and Ryan Thomas from the University of Montevallo claimed the Big Bass of the Tournament with a 7-3 largemouth that anchored the Big Bag of the Tournament at 16-14.
The Top 12 anglers will return to Winyah Bay Sunday to compete for the National Championship title as well as a spot in the College Classic Bracket. Takeoff will begin at 6:30 a.m. ET from Carroll A. Campbell Marine Complex and weigh-in will begin around 2:30 p.m. in downtown Georgetown. Weigh-in coverage will be carried on Bassmaster.com.
The Top 3 teams will join the Bassmaster College Team of the Year to qualify for the Bracket and a chance to compete in the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville.
2022 Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship at Winyah Bay presented by Bass Pro Shops 9/2-9/4
Winyah Bay, Georgetown SC.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Club/School Pts
1. Andrew Vereen - Connor Cartmell Coastal Carolina University 250
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 15-01 Total: 10 29-07
2. Jackson Swisher - Seth Slanker Florida Gateway College 249
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 16-02 Total: 10 28-01
3. Brooks Anderson - Parker Guy Emmanuel College 248
Day 1: 5 08-15 Day 2: 5 16-06 Total: 10 25-05
4. Hayden Gaddis - Ben Cully Carson-Newman University 247
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 13-09 Total: 10 25-04
5. Jake Monti - Samuel Dunson UNC Charlotte 246
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 12-03 Total: 10 25-03
6. Tommy Sendek - Grayson Morris University of Montevallo 245
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 12-11 Total: 10 25-03
7. Tyler Christy - Trey Schroeder McKendree University 244
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 12-00 Total: 10 24-14
8. Conner Dimauro - Justin Botts Bryan College 243
Day 1: 5 08-02 Day 2: 5 15-09 Total: 10 23-11
9. Matthew Cummings - Levi Mullins Bethel University 242
Day 1: 5 09-05 Day 2: 5 13-15 Total: 10 23-04
10. James Willoughby - Jacob Pfundt University of Montevallo 241
Day 1: 5 15-15 Day 2: 5 07-01 Total: 10 23-00
11. Owen Januszewski - Matt Mosby Adrian College 240
Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 5 12-03 Total: 10 22-04
12. Connor Jacob - Sam Smith Auburn University 239
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 10-03 Total: 10 21-08
13. Adrian Urso - Corbin Templon Murray State University 238
Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 5 10-11 Total: 10 21-02
14. Solomon Glenn - Ryan Thomas University of Montervallo 237
Day 1: 3 03-14 Day 2: 5 16-14 Total: 8 20-12
15. Ryan Franks - Jason Reding Kent State University 236
Day 1: 5 11-12 Day 2: 5 09-00 Total: 10 20-12
16. Brayden Mercer - Corey Morris East Texas Baptist University 235
Day 1: 5 07-03 Day 2: 5 13-08 Total: 10 20-11
17. Zack Barrera - Bryson Osteen Florida Gateway College 234
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 08-13 Total: 10 20-11
18. Peyton Harris - Dalton Head University of Montevallo 233
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 10-12 Total: 10 20-09
19. Tyler Cory - Scott Sledge University of Montevallo 232
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 10-11 Total: 10 20-08
20. Kaden Proffitt - Cason Ragsdale East Texas Baptist University 231
Day 1: 5 07-03 Day 2: 5 13-04 Total: 10 20-07
21. Chase Sansom - Tyler Drown Marshall University 230
Day 1: 5 06-04 Day 2: 5 13-14 Total: 10 20-02
22. Luke Morgan - Kyle Knoll Southern Union State Community C 229
Day 1: 5 06-15 Day 2: 5 12-11 Total: 10 19-10
23. Victor Alford - Logan East Bryan College 228
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 5 09-05 Total: 10 19-08
24. Chase Hubble - Brent May Florida Gateway College 227
Day 1: 5 09-09 Day 2: 5 09-15 Total: 10 19-08
25. Conner Giles - Christian Wright Bryan College 226
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 08-02 Total: 10 19-05
26. Cole Lamb - Tristan Weaver Arkansas Tech University 225
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 05-11 Total: 10 19-04
27. Hunter Baird - Cole Breeden Drury University 224
Day 1: 5 09-01 Day 2: 5 10-03 Total: 10 19-04
28. Drew Traffanstedt - Dakendrick Patterson University of Montevallo 223
Day 1: 5 09-14 Day 2: 5 09-02 Total: 10 19-00
29. Logan Parks - Tucker Smith Auburn University 222
Day 1: 5 07-11 Day 2: 5 11-02 Total: 10 18-13
30. Ryan Feehan - Spence Francis Virginia Tech University 221
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 5 08-06 Total: 10 18-12
31. Tyler Anderson - Britt Myers Lander University 220
Day 1: 5 08-14 Day 2: 5 09-11 Total: 10 18-09
32. Jackson Ebbers - Hunter Suchsland University of Nebraska-Lincoln 219
Day 1: 5 08-08 Day 2: 5 10-00 Total: 10 18-08
33. Avery Hammock - Garrett Smith Erskine College 218
Day 1: 5 09-07 Day 2: 5 08-13 Total: 10 18-04
34. Carson Maddux - Robert Cruvellier Auburn University 217
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 3 05-09 Total: 8 18-01
35. Michael Postlewait - Andrew Rickman Dallas Baptist University 216
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 5 08-14 Total: 10 18-01
36. Matthew Davis - Adrian College 215
Day 1: 5 09-09 Day 2: 5 08-04 Total: 10 17-13
37. Blake Richards - James Gillis Clarkson University 214
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 4 04-15 Total: 9 17-09
38. Jacob Welch - Lee Lambrecht Drury University 213
Day 1: 3 10-11 Day 2: 5 06-14 Total: 8 17-09
39. Parker Greer - Andrew Shadle Baylor University 212
Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 5 07-02 Total: 10 17-09
40. Will Harkins - Mitchell Grimsley Young Harris College 211
Day 1: 5 09-02 Day 2: 5 08-05 Total: 10 17-07
41. Lucas Smith - Dalton Mize Jacksonville State University 210
Day 1: 5 08-03 Day 2: 5 09-02 Total: 10 17-05
42. Tj Davis - Austin Callovini Greenville University 209
Day 1: 5 07-13 Day 2: 5 09-03 Total: 10 17-00
43. Brian Linder - Nathan Thompson Minnesota State - Mankato 208
Day 1: 5 09-06 Day 2: 5 07-09 Total: 10 16-15
44. Luke Glasgow - James Ikerd Mississippi State University 207
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 5 06-10 Total: 10 16-09
45. Lafe Messer - Matt Messer Kentucky Christian University 206
Day 1: 5 07-08 Day 2: 5 09-01 Total: 10 16-09
46. Jack Dice - Liberty University 205
Day 1: 5 08-04 Day 2: 5 08-04 Total: 10 16-08
47. Hunter MCClaskey - Landon Lawson King University 204
Day 1: 5 08-04 Day 2: 5 08-00 Total: 10 16-04
48. Braden Perry - Aidan England Carson-Newman University 203
Day 1: 5 09-02 Day 2: 5 06-15 Total: 10 16-01
49. Griffin Fernandes - Hayden Scott Adrian College 202
Day 1: 5 06-12 Day 2: 5 09-03 Total: 10 15-15
50. Hunter Keller - Wesley Smith Catawba Valley Community College 201
Day 1: 5 07-09 Day 2: 5 08-05 Total: 10 15-14
51. Easton Fothergill - Nick Dumke University of Montevallo 200
Day 1: 5 05-10 Day 2: 5 10-02 Total: 10 15-12
52. Jake Peck - Beau Browning Drury University 199
Day 1: 5 07-02 Day 2: 5 08-10 Total: 10 15-12
53. Brady Rufenacht - Nick Redlin University of Wisconsin- Plattev 198
Day 1: 5 08-13 Day 2: 5 06-14 Total: 10 15-11
54. Jeremy Dellinger - Adam Seagle Erskine College 197
Day 1: 5 07-06 Day 2: 5 08-05 Total: 10 15-11
55. Kyle Simmons - Brett Halstead Kansas State University 196
Day 1: 5 07-09 Day 2: 5 08-01 Total: 10 15-10
56. Matthew Zdrazil - Easton Lindus Emmanuel College 195
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 2 02-11 Total: 7 15-09
57. Wyatt Pearman - Dustin Bauer Campbellsville University 194
Day 1: 5 09-10 Day 2: 5 05-15 Total: 10 15-09
58. Keaton Smith - Matthew Bradham Campbellsville University 193
Day 1: 4 06-00 Day 2: 4 09-06 Total: 8 15-06
59. Robert Gee - Chad Sentell University of Tennessee 192
Day 1: 5 08-02 Day 2: 5 07-02 Total: 10 15-04
60. Chase Clarke - Peyton McCord Auburn University 191
Day 1: 5 07-11 Day 2: 5 07-09 Total: 10 15-04
61. Eli Stevenson - Hunter Palmer Bryan College 190
Day 1: 5 07-11 Day 2: 5 07-08 Total: 10 15-03
62. Drew Gill - Jonah Potts Wabash Valley College 189
Day 1: 5 05-10 Day 2: 5 09-08 Total: 10 15-02
63. Logan Bozeman - Andrew Fryer Southern Union State Community C 188
Day 1: 5 06-01 Day 2: 5 08-14 Total: 10 14-15
64. Kyle Hopping - Jaxson Freeman McKendree University 187
Day 1: 5 05-15 Day 2: 5 08-15 Total: 10 14-14
65. Russel Buffa - Jenson Kay Adrian College 186
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 2 03-07 Total: 7 14-13
66. Tanner Barclay - Lloyd Laconsay Auburn University 185
Day 1: 5 07-01 Day 2: 3 07-10 Total: 8 14-11
67. Zach Malinowski - Kevin Langlands Grand Valley State University 184
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 2 02-15 Total: 7 14-08
68. Tyler Pendergrass - Benson Dowler University of North Alabama 183
Day 1: 5 06-07 Day 2: 5 07-15 Total: 10 14-06
69. Jackson Paden - Joseph Bissing University of Tennessee 182
Day 1: 5 07-14 Day 2: 4 06-06 Total: 9 14-04
70. Joshua DeKoning - Dalton Mollenkopf Adrian College 181
Day 1: 5 07-08 Day 2: 4 06-12 Total: 9 14-04
71. Noah Campbell - Troy Harris Georgia College 180
Day 1: 5 07-07 Day 2: 5 06-13 Total: 10 14-04
72. Camden Trautlein - Bryce Dallas UW-Stout 179
Day 1: 5 06-09 Day 2: 5 07-10 Total: 10 14-03
73. Cody Griffith - Drew Jennings Auburn University 178
Day 1: 5 08-01 Day 2: 4 06-00 Total: 9 14-01
74. Brody Robison - Jack Alexander University of Montevallo 177
Day 1: 5 07-15 Day 2: 5 06-01 Total: 10 14-00
75. Ryan Park - Murray State University 176
Day 1: 5 07-13 Day 2: 5 06-03 Total: 10 14-00
76. Jayce Garrison - Mason Hoke Sam Houston State University 175
Day 1: 5 07-09 Day 2: 5 06-06 Total: 10 13-15
77. Michael Fugaro - Louis Monetti UNC Charlotte 174
Day 1: 5 06-03 Day 2: 5 07-11 Total: 10 13-14
78. Hayden O'barr - Tyler Lubbat University of Alabama 173
Day 1: 3 07-15 Day 2: 5 05-13 Total: 8 13-12
79. Camden Lewis - TJ Edwards Jr Blue Mountain College 172
Day 1: 5 07-11 Day 2: 5 06-01 Total: 10 13-12
80. Cordell Beckmann - Mark Burnham Greenville University 171
Day 1: 5 06-11 Day 2: 5 07-00 Total: 10 13-11
81. Colton White - Chance Schwartz University of Montevallo 170
Day 1: 5 07-14 Day 2: 5 05-12 Total: 10 13-10
82. Brady Duncan - Stevie Mills Carson-Newman University 169
Day 1: 4 07-08 Day 2: 5 06-01 Total: 9 13-09
83. Jordan Pennington - Weston Hollar University of Montevallo 168
Day 1: 5 06-12 Day 2: 5 06-13 Total: 10 13-09
84. Lane Lassiter - Tyler Finley University of North Alabama 167
Day 1: 5 09-11 Day 2: 3 03-09 Total: 8 13-04
85. Lane Bailey - Justin Eggers Catawba Valley Community College 166
Day 1: 5 06-11 Day 2: 5 06-09 Total: 10 13-04
86. Cy Casey - Tanner Hadden Emmanuel College 165
Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 3 02-11 Total: 8 13-03
87. Kopeland Rosser - Ryan Branch University of Montevallo 164
Day 1: 5 07-13 Day 2: 4 05-05 Total: 9 13-02
88. Connor Hicks - Austin Wadzinski University of Tennessee 163
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 2 03-14 Total: 7 13-01
89. Cole Hopson - Callaway Robinson Georgia College 162
Day 1: 4 04-03 Day 2: 5 08-12 Total: 9 12-15
90. Reece Martin - Mark Harris Dallas Baptist University 161
Day 1: 5 06-12 Day 2: 5 06-03 Total: 10 12-15
91. Harmon Marien - Bailey Bleser McKendree University 160
Day 1: 5 06-00 Day 2: 5 06-12 Total: 10 12-12
92. Chase Milholen - Cody Gregory Bethel University 159
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 1 01-15 Total: 6 12-11
93. Bradley Martin - Jack Baron University of Montevallo 158
Day 1: 5 05-15 Day 2: 5 06-12 Total: 10 12-11
94. John Harrell - Camden Romero Hinds Community College 157
Day 1: 5 06-14 Day 2: 5 05-12 Total: 10 12-10
95. John Mark Berry - Blake Bullock Blue Mountain College 156
Day 1: 5 07-03 Day 2: 4 05-05 Total: 9 12-08
96. Troy Gibson - Jake Novotny University of Louisville 155
Day 1: 4 05-02 Day 2: 5 06-08 Total: 9 11-10
97. Chase Carey - Dylan Akins Emmanuel College 154
Day 1: 5 05-00 Day 2: 5 06-06 Total: 10 11-06
98. Matthew Benson - Nathanael Wright Emmanuel College 153
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 1 01-01 Total: 6 11-00
99. Hunter Greer - Austin Speer Northwestern State University 152
Day 1: 5 08-15 Day 2: 1 01-01 Total: 6 10-00
100. Broxson Daigle - Aaron Hawkins Texas A&M University 151
Day 1: 5 05-03 Day 2: 5 04-13 Total: 10 10-00
101. Mitch Johnson - Gunner Whitaker Kentucky Christian University 150
Day 1: 5 09-09 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 09-09
102. Colton Hill - Trey Budach McKendree University 149
Day 1: 5 05-10 Day 2: 3 03-09 Total: 8 09-03
103. Colin Wolinski - Garrett Weiss Missouri State University 148
Day 1: 5 05-07 Day 2: 4 03-12 Total: 9 09-03
104. Jackson Denny - Colton Parrott University of South Carolina 147
Day 1: 5 08-15 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 08-15
105. Sam Hanggi - Sam Hoesley Auburn University 146
Day 1: 2 03-05 Day 2: 4 05-05 Total: 6 08-10
106. Koltyn Harbin - Baylor Howell Bethel University 145
Day 1: 2 02-00 Day 2: 5 06-08 Total: 7 08-08
