AnglersChannel

Baughman Wins Toyota Series Event on Truman Lake

WARSAW, Mo. (Sept. 18, 2022) – Pro Hunter Baughman of Judsonia, Arkansas brought a limit weighing 19 pounds, 1 ounce to the scales Saturday to win the Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. at Truman Lake. Baughman’s three-day total of 15 bass weighing 48-10 earned him the win by a 1-pound, 10-ounce margin over second-place pro Brad Jelinek of Lincoln, Missouri and earned Baughman the top payout of $32,429.

Baughman moved into the top five on Day 2 before bringing the biggest bag of the tournament to the stage on the final day to solidify the biggest win of his career.

“I’m tickled about this win,” Baughman said. “I’ve been doing this for a long time at this level and I’ve fished nationally with another league for two years, but I’ve never won anything outside of a statewide tournament. I’m just absolutely beside myself.”

Having never fished Truman Lake before, Baughman said he leaned heavily on the 100-plus waypoints he logged during three days of practice. He targeted bass in offshore brush and rock piles, ranging from 5 to 15 feet in depth.

“Everyone else was graphing, but when I’d find several piles, I’d go 700 or 800 yards graphing with the LiveScope and find little stumps no one was seeing on their side imaging,” Baughman continued. “I might catch one on every tenth stump, but it would be a good one.”

Baughman said he caught the majority of his weight from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. every day and caught all his fish on a ¾-ounce Brazalo football jig and a 5/16-ounce Brazolo finesse jig.

Baughman, who lost both of his legs below the knees, his left hand and digits on his right hand to bacterial meningitis as an infant, said he counts the win as another huge blessing and an additional opportunity to show others that with hard work, they can do anything they put their mind to.

“God is so good and has just blessed me in my life,” Baughman said. “I got sick at 9 months old, and the doctors said I wouldn’t make it, so to just be here is amazing – and to have the ability to catch some fish every once in a while on top of it, is just awesome.”

The top 10 pros on Truman Lake finished:

1^st:           Hunter Baughman of Judsonia, Ark., 15 bass, 48-10, $32,429
2^nd:          Brad Jelinek of Lincoln, Mo., 15 bass, 47-0, $13,566
3^rd:          Brock Reinkemeyer of Warsaw, Mo., 15 bass, 46-8, $9,729
4^th:           Kyle Schutta of Forest Lake, Minn., 15 bass, 46-1, $8,107
5^th:           Michael Harlin of Sunrise Beach, Mo., 15 bass, 39-1, $7,697
6^th:           B.J. Miller of Adams, Neb., 14 bass, 38-3, $6,486
7^th:           Drew Gill of Mount Carmel, Ill., 15 bass, 36-0, $5,675
8^th:           Nicky Parsons of West Fork, Ark., 15 bass, 35-8, $4,864
9^th:           Chris Bridges of Clinton, Mo., 14 bass, 35-7, $4,554
10^th:        Greg Proffitt of Kansas City, Mo., 14 bass, $3,243

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Pros Travis Harriman of Memphis, Missouri won the $500 Day One Berkley Big Bass award in the pro division Thursday, bringing a bass weighing 5 pounds even to the scale. Brandon Orton of Memphis, Missouri won Friday’s $500 Berkley Big Bass award, bringing a 4-pound, 9-ounce bass to the scale.

Jelinek took home an extra $1,000 as the highest finishing Phoenix MLF Bonus member. Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $35,000 per event in each Toyota Series tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the Phoenix MLF Bonus contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.

Dewey Larson of Fayetteville, Arkansas won the Strike King Co-angler Division Saturday with a three-day total of 10 bass weighing 23 pounds, 8 ounces. Larson took home the top prize package of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard motor.

The top 10 Strike King co-anglers on Truman Lake finished:

1^st:           Dewey Larson of Fayetteville, Ark., 10 bass, 23-8, Phoenix 518 Pro boat w/115-hp Mercury outboard
2^nd:          Will Lancett of Jacksonville, Ark., nine bass, 18-1, $4,104
3^rd:          Tate Brumnett of Wagoner, Okla., seven bass, 16-0, $3,284
4^th:           Troy Karafa of Racine, Wis., six bass, 15-8, $3,073
5^th:           Jeff Moss of Oronogo, Mo., six bass, 14-10, $2,813
6^th:           Kit Lueg of Stillwell, Kan., five bass, 13-14, $2,052
7^th:           Bob Keeth of Dixon, Mo., five bass, 13-12, $1,642
8^th:           Tom Shewey of Climax Springs, Mo., five bass, 13-10, $1,587
9^th:           Steve Duncan of Amarillo, Texas, five bass, 13-10, $1,231
10^th:        Kevin Hesson of Seneca, Pa., six bass, 13-8, $1,026

The Day One Berkley Big Bass $150 award winner in the Strike King co-angler division, was Elliott Groth of Arnold, Missouri with a 4-pound, 9-ounce bass, while the Day Two $150 award went to Tom Shewey of Climax Springs, Missouri with a 5-pound, 3-ounce bass.

The Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. at Truman Lake was hosted by the Sedalia Convention and Visitors Bureau and Benton County Tourism and Recreation. It was the third and final tournament in the Plains Division. The next event for Toyota Series anglers will take place on Sept. 22-24 – the Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E on the St. Lawrence River Presented by BoatLogix in Massena, New York, hosted by the Town of Massena. For a complete schedule, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.

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.

by AnglersChannel

MLF Issues Updated Statement on Minnesota DNR Violations at Stage Seven on Mille Lacs Lake

ONAMIA, Minn. (Sept. 16, 2022) – Major League Fishing (MLF) Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Rucks issued an updated statement today regarding the fishing regulation violations at this week’s event at Mille Lacs Lake:

Based on the response from fans and anglers, we realize that we have created some confusion regarding the two-line regulation at the Mille Lacs tournament, and we would like to clarify the situation.

Major League Fishing bears the full responsibility for what happened with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) violations.

As previously stated, MLF Bass Pro Tour Rule No. 33 permits an angler to utilize a second line once per period. It was an oversight that this rule directly violated the Minnesota DNR fishing regulations, and we did not properly communicate that to our anglers this week as we normally do. It is correct that two anglers received citations from the MN DNR, however, Major League Fishing takes full responsibility for those violations and the league will pay the fines that our anglers incurred.

The two-line rule was created as a compelling aspect of fishing to create excitement for the competitive and viewership experience. The rule, however, does not comply with Minnesota DNR regulations. This is MLF’s mistake.

Again, we sincerely apologize to the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota DNR, the outdoorsmen and women of Minnesota, and our Bass Pro Tour anglers for creating this conflict. We have implemented new processes to ensure this error does not occur again.

by AnglersChannel

Yelas Retires From Bassmaster Elite Series To Serve Youth

September 16, 2022

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Bassmaster Elite Series angler Jay Yelas is retiring from tournament competition to concentrate on his work with the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation.

“I decided to retire from tournament fishing to focus on running the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation,” the 57-year-old said. “So I’ve fished my last tournament.”

Yelas, who won the 2002 Bassmaster Classic and was Angler of the Year the following season, was having a great 2022 Elite season when tendonitis in both elbows forced him out. The ambidextrous pro from Lincoln City, Ore., left mid-event and took a medical hardship despite being in the Top 15 after two days at the Simms Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork.

“That was a bummer for me,” said Yelas, who experienced excruciating shooting pains. “I was doing well at that event … I’ve never had to pull out of one before. My left arm was pretty much useless. I was like a one-armed bandit. I still can’t set the hook with my left arm. It’s getting a lot better than it was in May. I could hardly turn a reel handle at Fork.”

His position at Fork before he left had moved Yelas to 30th in Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year points and on course to qualify for his 17th Classic. But he couldn’t finish his 234th event with B.A.S.S., an organization he was proud to serve.

“I’m so thankful, first of all, to Ray Scott for starting this whole craziness that we call bass fishing and giving an opportunity for people like me to go make a living,” Yelas said. “I’ve made a living for 35 years as a professional bass fisherman.

“I fished my first Bassmaster event in 1989 at Lake Mead and fished B.A.S.S. until 2006. Those were my best years. I qualified for 16 consecutive Classics and won it in ‘02. I won Angler of the Year in 2003, which was the pinnacle for me. AOY, that’s something I hold in the highest regard.”

Yelas, with five victories and 56 Top 10s in B.A.S.S., earned $1.6 million in B.A.S.S. and another million in FLW, where he won two AOY titles and qualified for 11 Forrest Wood Cups. Those accomplishments earned his 2020 induction into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.

Yelas was proud to have recorded Top 10 finishes in five decades. His latest was a third-place finish on Lake Fork in 2020, and he posted a ninth on Lake St. Clair that year.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being back fishing the Elite Series and finishing my career where it started with the best tournament organization in the land,” he said. “I’ve had some good success, but not as good as it was back in my prime. I’m really thankful. I think the world of B.A.S.S. and wish them all the continued success.”

Deciding to hang up his tournament jersey was a difficult decision yet well-thought through. Yelas said he’s prayed about it for some time.

“I’m a man of faith, and God has a plan for all of us,” he said. “I just think it’s His will to serve these kids and families that attend our C.A.S.T. for Kids events. I just love providing an opportunity for them to enjoy a day of fishing. That’s something that I’m really passionate about now.

“I feel like it’s what God has for me as my next chapter in life.”

Yelas served on the board at the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation before becoming its executive director eight years ago. The non-profit began in 1991 and has held more than 1,140 events, putting close to 150,000 disabled and disadvantaged kids on the water.

“It’s growing like crazy,” Yelas said. “This year we’ll have 80 events around the country. It’s an all-time high. We bounced back from Covid really well. We have events in 35 states.”

While Yelas said it is a relief to just be working one full-time job, he’ll still find time to go fishing for fun. Along with bass, he enjoys the steelhead and salmon fishing he’s afforded along the Oregon coast. But his work will always come first.

“I’m excited about it. You see it making a tangible difference in the lives of these kids and families, and that is very rewarding,” Yelas said. “I’ve had my day in the sun on the tournament trail. It’s been a wonderful career. I’m so thankful for it. I’ll fish as long as I live, I’m just not going to be competing on the world’s greatest tournament circuit, the Elite Series.”

by AnglersChannel

Red River Presents New Puzzle For Bassmaster Central Open

Louisiana's Red River will host the St. Croix Bassmaster Central Open presented by Mossy Oak Fishing Sept. 22-24, 2022.

