AnglersChannel

The Ultimate Angler World Championship Bass Fishing Tournament Announces Sanctioned Qualifiers by Ikon Boats

Date: February 14, 2025

The Ultimate Angler World Championship Bass Fishing Tournament is proud to announce its partnership with Ikon Boats to sanction two of the qualifying events for the prestigious competition. The Ikon Tailgate Tour presented by Mercury Outboards, a highly anticipated grassroots team bass fishing tournament series for amateur anglers, will feature four qualifying events, with two of them taking place at iconic fishing destinations—Lake of the Ozarks (June 7, 2025) and Lake Guntersville (September 6, 2025). These events will provide an opportunity for anglers to earn a spot in the Ultimate Angler World Championship, which will take place at Lake Guntersville, Alabama from October 5-11, 2025.

The Ultimate Angler World Championship is the most prestigious and inclusive bass fishing competition ever created. It is set to crown a World Champion by bringing together top anglers from all leagues and backgrounds, providing a platform for every level of angler to compete for the ultimate title. The championship will feature the best of the best, with the world’s top anglers competing for bragging rights and a grand prize.

Details of the Qualifying Ikon Events:

• Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri – June 7, 2025
• Lake Guntersville, Alabama – September 6, 2025
• Entry Fee: $200 per team + $95 for membership
• Expected Participation: 150-200 boats per event
• Prize Structure: 100% of entry fees paid back to anglers, with a guaranteed $10,000 for 1st place

The Ikon Tailgate Tour presented by Mercury Outboards is a grassroots tournament series focused on offering amateur anglers a chance to compete in team-based events, with substantial cash prizes. The series is open to all anglers who meet the eligibility requirements, and teams are not required to fish more than one event. The tournaments are designed to provide a level playing field for non-professional anglers, with a structure that promotes competition, community, and fun.

Each event will feature a conventional 5-fish weigh-in format, hosted through Fishing Chaos, a leading tournament management platform. Ikon Boats, Ikon Dealers, and well-known professional anglers such as Jacob Wheeler, Kyle Welcher, and Hunter Shryock will promote and support the events, alongside other Ikon pro-staffers.

Tournament weigh-ins will be held in an event-style manner, with additional attractions including food, raffles, boat demos, and sponsor booths for a family-friendly atmosphere.

About Ikon Boats:

Ikon Boats is a premier manufacturer of high-performance bass fishing boats that combine cutting-edge technology, durability, and precision engineering. Known for their versatility and exceptional performance, Ikon Boats provides anglers with the tools they need to compete at the highest level. The 2025 Ikon VLX20 is the latest model from the brand, offering unmatched reliability and fishing capabilities. Through their support of grassroots events like the Ikon Tailgate Tour presented by Mercury Outboards, Ikon Boats demonstrates its commitment to fostering the next generation of bass anglers.

About The Ultimate Angler World Championship:

The Ultimate Angler World Championship is a revolutionary event designed to bring anglers from every corner of the bass fishing world together to compete for a world title. Taking place in the bass-fishing capital of the world, Lake Guntersville, Alabama, this event will crown the Ultimate Angler, a true champion of the sport. With teams from all leagues and skill levels competing, the Ultimate Angler World Championship will become the pinnacle of bass fishing and the ultimate proving ground for anglers everywhere.

Media Contact: Susan Carothers
VP of Communications
Unified Pros
susan@theultimateangler.org

www.theultimateangler.org

by AnglersChannel

Major League Fishing to Host Celebration for Local Fans with Watch Party and Championship Trophy Ceremony at Ski Beach

• Watch MLF pros LIVE on the big screen on MLFNOW!
• FREE food – first 100 fans each day
• Youth fishing derby – gear provided/worms donated by DMF Bait Company
• Casting contest
• Hourly giveaways
• MLF merchandise

• Sat. – Soundscaper (Rock/Classic Rock)
• Sun. – Harrison Davis (Country)

• First 50 kids 14 and under receive a FREE Abu Garcia rod and reel each day
• Autographs and photos from Bass Pro Tour finalists
• Hourly giveaways

by AnglersChannel

High winds lead to shortened competition at Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn Reservoir

JASPER, Texas — Due to severe weather threats and high winds forecast for Saturday, B.A.S.S. tournament officials have canceled Saturday’s competition day at the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn Reservoir presented by SEVIIN. The decision was made after officials consulted with local meteorologists.

“The National Weather Service is forecasting sustained winds out of the SSW of 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 25 mph,” said Executive Director of Tournaments Hank Weldon. “In addition, there is a significant threat of severe weather. The meteorologist I just spoke with is confident a severe line will come through early- to midafternoon, which will be before we can complete weigh-in for a full field.”

As a result, Friday will be the only day of competition for the Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn Reservoir, and the tournament will conclude at the end of the day.

Takeoff will be Friday at 7 a.m. CT at Umphrey Family Pavilion in Brookeland, Texas, with weigh-in at 3 p.m. at the same location.

The event is being sponsored by the Jasper County (Texas) Development District No. 1.

2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: St. Croix

2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Presenting Sponsor: SEVIIN

2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC

About B.A.S.S.

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

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

by AnglersChannel

MLF Pros Make a Difference in Leesburg with a Day of Service, Fan Engagement and Youth Outreach

LEESBURG, Fla. (Feb. 13, 2025) – On Wednesday, before the Major League Fishing (MLF) pros hit the Harris Chain of Lakes for the Bass Pro Tour Suzuki Marine Stage 2, many spent their “off day”  giving back to the Leesburg, Florida, community in a series of impactful events. From volunteering at the Leesburg Food Bank to meeting fans at Bass Pro Shops Orlando and mentoring young anglers at a student angler clinic, the day was filled with meaningful connections and memorable moments.

At sunrise, four MLF pros – Justin Cooper, Alton Jones Jr., Fred Roumbanis and Jeff Sprague – arrived at the Leesburg Food Bank, ready to roll up their sleeves and serve. Food was dispensed to more than 65 families Wednesday morning, thanks in part to the anglers, who sorted, weighed and distributed shopping carts full of essentials.

"Growing up, I knew that need personally, and taking the opportunity to give back to people who are struggling to make ends meet is something very important to me,” Sprague said. “Fishing and competing is a lot of fun, but this is the kind of thing that hits me right in the heart."

Beyond the hands-on work, the pros connected with longtime food bank volunteers, including a couple of military veterans who have dedicated years to the organization. The morning was not without its lighthearted moments, as the veteran volunteers took advantage of the “young guns’” strong backs and one of the pros tried their hands at maneuvering a forklift – resulting in a few mishaps but plenty of laughs.

Roumbanis said he was impressed by the scale of the food bank’s operation – over 700,000 pounds of food pass through the food bank each year, ran solely by volunteers – and encouraged members of the Florida community to get involved.

"As we walked through room after room full of food and saw the full scope of the organization, it was obvious how much pride and determination is put in by each of these volunteers,” said Roumbanis. “With more than 7,200 shopping carts of food distributed each year, the need is great and any donations – time, food, money, drivers – is a huge necessity to help keep the wheels turning.”