107. Andrew Ready - Vince Maffei Webber International University 144
Day 1: 5 06-10 Day 2: 1 01-12 Total: 6 08-06
108. Lilly Smith - Anderson Jones Lander University 143
Day 1: 4 04-14 Day 2: 2 03-05 Total: 6 08-03
109. Cal Culpepper - Aaron Cherry University of Montevallo 142
Day 1: 2 02-04 Day 2: 5 05-07 Total: 7 07-11
110. Kobe Thompson - Adrian College 141
Day 1: 2 02-12 Day 2: 3 04-15 Total: 5 07-11
111. Dakota Posey - Trent Buchholz Lamar State College Orange 140
Day 1: 5 04-05 Day 2: 2 03-05 Total: 7 07-10
112. Brock Bila - Dylan Chambers Drury University 139
Day 1: 5 07-07 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 07-07
113. Jack Tindel - Brett Fregia Lamar State College Orange 138
Day 1: 2 02-11 Day 2: 3 04-08 Total: 5 07-03
114. Zach Mcnary - Eric Hanover Grand Valley State University 137
Day 1: 2 02-11 Day 2: 2 04-06 Total: 4 07-01
115. Sid Wallace - Braedon Metzgar Texas A&M University 136
Day 1: 2 02-08 Day 2: 2 04-07 Total: 4 06-15
116. TJ McKenzie - Seth Jenkins Emmanuel College 135
Day 1: 2 04-03 Day 2: 1 01-09 Total: 3 05-12
117. Logan Anderson - Tyler Little North Carolina State University 134
Day 1: 5 05-06 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 05-06
118. Evan Thomas - Joey Williams Liberty University 133
Day 1: 4 05-01 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 05-01
119. Kaleb Brown - Chad Mrazek Lander University 132
Day 1: 2 03-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 03-00
120. Garrett Thompson - Corey Pyles West Virginia University 131
Day 1: 2 02-08 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 02-08
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 101 558 961-03
2 84 498 874-07
----------------------------------
185 1056 1835-10
Old Reel, Fresh Line for Jack Dice
Courtesy of Luke Stoner - Dynamic Sponsorships
Jack Dice is one of just a handful of anglers competing in the Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship on Winyah Bay solo this week. The Liberty University graduate is no stranger to making the best out of situations most wouldn’t consider ideal. Whether that’s fishing against the country’s best college teams alone, last minute troubleshooting on his infamous old Ranger, or using well-worn equipment.
Dice doesn’t mind doing things his own way, as he proved last year when he won a Bassmaster College Series event fishing by himself on Lake Cumberland. And he thinks of the wear and tear on tournament tested equipment like the Lew’s LFS Speed Spool he’s holding in this picture quite fondly.
“This is one of my favorite reels, so when we got a text from Bassmaster encouraging us to bring any Lew’s reels to the meeting for an extra spool of line I knew I had to bring this one. Battle scars and all,” Dice said with a smile.
The College Series title Strike King handed out a spool of Contra Fluorocarbon Line to every angler competing during Wednesday’s Pro Night, and if you brought a Lew’s reel you earned yourself an extra spool of line.
“I actually won this reel in a raffle at a BFL four or five years ago,” Dice recalled. “Raffles are not my jam, maybe it’s the Christian in me and it feels too close to gambling or something, but I can honestly say I have never entered a tournament raffle since. But it felt meant to be at the time and this reel has turned out to be a workhorse for me.”
Dice said he couldn’t pass up a chance at a few fresh spools of line, as fluorocarbon isn’t cheap and he was hoping to get his hands on some 17-lb flouro so he could use this reel for flipping and pitching on Winyah Bay.
“I have had this particular reel spooled up with all kinds of different line over the years, but this reel was my primary player in the first National Championship I ever fished on the Harris Chain in 2020,” Dice said. “The tournament didn’t pan out the way I hoped, but I was catching some nice fish on a squarebill out of brush piles. It was one of the coolest bites I’ve ever had leading into a tournament.”
Riding the momentum from a BFL Super Regional win on Cayuga Lake last weekend, the down-to-earth Virginia native came into the second day of competition in 51st place after weighing just over 8-lbs of tidal water bass in downtown Georgetown on day one. Dice hoped to milk a little better bag of fish out of what he found in his limited practice and improve on his position today.
“I had a fun one-hour flurry today and I learned some things that’ll hopefully make tomorrow an all-day ordeal,” Dice said of his day one efforts. “No matter what though, this is my last college fishing tournament so I’m really just trying to soak it all up and enjoy the process.”
Chicken Biscuits and Thunder Crickets
Courtesy of Luke Stoner - Dynamic Sponsorships
As nervous energy built in anticipation for the start of day two of the Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship, I noticed a Marshall University team calmly preparing for their number to be called. One dude was tying on a Thunder Cricket vibrating swim jig, and the other was about to get down on a Bojangles Chicken Biscuit.
The duo received the lure during Thursday’s gifting suite and the breakfast sandwich was courtesy of the Georgetown hosts who handed out bags of ice and fistfuls of biscuits to anglers as they launched their boats in the pre-dawn darkness. As boat number 114, Chase Sansom and Tyler Drown were all smiles this morning and not in a big hurry.
“It’s the National Championship, how could we not be smiling,” Sansom grinned. “We weighed in 6-lbs 4-ounces yesterday and know we need a bigger bag today to have a shot at fishing tomorrow. We caught our fifth keeper yesterday on one of the Thunder Crickets Strike King handed out at the banquet on Thursday, so we’re hoping we can put this one in front of some bigs today.”
Both Drown and Sansom are seniors and are fishing their 3rdNational Championship as partners this week. Drown is finishing a Civil Engineering degree and Sansom is a Marketing major. The Marshall University Bisons have enough experience and smarts to know that even with a subpar day one, they are far from out of this tournament.
“We caught over 12-lbs two different days in practice, so we know we’re around the right caliber of fish to make a comeback,” Drown explained. “We caught about the same number of fish yesterday as we had been in practice. They were just little. Today we need two big bites to go with a limit. If we can do that, we can get back into this thing.”
It was obvious Sansom and Drown had the right mindset as they prepared to make a 30-mile boat ride in a 2004 Triton to their starting spot. Smiling faces, old and oftentimes beat up equipment, and good attitudes are familiar themes of college fishing tournaments. The competitive fire to win burns hot within every angler fishing this week, but veterans of the college series know it’s just as important to enjoy every step of the way.
Whether that step is a fat five fish limit that allows them to rally up the leaderboard, or a free swim jig and a breakfast biscuit. It’s the college fishing national championship and like Sansom wisely said, there is no reason not to smile.
Montevallo Claims Day 1 Lead In Bassmaster College National Championship On Winyah Bay
James Willoughby and Jacob Pfundt of the University of Montevallo are leading after Day 1 of the 2022 Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship on Winyah Bay presented by Bass Pro Shops with 15 pounds, 15 ounces.
Photo by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S.
September 2, 2022
Montevallo Claims Day 1 Lead In Bassmaster College National Championship On Winyah Bay
GEORGETOWN, S.C. — Growing up in Mississippi, James Willoughby learned very quickly how to fish the tidal waters of the Pascagoula River. So, when it was announced the Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops would be held on Winyah Bay, he thought he and his partner Jacob Pfundt would feel right at home.
Sure enough, the Montevallo duo caught 15 pounds, 15 ounces to take the lead on the first day of the prestigious tournament. They hold a 1 1/2-pound lead over Andrew Vereen and Connor Cartmell from Coastal Carolina University and over a 2-pound advantage over Cole Lamb and Tristan Weaver from Arkansas Tech.
Securing a big bag this early in the tournament takes some of the pressure off, Pfundt said.
“It takes the weight off our shoulders for sure,” the Lake Lanier native said. “I wouldn’t say we got the hardest part done with, but we aren’t working uphill at this point. I don’t think Montevallo has won a National Championship, so it would be huge to accomplish that.”
After visiting several spots without a bite, the duo continued to move around and grinded out five good bites, including two 4-pounders. Willoughby said that while he knew they were around bass in practice, he had no idea what the quality would be like.
“It had to be better than we expected,” he said. “Nobody can guess they are going to get two 4-pound bites. I knew we were around some fish, but I didn’t think they were going to be that big. I truly don’t know what we will have tomorrow. It could be anything. It could be 6 pounds.
There is no telling. We set our target weight at 10 or 11 pounds because we thought you could catch 22 pounds and make it to the final day. But it seems like they caught them a lot better than we thought.”
Tide creates bite windows for anglers each day and is crucial to Willoughby and Pfundt’s bite. And while he is familiar with tidal systems, Willoughby said Winyah Bay is different from his home waters in how much the tide swings on a given day.
“Tide plays a role in everyone’s bite out here whether they realize it or not,” he explained. “I grew up on a tidal fishery so it helps me better understand it out here. It is a unique thing to figure out, I will say. The tide swings, like, 3 feet a day and it doesn’t stop but for about 30 minutes and then it is back the other way.”
Vereen and Cartmell meanwhile, put their local knowledge to work and sacked 14-6 on Day 1.
Vereen grew up in nearby Murrells Inlet and has fished the Winyah Bay system his entire life. So, when the championship was announced on his home fishery for his senior year, he was pumped. Cartmell grew up around the Lake Murray area and has essentially taken a crash course in tidal fishing during his four years at CCU.
“It was about time to go to Saginaw Bay and we heard it was going to be at Winyah Bay and I was like, ‘Connor, we have to qualify.’ We didn’t qualify in Michigan, but we went down to (the Wild Card) at Logan Martin and qualified.”
While they are in second going into Day 2, they were a little disappointed with their total weight Friday.
“We had expectations that were higher than 14 pounds,” Cartmell said. “We wanted 16 or 17 after today. We had an okay practice but (this bag) was enough for today.”
Their starting spot only produced one 12-incher. But after a spot change, they caught everything they put on the scales in a 30-minute window in a 1/2-mile stretch of the Santee River.
“We ran up a little further and decided we were going to put our heads down and fish. We fished back until we had a limit,” Vereen said. “We got them dialed in on one bait. That is the only thing they want. We tried to catch them on other stuff but it is not happening.”
They added that several other competitors were in the same area they were fishing, more than Vereen said he would like to have around him. Getting the bite windows correct is crucial to their success as well. After 11 a.m., when the incoming tide began to filter back into the river, they did not get a bite.
Lamb and Weaver may be from Arkansas, but they spend a lot of time on the White River, which often acts as a tidal fishery depending on the dam schedules of Norfork and Bull Shoals.
“People think about trout fishing there but we bass fish,” Lamb said. “It is probably the only place that isn’t tidal that rises and falls 4 or 5 feet a day. Because of that, we have spots that change all day and as the tide comes up we can switch.”
That helped the Arkansas Tech duo adjust to real tidal fishing quickly and catch 13-9 on Day 1 at Winyah Bay to land in third.
“It is a tough spot to get into, but once we started fishing it went down pretty quickly,” Lamb said. “After 30 minutes, we were done fishing so we could save it for the next few days. We hope there are more there. We probably caught 20 in the first 30 minutes.”
Lamb and Weaver have one main area they are fishing, but there are a couple of sweet spots they have located where the bass will position depending on what the tide is doing. They estimated they caught around 20 or 30 bass and their bag was anchored by a 4 1/2-pounder.
“Today went a little better than we expected,” Lamb said. “We had a couple of bigger fish and we expected all our fish to be an average size. We had some bigger bites today and were fortunate enough to get them in the boat. Hopefully, we can get them again tomorrow.”