Photo by B.A.S.S.

September 16, 2022

Photo by B.A.S.S.

September 16, 2022

SHREVEPORT, La. — The Red River boasts a pair of Bassmaster Classics to its history, but this fishery will present a very different picture than those 2009 and 2012 events as anglers take on these storied waters for the St. Croix Bassmaster Central Open at Red River presented by Mossy Oak Fishing.

Competition days will be Sept. 22-24 with daily takeoffs from Red River South Marina at 7 a.m. CT and weigh-ins each day back at the marina at 3 p.m. Event coverage will be available on Bassmaster.com.

"You’re gonna see a totally different Red River than what it has been (in past years),” said Bassmaster Elite Series pro Caleb Sumrall, who cut his teeth on this fishery. “With the floods of six to seven years ago, a lot of sandbars have changed the current flow; it’s changed where the current gets into and where it doesn’t.

“Two years in a row, the Red River (overtopped) the spillways. I don’t think the fishery has recovered yet. I think we lost a lot of quality fish.”

Sumrall references the 2015 flood, in which El Niño inundated the region. With massive runoff coursing through the Red River, June saw this waterway peak at 37.14 feet — more than 7 feet past official flood stage and the highest recorded crest in 70 years.

The following spring saw locally heavy downpours with some areas along the Red River measuring more than 20 inches of rainfall. Cresting at just under 32 feet, the river washed away lots of shallow wood that had been a year-round mainstay.

Floodwaters also altered the passages into some of the backwaters, but Sumrall points to an upside. Recent years have seen a surge in hydrilla and hyacinth growth — two prominent bass habitat features.

“The vegetation is returning,” he said. “Hydrilla is king, and it’s very good to see that some of it is coming back to this system.”

Texan Lee Livesay, who won the opening Central Division event of the season on Ross Barnett Reservoir along with the Simms Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork, agrees. He noted that the vegetation — including hyacinth mats — will add a strong flipping/punching element to offset some of the hard cover loss. Vegetation also filters muddy water, so he’ll be looking for pockets of clarity.

Livesay visited the Red River nine days from the tournament’s start and found stable water conditions. The river currently stands just under 14 feet; a seasonally appropriate level that’s unlikely to change much before the tournament.

Short of any dramatic weather change, Livesay’s not expecting much current. Under normal conditions, the Red River is typically a low-flow waterway, but Livesay points to the flourishing vegetation as a summer sanctuary.

“This time of year, you want more current, but the current really only plays on the main river, not in the backwaters,” Livesay said. “So, instead of catching them on a squarebill on the main river, you might catch them flipping to fish that are tucked away under a mat or a laydown.”

Sumrall said the bass will be in a late-summer transition. Anglers will still see plenty of warm-season stationary fish, but the oxbows and other backwaters could find fish running shad. Sumrall and Livesay agree the field will employ a mix of flipping, cranking, frogging, topwaters and spinnerbaits.

“It’s going to be a shallow junk fishing 101,” Sumrall said. “I don’t feel like there will be one winning spot; you’ll need to piece it together. You may have one good area, but you’ll need several more spots.”

With tournament boundaries including Pools 3, 4 and 5, time management will play an integral role. Some will stay close and commit their days to Pool 5, from which the field will launch, while others will lock through to one of the lower pools.

“Those locks can burn you,” Sumrall warned. “If you get a big barge or a (large number) of tournament boats, you could lose a lot of fishing time.”

Since the floods of 2015-16, the Red River has generally produced more quantity than quality. Patrick Walters, an Elite champion and two-time Century Club entrant from South Carolina, won the 2018 Central Open — the most recent B.A.S.S. event on the Red River — with a three-day total of 30 pounds, 15 ounces.

With the fishery making post-flood progress, Sumrall predicts better numbers. He’s looking for a winning weight of about 36 pounds, with 10 pounds a day making the Championship Saturday cut.

“I think a 4-pounder will go a long way,” Sumrall said. “To break out of that 8- to 10-pound-bag range, you’re going to need a couple of 3-pounders to get to that 12-pound mark.

“If a guy gets on the right deal, I can see him catching 16 to 17 pounds, but that will not happen more than once.”

Stressing realistic expectations, Livesay said, “One or two kickers a day is what you want to shoot for. You’re not going to catch a lot of big ones, but catching one 3-plus-pound fish is good on the river right now.”

Sumrall said consistency at any level will require diversity. He and Livesay agree the entirety of tournament waters could prove productive; however, game plans involving multiple areas will most likely deliver optimal results.

“I think the field will be split 50/50 between the main river and the backwaters,” Livesay said. “But with the main river this clear (thanks to the vegetation), I can see the main river winning this time.”

Sumrall’s advice: “Keep an open mind and don’t get locked into one thing. You’ll have to make adjustments on the fly.”

by AnglersChannel

Three-Peat! Dustin Connell Goes Back-to-Back, Wins Third Bass Pro Tour Event of the Season at Bally Bet Stage Seven at Mille Lacs Lake Presented by Minn Kota

Alabama Superstar Catches 82-9 to Win by Narrow 4-Ounce Margin over Tennessee’s David Walker, Earn Third Bass Pro Tour Victory of Season and Earn Another $100,000 Top Prize

ONAMIA, Minn. (Sept. 15, 2022) – For just the second time in Bass Pro Tour history, one angler has won three events in a single season. Googan Baits pro Dustin Connell of Clanton, Alabama, caught 20 scorable smallmouth bass weighing 82 pounds, 9 ounces Thursday to win the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour Bally Bet Stage Seven on Mille Lacs Lake Presented by Minn Kota in Onamia, Minnesota and earn the top prize of $100,000. The win was his second consecutive victory, after claiming victory at New York’s Lake Cayuga last month, and his third of the season – he also won Stage Three at Alabama’s Lewis Smith Lake.

Connell’s Championship Round didn’t start off too hot. Through his first two-and-a-half hours of fishing, he was only able to muster three scorable bass for 13-6. Although one of those three was a 6-pounder, Connell knew his first period wasn’t what it needed to be to win.

“I started out this morning really slow,” Connell said. “I felt like I couldn’t find a bass. Then I had 4-foot waves rolling into my boat, so that wasn’t great. Finally, I found my zone and I settled in during the second period.”

Connell exploded in the second period, catching eight bass for 30-15, shooting him into second place, right below tournament leader, Dayton, Tennessee’s Michael Neal. That second period was made possible thanks to a waypoint Connell marked during his Knockout Round on Wednesday with time winding down in the day.

“Yesterday I had 15 minutes to idle around at the end of the Knockout Round,” Connell said. “I knew that I wasn’t on a winning deal. In the last 12 minutes of the day, I found six rocks. I marked a waypoint on one of them with three seconds left. I showed up there today and caught a 6-3 and a 5-8 off of that one rock I marked. That was the difference between winning and losing this tournament for me.”

That 6-pound, 3-ounce smallmouth pushed him past Neal for the lead, a lead Connell wouldn’t surrender for the rest of the day. It felt like a two-horse race for most of the day, that was until Sevierville, Tennessee pro David Walker began surging in Period 3.

With less than 15 minutes left in the day, Walker caught four bass for 15-6 including a 5-10. Walker shot up SCORETRACKER® so fast that it was hard for Connell to keep up with how much weight Walker actually had.

“I didn’t have time to get nervous it happened so quick,” Connell admitted. “When he got to within 4 ounces with only two minutes left, I knew he was going to win. I was convinced he was going to bring one in with five seconds left and knock me out. Lucky for me, he didn’t. But really, congrats to David on an amazing day and tournament.”

Walker was unable to catch him, giving Connell back-to-back wins to round out the 2022 season. He’s done it on Smith Lake in Alabama and Cayuga Lake in New York, but this one in Minnesota means a little bit more to Connell.

“To end the season this way at one of my favorite lakes – I love Mille Lacs,” Connell went on to say. “I love fishing in Minnesota. It’s unbelievable to win three events in a season, and I’m really glad I did it here fishing this way.”

The top 10 pros from Bally Bet Stage Seven on Mille Lacs Lake Presented by Minn Kota finished:

1^st:          Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 20 bass, 82-9, $100,000
2^nd:         David Walker, Sevierville, Tenn., 23 bass, 82-5, $45,000
3^rd:         Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., 21 bass, 78-3, $38,000
4^th:         Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas, 14 bass, 50-12, $32,000
5^th:         James Elam, Tulsa, Okla., 12 bass, 43-6, $30,000
6^th:         Mark Daniels, Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., 11 bass, 42-14, $26,000
7^th:         Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., 10 bass, 30-5, $23,000
8^th:         Alton Jones, Sr., Lorena, Texas, six bass, 23-2, $21,000
9^th:         Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., seven bass, 22-3, $19,000
10^th:       Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J, six bass, 20-13, $16,000

Full results for the entire field can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Overall, there were 130 scorable bass weighing 476 pounds, 7 ounces caught by the final 10 pros on Thursday.

Connell also earned Thursday’s Championship Round $1,000 Berkley Big Bass award with a 6-pound, 3-ounce smallmouth that bit a drop-shot rig in Period 3. Hot Springs, Arkansas, pro Stephen Browning earned the $3,000 Berkley Big Bass award for the overall largest bass of the event with his 6-pound, 8-ounce smallmouth that he weighed on Day 3 of competition.

The reigning Bass Pro Tour Bally Bet Angler of the Year (AOY), Academy Sports + Outdoors pro Jacob Wheeler of Harrison, Tennessee, clinched his second-consecutive Bass Pro Tour AOY title this week after finishing the event in 10th place. Wheeler now becomes the first pro in Bass Pro Tour history to earn multiple AOY titles, and for his accomplishment the 32-year-old Tennessee pro earned a $100,000 payday from Bally Bet.

The Bally Bet Stage Seven on Mille Lacs Lake Presented by Minn Kota featured 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 six-day tournament was hosted by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and showcased 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.

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.

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.