By midday, the action shifted to Bass Pro Shops in Orlando, where fans gathered to meet some of the biggest names in professional fishing. Nine MLF pros – Dustin Connell, Justin Cooper, Mark Daniels Jr., Ott DeFoe, Brent Ehrler, Edwin Evers, Chris Lane, Andy Montgomery and Skeet Reese – signed autographs, took photos and even helped feed the fish in the store’s massive tank. One redfish put on a show, slamming bait at the surface and soaking fans in the splash zone.

The day wrapped up at the Venetian Center, where 25 students from the Florida Teen Sportfishing Association gathered for the MLF Student Angler Clinic. The young anglers spent over an hour peppering MLF pros Matt Becker, Wesley Strader and Jacob Wall with questions, learning tips and tricks from the Bass Pro Tour anglers.

"Being able to share our experiences and foster the love for bass fishing with these young anglers is so important,” said Wall. “I love seeing the excitement and joy on their faces as they ask questions or laugh about mishaps on the water."

Thanks to MLF sponsors, the students didn’t leave empty-handed. Many went home with Abu Garcia rods and reels, as well as MLF signed angler jerseys, bait packs and merchandise – a fun end to an unforgettable day.

While the Bass Pro Tour competition began on the Harris Chain of Lakes Thursday, Wednesday’s community events left a lasting impression on the pros, volunteers, fans and students alike. Whether handing out food, signing autographs or inspiring the next generation, MLF’s day of service reinforced that professional bass fishing is about more than just competition—it’s about community.

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

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

by AnglersChannel

Water and weather foretell favorable fishing for Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River

Feb. 13, 2025

PALATKA, Fla. —  “Cold” typically is a four-letter word in Florida, but Bassmaster Elite Series pro Drew Benton said winter weather in the right measure and with the right timing could unleash an eruption of Sunshine State potential during the 2025 FXR Pro Fish Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River.

Competition days will be February 20-23 with daily takeoffs from Palatka City Dock and Boat Ramp at 7 a.m. ET and weigh-ins each day at Palatka Riverfront Park at 3 p.m.

“The big thing that is going to positively influence this event is the cold weather we had leading up to the (recent) warming trend,” Benton said. “Any time we get cold weather in Florida, and it warms up, it makes these lakes explode.

“The power of weather on these Florida fisheries is incredible. When we have a good, cold winter and the fish can’t just trickle spawn and do their thing whenever they want to, it makes them flood the bank all at the same time. They don’t all spawn at once, but they get up there where you can catch them all at once.”

Acknowledging late winter’s notoriously fickle nature, Benton wisely hedges his prediction. Late January saw a historic winter storm drop 8 inches of snow at his home in Panama City, Fla., so he’s taking nothing for granted.

“That was unheard of, but barring any (extreme) weather, all things are pointing to two strong Florida events (at St. Johns on Feb. 20-23 and at Lake Okeechobee Feb. 27-March 2),” Benton said. “People think cold weather is a bad thing in Florida, but it can really set up the fishing.”

Last year’s Elite at the St. Johns was held mid-April and saw Canadian hammer Cory Johnston win by targeting spawning bass in the Salt Springs area of the fishery. Even though this year’s tournament takes place approximately two months earlier in the year, Benton expects the warming trend to again highlight the spawn.

Benton, who has placed fourth at the St. Johns twice (2024, 2016), also points to water level as a key factor. The St. Johns suffered a tremendous loss of submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) — mostly eelgrass — during past hurricanes, with winds ripping up much of the vegetation and lingering high water choking out any resurgence.

While it takes years to regrow the eelgrass that once carpeted much of the system and made areas like Crescent Lake and Lake George spawning meccas, Benton said the current scenario will deliver immediate impacts.

“One thing I’ve been watching is the water level, and it has been down this year, which is a positive,” Benton said. “That’s what has negatively affected the grass growth. I don’t know if the current water level is going to impact the grass growth, but as a whole, it’s going to make the river healthier.

“Typically, as long as it’s not high it’s going to be clear. And (the Florida Fish and  Wildlife Conservation Commission) put in a lot of work on the fishery with eelgrass planting and (protective fencing around planted areas). From what I’ve seen online, some of those planted areas have taken off. That little bit of grass will help with water quality.”

Despite a major change in fishable waters, Benton believes anglers will find significant opportunities throughout tournament waters. Last year, competitors were allowed to fish Rodman Reservoir — a man-made reservoir on the Ocklawaha River that connects to the St. Johns through a canal south of Palatka.

This year, Rodman is off-limits, but Benton remains optimistic. Tournament boundaries stretch from the Fuller Warren Bridge (I-95) in Jacksonville down to State 44 in DeLand. Past events have seen anglers push far north of Palatka and nearly to the southern boundary.

With the combination of lower water and favorable weather, Benton believes competitive bags could come from both extremes and all points in between.

“Initially, I didn’t like that Rodman was out of the equation this year, because in the past it attracted a lot of boats and kept them off the river,” he said. “I was afraid that would make the river fish extremely small this year, but because of that weather we’ve had, I think it’s going to spread guys out.

“I think the entire range is hitting the magical water temp. I think that as far as you want to go north or south could be in play.”

Sight fishing likely will make up a large portion of the angling effort, but Benton said late prespawners preparing to move up will also present solid opportunities. He’s also pondering the potential for a traditional postspawn pattern.

“Shellbeds always play, because not all the fish are gonna bed at the same time,” Benton said. “If a guy finds a place where they’re pulling up before they spawn and they’re stopping on a shellbed or a little drop on that river, that’s what’s gonna win this tournament. That’s because you’ll have fish coming to you and fish stopping on their way back out.

“The guys doing the shellbed game will have a rotation of jerkbaits, Carolina rigs, Ned rigs and rattling baits, depending on tide and depth. It’s a little early, but any time water temperatures are in the 70s, you have the potential to have a shad spawn.”

Benton went on to say that in the absence of any significant SAV, spawning bass will utilize any hard cover, including wood and lily pad root systems standing above the bottom substrate. Past events have seen anglers targeting spawning fish on cypress tree roots. That also could be in play this time around, but Benton warned of navigational challenges.

“Some of that stuff is deceptively shallow,” he said. “You may be 100 yards out trying to get in, and your trolling motor is hitting the bottom. Finding that stuff with the right amount of water on it is going to be the big deal.”

Benton said he’s looking for a four-day winning total of 88 pounds, with 19 pounds a day making the Top 10 cut. Johnston won with 93-6 last year, so if weather and water factors remain as Benton expects, the field should easily meet or exceed those numbers.

Bassmaster LIVE will be streaming on Bassmaster.com all four days, and coverage will also be available on FS1 on Saturday and Sunday. Stay up-to-date on all tournament coverage at Bassmaster.com/how-to-watch/.

Florida’s Putnam County Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event.

2025 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC

About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.

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

by AnglersChannel

High winds force postponement of Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn Reservoir

Feb. 13, 2025

JASPER, Texas — Due to unsafe, sustained high winds, Day 1 of the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn Reservoir presented by SEVIIN has been postponed to ensure the safety of anglers. Tournament officials made the decision after examining conditions and the body of water early this morning.