The Drury University team of Jacob Welch and Lee Lambrecht caught a 7-2 largemouth to lead the Big Bass of the Tournament standings.
The full field will launch from Carroll A. Campbell Marine Complex in Georgetown starting at 6:30 a.m. ET and return for weigh-in in downtown Georgetown beginning at 2:30 p.m. The Top 12 teams after the Day 2 weigh-in will advance to Championship Sunday. Weigh-in coverage will be carried on Bassmaster.com.
2022 Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship at Winyah Bay presented by Bass Pro Shops 9/2-9/4
Winyah Bay, Georgetown SC.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Club/School Pts
1. James Willoughby - Jacob Pfundt University of Montevallo 250
Day 1: 5 15-15 Total: 5 15-15
2. Andrew Vereen - Connor Cartmell Coastal Carolina University 249
Day 1: 5 14-06 Total: 5 14-06
3. Cole Lamb - Tristan Weaver Arkansas Tech University 248
Day 1: 5 13-09 Total: 5 13-09
4. Jake Monti - Samuel Dunson UNC Charlotte 247
Day 1: 5 13-00 Total: 5 13-00
5. Tyler Christy - Trey Schroeder McKendree University 246
Day 1: 5 12-14 Total: 5 12-14
5. Matthew Zdrazil - Easton Lindus Emmanuel College 246
Day 1: 5 12-14 Total: 5 12-14
7. Blake Richards - James Gillis Clarkson University 244
Day 1: 5 12-10 Total: 5 12-10
8. Carson Maddux - Robert Cruvellier Auburn University 243
Day 1: 5 12-08 Total: 5 12-08
8. Tommy Sendek - Grayson Morris University of Montevallo 243
Day 1: 5 12-08 Total: 5 12-08
10. Jackson Swisher - Seth Slanker Florida Gateway College 241
Day 1: 5 11-15 Total: 5 11-15
11. Zack Barrera - Bryson Osteen Florida Gateway College 240
Day 1: 5 11-14 Total: 5 11-14
12. Ryan Franks - Jason Reding Kent State University 239
Day 1: 5 11-12 Total: 5 11-12
13. Hayden Gaddis - Ben Cully Carson-Newman University 238
Day 1: 5 11-11 Total: 5 11-11
14. Zach Malinowski - Kevin Langlands Grand Valley State University 237
Day 1: 5 11-09 Total: 5 11-09
15. Russel Buffa - Jenson Kay Adrian College 236
Day 1: 5 11-06 Total: 5 11-06
16. Connor Jacob - Sam Smith Auburn University 235
Day 1: 5 11-05 Total: 5 11-05
17. Conner Giles - Christian Wright Bryan College 234
Day 1: 5 11-03 Total: 5 11-03
18. Chase Milholen - Cody Gregory Bethel University 233
Day 1: 5 10-12 Total: 5 10-12
19. Jacob Welch - Lee Lambrecht Drury University 232
Day 1: 3 10-11 Total: 3 10-11
20. Cy Casey - Tanner Hadden Emmanuel College 231
Day 1: 5 10-08 Total: 5 10-08
21. Parker Greer - Andrew Shadle Baylor University 230
Day 1: 5 10-07 Total: 5 10-07
21. Adrian Urso - Corbin Templon Murray State University 230
Day 1: 5 10-07 Total: 5 10-07
23. Ryan Feehan - Spence Francis Virginia Tech University 228
Day 1: 5 10-06 Total: 5 10-06
24. Victor Alford - Logan East Bryan College 227
Day 1: 5 10-03 Total: 5 10-03
25. Owen Januszewski - Matt Mosby Adrian College 226
Day 1: 5 10-01 Total: 5 10-01
26. Matthew Benson - Nathanael Wright Emmanuel College 225
Day 1: 5 09-15 Total: 5 09-15
26. Luke Glasgow - James Ikerd Mississippi State University 225
Day 1: 5 09-15 Total: 5 09-15
28. Drew Traffanstedt - Dakendrick Patterson University of Montevallo 223
Day 1: 5 09-14 Total: 5 09-14
29. Tyler Cory - Scott Sledge University of Montevallo 222
Day 1: 5 09-13 Total: 5 09-13
29. Peyton Harris - Dalton Head University of Montevallo 222
Day 1: 5 09-13 Total: 5 09-13
31. Lane Lassiter - Tyler Finley University of North Alabama 220
Day 1: 5 09-11 Total: 5 09-11
32. Wyatt Pearman - Dustin Bauer Campbellsville University 219
Day 1: 5 09-10 Total: 5 09-10
33. Chase Hubble - Brent May Florida Gateway College 218
Day 1: 5 09-09 Total: 5 09-09
33. Mitch Johnson - Gunner Whitaker Kentucky Christian University 218
Day 1: 5 09-09 Total: 5 09-09
35. Matthew Davis - Adrian College 216
Day 1: 5 09-09 Total: 5 09-09
36. Avery Hammock - Garrett Smith Erskine College 215
Day 1: 5 09-07 Total: 5 09-07
37. Brian Linder - Nathan Thompson Minnesota State - Mankato 214
Day 1: 5 09-06 Total: 5 09-06
38. Matthew Cummings - Levi Mullins Bethel University 213
Day 1: 5 09-05 Total: 5 09-05
39. Connor Hicks - Austin Wadzinski University of Tennessee 212
Day 1: 5 09-03 Total: 5 09-03
39. Michael Postlewait - Andrew Rickman Dallas Baptist University 212
Day 1: 5 09-03 Total: 5 09-03
41. Braden Perry - Aidan England Carson-Newman University 210
Day 1: 5 09-02 Total: 5 09-02
42. Will Harkins - Mitchell Grimsley Young Harris College 209
Day 1: 5 09-02 Total: 5 09-02
43. Hunter Baird - Cole Breeden Drury University 208
Day 1: 5 09-01 Total: 5 09-01
44. Brooks Anderson - Parker Guy Emmanuel College 207
Day 1: 5 08-15 Total: 5 08-15
44. Jackson Denny - Colton Parrott University of South Carolina 207
Day 1: 5 08-15 Total: 5 08-15
44. Hunter Greer - Austin Speer Northwestern State University 207
Day 1: 5 08-15 Total: 5 08-15
47. Tyler Anderson - Britt Myers Lander University 204
Day 1: 5 08-14 Total: 5 08-14
48. Brady Rufenacht - Nick Redlin University of Wisconsin- Plattev 203
Day 1: 5 08-13 Total: 5 08-13
49. Jackson Ebbers - Hunter Suchsland University of Nebraska-Lincoln 202
Day 1: 5 08-08 Total: 5 08-08
50. Hunter MCClaskey - Landon Lawson King University 201
Day 1: 5 08-04 Total: 5 08-04
51. Jack Dice - Liberty University 200
Day 1: 5 08-04 Total: 5 08-04
52. Lucas Smith - Dalton Mize Jacksonville State University 199
Day 1: 5 08-03 Total: 5 08-03
53. Conner Dimauro - Justin Botts Bryan College 198
Day 1: 5 08-02 Total: 5 08-02
53. Robert Gee - Chad Sentell University of Tennessee 198
Day 1: 5 08-02 Total: 5 08-02
55. Cody Griffith - Drew Jennings Auburn University 196
Day 1: 5 08-01 Total: 5 08-01
56. Brody Robison - Jack Alexander University of Montevallo 195
Day 1: 5 07-15 Total: 5 07-15
57. Hayden O'barr - Tyler Lubbat University of Alabama 194
Day 1: 3 07-15 Total: 3 07-15
58. Jackson Paden - Joseph Bissing University of Tennessee 193
Day 1: 5 07-14 Total: 5 07-14
58. Colton White - Chance Schwartz University of Montevallo 193
Day 1: 5 07-14 Total: 5 07-14
60. Tj Davis - Austin Callovini Greenville University 191
Day 1: 5 07-13 Total: 5 07-13
60. Ryan Park - Murray State University 191
Day 1: 5 07-13 Total: 5 07-13
60. Kopeland Rosser - Ryan Branch University of Montevallo 191
Day 1: 5 07-13 Total: 5 07-13
63. Chase Clarke - Peyton McCord Auburn University 188
Day 1: 5 07-11 Total: 5 07-11
63. Camden Lewis - TJ Edwards Jr Blue Mountain College 188
Day 1: 5 07-11 Total: 5 07-11
63. Eli Stevenson - Hunter Palmer Bryan College 188
Day 1: 5 07-11 Total: 5 07-11
66. Logan Parks - Tucker Smith Auburn University 185
Day 1: 5 07-11 Total: 5 07-11
67. Jayce Garrison - Mason Hoke Sam Houston State University 184
Day 1: 5 07-09 Total: 5 07-09
67. Hunter Keller - Wesley Smith Catawba Valley Community College 184
Day 1: 5 07-09 Total: 5 07-09
67. Kyle Simmons - Brett Halstead Kansas State University 184
Day 1: 5 07-09 Total: 5 07-09
70. Joshua DeKoning - Dalton Mollenkopf Adrian College 181
Day 1: 5 07-08 Total: 5 07-08
70. Lafe Messer - Matt Messer Kentucky Christian University 181
Day 1: 5 07-08 Total: 5 07-08
72. Brady Duncan - Stevie Mills Carson-Newman University 179
Day 1: 4 07-08 Total: 4 07-08
73. Brock Bila - Dylan Chambers Drury University 178
Day 1: 5 07-07 Total: 5 07-07
73. Noah Campbell - Troy Harris Georgia College 178
Day 1: 5 07-07 Total: 5 07-07
75. Jeremy Dellinger - Adam Seagle Erskine College 176
Day 1: 5 07-06 Total: 5 07-06
76. John Mark Berry - Blake Bullock Blue Mountain College 175
Day 1: 5 07-03 Total: 5 07-03
76. Brayden Mercer - Corey Morris East Texas Baptist University 175
Day 1: 5 07-03 Total: 5 07-03
76. Kaden Proffitt - Cason Ragsdale East Texas Baptist University 175
Day 1: 5 07-03 Total: 5 07-03
79. Jake Peck - Beau Browning Drury University 172
Day 1: 5 07-02 Total: 5 07-02
80. Tanner Barclay - Lloyd Laconsay Auburn University 171
Day 1: 5 07-01 Total: 5 07-01
81. Luke Morgan - Kyle Knoll Southern Union State Community C 170
Day 1: 5 06-15 Total: 5 06-15
82. John Harrell - Camden Romero Hinds Community College 169
Day 1: 5 06-14 Total: 5 06-14
83. Griffin Fernandes - Hayden Scott Adrian College 168
Day 1: 5 06-12 Total: 5 06-12
83. Reece Martin - Mark Harris Dallas Baptist University 168
Day 1: 5 06-12 Total: 5 06-12
83. Jordan Pennington - Weston Hollar University of Montevallo 168
Day 1: 5 06-12 Total: 5 06-12
86. Lane Bailey - Justin Eggers Catawba Valley Community College 165
Day 1: 5 06-11 Total: 5 06-11
86. Cordell Beckmann - Mark Burnham Greenville University 165
Day 1: 5 06-11 Total: 5 06-11
88. Andrew Ready - Vince Maffei Webber International University 163
Day 1: 5 06-10 Total: 5 06-10
89. Camden Trautlein - Bryce Dallas UW-Stout 162
Day 1: 5 06-09 Total: 5 06-09
90. Tyler Pendergrass - Benson Dowler University of North Alabama 161
Day 1: 5 06-07 Total: 5 06-07
91. Chase Sansom - Tyler Drown Marshall University 160
Day 1: 5 06-04 Total: 5 06-04
92. Michael Fugaro - Louis Monetti UNC Charlotte 159
Day 1: 5 06-03 Total: 5 06-03
93. Logan Bozeman - Andrew Fryer Southern Union State Community C 158
Day 1: 5 06-01 Total: 5 06-01
94. Harmon Marien - Bailey Bleser McKendree University 157
Day 1: 5 06-00 Total: 5 06-00
95. Keaton Smith - Matthew Bradham Campbellsville University 156
Day 1: 4 06-00 Total: 4 06-00
96. Kyle Hopping - Jaxson Freeman McKendree University 155
Day 1: 5 05-15 Total: 5 05-15
96. Bradley Martin - Jack Baron University of Montevallo 155
Day 1: 5 05-15 Total: 5 05-15
98. Easton Fothergill - Nick Dumke University of Montevallo 153
Day 1: 5 05-10 Total: 5 05-10
98. Colton Hill - Trey Budach McKendree University 153
Day 1: 5 05-10 Total: 5 05-10
100. Drew Gill - Jonah Potts Wabash Valley College 151
Day 1: 5 05-10 Total: 5 05-10
101. Colin Wolinski - Garrett Weiss Missouri State University 150
Day 1: 5 05-07 Total: 5 05-07
102. Logan Anderson - Tyler Little North Carolina State University 149
Day 1: 5 05-06 Total: 5 05-06
103. Broxson Daigle - Aaron Hawkins Texas A&M University 148
Day 1: 5 05-03 Total: 5 05-03
104. Troy Gibson - Jake Novotny University of Louisville 147
Day 1: 4 05-02 Total: 4 05-02
105. Evan Thomas - Joey Williams Liberty University 146
Day 1: 4 05-01 Total: 4 05-01
106. Chase Carey - Dylan Akins Emmanuel College 145
Day 1: 5 05-00 Total: 5 05-00
107. Lilly Smith - Anderson Jones Lander University 144
Day 1: 4 04-14 Total: 4 04-14
108. Dakota Posey - Trent Buchholz Lamar State College Orange 143
Day 1: 5 04-05 Total: 5 04-05
109. Cole Hopson - Callaway Robinson Georgia College 142
Day 1: 4 04-03 Total: 4 04-03
110. TJ McKenzie - Seth Jenkins Emmanuel College 141
Day 1: 2 04-03 Total: 2 04-03
111. Solomon Glenn - Ryan Thomas University of Montervallo 140
Day 1: 3 03-14 Total: 3 03-14
112. Sam Hanggi - Sam Hoesley Auburn University 139
Day 1: 2 03-05 Total: 2 03-05
113. Kaleb Brown - Chad Mrazek Lander University 138
Day 1: 2 03-00 Total: 2 03-00
114. Kobe Thompson - Adrian College 137
Day 1: 2 02-12 Total: 2 02-12
115. Zach Mcnary - Eric Hanover Grand Valley State University 136
Day 1: 2 02-11 Total: 2 02-11
115. Jack Tindel - Brett Fregia Lamar State College Orange 136
Day 1: 2 02-11 Total: 2 02-11
117. Garrett Thompson - Corey Pyles West Virginia University 134
Day 1: 2 02-08 Total: 2 02-08
117. Sid Wallace - Braedon Metzgar Texas A&M University 134
Day 1: 2 02-08 Total: 2 02-08
119. Cal Culpepper - Aaron Cherry University of Montevallo 132
Day 1: 2 02-04 Total: 2 02-04
120. Koltyn Harbin - Baylor Howell Bethel University 131
Day 1: 2 02-00 Total: 2 02-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 101 558 961-03
----------------------------------
101 558 961-03
Diversity Will Be Crucial For Tough Bassmaster Northern Open On Chesapeake Bay
Maryland's Upper Chesapeake Bay will host the St. Croix Bassmaster Northern Open presented by Mossy Oak Fishing Sept. 8-10, 2022.
