Big Kicker Anchors Cifuentes’ Leading Bag At Bassmaster Open On Kissimmee Chain
Joey Cifuentes of Clinton, Ark., is leading after Day 1 of the 2022 St. Croix Bassmaster Southern Open at Kissimmee Chain with 28 pounds, 10 ounces.
Photo by Andy Crawford/B.A.S.S.
February 3, 2022
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Lake Toho covers approximately 18,810 acres, but Joey Cifuentes of Clinton, Ark., needed only a sliver to bag a limit of 28 pounds, 10 ounces and lead Day 1 of the St. Croix Bassmaster Southern Open at Kissimmee Chain.
Cifuentes’ bag, which ranks in the Top 15 single-day weights in Bassmaster Opens history, gives him a lead of 6-11 over Cole Sands of Calhoun, Tenn., who caught 21-15.
Describing a blistering start to his day, Cifuentes anchored his bag with a 9-5 that leads the Phoenix Boats Big Bass standings. That fish bit around 8 a.m. and shortly thereafter Cifuentes had his leading weight.
“It was first thing this morning, and I was done at 8:15,” he said. “After I got my limit, I left the spot. I tried to get my co-angler his limit, so I spent the rest of the day flipping.”
Noting that he threw Berkley reaction baits, Cifuentes attributed his success to finding a magical spot in Lake Toho where a large group of big bass were ready to eat. Targeting offshore grass outside spawning areas, he located what he believes is the kind of hard sand spot that prespawn bass favor.
“I had a terrible practice and I had a limited practice because I was coming from another tournament,” Cifuentes said. “In the last two hours of my practice day, I just drifted through this area and several fish were trying to eat my bait. I shook it out of two fish’s mouths on one cast — they were all trying to eat it.
“It was just one of those places you dream about. It was literally the size of my boat. I pulled up today and it was a one-cast deal. It was just by the grace of God.”
Cifuentes said his spot was in 8 feet of water. The bass were likely parking on an attractive area where they could feed up while awaiting the next full moon phase to trigger their spawning movement.
Cifuentes is hopeful that leaving his fish early will allow him a similar opportunity on Day 2.
“These fish are pretty far offshore, so I don’t think they’re going anywhere,” he said. “I don’t know if there will be any more coming to me, but they’re just hanging out there. It’s just a typical prespawn, Toho spot.
“So many times, these tournaments are one-cast deals and that’s how they’re won. Those are the kind of places you hope to find.”
Sands spent his day in Lake Toho and focused on bass that were occupying key staging areas. A tough practice left him with little to go on, so he decided he’d fare best by maximizing his fishing time.
“It’s all grass related, and I never caught two fish off the same spot,” Sands said. “A certain depth seemed to be the deal and I have a certain bait figured out. I fished around boats all day, and I’m pretty sure I’m the only one who caught fish in that area.”
Sands said he employed two reaction baits and had to work hard to coax bites.
“I started this morning with a Yo-Zuri jerkbait and caught a couple of fish on it,” Sands said. “As the day went on, I made a switch and caught several of the fish I weighed in.”
“It seems like you have to force these fish to bite,” he said. “They’ve seen a lot of baits and they’ve been stunned by (recent cold fronts) so they’re not biting really well.”
Cole Drummond of Effingham, S.C., is in third place with 17-9. He targeted prespawn bass in mid-depth grass where he caught them on a slow presentation with a plastic bait.
“It seems like the longer my cast, the greater my chances of getting bit,” Drummond said.
Drummond ran down to Lake Kissimmee, but while waiting for the lock, he fished a spot in lower Lake Toho and caught a 3 1/2-pounder. He filled his limit, including a 6-8 in Kissimmee, and then made a final cull at 4:15 right outside the weigh-in site.
Ron Shakespeare of St. Cloud, Fla., leads the co-angler division with 13-8. Fishing Lake Kissimmee, Shakespeare caught his fish on a Texas-rigged CPF Lures trick worm in the dirty Albright color — named for Shakespeare’s team partner, Jerrod Albright, of Kissimmee, who holds the Phoenix Boats Big Bass lead among co-anglers with a 7-11.
“I used a small weight, fished it slow and let the trick worm do its magic,” Shakespeare said. “They were eating the bait funny, which was surprising because of (this week’s) warm up, so you definitely had to let them eat it.
“The first few just picked it up and put it back down, then I made a conscious effort to make sure they ate it for about three seconds before I set the hook. I caught two fish on back-to-back casts around 11:30 and then on my last cast, I culled.”
Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for Big Toho Marina (Kissimmee Lakefront Park) at 7 a.m. ET. The weigh-in will be held at the park at 3 p.m.
After Friday’s weigh-in, only the Top 10 pros will advance to Saturday’s championship round. The co-angler championship will be decided Friday.
2022 St. Croix Bassmaster Southern Open #1 Kissimmee Chain Of Lakes 2/3-2/5
Lake Tohopekaliga, Kissimmee FL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 5 28-10 200
Day 1: 5 28-10
2. Cole Sands Calhoun, TN 5 21-15 199
Day 1: 5 21-15
3. Cole Drummond Effingham, SC 5 17-09 198
Day 1: 5 17-09
4. Kenta Kimura Osaka JAPAN 5 17-08 197
Day 1: 5 17-08
5. Lonnie Cochran Section, AL 5 16-07 196
Day 1: 5 16-07
6. Zach Goutremout Chaumont, NY 5 16-02 195
Day 1: 5 16-02
7. Ronald Young New Braunfels, TX 5 16-01 194
Day 1: 5 16-01
8. John Soukup Sapulpa, OK 5 15-14 193
Day 1: 5 15-14
9. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 5 15-09 192
Day 1: 5 15-09
10. Zack Birge Blanchard, OK 5 15-05 191
Day 1: 5 15-05
11. Chris Neau Gretna, LA 5 15-04 190
Day 1: 5 15-04
12. Logan Shaddix Cullman, GA 5 14-14 189
Day 1: 5 14-14
13. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 14-13 188
Day 1: 5 14-13
14. Rich Howes Oviedo, FL 5 14-10 187
Day 1: 5 14-10
15. Ryan Hoover Lithia, FL 5 14-08 186
Day 1: 5 14-08
16. Adam Neu Sturgeon Bay, WI 5 14-07 185
Day 1: 5 14-07
17. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 5 14-03 184
Day 1: 5 14-03
18. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 5 13-11 183
Day 1: 5 13-11
19. Tom Frink Southside, AL 5 13-09 182
Day 1: 5 13-09
20. Coop Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CAN 5 13-08 181
Day 1: 5 13-08
20. Hayden Newberry Jonesboro, IL 5 13-08 181
Day 1: 5 13-08
20. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 5 13-08 181
Day 1: 5 13-08
23. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 5 13-02 178
Day 1: 5 13-02
24. Jordan McDonald Jackson, GA 5 12-14 177
Day 1: 5 12-14
24. Carter McNeil Abbeville, SC 5 12-14 177
Day 1: 5 12-14
26. Rob Digh Denver, NC 5 12-09 175
Day 1: 5 12-09
26. Mike Huff London, KY 5 12-09 175
Day 1: 5 12-09
28. Jayme Rampey Liberty, SC 5 12-08 173
Day 1: 5 12-08
29. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 5 12-07 172
Day 1: 5 12-07
30. Matt Pangrac Bixby, OK 4 12-07 171
Day 1: 4 12-07
31. Julius Mazy Phoenix, AZ 5 12-04 170
Day 1: 5 12-04
31. Bryan New Saluda, SC 5 12-04 170
Day 1: 5 12-04
33. Nic Rand Kalamazoo, MI 5 12-03 168
Day 1: 5 12-03
34. Chad Smith Minnetonka, MN 5 12-01 167
Day 1: 5 12-01
35. Lucas Murphy West Columbia, MI 5 11-14 166
Day 1: 5 11-14
36. Kyle Monti Okeechobee, FL 5 11-12 165
Day 1: 5 11-12
37. Zak Fadden Plymouth, MI 3 11-09 164
Day 1: 3 11-09
38. Paul Marks Cumming, GA 5 11-08 163
Day 1: 5 11-08
38. Billy McDonald Greenwood, IN 5 11-08 163
Day 1: 5 11-08
40. Caiden Sinclair Wilsonville, AL 5 11-07 161
Day 1: 5 11-07
41. Corey Lindsey Marion, OH 5 11-06 160
Day 1: 5 11-06
41. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 5 11-06 160
Day 1: 5 11-06
41. Kayden Tanner Tolar, TX 5 11-06 160
Day 1: 5 11-06
44. Chris Blanchette Charleston, SC 5 11-05 157
Day 1: 5 11-05
45. Garrett Rocamora Lithia, FL 5 11-03 156
Day 1: 5 11-03
46. John Garrett Union City, TN 5 11-02 155
Day 1: 5 11-02
47. David Perdue Wirtz, VA 5 11-00 154
Day 1: 5 11-00
47. Alex Sherrill Clanton, AL 5 11-00 154
Day 1: 5 11-00
49. James Castillo West Richland, WA 5 10-14 152
Day 1: 5 10-14
49. Kyle Patrick Cooperstown, NY 5 10-14 152
Day 1: 5 10-14
51. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 5 10-13 150
Day 1: 5 10-13
51. Joel Willert Prior Lake, MN 5 10-13 150
Day 1: 5 10-13
53. Jacob Walker Springville, AL 5 10-12 148
Day 1: 5 10-12
54. Darold Gleason Many, LA 5 10-08 147
Day 1: 5 10-08
54. Trey Swindle Cleveland, AL 5 10-08 147
Day 1: 5 10-08
56. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 5 10-07 145
Day 1: 5 10-07
56. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 5 10-07 145
Day 1: 5 10-07
58. Mason Gunter Newnan, GA 5 10-06 143
Day 1: 5 10-06
59. Logan Johnson Jasper, AL 5 10-05 142
Day 1: 5 10-05
59. Dave Turner Crystal River, FL 5 10-05 142
Day 1: 5 10-05
61. Danny Ramsey Trinidad, TX 5 10-04 140
Day 1: 5 10-04
62. John Hunter Jr Shelbyville, KY 5 10-01 139
Day 1: 5 10-01
63. Jacob Moore Wake Forest, NC 5 10-00 138
Day 1: 5 10-00
63. Tucker Smith Shoal Creek, AL 5 10-00 138
Day 1: 5 10-00
65. Hugh Cosculluela Spring, TX 4 10-00 136
Day 1: 4 10-00
66. Buddy Gross Chatanooga, TN 5 09-15 135
Day 1: 5 09-15
67. Jeff Fellows Orlando, FL 5 09-13 134
Day 1: 5 09-13
68. Jim Dillard West Monroe, LA 5 09-12 133
Day 1: 5 09-12
69. Connor Neal Hoover, AL 4 09-12 132
Day 1: 4 09-12
70. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 5 09-11 131
Day 1: 5 09-11
70. Quentin Cappo Prairieville, LA 5 09-11 131
Day 1: 5 09-11
70. Troy Roder Brookeland, TX 5 09-11 131
Day 1: 5 09-11
73. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 5 09-07 128
Day 1: 5 09-07
74. Sam George Athens, AL 5 09-06 127
Day 1: 5 09-06
74. Jesse Tacoronte Kissimmee, FL 5 09-06 127
Day 1: 5 09-06
76. Matty Wong Honolulu, HI 4 09-06 125
Day 1: 4 09-06
77. Bradley Hallman Edmond, OK 5 09-03 124
Day 1: 5 09-03
78. Jon Canada Helena, AL 4 09-03 123
Day 1: 4 09-03
79. Bailey Fain Lenoir City, TN 5 09-02 122
Day 1: 5 09-02
80. Todd Goade White Pine, TN 5 09-00 121
Day 1: 5 09-00
81. Darrell Davis Dover, FL 5 08-14 120
Day 1: 5 08-14
81. Parker Mott Winter Garden, FL 5 08-14 120
Day 1: 5 08-14
81. Hermilo Salgado-Zavaleta Artemus, KY 5 08-14 120
Day 1: 5 08-14
84. Jake Maddux Birmingham, AL 5 08-12 117
Day 1: 5 08-12
85. Hunter Sales Blaine, TN 3 08-12 116
Day 1: 3 08-12
86. Chris Kingree Inverness, FL 5 08-10 115
Day 1: 5 08-10
86. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 5 08-10 115
Day 1: 5 08-10
88. Luke Dunkin Lawrenceburg, TN 5 08-09 113
Day 1: 5 08-09
88. Brady Vernon Birmingham, AL 5 08-09 113
Day 1: 5 08-09
90. Johnny Bigger II Spring Hill, FL 5 08-08 111
Day 1: 5 08-08
91. Caden Acree Powder Springs, GA 5 08-07 110
Day 1: 5 08-07
91. Daisuke Kita Ohtsu Shiga JAPAN 5 08-07 110
Day 1: 5 08-07
91. Scott Pellegrin Chippewa Falls, WI 5 08-07 110
Day 1: 5 08-07
94. Kyle Austin Ridgeville, SC 5 08-06 107
Day 1: 5 08-06
95. Griffin Heffington Cumming, GA 5 08-05 106
Day 1: 5 08-05
96. Brian Post Janesville, WI 5 08-04 105
Day 1: 5 08-04
97. Douglas Reed Bridgeton, NJ 5 08-03 104
Day 1: 5 08-03
98. Gary Ginter Bellefontaine, OH 5 08-02 103