“Post-frontal conditions have made navigation unsafe for our competitors,” said Executive Director of Tournaments Hank Weldon. “We are experiencing sustained northerly winds of 15-20 mph, with gusts reaching 25-30 mph. These conditions are expected to persist until later this afternoon. The full field will compete tomorrow.”

The tournament will resume Friday at 7 a.m. at Umphrey Family Pavilion in Brookeland, Texas, with weigh-in at 3 p.m. at the same location.

The event is being sponsored by the Jasper County (Texas) Development District No. 1.

2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: St. Croix

2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Presenting Sponsor: SEVIIN

2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC

About B.A.S.S.

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

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

by AnglersChannel

B.A.S.S., FXR Pro Fish announce Elite Series title sponsorship

Feb. 12, 2025

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. announced today that FXR Pro Fish, a leader in high-performance apparel, has signed on as the title sponsor for the upcoming FXR Pro Fish Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River to be held in Palatka, Fla., Feb. 20-23.

FXR Pro Fish produces gear that integrates top-of-the-line technical features and fabrics everywhere possible, with a high-octane lifestyle in mind. FXR clothing, outerwear and accessories are designed by people who share that lifestyle and passion.

“We are excited that FXR will be the title sponsor for the FXR Pro Fish Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River in Florida,” said FXR Pro Fish Brand Director Chris Meyeraan. “This prestigious event marks a significant milestone, and we are thrilled that all of our anglers have the opportunity to chase the ultimate prize — the iconic blue trophy — at the end of the week. With the talent and dedication of our team, we are confident that the FXR anglers will be a force to be reckoned with in the Elite Series this season.”

“We are looking forward to the partnership between the Bassmaster Elite Series and FXR Pro Fish,” said B.A.S.S. Chief Operating Officer Phillip Johnson. “Our Elite Series athletes face some very taxing conditions on the water, and having FXR join us as the title sponsor for the Elite Series event at Palatka is a welcome addition to the tournament.”

The Elite Series last visited the St. Johns River in 2024 when Canadian Cory Johnston won in stellar fashion with a total weight of 93 pounds, 6 ounces. Johnston’s winning weight was 21 pounds, 2 ounces over Texan Brad Whatley, who placed second.

“Our partnership with the Bassmaster organization as the title sponsor for the first event of the season exemplifies our dedication to the sport,” said FXR Pro Fish and FXR Racing Chief Executive Officer Brian Danielson. “It also comes at a perfect time for the FXR Pro Fish brand, as it follows the launch of our Spring 2025 lineup. We are excited to see our Elite roster take to the water in their fresh gear.”

Live coverage of all four days of the FXR Pro Fish Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River will begin Feb. 20 on Bassmaster.com as well as the FOX Sports digital platforms. FS1 will also broadcast the event live Feb. 22-23 at 8 a.m. ET.

About FXR
FXR is a leader in high-performance apparel, designed for anglers who demand the best in quality, durability and comfort. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, FXR continues to be a trusted name in the fishing community.

About B.A.S.S.

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

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

by AnglersChannel

BFL Tournament on Toledo Bend Postponed Due to High Winds

WHAT:
The Major League Fishing (MLF) Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine tournament on Toledo Bend Reservoir, scheduled for this Saturday, Feb. 15 has been postponed due to the extremely high winds and lightning being forecast by the National Weather Service.

The event, set to be the third event in the BFL Cowboy Division, has been rescheduled to Sunday, April 6, and will piggyback on the next BFL Cowboy event at Sam Rayburn Reservoir on April 5.

WHEN:
Saturday-Sunday, April 5-6
Takeoff: 7 a.m. CT
Weigh-in: 3 p.m. CT

WHERE:
Umphrey Family Pavilion, 5438 Sam Rayburn Parkway, Brookeland, Texas

NOTES:
The top 60 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 24-25 BFL Regional tournament on Lake Eufaula in Eufaula, Oklahoma. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $20,000.

The 2025 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 134 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 60 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, will advance to one of 12 BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top three, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2025 BFL All-American will take place May 29-31, 2025, at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is hosted by hosted by Visit Hot Springs and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.

Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Li Time, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.

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

About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 17 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.

by AnglersChannel

Kissimmee Chain of Lakes set to host Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 1 Presented by Vosker

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (Feb. 11, 2025) –The first Major League Fishing (MLF) Tackle Warehouse Invitational tournament of the 2025 season is set to kick off next week, Feb. 21-23, at Lake Toho and the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes – the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Stop 1 Presented by Vosker.

The three-day tournament, hosted by Experience Kissimmee, will feature a field of pro anglers competing for a top prize of up to $115,000. Anglers will take to the water to catch their five biggest bass each day, and the winner will be determined by the heaviest three-day cumulative total.

"We are excited to welcome the Major League Fishing Tackle Warehouse Invitationals to Lake Toho and the Kissimmee area,” said Tyler Weyant, Director of Sports Development at Experience Kissimmee. “It's an honor to continue our relationship with MLF, building on the success of our past collaborations. To all participants, families, and friends joining us for the tournament, I encourage you to explore our local shops, diverse flavors of our restaurants, and rich heritage that makes Kissimmee a must-see destination.”

Although Lake Toho and the Kissimmee Chain have played host to dozens of MLF tournaments over the years – including four Bass Pro Tour events since 2019 – this event marks the first time since 2019 that a professional-level MLF tournament with the five-fish weigh-in format will be held.

Known for its sprawling waterways and healthy bass populations, the Kissimmee Chain should offer anglers the chance to catch fish in all phases of the spawn, setting the stage for an extremely competitive tournament, according to pro Blake Smith of Lakeland, Florida, who will be among the competitors.

“Since December, we’ve already seen a few waves of fish spawning,” Smith said. “Guys are going to be able to catch some prespawn, some spawning, and some postspawn fish in this one.”

Smith said that he expects Lake Toho, where the tournament launches, to remain the most popular destination on the chain for anglers, but he predicts that some anglers may venture further due to the dense vegetation.

“Toho is always pretty good, even though right now it is a little choked out,” Smith explained. “There’s a lot of topped-out vegetation, so it’s really going to be a pick-your-poison kind of deal. You can fish Toho and punch and flip grass, or head to the other lakes like Kissimmee, Cypress or Hatchineha. Those lakes absolutely will play in this one. Especially for the guys that don’t like flipping.”

Recent weather fluctuations have added another layer of complexity.

“We’ve had some crazy weather in Florida this year,” Smith said. “It’s not been taking tons of weight to win tournaments lately, but somebody is usually in the mid-twenties for the top bag.”

When it comes to bait choices, Smith shared some standout picks.

“The first thing I’ll throw, without a doubt, is a Yamamoto Senko – it’s a staple here,” he said. “I think we’ll see a lot more of the bigger glide baits playing, now, as well. They’re getting to be pretty popular down here. I’ll have a Bucca Trick Shad tied on. And I think the traditional Florida favorites like ChatterBaits, swim baits, and (Yamamoto) Speed Senkos will all come into play.”