Photo by B.A.S.S.
September 2, 2022
CECIL COUNTY, Md. — If historical patterns hold, summer’s dog days will fiercely guard a big fish bounty and reward a fortunate few during the St. Croix Bassmaster Northern Open at Upper Chesapeake Bay presented by Mossy Oak Fishing.
Competition days will be Sept. 8-10 with daily takeoffs from Anchor Marina and adjoining North East Community Park at 6:30 a.m. ET and weigh-ins each day at the park at 2:30 p.m. The event’s winner will qualify for the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic, to be held in Knoxville, Tenn., March 24-26.
The largest estuary in the U.S., the Chesapeake stretches approximately 200 miles long from its northern headwaters in the Susquehanna River to the Atlantic Ocean and spans 30 miles at its widest point. More than 150 major rivers and streams flow into the Bay's 64,299-square-mile drainage basin, which covers parts of New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, and all of District of Columbia.
Tournament boundaries will include only Maryland waters of the Upper Chesapeake and all connected rivers, creeks and canals. That’s still a lot of water to consider and, as Bassmaster Elite Series pro Ed Loughran noted, seasonal norms won’t make it easy.
“The water has been pretty warm because (the weather) has been pretty hot in the Upper Chesapeake Bay from Baltimore, north,” said Loughran, who has fished the bay since the 1980s. “It looks like it’s going to cool off a little bit for tournament week. Otherwise, everything is pretty normal; there hasn’t been any flooding in the Susquehanna.
“It’s going to be a summer pattern. There are a lot of big fish in the bay, but this time of year, it’s just hard.”
Loughran said the shallow rivers with their darker water tend to be warmer than the open bay’s clearer water, which receives regular flushing. Across the board, early September typically finds the bass several weeks from their fall feeding mode and that requires a grind-it-out mindset.
“This time of year can be absolutely brutal, but when you put such good anglers in a place and so many of them, you’re going to have somebody that figures something out,” Loughran said. “I don’t think it’s going to be a blowout tournament; I think the fishing pressure is going to (be a factor).
“I don’t think getting a limit is going to be easy for half the field, if not more. I would imagine it’s going to be like 15 to 16 pounds a day to win; but if you bring in 13 to 14 pounds a day, I would be surprised if you didn’t get really close to getting into the Top 10.”
Central to success in this event will be good decision making when it comes to habitat selection. The Chesapeake’s tidal nature makes it inherently dynamic, but Loughran believes the quality of bites and quantity of habitat are inextricably linked.
“There’s a good amount of vegetation — mostly hydrilla, eelgrass and star grass — in certain rivers and the Susquehanna flats,” Loughran said. “A lot of people will be focusing on the grass throughout the bay.
“The other thing is you can run a very long way and fish in some of the tidal rivers below the Bay Bridge (Hwy. 50), but I question whether those are going to hold up for three days — especially some of the ones that are closer to where we’re launching.”
As Loughran explained, the farther south you go, the more saltwater the bay holds. Anglers fishing rivers below the Bay Bridge often have to run a considerable distance upstream to reach the purely freshwater stretches where bass can live.
Given this consideration, time management will influence a lot of game-day decisions. Moreover, Loughran believes the bay’s grassbeds will offer significantly more opportunities.
“A lot of the rivers have fish in them, but the pressure of a three-day tournament, along with a lot of practice, I think, is going to get to most of them,” he said. “That’s why I tend to think it’s going to be won mostly on grass.
“Some people might mix in some other stuff, but grass is what I’m going to focus on, mostly. I’m going to be one of those guys who fishes some grass and then tries to mix in a couple of other things here and there.”
Wherever anglers fish, all will face a common decision: Camp in an area and work all tide stages or “run the tide” by moving up or down the tidal plane to stay with a particular stage. Loughran said it’s a case-by-case decision.
“Some people love low tide and hate high tide and vice versa, but really, it’s smarter to look at what you’re fishing and determine what the best tidal stage is going to be,” he said. “If I’m fishing some isolated piece of wood in the Sassafras River where the fish are going to focus on that cover when the water’s drawing down, that’s a pretty good place to be at low tide.
“But, if I’m fishing some grass, I may want them to have a little water over their heads. So that might be more of a high-tide spot.”
While it’s not unheard of to find largemouth regurgitating blue crabs in livewells, Loughran said the bay’s fish largely prey on baitfish, including yellow perch, white perch, large shad and minnows. Crawfish bolster the menu.
Knowing this, anglers will likely throw a mix of topwaters, spinnerbaits, frogs, bladed jigs and swim jigs for the reaction bites. Flipping jigs and Texas-rigged plastics to hard targets such as stumps, laydowns, rocks, and docks may also play into tournament strategies.
Ultimately, Loughran stresses the wisdom of diversity: “It’s rare on a tidal fishery that you’re going to be able to do the same thing for three days. Anything could happen, but I think you’re going to have to adjust.”
Full event coverage will be available on Bassmaster.com while Championship Saturday action will be broadcast live on FS1 beginning at 8 a.m. ET.
Siller Smokes them at Sandusky
With a 6-pound, 3-ounce smallmouth to anchor his bag, Scott Siller weighed in 26-pounds, 1-ounce of Lake Erie smallmouth bass to take the day one NPFL lead at Sandusky Bay.
Catching a limit quick for around 17-pounds, it wasn’t until Siller made a move to his second spot when he landed on a smallmouth pot of gold, culling his entire limit in route to a four-pound lead over 2nd place.
“I was idling to my second spot, not too far away and went over another little pile. I turned around and decided to make a cast,” said Siller. “I ended up catching one of my five pounders there and got over to my other main area and quickly caught another big one. I circled those three spots all day and caught that six pounder and a couple other five pounders.”
But it wasn’t without some drama. On his way back to check in early, Siller started hearing noises coming from his engine and realized he needed some help to get his big bag to weigh in on time.
“I called my travel partner Dustin Williamson, and he graciously took two hours of his own fishing time to get my fish in early. He had a long day today and cut it short to help me out and I can't thank him enough. It took me another hour plus to idle back.”
Making a decent run, Siller has the luxury of no pressure in his areas and left his fish alone early in the day. He targeted isolated structure, and all three areas were a little different.
“If I can get my boat fixed tonight and go tomorrow, I am pretty confident. I have a long day and I didn’t see a boat all day. The fish are hard to see but I know where they are sitting,” Siller added.
Brandon Perkins
Sitting in 2nd place, Brandon Perkins made a long run out in Erie to catch his 22-pound, 1-ounce bag of smallmouth. After arriving to fins two NPFL boats on his first spot, and a travel partner on his second, it was the third spot that got his day going.
“I caught two smaller fish on that third area and knew I had to make a move,” said Perkins. I caught one good fish on a spot close by in practice and pulled in there today and had a 18 or 19-pound bag really fast.”
Before making the trek back to Sandusky, Perkins made a stop that changed his event.
“I decided to stop back to one of those other areas and culled twice and that culled me up to my weight. Those two fish were key, and I didn’t catch a really big fish today either and lose two other four-pounders.”
As he prepared to run back, battery issues threw a wrench in his plans.
“Either my engine was messed up or my batteries because I couldn’t get it started and knew I was in trouble. I called my buddy Mike Corbishley to take my fish in and thankfully left my keys at my truck back at the ramp. My buddy Jason Foster grabbed it and came an hour and a half to get me after I trolled over five miles to shore.”
Dan Blackert
Finishing the day in 3rd place, Ohio angler Dan Blackert caught a five fish limit of smallmouth for 22-pounds. Running out North of the islands, a quick five-pound fish got his day started before spot jumping his way back towards Sandusky.
“I got that big one early and really didn’t have a limit until around 1 pm. Once the wind shifted, I caught a good fish and knew where to go,” said Blackert. “I culled a few more times and left a bunch of big ones out there. They are smallmouth so who knows if they will be there.”
Danny Weems
With a five bass limit weighing in at 21-pounds, 9-ounces, Danny Weems takes the 4th place spot at Sandusky. Starting his day with a quick limit, Weems made a 60-mile round-trip run hitting various isolated spots on the way back to Sandusky.
“I caught about 15 fish all day and was fishing around with a dropshot,” Weems said. “I was sharing some water this morning but culled once with a four-pounder later in the day on another area. The bigger fish didn’t really start biting for me until after 10 am this morning.”
Stu Martel
With a 5-pound, 10-ounce smallmouth to anchor his day one bag, Stu Martel sits in the 5th spot with a limit of smallmouth weighing 21-pounds, 5-ounces. Staying fairly close to the ramp compared to some, Martel was done fishing by 11:30 am. But his weight didn’t come easy.
Said Martel, “I lost a few other four-pound fish and it was really a grind all day. I don’t know what it's going to look like tomorrow with changing conditions but it could be tougher on us, we'll see. I am making a few bait changes as the day goes on and not fishing the same thing.”
Blake Felix
Finishing the day in the 6th spot, Blake Felix made more than a two-hour run to catch his day one bag of 21-pounds, 4-ounces.
After debating turning around several times, Felix committed to his run and was rewarded with a 19-pound limit in the first 45-mintes of fishing. A couple minutes later he made a crucial cull with a four-pounder, and he made his way back to check in.
“The bass are in groups of four or five fish and I can catch one,but they scatter. I had to move around and let them set up before coming back. I have never fished for smallmouth and I never had to deal with this rough water. I ran 25 MPH the whole way today,” concluded Felix.
The rest of the best:
7th Keith Carson20-13
8th Michael Yoder20-10
9th Sheldon Collings20-8
10th Louis Fernandes20-0
Reigning College Champion Weighs in on Winyah
Courtesy of Luke Stoner - Dynamic Sponsorships
It was quite the scene this morning at the Carroll Ashmore Marine Complex for the official start of the 2022 Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops. The docks were at full capacity with families, friends, coaches, and teammates cheering on qualifying anglers who headed out on Winyah Bay with hopes of being five keeper bass closer to their dreams after the scales close today.
One familiar face in the crowd belonged to Tristan McCormick, the reigning Classic Bracket champion who represented college fishing in the 2022 Bassmaster Classic. Along with a ticket to the Superbowl of bass fishing and paid entry fees to all nine Bassmaster Opens, McCormick won a fully rigged 2022 Toyota Tundra and Nitro Boat wrapped in his alma mater of Bethel University’s colors.
All 250-plus anglers competing in this year’s National Championship hope to follow in McCormick’s footsteps and leave here with a top 3 finish so they can compete in the bracket and fish their way into the 2023 Classic. We caught up with the reigning champ as the ripples dissipated following the day one launch to get his thoughts on Winyah Bay.
Three keys to Success in this tournament
McCormick doesn’t have much experience on Winyah Bay, but he consistently excelled throughout his college career. He knows what it takes to do well and set yourself apart from the pack in a Championship level event. The Lew’s pro offered up some insight that would help tournament anglers of all levels.
“The number one key to success started in practice, and it’s finding a pattern that fits into your fishing strengths. Finding something you are comfortable with,” McCormick said. “I think that’s something a lot of young anglers overlook. We look up to professional fishermen and try to emulate their styles when the best thing you can be is yourself. That’ll be key this week.
“The second thing is to try and not get caught up in the pressure of a big tournament like this. Speaking from experience, there is a lot of pressure on these teams right now, but you gotta remind yourself to have fun. Lastly, I’d tell these anglers to stay focused on every single cast. Any time weights are tight like they will be on Winyah this weekend, you are one big bite away from your whole tournament changing. You gotta grind and stay ready for that bite.”