Day 1: 5 08-02
98. Jon Jezierski Troy, MI 5 08-02 103
Day 1: 5 08-02
98. Chuck Stratton Chaffee, MO 5 08-02 103
Day 1: 5 08-02
101. Andrew Mlotek Indianapolis, IN 5 08-01 100
Day 1: 5 08-01
102. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 5 08-00 99
Day 1: 5 08-00
102. Jeremy Gordon Rutledge, TN 5 08-00 99
Day 1: 5 08-00
104. Joseph Webster Hamilton, AL 5 07-15 97
Day 1: 5 07-15
105. Brad Leuthner Independence, MN 5 07-14 96
Day 1: 5 07-14
105. Travis Loyd Brookeland, TX 5 07-14 96
Day 1: 5 07-14
107. Connor Graham Minneapolis, MN 5 07-11 94
Day 1: 5 07-11
108. Michael Hall Annandale, VA 5 07-10 93
Day 1: 5 07-10
109. Joey Nania Cropwell, AL 5 07-08 92
Day 1: 5 07-08
110. T-Roy Broussard Port Arthur, TX 5 07-06 91
Day 1: 5 07-06
110. Justin Margraves Diana, TX 5 07-06 91
Day 1: 5 07-06
112. Joey Sabbagha Prosperity, SC 3 07-06 89
Day 1: 3 07-06
113. Dustin Reneau Mckinney, TX 5 07-05 88
Day 1: 5 07-05
114. Greg Mansfield Olathe, KS 4 07-05 87
Day 1: 4 07-05
115. Brandon Edel White House, TN 5 07-03 86
Day 1: 5 07-03
116. Sean Torgrude Jacksonville, FL 3 07-02 85
Day 1: 3 07-02
117. Allen Brooks Canton, GA 5 07-01 84
Day 1: 5 07-01
117. Chris Moody Brooks, GA 5 07-01 84
Day 1: 5 07-01
119. Jason Borofka Lavon, TX 5 07-00 82
Day 1: 5 07-00
119. Michael Cooper Mobile, AL 5 07-00 82
Day 1: 5 07-00
119. Andrew Thomasson Dublin, VA 5 07-00 82
Day 1: 5 07-00
122. Robbie Latuso Gonzales, LA 2 06-14 79
Day 1: 2 06-14
122. Logan Parks Auburn, AL 2 06-14 79
Day 1: 2 06-14
124. Colby Robertson Summerfield, FL 5 06-13 77
Day 1: 5 06-13
124. Frank Talley Temple, TX 5 06-13 77
Day 1: 5 06-13
126. Bradford Beavers Summerville, SC 4 06-13 75
Day 1: 4 06-13
126. Jamey Caldwell Carthage, NC 4 06-13 75
Day 1: 4 06-13
128. Blake Smith Lakeland, FL 5 06-12 73
Day 1: 5 06-12
129. Tyler Williams Belgrade, ME 4 06-11 72
Day 1: 4 06-11
130. Adam Rasmussen Sturgeon Bay, WI 2 06-11 71
Day 1: 2 06-11
131. Derek Lehtonen Woodruff, SC 5 06-10 70
Day 1: 5 06-10
132. Bob Behrle Hoover, AL 5 06-09 69
Day 1: 5 06-09
133. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 5 06-08 68
Day 1: 5 06-08
133. David Williams Newton, NC 5 06-08 68
Day 1: 5 06-08
135. Jacob Bigelow Cecil, WI 2 06-08 66
Day 1: 2 06-08
136. Teb Jones Yalaha, MS 3 06-07 65
Day 1: 3 06-07
137. Randy Blaukat Springfield, MO 4 06-03 64
Day 1: 4 06-03
138. Keith Nemcek St Charles, IL 4 06-01 63
Day 1: 4 06-01
139. Jason Casteel Ocoee, FL 3 06-01 62
Day 1: 3 06-01
140. Bart Stanisz Wichita Falls , TX 4 06-00 61
Day 1: 4 06-00
141. Lucas Bradley Flippin, AR 5 05-14 60
Day 1: 5 05-14
141. Aaron Digh Denver, NC 5 05-14 60
Day 1: 5 05-14
143. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 4 05-10 58
Day 1: 4 05-10
144. Tristan McCormick Burns, TN 4 05-09 57
Day 1: 4 05-09
145. Zachary Kuehler Seymour, TX 3 05-09 56
Day 1: 3 05-09
146. Tim Malone Kodak, TN 3 05-07 55
Day 1: 3 05-07
147. Jared Miller Norman, OK 5 05-06 54
Day 1: 5 05-06
148. Kyle Cortiana Broken Arrow, OK 4 05-06 53
Day 1: 4 05-06
149. Spencer Peters Corryton, TN 2 05-06 52
Day 1: 2 05-06
150. Randy Elliott Severn, MD 3 05-00 51
Day 1: 3 05-00
151. Dustin Wilkey Durant, OK 3 04-15 50
Day 1: 3 04-15
152. Chris Beaudrie Princeton, KY 4 04-13 49
Day 1: 4 04-13
152. Matt Green Cartersville, GA 4 04-13 49
Day 1: 4 04-13
154. Danny Lavoie Franklin, GA 4 04-12 47
Day 1: 4 04-12
155. Denny Fiedler Wabasha, MN 2 04-12 46
Day 1: 2 04-12
155. Chancy Walters West Des Moines, IA 2 04-12 46
Day 1: 2 04-12
157. Cody Bertrand Dyer, IN 3 04-11 44
Day 1: 3 04-11
158. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 4 04-10 43
Day 1: 4 04-10
159. Seiji Kato Outsu Shiga JAPAN 2 04-09 42
Day 1: 2 04-09
160. Daniel Smith Blountsville, AL 3 04-08 41
Day 1: 3 04-08
161. Bryden Mugleston Mount Juliet, TN 4 04-07 40
Day 1: 4 04-07
162. Scott Allgood Fair Play, SC 3 04-05 39
Day 1: 3 04-05
163. Joe McClosky Swanton, MD 2 04-05 38
Day 1: 2 04-05
164. Chris Keeble Lenoir City, TN 2 04-04 37
Day 1: 2 04-04
165. Matt Coughlin Dandridge, TN 3 04-02 36
Day 1: 3 04-02
165. Darren Gallaher Hixson, TN 3 04-02 36
Day 1: 3 04-02
165. Ben Stone Iva, SC 3 04-02 36
Day 1: 3 04-02
168. Greg Secord Salem, SC 3 03-15 33
Day 1: 3 03-15
169. Randall Carter Maplesville, AL 3 03-14 32
Day 1: 3 03-14
170. Austin Cranford Moore, OK 2 03-14 31
Day 1: 2 03-14
171. Buddy Cipoletti Naples, FL 3 03-13 30
Day 1: 3 03-13
171. Dustin Williamson Aiken, SC 3 03-13 30
Day 1: 3 03-13
173. Kibbee Mccoy Knoxville, TN 2 03-10 28
Day 1: 2 03-10
174. Tommy Parker Minnetonka, MN 2 03-09 27
Day 1: 2 03-09
175. Kenny Mittelstaedt Minnetonka, MN 2 03-08 26
Day 1: 2 03-08
176. Eric Talley Corsicana, TX 2 03-06 25
Day 1: 2 03-06
177. Andy Hribar Lakeville, MN 3 03-05 24
Day 1: 3 03-05
178. Tommy Williams Shepherdsville, KY 2 03-04 23
Day 1: 2 03-04
179. Wesley Gore Clanton, AL 3 03-03 22
Day 1: 3 03-03
180. Derek Freeman Anderson, SC 2 03-03 21
Day 1: 2 03-03
180. Chance Woodard Paris, TX 2 03-03 21
Day 1: 2 03-03
182. Steven Mack Queen Creek, AZ 2 03-02 19
Day 1: 2 03-02
183. Tanner Sanderson Ackerly, TX 3 02-14 18
Day 1: 3 02-14
184. Dave Frost Mount Dora, FL 1 02-12 17
Day 1: 1 02-12
185. Jeff Bauler Chapin, SC 3 02-08 16
Day 1: 3 02-08
186. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 2 02-06 15
Day 1: 2 02-06
187. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 2 02-05 14
Day 1: 2 02-05
188. Marshall Harrelson Clarksville, GA 1 02-04 13
Day 1: 1 02-04
189. Zeke Gossett Pell City, AL 2 02-02 12
Day 1: 2 02-02
190. David Kilgore Jasper, AL 2 02-01 11
Day 1: 2 02-01
191. Brandon Ackerson Afton, OK 2 01-15 10
Day 1: 2 01-15
192. Destin DeMarion Harborcreek, PA 1 01-15 9
Day 1: 1 01-15
193. Frank Ramsey Spring Grove, IL 1 01-12 8
Day 1: 1 01-12
194. Tyler Caton Clanton, AL 1 01-10 7
Day 1: 1 01-10
195. Trevor McKinney Benton, IL 1 01-07 6
Day 1: 1 01-07
195. Andrew Upshaw Hemphill, TX 1 01-07 6
Day 1: 1 01-07
197. Michael Kinard Concord, NC 1 01-05 4
Day 1: 1 01-05
197. Ronnie Mccoy Lamar, SC 1 01-05 4
Day 1: 1 01-05
199. Rick Morris Lake Gaston, VA 1 01-03 2
Day 1: 1 01-03
200. Nick Brown Lindale, TX 1 01-02 1
Day 1: 1 01-02
201. Ron Ryals Jr Live Oak, FL 1 01-01 0
Day 1: 1 01-01
202. D.J. Ellis Crestview, FL 1 00-15 0
Day 1: 1 00-15
202. Tim Frederick Leesburg, FL 1 00-15 0
Day 1: 1 00-15
204. Allan Nail Sand Springs, OK 1 00-14 0
Day 1: 1 00-14
205. Wayman Coleman Abbeville, SC 1 00-13 0
Day 1: 1 00-13
206. Scott Ashmore Broken Arrow, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. Ben Ballou Dickson, TN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. Bailey Boutries Springfield, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. Noah Boyett Mountain Home, AR 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. Christiana Bradley Goldvein, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. Craig Cavanna Spring Hill, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. Drew Coker Murrayville, GA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. Brent Crow Hartselle, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. Tony Dumitras Winston, GA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. Guy Eaker Cherryville, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. Michael Harter Westminster, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. Joe Mitchell Martin, GA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. Dustin O'shaughnessy Junction City, WI 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. Rick Perez Naples, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. Gary Pilkenton Morristown, TN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. Teddie Scalf Corbin, KY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. Cody Stahl Barnsville, GA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. Blake Sylvester Plaquemine, LA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. Nick Ward Newnan, GA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 121 821 1655-04
----------------------------------
121 821 1655-04
2022 St. Croix Bassmaster Southern Open #1 Kissimmee Chain Of Lakes 2/3-2/5
Lake Tohopekaliga, Kissimmee FL.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Ron Shakespeare Saint Cloud, FL 3 13-08 200
Day 1: 3 13-08
2. Jerrod Albright Kissimmee, FL 3 13-04 199
Day 1: 3 13-04
3. Donald Ciacchi Cleveland, OH 3 11-06 198
Day 1: 3 11-06
4. David Waack Cary, NC 3 10-02 197
Day 1: 3 10-02
5. Barry Brunges Gainesville, FL 3 09-12 196
Day 1: 3 09-12
6. Darrin Mallow Kansas, OK 3 09-10 195
Day 1: 3 09-10
7. Corey Yaden Grovetown, GA 3 09-09 194
Day 1: 3 09-09
8. Kevin Edwards Ruskin, FL 3 09-08 193
Day 1: 3 09-08
9. James Roten West Jefferson, NC 3 08-14 192
Day 1: 3 08-14
10. John Goul Philadelphia, MS 3 08-10 191
Day 1: 3 08-10
11. Clifton Overstreet Dothan, AL 3 08-06 190
Day 1: 3 08-06
12. Levi Allgeier Bardstown, KY 3 08-02 189
Day 1: 3 08-02
13. Brooks Parker Bridgeville, DE 3 07-10 188
Day 1: 3 07-10
14. Parker Knudsen Minnetonka, MN 3 07-08 187
Day 1: 3 07-08
15. Ryan Chambers Chandler, AZ 3 07-07 186
Day 1: 3 07-07
15. Mike Mckinney Benton, IL 3 07-07 186
Day 1: 3 07-07
17. Robert Taylor Jr Saint Cloud, FL 3 07-01 184
Day 1: 3 07-01
18. Bob Morin Seymour, TN 3 07-00 183
Day 1: 3 07-00
19. Jonathon Dewey Fort Gratiot, MI 3 06-14 182
Day 1: 3 06-14
20. Eric Camarote Rogers, MN 3 06-11 181
Day 1: 3 06-11
21. Stephen Carrick Lexington, NC 3 06-09 180
Day 1: 3 06-09
22. Chad Stahl Barnesville, GA 3 06-08 179
Day 1: 3 06-08
23. Tim Rasmussen Orlando, FL 3 06-05 178
Day 1: 3 06-05
24. Horace Hubbard Albany, GA 2 06-05 177
Day 1: 2 06-05
25. Chase Clarke Virginia Beach, VA 3 06-03 176
Day 1: 3 06-03
25. Mark Schafer Williamstown, NJ 3 06-03 176
Day 1: 3 06-03
27. Jeff Somers Crystal, MN 2 06-02 174
Day 1: 2 06-02
28. Tom Mullins Clarmont, FL 3 06-01 173
Day 1: 3 06-01
28. Austin Nelson Apopka, FL 3 06-01 173
Day 1: 3 06-01
30. Kevin Mallow Kansas, OK 3 05-14 171
Day 1: 3 05-14
31. Angela Mayo Maiden, NC 3 05-13 170
Day 1: 3 05-13
32. Dee Powell Hope Hull, AL 2 05-10 169
Day 1: 2 05-10
33. JW Battle Jr. Orlando, FL 3 05-09 168
Day 1: 3 05-09
33. Kevin Devine Windermere, FL 3 05-09 168
Day 1: 3 05-09
35. Billy Shelton La Crosse, VA 3 05-08 166
Day 1: 3 05-08
35. Brandon Smith Knightdale, NC 3 05-08 166
Day 1: 3 05-08
37. Ryan Godsey Chickamauga, GA 3 05-02 164
Day 1: 3 05-02
38. Nicholas Bowman Port Charlotte, FL 3 05-01 163
Day 1: 3 05-01
39. David Delucca Long Beach, CA 3 05-00 162
Day 1: 3 05-00
40. Erik Brztowski Lemont, IL 3 04-15 161
Day 1: 3 04-15
40. Michael Carter Grayson, KY 3 04-15 161
Day 1: 3 04-15
40. Don Harvey Franklin, TN 3 04-15 161
Day 1: 3 04-15
40. Bill Richards Whitmore Lak, MI 3 04-15 161
Day 1: 3 04-15
44. William Beekman Diamond Point, NY 1 04-15 157
Day 1: 1 04-15
45. Wayne Foriest Nashville, TN 2 04-14 156
Day 1: 2 04-14
45. Rusty Odom Simpsonville, SC 2 04-14 156
Day 1: 2 04-14
47. Brian Kendzior Bradenton, FL 3 04-12 154
Day 1: 3 04-12
48. Skyler Anderson Harlem, GA 3 04-09 153
Day 1: 3 04-09
48. Jonathan Barnette Jasper, AL 3 04-09 153
Day 1: 3 04-09
50. Dehn Ganey Bonneau, SC 2 04-09 151
Day 1: 2 04-09
51. Stephen Davis Blacksburg, VA 3 04-07 150
Day 1: 3 04-07
51. Troy Mims Suwanee, GA 3 04-07 150
Day 1: 3 04-07
53. Christopher Tinsley Pisgah Forest, NC 2 04-07 148
Day 1: 2 04-07