For this event, Smith said he expects the winner to average about 25 pounds per day, with a final three-day total of 75 pounds likely to take the crown.

“If you can get to 20 pounds a day, you’re going to be in good shape,” Smith went on to say.

Anglers will launch at 7 a.m. ET each day from Big Toho Marina, located at 69 Lakeview Drive in Kissimmee, Florida. Weigh-ins will be held at the marina and will begin at 3 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and weigh-in events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® live stream and coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The 2025 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals feature a field of professional anglers competing across six invitational tournaments around the country, for a total purse of $4.3 million and valuable Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) points to qualify for the Invitationals Championship, set for Sept. 5-7 on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, and a coveted spot on the MLF Bass Pro Tour – the sport’s top circuit.

In Tackle Warehouse Invitational competition, the full field compete in the two-day opening round on Days 1 and 2 in a five-fish, weigh-in format. Only the top 30 pros, based on their two-day cumulative weight, advance to the final round on Championship Sunday, where they will compete for the grand prize of up to $115,000. The winner of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 1 at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Presented by Vosker will be determined by the heaviest three-day cumulative weight.

New this season, forward-facing and/or 360-degree sonar is limited to only days 1 and 3 of competition. No forward-facing and/or 360-degree sonar will be allowed on day 2 of competition.

The MLFNOW! broadcast team of Chad McKee and Rob Newell will break down the extended action live all three days of competition from 7 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. ET. MLFNOW! will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app and Rumble.

Television coverage of the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Stop 1 at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Presented by Vosker will air as a two-hour episode, premiering at 9 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Oct. 4 on CBS Sports Network.

Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Bubba, Deep Dive App, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Vosker, WIX Filters and YETI.

For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Tackle Warehouse Invitationals updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

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

by AnglersChannel

2025 Bassmaster Team Championship to return to Lake Hartwell

Feb. 11, 2025

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. has announced the 2025 Bassmaster Team Championship will make a return to Lake Hartwell Dec. 3-6. The winner of the four-day event featuring the best grass-roots anglers in the country will fill the final spot in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.

The event’s return marks the first time the Team Championship has been held in Anderson, S.C., since 2022. Lake Hartwell was ranked No. 22 in the Southeastern Division of Bassmaster Magazine’s 2024 100 Best Bass Lakes list and features a world-class facility in Green Pond Landing.

“We're very excited to have the Bassmaster Team Championship back to Green Pond Landing, Lake Hartwell and Anderson County,” said Visit Anderson Executive Director Neil Paul. “The leadership of our county continues to provide us with the resources to host championship events and the continued support to develop our facilities. We have a tremendous inventory of local and regional anglers that will have an opportunity to earn their way to the Bassmaster Classic. We look forward to welcoming B.A.S.S. and the many wonderful anglers, their families and industry representatives to our community for an experience that is second to none.”

The team portion of the event will be held Dec. 3-4, with the winning duo not only claiming a cash prize, but also leading the charge into the Bassmaster Classic Fish-Off section of the event, which will take place Dec. 5-6.

The Top 3 teams through Day 2 — six anglers in all — will have their weights zeroed and then compete individually in the Fish-Off. The competitor with the heaviest two-day total of the group will earn the final spot in the 2026 Bassmaster Classic.

“We’re thrilled to return to Lake Hartwell for the 2025 Bassmaster Team Championship,” said GL Compton, tournament manager for the B.A.S.S. Nation and Kayak Series. “This iconic fishery has a rich history of producing exciting competition, and its deep, clear waters and vast shoreline make this the perfect stage for anglers to showcase all of their skills. The enthusiasm and support from the local community make Hartwell a special destination, and we can't wait to crown the next Team champions and award the final 2026 Bassmaster Classic berth in such a legendary setting.”

2025 Bassmaster Nation Series Premier Sponsors: Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha

2025 Bassmaster Nation Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC

About B.A.S.S.

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

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

by AnglersChannel

2025 NPFL Championship Set For Lake Hartwell

WILKESVILLE, Ohio—The National Professional Fishing League and Visit Anderson today announce that Lake Hartwell on the South Carolina-Georgia state line will be the site of the 2025 NPFL Championship, October 3-5, 2025, and that Visit Anderson will host the event. It will be the second annual championship for the league and the third NPFL bass tournament to be held on the lake.

“We’ve known for some time that Lake Hartwell would be the site for our Championship,” said NPFL President Brad Fuller, “but settling on the dates took a little time because of our scheduling demands and the popularity of the venue. Lake Hartwell, with the support of Visit Anderson, is one of the most attractive and popular tournament sites in the country. We’re confident that early October will offer excellent weather and outstanding fishing, making it a true test of the best for the anglers scheduled to compete.”

In all, 42 anglers will vie for the Championship, including the top 40 finishers in the Progressive Angler of the Year standings, defending champion Brandon Perkins, and Nick Brown—winner of the Chompers/NPFL Stop #5 on Lake of the Ozarks. The full list of qualifiers is available here.

“We’re honored to have the opportunity to host the NPFL Championship at Green Pond Landing, Lake Hartwell and Anderson County,” said Neil Paul, Executive Director of Visit Anderson. “Our community has enjoyed a special relationship with the NPFL and their anglers for several years now. In each visit to Anderson County, the NPFL has made a positive impact in our community, and we’re looking forward to providing a championship-caliber experience.”

The 2025 NPFL season begins March 6-8 at the Santee Cooper lakes (Marion and Moultrie) in South Carolina. That’s the first of six regular season tournaments that will qualify 40 or more top pros for next year’s Championship. The full schedule can be found here.

About the National Professional Fishing League

The National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) was founded to bring competitive fishing to a broader audience and offer anglers a platform to compete at the highest level. The NPFL is committed to fostering integrity, competition, and innovation in the sport, providing anglers and fans alike with an exciting and unique experience.

Media Contact: Ken Duke — (407) 574-1898 or ken@tnpfl.com.

by AnglersChannel

Bass Fishing Hall of Fame offering grants to fisheries students and conservation groups again in 2025

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.— For Immediate Release — Feb 10, 2025 —The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame has funded over $100,000 in conservation projects since 2020, and in 2024 awarded fisheries students $27,500 in scholarship money.

Continuing to stand true on its pillars of celebrating, promoting and preserving bass fishing, the BassFishing Hall of Fame begins 2025 with an invitation to grassroots conservation groups and students to again apply for grants and scholarships at: https://www.bassfishinghof.com/community-impact.

Bass Fishing Hall of Famer and fisheries biologist Gene Gilliland says the real-world impact of these grants can be witnessed at bass fisheries across America.

“Projects that our sport’s Hall of Fame has helped fund recently include aquatic plant introductions in Bloomington and Evergreen, Illinois, Leavenworth, Kansas, Clarks Hill, South Carolina and Philpott, Virginia. Along with building live release tournament trailers in Alabama, Iowa and Kansas; and installing artificial fish habitat in New Mexico, Texas and Tennessee,” says Gilliland.

Bass clubs, lake associations, reservoir groups, and youth fishing organizations have been recipients of BFHOF grants and are the "boots on the ground" volunteers that put these funds to work. All in an effort to help to preserve the sport of bass fishing.