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.

by AnglersChannel

St. Lawrence River Set to Host Final Event for Toyota Series Northern Division

MASSENA, N.Y. (Sept. 15, 2022) – The Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. Northern Division will continue its 2022 season next week in Massena, New York, Sept. 22-24, with the Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. at the St. Lawrence River Presented by BoatLogix . Hosted by the Town of Massena, the three-day tournament is the third and final event of the season for the Toyota Series Northern 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.

Local pro Jesse Spellicy of Gouverneur, New York, said he is excited about the upcoming event.

“The St. Lawrence River is fishing pretty consistently across the board,” Spellicy said. “We are getting into the fall – the time of year where fish are starting to feed more and get heavier – and they are biting pretty much everywhere on the fishery.”

Spellicy said he expects to see fish caught at various depths, from 2 to 60 feet of water, and believes there will be anglers bouncing back and forth between fishing shallow and deep throughout the event.

“I think we will definitely see spinnerbaits come into play, as well as the standard drop-shots, tubes and Ned rigs,” Spellicy said. “Current breaks are pretty key this time of year, more so than normal, so guys should be on the lookout for any type of structure or vegetation that breaks the current. That’s where smallmouth are typically stacked up.”

With weights accumulating over the three-day event and the field being cut to 25 on the final day, Spellicy said he predicts it will take 18½ pounds per day to make it into the top 25 on the final day and 23½ pounds per day to win the event.

Spellicy said he expects the tournament to be won around the Clayton and Cape Vincent area, a 1½-hour full-throttle run from where anglers will launch. Despite the long distance, Spellicy said he believes he’s going to have to commit to that run to have a shot at winning the event.

“It’s a long distance and anything can happen, but that seems to be the area that’s been kicking out the better bags of fish this year, so it’s definitely going to make things interesting,” Spellicy concluded.

Anglers will take off daily at 7 a.m. ET from Massena Intake Boat Launch located at 1415 State Highway 131 in Massena. Weigh-ins will also be held at the boat launch 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.

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.

by AnglersChannel

KVD’s 2022 in Review

Courtesy of Luke Stoner - Dynamic Sponsorships

Kevin VanDam wrapped up his 2022 Bass Pro Tour season with a solid 29th place finish on Mille Lacs Lake for Bally Bet Stage Seven presented by Minn Kota. Bass fishing’s all-time money winner was in his happy place on Mille Lacs this week, catching big smallmouth bass on reaction baits.

VanDam’s incredible career accomplishments have left him with extremely high expectations of himself, and while he might characterize this season as ‘decent’, his efforts would be considered a banner year for many professional anglers. The Team Toyota pro ended the season with a top 10 finish in the Angler of the Year race, was a threat to win a couple events, and carried himself with professionalism and class like the legend he is.

As the sun set on another year of Bass Pro Tour competition, we caught up with VanDam to ask him a few questions as he looked at 2022 in the rear-view mirror.

Q – This was your 32nd year as a professional bass fisherman, what stood out about 2022?

“Extreme and adverse conditions,” VanDam said quickly. “Mother Nature really let us have it the first half of the year with D’Arbonne, Fork, and Smith all being brutal, cold tournaments. We had a super diverse schedule that just always kept us (BPT angler) guessing. The guys who consistently caught them this year really had to earn it.”

Q – You ended this season with yet another top 10 finish in the Angler of the Year points, but what is one tournament from 2022 you wish you could have back?

“Lake of the Ozarks is one that really bothered me,” VanDam admitted. “I had a real good practice and just didn’t make the right adjustments during the event. I was around the fish to have a super strong finish there and it ended up being my worst of the year. I sure wish I had my Qualifying Day One back.”

Q – What was one new age tool or product that was important to your 2022 season? How about old school?

“Humminbird TargetLock used with MEGA Live Imaging without a doubt as far as new age technology. I got TargetLockabout halfway through the season and it is a true game-changer.

“As crazy as it sounds, I think just running a pattern and covering water with a spinnerbait or KVD 1.5 Squarebill Crankbait might be looked at as ‘old-school’ nowadays. With the advancements in technology the last few years, you just don’t see a whole lot of guys fishing the way we used to get it done. But there is a time and place for old-school. Dialing in a pattern will still win you some money!”

Q – You now have a full year towing your Nitro with the all-new 2022 Toyota Tundra, what are your thoughts? Give us one favorite feature, too.

“Truth be told – it’s an incredible truck. This thing rides like a dream, has better fuel economy than I’ve ever had before, and is a beast for towing my bass boat. I’ve got a i-FORCE MAX TRD Pro – with the new hybrid engine – ordered for 2023 and I’m looking forward to getting my hands on it.

“If I had to pick one thing, it’d probably be the overall feel of the interior. It’s next-level comfortable, which is so important when you spend as many hours driving as I do. The new 14-inch LED screen makes navigation a whole different deal. It’s amazing, it really is.”

Q – What are you most looking forward to this off-season?

“Hanging with family and deer season! I stay pretty darn busy,so I don’t have much of an off-season, but I always look forward to spending time with family, the holidays, and just getting to be at home. Both my boys love to deer hunt as much as I do, so deer season is really special to us.”

by AnglersChannel

Berkley PowerBait Shape 108

Berkley PowerBait Shape 108 takes versatility to a new level excelling at both finesse and power fishing techniques

COLUMBIA, S.C. (September 15, 2022) – Backed by more than 25 years of the scientific research and testing, Berkley PowerBait continues to innovate and find new ways to help anglers catch more fish. By creating flavors that fish find irresistible, the new Berkley PowerBait Shape 108 is no exception. As its name suggests, Shape 108 underwent 108 different renderings before the product development team believed it had all the features and action that Berkley soft plastics are known for.

Available in three different sizes and 14 colors, Shape 108 is built with “bird-wing” style pinchers that rotate with each flap creating a unique, bite-triggering action. Designed to be fished a variety of ways, the smashed and ribbed body provides extra surface area packed with PowerBait flavor to help ensure that when fish bite they don’t let go, allowing for a better hook-up ratio. Its 3-inch version has a slightly beefed-up body making it the perfect flapping craw for ned rigs and finesse jig applications.

Key Features
• “Bird-wing” style pinchers
• Fits perfectly on a jig
• Smashed body allows for better hookups when fished as a Texas rig or like techniques
• Ribbed upper body provides extra surface area for extreme PowerBait flavor
• Three sizes: 3-inch, 3.5-inch and 4-inch

Colors: Green Pumpkin • Black Blue Fleck • Watermelon • GOAT • Pearl White • Peanut Butter and Jelly • Bluegill Flash • June Bug • Hot Craw • Okeechobee Craw • California • Alabama Craw • Labatt • Blue Shiner Gold

MSRP: $6.99
Available: November 2022

by AnglersChannel

Minnesota Anglers Noah Schultz and Matt Thompson Dominate 2022 Champions Tour Championship

Humminbird and Minn Kota anglers Noah Schultz and Matt Thompson finish up Minnesota Champions Tour with Championship Victory and Season Angler of the Year Awards

As a tournament angler, it can be very challenging to be consistent. For Humminbird and Minn Kota angler Noah Schultz, he hasn’t just been consistent – he has dominated. On September 1st on Lake Serpent in Minnesota, Schultz filled another space on his shelf of Champions Tour Championship trophies. Having won three of the last five Champions Tour Championship Titles, he is also taking home his third fully rigged Skeeter Boat for his unmatched efforts.

“A lot of the lakes we fished I have never been to before and they are all different,” said Schultz. “I feel like overall, I am starting to build some confidence and the more events I fish, the more driven I become to keep getting better. I have spent a lot of time learning and dialing in my electronics to help me be the most efficient angler I can be – Humminbird and Minn Kota have played a massive role in getting me to where I’m at.”

Known as one of the best tournament anglers in Minnesota, there are several keys to Schultz’s tournament days to keep him efficient on the water.

“Recently at Gull Lake, the fish were positioned on deep grass and it was key to make precise casts to exactly where the fish were set up. The Champions Tour is a catch, weigh and release format, so being efficient with your time is a must to be successful,” said Schultz. “Having Humminbird MEGA 360 Imaging ^® was clutch to locate high-percentage deep grass, and with my Minn Kota Ultrex™ trolling motor working in tandem with Humminbird MEGA Live Imaging TargetLock™, I could make a super accurate cast and put my bait right in front of the fish, cast after cast.”

Since the introduction of live sonar technology, anglers have had to choose between Spot-Lock and the use of their MEGA Live transducer. To solve this dilemma for anglers, Humminbird has introduced MEGA Live Imaging TargetLock™, giving back Spot-Lock to anglers who demand total boat control while actively fishing with MEGA Live.

“This technology has been an absolute game changer for me. It has made my process on the water during tournament days more efficient overall.” Schultz concluded.

While Schultz brought home the championship title, another Humminbird and Minn Kota pro was able to perform consistently enough over the course of the season to be named 2022 Champions Tour Angler of the Year.

Matt Thompson is known for his ability to catch giant musky throughout the Midwest and has translated that experience into becoming adept at catching big bass. His big fish mentality has allowed him to fish his strengths and compete against the best anglers in the region.

“It’s really a dream to be able to bring home Angler of the Year against a hand-picked field with 50 of the best Midwest anglers,” said Thompson.

“With this format, knowing where you stand compared to everyone else – it’s really 90% mental. You can spin out very quickly knowing what everyone else has for weight throughout the day. I fish completely different from the rest of the field so this one is pretty special for me and without Humminbird LakeMaster ^® mapping and MEGA 360, I don’t achieve this accomplishment,” said Thompson. “My musky background has taught me how to hunt for those apex predators and it has taught me where those bigger predatory fish will reside, the combination of LakeMaster and MEGA 360 really help me identify those areas.”

Throughout the last four seasons, Matt has been known to catch the big bass at each of the Champions Tour qualifying events. Adding to an already impeccable season, Thompson has earned the Champions Tour YETI Big Bass Award in 11 out of 15 events he has fished with the tour, three of the four times being in 2022. There’s no doubt why his fellow anglers nicknamed him the “Big Yeti”.