54. Robby Robinson Longwood, FL 2 04-05 147
Day 1: 2 04-05
55. Cary Wien Groveland, FL 3 04-04 146
Day 1: 3 04-04
56. David Camp Sterling, OH 2 04-02 145
Day 1: 2 04-02
57. Ashton Smith Lake Helen, FL 3 04-01 144
Day 1: 3 04-01
58. Adam Sangster Sanford, FL 2 04-01 143
Day 1: 2 04-01
59. Chase Traeger Lino Lakes, MN 1 04-01 142
Day 1: 1 04-01
60. Ashley Bishop Chesapeake, VA 1 04-00 141
Day 1: 1 04-00
61. Gus Kneidinger Prospect, PA 3 03-15 140
Day 1: 3 03-15
62. Cal Teneyck Shakopee, MN 2 03-15 139
Day 1: 2 03-15
63. Kevin Humbard Dandridge, TN 3 03-13 138
Day 1: 3 03-13
63. Terry Wien Lakeland, FL 3 03-13 138
Day 1: 3 03-13
65. Matthew Mccarthy Marysville, OH 2 03-13 136
Day 1: 2 03-13
66. Mike Anderson Harlem, GA 3 03-12 135
Day 1: 3 03-12
67. Blake Stephenson Evans, GA 2 03-12 134
Day 1: 2 03-12
68. Ryan Shriber Franklin, TN 3 03-11 133
Day 1: 3 03-11
69. Justin Salisbury Binghamton, NY 2 03-10 132
Day 1: 2 03-10
70. Craig Cassella Wallingford, CT 2 03-08 131
Day 1: 2 03-08
70. Bailey Rothrock Monticello, IN 2 03-08 131
Day 1: 2 03-08
72. Mike Sather Beech Island, SC 2 03-07 129
Day 1: 2 03-07
72. Bradley Sterner Manchester, PA 2 03-07 129
Day 1: 2 03-07
74. Deantre Burch High Springs, FL 3 03-06 127
Day 1: 3 03-06
74. Derek Caldwell Fyffe, AL 3 03-06 127
Day 1: 3 03-06
74. Shon Pulley Trenton, SC 3 03-06 127
Day 1: 3 03-06
77. Rick Adams Lake Wales, FL 2 03-06 124
Day 1: 2 03-06
77. Ryan Dillner Isle, MN 2 03-06 124
Day 1: 2 03-06
79. Eric Vyborny Sorrento, FL 1 03-06 122
Day 1: 1 03-06
80. Wallace Coward Beech Island, SC 3 03-04 121
Day 1: 3 03-04
80. Rick Hamer Charleston, WV 3 03-04 121
Day 1: 3 03-04
82. Todd Lee Jasper, AL 2 03-04 119
Day 1: 2 03-04
83. Donald Poteat Connelly Spg, NC 1 03-04 118
Day 1: 1 03-04
84. Scott Mciver Windermere, FL 3 03-03 117
Day 1: 3 03-03
85. Will Brown Wesley Chapel, AL 3 03-02 116
Day 1: 3 03-02
86. Ron Horton Dover, DE 2 03-02 115
Day 1: 2 03-02
87. Kevin Heard Saint Cloud, FL 2 03-01 114
Day 1: 2 03-01
87. Mickey Soler Newington, CT 2 03-01 114
Day 1: 2 03-01
89. Tristan Bramblett Tiger, GA 1 03-00 112
Day 1: 1 03-00
90. Dan O'callaghan Chalfont, PA 2 02-15 111
Day 1: 2 02-15
90. Avery Williams Murrells Inlt, SC 2 02-15 111
Day 1: 2 02-15
92. Kenneth Townson Kissimmee, FL 2 02-13 109
Day 1: 2 02-13
93. Floyd Willis Grayson, KY 2 02-12 108
Day 1: 2 02-12
94. Vic Riveras Newport News, VA 3 02-10 107
Day 1: 3 02-10
95. Jimmy Fellegy Lakeville, MN 2 02-10 106
Day 1: 2 02-10
95. Matt Molitor Canton, IL 2 02-10 106
Day 1: 2 02-10
97. Corey Owens Gray, KY 2 02-09 104
Day 1: 2 02-09
97. Brian Rothrock Monticello, IN 2 02-09 104
Day 1: 2 02-09
99. Jerry Morris Jr Charlotte, NC 1 02-09 102
Day 1: 1 02-09
99. David Rushing Orlando, FL 1 02-09 102
Day 1: 1 02-09
99. Erik Tilson Auburndale, FL 1 02-09 102
Day 1: 1 02-09
102. Jeremiah Hitt Lutz, FL 2 02-08 99
Day 1: 2 02-08
103. Joshua McGeary Mt. Pleasant, PA 2 02-05 98
Day 1: 2 02-05
103. Mitch Mitchell Appling, GA 2 02-05 98
Day 1: 2 02-05
103. Steven Robbins Piketon, OH 2 02-05 98
Day 1: 2 02-05
106. Johnnie Garrett Union City, TN 2 02-04 95
Day 1: 2 02-04
107. Jacob Altman Olathe, CO 1 02-04 94
Day 1: 1 02-04
107. Tony Sears Dahlonega, GA 1 02-04 94
Day 1: 1 02-04
109. Justin Thomas Panama City, FL 2 02-03 92
Day 1: 2 02-03
110. Bobby Williams Salisbury, NC 1 02-02 91
Day 1: 1 02-02
111. Alex Reece Greenville, SC 1 02-01 90
Day 1: 1 02-01
111. Bruce Touchstone Madison Heights, VA 1 02-01 90
Day 1: 1 02-01
113. Steven Kellam Dry Ridge, KY 2 01-15 88
Day 1: 2 01-15
114. Craig Cullen Port St Lucie, FL 1 01-15 87
Day 1: 1 01-15
114. Alonzo Evans Jr Topeka, KS 1 01-15 87
Day 1: 1 01-15
116. Justin Baldridge Greenup, KY 2 01-14 85
Day 1: 2 01-14
117. Nathaniel Kilgore Franklin, VA 1 01-14 84
Day 1: 1 01-14
118. Joseph Barnes Locust Grove, GA 2 01-13 83
Day 1: 2 01-13
119. Michael Gabel St Charles, IL 1 01-13 82
Day 1: 1 01-13
119. MIke Spears Jasper, AL 1 01-13 82
Day 1: 1 01-13
121. John Lewis Centreville, VA 2 01-12 80
Day 1: 2 01-12
122. Larry Beauboeuf Bossier City, LA 1 01-12 79
Day 1: 1 01-12
122. Bill Bruce Hendersonville, TN 1 01-12 79
Day 1: 1 01-12
122. James Madden Holly Hill, FL 1 01-12 79
Day 1: 1 01-12
125. Byong Lee Stedman, NC 1 01-11 76
Day 1: 1 01-11
125. Tommy Lee Young Orlando, FL 1 01-11 76
Day 1: 1 01-11
125. Gregory Mauldin Archdale, NC 1 01-11 76
Day 1: 1 01-11
128. Ahmed Behery Farmington, CT 1 01-11 73
Day 1: 1 01-11
129. Greg Moore Orlando, FL 1 01-10 72
Day 1: 1 01-10
129. Lee Noland Madison Lake, MN 1 01-10 72
Day 1: 1 01-10
131. Cory Weaver Ankeny, IA 1 01-09 70
Day 1: 1 01-09
132. Barney Boutries Mobile, AL 1 01-08 69
Day 1: 1 01-08
133. Thomas Abraham Winchester, TN 1 01-07 68
Day 1: 1 01-07
133. Jimmy Hayes Fayetteville, NC 1 01-07 68
Day 1: 1 01-07
133. Steve Kline Hilltop Lakes, TX 1 01-07 68
Day 1: 1 01-07
133. Daniel Valois Gomez Caracas FL VENEZUELA 1 01-07 68
Day 1: 1 01-07
137. Anthony Boris Kansasville, WI 1 01-06 64
Day 1: 1 01-06
137. Johnny Dease Orlando, FL 1 01-06 64
Day 1: 1 01-06
137. Nathan Fritz Greenwood, IN 1 01-06 64
Day 1: 1 01-06
140. Robert Brewer Trafford, AL 1 01-05 61
Day 1: 1 01-05
140. Tommy Hamilton Disputanta, VA 1 01-05 61
Day 1: 1 01-05
140. Anthony Harris Bellview, FL 1 01-05 61
Day 1: 1 01-05
140. Charles Reed Batesville, MS 1 01-05 61
Day 1: 1 01-05
140. Michael Schrader North Attleboro, MA 1 01-05 61
Day 1: 1 01-05
145. Pete Patterson Kingsport, TN 1 01-04 56
Day 1: 1 01-04
145. Jacob Robinson Temple, GA 1 01-04 56
Day 1: 1 01-04
147. Trey Brafford Kings Mtn, NC 1 01-03 54
Day 1: 1 01-03
147. Jimmy Dereta Joshua, TX 1 01-03 54
Day 1: 1 01-03
147. Scotty Ingle Asheville, NC 1 01-03 54
Day 1: 1 01-03
150. Jeremy Booth Albertville, MN 1 01-02 51
Day 1: 1 01-02
150. Charles Bowman II Kernersville, NC 1 01-02 51
Day 1: 1 01-02
150. David Dimauro Longwood, FL 1 01-02 51
Day 1: 1 01-02
150. Jason George Farragut, TN 1 01-02 51
Day 1: 1 01-02
150. Stacey Jefferson Conway, SC 1 01-02 51
Day 1: 1 01-02
150. Greg Mauldin Archdale, NC 1 01-02 51
Day 1: 1 01-02
150. Hunter Reifschneider Marion, IA 1 01-02 51
Day 1: 1 01-02
157. Christopher Donavant Yorktown, VA 1 01-01 44
Day 1: 1 01-01
157. Kevin Gonyea Franklinton, NC 1 01-01 44
Day 1: 1 01-01
157. Dawson Wisner Westminster, MD 1 01-01 44
Day 1: 1 01-01
160. Alex Barbour Crystal Lake, IL 1 01-00 41
Day 1: 1 01-00
160. John Barnes Henrico, VA 1 01-00 41
Day 1: 1 01-00
160. Jimmy Bass Ocala, FL 1 01-00 41
Day 1: 1 01-00
160. Michael Mayo Collierville, TN 1 01-00 41
Day 1: 1 01-00
160. Liam Oneill Belleair Bluffs, FL 1 01-00 41
Day 1: 1 01-00
160. Edie Wilkinson Middlebury, IN 1 01-00 41
Day 1: 1 01-00
160. Ken Yamate Richardson, TX 1 01-00 41
Day 1: 1 01-00
167. Darrell Curl Winston Salem, NC 1 00-15 34
Day 1: 1 00-15
167. Rod Longnecker Tampa, FL 1 00-15 34
Day 1: 1 00-15
167. Douglas Lubs Indianapolis, IN 1 00-15 34
Day 1: 1 00-15
167. Tyler Morrison Locust Grove, GA 1 00-15 34
Day 1: 1 00-15
167. Thomas Rutkowski Deland, FL 1 00-15 34
Day 1: 1 00-15
172. Gary Abernethy Skyland, NC 1 00-14 29
Day 1: 1 00-14
173. RJ Mitchell Appling, GA 1 00-13 28
Day 1: 1 00-13
174. Jim Rozelle Jr Moncks Corner, SC 1 00-11 27
Day 1: 1 00-11
175. Bill Beard Prosperity, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Andy Beloat Montgomery, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Kenneth Bivins Orlando, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Dustin Bonnell Titusville, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. David Booth Erin, TN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Brett Bowman Sophia, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Jon Brown Tampa, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Ben Brumley Anderson, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Spencer Caruso Palm Bay, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Ray Cates Overland Park, KS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. James Cornell Longwood, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Steve Deyton Forest City, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Brandon Downs Eden Prairie, MN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Carey Gallant Bowmanville CANADA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Michael Garner Skippers, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Brian Geisel Kitchener CANADA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Will Hartsell Vestavia Hills, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. John Hatfield Panama City, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Christopher House Walworth, NY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Russell Hoyle Newton, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Barry Hughes Plant City, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Blake Johnson Box Elder, SD 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Russell Jones Simpsonville, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Riley Kolich Long Beach, CA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Marshall Mccallum Lakeland, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Tom Mccarthy Marysville, OH 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Frank Mitchum Orlando , FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. William Norris II Ocoee, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Jon Pollock Lakewood, CO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Gerald Robbins Jr. Asheboro, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Buddy Rohn Jacksonville, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. John Roth III Kuttawa, KY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. James Staton Sorrento, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Kevin Steele Kissimmee, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Chip Stith Piscataway, NJ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Taylor Trantham Thomasville, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Mack Traynor Hanover, MN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Sakae Ushio Tonawanda, NY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Rodney Vaow Huntersville, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Justin Westergreen Dahinda, IL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Andy Wiedmann Titusville, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Frank Williams Jackson, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Tyler Wipf West Richland, WA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
175. Dusty Wood Belton, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
219. Allen Mccallister Murrayville, GA 0 -1-00 0
Day 1: 0 -01-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 60 336 622-09
Top Five Ice Fishing Baits You Need This Season
OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi – January 20, 2022. With this year’s ice fishing season approaching, here are the top five ice fishing lures you should add to your arsenal. American Baitworks brands’ Freedom Tackle and STH Bait Co. have you covered with some of the best ice fishing lures available.
Freedom Tackle Minnow Jigging Spoon
The Freedom Minnow jigging spoon delivers a combination of flash, one-of-a-kind action, and bait-fish appeal that all species find irresistible.