Natalie Coash, who now works as a fisheries research specialist for the Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife research Unit says the money she received from the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame during her time as a student at Auburn were helpful not only to her academic growth, but “The money I received from the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame was instrumental in my growth as a fisheries biologist, and also made everyday life a bit easier as my tuition, rent, utilities and health insurance totaled about $16,000 a year, and my graduate student salary was $20,000,” says an ever-grateful Coash.

Again, conservation groups and current fisheries students are encouraged to apply now at https://www.bassfishinghof.com/community-impact.

About the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame (BFHOF)
Celebrating its 25th year, the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization led by a volunteer board of directors, dedicated to celebrating, promoting, and preserving the sport of bass fishing. The Hall’s inductees and historical memorabilia are showcased in Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri. For more information about the road to induction, the Hall’s impact on the community, or to get involved, visit www.BassFishingHOF.com.

or contact BFHOF executive director Barbara Bowman at bbowman@bassfishinghof.com.

by AnglersChannel

Carson-Newman Extends Lead in the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year

University of Montevallo remains in 2^nd, Bethel University holds steady in 3^rd

SAN ANTONIO, TX (February 6, 2025) – The Association of Collegiate Anglers releases the latest points update for the 2024-25 Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia. College fishing’s only all-encompassing National Rankings system, this year’s race is just past the halfway point as teams compete in national, regional, and local events nationwide to earn valuable points before the conclusion of the season at the end of May. This points update is highlighted by event results for each of the first two Bassmaster College Series tournaments in 2025.

Carson-Newman University places two teams in the Top 10 at Lake Okeechobee to maintain its number one overall ranking. The University of Montevallo’s top two teams were in 13^th at Lake Okeechobee, keeping them in 2^nd place. Bethel University earns points at both major events, and holds onto to their 3^rd place ranking.

Carson-Newman University entered the first events of 2025 in 1^st place, with a lead of 1,165 points over 2^nd ranked Montevallo. Following competition at Lake Okeechobee, Carson-Newman’s gap between 1^st and 2^nd place is now 1,285 points. By placing two teams in the Top 10 of the final tournament standings, Carson-Newman earned 2,380 points at their first Bassmaster College Series event in 2025.  Easton Drennon & Chase McCarter placed 6^th, and Zachary Helton & Blake Wheat took 8^th. Those two top finishes earned Carson-Newman the most points of any school to compete at Lake Okeechobee.

Following the first major college fishing events of 2025, there was a lot of movement inside of the Top 25 for the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia. Here are some of the teams that made key moves up inside of the Top 25:

8) LSU-Shreveport – Previously Ranked 9^th

10) Kentucky Christian University – Previously Ranked 13^th

14) Catawba Valley C.C. – Previously Ranked 18^th

15) Lander University – Previously Ranked 19^th

18) Emmanuel University – Previously Ranked 21

Click here to view the complete updated rankings.

Three schools moved up into the Top 25 that were previously not inside that coveted position. Georgia College moved from 31^st to 23^rd, Stephen F. Austin State went from 26^th to 24^th, and Florida Gateway College jumped three places to be ranked 25^th.

To view a complete list of points eligible events, follow this link.

by AnglersChannel

Water levels and temperature will set the storyline for Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn

Feb. 6, 2025

JASPER, Texas — It’s safe to say that a majority of the 200-plus anglers scheduled to compete in the 2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn Reservoir presented by SEVIIN have yet to win a B.A.S.S. event at any level.

They will all, however, be looking for a big win on one of the biggest bass fisheries of all when the tournament is held Feb. 13-15 in east Texas.

Rayburn is synonymous with big bass, making it a mainstay on the B.A.S.S. circuit for decades. There’s plenty of room (approximately 114,500 acres) for competitors to spread out, too, in search of the legendary toads that earned “Big Sam” the No. 7 spot in the Central Division of Bassmaster Magazine's 2024 100 Best Bass Lakes list.

Though he’s an Arkansas native and has been a Louisiana resident for a quarter-century, Bassmaster Elite Series pro Greg Hackney has a special affinity for Sam Rayburn Reservoir. When he was only 20, Hackney won a regional tournament on Rayburn, earning a boat and truck combo and qualifying for a spot in the Bassmaster All-American. Hackney also won his first Elite event on Rayburn back in 2006, the first year of the Elite Series.

“Rayburn has been very good to me through the years,” the 51-year-old pro said. “I love it there.”

Though he won’t be fishing in the Open at Rayburn, Hackney has a good understanding of what competitors can expect on the reservoir.

“It looks like it’s going to be warm just before the tournament and that should make for really good fishing,” he said. “If air temperatures sneak into the 80s, that will have a huge impact on fish migration. February is typically the month when fish will head to the bank (to spawn). You can look at previous Bassmaster events there and see (that) if it’s not cold, it’s gonna be won shallow.”

Water depth will likely be a factor, as well, Hackney said.

“When it’s lower, they hold in more mid-depth water,” he said. “If the water is low, the grass will play a huge role. If so, I’d look for a big crankbait bite out deep. If the water is high, the bushes will come into play. Another thing is the hard spots on the bottom in higher water. The fish tend to hang out there before heading farther in.”

As of early February, a Toyota ShareLunker bass (8 pounds or more) from Rayburn had yet to be reported to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. However, Hackney said he heard a 12-pound, 15-ounce beast had been boated at Rayburn recently. If so, that’s a sure sign that more big bites will follow as largemouth move into full spawn. A total of 26 ShareLunker bass were caught in Rayburn in 2024, making it one of the five most-productive big-bass fisheries in a state loaded with them.

“Everything is setting up for this one to be an absolute slugfest,” Hackney said of the upcoming Open at Rayburn. “The conditions could be perfect. You’ll have warm water, and the fish will start moving up. There should be some big weights caught.”

The St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn Reservoir presented by SEVIIN will begin Feb. 13 with a 7 a.m. CT takeoff from Umphrey Family Pavilion in Brookeland, Texas, followed by weigh-in back at the pavilion beginning at 3 p.m. The full field will fish again on Feb. 14, with the top anglers advancing to fish for the tournament title on Feb. 15.

Follow the tournament online at Bassmaster.com.

The event is being sponsored by the Jasper County (Texas) Development District No. 1.

2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: St. Croix

2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Presenting Sponsor: SEVIIN

2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC

About B.A.S.S.

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

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

by AnglersChannel

Mark Zona returns to Bassmaster with new podcast, TnZ, launching on the Bassmaster Channel

Feb. 6, 2025

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Bass fishing fans, get ready! Mark Zona is making his highly anticipated return to Bassmaster, bringing his unmistakable energy and insight back to the sport with the launch of the TnZ Podcast alongside his longtime colleague Tommy Sanders. Debuting Monday, Feb. 10, on Bassmaster.com, the TnZ Podcast will be the anchor show of the all-new Bassmaster Channel, which is set to revolutionize the way fans engage with the sport.