Known for having some of the most talented anglers of any tournament trail in the Midwest, Angler of the Year and Championship wins are no small feat. Schultz and Thompson will be closing the 2022 Champions Tour leaving heavy footprints behind with expectations of another successful season in 2023.

by AnglersChannel

Neal Dominates Knockout Round, Final 10 Set at Bass Pro Tour Bally Bet Stage Seven at Mille Lacs Lake Presented by Minn Kota

Tennessee Pro Catches 20 Bass Weighing 77-2 to Win Knockout Round By Nearly Six Pounds, Final 10 Anglers Set for Thursday’s Final-Day Shootout for $100,000

ONAMIA, Minn. (Sept. 14, 2022) – Pro Michael Neal of Dayton, Tennessee, caught 20 scorable smallmouth bass weighing 77 pounds, 2 ounces to win the Knockout Round and advance to the final day of competition at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour Bally Bet Stage Seven on Mille Lacs Lake Presented by Minn Kota in Onamia, Minnesota. The final 10 anglers are now set, and competition will resume Thursday morning with the Championship Round. Weights are zeroed, and the angler that catches the most weight will win the top prize of $100,000.

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 top eight pros from Wednesday’s Knockout Round that will compete in Thursday’s Championship Round on Mille Lacs Lake are:

1^st:          Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., 20 bass, 77-2
2^nd:         Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 19 bass, 71-3
3^rd:         Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas, 14 bass, 57-4
4^th:         James Elam, Tulsa, Okla., 14 bass, 54-1
5^th:         Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., 14 bass, 51-12
6^th:         David Walker, Sevierville, Tenn., 14 bass, 51-6
7^th:         Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., 14 bass, 49-5
8^th:         Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J, 13 bass, 46-13

They’ll be joined by Qualifying Round Winners:

Group A: Mark Daniels, Jr., Tuskegee, Ala.
Group B: Alton Jones, Sr., Lorena, Texas

Full results for the entire field can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

“I don’t know that I’ve ever won a Knockout Round before,” Neal said in his post-game interview. “It’s not necessarily the round that you want to win, but I can’t complain either way. I laid off my fish pretty quick into the second period and there is a lot more there, but who knows what the weather is going to do tomorrow.

“I’ve got one main area up on the north end of the lake that I’m catching all my fish,” Neal continued. “It’s really been anywhere from 10 to 16 feet, pretty much where you can find a mixture of some grass and one or two rocks mixed in. It’s a very specific cast and you’ve got to hit it. And with the wind, that was kind of a challenge today.”

Neal battled through the winds, throwing a couple of different baits. He mentioned his key bait this week has been a Big Bite Baits SoMolly finesse worm, fished on a drop-shot rig with 10-pound test Sunline SX1 braided line and 8-pound test Sunline Shooter fluorocarbon line and a 1/0 Gamakatsu hook.

“Tomorrow, it looks like we’re going to have the same kind weather, as far as the wind goes, and maybe even some rain,” Neal said. “I don’t know if that will push more fish to me or if it will scatter them out.

“Everybody is back to zero, all back to square one again, and it’s going to be a shootout,” Neal went on to say. “There are some great fishermen in this top 10, no doubt. I’m looking for somewhere around that 80-to-90-pound range probably to try to win tomorrow. Maybe even 100. I feel like I could have gotten to that mark today if I needed to, but tomorrow is going to be different. I’m just ready to come back out here. It’s been a lot of fun this week. We’ve caught a lot of fish, some big fish, and we’ve just got to do it one more day.”

Rounding out the top 40 finishers on Mille Lacs Lake were:

11^th:       Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., 12 bass, 46-11, $10,000
12^th:       Marty Robinson, Lyman, S.C., 12 bass, 39-0, $10,000
13^th:       Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark., 12 bass, 38-8, $10,000
14^th:       Jonathon VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., 12 bass, 38-7, $10,000
15^th:       Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, 11 bass, 37-15, $10,000
16^th:       Jordan Lee, Cullman, Ala., nine bass, 32-2, $10,000
17^th:       Jeff Kriet, Ardmore, Okla., nine bass, 32-0, $10,000
18^th:       Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., nine bass, 31-6, $10,000
19^th:       Gerald Spohrer, Gonzales, La., nine bass, 30-2, $10,000
20^th:       Alton Jones, Jr., Waco, Texas, eight bass, 29-5, $10,000
21^st:       Kevin VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., eight bass, 29-5, $10,000
22^nd:      Randy Howell, Guntersville, Ala., eight bass, 29-4, $10,000
23^rd:      Josh Bertrand, Queen Creek, Ariz., eight bass, 29-0, $10,000
24^th:       Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., seven bass, 25-14, $10,000
25^th:       Casey Ashley, Donalds, S.C., nine bass, 25-4, $10,000
26^th:       Brent Chapman, Lake Quivira, Kan., six bass, 24-11, $10,000
27^th:       Jared Lintner, Covington, Ga., seven bass, 24-2, $10,000
28^th:       Jeremy Lawyer, Sarcoxie, Mo., six bass, 21-1, $10,000
29^th:       Jason Lambert, Michie, Tenn., six bass, 20-9, $10,000
30^th:       Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn., six bass, 20-8, $10,000
31^st:       Stephen Browning, Hot Springs, Ark., five bass, 19-6, $10,000
32^nd:      Ryan Salzman, Huntsville, Ala., four bass, 17-15, $10,000
33^rd:      Cliff Pace, Petal, Miss., five bass, 16-13, $10,000
34^th:       Boyd Duckett, Guntersville, Ala., four bass, 16-9, $10,000
35^th:       Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C., six bass, 16-2, $10,000
36^th:       Matt Lee, Cullman, Ala., three bass, 12-11, $10,000
37^th:       Luke Clausen, Spokane, Wash., four bass, 12-9, $10,000
38^th:       Shinichi Fukae, Osaka, Japan, four bass, 12-8, $10,000
39^th:       Ish Monroe, Oakdale, Calif., zero bass, 0-0, $10,000
40^th:       Roy Hawk, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., zero bass, 0-0, $10,000

Overall, there were 331 scorable bass weighing 1,188 pounds, 9 ounces caught by 36 pros Wednesday.

Texas pro Dakota Ebare earned the $1,000 Berkley Big Bass award Wednesday, catching a 6-pound, 1-ounce smallmouth on a drop-shot rig in Period 1. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day, and a $3,000 bonus to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass of the tournament.

The 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 the two-day Qualifying Round, the anglers that finished in 2nd through 20th place from both groups advanced to Wednesday’s Knockout Round, while the winner of each group advanced directly to Thursday’s Championship Round. In the Knockout Round weights were zeroed, and the remaining 38 anglers competed to finish in the top 8 to advance to the Championship Round. Tomorrow, in the final day Championship Round, weights are zeroed and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.

The final 10 anglers will launch on Championship Thursday 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.

Also 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 MLF NOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee, Marty Stone and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action on Championship Thursday 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.

by AnglersChannel

MLF Issues Statement on Inadvertent Minnesota DNR Violations at Stage Seven on Mille Lacs Lake

ONAMIA, Minn. (Sept. 14, 2022) – Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour Tournament Director Aaron Beshears issued the following statement today regarding the inadvertent Minnesota Department of Natural Resources fishing regulation violations at this week’s event at Mille Lacs Lake:

MLF Bass Pro Tour Rule No. 33 permits an angler to utilize a second line once per period. It was an oversight that this rule directly violated Minnesota DNR fishing regulations, and we did not properly communicate that to the anglers this week. Upon being made aware of the regulation, we immediately informed all Bass Pro Tour anglers in the competition that they were to immediately cease using two lines for the remainder of the event.

We contacted the Minnesota DNR, who clarified the violations, and we’re working closely with them to ensure that we’re in full alignment with state fish and game regulations.

Bass Pro Tour anglers Jacob Wheeler and Alton Jones, Jr., have both received citations from the Minnesota DNR for violation of the two-line regulation. They have accepted responsibility, will pay their fines, and will face no further disciplinary action.

We apologize to the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota DNR, and the anglers and outdoorsmen and women of Minnesota, and we look forward to wrapping up our regular season in what has been a fantastic tournament for us here at Mille Lacs Lake.

by AnglersChannel

Ebare Edges Closer to Breakout Win

Courtesy of Luke Stoner - Dynamic Sponsorships

Dakota Ebare might not be a household name in the professional bass fishing world yet but if his incredible season in 2022 is any indication, he’s well on his way. The Bass Pro Tour rookie took on a grueling schedule fishing both the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuits and the BPT, then added in a few Toyota Series events along the way. Through his marathon of a line up, Ebareemerged as one of the hottest bass anglers in the world right now.

The Strike King pro accumulated seven top 10s coming into Bally Bet Stage Seven on Mille Lacs Lake, including three second place efforts and will round out his season with top 10 finishes in the point standings of both the Pro Circuit and the BPT.

A glance at the fisheries where he had top performances will leave you even more impressed. A second place near home in Stage Two on Lake Fork, 3rd on a fickle Watts Bar against the Bass Pro Tour pirates, then another second on the James River on the Pro Circuit followed by a close runner-up finish for the TITLE Championship on the St. Lawrence River.

The former college fishermen prides himself on his versatility and proved he can catch ‘em coast-to-coast. Whether he’s flipping for shallow water largemouth like he grew up doing in Louisiana or targeting suspended smallmouth with forward facing sonar. While the competitive fire burns hot within him for his first national win, Ebare’s perspective on his season is rock solid.

“As a competitor it’s frustrating to be so close so many times but the reality is this year has been a huge blessing,” Ebare said. “Second isn’t good enough in my mind, but it’s positive motivation, not something to hang my head about. I trust in God’s plan and when it’s meant to be, it’ll be my time.”

While he may not have hoisted a first-place trophy Ebare did win several awards throughout the 2022 season, including numerous Costa Compete + Conserve bonuses. Ebare has worn Costa Sunglasses throughout his career and has taken full advantage of the popular new contingency program offered from Costa.

Compete + Conserve supports over 300 bass tournaments and Ebare took home rewards in Bass Pro Tour, Pro Circuit, and Toyota series events with angler payouts ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 for each, just for being the highest finisher wearing Costa shades.

The program is absolutely free to register for and sanctions BFLs, team trails, college, and high school tournaments, too. Perhaps the coolest part of Compete + Conserve is the conservation donation included with every angler payout, something Ebare is super proud of.