What McCormick would be throwing on Winyah Bay
Winyah Bay is a tidal fishery and a shallow water, power fisherman’s dream. Anglers will have no shortage of visible structure to throw at and miles of creeks, swamps, and rivers to probe. McCormick loves this style of fishing and suggested a few lures or techniques he’d be employing this weekend.
“Every angler should have a 3/8-ounce Strike King Thunder Cricket tied on this morning to wind around grass, wood, or any other visible cover,” McCormick offered. “I’d absolutely have a 4-inch Rage Bug Texas rigged to a 7-foot 2-inch heavy action Lew’s Signature Series Mark Rose rod for flipping and pitching. Then I’d have a “finessey” flipping setup with a ¼-ounce Texas rigged Rage Twin Tail Menace to milk a few extra bites out of key areas.”
Fortunately for competing anglers, Strike King is the title for the College Series and supplied every angler with a goody bag that included some of these same lures last night at registration. They looked at past tournaments held on this body of water and purposefully picked baits proven to catch ‘em on Winyah Bay.
Three college teams to watch this weekend
“It’s really anyone’s ballgame this week on a massive tidal fishery like Winyah Bay. It’s an extremely even playing field,” McCormick explained. “But if I had to pick three, I would say Levi Mullins and Matthew Cummins from Bethel University, last year’s national champions Hayden and Griffin from Adrian College, and Stevie Mills & Brady Duncan of Carson-Newman. All those guys are shallow water hammers and have what it takes in my opinion.”
While it’s hard to say who might hoist the trophies come Sunday afternoon, it’s a safe bet that the 2023 National Champions will be solid human beings as well as talented anglers. Year after year the college fishing field is comprised of hard-working, respectful, humble, and courteous anglers. If the next generation were to be judged by the individuals competing this weekend, you’d be hard pressed to say the future isn’t bright.
College Teams Preview Winyah Bay
Courtesy of Luke Stoner - Dynamic Sponsorships
The playing field for the Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops is Winyah Bay out of Georgetown, South Carolina. This coastal estuary is the confluence of the Sampit River, the Waccamaw River, the Pee Dee River, and the Black River that come together before emptying out into the Atlantic Ocean.
Just as these rivers meet to form this fishery, anglers from across the country converged upon Georgetown County to compete for college fishing’s biggest prize; the National Championship trophy and a chance to make the “Classic Bracket” that will ultimately send one college angler to the 2023 Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville next March.
While the anglers were grabbing some fresh spools of Strike King Contra fluorocarbon and making the rounds during Yamaha Pro Night, we caught up with anglers from Murray State, Carson-Newman, and Georgia College & State to pick their brains after three days of practice on Winyah Bay.
Q – What are three techniques or patterns you believe will play a role for top teams on Winyah Bay this weekend?
Corbin Templon (Murray State) – “Swimjig, a topwater of some kind, and flipping visible cover.”
Troy Harris (Georgia College & State) – “Flipping shallow cover, some kind of topwater in the mornings, and fishing s-l-o-w. I know that’s not a bait but fishing slow with whatever you are throwing could be key.”
Hayden Gaddis (Carson-Newman) – “Flipping will definitely play a role this week. Spinnerbaiting could be good, and lastlyI’d say just any shallow water power fishing, which is something every one of these teams can do. It’s anyone’s ballgame in my opinion.”
Q – How much weight will teams need to average each day to make Championship Sunday?
Corbin Templon (Murray State) – “To make the top 10 I think it will take an average of 10.5-lbs per day.”
Troy Harris (Georgia College & State) – “I think 12.5-lbs per day will give you a really good shot to make the final day. If a team can catch 15-lbs a day, they’ll win it.”
Hayden Gaddis (Carson-Newman) – “I’m going to say 11.5 to 12-lbs per day to make the top 10 cut for Sunday, and maybe 13 to 14-lbs per day to win this thing.”
Q – Besides bass, what other species of fish have you caught throughout practice?
Corbin Templon (Murray State) – “Where do I start? We’ve caught flounder, a redfish, some crabs, and even an alligator the other day! This place is wild.”
Troy Harris (Georgia College & State) – “Man, my teammate (on another boat) caught a big redfish today, but we haven’t caught any salty fish yet. Just a bunch of Grinnell (bowfin) for us.”
Hayden Gaddis (Carson-Newman) – “Nothing crazy for our boat, man. We’ve caught some bowfin but that’s really it. I guess we did see a couple of dead alligators earlier in the week, that was a little out of the ordinary.”
Q – What has been the highlight of your week thus far?
Corbin Templon (Murray State) – “Just enjoying the scenery while running around this place. It’s a beautiful fishery and unlike anything I’ve ever fished in the past.”
Troy Harris (Georgia College & State) – “Honestly… being on a little bit of a bite on what we know can be a tough fishery. Winyah Bay isn’t fishing as tough as we expected, which has been a pleasant surprise!”
Hayden Gaddis (Carson-Newman) – “The highlight of my week has to be the comradery and fellowship of the house we’re staying at. Our team (Carson-Newman) is at an Air BnB with our coach, and it’s been awesome to hang with the guys every evening when we get off the water.”
See A Life-Changing Difference with Hobie Duo Glasses
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Superior technology lets Rx lens wearers change sunglass tints in seconds for full day protection and improved performance on and off the water. |
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OCEANSIDE, Calif. (September 1, 2022) - Prescription lens wearers who love fishing, boating and the outdoors lifestyle have long had a quandary when it comes to buying polarized sunglasses. Either they’ve had to make do with a single pair of glasses that simply can’t cover changing light and environmental conditions, purchase several pairs with Rx lenses in different tints to maximize outdoors vision options, or settle for bulky and unappealing after-market clip-on lenses that never look quite right. Enter Hobie Eyewear’s Duo Collection glasses, which feature a superior design incorporating magnetic clip-on lenses that can be swapped out in under two seconds while instantly aligning with your prescription lenses every time. Wearers can now focus on enjoying their time outdoors with maximum eye protection from the sun’s harsh ultraviolet rays, high-quality Rx aided vision, and lens tint choices covering the entire spectrum of outdoors adventure and relaxation. |
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“Many of our polarized sunglass choices have been called ‘game changers,’ but our Duo Collection shades are truly life-changing” says Dylan Coates, senior marketing coordinator for Hobie Eyewear. “Simply put, they are the best solution possible for those searching for a single pair of prescription glasses that can instantly be turned into polarized sunglasses of the highest measure.” “It's superior technology that allows the Duo Collection to perform at the ultimate level,” explains Hobie Eyewear’s senior director for product development, Stephen Vaughan. “These glasses feature magnetic clips made for these specific frames. They are embedded in the upper corners of both the frame and the lens clips. The lenses always align perfectly while ensuring a clean, sharp, stylish look. You can be around someone for hours without them ever knowing you are wearing clip-on lenses.” |
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Not only do Hobie Eyewear Duo Collection Sunglasses look terrific, but their lenses are also exceptionally easy to change out. Simply line them up and let the magnets do the rest. A small hook on the nose bridge of the clip provides extra support and helps keep the lenses securely connected to the frame. To remove lenses, simply grab them by the bridge and lift them off. Available lens tints include Grey Polarized, Copper Polarized, Grey Polarized w/ Cobalt Blue Mirror, Copper Polarized w/ Sea Green Mirror, and Sightmaster® Plus. All are made with the same high quality, polycarbonate material featured throughout the Hobie line-up. Duo Collection frame styles include the Lennox, Crescent and Bells. “To order a pair of Duo glasses with your prescription, you can either visit our Hobie Eyewear website and fill the job through our online lens partner or you can simply bring the glasses to your eye doctor to install your prescription lenses into the frames.” notes Coates. “If you’re someone who doesn’t require corrective vision, these glasses are also a great option since the base lens is a clear, blue-blocking lens that eliminates harmful blue light from LED screens. This really helps give your eyes a break if you spend time using a computer or other electronic devices. Still, the beauty of these frames is that now you only need to fill a single prescription and then, thanks to the availability of extra lens clips, you can have up to 5 different sunglasses in one. The glasses also come with a hard case that features pockets to store your additional polarized sunglass clips” |
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Vaughan uses his Duo Collection Sunglasses for general outdoors use and, especially, flyfishing endeavors. “Since I require prescription glasses, I put them on when leaving the house, take the sleeve out of the case and just tuck it into my fly vest. That way, I can switch between my Copper and Sea Green Mirror lenses, which I’ll usually use during the day. Later, I’ll pop on my Sightmaster® Plus lenses for sharper vision in low light conditions.” Where once anglers, boaters and other outdoors-oriented wearers of prescription sunglasses had to make some difficult choices, now the path to better vision is pretty clear. See your way to a pair of Duo Collection Sunglasses and experience for yourself the life-changing qualities of Hobie Eyewear’s superior technology. Available now at retail stores and on www.hobieeyewear.com, Hobie Eyewear’s Duo Collection glasses come with the frame (blue light blocking base lens) and one polarized sunglass clip for a retail price of $120.00. Additional Polarized sunglasses clips are available for $40.00-$50.00. |
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Mille Lacs Lake Set to Host Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour Season Finale – Bally Bet Stage Seven Presented by Minn Kota
Six-Day Tournament to Showcase Top 80 Professional Bass Fishing Anglers Competing for Top Prize of $100,000, Total Purse of $805,000
ONAMIA, Minn. (Aug. 31, 2022) – Major League Fishing (MLF) is set to visit Onamia, Minnesota, and Mille Lacs Lake next week, Sept. 10-15, for the seventh and final regular-season event of the 2022 MLF Bass Pro Tour season – the Bally Bet Stage Seven at Mille Lacs Lake Presented by Minn Kota.
The six-day event, hosted by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, will showcase 80 of the top professional anglers in the world, including bass-fishing superstars like Kevin VanDam, Ott DeFoe, Jacob Wheeler, Jordan Lee, and reigning REDCREST Champion Bobby Lane. They’ll be competing for a purse of more than $805,000, including a top payout of $100,000 and valuable points in hopes of qualifying for REDCREST IV, the Bass Pro Tour championship.
While Mille Lacs Lake has seen plenty of fishing tournaments over the years, this event will mark the first time that MLF will hold an event on the storied fishery. The tournament will feature the MLF catch, weigh, immediate-release format in which anglers catch as much weight as they can each day, while also feeling the pressure and intensity of the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard. The tournament will be filmed for broadcast on the Discovery Channel in November.
“I’ve done well on Mille Lacs a couple of times in September,” said James Elam, a Tulsa, Oklahoma-based pro who will be among the 80 anglers competing. “I believe the bass will be transitioning throughout the lake, from shallow, mid-depths, and deep. An angler just needs to figure out which program is going on.
“I can also see the largemouth deal playing a role here because of our format,” Elam continued. “I will check that bite out for sure. But, I believe smallmouth will be the primary fish targeted. I believe we could see smallmouth in excess of 6 pounds caught.”
Fellow competitor, Berkley pro Justin Lucas of Guntersville, Alabama, echoed Elam’s smallmouth sentiments.
“I’m going to be targeting smallmouth – I believe mainly with a drop-shot rig,” Lucas said. “It’s no secret – I’ll have a Berkley (PowerBait) MaxScent Flat Worm tied on. That’s the thing about Mille Lacs, though, you never know. Tournaments have been won there on crankbaits, football jigs, swimbaits – all of that stuff can be a player.
“It’s been a few years since I’ve been there, but it is the perfect venue to wrap up our season,” Lucas went on to say. “It’s an amazing lake with giant smallmouth – I can’t wait to get back out on the water.”
After six events down in the 2022 Bass Pro Tour regular season and just one event remaining, reigning 2021 Bally Bet Angler of the Year (AOY) Jacob Wheeler again sits in first place in the 2022 AOY Race with 459 points, while the 2020 AOY Jordan Lee sits behind Wheeler in second place with 394 points. Dayton, Tennessee’s Andy Morgan resides in third with 373 points, while Lorena, Texas’ Alton Jones currently sits in fourth place with 356.5 points. Florida pro Randall Tharp rounds out the top five with 352 points.
Anglers will launch each day at 7:30 a.m. CT from Eddy’s Resort, located at 41334 Shakopee Lake Road in Onamia. Each day’s General Tire Takeout will be held at the Resort, beginning at 4 p.m.Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLF NOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
On Championship Thursday, Sept. 15, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF will host a Celebration Event for fans of all ages, inviting fans to come out and celebrate with the professional anglers from the Bass Pro Tour as they crown the champion of the Bally Bet Stage Seven on Mille Lacs Lake Presented by Minn Kota. The first 50 youth anglers 10 and under in attendance will receive a free Pure Fishing Shakespeare Kid’s Rod and Reel combo. The final 10 Championship Round Bass Pro Tour anglers will be on hand at the trophy celebration to meet and greet fans, sign autographs, and take selfies.
The Bally Bet Stage Seven on Mille Lacs Lake Presented by Minn Kota will feature anglers competing with a 2-pound minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. Minimum weights are determined individually for each competition waters that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.
The Bass Pro Tour features a field of 80 of the top professional anglers in the world competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, competing for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST IV, the Bass Pro Tour championship, which will be held next March on Lake Norman in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The 40 Anglers in Group A compete in their two-day qualifying round on Saturday and Monday – the 40 anglers in Group B on Sunday and Tuesday. After each two-day qualifying round is complete, the anglers that finish in 2nd through 20th place from both groups advance to Wednesday’s Knockout Round, while the winner of each group advances directly to Thursday’s Championship Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the remaining 38 anglers compete to finish in the top 8 to advance to the Championship Round. In the final day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.