After serving as a host of Bassmaster LIVE for a decade, Zona retired from the show after the close of the 2024 season. Now Zona, affectionately known as "Z," steps back into the Bassmaster fold, reuniting with the legendary Tommy Sanders — one of the most respected voices in bass fishing. Together, the dynamic duo will offer a fresh, unfiltered take on the sport, delivering top-tier analysis with their signature mix of expertise, humor and bold opinions.

Phillip Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of B.A.S.S., expressed his excitement for the launch of the new Bassmaster Channel and its flagship program. “We are so excited to have Zona and Tommy bringing their tremendous knowledge and personalities to our new Bassmaster Channel with the TnZ Podcast. I know our fans will love watching these guys tackle some crazy topics as the Elite Series kicks off. We developed the Bassmaster Channel to enhance the fan experience, and the TnZ Podcast will no doubt be the crown jewel of our programming.”

The TnZ Podcast will lead an exciting lineup of programs available on the Bassmaster Channel, which includes other premier shows such as:

• Inside Bassmaster Podcast – A deep dive into the latest in tournament action and fishing industry news.
• O-Fish-Ally, Unofficial Podcast with Dave Mercer – A unique, entertaining take on the sport from Bassmaster’s inimitable emcee.
• And much more!

The Bassmaster Channel is designed to inform and entertain, providing fans with unprecedented access to expert analysis, angler interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the sport’s biggest personalities.

On the TnZ Podcast, Sanders and Zona will tackle the biggest topics in bass fishing, from angler rankings and tournament breakdowns to equipment trends and even unexpected pop culture crossovers. This will be a pull-no-punches fishing show where no topic is off-limits.

Mike McKinnis, VP of media/content for JM Associates, emphasized the podcast’s unique approach. “This will be unlike any other fishing podcast out there. Zona and Sanders will be no-holds-barred, prognosticating angler tiers from best to worst and making rookie predictions on who makes it and who falls off. Most importantly, these guys are going to offer real information, not misinformation that fishing fans often get from other sources.”

“Ya ... it’s a podcast, but sort of a Bassmaster fishing sport show where we can dive into the good, bad and ugly,” said Zona. “We will also hold ourselves accountable when we are totally wrong, which will probably be often. Going off my last 20 years with Tommy, I don’t think our sport will run out of crazy stuff to talk about. It’s definitely something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”

The TnZ Podcast launches Monday, Feb. 10, on Bassmaster.com. The podcast will have 26 episodes in 2025, and fans can expect a new installment every other week.

About B.A.S.S.

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

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

by AnglersChannel

MLF Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Southern Division Set to Open Season on Lake Okeechobee

CLEWISTON, Fla. (Feb. 5, 2025) –The Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats is headed back to Lake Okeechobee, Feb. 13-15, for the first event of the 2025 Southern division – the Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats at Lake Okeechobee.

The three-day tournament, hosted by the Hendry County Tourism Development Council, will showcase the region’s top bass-fishing pros and Strike King co-anglers. Competitors will vie for a grand prize of up to $100,000 in the pro division and a new Phoenix 518 Pro boat with a 115-horsepower outboard motor plus $5,000 in the co-angler division.

Lake Okeechobee has faced an unusual winter – a brutally cold start followed by an abrupt warming trend. According to Bass Pro Tour angler Keith Carson of DeBary, Florida, the lake got too warm, too fast, which could lead to some interesting dynamics on the water. Carson said the fish are in spawn mode, and the conditions will create opportunities for big bags. But the lake’s murkier water and slightly higher levels could make finding those fish more challenging.

“The water is kind of dirty. I think it’s a little bit higher,” Carson said. “I think we’ll likely see a lot of guys blind pitching at the reeds. They’re still really going to catch them, though. There was a local tournament last Saturday and first place was 29 pounds, so I think we’re going to see some giants.”

Carson said he expects that forward-facing sonar will play a significant role in the tournament, continuing a trend seen in recent years.

“I used to think that it wasn’t that big of a deal for Florida because our lakes are so different from the lakes up north,” he said. “But, man, after last year, where just about everyone in the top 10 was using it – it’s going to be a big deal.”

When asked what he would have tied on for this event, Carson had a few go-to picks that he suggested.

“I’d definitely be throwing the Berkley Spin Rocket,” he said. “I’d have a black-and-blue Berkley swimjig tied on, with a MaxScent Meaty Chunk trailer – that would also be really good. And I think an old-school spinnerbait could be a player in this one, especially if a guy can get on a shad spawn.”

Anglers will begin each day at 7 a.m. ET, launching from Roland & Mary Ann Martin’s Marina & Resort, located at 920 E. Del Monte Ave. in Clewiston. Weigh-ins will take place at the marina, starting at 3 p.m. daily. Fans are invited to attend in person and can also stay connected by following the “MLF Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily updates on MajorLeagueFishing.com.

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

The 2025 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consists of five divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern and the Southwestern – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the five divisions or the Wild Card division and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 and a qualification to REDCREST 2026. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard. The 2025 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 6-8 on Grand Lake in Grove, Oklahoma, and is hosted by the City of Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau.

Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Toyota Series include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Vosker, WIX Filters and YETI.

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

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

by AnglersChannel

Harris Chain of Lakes Set for MLF Bass Pro Tour Suzuki Stage 2 Presented by YETI

66 Anglers to Compete Next Week for $150,000 Top Prize in Leesburg, Follow the Action Live All Four Days at MajorLeagueFishing.com

LEESBURG, Fla. (Feb. 4, 2025) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour continues its action-packed 2025 season next week, Feb. 13-16, with Suzuki Stage 2 at the Harris Chain of Lakes Presented by YETI, in Leesburg, Florida. Hosted by Discover Lake County Florida, the four-day tournament will feature 66 of the world’s top professional anglers competing for a $150,000 top prize, crucial points in the Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) race and coveted qualification spots for the Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2026.

The star-studded field will feature top pros and local favorites, including reigning Fishing Clash AOY Jacob Wheeler, REDCREST 2024 Champion Dustin Connell and defending Harris Chain champion Ott DeFoe, as well as Florida favorites Keith Carson , Bobby Lane and Terry Scroggins , looking to leverage their local knowledge.

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 is being filmed for broadcast later this year on Discovery.

"We are thrilled to welcome Major League Fishing’s 2025 Bass Pro Tour to Lake County, Florida,” said Ryan Ritchie, Director of Discover Lake County, Florida. “This event showcases our world-class fisheries and reinforces our reputation as a premier destination for competitive fishing. A huge thank you to our partners at the City of Leesburg and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission for their collaboration in making this event possible."

"Hosting the Major League Fishing 2025 Bass Pro Tour is an exciting opportunity for Lake County to shine on the national stage,” said Kirby Smith, Lake County Commissioner. “Our lakes, our community and our hospitality make this the perfect setting for anglers and fans alike. We greatly appreciate the support of the City of Leesburg and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission in bringing this prestigious event to our area."

The last time the Bass Pro Tour visited the Harris Chain of Lakes was in 2021, where Tennessee’s DeFoe claimed victory, capitalizing on the shad spawn early in the day before transitioning to offshore cranking. This year, it seems anglers will face very different conditions, as Florida’s warm weather has accelerated the spawn, creating a dynamic playing field.