Highly reactive, the Freedom Minnow can be worked with several retrieves to draw strikes, including a quick, attention-grabbing jerk and a slow stop-and-go. On the drop, the Freedom Minnow Spoon delivers a slow-falling flutter and an abundance of bite-inducing flash.
On the top and bottom of the center wire shaft, the Freedom Minnow Spoon is fitted with a metal bead and a glass bead that bang against the body to create a unique underwater sound. Armed with chemically sharpened hooks, the Freedom Minnow Spoon delivers a highly individualized presentation that will catch a wide range of species.
Freedom Tackle Turnback Shad - Vertical Jigging
The Freedom Tackle Turnback Shad is the perfect vertical jig for open water or through the ice. The lure features a full metal body that swings freely on the metal line tie shaft.
With a jerk of the rod, the lure will dart off in random directions, turn around and swim back the other way, covering more water and imparting a more life-like action. The Glass beads on the metal shaft offer a visual and audio attraction to compliment the beautifully sculpted metal body.
Available in 4 sizes (3/32oz, 3/16oz, 5/8oz, 1oz) and 8 colors, including natural, glow, and UV colors for any situation.
Freedom Tackle Blade Bait
The most versatile Blade Bait on the market, the Freedom Blade Bait is a three in one tool to get the job done through the ice. The lure features multiple ways to rig the hooks to match your desired presentation.
The Blade Bait delivers maximum vibration and flash that draws in fish. Designed with a unique feature, the ability to rig the double hook on the top of the lure head and lock it into place on the custom design hook notch.
STH Bait Co. Drifter
A legend for targeting walleye and whitefish through the ice, the Drifter is one of the best baits available for catching these sometimes-tight-lipped species.
A classic, handcrafted, and hand-poured bait with year-round application, the Drifter is 2.75”/69 mm in length. Super soft with 3D eyes gives the Drifter a life-like appearance, giving fish the visual cues and makes them think it’s real prey. Try rigging this bait as a drop shot or on a jig head to maximize its action and fish catching ability.
STH Bait Co. Dart Minnow
Uniquely designed to target panfish, walleye, and whitefish, the Dart Minnow delivers a lot of fish catching power in its relatively small size at 2.3”. Designed to be used on a jig head or as a drop shot, the Dart Minnow is a consistent performer and a must-have in your ice fishing arsenal.
American Baitworks Keeps You Fishing in Every Season of the Year
Undoubtedly, American Baitworks’ ice fishing lures will keep you pulling fish throughout the ice season. Carrying mix of vertical jigs, multiuse hard baits, and finesse soft plastics from Freedom Tackle and STH Bait Co. will give you more variety to throw at your target species this winter.
For more information about and to check out our full line of ice fishing products, please visit www.americanbaitworks.com.
How “Big Show” Scroggins Breaks Down Unfamiliar Water
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin / Dynamic Sponsorships
Like local highway maintenance crews trying to keep ice off exit ramps, veteran pro Terry “Big Show” Scroggins arrived at the first stop of the 2022 Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour near West Monroe, Louisiana knowing he and his fellow pros have their work cut out for them.
Threats of freezing rain wiped-out the first day of practice, and on top of that, Scroggins has never seen Lake D’Arbonne. So, with just one day to figure it out, and freezing air temps, how will the Florida pro break down 15,000 acres of unfamiliar water on a lake that’s absolutely filled with stumps and standing timber during just one day of practice?
Map study before leaving home
Rather than just show-up at the ramp in a state of confusion, most pros study maps while at home like a college kid cramming for a geography exam.
“I looked at Google Earth a lot and noticed the upper half of the lake features two major creeks and a lot of good-looking spawning flats. These fish aren’t close to spawning, but they never venture too far from prime areas like that. It’s not like they swim to the other end of the lake between spawning periods, so that’s the area of the lake I’ll spend my time in,” explains Scroggins.
Don’t try to fish it all
Notice Scroggins chose a very specific area. His veteran wisdom and common sense tell him there’s no way he can try to learn all 15,000 acres in one day, so he essentially slices it into fractions to make it far more manageable.
“If you start by choosing just the upper half, you’ve instantly cut the lake from 15,000 acres to 7,500 acres. Then you choose the best looking 20% of that half, and now you only have to figure out 1,500 acres,” reasons Scroggins.
The John Cox approach
“You could say I’m gonna “John Cox” this one,” laughs Scroggins referring to his highly accomplished fellow Florida pro angler, John Cox, who has carved-out an illustrious career by choosing small shallow areas of a fishery, and running his trolling motor far more than his outboard to thoroughly pick the area apart.
“John’s the master of putting the trolling motor down and going wide open until he’s fished every last part of a small area, and that’s what I’ll do during one day of practice on D’Arbonne,” says Scroggins.
“I’ll have about 12 different baits on the front deck of this Triton, and keep that trolling motor in the water. We’re going to throw everything from a Carolina Rig to a ChatterBait, and fish from 3-feet to 20-feet in that one small area of the lake until we figure it out,” concludes Scroggins.
Of course, step 1 this week will be launching safely on what could be an icy boat ramp as overnight temps touch 23-degrees. So perhaps having the phone number of the local Farmerville, LA road crew, and a warm pair of gloves would be part of a good strategy too.
Guaranteed Rate Becomes Title Sponsor Of Five 2022 Bassmaster Elite Events
Guaranteed Rate will serve as the title sponsor for five Bassmaster Elite Series events in 2022.
Photo by James Overstreet/B.A.S.S.
February 3, 2022
Deal comes during a time of record-breaking interest in sportfishing
Guaranteed Rate Logo.pngBIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Guaranteed Rate, a leader in mortgage lending and digital financial services, announces it has expanded its relationship with B.A.S.S., the worldwide authority on bass fishing, to serve as the title sponsor for five Bassmaster Elite Series events in 2022.
Guaranteed Rate will be the title sponsor of the following events: Bassmaster Elite at Santee Cooper Lakes, March 17-20; Bassmaster Elite at Chickamauga Lake, April 7-10; Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River, July 14-17; Bassmaster Elite at Lake Oahe, Aug. 18-21; and Bassmaster Elite at Mississippi River, Aug. 26-29.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Guaranteed Rate to reach even more enthusiastic sportfishing fans during a time when we’ve seen record-breaking levels of interest in the Elite Series and huge participation in fishing and outdoor activities,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson.
B.A.S.S. is among Guaranteed Rate’s highly successful sports partnerships, including NASCAR driver Tyler Reddick, NHL, National Lacrosse League (NLL) and the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA).
“We are excited to strengthen our relationship with B.A.S.S. as the title sponsor of these highly anticipated events,” said Guaranteed Rate Vice President of Sports Marketing and Partnerships Steve McNelley. “We can’t wait to experience more record-breaking action as the anglers head out on the water this season.”
In 2021, Guaranteed Rate sponsored four Elite Series events, including the Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork. During that tournament, Lee Livesay finished with a whopping total of 112 pounds, 5 ounces that was capped by a final-day catch of five bass that weighed 42 pounds, 3 ounces. A captivated audience watched more than 51.4 million minutes of live tournament coverage as the Elite at Lake Fork produced three lead changes and saw two anglers catch over 100 pounds. Livesay also won the 2020 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Chickamauga Lake, his first Elite victory.
“Both of my Elite Series wins have come in tournaments sponsored by Guaranteed Rate, and I appreciate their continued support of the sport,” said Livesay. “Hopefully, I can bring home another blue trophy with that Guaranteed Rate logo this season.”
Three other anglers — Jeff Gustafson, Tennessee River; Bill Lowen, Pickwick Lake; and Bryan Schmitt, Lake Champlain — won their first Elite Series tournament at Guaranteed Rate-sponsored events in 2021.
Enthusiasm for fishing is booming beyond the professional ranks, with studies showing that 1 in 5 Americans are more likely to try fishing now than they were before the pandemic started. According to studies from the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, nearly 55 million Americans fished at least once in 2020, the highest number recorded since participation tracking began in 2007.
After a successful first season where nearly 14 million viewers watched Bassmaster LIVE programming, once more all nine 2022 Elite events and the storied Bassmaster Classic will feature live television coverage on the FOX Sports platforms. For more information on the tournaments, visit Bassmaster.com.
Johnson Outdoors Signs on as Official Sponsor of the MLF Bass Pro Tour
Minn Kota® and Humminbird® to Be Showcased Across Multiple MLF Media Platforms
TULSA, Okla. (Feb. 3, 2022) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced today that Johnson Outdoors, a leading global outdoor recreation company that designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands, has signed on as an Official Sponsor of Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour and named the Presenting Sponsor of the Bass Pro Tour Stage Seven event on Mille Lacs Lake in Onamia, Minnesota.
For more than 50 years, Johnson Outdoors has made it their mission to inspire more people to experience the awe of the great outdoors by creating innovative, top-quality products across four major categories: Watercraft, Fishing, Diving and Camping. Their breakthrough technology product lines include Minn Kota®, the world’s leading manufacturer of one of the toughest, most innovative trolling motors and the fastest, deepest-reaching shallow water anchors and Humminbird®, a leading global innovator and manufacturer of marine electronics products including sonar fish-finders and accessories, providing anglers with amazing detail and crystal clarity to the world beneath their boat.
“As leaders in the fishing industry, our core mission at Minn Kota® and Humminbird® has been to help anglers get the most out of their time on the water,” said Joe Brown, Senior Director of Brand Management at Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. “This new partnership with Major League Fishing gives us one more tool to help demonstrate how the One-Boat Network can help real anglers find, stay on and catch more fish.”
Johnson Outdoors’ sponsorship includes commercials and graphic billboards in Bass Pro Tour television programming and a strong brand presence within the tour’s in-show and on-site opportunities, as well as MLF NOW! livestream exposure and Stage Seven event logo, graphics, bumpers and voiceovers throughout all event coverage.
“We are thrilled to bring the enthusiastic outdoorsmen and women at Johnson Outdoors into the Major League Fishing family,” said Randy Gerstenblatt, MLF Senior Vice President of Sponsorship and Media Sales. “Major League Fishing began with the desire to elevate the sport of bass fishing and bring people together in the outdoors – an endeavor that Johnson Outdoors is extremely passionate about. Combining their consumer insights and emerging technologies with MLF’s action-packed tournament coverage and premiere television programming sets us up for great synergy with both brands as we move forward into 2022.”
The 2022 MLF Bass Pro Tour regular season will begin next month, with Stage One of the Bass Pro Tour in Monroe and West Monroe, Louisiana, Feb. 5-10 and conclude with Stage Seven Presented by Johnson Outdoors in Onamia, Minnesota, Sep. 10-15. The 2022 Bass Pro Tour will air on the Discovery Channel beginning in July 2022 and the Outdoor Channel in early 2023.
For more information on Johnson Outdoors, visit JohnsonOutdoors.com. For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing, its tournaments and sponsors, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com . For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Huk Partners with Basketball Phenom Keon Johnson
X Zone Lures Signs Two Young Guns
X Zone Lures is pleased to announce that they will be joining forces with two bright young stars for the 2022 Season. Freshly minted Elite Series Pro, Jonathan Kelley and Bassmaster Opens contender, Cooper Gallant. Jonathan qualified for 2022 Elite Series by winning the Northern Opens Angler of the Year title. Cooper will be fishing all 9 Opens this year in his quest to fish the Elite Series.
Jonathan Kelley says "As a young angler, growing up and being introduced to the slammer, I’ve had the opportunity to see the X Zone brand grow over the years. I am honored, excited, and blessed to have the opportunity to grow with one of my childhood favorite brands and become part of the team. X Zone has created the best line of soft plastics with a variety of colors to meet any style or application needed from beginner to professional anglers. "
Gallant says "The very first smallmouth I caught on a dropshot was with the Original Slammer, which I still use to this day. I am beyond thankful and excited to be part of the X Zone family. With the unique lineup of baits already available, and the knowledgeable group of guys behind bait design, 2022 is lining up to be a very exciting and successful year!"
Jonathan and Cooper join fellow X Zone pro staffers – Elite Series Pros, Brandon Palaniuk and Carl Jocumsen.
“X Zone Lures is very excited to have both Cooper and Jonathan join our team” says X Zone Lures owner, Jim Van Ryn. “We have known these two young anglers for a long time. They both align well with our brand and what it represents. We look forward to having them contribute to both bait design and overall awareness of our brand.”
For more about X Zone Lures, visit their site at www.xzonelures.com
Yamaha Rightwaters™ Demonstrates Commitment To All Anglers With Sponsorship Of Bassmaster Kayak Series
February 3, 2022
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Yamaha Rightwaters, which champions environmental stewardship as part of Yamaha’s long-standing commitment to natural resource conservation, will serve as the title sponsor for the growing Bassmaster Kayak Series. The Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series powered by TourneyX kicks off its 2022 season on Lake Fork Feb. 5.
“The growth of competitive fishing is directly related to the health of the waterways that host the tournaments,” said Martin Peters, Division Manager, Government Relations, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “Like B.A.S.S., Yamaha Rightwaters advocates for conservation and sustainability as a means by which we can continue to enjoy the sport and expand it to larger audiences, including competitive kayak anglers. We look forward to a successful season ahead.”
Yamaha has been a longtime supporter of the Bassmaster Tournament Trail as a premier sponsor and, in 2021, partnered with B.A.S.S. to bring back the Redfish Cup Championship after a 12-year hiatus. The Yamaha Rightwaters sponsorship of the Bassmaster Kayak Series is another example of the brand’s continued support of anglers at all levels and deep commitment to ensuring a bright future for sportfishing.
“The fact that Yamaha Rightwaters advocates conservation and sustainability across all platforms is awesome,” said B.A.S.S. Nation Director Jon Stewart, who oversees the Kayak Series. “Conservation and sustainability also includes access. These are all things that are very important to the kayak anglers who support B.A.S.S., which makes this a perfect partnership between us all.”
More than 55 million Americans reported fishing at least once in 2020 and 2021. While participation in fishing is at an all-time high, growth of the sport and continued access to healthy waters is vital to budding fishermen, avid anglers and anyone who loves spending time on the water.
Yamaha WaterCraft now offers a fishing platform for its WaveRunners. These and other Yamaha WaterCraft products will be on display at select Bassmater Kayak Series events.