The MLF NOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee, Marty Stone and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action on all six days of competition from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT. MLF NOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.
Television coverage of the Bally Bet Stage Seven on Mille Lacs Lake Presented by Minn Kota will premiere as a two-hour episode at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Nov. 19 on the Discovery Channel. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on the Discovery Channel, with additional re-airings on the Outdoor Channel. Each two-hour long reality-based episode goes in-depth to break down each day of tournament competition.
Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Bass Pro Tour include: 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, A.R.E. Truck Caps, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bally Bet, Bass Cat, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Covercraft, Favorite Fishing, Garmin, General Tire, Googan Baits, Grundéns, Guaranteed Rate, Humminbird, Lowrance, Luminox, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Nitro Performance Boats, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, Power Stop, Rapala, Starbrite, Toro, Toyota, Wrangler, Yellowstone Bourbon and Zoom.
For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Bass Pro Tour, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
WISCONSIN’S WOLF AND FOX RIVERS SHOW OUT AT HOBIE B.O.S. SPONSORED BY POWER-POLE EVENT
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Calvin Dee dominates powerful field. Fischer and Gonzalez snag second and third in action-packed event. |
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OCEANSIDE, Calif. (August 31, 2022) - Anglers arriving for the 2022 Hobie Bass Open Series (B.O.S.) Anchored by Power-Pole Wolf and Fox Rivers event in Appleton, Wisconsin, August 20 – 21, were excited. A first-time stop on the Hobie tour, the state’s two longest rivers promised a terrific mix of smallmouth and largemouth bass while featuring a variety of structure and fishing environments to match personal strengths. When all was said and done, however, no one had taken greater advantage of the varied river conditions more expertly than Calvin Dee. The 23-year-old from Park, Illinois, fishing in his first B.O.S. event, dominated the field with big limits on both days of the two-day catch, photograph and release (CPR) tournament. Leading the field and showing amazing consistency throughout the competition, he checked in with exactly 91.75 inches of river smallmouth on both days for a winning tally of 183.50 inches of bass that held solid against stiff competition. Kristine Fischer of Nebraska and Guillermo Gonzalez of Texas earned the second- and third-place slots with 179.25 and 173 inches of bass, respectively. While many anglers did have a mix of smallmouth and largemouth bass in their hauls, it was the bronzebacks that dominated the leader board for this tourney. “It’s really exciting when a newcomer to the Hobie trail makes a big splash,” said tournament director, A.J. McWhorter. “Calvin did a tremendous job here, and we had a couple of other first-timers who finished in the money as well. That’s impressive considering the talent depth of the field here. It really goes to show that everyone has a fair chance to make the leaderboard or even come out on top at these events. Our competitors know they have a level playing field when they arrive no matter how strong the competition, which is one reason these events continue to grow. Congratulations to Calvin for showing out with an impressively consistent performance.” |
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For their efforts, Dee took home $5,300, Fischer pocketed $2,850 and Gonzalez banked $1,950. Bassin’ Big Bass honors and a $500 check for the tourney’s largest fish went to Dustin Murguia, of Illinois, for a 20-inch smallmouth brute caught on Day 2. Additionally, AFTCO Angler of the Year (AOY) points were awarded to across the 89-angler field. Dee, Gonzalez and fourth-place finisher Richie McMichael of Kansas also punched tickets to the 2022 Hobie Tournament of Champions (TOC) on Caddo Lake, November 11-13, in Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana. Fischer had previously qualified. The TOC is a three-day 50-angler championship with a $100,000 payout guarantee and $45,000 first-place prize. A great start helped put Dee, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, where he fished on the college bass team, in a great frame of mind. “Even though school was only an hour or so away, I had only fished here three or four times. That helped, of course, but I wouldn’t say it provided a big edge. While I hoped to finish well, I was surprised to find myself in the lead, especially after Day 1. I was fishing a spot where a tributary flows into the Wolf and dumps a whole bunch of bait in there, so I figured it would be a good place to start. By 9:30 a.m. I already had a limit, and then I pulled a 19-inch brute so I guess you could say things went well right from the start.” Indeed, Dee had his fish locked up and stayed on them for both days of the competition. On Day 1 he threw a 3-inch Megabass Hazedong Shad swimbait which produced right from the start. Hoping to give the fish a different look on Day 2, he switched to a hair jig tipped with a flatworm and hopped the combo across the bottom. “It’s hard to imagine I pulled matching limits on both days considering I used different lures,” he quipped. “By 1 p.m. on Day 2, I was pretty much done and headed off the water to grab a bite to eat since the big fish bite had slowed and my smallest bass was 17.75 inches.” |
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Fischer, hot off an inspiring 5th place finish at the Hobie Worlds 9 in Amal, Sweden, August 12 – 14, didn’t have much time to practice so she did some map research and concluded the stretch of Fox River flowing through downtown Appleton should hold good opportunities for solid fish. She chose to work very shallow fast-moving water, mostly tossing a bladed jig and Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Lil’ Trooper crawdad imitation on a Ned Head. That combo accounted for most of her fish, and her biggest smallmouth of the tourney. “I had all smallies to 19.5 inches,” revealed Fischer. I got out of the gate fast with a quick limit, and then culled my way to a third-place finish on Day 1. I finished in the third spot on Day 2, also. The key for me was working around current breaks and keeping my lures tight to industrial structure. I was happy with my performance, but with Calvin taking the top spot both days, there was just no way to catch him. His performance was far superior to that of everyone else.” Fisher called Dee’s performance inspiring. “I think seeing a grass roots local angler come out and compete successfully against some of the best kayak bassers in the country is amazing,” she continued. “The competition can be intimidating here if you’re new to the trail, but you have to remember that all of us have faced that issue at some point in our careers. Calvin’s victory reenforces that you just have to dig in and go after it.” |
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Both Dee and Fischer gave shouts out to their Hobie kayaks for playing a pivotal role in their success. “My Hobie PA14 360 with Mirage Drive really made a positive difference in this tournament,” explained Fischer. “You couldn’t get as shallow as I was with a prop drive.” Dee was equally impressed with his Hobie’s performance. “This is my first season with my Hobie Outback, and it’s really made a difference when it comes to staying on the fish in river environments. I’ve had two-first place and one second-place finishes in local club events and that’s due in a large part to enjoying great maneuverability and a hands-free experience. My Outback helps me fish more efficiently. As for Gonzalez, he piled-up third-place points fishing in strong current and targeting areas which featured a bend, sea wall or point for bass to pin baitfish against. He also had some fish around current breaks like bridges, and on a few high spots. “I worked a spinnerbait and small jig to score with smallies and a few bigmouths, but only the bronzebacks made the mark,” he stated. On Day 2, fishing a current break, I found a ton of mixed species stacked up in one spot where I had to mow through about 15 nice walleye and 30 freshwater drum to get my bass. It was fun for a while but eventually I had to move on to concentrate strictly on the bass. Who could imagine fishing through big walleye could grow frustrating?” |
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Gonzalez congratulated Dee for his strong performance, noting it was one of his first national events. “He really showed out against so many amazing anglers,” he stated. “That was impressive, and I look forward to fishing against him in the Hobie Tournament of Champions.” Which is exactly where Dee is headed. “Everything about the Hobie BOS Series is well done,” he concluded. I couldn’t be more thrilled with how things turned out at this event – and qualifying for the TOC is awesome. To be one of only 50 people in the whole country fishing together on one lake is crazy, and the prize money is outstanding. I can’t wait.” McWhorter, too, was pleased with the Fox and Wolf Rivers experience. “Coming into this event anglers faced a lot of unknowns, but we learned quickly that this is an incredible fishery,” he stated. “We saw huge smallmouth, had an incredible limit take home the big check, and there was a good largemouth bite, too, although that didn’t translate to spots on the leaderboard this time around. The city of Appleton was a great destination for our competitors and we look forward to coming back here again.” The final stop on the Hobie BOS Series trail before the T.O.C. is Lake Dardanelle in Russellville, Arkansas, September 17and 18. It’s the last chance to qualify for the big show and should be a barn-burner. Register now if you hope to attend. |
B.A.S.S. Announces 2023 Bassmaster Elite Series Schedule
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — With the 2022 Bassmaster Elite Series season barely in the history books, B.A.S.S. is already getting primed for another go-round as the 2023 Elite Series slate was announced today.
The schedule includes nine regular-season events in seven states with a healthy mix of familiar fisheries from recent schedules and some that B.A.S.S. hasn’t visited in a while. Along the tournament trail, these talented anglers will battle each other — and big bass — for the prestigious titles of Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year, Falcon Rods Rookie of the Year and Elite Series champion.
B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson lauded the schedule as another great opportunity for the best professional anglers in the world to showcase their talents on diverse and exceptional fisheries.
“The 2023 Elite Series schedule allows us to visit multiple regions — including fisheries where we haven’t been in many years — to celebrate fishing fans and our great sport,” Anderson said. “Anglers are tested in a variety of environments, truly battling for the right to call themselves the Angler of the Year or Rookie of the Year.
“And, of course, for approximately 40 of those anglers, the nine Elite Series tournaments are the pathway to fulfill a dream and compete on the biggest stage in sportfishing — the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic.”
The usual February Southern swing will have a slightly different flavor this year. After starting the season the past four years on the St. Johns River, the 2023 slate will open on world-famous Lake Okeechobee in Okeechobee, Fla., Feb. 16-19.
The massive Florida waterway has a drainage basin of approximately 2.8 million acres and is the second-largest natural freshwater lake contained entirely within the contiguous 48 states. B.A.S.S. has an extensive history on the “Big O,” having visited there 22 times since 1980, but this will be the organization’s first trip there since 2017.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Bassmaster Elite Series back to Lake Okeechobee to kick off their 2023 season,” said Terry Burroughs, chairman of the Okeechobee Board of County Commissioners. “Lake Okeechobee offers the best freshwater fishery in Florida paired with a down-home community that offers a unique experience both on and off the water. We look forward to welcoming everyone with the Bassmaster Elite family!”
From Florida, the Elites will move slightly to the north to fish another venue that was once a familiar stop on the Bassmaster Tournament Trail — Lake Seminole in Bainbridge, Ga. B.A.S.S. has visited the 37,500-acre Chattahoochee River reservoir 15 times since 1968, but not 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 — Feb. 23-26 — could play right into that storyline.
The regular season will pause in late March for the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic, which is scheduled for March 24-26 in Knoxville, Tenn., with competition on the Tennessee River. The 2019 Classic held in Knoxville drew a then-record crowd of 153,809 spectators for all associated events, and similar crowds are expected for a Classic that will this time be held one week later in the year.
Once the regular season resumes, the Elites will set up shop in South Carolina with back-to-back events on Lake Murray (April 20-23, Columbia, S.C.) and Santee Cooper Lakes (April 27-30, Clarendon County, S.C.). B.A.S.S. has visited Lake Murray nine times for major events since 1991, but its most recent trip to the 50,000-acre Saluda River fishery was in 2011.
Santee Cooper Lakes has been the site of 12 major B.A.S.S. events, including the slugfest won by Georgia pro Drew Cook back in March with a Century Club catch of 105 pounds, 5 ounces. Second-place finisher Caleb Kuphall of Wisconsin also earned a Century Belt in that event with 103-1, and the Santee Cooper Lakes ranks third for the most Century Belts produced with eight. The lakes also ranked 10th on Bassmaster Magazine’s recent list of 100 Best Bass Lakes.
From South Carolina, the Elites will travel May 11-14 to Lay Lake in Shelby County, Ala. — a 12,000-acre Coosa River impoundment that holds the distinction of being the major fishery located closest to the B.A.S.S. offices in Birmingham. Four of B.A.S.S.’s five trips to Lay have been for Bassmaster Classics (1996, 2002, 2007, 2010), and the most recent trip to the central Alabama spotted bass haven was in 2020 for an Eastern Open.
“We are very excited to welcome the Bassmaster Elite Series to Shelby County,” said Kendall Williams, manager of tourism and events for Shelby County. “Lay Lake has some of the best bass fishing in the country, and hosting events of this caliber reminds us how thankful we are to have this resource in our backyard.
“Plus, we love that the Elite Series draws anglers and visitors from all across the U.S. who will get to experience the exceptional community of support by local restaurants, stores and other businesses.”
B.A.S.S.’s annual trip to Texas will visit the Sabine River in Orange, Texas on June 1-4. The organization has visited the Sabine River five times for major events since 2013, including a 2021 Elite stop won by Oklahoma pro Jason Christie.
Anglers’ skills will be on display for enthusiastic fans as they weigh in among a festival-like atmosphere featuring some of the largest crowds the Elite Series has ever seen. During that 2021 visit to Orange, an Elite Series record crowd of 40,107 fans attended the four-day event while generating more than $2.5 million in revenue for local businesses.
With the temperatures likely sweltering in the South, the Elite Series will turn North on July 27-30 with a trip to Lake St. Clair in Macomb County, Mich. B.A.S.S. visited the 275,200-acre smallmouth bass paradise three times from 1994 to 2001 and then took a hiatus from the fishery before visiting five more times from 2014 to 2020. St. Clair recently ranked No. 4 on Bassmaster Magazine’s annual list of 100 Best Bass Lakes.
A New York swing has been a staple on the Elite Series schedule the past several years — and in 2023, it will be the stretch run for the season.