“I’ve been able to make several thousand dollars through Compete + Conserve which is great, but my wins also resulted in $2,000 donated to freshwater conservation efforts,” Ebareproudly explained. “I want the sport of bass fishing to thrive. To do that, we (bass anglers) need to lead the charge for improving our fisheries. Costa has always supported conservation and the included donation within Compete + Conserve is a great way to keep it top of mind for tournament anglers.”

Ebare’s infectious positive attitude and emphasis on wanting to give back to the fishing community says a lot about the 30-year-old Texan. His personality and the way he carries himself is what led to Ebare being awarded the Pro Circuit’s Forest L Wood Sportsmanship & Community Leadership Award a few weeks ago. Out of all the accolades from this year, this award was without a doubt Ebare’s high point.

“It’s the highlight of my entire career up until this point honestly,” Ebare said. “This is an angler-nominated decoration, so it was voted on by my peers… that means a lot. I just try to promote the sport in a positive way in everything that I do. This award means other people have noticed, which means the world to me. Have a good attitude, treat people right, and do your best every day. That’s what it’s all about.”

by AnglersChannel

Ever Green OB-68 Really Pops With New Colors

With seven new patterns, this super popper conquers the surface bite.

Cypress, CA (September 14, 2022) – For freshwater fans, nothing beats the thrill of a lunker largemouth or bronzeback exploding on a popper. Whether you’re fishing a bucket-list destination or that farm pond down the road, the splashin’ and thrashin’ of surface action never gets old. That’s exactly why bass fans are drawn to Ever Green’s masterfully designed OB-68 popper. Now, the addition of seven great new colors gives it even more appeal

Daiwa is now offering the Ever Green OB-68 in FLASH BREAM, FULL METAL, BABY BASS, FLASH WAKASAGI, BONE, FLASH CLEAR SHAD, and GREEN BACK GLITTER, adding to BLUE BACK HERRING and MAGIC GILL.

FLASH WAKSAGI

“That makes 9 patterns in all for this super popper,” says Marc Mills, senior marketing manager at Daiwa. “We’ve got all the bases covered so that anglers can match up an Ever Green 0B-68 popper to any water condition or baitfish species they come across. That versatility means you can swap out pattens at a moment’s notice if you discover the bass shifting their preference to a different type of baitfish and make your popper stand out to provoke strikes from fish searching for something a little different, or to match changing skies or water clarity. The possibilities are endless.”

Colors are important, but so is a lure’s complete design when it comes to surface fishing, which helps explain how the Ever Green OB-68 sees so much success. Designed to “spit, bubble and pop” in response to every twitch of the rod tip, this unmatched topwater popper features a sharp-edged face cup that produces both strong and weak splashing sounds, catering to varying surface conditions. A perfectly balanced body yields tangle-free, arrow-straight casts, as well as steadiness on the surface, whether chugged rapidly or languidly. Additional fish-provoking noise is generated by its tungsten, brass, steel and glass rattle weights. Each rattle pounds out a unique frequency, combining for a hybrid rattling sound with wide appeal.

Yet another design feature of the Ever Green OB-68 is it’s flipped up tail, which reduces air resistance during the cast. This allows anglers to probe potential bassing hot spots from a considerable distance, even when working against strong headwinds. Add in a nice set of tail feathers on the rear treble, through-wiring, plus that generous color selection and the odds are stacked in your favor every time you tie this lure to the end of your line.

Daiwa’s Ever Green OB-68 measures 2-2/3 inches, weighs 3/8 of an ounce, and carries super sharp size six treble hooks under the belly and at the tail. Oh, did we mention it comes in 9 cool colors?

All seven new colors will be available starting in September, but you can view them now if attending the ICAST Show in Orlando, Florida, July 19 – 22, by stopping at the Daiwa booth (#5630). MSRP: $15.95.

FLASH CLEAR SHAD

GREEN BACK GLITTER

BABY BASS

METAL

FLASH BREAM

BONE

Features:

Sharp-edged face cup for more spit, bubble and splash
Available in 9 colors, including 7 NEW patterns
Super-sharp size 6 treble hooks with feathered rear hook
Fish-provoking hybrid rattle sounds from Tungsten, brass, steel and glass rattle weights
Flipped-up tail for less wind resistance and better casting

by AnglersChannel

Eugene Kim Earns Co-Angler Win at St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Chesapeake Bay

PARK FALLS, Wisc. (September 13, 2022) - Eugene Kim of Lindenhurst, Illinois caught 16-0 to top a talent-stacked field of 135 competitors in the Co-Angler division at the recent 2022 St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Chesapeake Bay. In addition to valuable Open Series points and a significant cash prize, Kim took home $500 in St. Croix Rewards for winning the event while fishing St. Croix Rods.

“I have fished St. Croix rods exclusively for my entire eight-year tournament career and throughout 25 years of fun fishing before I began fishing competitively,” Kim says. “The Best Rods on Earth have definitely been a key to my success.”

Kim caught 8-2 on Day 1 of the Bassmaster Open at Chesapeake Bay, fishing shallow, tide-flooded grass flats and humps with a Texas-rigged worm. “I was fishing a light, 3/16-ounce weight and a finesse worm in four-to-six-feet of water,” he says. “They wanted that slender profile and slow fall.”

Kim says he favors St. Croix’s Legend Elite Series rods for their extreme sensitivity and full-cork handles. “They’re just my very favorite rods, and the EC71MHXF was the perfect tool for the job on Day 1,” ads Kim, who says he switched to a chatterbait later in the day. “I also had success with a green pumpkin and with Z-Man Jackhammer Chatterbait with a Yamamoto Zako trailer. I love the St. Croix Legend Glass 7’4” medium-heavy (LGC74MHM), especially around grass. It’s just the perfect chatterbait rod.”

Kim started Day 2 in 5^th place riding a tide of optimism, which quickly ebbed when his new boater decided to fish an entirely different pattern, opting to target bankside laydowns.

“One thing you learn as a co-angler to adapt, so that’s what I did,” Kim says. “And it worked out okay. I picked up a Legend Tournament Bass rod rigged with a prototype spinnerbait and ended up catching 7-14 – which turned out to be just enough to win the tournament.”

The spinnerbait was one of the most-recent designs from Convergence Tournament Tackle, a company Kim started a few years ago with his good friend, Frank Williams. He fished the chartreuse and white lure with downsized, gold, willow leaf blades with a pearl white Strike King Caffein Shad trailer.

B.A.S.S. Photo

At the Day-2 weigh in, Kim edged out Ryan Bauman to win the Bassmaster Open event Co-Angler division by a single ounce.

“It’s my first year fishing the Bassmaster Opens, so winning an event – especially one at a location I’d never fished before – just feels so good,” Kim says. “I committed to fishing the Opens this year to take myself out of my comfort zone a bit and fish some new waters and try to become a better angler. It’s been an amazing experience. B.A.S.S. does a wonderful job, and I’m also grateful to St. Croix – not only for making rods that help give me the upper hand on the water, but also for sponsoring this year’s Bassmaster Opens and for offering St. Croix anglers like me the opportunity to win St. Croix Rewards. St. Croix has always been a cornerstone of my fishing, and all of this just proves that out.”

After earning success on other tournament trails in addition to the Opens, Kim says he plans to move to the front of the boat next season. “I’m excited to be taking delivery of a new Phoenix 920 Elite early next year and am looking forward to competing in the Basssmaster Opens as a Pro Angler.”

St. Croix Rod wants to remind both pro and co-anglers competing in any Bassmaster Opens Series event that they can win cash St. Croix Rewards by fishing with St. Croix Rods.

The St. Croix Rod Rewards Program pays an extra $1,000 to any registered* pro angler who wins a St. Croix Bassmaster Open tournament fishing St. Croix rods, or $500 to the highest-finishing registered top-10 pro angler fishing St. Croix rods.

Similarly, the program awards an extra $500 to any registered* co-angler who wins a St. Croix Bassmaster Open tournament fishing St. Croix rods, or $250 to the highest-finishing registered top-10 co-angler fishing St. Croix rods.

*Anglers must register via QR code at pre-tournament registration held by B.A.S.S. prior to the event.

The next 2022 St. Croix Bassmaster Open event is the Central Open at Red River presented by Mossy Oak Fishing, September 22-24. Click here for complete registration and schedule details for all 2022 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens events.

by AnglersChannel

Jacob Wheeler Clinches AOY, Alton Jones Sr. Coasts to Group B Qualifying Round Win at Bass Pro Tour Bally Bet Stage Seven at Mille Lacs Lake Presented by Minn Kota

Wheeler Finishes Qualifying Round in 6^th Place to Clinch Second-Consecutive Bally Bet Angler of the Year Title, Jones Sr. Boats Two-Day Total of 37 Smallmouth weighing 140-12 to Advance Straight to Thursday’s Championship Round

ONAMIA, Minn. (Sept. 13, 2022) – Pro Alton Jones, Sr., of Lorena, Texas, caught 12 scorable smallmouth bass weighing 47 pounds, 15 ounces to cruise to an easy Qualifying Round win for Group B at the MLF Bass Pro Tour Bally Bet Stage Seven on Mille Lacs Lake Presented by Minn Kota in Onamia, Minnesota. Jones’ two-day total of 37 scorable bass weighing 140 pounds, 12 ounces, earned him the Qualifying Round victory by a 35-pound, 15-ounce margin over second-place finisher, pro Cliff Pace of Petal, Mississippi.

The reigning Bass Pro Tour Bally Bet Angler of the Year (AOY), Jacob Wheeler of Harrison, Tennessee, clinched his second-consecutive Bass Pro Tour AOY title Tuesday, after finishing the Qualifying Round in 6th place. Wheeler now becomes the first pro in Bass Pro Tour history to earn multiple AOY titles, and for his accomplishment the 32-year-old Tennessee pro earned a $100,000 payday from Bally Bet.

“It has been an incredible year,” Wheeler said. “Typically, you can sort of look back and reflect on the season and you can remember those times you’ve stumbled, and this year I’ve just been blessed. I haven’t won a tournament, but I’ve been able to remain very consistent. Every year, it always seems like there is one hiccup, but fortunately there wasn’t this season, and I am so excited to hoist this trophy for the second year in a row.”