“The Bassmaster Kayak Series is perfectly aligned with our goals to make competitive angling more accessible to the public,” said Yamaha WaterCraft General Manager Bryan Seti, who oversees the marketing and sales of Yamaha WaveRunners and boats in the United States. “Like kayaks, we're seeing more watercraft buyers choose our WaveRunners as an affordable fishing platform, which makes entry into the sport more attainable.”
In its first two years, the Bassmaster Kayak Series has seen increased attention among traditional fishing fans as the trail begins building its own rich history, including a 10 bass total of 209.25 inches — the highest two-day total in TourneyX history — for 2021 Kayak National Champion Mark Pendergraf, who was crowned in front of thousands of fans on the Classic stage, and fishing superstar Mike Iaconelli taking a series victory on the Upper Chesapeake.
Veteran bass anglers, who have long depended on Yamaha for their reliable outboards, are recognizing the benefit of bringing attention to both kayak angling and the sustainability work being done by Yamaha Rightwaters across the industry-leading B.A.S.S. platforms.
“I was very excited when I heard Yamaha Rightwaters was sponsoring the Bassmaster Kayak Series,” said avid kayak angler and Elite Series pro Keith Combs. “It will be a great opportunity for another group of outdoorsmen and women to learn about — and appreciate — what Yamaha is doing to improve and enhance our fishing and boating waters. It really shows Yamaha's commitment to conservation and to anglers at all levels of our sport.”
Full coverage of the 2022 Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series powered by TourneyX and Old Town Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year race can be found at Bassmaster.com/Kayak.
Creating His Own Path
This week DX welcomes in MLF Pro Circuit Rookie Phil Dutra to the show. Phil talks about what has been happening in California and the reasons why he moved hie family east into the heart of Bass fishing. Check it out!
Sam Rayburn Reservoir Set to Launch Toyota Series Southwestern Division
BROOKELAND, Texas (Feb. 2, 2022) – The Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. Southwestern Division Presented by Outlaw Ordnance will launch its 2022 season with a tournament next week in Brookeland, Texas, Feb. 10-12, with the Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. at Sam Rayburn Reservoir . Hosted by the Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Chamber of Commerce, the three-day tournament will feature the region’s best bass-fishing pros and Strike King co-anglers casting for a top prize of up to $65,000, plus an additional $35,000 bonus if the winner is a qualified Phoenix Boat owner.
Outlaw Ordnance, an Outdoor and Sporting Goods Company that offers custom marine graph mounts, laser engraving, coatings and fabrication along with outdoor lifestyle products and merchandise, has been announced as the presenting sponsor of the Toyota Series Southwestern Division and Plains Division.
“Outlaw Ordnance is honored to become a sponsor of the 2022 MLF Toyota Series,” said Chip Pierce, Co-Owner and Sr. Vice President of Outlaw Ordnance. “We are looking forward to launching the toughest, most versatile and most customizable graph mounts on the market.”
Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit rookie Jeff Bridges of Prosper, Texas, who came in ninth this past weekend at the Pro Circuit season-opener on the Sam Rayburn Reservoir and said he is looking forward to hitting the water again next week.
“I think the Toyota Series event on Sam Rayburn will turn out to be a good event with heavy weights,” said Bridges. “The cold weather pushes the fish to bunch up more and pack together, so I think that we will have anglers who will find packs of fish that will really increase their numbers.
“This is the time of year that 50-pound-stringers have been caught on Rayburn,” continued Bridges. “We’ll also be coming off the cold weather into a slight warming trend, which will make the fish more active and ready to eat. So when you find them, you’re going to find a lot of them.”
Bridges said although the amount of hydrilla on the fishery is down significantly this year, there are still areas of the lake with hydrilla where a lot of the fish will live.
“Over the three-day event, I suspect it will take approximately 17½ pounds per day to get you in the top 10, and 20 pounds per day to be in the top 5,” said Bridges. “I think there will be a big sack caught as well, so I anticipate it will probably take 60 to 62 pounds to win the tournament.
“I expect crankbaits to be the big producer for the event, with the majority of the field throwing (Z-Man) ChatterBaits and (Bill Lewis) Rat-L-Traps – they will have the most consistent bite this time of year. The Carolina rig is also going to play in this event.”
Bridges said he’s excited to go back out on the fishery when it’s ramping up and his only concern is the amount of pressure it will get prior to the event.
“There was a lot of advertisement of the areas I was fishing last week, so I know those spots are going to be pressured by the time this event gets underway,” said Bridges. “I plan to get out there again and do some pre-fishing. I feel pretty good about knowing what the fish are going to do this time of year in the areas that do produce quality fish.”
Anglers will take off daily at 7 a.m. CT from the Umphrey Family Pavilion in Brookeland. Weigh-ins will also be held at the pavilion 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.
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.
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.
Picking up where he left off.
This week Chris & the boys welcome in 2022 PC Sam Rayburn Champ Michael Neal to the show to talk about his recent win, ther recap of his 2021 seasn and whats ahead for the 10th year Pro.
Bassmaster Classic Heads Back To Knoxville And Tennessee River In 2023
Knoxville, Tenn., will host the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk March 24-26.
Photo by Laurie Tisdale/B.A.S.S.
February 2, 2022
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The venue that was home to one of the most successful and well-received Classics of all-time will once again be the host for professional bass fishing’s biggest celebration in 2023.
B.A.S.S. officials announced today that the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk will be held in Knoxville, Tenn., March 24-26 with competition on the Tennessee River lakes of Fort Loudoun and Tellico. Daily weigh-ins will be held at Thompson-Boling Arena — the palatial 20,000-seat venue on the University of Tennessee campus — and the annual Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo will take place at the Knoxville Convention Center and the adjacent World’s Fair Exhibition Hall.
The Visit Knoxville Sports Commission will once again serve as host.
“Our first Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville produced record-breaking fan attendance and was one of the best Classics we’ve ever had,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “The Bassmaster Classic is the Super Bowl of Professional Bass Fishing. It’s not just a great competition; it is a true celebration of the competitors, the fans and the sport as a whole.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to be headed back to Knoxville.”
With daily takeoffs from Volunteer Landing, located downtown at the head of the beautiful Tennessee River, the 2019 Classic drew a record crowd of 153,809 spectators and generated an economic impact of $32.2 million for Knoxville and East Tennessee, according to a report released by the Visit Knoxville Sports Commission.
“We are thrilled to welcome B.A.S.S. back to Knoxville and East Tennessee,” said Chad Culver, Senior Director of the Visit Knoxville Sports Commission. “This will be their fourth major event hosted in Knoxville, (with Elite Series events in 2017 and 2021, and the Classic in 2019). With Knoxville having the distinction of their highest-attended Classic to date, we look forward to an exciting, record-breaking 2023 Classic.”
According to the same study, the Classic provided a direct economic impact of $17.7 million and an indirect boost in business sales of $14.5 million. The event generated $2.75 million in state and local tax revenue, including taxes on sales, restaurant purchases and lodging. Classic attendees, who traveled to Knoxville from almost every state and foreign countries as far away as Australia, Japan and Italy, paid for 29,232 room nights in local hotels.
The event was recognized as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism (Mid-Market Division) by Sports Destination Management. Won by Tennessee native Ott DeFoe, the tournament was the first major B.A.S.S. event held on Fort Loudoun and Tellico lakes, but it spawned a relationship that is still flourishing today.
While a previous event visited Cherokee Lake, the Bassmaster Elite Series — the top circuit in professional bass fishing — made its first trip to Fort Loudoun and Tellico in Knoxville in 2021. Canadian pro Jeff Gustafson won that event with a four-day weight of 63 pounds.
Now, Knoxville will join the prestigious list of cities that have hosted multiple Classics.
“We’re honored to host B.A.S.S. for the fourth time in seven years,” said Kim Bumpas, President of Visit Knoxville. “We are proud of the continued successful partnership between B.A.S.S., our own Visit Knoxville Sports Commission, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, and Knox County and the City of Knoxville.”
In just two events, Fort Loudoun and Tellico have shown what a full buffet they offer to bass anglers.
DeFoe won his 2019 Classic title in mid-March with largemouth bass. Then in late February 2021, Gustafson relied largely on one magic spot for daily bags of smallmouth. During that same event, anglers like Steve Kennedy, John Cox and Brandon Card pushed Gustafson hard with largemouth.
Though the 2023 Classic will be later in the year than either of those events, both species are still likely to come into play.
“That’s one of the things that makes this venue so interesting — just the variety of species and patterns that anglers have available to them,” said Chris Bowes, B.A.S.S. Vice President of Tournaments. “You could see someone win it with all largemouth, all smallmouth or a mixed bag of the two. That always makes for a great event.”
Fort Loudoun and Tellico lakes are twin reservoirs that cover about 30,000 acres. With the lakes connected by a canal, Classic competitors will be allowed to fish both. They’ll also find good fishing along the Tennessee River upstream from Fort Loudoun Dam to the Interstate 40 bridge on the Holston River and the Highway 168 bridge on the French Broad River.
The field will include 55 anglers who will qualify through the Bassmaster Elite Series, the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens, the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, the Strike King College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops and the Bassmaster Team Championship. They’ll all be vying for a $300,000 first-place prize and a total purse of over $1 million.
“Knoxville has every element necessary for an incredible Classic,” Anderson said. “It is a great sports town, in general, and bass fishing is incredibly popular in East Tennessee. There will be a lot of local interest in the event, and people who are visiting Knoxville for the first time are likely to keep coming back because the city and East Tennessee have so much to offer.”
Major League Fishing Cancels First Practice Day, Extends Practice Period for Anglers at B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One Presented by Power-Pole in Louisiana
Bass Pro Tour angler Mark Davis of Mount Ida, Arkansas, Makes a Cast During a Chilly Practice Morning
Forecasted Icy Conditions in Northeast Louisiana Prompts Tournament Officials to Cancel Official Opening Practice Period Thursday
MONROE-WEST MONROE, La. (Feb. 1, 2022) – Major League Fishing (MLF) has announced that the first day of practice for the 80 anglers competing in the Bass Pro Tour B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One Presented by Power-Pole, scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 3, has been canceled due to forecasted freezing rain and high winds.
“Initially, our anglers were slated for two days of practice on either Lake D’Arbonne or Caney Creek Reservoir,” said MLF Bass Pro Tour Tournament Director Aaron Beshears. “However, with the forecasted weather conditions, we have deemed it unsafe for our anglers to head out for the first day of practice on Thursday.
“We’re expecting some heavy rain on Wednesday night, and with the freezing temperatures forecast for Thursday it is going to be extremely icy. For the safety of our anglers, we’ll delay the start of practice one day and we’ll get after it starting Friday.”
Anglers will be allowed to begin practice on either Lake D’Arbonne or Caney Creek Reservoir from 6:30 a.m. until 6:15 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 4. Competition will begin as planned on Saturday, Feb. 5.
The 40 anglers in Group B will be allowed to practice on Caney Creek Reservoir ONLY on their first scheduled day off – Saturday, Feb. 5, from 6:30 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. The 40 anglers in Group A will also be allowed to practice on Caney Creek Reservoir ONLY on their first scheduled day off – Sunday, Feb. 6, from 6:30 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Each group will also be allowed to proceed with a planned 4-hour ride through on Bussey Brake on their second off day, as previously scheduled. Group B will conduct their ride through on Monday, Feb. 7 and Group A will complete their ride through on Tuesday, Feb. 8. No fishing is allowed during the ride throughs.
In the four-day opening Qualifying Rounds, anglers will compete on Lake D’Arbonne and launch at 7:30 a.m. from the Lake D’Arbonne State Park, located at 3628 Evergreen Road in Farmerville, Louisiana. The Knockout Round will take place on Caney Creek Reservoir, where anglers will launch at 7:30 a.m. from the Caney Creek Hooks Marina, located at 400 Spillway Road in Chatham, Louisiana. For the final day Championship Round, the final 10 anglers will compete on Bussey Brake, launching at 7:30 a.m. from Bonner Ferry Road, five miles northwest of Bastrop off of Hwy 593.
Each day’s General Tire Takeout Ceremonies will be held at the respective launch ramps, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all takeoff and takeout ceremonies and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLF NOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
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.
T-H Marine Announces Acquisition of JIF Marine LLC
|
|
|
Major League Fishing Pro Matt Lee Partners with Deps Japan, Optimum Baits, and ima Lures
Nominations Now Open For 2022 Class Of Bassmaster High School All-Americans
February 1, 2022
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. is seeking nominations for the best and brightest high school bass anglers in the country.
The Bassmaster High School All-American Fishing Team presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors recognizes the 12 most outstanding high school anglers in the nation. The program is designed to reward young athletes for their performance in tournaments, leadership in their communities and involvement in conservation efforts.
Applications for the team, which is now in its eighth year, will be accepted today through March 8.
To be considered, a student must be nominated by a parent, coach, teacher or other school official. Students currently enrolled in grades 10 through 12 with a current grade point average of 2.5 or higher are eligible.
Judges will select up to two student anglers in each state. These All-State Fishing Team members will become semifinalists in the selection of the 12-member Bassmaster High School All-American Fishing Team presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors. Criteria include success in high school fishing tournaments and involvement in conservation efforts and other community service activities.
The anglers chosen will compete in a one-day Bassmaster High School All-American Tournament to be held in conjunction with a 2022 Bassmaster Elite tournament, to be announced at a later date. Elite Series anglers will serve as “coaches” for the student anglers in the one-day fishing event. The high school standouts and Elite Series coaches will be honored before the weigh-in crowd.
“I am super excited to share this platform with the best high school anglers in the country,” said Glenn Cale, B.A.S.S. Nation Tournament Manager – College, High School and Junior. “Balancing school and fishing is key and hard work.”
All students who compete in high school fishing events are eligible, regardless if they are affiliated with B.A.S.S. or another fishing organization.
Notices have been sent to youth fishing directors of the B.A.S.S. Nation and other organizations, as well as leaders of state high school fishing programs. Adults can nominate students by filling out an online form at Bassmaster.com/allamerican. Nominations must be submitted before midnight on March 8. Please send all questions to allamerican@bassmaster.com.
BASS FISHING HALL OF FAME ENHANCES ITS MISSION WITH CONSERVATION AND PARTICIPATION FOCUSED GRANTS
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – For Immediate Release – February 1, 2022 – Beyond honoring and celebrating those inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, the HOF’s Board also focuses on its mission of promoting and preserving the sport of bass fishing. In recognition of their on-going projects in furtherance of that mission, the Board announces financial grants to three worthy organizations whose efforts will greatly benefit the sport.