On Aug. 17-20, the Elites will fish Lake Champlain from Plattsburgh, N.Y. It will be the 15th major B.A.S.S. event held on the 271,000-acre fishery on the New York/Vermont border, including the most recent one which was won by Maryland pro Bryan Schmitt in 2021.
The season will culminate on the 1000 Islands region of the St. Lawrence River in Clayton, N.Y., Aug. 24-27. The fishery recently earned the No. 1 ranking on Bassmaster Magazine’s list of 100 Best Bass Lakes — and anyone who followed the Elite Series’ most recent trip there knows why.
Wisconsin rookie Jay Przekurat won the event with a Century Club catch of 102-9, and Canadian pro Cory Johnston placed second with a Century Club entry of his own at 100-5, each hitting the 100-pound mark with solely smallmouth, a first-time feat in B.A.S.S. competition. The entire Top 10 cracked the 90-pound mark, and it was widely regarded as the top smallmouth event in B.A.S.S. history.
“I can honestly think of no better place to cap off the Elite Series season than on maybe the best smallmouth fishery on the planet,” said Chris Bowes, vice president of tournaments for B.A.S.S. “That event would be the center of the bass fishing world no matter when it was held. But to think it will help decide Angler of the Year and who makes the Bassmaster Classic — that’ll make for an amazing week for our sport.”
In 2022, Elite Series anglers earned eight Century Belts and 2023 has the potential to add more huge catches to the record book.
“I’m excited about the 2023 schedule and the opportunities to see huge bags and close finishes,” said Lisa Talmadge, tournament director for the Elite Series. “What a way to kick off our season by going back-to-back to big-bass factories with the potential to produce a Century Belt before heading to Santee Cooper and the 1000 Islands, which both produced multiple Century Belts in 2022! Add in locations that’ve had record crowds or tight finishes plus fisheries where we haven’t competed in years, and I think it’s going to be a lot of fun to watch for all of us.”
More than 12.5 million viewers watched Bassmaster coverage on the FOX networks and, once again, fans can catch all nine Bassmaster
Elite Series events as well as Bassmaster Classic live television coverage on the FOX Sports platforms.
For complete coverage of the Elite Series, visit Bassmaster.com.
2023 Bassmaster Elite Series Schedule
Feb. 16-19, Okeechobee, Fla., Lake Okeechobee
Feb. 23-26, Bainbridge, Ga., Lake Seminole
March 24-26, Knoxville, Tenn., Tennessee River
April 20-23, Columbia, S.C., Lake Murray
April 27-30, Clarendon County, S.C., Santee Cooper Lakes
May 11-14, Shelby County, Ala., Lay Lake
June 1-4, Orange, Texas, Sabine River
July 27-30, Macomb County, Mich., Lake St. Clair
Aug. 17-20, Plattsburgh, N.Y., Lake Champlain
Aug. 24-27, Clayton, N.Y., St. Lawrence River
College Anglers Comb Through Winyah Bay
Courtesy of Luke Stoner - Dynamic Sponsorships
Around one hundred and forty of the best college fishing teams in the country have descended upon Winyah Bay here in Georgetown, South Carolina for the 2022 Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops. This morning marked the start of third official day of practice for championship qualifiers on the intricate puzzle this fishery offers.
Winyah Bay is the fourth largest estuary on the eastern seaboard of the United States and its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean presents many unique and unfamiliar challenges to most of the field.
For example, Lamar State College-Orange anglers Jack Tindell and Brett Fregia found a pair of crabs on the boat ramp this morning at the Carol Ashmore Marine Complex and witnessed mullet jumping in the Sampit River behind them. Not your typical sights when launching your boat for a bass fishing tournament.
“We have some experience with fishing brackish water and finding bass thanks to the Sabine River,” Tindell said. “But I’d be lying if I said we had any kind of advantage. Winyah Bay has been tough on us so far, we’ve been scratching our heads quite a bit this week.”
While we may be over 1,000 miles away from their home waters of the Sabine River and they don’t see it as much of an advantage, the familiarity they have with this style of fishing certainly won’t hurt the east Texas Gators chances. Navigating between fresh, brackish, and saltwater is completely novel experience for most competing anglers this week who are used to fishing reservoirs, inland river systems, and natural lakes.
Being far from home doesn’t intimate Fregia and Tindell either. They placed in the top ten of the 2021 Bassmaster College Series Championship last year on the St. Lawrence River and took home the impressive $5,000 Yamaha Power Pay bonus for their efforts.
The duo hopes to repeat and even improve on their 2021 performance this week, but that starts with staying focused every hour throughout practice and piecing together a gameplan for the three-day tournament.
“Right now, we’re still in search mode,” Fregia offered. “We think finding the right area, or areas, will be key in this tournament as opposed to fishing a pattern. There are areas that have healthy populations of bass, and areas that do not. Today and tomorrow will be all about finding some of those magical little places.”
“We’ve launched at a few different ramps just to try and sample different areas. I think we found a place where we could dominate a Grinnell (bowfin) tournament yesterday. We caught some big ones,” Tindell added with a smile.
Between crabs, bowfin, and the occasional redfish or errant flounder, there will be plenty of bycatch to keep things interesting for college fishing’s best this week. But make no mistake, this fishery is home to healthy populations of bass, too, and several teams will crack the code by the time the tournament begins.
While they insist practice has been less than stellar, Tindell and Fregia still think it will take somewhere around 15-lbs per day to win this event and believe breaking the 12-pound mark each day will be necessary to make Championship Sunday. Competition begins Friday morning at 6:30am ET and will conclude Sunday September 4th.
TITLE Champ & Elite Rookie of the Year!
This week Chris gets "Called Up" so to speak and the show takes a transformation of sorts. Chris talks with Major League Fishing Pro Circuit TITLE Champ Spencer Shuffield about his career and his breakthrough win on the St. Lawrence River. Later in the show, David and Kenneth call up Bassmaster Rookie of the Year and fellow (to David) "Win-sconsonite" Jay Pzerkurat to the show to breakdown his rookie year, his first win and bringing home the ROY hardware.
Schmitt Claims Close Win At Bassmaster Elite Series Event On Mississippi River
Bryan Schmitt of Deale, Md., has won the 2022 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Mississippi River with a four-day total of 63 pounds, 4 ounces.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
August 29, 2022
Schmitt Claims Close Win At Bassmaster Elite Series Event On Mississippi River
LA CROSSE, Wis. — Persistent refinement put Bryan Schmitt on track to sacking up a four-day total of 63 pounds, 4 ounces and claiming his second blue trophy at the Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Mississippi River.
Hailing from Deale, Md., Schmitt took the Day 1 lead with 17-0 — the event’s second heaviest bag — and followed that with bags of 14-3 and 14-12.
Schmitt, who won his first Elite on Lake Champlain in 2021, started Championship Monday in third place, trailing Canadian pro Chris Johnston by 2-1. Adding 16-11 in the final round, Schmitt edged Johnston by just 4 ounces and won the $100,000 prize. He also earned an automatic berth into the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic scheduled for March 24-26 in Knoxville, Tenn.
“I’d rather have a blow-out win because this is too stressful,” Schmitt said of the dramatic finish. “When Chris brought his bag up, it looked big — I thought he had it!
“I can’t believe it. I’m 2-for-2 here. (Schmitt also won a 2017 FLW Tour event on the Mississippi River).”
Throughout the event, Schmitt focused his efforts on a 200-yard stretch of eelgrass in Pool 8. With multiple wins on grassy tidal fisheries from the Potomac River to the James River, he leveraged his vast knowledge of how bass relate to moving water and vegetation to progressively whittle down his spot.
“When you have a fishery with a lot of grass, it’s always about finding something different,” Schmitt said. “The first day, it was about depressions and edges. Then, it got so flat calm that I realized the fish would pick a place on that grass edge or depression and that was the only place you could get bit.”
Seeing the bass were not randomly strolling through the eelgrass, Schmitt dissected his area until he identified the money spot. Amid the grass flat’s consistent 6-foot depths, he identified an 8-foot trench measuring about 20 feet wide by 100 yards long.
“There was about a 50-foot section where, whenever I would get a bait on the bottom, I could feel rock,” Schmitt said. “So, there was rock meeting grass in a depression.”
The key to the spot’s attraction was the very detail that derailed many anglers’ game plans. Heavy rains from a storm that delayed the Day 2 launch by one hour muddied much of Pool 8. However, Schmitt’s area was shielded from the mud plume, while the eelgrass filtration left only beneficial water flow.
“It’s a challenge, but I enjoy fishing in current because I feel current makes fish predictable,” Schmitt said. “When I won here in 2017, it flooded. It was just like this — my spot got better and better.”
Schmitt caught most of his keepers on a Carolina-rigged Missile Baits Baby D Stroyer in green pumpkin flash. He added one of his limit fish on a bone-colored Spro Fat Papa Walker.
“I used a 3 1/2- to 4-foot leader and I think that’s why they would bite that bait,” Schmitt said. “There was so much eelgrass, the weight would get down and the bait would float above the grass for a minute and that’s when you would get bit.”
Schmitt said his win was perfectly timed, as he’ll head home and celebrate his son Dylan’s 9th birthday Thursday.
Johnston, who makes his home in Otonabee, Ontario, turned in limits of 16-4, 15-10, 16-12 and 14-6 for a second-place total of 63-0. Spending his tournament in Pool 8, he did most of his work by throwing a chartreuse/white Spro Bronzeye Frog around shallow eelgrass mats.
“I had to adjust in one area today; the fish moved on me a little bit,” Johnston said. “I just went frog fishing and today I lost the most fish of any day in this event. It was one of those days and it wasn’t meant to be.
“I fished clean the first three days, but today I just had (several) come unbuttoned.”
Mats with current exposure proved most productive for Johnston. In addition to the largemouth he caught on the frog, Johnston also caught keeper smallmouth on a bone-colored Zara Spook.
Keith Combs of Huntington, Texas, finished third with 61-15. His daily weights were 14-5, 17-7, 15-1 and 15-2.
Combs fished Pools 8 and 9 each day, but only the former produced Monday. His main pattern involved sandbars and other current breaks where fish would position to feed.
“I had several different areas, but everything was current-related; it had to have a little current trickling through,” Combs said. “Today, I caught my fish on a current seam and I caught a ton of fish. This morning, I caught them on every cast for 45 minutes. It was insanity.
“I never could dial into the big fish this week. I caught a ton of fish in the 3- to 3 1/2-pound range, but I never could figure out how to catch those 4-pounders.”
Combs caught his bass on a black/blue Strike King swim jig with a black Strike King Caffeine Shad trailer. He also caught keepers on a Texas-rigged junebug Strike King Cut-R Worm.
Brock Mosley of Collinsville, Miss., won the overall $1,000 Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 5-8 and also claimed the $1,000 daily big-fish prize for Day 1. Tennessee’s Brandon Lester claimed Monday’s daily big-fish prize with a 4-11.
Lester also won the $2,000 VMC Monster Bag prize for his final-day catch of 18-7.
Combs took home an additional $3,000 for being the highest-placing entrant in the Toyota Bonus Bucks program, and Drew Benton of Blakely, Ga., earned $2,000 for being the second-highest placing entrant.
As part of the Yamaha Power Pay program, Combs also earned an additional $2,500 as the highest-placing entrant and Scott Martin of Clewiston, Fla., claimed an additional $1,500 for being the second-highest placing entrant.
North Carolina’s Brandon Card won the $1,000 BassTrakk Contingency award for the most accurate weight reporting.
2022 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Mississippi River 8/26-8/29
Mississippi River, La Crosse WI.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 4
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 20 63-04 100 $100,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 14-03 Day 3: 5 14-12 Day 4: 5 16-11
2. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 20 63-00 99 $35,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 5 15-10 Day 3: 5 16-12 Day 4: 5 14-06
3. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 20 61-15 98 $30,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 17-07 Day 3: 5 15-01 Day 4: 5 15-02
4. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 20 61-06 97 $28,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 13-09 Day 3: 5 14-09 Day 4: 5 18-07
5. Bryan New Saluda, SC 20 59-11 96 $20,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-15 Day 2: 5 13-01 Day 3: 5 16-05 Day 4: 5 14-06
6. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 20 57-10 95 $19,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-08 Day 2: 5 14-13 Day 3: 5 14-11 Day 4: 5 12-10
7. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 20 56-02 94 $19,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 16-08 Day 3: 5 13-07 Day 4: 5 12-12
8. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 20 55-15 93 $17,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 13-15 Day 3: 5 14-05 Day 4: 5 12-08
9. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 20 55-12 92 $16,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-10 Day 2: 5 13-05 Day 3: 5 14-11 Day 4: 5 12-02
10. Drew Benton Blakely, GA 20 54-03 91 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 5 13-01 Day 3: 5 14-12 Day 4: 5 10-01
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 05-08 $1,000.00
2 Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 04-06 $1,000.00
3 Joshua Stracner Vandiver, AL 05-01 $1,000.00
4 Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 04-11 $1,000.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 05-08 $1,000.00
VMC MONSTER BAG
Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 18-07 $2,000.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 73 419 1038-04
2 61 376 946-13
3 45 232 634-13
4 10 50 139-01
----------------------------------
189 1077 2758-15
Reese Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event on Detroit River
Miller Claims Strike King Co-Angler Division Victory
TRENTON, Mich. (Aug. 29, 2022) – Boater Jeremy Reese of Powell, Ohio, caught five bass Saturday weighing 26 pounds, 6 ounces, to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on the Detroit River . The tournament was the third regular-season event for the Bass Fishing League Michigan Division. Reese earned $4,820 for his victory.