Pace caught a two-day total of 27 bass weighing 104 pounds, 13 ounces to end the round in second place, while Googan Baits pro Dustin Connell of Clanton, Alabama, finished the round in third place with a two-day total of 27 bass weighing 100-8. Tulsa, Oklahoma’s James Elam ended the round in fourth place with a two-day total of 28 bass for 100-6. Rounding out the top five was Kalamazoo, Michigan’s Kevin VanDam , who caught 26 bass for 94-1 to advance in fifth place.

The remaining 38 anglers – 19 from each group – now advance to Wednesday’s Knockout Round, where weights are zeroed, and the anglers compete to finish in the top eight to advance to the Championship Round on Thursday. The Championship Round will feature Group A winner Mark Daniels, Jr., Group B winner Alton Jones, Sr., and the top eight finishers from the Knockout Round competing in a final-day shootout for the top prize of $100,000.

“I’m so thankful to be going straight to the Championship Round,” an excited Jones said in his post-game interview. “That was my goal coming into this event, and I worked really hard during practice and in pre-fishing before the cutoff. I had all my eggs in one basket, which was a little bit risky, but I’ve spent my practice and even time during this event idling, graphing and targeting isolated boulders.

“I’m from the South, and one of my favorite things to do is use my Garmin LiveScope to find isolated brush piles, but here in the North the brush piles are boulders,” Jones continued. “I’m just trying to find and fish as many different boulders as I can.”

With his lead never really at all in jeopardy throughout the day, Jones said he was able to do a little more scouting during the third period, Tuesday.

“Fortunately, during the last period today I was able to do some more idling and graphing and I think I marked another seven or eight more boulders,” Jones went on to say. “I’ve probably got another 15 to 20 that I have not fished yet that should be out of the wind, so I’m really excited to get back out there and do what I can to win this thing.”

The top 20 pros in Qualifying Group B that now advance to Wednesday’s Knockout Round on Mille Lacs Lake are:

1^st:          Alton Jones, Lorena, Texas, 37 bass, 140-12 – ADVANCES TO CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND
2^nd:         Cliff Pace, Petal, Miss., 27 bass, 104-13
3^rd:         Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 27 bass, 100-8
4^th:         James Elam, Tulsa, Okla., 28 bass, 100-6
5^th:         Kevin VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., 26 bass, 94-1
6^th:         Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., 26 bass, 91-6
7^th:         Alton Jones, Jr., Waco, Texas, 26 bass, 88-13
8^th:         Shin Fukae, Osaka, Japan, 28 bass, 87-5
9^th:         Gerald Spohrer, Gonzales, La., 22 bass, 80-7
10^th:       Ryan Salzman, Huntsville, Ala., 23 bass, 79-3
11^th:       Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., 22 bass, 79-1
12^th:       Jeremy Lawyer, Sarcoxie, Mo., 22 bass, 74-2
13^th:       Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn., 22 bass, 73-8
14^th:       Casey Ashley, Donalds, S.C., 22 bass, 72-7
15^th:       Jared Lintner, Covington, Ga., 25 bass, 70-1
16^th:       Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C., 19 bass, 66-4
17^th:       Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J., 19 bass, 65-6
18^th:       Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., 18 bass, 60-13
19^th:       Randy Howell, Guntersville, Ala., 15 bass, 58-2
20^th:       Jason Lambert, Michie, Tenn., 18 bass, 57-6

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

Overall, there were 322 scorable bass weighing 1,110 pounds, 6 ounces caught by the 40 pros Tuesday.

Pro Cliff Pace won the $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award Tuesday with a smallmouth weighing 5 pounds, 13 ounces. Pace caught the fish in the first period, throwing a drop-shot rig. 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 competed in their two-day qualifying round on Saturday and Monday – the 40 anglers in Group B on Sunday and Tuesday. Now that each two-day qualifying round is complete, the anglers that finished 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 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.

by AnglersChannel

Major League Fishing Announces Formation of New Qualifying Series – the MLF Invitationals

MLF Introduces Six-Tournament Invitational Series Featuring “Win and You’re In” Automatic Qualification into Major League Fishing’s REDCREST

TULSA, Okla. (Sept. 13, 2022) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today the formation of a new qualifying series that will launch in Spring of 2023 – the MLF Invitationals. The Invitationals will feature six events in 2023 and serve as the sole qualifying circuit into the MLF Bass Pro Tour.

The MLF Invitationals will feature a 150-angler field, competing over three days in a five-fish, weigh-in format. All 150 anglers will compete over the first two days of competition, with the top 50 anglers advancing to the third and final day. The winner of each Invitational will be determined by heaviest three-day cumulative weight. Each event will feature a total purse of more than $650,000, with the winner receiving a top payout of up to $115,000 and automatic qualification into MLF’s REDCREST, the Bass Pro Tour Championship that awards the sport’s top prize of $300,000.

MLF Invitationals will feature a $5,000 per tournament entry fee with payouts to the top 50 anglers that place it among the top three circuits in the nation along with providing a qualifying path to the Bass Pro Tour in only six events.

“MLF is committed to offering a wide selection of tournament opportunities to anglers of all skill levels – from our high school and college anglers all the way to our pros who compete on the Bass Pro Tour,” said Kathy Fennel, MLF Executive Vice President and General Manager. “The MLF Invitationals are a new qualifying series geared toward the best interests of anglers and the sport. We believe the Invitationals will be a valuable and efficient option for anglers seeking to compete in high-level five-fish-limit tournaments with an opportunity to qualify for REDCREST, while also providing a pathway for anglers that aspire to compete at the sport’s highest level on the Bass Pro Tour.”

In addition to the six “Win and You’re In” Invitational REDCREST qualifications, the season-long Invitational Angler of the Year (AOY) will also earn a berth into REDCREST for a total of seven REDCREST qualification opportunities. The top eight anglers in the season-long Invitational AOY point standings will qualify for the 2024 Bass Pro Tour.

The MLF Invitationals will replace the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit. Every angler who would have qualified to compete in the 2023 Pro Circuit will receive the first invitations to register for the new MLF Invitationals. The balance of the 150-boat field will be filled by professional anglers from the Bass Pro Tour and 2022 Pro Circuit and Toyota Series anglers who missed initial qualification. All qualified anglers may compete in any number of Invitational events. There will be no co-anglers in the MLF Invitationals.

Every day of competition will be broadcast live on MLF NOW!® and streamed to the Major League Fishing app, MyOutdoorTV (MOTV), and at MajorLeagueFishing.com. Each event will also air on CBS Sports Network, with 13 consecutive weeks of 2-hour shows scheduled in 2023.

Full schedules and locations for all 2023 MLF circuits will be revealed next week.

For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing, the MLF Invitationals 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.

by AnglersChannel

Kaneland High School Wins MLF High School Fishing Open on Lake Erie

SANDUSKY, Ohio (Sept. 12, 2022) – The Kaneland High School team of Jake Mantovani of Naperville, Illinois, and Carter Pjesky of Sugar Grove, Illinois, brought five bass to the scale Saturday weighing 16 pounds, 2 ounces, to win the MLF High School Fishing Presented by Favorite Fishing Open at 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:

1st: Kaneland High School, Maple Park, Ill. – Jake Mantovani, Naperville, Ill., and Carter Pjesky of Sugar Grove, Ill., five bass, 16-2
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

Rounding out the top 10 teams were:

5^th: Black Swamp Bass Club, Ohio – Mackenzie Muntz, Helena, Ohio, and Gavin Sanderson, Tiffin, Ohio, five bass, 14-2
6^th: Hopewell-Loudon High School, Bascom, Ohio – Mathew Flores, Fostoria, Ohio, and Caine McDonald, Tiffin, Ohio, five bass, 13-14
7^th: Perry High School, Perry, Ohio – Tommy Angelucci, Concord, Ohio, and Julia Miller, Perry, Ohio, five bass, 13-11
8^th: Hartleys Hawgs Bass Club, Ohio – Ryan Pardi, Worthington, Ohio, and Mason Smith, Ashville, Ohio, five bass, 13-9
9^th: Wheelersburg High School, Wheelersburg, Ohio – Braxton Howard and Matthew Strickland, both of Portsmouth, Ohio, five bass, 12-14
10^th: Northwest Ohio Junior Bassmasters – Tristan Dix, Defiance, Ohio, and Daniel Ruhe, Maumee, Ohio, five bass, 12-9

Complete results from the event can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

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.

by AnglersChannel

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:

1^st: Penn State University – Stephen Botek, Anthony Riello, Dylan Crystaloski and Jason Zubris, nine bass, 24-11
2^nd: Kentucky Christian University – Jonathan Fraley, Reece Kenney, Jonathan Fitch and Blayne Leeman, eight bass, 22-13
3^rd: Adrian College – Matthew Davis, Sam Shoemaker, Cole Carr and Paxton Glenn, nine bass, 21-4
4^th: Western Michigan University – Mason Jones, Jack Schable, Branden Burrill and John Simmons, four bass, 10-4
5^th: 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.

by AnglersChannel

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

by AnglersChannel

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.

by AnglersChannel

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:

1^st:          Mark Daniels, Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., 32 bass, 123-10 – ADVANCES TO CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND
2^nd:         Josh Bertrand, Queen Creek, Ariz., 35 bass, 111-13
3^rd:         Stephen Browning, Hot Springs, Ark., 26 bass, 108-6
4^th:         Jordan Lee, Cullman, Ala., 28 bass, 93-12
5^th:         Brent Chapman, Lake Quivira, Kan., 30 bass, 86-3
6^th:         Luke Clausen, Spokane, Wash., 21 bass, 81-15
7^th:         David Walker, Sevierville, Tenn., 22 bass, 81-12
8^th:         Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., 23 bass, 80-2
9^th:         Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas, 21 bass, 79-4
10^th:       Matt Lee, Cullman, Ala., 21 bass, 78-8
11^th:       Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark., 27 bass, 78-4
12^th:       Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., 22 bass, 78-1
13^th:       Jeff Kriet, Ardmore, Okla., 20 bass, 74-13
14^th:       Jonathon VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., 20 bass, 73-11
15^th:       Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, 23 bass, 72-5
16^th:       Roy Hawk, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., 21 bass, 72-5
17^th:       Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., 20 bass, 72-0
18^th:       Ish Monroe, Oakdale, Calif., 21 bass, 71-3
19^th:       Marty Robinson, Lyman, S.C., 20 bass, 70-13
20^th:       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 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.

by AnglersChannel

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.

by AnglersChannel

Wright Claims Victory at Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Tournament on Kerr Lake

Hamilton Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division

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 14^th 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:

1st:          David Wright, Lexington, N.C., 10 bass, 29-1, $8,448 (includes $2,500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
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

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

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.