Fishing’s Future (https://fishingsfuture.org), Friends of Reservoirs Foundation (www.friendsofreservoirs.com), and the Mille Lacs Smallmouth Alliance (https://millelacssmallmouthalliance.com) will each receive a $4,000 grant to assist with their 2022 projects.
“BFHOF Board members Gene Gilliland and Casey Shedd identified and vetted these three groups not only for the success each has had in the past, but also for their future plans where our financial support can bring even more success to their efforts,” said BFHOF Board president John Mazurkiewicz. “The support the HOF receives from its inductees, companies in the fishing and marine industries, and bass anglers nationwide through our induction dinner auctions and other fundraising projects enables the Board to recognize and assist those organizations who also celebrate, promote and preserve the sport of bass fishing.”
Gilliland noted that the BFHOF financial aid will help fund the Friends of Reservoirs Foundation’s ‘Small Project’ habitat grant program where any of its 130 chapters can receive funding to encourage anglers and other reservoir users to work with the fisheries managers to address the habitat issues on impoundments nationwide.
With the Mille Lacs Smallmouth Alliance, the HOF money will support the organizations ‘Free The Fighter’ billboard campaign around Lake Mille Lacs to promote catch-and-release smallmouth bass fishing. “This outreach program continues to reinforce the message that the Mille Lacs smallmouth fishery is unique and extremely valuable to the local economy,” said Gilliland.
Taking kids fishing is the main mission for the Fishing’s Future organization. “This group plans nearly 3,000 events every year connecting kids and families with nature through fishing adventures, said Shedd, who recommended the group for the BFHOF grant. “Our funds will be used for upcoming events focusing on bass fishing that are coordinated by one of the group’s 19 state affiliate clubs.
With these financial awards, the BFHOF Board has now earmarked more than $30,000 since 2019 to various fishing organizations for bass fishing conservation and education projects.
Big Bass Tour - Berkley Lake Breakdown - Harris Chain
Carson Tells Anglers to Expect Shallow Giants at the Harris Chain
By Pete Robbins
A season-opening tournament on Florida’s Harris Chain of Lakes has become a ritual for the Big Bass Tour, and with good reason – not only is it a chance to start the season off in warm weather, but it usually produces some of our best weights of the year. In fact, over the last five years, we’ve had multiple fish over 10 pounds in four of them, including four in 2020. Last year was the only time in that period when we didn’t broach double digits, but that’s OK because a 9.99 pound beast topped a top 10 that required 8.80 pounds to squeak inside.
Despite recent cold weather that normally renders Florida-strain bass nearly uncatchable, there’s reason to believe that the chain is as healthy as ever and poised to spit out boatloads of monsters. During a recent college tournament, a team from Kentucky weighed in a five bass limit of 25-06 on Day One and five more for 36-07 on Day Two to claim the crown. They fished offshore shell beds with Texas Rigged and Carolina Rigged soft plastics. A team from Bethel University weighed in a 10-14 tagged largemouth for big fish honors.
While the winning pattern may have been offshore, that’s not where Florida pro Keith Carson would look first.
“There have been some cold fronts, but now there’s a warming trend,” he said. “Those college guys were fishing for pre-spawn females that were filling up with eggs. By the time this tournament starts, there should be spawners everywhere. If I were looking to catch one giant, I would go sight fishing and I’d fish other places shallow where I presumed they might be spawning.”
He thinks that the entire chain has the ability “to produce one over 12 pounds,” but noted that Lake Griffin consistently produces many of the biggest tournament-caught fish. When sight fishing he’d look slightly deeper for the bigger fish, around hydrilla, lily pads and buggy whips. He’d fish both a Texas Rigged black and blue 6-inch Berkley General and a Berkley Gilly for both fish he can see and those that he can’t see but suspects are there. If the nights are warm, he’d expect the fish to be in their best bedding areas at first light, but if they were a little bit colder he might wait until the sun gets up a bit and warms the water.
Fortunately, while many of the fish are moving away from the shell beds, “the offshore bite can be good year round,” Carson said. “If you were fishing for a five fish limit, you could still win that way, and it’s still a good way to catch a big one.” He’d probe the shell beds with a Carolina Rigged Berkley General or a Dredger crankbait if this was his preferred zone.
If you can’t find the bed fish, or don’t want to share the offshore bite, a third option is put a flipping stick on the deck and go to work. “You could stay on Harris,” Carson said. “There’s plenty of Kissimmee grass to flip. I’d put a Powerbait Crash Craw behind a half ounce weight and go to work.”
This tournament will take place over the course of three days, and on a fish factory like the Harris Chain no one is out of it until the last bass is weighed in. Hourly winners may be able to scrape by with smaller fish, but over the past five years it’s taken at least an 8.28 pounder to get a coveted spot in the top 10. You can’t expect to win with anything short of a double digit, and even then you’ll have competition, so bring your “A” game and explore the Harris Chain’s options.
It's Back! Same Awesome Game, Brand New Name!
The "Fully Loaded" U-Pick-Em Game is back with a new name, new awesome prizes and some new ways to win!
The game is simple, Each Monday we send out 6 or so tournaments for you to "Pick the Winning Weight" on. Be the closest without going over and you could win a point. Be DEAD ON the weight and double your chances!
We will have some weekly winners, some bonus questions from time to time and each month the player with the most points Wins the Prize Pack for the month plus an awesome "Fully Loaded U-Pick-Em" Trophy!
You can't win if you don't Play!
Drake Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event on Lake Chickamauga
|
|
Strike King Co-Angler Robert Ford of Boones Mill, Virginia and Boater Kevin Drake of Cleveland, Tennessee display their trophies following the weigh-in at Lake Chickamauga.
|
|
Virginia’s Ford Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division
DAYTON, TENNESSEE (Jan. 31, 2022) – Boater Kevin Drake of Cleveland, Tennessee, caught five bass Sunday weighing 22 pounds, 5 ounces, to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Chickamauga. Drake earned $13,304 for his victory, including a $7,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus.
“The seven days leading up to the tournament I was out there four days prefishing,” Drake said. “I basically fished daylight to dark because I really wanted to do well in this tournament.” Drake said he had previously fished a Phoenix Bass Fishing League tournament as well as two Toyota Series events on Lake Chickamauga but managed to collect only small checks for his efforts. “I really, really, really wanted to do well in this tournament,” Drake said. “So I prefished extremely hard. And it worked out well for me.” Drake said he began the day on a spot he had fished four years ago, and his fifth cast produced his second-largest bass of the day – a 5 ½-pounder. He then went through a two-hour dry spell without a fish, so he relocated and then finished out his limit in two quick stops. “I figured I had about 16 pounds, and then about 11 o’clock it really turned on and I caught my biggest fish of the day during that period,” Drake said. Drake said he caught nine fish – including 12 keepers – during the course of the day, all of which came on a YUM Yumbrella Flash Mob Jr. Umbrella Rig with Castaic Baits Swimbaits. He said he tried changing up to a jerkbait during the course of the tournament but couldn’t provoke a reaction strike with it. “Altogether I just fished really hard, covered a lot of water and had luck go my way,” Drake added. “When it’s really cold like it was today it’s definitely not a numbers game. You’re just hoping you get five good bites and get them to the boat.” The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in: 1st: Kevin Drake, Cleveland, Tenn., five bass, 22-5, $13,304 (includes $7,000 Phoenix Bonus) Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com. Boater Justin Coffey of Harriman, Tenn., caught a 7-pound, 5-ounce largemouth to earn the day’s Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $835. Robert Ford of Boones Mill, Virginia, won the Strike King Co-angler Division and $2,636 Sunday after catching five bass weighing 14 pounds, 14 ounces. The top 10 Strike King co-anglers were: 1st: Robert Ford, Boones Mill, Va., five bass, 14-14, $2,636 Rasnick caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 10 pounds, 4 ounces. The catch earned him the day’s Berkley Big Bass Co-angler award of $415. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five winners in each qualifying event, will be entered in the Sept. 10-11 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Watts Bar Lake in Spring City, Tenn. 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 2022 All-American will be held June 2-4 at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is hosted by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and Visit Hot Springs. 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. 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 . |
HOBIE B.O.S. ANCHORED BY POWER-POLE PUSHES CHAMPIONSHIP PURSE TO $100,000!
|
Prestigious kayak fishing championship now boasts $45,000 first-place finish. |
|
OCEANSIDE, Calif. (January 28, 2022) - There’s big news on the 2022 Hobie Bass Open Series (B.O.S.) Anchored by Power-Pole trail. Hobie has just bumped the total purse for its Tournament of Champions (T.O.C.) series finale from $75,000 to a whopping $100,000. Included in the increase is a $45,000 reward for the first-place finisher. That’s some big bass bucks! Launched in 2019, The Hobie B.O.S. Anchored by Power-Pole is widely recognized as one of the premier kayak fishing circuits. Featuring nine, two-day open events that visit some of the most famous bass fisheries in the country, plus the three-day T.O.C. in which 50 qualifying anglers compete for the ultimate prize and bragging rights, the B.O.S. trail is open to everyone and gathers together an exceptionally competitive and diverse field that includes some of the best kayak bass anglers in the world. |
|
|
“I’m proud to see how much we’ve grown in just four years and to have our prize money reflect that growth,” says Tournament Director, A.J. McWhorter. “This is what we’ve been working for since the start. We believe kayak anglers should have these opportunities in our sport, and we feel both privileged and excited to guarantee such a tremendous championship purse before the season even starts. This $100,000 T.O.C. total payout gives every one of our participants an opportunity to aim for the highest levels, both in terms of the competition itself and the final prize.” Jody Queen, of Bluefield, WV, captured the inaugural T.O.C. title on Arkansas’ fabled Lake Ouachita back in 2019, cashing a $20,000 first-place check. Like McWhorter, he appreciates how the series has grown with the sport. “Kayak fishing is growing in leaps and bounds,” says Queen, “and it’s great to see Hobie’s purse matching that growth. With tournament payouts like this, there’s no denying this sport is the real deal.” Ryan Lambert, winner of Hobie’s second T.O.C., held on the Tennessee River in Knoxville, TN, agrees with both McWhorter and Queen. “Wow, this is big news,” says Lambert. “With an additional $10,000 for first place, you’re now seeing a payout for a 50-person event that’s equivalent to 300-participant pay outs from other organizations. The new payout reflects not only the difficulty in qualifying against such great competition, but also the challenge of winning against what could arguably be the best 50 kayak anglers in the country.” |
|
|
|
Lambert notes the Hobie B.O.S. trail as being the most prestigious kayak fishing series in North America, and says the T.O.C., in particular, is in a league of its own. “There’s not another season ending event that is on the same scale as the Hobie T.O.C.,” he explains, “and the competition gets more intense every year. You really have to bring your A-game to be competitive in this field. With a bigger purse, I think you’ll be seeing some traditional bass anglers crossing over into kayak fishing and collegiate anglers choosing the kayak route. This is going to elevate everyone while helping the sport to continue to grow.” Kristine Fischer took home a $35,000 check and the Hobie T.O.C. 2021 crown last November on Alabama’s Lake Eufaula, and she couldn’t be more excited to learn of Hobie’s new $100,000 guaranteed payout. |
|
|
“Holy cow, that is a big deal,” she states. “I realized when I first started out on this trail that Hobie and tournament director A.J. McWhorter were carefully playing the long game by planning for steady growth. Now, to see the participation, the payouts and caliber of anglers that have rallied behind the Hobie B.O.S. increase so much over the years is really something special. It’s just incredible to see how far we’ve come.” For his part, McWhorter couldn’t be more pleased. Winning the T.O.C. $45,000 first-place prize, he explains, can change the trajectory of an angler’s year – or even career – while potentially allowing them to fulfill dreams of becoming more professional fisherman in the kayak space. |
|
|
That, concludes Fischer, is right on point. “This larger purse speaks highly of the limitless opportunities available to us,” she says definitively. “It truly lets us know there is a future in professional, even full-time, kayak fishing and that’s really exciting. I can’t wait to defend my crown this fall.” For it all to come to a head with so much at stake on renown Caddo Lake in Shreveport, Louisiana – one of the hottest bass waters in the country – is sure to make for a super-exciting finale to the 2022 Hobie B.O.S. Sponsored by Power-Pole season. Who will make the cut and cash out on top? Only time will tell, but the journey certainly promises to be a blast. |
Michael Neal Clinches Win at Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Guaranteed Rate Stop 1 on Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Dayton, Tennessee Pro Grabs Second Consecutive Major Win of His Career, Takes Home Top Prize of $100,000
BROOKELAND, Texas (Jan. 30, 2022) – Continuing to roll his momentum from one year to the next, reigning 2021 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Angler of the Year (AOY) Michael Neal of Dayton, Tennessee brought a five-bass-limit to the scale Sunday weighing 26 pounds, 5 ounces to win the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Fuel Me Guaranteed Rate Stop 1 at Sam Rayburn Reservoir Presented by Ark Fishing. With weights zeroed on the final day, Neal’s limit of 26-5 earned him the win by a whopping 8-pound, 3-ounce margin over pro Josh Bragg of Jacksonville, Alabama and the top prize of $100,000.
With back-to-back major career wins across two pro trails, Neal is quickly becoming a dominant force in the sport of bass fishing, finishing the 2021 season with a win at the MLF Bass Pro Tour Carparts.com Stage Seven at Lake St. Clair Presented by Covercraft and taking the 2021 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit AOY title, before cruising to his most recent win on Sam Rayburn Reservoir.
“It’s exciting to just pick up right where I left off last year,” said Neal. “I don’t know how long this streak will continue but it’s been a great two years so far.
“I think the reason my fishing has picked up so much last year and this year is just the amount of time I’m spending on the water,” continued Neal. “Fishing both the Pro Circuit and the Bass Pro Tour, I fished more than 20 tournaments last year and I’m looking at about the same number of events this year as well. You’ve got to be versatile, and I definitely struggled with that early on in my career, wanting to fish with big rods and big line all the time, but I’m learning to let the fish tell me what they’re going to do and to not try to force things.”
With an 8-pound, 9-ounce kicker to start the final day, Neal seemed to be more than happy following what the fish wanted to do.