Lane, a Lakeland, Florida native, finished second to DeFoe in 2021, and said he is eager for another shot at the title.

“The last time the Bass Pro Tour was here was in May, and the fish were everywhere,” said Lane. “This time, it’ll be different. It’s earlier in the year, but we’re transitioning big time. Florida has gone from a brutal winter – culminated by two weeks in a row of miserably cold weather – to three weeks of brutal heat. It’s basically summertime now, so we’ll see fish in all three stages of the spawn throughout the event and there’s plenty of vegetation in almost every lake now.”

Lane predicts winning weights will range between 30 to 45 pounds on the final day, with anglers needing around 60 to 70 pounds over the first two days to advance to the Knockout Round. He also said he expects a variety of techniques to come into play.

“I think we’ll see guys throwing ChatterBaits, swim worms, flipping sticks, crankbaits, frogs, drop-shot rigs, shaky heads and topwater baits,” said Lane. “I think it's all going to work. I don't think one guy is going to be able to light it on fire in one spot. I think he's going to have to cover a lot of water.”

Lane said a key strategic challenge will be the Harris Chain locking system. Anglers choosing to lock into Apopka or Griffin could lose valuable fishing time, making decisions on location critical.

“There’s a risk in locking,” Lane explained. “If Harris, Eustis or Dora are fishing good in the morning, there’s no way a guy locking in is going to catch up. It’s kind of a puzzle, and we’ve got to figure out how to put the puzzle together.”

Unlike the B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 at Lake Conroe event, where forward-facing sonar played a dominant role in the first period, Lane believes its impact on the Harris Chain will be more limited.

“There will definitely be fish caught on forward-facing sonar, but I don’t see it being as big of a factor as it was in Texas,” Lane noted. “This event is going to have a lot more diversity in techniques.”

Anglers will launch at 7:15 a.m. ET each day from the Venetian Gardens, located at 201 E. Lake Harris Drive in Leesburg. Each day’s takeout will be held at the same location, beginning at 3:45 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at  MajorLeagueFishing.com.

In conjunction with the tournament, on Wednesday, Feb. 12, Bass Pro Tour pros competing in the event will be at Bass Pro Shops Orlando, located at 5156 International Drive in Orlando, from noon to 2 p.m., meeting with fans and signing autographs.

On Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 15-16, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF welcomes fans of all ages to visit the Venetian Gardens for the MLF Fan Experience & Watch Party. Fans can watch the pros live on the MLFNOW! big screen, enjoy free food, enter to win hourly giveaways, listen to live music and cheer on their favorite pros. The first 50 kids 14 and under will receive a free rod and reel each day. The Bass Pro Tour anglers will be on hand both days to meet and greet fans, sign autographs and take selfies.

The Suzuki Stage 2 at the Harris Chain of Lakes Presented by YETI will feature anglers competing with a 1-pound, 8-ounce minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. The MLF Fisheries Management Division determines minimum weights for each body of water that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.

The 2025 Bass Pro Tour features a field of 66 of the top professional anglers in the world, competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual Heavy Hitters all-star event and the REDCREST 2026 championship.

The full field of anglers will compete in the two-day Qualifying Round on Thursday and Friday. After the two-day Qualifying Round is complete, the pro with the highest two-day total will advance directly to Sunday’s Championship Round. Anglers that finish 2nd through 20th will advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the remaining anglers compete to finish in the top nine to advance to Sunday’s Championship Round. In the final-day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $150,000.

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

Television coverage of the Suzuki Stage 2 at the Harris Chain of Lakes Presented by YETI will premiere as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Sept. 13 on Discovery, with the Championship Round premiering the following Saturday on Sept. 20. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on Outdoor Channel.

Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Bass Pro Tour include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, Bass Force, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, E3 Sport Apparel, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Lowrance, Mercury, MillerTech, Mossy Oak Fishing, NITRO, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Power-Pole, Rapala, Star brite, Suzuki and Toyota.

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

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

by AnglersChannel

Legends and Trailblazers: The 2025 Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Ballot Unveiled

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.— For Immediate Release — Feb. 3, 2025 — Tackle pioneers, legendary boat builders, record-setting competitors and all-around trailblazers is just one way to describe the diverse group of individuals that comprise the 2025 Bass Fishing Hall of Fame ballot.

There will be 20 names on the ballot this year as the Hall of Fame prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary by honoring another distinguished class of legends that has made a lasting and meaningful impact on the sport of bass fishing.

"It's a special honor in itself to even be considered for induction into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, and for Hall's Board of Directors, it is one of the most important decisions every year in presenting the ballot to our selection panel and current Hall of Fame inductees for them to choose the next class," said John Mazurkiewicz, president of the Hall's Board. "Along with the new 2025 inductees, we look forward to also giving special recognition to the first Hall's induction class as part of the 25th anniversary of the Hall's inception at this year's induction dinner in September.”

The 2025 ballot consists of (in alphabetical order):

• Boyd Duckett (Guntersville, Ala.)
• David Dudley (Lynchburg, Va.)
• Dion Hibdon (Versailles, Mo.)
• Randy Hopper (Flippin, Ark.)
• Don Iovino (Burbank, Calif.)
• Craig Lamb (Murfreesboro, Tenn.)
• Pam Martin-Wells (Bowman, Ga.)
• Dave Mercer (Port Perry, Ont.)
• Andy Morgan (Dayton, Tenn.)
• John Murray (Spring City, Tenn.)
• Takahiro Omori (Emory, Texas)
• E.A. Pflueger (Akron, Ohio)
• Rick Pierce (Mountain Home, Ark.)
• Lynn Reeves (Springfield, Mo.)
• Zell Rowland (Montgomery, Texas)
• William Shakespeare Jr. (Kalamazoo, Mich.)
• Bill Taylor (Danville, Ky.)
• Clark Wendlandt (Leander, Texas)
• Mike Whitaker (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
• Jim Wilburn (Tulsa, Okla.)

The slate of nominees will be considered and voted on by the 30-member Hall of Fame Selection Panel and the 50 living members of the Hall. Each voter will choose five names and rank them in order of preference with the top choice receiving five (5) points, second receiving four (4) points, and so on. Voting will conclude on Feb. 13.

The 11-member Nominations Committee, comprised of members of the Hall’s Board of Directors, selected the names for this year’s ballot after reviewing newly submitted nominations as well as candidates who were previously on the Hall’s master list of nominees. Names that appear on the master list for five years without being placed on the final ballot are automatically removed but can be subsequently re-nominated.

“We’re very happy with the ballot we presented to the Selection Panel for Hall of Fame consideration. The Nominations Committee spent hours reviewing and discussing the nominees from our master list," said Neil Paul, who chairs the Board's nominations committee. “Our goal, first and foremost, is to maintain the integrity of the Hall of Fame by putting our best foot forward in this process of assembling a ballot of individuals that will contribute to the legacy of the Hall of Fame, and I am confident this ballot represents those efforts.”

The Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors will announce the Class of 2025 next month. The Hall of Fame will hold its annual induction ceremony on Sept. 25, 2025, at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Mo.

by AnglersChannel

B.A.S.S. adds T-H Marine Bassmaster Pick ’Em Challenge to stable of fantasy games

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. has announced the addition of a third fantasy game, the T-H Marine Bassmaster Pick ’Em Challenge, to the wildly popular lineup of Rapala Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing Challenge and Falcon Rods Bassmaster Drain the Lake Challenge. Like the other fantasy games, playing is free and thousands of dollars in prizes are up for grabs.

"We are super-excited to add a third Fantasy Game to an already stellar lineup of games," said B.A.S.S. Executive Editor, Digital Kyle Jessie. "The T-H Marine Bassmaster Pick ’Em Challenge is an extremely easy game to play and requires players to do no homework prior to each event. Simply pick one angler from each of the head-to-head matchups and let it ride!

"The pick ’em style of game has become increasingly popular amongst Fantasy sports, so it made perfect sense to add this game to the lineup," said Jessie. "For each event there will be seven matchups selected based on interesting, and sometimes silly, storylines."

The Pick ’Em rules are simple:

• Players will be faced with seven head-to-head matchups between two anglers. Pick ’Em players will choose one of the two anglers offered.
• To secure a point, the player must select the angler that finishes highest between the two anglers.
• For each matchup the participant guesses correctly, they will be awarded one point with a maximum of seven total points for each event.
• In the case of a tie, the tiebreaker will be determined by the player who guesses the winning weight (or closest to) for the winner of the tournament.

T-H Marine has taken the title sponsor role of the new Bassmaster Pick ’Em Challenge game. T-H Marine is a leading manufacturer of boat parts and boat accessories. The vast catalog of products to choose from at thmarinesupplies.com marries perfectly with the concept of this new game. What, or in the case of the game, who, will you choose?

"The Bassmaster Pick ’Em Challenge is such a fun concept, and we at T-H Marine are proud to be the title sponsor. It's a simple game that adds another layer of excitement and competition to the Bassmaster tournaments. We can't wait to see how viewers engage with it and who comes out on top,” said T-H Marine Brand Marketing Director, Shana Christie.

All Bassmaster Fantasy Games are now live and you can play them at Bassmasterfantasy.com. Be sure to get your picks in before the first Elite kicks off on February 20!

About T-H Marine

Since 1975, T-H Marine Supplies, LLC, a proud member of the OneWater Marine family, has served the marine industry by manufacturing quality products for boaters and fishermen. We are committed to innovation, speed and exceptional customer service, ensuring fast shipping and competitive prices for our OEM and after-market customers.

About B.A.S.S.

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

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

by AnglersChannel

Nominations now open for 2025 class of Bassmaster High School All-Americans

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. is now accepting nominations for the most exceptional high school bass anglers in the country for the annual Bassmaster High School All-American Fishing Team.

B.A.S.S. is celebrating the 11th year of the selection of the team, which recognizes the 12 most outstanding high school anglers in the nation. The program is designed to reward young athletes for their performance in tournaments, leadership in their communities and involvement in conservation efforts.

Applications for the team will be accepted today through June 9.

To be considered, a student must be nominated by a parent, coach, teacher or other school official. Students currently enrolled in grades 10 through 12 with a current grade point average of 2.5 or higher are eligible.

Judges will select up to two student anglers in each state. These All-State Fishing Team members will become semifinalists in the selection of the 12-member Bassmaster High School All-American Fishing Team. Criteria include success in high school fishing tournaments and involvement in conservation efforts and other community service activities.

“This is such a great program for anglers to showcase all their talents from the classroom, tournament success and giving back to the community,” said Glenn Cale, B.A.S.S. tournament manager of the College, High School and Junior series. “I’m honored to be able to share this great experience with each of these anglers and their families.”

All nominees for the All-American team must be B.A.S.S. members. The online membership form provides multiple membership options.

Notices have been sent to youth fishing directors of the B.A.S.S. Nation and other organizations, as well as leaders of state high school fishing programs. Adults can nominate students by filling out an online form here. Nominations must be submitted before midnight on June 9. Please send all questions to allamerican@bassmaster.com.

2025 Bassmaster High School Series Title Sponsor: Strike King

2025 Bassmaster High School Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2025 Bassmaster High School Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster High School Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC

2025 Bassmaster High School Series Youth Sponsors: Seaguar, Shimano

About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.

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

by AnglersChannel

B.A.S.S. and C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation opens nominations for 2025 Humanitarian Award

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. and the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation are now accepting nominations for the annual C.A.S.T. for Kids B.A.S.S. Humanitarian Award, which honors a B.A.S.S. member who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to serving underprivileged groups. This includes efforts directed toward special needs children, abuse survivors, veterans and others facing significant challenges.

Jay Yelas, former Bassmaster Elite Series angler and current Executive Director of C.A.S.T. for Kids, embodies the spirit of this award. With 16 Bassmaster Classic appearances, a 2002 Classic victory at Lay Lake and the 2003 Bassmaster Angler of the Year title, Yelas has seamlessly transitioned from a decorated professional fishing career to impactful community service leader.

"The significance of the award is it recognizes and honors all the B.A.S.S. members that do such a tremendous amount of community service and humanitarian work," Yelas said. "Unfortunately, there’s only one winner each year, but there are thousands of tremendous individuals that serve less-fortunate populations and they really give back.

"That’s what this award is all about; it brings awareness to this (segment) of the B.A.S.S. membership. Most of the attention is given to the people that win or excel at tournament fishing, but this award is like a time-out that says, 'Hey guys, there’s a lot of other people that are members of B.A.S.S. besides hard-core tournament fishermen.' That speaks volumes to the nature of people that are B.A.S.S. members."

Reflecting on the award's importance, Yelas compared it to honors in other professional sports: "Baseball has the Roberto Clemente Award, the NFL has the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award; this is fishing’s version of those honors. It’s a great way to honor people of character within the organization."

The 2024 award recognized Jake Klopfenstein of Tampa, Fla., for his dedication to providing fishing opportunities to pediatric cancer patients through Angling for Relief, the organization he founded.

Chase Anderson, CEO of B.A.S.S. and C.A.S.T. for Kids board member, emphasized the collaborative spirit of the award: "We are privileged to have collaborated with the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation for several years. Recognizing a devoted B.A.S.S. member with this Humanitarian award is our way of celebrating the incredible community that stands united under the B.A.S.S. shield. Witnessing the impactful contributions of those nominated is truly inspiring and showcases the profound influence their efforts have on countless lives."

Nominations for the 2025 award are open until February 24, 2025. Any B.A.S.S. member engaged in exemplary community service is eligible. The nomination form is available at Bassmaster.com/award.

A panel from B.A.S.S. and the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation will review all submissions and verify the humanitarian work of the nominees. While C.A.S.T. for Kids focuses on providing fishing opportunities for special needs children, nominations are open to B.A.S.S. members involved in any form of service benefiting vulnerable populations.

The recipient will be announced during the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, scheduled for March 21-23 in Fort Worth, Texas.

About B.A.S.S.

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

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

by AnglersChannel