Craig Hamilton of Salisbury, North Carolina, won the Strike King Co-angler Division and $2,924 Sunday after catching a two-day total of six bass weighing 16 pounds, 6 ounces.

The top 10 Strike King co-anglers were:

1st:          Craig Hamilton, Salisbury, N.C., six bass, 16-6, $2,924
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

Gregory Haverlock of Concord, North Carolina, caught the largest bass in the Strike King Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 4 pounds, 1 ounce. The catch earned him the Berkley Big Bass Co-angler award of $375.

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.

by AnglersChannel

Prince Wins Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Tournament on Lake Hartwell

Hawkins Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division

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:

1st:          Alex Prince, Blue Ridge, Ga., 10 bass, 38-6, $6,121
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

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

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.

Cody Hawkins of Travelers Rest, South Carolina, won the Strike King Co-angler Division and $3,449 Sunday after catching a two-day total of nine bass weighing 24 pounds, 14 ounces.

The top 10 Strike King co-anglers were:

1st:          Cody Hawkins, Travelers Rest, S.C., nine bass, 24-14, $3,449
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

Hawkins also caught the largest bass in the Strike King Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 4 pounds, 4 ounces. The catch earned him the Berkley Big Bass Co-angler award of $416.

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.

by AnglersChannel

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:

1st:          Jonathan Bowling, Harriman, Tenn., eight bass, 31-14, $5,817
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:

1st:          Blake Bailey, Rutledge, Tenn., three bass, 11-8, $2,909
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.

by AnglersChannel

Adrian College Wins MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Tournament on Lake Erie

SANDUSKY, Ohio (Sept. 12, 2022) – The Adrian College duo of Matthew Davis of Morenci, Michigan, and Sam Shoemaker of Martinsville, Indiana, won the MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI event on Lake Erie Friday with a five-bass limit weighing 19 pounds, 8 ounces. The victory earned the Bulldogs’ bass club $2,000 and a slot in the 2023 MLF College Fishing National Championship.

“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:

1st: Adrian College – Matthew Davis, Morenci, Mich., and Sam Shoemaker, Martinsville, Ind., five bass, 19-8, $2,000

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

Complete results for the entire field can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

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.

by AnglersChannel

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:

1st:          Steven Hatfield, Ashland, Ohio, 10 bass, 32-10, $5,831
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

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.Michael Nesbitt of St. Paris, Ohio, caught a bass weighing 5 pounds, 15 ounces – the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division – to earn the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $787.

Jim Leary of Guntersville, Alabama, won the Strike King Co-angler Division and $3,310 Sunday after catching a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 29 pounds, 12 ounces.The top 10 Strike King co-anglers were:

1st:          Jim Leary, Guntersville, Ala., 10 bass, 29-12, $3,310
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

Leary also caught the largest bass in the Strike King Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 4 pounds, 9 ounces. The catch earned him the Berkley Big Bass Co-angler award of $394.With the regular season now complete, boater Michael Nesbitt of St. Paris, Ohio, won the 2022 Bass Fishing League Buckeye Division Boater Angler of the Year (AOY) race with a five-event total of 1,324 points to earn the $1,000 boater AOY award. Matt Fisher of Glouster, Ohio, won the 2022 Strike King Co-Angler Buckeye Division AOY race with 1,310 points and earned the $500 Strike King Co-angler of the Year award.

by AnglersChannel

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:

1st:          Clayton Weber, West Salem, Wis., 10 bass, 34-2, $5,886
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

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.Max Ford of Genoa, Wisconsin, caught a bass weighing 5 pounds, 7 ounces – the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division – to earn the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $795.

Nicholas Oates of Marengo, Illinois, won the Strike King Co-angler Division and $3,366 Sunday after catching a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 21 pounds, 15 ounces.The top 10 Strike King co-anglers were:

1st:          Nicholas Oates, Marengo, Ill., 10 bass, 21-15, $3,366
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

Brian Brecka of Alma, Wisconsin, caught the largest bass in the Strike King Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 4 pounds, 5 ounces. The catch earned him the Berkley Big Bass Co-angler award of $394.With the regular season now complete, boater Jeff Ritter of Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin, won the 2022 Bass Fishing League Great Lakes Division Boater Angler of the Year (AOY) race with a five-event total of 1,323 points to earn the $1,000 boater AOY award. Mark Folsom of Waterville, Iowa, won the 2022 Strike King Co-Angler Great Lakes Division AOY race with 1,300 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.

by AnglersChannel

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:

1^st:          Alton Jones, Lorena, Texas, 25 bass, 92-13
2^nd:         Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 17 bass, 65-13
3^rd:         Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., 17 bass, 58-13
4^th:         Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., 16 bass, 57-4
5^th:         Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J., 15 bass, 53-4
6^th:         Cliff Pace, Petal, Miss., 14 bass, 52-2
7^th:         Alton Jones, Jr., Waco, Texas, 15 bass, 47-13
8^th:         Ryan Salzman, Huntsville, Ala., 14 bass, 46-11
9^th:         Jared Lintner, Covington, Ga., 16 bass, 46-7
10^th:       James Elam, Tulsa, Okla., 13 bass, 45-11
11^th:       Kevin VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., 13 bass, 43-6
12^th:       Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn., 12 bass, 42-12
13^th:       Shin Fukae, Osaka, Japan, 14 bass, 42-7
14^th:       Gerald Spohrer, Gonzales, La., 11 bass, 41-3
15^th:       Jeremy Lawyer, Sarcoxie, Mo., 12 bass, 39-12
16^th:       Casey Ashley, Donalds, S.C., 12 bass, 39-8
17^th:       Terry Scroggins, San Mateo, Fla., 12 bass, 35-5
18^th:       Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla., 11 bass, 33-15
19^th:       Randall Tharp, Port Saint Joe, Fla., 11 bass, 33-8
20^th:       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 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.

by AnglersChannel

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

by AnglersChannel

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.

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:

1^st:          Josh Bertrand, Queen Creek, Ariz., 27 bass, 86-13
2^nd:         Stephen Browning, Hot Springs, Ark., 20 bass, 84-13
3^rd:         Matt Lee, Cullman, Ala., 15 bass, 53-11
4^th:         Jeff Kriet, Ardmore, Okla., 13 bass, 50-5
5^th:         Jordan Lee, Cullman, Ala., 15 bass, 46-11
6^th:         Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., 13 bass, 43-14
7^th:         Mark Daniels, Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., 12 bass, 43-14
8^th:         Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark., 14 bass, 42-12
9^th:         Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., 11 bass, 41-9
10^th:       Marty Robinson, Lyman, S.C., 11 bass, 41-2
11^th:       Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C., 11 bass, 38-8
12^th:       David Walker, Sevierville, Tenn., 11 bass, 37-10
13^th:       Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., 10 bass, 34-7
14^th:       Luke Clausen, Spokane, Wash., nine bass, 34-6
15^th:       Mike McClelland, Blue Eye, Mo., nine bass, 34-1
16^th:       Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., 10 bass, 33-10
17^th:       Boyd Duckett, Guntersville, Ala., 16 bass, 33-6
18^th:       Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, 10 bass, 32-4
19^th:       Brent Chapman, Lake Quivira, Kan., 11 bass, 31-11
20^th:       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 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.

by AnglersChannel

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

by AnglersChannel

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
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 44 476 1060-14
----------------------------------
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
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 23 152 330-14
----------------------------------
23 152 330-14

by AnglersChannel

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.

If you compete in bass tournaments you need to check out: https://www.costacompeteandconserve.com/

Free to register, over 300 tournaments eligible for payouts, and big rewards.

by AnglersChannel

Monocoque Technology for Under $200

Daiwa’s new Procyon MQ LT brings freshwater and inshore anglers cutting-edge design features at an affordable price.

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.

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.

One-piece Monocoque Zaion V Body

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.”

Daiwa Procyon MQ LT Features:

One-piece Monocoque Zaion V Body
Air Rotor
Air Bail
Machined TOUGH DIGIGEAR
Machined Aluminum Screw-In Direct Drive Handle
ATD Drag System

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

by AnglersChannel

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.

by AnglersChannel

New 'Jack' City

Four fresh color patterns enliven Z-Man’s®celebrated ChatterBait® JackHammer™

Ladson, SC (September 8, 2022) – It’s no stretch to call the ChatterBait JackHammer bladed jig the hottest big bass lure of a generation. Tourney box scores and 5-star angler reviews tell the story. Consult any online tackle retailer and settle in for hours of glowing reports, piles of monster bass pix attached for good measure. There’s authentic excitement behind anglers’ words— the sort of language that can only result from epic days on the water. Check Rufus from Indiana, Trey from Texas, BankfishVince, Guy from Montreal, Git’r Dun from Guntersville. Lots of . . . BEST bladed jig on the market! Caught my PB! Worth every penny. When the blade stops thumping, set the hook! What else can I say? Actually, with four newly minted JackHammer color patterns, plenty.

Five years and goodness knows how many tournament wins and personal best bass have passed since Z-Man pro Brett Hite and Japanese bass legend Morizo Shimizu helped EverGreen International build JackHammer no.1, equipping it with the finest hand-picked terminal tackle on the planet. The lure also inherited Z-Man’s patented head-to-blade connection and exclusive hex-shaped ChatterBlade®—two of the sport’s more underrated tackle innovations.

Soon, the ChatterBait JackHammer became known variously as The One, Vibe Machine and even, unnamed bladed jig by tourney-winning anglers sponsored by other companies. By now, endless unsuccessful attempts to mimic its easy-starting, vivid vibrating, hard-hunting, bass-attracting attributes have only increased the JackHammer’s street cred.