“I made a pretty long run into Lake Erie and had a few different areas, and I just alternated around them,” Reese said. “There was another fisherman up there, an absolute hammer, and we were sharing the same stuff. We worked together and rotated through and shared it real well.”
The tournament began well for Reese, as he boated quality fish soon after Saturday’s takeoff.
“Saturday was a morning bite for me,” Reese said. “I had all of the fish I weighed in before 10 a.m., fishing rock piles from 15 to 29 feet deep.
“I’ve been working a lot with Venture Lures,” Reese added. “I’ve been testing and designing baits with them, and used a green pumpkin Venture Lures Dropper Worm this week.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
2nd: Trevor Jancasz, White Pigeon, Mich., five bass, 24-0, $2,249
3rd: Brett Haake, Shorewood, Ill., five bass, 23-4, $1,698
4th: Jared Rhode, Port Clinton, Ohio, five bass, 23-1, $1,050
5th: Kyle Greene, Ortonville, Mich., five bass, 22-14, $862
5th: Austin Anderson, Ashley, Ind., five bass, 22-14, $1,362 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
7th: John Dawson, Mount Vernon, Ohio, five bass, 22-13, $750
8th: Mike Trombly, Belleville, Mich., five bass, 22-6, $675
9th: Scott Dobson, Clarkston, Mich., five bass, 22-3, $800
10th: Matt Elkins, Spencerville, Ohio, five bass, 22-0, $525
Rob Miller of Albion, Michigan, won the Strike King Co-angler Division and $2,571 Saturday after catching five bass weighing 22 pounds, 1 ounce.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers were:
2nd: Nick Shinigwai Yeung, Simcoe, Ontario, five bass, 21-4, $1,125
3rd: Tom Lyskawa, Arlington Heights, Ill., five bass, 21-0, $1,052
4th: Mark Lyons, Marion, Ind., five bass, 20-3, $487
4th: Jacob Cox, Corunna, Mich., five bass, 20-3, $487
6th: Robert Miller, Litchfield, Mich., five bass, 19-13, $412
7th: David Borsa, Redford, Mich., five bass, 19-10, $375
8th: Brian Hicks, Auburn, Ind., five bass, 19-7, $337
9th: Paul Porento, Lowell, Ind., five bass, 19-3, $300
10th: Tyler Bliemeister, Ray Township, Mich., five bass, 19-2, $262
The 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six Regional Championships where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the MLF Toyota Series, the pathway to the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 4WP, 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, AFTCO, A.R.E. Truck Caps, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, Gary Yamamoto Baits, General Tire, Lew’s, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Revital Outdoors, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Wiley X, YETI and Yo-Zuri.
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.
Sitko Wins Second Event of Double-Header at Phoenix Bass Fishing League on the Detroit River
Marcum Takes Strike King Co-Angler Division
TRENTON, Mich. (Aug. 29, 2022) – Boater Michael Sitko of Pinckney, Michigan, caught five bass Sunday weighing 26 pounds, 11 ounces, to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on the Detroit River . The tournament was the fourth event for the Bass Fishing League Michigan Division. Sitko earned $4,601 for his victory.
“I had no idea where I was going to head out to or start, and I was boat number three,” Sitko said. “I probably ran 10 miles and still hadn’t decided where to go. It was a little bit rough out there, so I decided to stop on some closer stuff and there were no fish there. I worked my way out a little further and picked off a few here and there.
“Sunday was kind of tough,” Sitko added. “I didn’t catch a bunch, but I caught the right ones.”
Sitko said he made a run to Lake Erie and caught 10 smallmouth keepers on isolated rocks in 20 to 22 feet of water on drop-shot rigs, as well as a couple of kickers on tubes.
“My first fish of the day was a 3-10, and at one point I had four good ones in the boat,” Sitko said. “About noon I had been at a spot for 10 minutes and picked up a tube and decided to make one last cast there. I bombed a cast out over a rock hump and got bit a quarter of the way back in. It was a 5-13, so I culled the 3-10.”
The BFL win was the first for Sitko since a win at the Detroit River in 2016.
“It’s very hard to win in this division,” Sitko added. “I’ve been close so many times with second-and third-place finishes, so it feels good to get another win under my belt.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
2nd: Heath Wagner, Angola, Ind., five bass, 23-14, $2,023
3rd: Trevor Jancasz, White Pigeon, Mich., five bass, 22-5, $1,348
4th: Gary Greenwood, Taylors, S.C., five bass, 22-1, $944
5th: Jeremy Reese, Powell, Ohio, five bass, 21-8, $809
6th: Nick Trim, Galesville, Wis., five bass, 21-5, $1,242 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
7th: Dan Mittlestat, Woodhaven, Mich., five bass, 21-2, $974
8th: Mike Trombley, Belleville, Mich., five bass, 21-1, $607
9th: Elijah Meyers, Fort Wayne, Ind., five bass, 20-9, $539
10th: Mike Raber, Elkhart, Ind., five bass, 20-7, $472
2nd: Jeffrey Thomson, Birmingham, Mich., five bass, 19-12, $1,011
3rd: Mike Eldridge, Blairsville, Penn., five bass, 19-2, $674
4th: Benton Peoples, Bardstown, Ky., five bass, 18-14, $472
5th: Ken Ramsey, Cassopolis, Mich., five bass, 18-10, $405
6th: Gregory Jantovsky, Westland, Mich., five bass, 18-4, $371
7th: Greg Owens, Clinton Township, Mich., five bass, 18-3, $337
8th: Paul Porento, Lowell, Ind., five bass, 17-10, $563
8th: Jeffrey Galgan, Arlington Heights, Ill., five bass, 17-10, $286
10th: Nicholas Veselka, Fishers, Ind., five bass, 17-9, $236
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five winners in each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 13-15 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Boaters will compete 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 fish for a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.
The 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six Regional Championships where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the MLF Toyota Series, the pathway to the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 4WP, 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, AFTCO, A.R.E. Truck Caps, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, Gary Yamamoto Baits, General Tire, Lew’s, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Revital Outdoors, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Wiley X, YETI and Yo-Zuri.
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.
Overmyer Wins Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Tournament on Lake Lanier
GAINESVILLE, Ga. (Aug. 29, 2022) – Boater Ty Overmyer of Dawsonville, Georgia, caught 10 bass weighing 30 pounds, 7 ounces, to win the two-day MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Lanier in Gainesville, Georgia . The tournament was the fifth and final regular-season event for the Bass Fishing League Bulldog Division. Overmyer earned $7,138 for his victory.
“A lot of hard work went into this, and it really paid off,” Overmyer said. “Knowing the lake really helped me a lot fishing in these tough conditions.
“I had really slow mornings, and as the sun got higher, it positioned the fish in the brush piles. I ran as many as I possibly could,” Overmyer added.
Overmyer said he focused on the south end of the lake during both days of competition, and his efforts produced five bass on Saturday and eight Sunday. He said he used a Trickster Tricky Shad Fluke and let it sink to brush piles on Saturday. Overmyer said wind on Sunday pushed herring up shallow on points and his key bait was an Evergreen Shower Blows 77.7 topwater bait.
“It was a slow bite, but it was the right bite,” Overmyer said. “My co-angler and I threw the topwater baits in tandem and it would trigger the fish to come up and eat. It helps when you’ve got someone else throwing one, too.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
2nd: Emil Wagner, Marietta, Ga, 10 bass, 30-5, $4,269 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF5 contingency bonus)
3rd: Alex Prince, Blue Ridge, Ga., 10 bass, 29-5, $2,378
4th: Will Harkins, Blairsville, Ga, 10 bass, 27-14, $1,666
5th: Paul Driskell, Jefferson, Ga, 10 bass, 26-5, $1,428
6th: Weston Parker, Mansfield, Ga., 10 bass, 25-5, $1,309
7th: Dalton Tankersley, Copperhill, Tenn., 10 bass, 25-0, $1,190
8th: Kip Carter, Eatonton, Ga., 10 bass, 24-15, $1,071
9th: Mitchell Grimsley, Hiawassee, Ga., 10 bass, 24-8, $952
10th: Bill Booth, Marietta, Ga., 10 bass, 24-0, $833
Nathan Vick of Archer, Florida, caught a bass weighing 5 pounds, 12 ounces – the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division – to earn the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $1,065.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers were:
2nd: Robert Holliday, Greensboro, Ga., eight bass, 17-6, $1,922
3rd: Carlos Guzman, Fayetteville, Ga., eight bass, 16-10, $1,179
4th: Wayne Hancock, Cumming, Ga., seven bass, 15-6, $827
5th: Nathan Duong, Gainesville, Ga., five bass, 14-6, $709
6th: Harold Grizzle, Gainesville, Ga., seven bass, 14-2, $650
7th: Frank Poole, Stockbridge, Ga., six bass, 13-13, $591
8th: Madison Earnest, Covington, Ga., five bass, 13-6, $532
9th: Cody Cantrell, Fairmount, Ga., six bass, 12-14, $473
10th: Judah Eernisse, Lexington, S.C., seven bass, 12-2, $413
With the regular season now complete, boater Kip Carter of Eatonton, Georgia, won the 2022 Bass Fishing League Bulldog Division Boater Angler of the Year (AOY) race with a five-event total of 1,337 points to earn the $1,000 boater AOY award. Benjie Winkler of Cleveland, Georgia, won the 2022 Strike King Co-Angler Bulldog Division AOY race with 1,287 points and earned the $500 Strike King Co-angler of the Year award.
Now, the top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will advance to compete in the Oct. 6-8 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Lake Murray in Prosperity, South Carolina. Boaters will compete 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 fish for a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.
The 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six Regional Championships where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the MLF Toyota Series, the pathway to the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 4WP, 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, AFTCO, A.R.E. Truck Caps, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, Gary Yamamoto Baits, General Tire, Lew’s, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Revital Outdoors, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Wiley X, YETI and Yo-Zuri.
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.
Reynolds Wins Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Tournament on Sam Rayburn Reservoir
BROOKELAND, Texas (Aug. 29, 2022) – Boater Tater Reynolds of Florien, Louisiana, caught 10 bass weighing 48 pounds, 14 ounces, to win the two-day MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on Sam Rayburn Reservoir . The tournament, hosted by Jasper County Development District, was the fifth and final regular-season event for the Bass Fishing League Cowboy Division. Reynolds earned $8,467 for his victory.
According to post-tournament reports, Reynolds said he focused his tournament efforts above the Highway 147 bridge on Sam Rayburn and targeted brush piles in 15 to 35 feet of water. Reynolds used a Table Rock Pro-colored 6th Sense 106X Jerkbait to land his bass.
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
2nd: Derek Mundy, Broaddus, Texas, 10 bass, 38-8, $3,733
3rd: Blake Schroeder, Whitehouse, Texas, 10 bass, 35-13, $2,738
4th: James Allen Pruitt, Houston, Texas, 10 bass, 35-4, $1,742
5th: Jason Bonds, Lufkin, Texas, 10 bass, 35-0, $1,493
6th: Wesley Dawson, Chester, Texas, 10 bass, 32-14, $1,569
7th: Walt Stevens, Bernice, La., 10 bass, 32-6, $1,544
8th: Tommy Loving, Cypress, Texas, 10 bass, 31-13, $1,620 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF5 contingency bonus)
9th: Todd Castledine, Nacogdoches, Texas, 10 bass, 29-15, $996
10th: Cody Wise, Chireno, Texas, 10 bass, 27-6, $871
Kevin Jeane of Natchitoches, Louisiana, caught a bass weighing 8 pounds, 14 ounces – the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division – to earn the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $1,140.
Ben Faucheaux of Natchitoches, Louisiana, won the Strike King Co-angler Division and $3,733 Sunday after catching a two-day total of eight bass weighing 22 pounds, 6 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers were:
2nd: J.J. Matzke, League City, Texas, seven bass, 19-10, $1,867
3rd: Daniel Bryant, Scott, La., five bass, 19-8, $1,914
4th: James Moore, Jr., Lampasas, Texas, eight bass, 19-8, $1,221
5th: Hannah Gryder, Many, La., eight bass, 19-5, $747
6th: Zane Parker, Goodrich, Texas, nine bass, 19-4, $684
7th: Mitchel Martin, Washington, La., seven bass, 18-3, $622
8th: Jimmy Saltzman, Lake Charles, La., seven bass, 18-3, $560
9th: Zachary McDaniel, Pitkin, La., six bass, 16-9, $498
10th: Steven Fisher, Nacogdoches, Texas, four bass, 14-9, $436
With the regular season now complete, boater Tater Reynolds of Florien, Louisiana, won the 2022 Bass Fishing League Cowboy Division Boater Angler of the Year (AOY) race with a five-event total of 1,363 points to earn the $1,000 boater AOY award. Greg Dennis of Fort Worth, Texas, won the 2022 Strike King Co-Angler Cowboy Division AOY race with 1,258 points and earned the $500 Strike King Co-angler of the Year award.
Now, the top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will advance to compete in the Oct. 20-22 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Grand Lake in Grove, Oklahoma. Boaters will compete 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 fish for a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.
The 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six Regional Championships where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the MLF Toyota Series, the pathway to the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 4WP, 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, AFTCO, A.R.E. Truck Caps, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, Gary Yamamoto Baits, General Tire, Lew’s, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Revital Outdoors, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Wiley X, YETI and Yo-Zuri.
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.