“That fish really whipped me,” said Neal. “It took a long time to get it in the boat – it seemed like 10 minutes. I was trying to stay where I was to keep fishing that spot, but once that fish came up and I saw how big it was, I decided to go chase it down.
“It’s been a great week and it’s taken a long time to get to this point, but momentum is everything. We’ve spent a lot of time on this stage coming in second and third, but I finally got the monkey off my back in the Pro Circuit and that feels really good.
“I thought there would be a couple 20-pound-bags today, but 26-5 is a big bag,” continued Neal. “I knew whoever was going to win was going to have to have five good bites, and I was fortunate enough to have five good bites. I actually lost a couple more that would have really helped my bag out, but in the end, I didn’t need them.”
Neal said on Day 1 he caught pretty much everything on a spinning rod and a drop-shot, fishing out deeper at 20 to 22 feet, but his strategy changed as the tournament progressed.
“They seemed to pull up a little bit on Day 3, up in that 8- to 12-foot range,” said Neal. “I caught one on a Big Bite Baits Suicide Shad Swimbait, another one on a SPRO John Crews Little John MD 50 Crankbait and a couple others on a jerkbait. I caught all of my fish on a jerkbait today.”
Neal said he found a lot of his fish during the tournament, just trolling around looking at his Lowrance ActiveTarget Sonar.
“I’m really looking forward to the start of the Bass Pro Tour,” said Neal. “I want to see if we can keep this momentum going for the whole 2022 season.”
The top 10 pros at the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Guaranteed Rate Stop 1 on the Sam Rayburn Reservoir finished:
1st: Michael Neal of Dayton, Tenn., five bass, 26-5, $100,000
2nd: Josh Bragg of Jacksonville, Ala., five bass, 18-2, $30,000
3rd: Randy Despino of Colfax, La., five bass, 16-11, $25,000
4th: Spencer Shuffield of Hot Springs, Ark., five bass, 14-6, $20,000
5th: Evan Barnes of Hot Springs, Ark., five bass, 13-2, $19,000
6th: Josh Butler of Hayden, Ala., five bass, 11-12, $18,000
7th: Pete Ponds of Madison, Miss., five bass, 11-1, $17,000
8th: Dylan Hays of Hot Springs, Ark., five bass, 10-7, $16,000
9th: Jeff Bridges of Prosper, Texas, five bass, 10-4, $15,000
10th: Matt Becker of Finleyville, Pa., four bass, 9-15, $14,000
For a full list of results visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 49 bass weighing 142 pounds, 1 ounce caught by 10 pros Sunday. The catch included 9 five-bass limits.
The MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Fuel Me Guaranteed Rate Stop 1 at Sam Rayburn Reservoir Presented by Ark Fishing is hosted by the Jasper County Development District.
The MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Fuel Me Guaranteed Rate Stop 1 at Sam Rayburn Reservoir Presented by Ark Fishing will feature live on-the-water coverage and a two-hour action-packed television show that will premiere on the CBS Sports Network on Saturday, July 2 from 7 to 9 a.m. ET.
In Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit competition, the full field of anglers typically compete in the two-day opening round on Thursday and Friday. With Friday’s competition canceled due to weather, the full field advanced to Saturday. Only the top 10 pros continued competition on Sunday, where weights were zeroed and the winner was determined by the heaviest weight from the final day of competition.
Throughout the season, anglers are also vying for valuable points in hopes of qualifying for the 2022 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit TITLE Presented by Mercury, the Pro Circuit Championship, where they will compete for up to $235,000. The 2022 TITLE will be on the St. Lawrence River in Massena, New York on Aug. 16-21, and is hosted by the Town of Massena.
Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Fuel Me include: 4WP, 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, A.R.E. Truck Caps, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, Fuel Me, 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 information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit on the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Tournament on Harris Chain of Lakes Cancelled Due to High Winds and Inclement Weather
Tournament Rescheduled for Sunday, March 6
|
WHAT:
The Major League Fishing (MLF) Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine event on Harris Chain of Lakes, originally scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 29, has been canceled due to extremely high winds and unsafe conditions. The event has been rescheduled to take place on Sunday, March 6, on Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Fla. WHEN: WHERE: NOTES: 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 2022 All-American will be held June 2-4 at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is hosted by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and Visit Hot Springs. 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. |
Michael Neal Moves Ahead on Day Three of Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Guaranteed Rate Stop 1 on Sam Rayburn Reservoir
BROOKELAND, Texas (Jan. 29, 2022) – Reigning 2021 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Angler of the Year Michael Neal of Dayton, Tennessee , brought five bass to the scale Saturday weighing 15 pounds, 2 ounces to take the lead after Day 3 of the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Fuel Me Guaranteed Rate Stop 1 at Sam Rayburn Reservoir Presented by Ark Fishing. Neal leads a field of 10 pros who will advance to Championship Sunday where their weights will be zeroed in the competition for a top prize of up to $135,000.
With Friday’s tournament day cancelled due to high winds, the full field of 158 anglers competed Saturday, facing tough early conditions as they were met with colder weather on the legendary fishery. Day 1 leader Josh Butler of Hayden, Alabama finished the day in second place with a 12-15 bag, for a two-day total of 32-14, only 4 ounces ahead of pro Jeff Bridges of Prosper, Texas, who ended the day in third place with 32-10.
Randy Despino of Colfax, Louisiana, made the biggest move on Day 3, starting the day in 49thplace and finishing in 6th, thanks to a 20-pound bag and a 4-pound, 9-ounce kicker.
To say that Neal began the 2022 season riding a wave of momentum would be an understatement. Fishing both the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and the Bass Pro Tour in 2021 and 2022, Neal finished the 2021 Bass Pro Tour season with a win at the Carparts.com Stage Seven at Lake St. Clair Presented by Covercraft last September. He also finished 2nd at the 2021 Bass Pro Shops REDCREST on Lake Eufaula Presented by Old Wisconsin Sausage, along with five other Top 10 finishes across both circuits in 2021.
“If the weather would have been stable today, the overall weights would have been better,” said Neal. “I didn’t even have a limit until 2 p.m. today and then finally figured something out. If it works again tomorrow, it could be a good day.”
Neal said on Day 1 he caught them all out deep, on finesse gear, but it seemed like the fish had moved up shallower today, and he was able to catch them on moving baits.
“Going into the tournament, I felt like 10 pounds per day was going to be really good, for me,” said Neal. “I didn’t have very high expectations at all for this event, but it’s great starting the 2022 season back where I left off and just keeping the momentum going.”
Neal said he believes Championship Sunday is anybody’s game.
“I don’t think any one person has a clear advantage going into the championship round,” continued Neal. “It’s just going to be whoever gets a couple of those really big bites. I think that will make the difference tomorrow.
“I predict we will see the biggest bag of the tournament tomorrow and someone will bring in a 21- to 22-pound bag to seal the win.”
The top 10 pros advancing to the final day of competition Sunday on the Sam Rayburn Reservoir are:
1st: Michael Neal of Dayton, Tenn., 10 bass, 33-9
2nd: Josh Butler of Hayden, Ala., 10 bass, 32-14
3rd: Jeff Bridges of Prosper, Texas, 10 bass, 32-10
4th: Evan Barnes of Hot Springs, Ark., 10 bass, 32-7
5th: Matt Becker of Finleyville, Pa., 10 bass, 32-5
6th: Randy Despino of Colfax, La., 10 bass, 32-1
7th: Dylan Hays of Hot Springs, Ark., 10 bass, 31-10
8th: Pete Ponds of Madison, Miss., 10 bass, 30-3
9th: Spencer Shuffield of Hot Springs, Ark., 10 bass, 30-2
10th: Josh Bragg of Jacksonville, Ala., 10 bass, 30-1
Anglers finishing 11th through 20th are:
11th: Barron Adams of Mineral Bluff, Ga. 10 bass, 29-13, $11,000
12th: Justin Cooper, Zwolle, La., 10 bass, 28-13, $11,000
13th: John Hunter of Shelbyville, Ky., 10 bass, 28-11, $11,000
14th: David Walker of Huntingdon, Tenn., 10 bass, 28-5, $11,000
15th: Dicky Newberry of Houston, Texas, 10 bass, 28-4, $11,000
16th: Laramy Strickland of Bushnell, Fla., 10 bass, 28-1, $11,000
17th: Jacob Wall of New Hope, Ala., 10 bass, 28-0, $11,000
18th: Nick Hatfield of Greeneville, Tenn., 10 bass, 27-14, $11,000
19th: Blake Hall of Guntersville, Ala., 10 bass, 27-13, $11,000
20th: Dakota Ebare of Brookeland, Texas, 10 bass, 27-12, $11,000
For a full list of results visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Lance Crawford of Broken Bow, Oklahoma won the day's $1,000 Berkley Big Bass award after bringing a bass weighing 7 pounds, 5 ounces to the scale.
Overall, there were 643 bass weighing 1,486 pounds, 8 ounces caught by 151 pros Saturday. The catch included 104 five-bass limits.
The MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Fuel Me Guaranteed Rate Stop 1 at Sam Rayburn Reservoir Presented by Ark Fishing is hosted by the Jasper County Development District.
In Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit competition, the full field of anglers compete in the two-day opening round on Thursday and Friday. With Friday’s competition canceled due to weather, the full field advanced to Saturday. Only the top 10 pros continue competition on Sunday, where weights are zeroed, and the winner is determined by the heaviest weight from the final day of competition.
Throughout the season, anglers are also vying for valuable points in hopes of qualifying for the 2022 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit TITLE Presented by Mercury, the Pro Circuit Championship, where they will compete for up to $235,000. The 2022 TITLE will be on the St. Lawrence River in Massena, New York on Aug. 16-21, and is hosted by the Town of Massena.
The final 10 anglers will take off at 7 a.m. CT on. Sunday from the Umphrey Family Pavilion, located at 5438 RR 255 in Brookeland. Texas. Weigh-in will also be held at the park Sunday at 3 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend the event or follow the live on-the-water action online on MLF NOW! beginning at 7:30 a.m. CT at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Fuel Me Guaranteed Rate Stop 1 at Sam Rayburn Reservoir Presented by Ark Fishing will feature live on-the-water coverage and a two-hour action-packed television show that will premiere on the CBS Sports Network on Saturday, July 2 from 7 to 9 a.m. ET.
Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Fuel Me include: 4WP, 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, A.R.E. Truck Caps, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, Fuel Me, 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 information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit on the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Day Two Postponed at Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Fuel Me
High Winds Force Delay at Guaranteed Rate Stop 1 on Sam Rayburn Reservoir Presented by Ark Fishing
“Due to current wind and forecasted wind, we decided to postpone Day 2 of the event,” said Kathy Fennel, MLF Executive Vice President and General Manager. “There are pretty strong winds projected all day, and we had to make the safe call for the field.”
Anglers will take off at 7 a.m. from Umphrey Family Pavilion, located at 5438 RR 255 in Brookeland, Texas, Saturday and Sunday. Weigh-ins will also be held at the park daily at 3 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend the event or follow live on-the-water action online on MLF NOW! beginning at 7:30 a.m. CT at MajorLeagueFishing.com .
For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit on the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Diverse Game Plans Will Be Necessary For Bassmaster Open On Kissimmee
Florida's Kissimmee Chain of Lakes will host the St. Croix Bassmaster Southern Open Feb. 3-5, 2022.
Photo by B.A.S.S.
January 28, 2022
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Spreading out will not be a problem for anglers competing in the St. Croix Bassmaster Southern Open on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, but Bassmaster Elite Series pro Scott Martin said the key to success lies in leveraging that massive area for insulation against seasonal weather fluctuations.
Competition days will be Feb. 3-5 with daily takeoffs from Big Toho Marina (Kissimmee Lakefront Park) at 7 a.m. ET and weigh-ins each day at the park at 3 p.m.
With four major lakes — Tohopekaliga (Toho), Cypress, Hatchineha and Kissimmee — linked by canals, the Kissimmee Chain covers approximately 65,000 acres. Notably, Shingle Creek, on Toho’s northwest side, forms the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. Tournament boundaries stop at Lake Kissimmee’s south end, but its namesake river continues south to Lake Okeechobee.
Within the Kissimmee Chain’s expanses, anglers will find dense hydrilla beds, hyacinth mats, lily pads, pencil reeds, cattails, offshore Kissimmee grass, docks and shellbars (freshwater mussels). Martin said the lakes are in good condition and bass populations are strong.
“Lake Toho is full of grass, with very clear water and fairly normal water levels,” Martin said. “When you lock through and get into what we call the lower chain, which is Cypress Lake, Hatchineha and Kissimmee, the water level in that system is a lot lower this year because (the state) is doing some work on areas of the canal in Lake Cypress, so they’ve kept the lake lower.
“That’s going to affect some of the shoreline bites around the lake. In the past, when we’ve had higher water, on the lower chain, you have a lot of arrowheads (an emergent vegetation) and a lot of swampy-type habitat, but that might not be an option this year because of the water levels being down.”
Martin said if the lower chain’s water level remains low through the tournament, anglers will likely shift their focus more to offshore targets such as lily pads and submerged vegetation. Toho should allow anglers to take their pick of the usual menu.
“Toho’s always going to shine, but it can be won anywhere,” Martin said. “We’ve had unseasonably warm conditions all the way up until (the third week of January) when it got as cold as it’s been the last several months.
“If we get a decent little warming trend, that cold weather should set the fish up for a decent little spawn. A lot of people say, ‘I hate the cold fronts in Florida,’ but those cold fronts are a little bit of a necessity because it sets the fish up. It’s hard to catch them during a cold front, but it gets them ready and makes them react to the warm weather.”
Martin predicts that Toho’s offshore game holds the greatest winning potential. The key, he said, will be locating the prime stretch of shellbars.
“You literally can win a three-day tournament on one spot,” he said. “A big school will park there and you can catch a big sack. Most lakes in Florida are featureless, and when you have a shell bottom, it attracts shad and bluegill and the bass go there to feed.
“A lot of people know that now and probably are going to spend a lot more time on Toho. That’s when a sneaky little area on the lower chain can be a lights-out situation.”
Martin said Toho’s offshore game will be dominated by swimbaits, bladed jigs, lipless baits and Carolina rigs. If the fish move up to spawn, he suggests swimming worms, frogs and ChatterBaits.
On the lower chain, pitching Texas-rigged creature baits and Senkos in pads or casting lipless baits and bladed jigs around submerged vegetation are common patterns. If cold weather persists, punching mats and fishing the canals could play a role.