The man behind the JackHammer, Hite recently took a deep dive on the lure’s origins, divulging four new color patterns along the way. “The JackHammer is quite simply the Ferrari of bladed bass jigs,” says Hite, the Phoenix, Arizona bass pro who has won over a million dollars on ChatterBaits alone.

“Everything about its design is high-level and ultra-refined,” he notes. “We’ve always insisted on primo, refined components, line-tie to hookpoint. Like the sharpest Gamakatsu® heavy wire flipping hook. A double-wire trailer keeper that locks soft plastics tight to the jighead. Even the line-tie is tricked-out— a high-grade Decoy® Egg Snap. Like I said, Ferrari,” Hite laughs.

Substantiating the lure’s patented direct blade to head connection, Hite explains the mechanics and the outcome. “No other bladed jig jumps around and hunts so erratically on the retrieve,” he believes. “Nor does any lure start vibrating so quickly and thump the water with such intense fish-attracting vibrations.

“Consider the lure’s flat-bottom, low-center-of-gravity head and specialized channel groove for blade protection. Examine the hex-blade itself: Its shape and slightly upturned lip, the thinness of the stainless steel, as well as its connection point to the eyelet—no extra split ring or other novel workarounds. Modify any of this critical engineering and you’re left with an entirely different lure that misses the mark—the main reason anglers and big bass continue coming back to the JackHammer, tournament after tournament.”

Ready to churn the water with four invigorated lure patterns, Hite explains the subtle appeal of each new ensemble. “We build JackHammers using only the choicest strands of silicone skirting, all hand-tied and color-matched to the jighead and blade,” he expounds. “All four of these super-charged patterns offer delicately different hues, each one purpose-driven to put more bass in your boat.”

Fire Craw – Orange Blade: Delivering the hottest, high-vis bladed jig package yet, this lurid pattern adds a bespeckled, hot-orange blade to a matching fluorescent orange head, skirted with an optimal blend of fiery auburn and checkered red strands.

Hite: “When I want to go even louder and more aggressive in super muddy water, Fire Craw-Orange Blade maxes out the attraction factor. It’s a super early season pattern, particularly in Texas or any off-colored southern reservoir. In January to mid-March, I rely on this pattern a ton for big mamma prespawn bass.”

Dirty White: Belly strands of pearl and white/sparkle underlay a spine of clear/black silicone, creating a vivid baitfish pattern. A contrasting gold blade activates like a strobe in stained water environments.

Hite: “This one’s for all those JackHammer fans who’ve begged us for a super visible, gold bladed baitfish pattern for stained and dirty water. We’ve learned that white shows up better in dark water than chartreuse, just as a gold blade offers a bit more flash than silver in off-colored lakes. Dirty White’s a sneaky-good pattern that really catches ‘em in classic squarebill (crankbait) situations, often around timber.”

Ghost Baby Gill: A high-gloss gunmetal blade accentuates its pale, muted skirt—combinations of natural orange, green pumpkin and blue/purple sparkle. Jig head features sunfish-resplendent body patterns, including telltale black vertical bars.

Hite: “This might be my favorite bluegill pattern yet, just a really sweet looking ‘ghost’ ‘gill color for clear water. You get the perfect subtle flash off the black chrome blade, but not an overwhelming amount. I throw this pattern a ton around bream beds in clear reservoirs and lakes with grass. Match it up with a green pumpkin trailer for an ultimate bluegill imitation.”

Blueback Herring: Watermelon/blue sparkle skirting across the spine overlays a pearl white belly for a surprisingly accurate blueback herring match. Chrome blade adds to the flash effect of blueback scale arrays.

Hite: “Seems like more and more lakes in the south are getting bluebacks, making this an increasingly valuable ChatterBait pattern. Fish it at Lake Murray, Lanier or any other place with spotted bass. This is also a super potent clear-water shad pattern, with hints of what I call ‘Smurf blue,’ resembling the natural coloration of blueback herring.”

Z-Man ChatterBait pro Brett Hite.

The pre-eminent vibrating jig today, the ChatterBait JackHammer is the result of a comprehensive project between Z-Man Fishing and Japanese luremaker, EverGreen International, designed by MLF angler Brett Hite. Available in 3/8-, ½-, ¾- and 1-1/4-ounce sizes, the ChatterBait JackHammer features eighteen color-matched patterns, compatible with a variety of ElaZtech® trailers.

by AnglersChannel

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

by AnglersChannel

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.”

by AnglersChannel

Footballing at an Elite Level

Northland teams with Gamakatsu to create the ultra-sharp Elite Series Finesse Football Jig for building combos or pairing with Ned-sized plastics.

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.

Elite Series Finesse Football Jig (BLACK & BLUE)

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.

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.”

BLACK

GREEN PUMPKIN

RUSTY CRAW

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.”

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.

by AnglersChannel

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.

2022 College Championship Day 3.jpg “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.

by AnglersChannel

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!

by AnglersChannel

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.

by AnglersChannel

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/.

by AnglersChannel

The Berkley Slobberknocker Wins the First Anglers’ Choice Award

Anglers everywhere were invited to vote for this new award competition

Alexandria, VA – September 6, 2022 – Last month, anglers everywhere were invited to vote for their favorite new fishing product in the first-ever Anglers’ Choice Award competition. Of the 30 New Product Showcase winning products that debuted at ICAST 2022, Pure Fishing, Inc.’s freshwater hard lure – the Berkley Slobberknocker – is the winner.

Produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), ICAST – the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades - draws thousands of tackle buyers and media members each July to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. for the world’s largest sportfishing trade show. It’s where hundreds of manufacturers debut tackle, gear, accessories and apparel in the highly anticipated New Product Showcase.

The dedicated display area on the show floor showcases hundreds of the best of the best in new fishing product innovation; all competing against each other to take home one of 30 “Best of Category” trophies and the overall “Best of Show” award. The Berkley Slobberknocker was this year’s winner in the Best Freshwater Hard Lure category.

"The New Product Showcase is the recreational fishing industry's equivalent of the Oscars,” said Blake Swango, ASA’s vice president for Trade Show and Membership. "Because ICAST is a trade event and not open to the public, with our members’ support, we decided this would be the year to launch the Anglers’ Choice Award giving everyone with a passion for fishing a chance to join in the excitement that defines ICAST.”

“It’s my pleasure to congratulate Pure Fishing’s Berkley Slobberknocker for winning the first-ever Anglers’ Choice Award.”

“On behalf of Pure Fishing and the Berkley team, we are thrilled that the Berkley Slobberknocker has been recognized by the industry, and now the anglers, with the first ever ICAST Anglers’ Choice award,” said Harlan Kent, CEO of Pure Fishing. “This is truly an honor and reinforces the dedication the team at Berkley Labs has to developing baits that are scientifically proven to help anglers catch more fish.”

by AnglersChannel

Ever Green Pencil Lures Draw New Colors

With six additional colors, these topwaters speak softly but spark big strikes.

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.

CLEAR

FULL METAL

FLASH WAKASAGI

GHOST OLIVE SHAD

ICE FISH

MAGIC GILL

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.

JT-95 and JT-115 Features:

Available in 12 patterns (6 NEW colors) for exceptional versatility
Superb balance for quiet, natural splashes, bubbles and life-like sounds
Slender, compact bodies for superior casting
Body weight designed to keep hooks in the water and lure on track for super hook-up ratios
Smaller JT-95 is perfect for bronzebacks while larger JT-115 is a bucketmouth favorite

by AnglersChannel

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 Day 1: 5 14-06 2. Jackson Swisher - Seth Slanker Day 1: 5 11-15 3. Tyler Christy - Trey Schroeder Day 1: 5 12-14 4. Brooks Anderson - Parker Guy Day 1: 5 08-15 5. Conner Dimauro - Justin Botts Day 1: 5 08-02 6. Hayden Gaddis - Ben Cully Day 1: 5 11-11 7. Jake Monti - Samuel Dunson Day 1: 5 13-00 8. Tommy Sendek - Grayson Morris Day 1: 5 12-08 9. Matthew Cummings - Levi Mullins Day 1: 5 09-05 10. Connor Jacob - Sam Smith Day 1: 5 11-05 11. James Willoughby - Jacob Pfundt Day 1: 5 15-15 12. Owen Januszewski - Matt Mosby Day 1: 5 10-01 ---------------------------- Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 101 558 961-03
2 84 498 874-07
3 10 55 98-15
----------------------------------
195 1111 1934-09 Coastal Carolina University 250
Day 2: 5 15-01 Day 3: 5 10-11 Total: 15 40-02
Florida Gateway College 249
Day 2: 5 16-02 Day 3: 5 09-12 Total: 15 37-13
McKendree University 248
Day 2: 5 12-00 Day 3: 5 11-06 Total: 15 36-04
Emmanuel College 247
Day 2: 5 16-06 Day 3: 5 09-04 Total: 15 34-09
Bryan College 246
Day 2: 5 15-09 Day 3: 5 10-08 Total: 15 34-03
Carson-Newman University 245
Day 2: 5 13-09 Day 3: 5 07-14 Total: 15 33-02
UNC Charlotte 244
Day 2: 5 12-03 Day 3: 5 07-11 Total: 15 32-14
University of Montevallo 243
Day 2: 5 12-11 Day 3: 5 07-08 Total: 15 32-11
Bethel University 242
Day 2: 5 13-15 Day 3: 5 08-12 Total: 15 32-00
Auburn University 241
Day 2: 5 10-03 Day 3: 5 09-02 Total: 15 30-10
University of Montevallo 240
Day 2: 5 07-01 Day 3: 4 04-13 Total: 14 27-13
Adrian College 239
Day 2: 5 12-03 Day 3: 1 01-10 Total: 11 23-14
-------------------------------------------

by AnglersChannel

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 2^nd 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 2^nd 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 3^rd 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 4^thplace 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 5^th 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 6^th 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

by AnglersChannel

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

by AnglersChannel

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 51^st 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.”

by AnglersChannel

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.

by AnglersChannel

JOIN THE CIRCUS

Get everything Bass Fishing from Anglers Channel, straight to your inbox.

About

AC

Resources