“The key will be paying attention to the weather and finding fish on the upper chain and finding an offshore pattern in the lower chain,” Martin said. “Weather can change and shut down one or the other, especially big winds from a cold front will bring waves and affect water clarity. So, you have to be prepared.”
Well-known for its abundance of huge fish, the Kissimmee Chain produced the heaviest single-day catch (five-bass limit) in B.A.S.S. history — Dean Rojas’ astounding 2001 mega bag that weighed 45 pounds, 2 ounces. That event was held in mid-January, so Opens anglers will be competing in the same general time frame.
Rojas found a key stretch at the mouth of Shingle Creek, where a wave of giants had just moved up to spawn. Such magic moments are rare, but that same quality still swims these waters.
“Anytime in Florida you have to say (the winning total) will be close to 57 to 60 pounds for three days,” Martin said. “I think it will take 16 1/2 for two days to make the Top 10.”
The tournament is being hosted by the Kissimmee Sports Commission.
Josh Butler Leads Day 1 Season Opener of Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Guaranteed Rate Stop 1 on Sam Rayburn Reservoir
BROOKELAND, Texas (Jan. 27, 2022) – Pro Josh Butler of Hayden, Alabama , weighed a five-bass limit totaling 19 pounds, 15 ounces Thursday to grab the early lead after Day 1 of the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Guaranteed Rate Stop 1 at Sam Rayburn Reservoir Presented by Ark Fishing. Pros Jeff Bridges of Prosper, Texas and Keith Carson of DeBary, Florida ended the day tied for second place, just 5 ounces behind Butler, after each bringing a 19-10 limit to the scale.
In its 27th season, the Pro Circuit features a roster of 158 of the world’s best bass-fishing professionals competing across six regular-season events, each with a top award of up to $135,000. The tournament marks the first of six regular-season Pro Circuit events and offers competitors a total purse of more than $850,000.
“Today started out great,” said Butler. “I went to my first spot this morning and had a school fire up right off the bat and caught a quick limit of 11-12 pounds within the first hour. After that I just went out deep looking for some bigger fish, anywhere from 15 to 25 feet, and just bounced around. I probably hit 30 places throughout the day, got lucky and caught a few big ones.”
A great start indeed for the second-year pro who is fishing his first tournament on the Sam Rayburn Reservoir.
“I came over here the first of January and fished three days of pre-practice, and obviously the two days of practice this week, but this was my first day to compete on Rayburn.”
Butler said getting off to a really good start on the first day of the first event was his primary focus going into the 2022 season.
“The worst thing you can do is put yourself behind on the first day of the year,” said Butler. “I won’t say I was just wanting to survive this tournament; I mean I felt like I could go catch 12 to 13 pounds but getting off to a really strong start on the first day means a lot. Now I just need to try to keep the momentum going and see if I can put it together for tomorrow as well.
“I feel very blessed,” continued Butler. “I got lucky today and caught two big ones. I think I can go catch 10-12 more tomorrow, but we’ll see. It’s Rayburn, so the big ones definitely live here.”
The top 10 pros after Day 1 on the Sam Rayburn Reservoir are:
1st: Josh Butler of Hayden, Ala., five bass, 19-15
2nd: Jeff Bridges of Prosper, Texas, five bass, 19-10
2nd: Keith Carson of DeBary, Fla., five bass, 19-10
4th: Matt Becker of Finleyville, Pa., five bass, 18-8
5th: Michael Neal of Dayton, Tenn., five bass, 18-7
6th: Barron Adams of Mineral Bluff, Ga., five bass, 17-12
7th: Dakota Ebare of Brookeland, Texas, five bass, 17-10
8th: Laramy Strickland of Bushnell, Fla., five bass, 16-10
9th: Jacob Wall of New Hope, Ala., five bass, 16-5
10th: Dylan Hays of Hot Springs, Ark., five bass, 16-2
For a full list of results visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Bridges won the day's $1,000 Berkley Big Bass award after bringing a bass weighing 10 pounds, 6 ounces to the scale.
Overall, there were 702 bass weighing 1,664 pounds caught by 156 pros Thursday. The catch included 120 five-bass limits.
The MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Guaranteed Rate Stop 1 at Sam Rayburn Reservoir Presented by Ark Fishing is hosted by the Jasper County Development District.
In Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit competition, the full field of anglers compete in the two-day opening round on Thursday and Friday. The top 50 pros based on their two-day cumulative weight advance to Saturday. Only the top 10 pros continue competition on Sunday, where weights are zeroed, and the winner is determined by the heaviest weight from the final day of competition.
Throughout the season, anglers are also vying for valuable points in hopes of qualifying for the 2022 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit TITLE Presented by Mercury, the Pro Circuit Championship, where they will compete for up to $235,000. The 2022 TITLE will be on the St. Lawrence River in Massena, New York on Aug. 16-21, and is hosted by the Town of Massena.
Anglers will take off at 7 a.m. CT each day from the Umphrey Family Pavilion, located at 5438 RR 255 in Brookeland. Texas. Weigh-ins will also be held at the park daily at 3 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend the event or follow the live on-the-water action all four days of competition online on MLF NOW! beginning at 7:30 a.m. CT at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Guaranteed Rate Stop 1 at Sam Rayburn Reservoir Presented by Ark Fishing will feature live on-the-water coverage and a two-hour action-packed television show that will premiere on the CBS Sports Network on Saturday, July 2 from 7 to 9 a.m. ET.
Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Fuel Me include: 4WP, 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, A.R.E. Truck Caps, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, Fuel Me, 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 information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit on the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Letter of Thanks
Costa Compete + Conserve
In 2021, Costa Sunglasses expanded its longtime support of bass fishing with the introduction of Costa Compete + Conserve - a contingency program that not only awards the highest placing angler wearing Costa Sunglasses in select tournament trails, but it also donates to one of five conservation partners on the angler’s behalf.
An industry first, the popular bass fishing contingency program proved to be highly successful in its inaugural year, and looks forward to continued growth in 2022.
But before we look ahead, we first want to spotlight the conservation element of this program and simply say “thank you” to all involved.
Protecting our watery resources has long been a pillar of the Costa Sunglasses brand, which is why Compete + Conserve was built around a conservation ethic. The special donation to these purpose-aligned partners enables bass anglers - from the top professional to the weekend fisherman - to play a part in protecting the waterways and fisheries we love so dearly.
In just one year, more than $21,000 was donated on behalf of the winning anglers and Costa Sunglasses. The quotes and project information below illuminate the overwhelming sense of gratitude surrounding this program from conservation partners and anglers alike.
"We are grateful that the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame was chosen as one of the organizations that anglers can select in the Costa Compete + Conserve contingency program. This program is a great example of Costa's long-standing commitment to the conservation of our natural resources. This year's donation and future expansion of the program will not only showcase Costa's conservation ethic, but help spread the word about the good things the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame is doing to celebrate, promote and preserve the sport of bass fishing.”
- Conservation Director, Gene Gilliand
“The scope of and need for reservoir habitat restoration is beyond the capability of government agencies alone. It will take public and private partnerships to meet these challenges. The mission of Friends of Reservoirs is to create and foster such partnerships. All reservoir users (anglers, boaters, lake associations, municipalities, corporations) are needed to join professional fisheries and reservoir managers in turning the tide of habitat degradation in our nation’s aquatic systems.
Friends of Reservoirs applauds Costa’s corporate conservation ethic and developing the Costa Compete + Conserve Program, to further these conservation efforts. Friends of Reservoirs will use Costa’s donation to expand our Small Grants Program which focuses on promoting collaborative habitat restoration efforts.”
- Coordinator of the Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership, Jeff Boxrucker
National Fishing & Wildlife Foundation
“The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation very much appreciates the support received this year from Costa Compete + Conserve. These and other funds will be put to good use helping to protect and restore vital habitats throughout the United States, including the freshwater streams, rivers and lakes that are home to native bass species.”
- Director of Corporate Relations, Michael Moerschbaecher
The Johnny Morris Wonders of Wildlife Foundation
“Donations from programs like Costa Compete + Conserve enable us to partner with local organizations, as well as support national and global conservation efforts, ensuring wildlife and wild places for future generations! Huge thanks to Costa and the Compete + Conserve contingency program for their efforts in 2021.”
-VP of Operations for Conservation Attractions, Bryan Nadeau
“Healthy fish need healthy rivers. Through Costa’s Compete + Conserve program, anglers can do what they love while protecting what they love — rivers. American Rivers is grateful to Costa and to all of the bass anglers who chose American Rivers as their donation recipient through this program. Their dedication helps us protect and restore rivers and clean water, so that fish — and fishing — can thrive far into the future.
Donations through Costa’s Compete + Conserve program will help American Rivers permanently protect and restore more than 10,000 miles of rivers nationwide and work in 25 cities to improve access to healthy rivers and clean water in 2022.”
- Director of Corporate Relations, Anne Paterson
Four-Time Compete + Conserve winner and Costa PRO, Ott DeFoe
“Compete + Conserve not only puts more money in our (the anglers’) pockets, but it really gets us thinking about conservation efforts. Winning bonus money is great, but this program enables me and other anglers to give back to our freshwater resources is what makes Compete + Conserve truly special.”
Costa PRO, Casey Ashley
“Let’s be honest, if you’re a tournament angler and you’re not wearing Costas, you’re doing yourself a huge disservice. So my take on it, is why not seize the opportunity to make more money for yourself and benefit conservation? It just makes sense to me, and even more than that, it allows us to be a part of something bigger.”
Costa PRO, Kevin VanDam
“It’s evident that Costa is driven to a higher calling than just making high quality fishing sunglasses. The work they do to protect the fisheries - where we’re lucky enough to work and play - in addition to the future of our sport is what made me so excited to be a part of this brand. Since coming on board, I’ve been telling as many folks I know about Compete + Conserve. The program is a great way to get our industry involved in doing our part for future generations.”
Daiwa Finalizes Multiyear Deal As Bassmaster Tournament Trail Supporting Sponsor
January 27, 2022
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Daiwa, one of the world’s largest tackle companies, has signed on as a supporting sponsor for the Bassmaster Tournament Trail through 2024, B.A.S.S. officials announced today.
“All of us at Daiwa are very excited about our next step with B.A.S.S. as a supporting sponsor,” said Daiwa President Carey Graves. “Our passion for the sport of bass fishing drives us as a company to create and innovate fun and exciting new products and, with our new partnership, this will give us an opportunity to showcase them in a way that we can interact with the B.A.S.S. members and supporters. We look forward to the future with B.A.S.S. and their members!”
Daiwa’s pro staff of Bassmaster Elite Series anglers Seth Feider, Chris Johnston, Cory Johnston, Brandon Palaniuk and Patrick Walters combined for a stellar season, sweeping the Top 5 spots in Angler of the Year standings and earning 15 Top 10 finishes. Walters also brought home his second Century Belt with his 102-pound, 5-ounce four-day haul at Lake Fork.
“Having the opportunity to work with Daiwa was a career-changing move,” said Walters. “With their top-of-the-line gear, your only thought is catching the next fish.”
The highlights continued in the Bassmaster Opens, where Palaniuk took the win at the Northern Open at James River and Cory Johnston captured his first B.A.S.S. victory at the Northern Open at 1000 Islands/St. Lawrence River.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Daiwa as a new supporting sponsor as we partner to advance sportfishing,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “Daiwa already supports some of the biggest stars on the Bassmaster Elite Series, and we are excited for the opportunity to partner with Daiwa to reach anglers both here at home and abroad as we nurture a new generation of tournament anglers at our Bassmaster events and through our industry-leading platforms.”
As a supporting sponsor for the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bassmaster Team Championship and the grass-roots TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation regional and championship tournaments, Daiwa will enjoy exposure in Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times magazines and across various social media platforms. Additionally, Daiwa will be highlighted during Bassmaster LIVE, which is streamed on Bassmaster.com and broadcast Saturday and Sunday mornings on the FOX Sports platforms.
Pro Circuit's Andy Newcomb
As the 2022 MLF Pro Circuit Season kicks off on Sam Rayburn, DX comes in clutch with PC Rookie Andy Newcomb to tell you guys how he got started in tournament fishing and how he made his way to the Major League Fishing Pro Circuit!
Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour Set to Open Season in Louisiana with B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One
First Tournament of 2022 Bass Pro Tour Season to Showcase 80 Pro Anglers Competing on Lake D’Arbonne, Caney Creek and Bussey Brake Over Six Days for Purse of $805,000
MONROE-WEST MONROE, La. (Jan. 26, 2022) – Major League Fishing (MLF) is set to kick-off the fourth season of the MLF Bass Pro Tour, the most competitive circuit in professional fishing, in Monroe and West Monroe, Louisiana, next week, Feb. 5-10, with the first regular-season tournament of the 2022 season – the B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One Presented by Power-Pole.
Hosted by Discover Monroe-West Monroe, the six-day event will showcase 80 of the best professional anglers in the world, including bass-fishing superstars like Kevin VanDam, Ott DeFoe, Jacob Wheeler, and Louisiana pros Gerald Spohrer of Gonzales and Cliff Crochet of Pierre Part, fishing for a purse of more than $805,000, including a top payout of $100,000 and valuable points in hopes of qualifying for REDCREST 2023, the Bass Pro Tour championship.
“We are proud to host this international event in North East Louisiana in cooperation with the Louisiana Office of Tourism,” said Alana Cooper, Discover Monroe-West Monroe President and CEO. “We are excited to bring in some of the best fisherman to experience Sportsman’s Paradise.”
The tournament will feature the MLF catch, weigh, immediate-release format, in which anglers catch as much weight as they can each day, while also feeling the pressure and intensity of the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard. The tournament is being filmed for broadcast later this year on the Discovery Channel.
This event will mark the first time ever that an MLF tournament has taken place in Monroe-West Monroe. With no prior history on the fisheries and local experts predicting peak timing, Louisiana pro Gerald Spohrer is expecting an extremely fun and competitive tournament.
“This is going to be such a fun tournament to start the season,” Spohrer said. “Although these fisheries are all in the same region, they are all very different. D’Arbonne is probably going to be the toughest and most challenging fishery we face. The lake is definitely the most difficult to navigate – you have to idle a lot because there are so many stumps and other things. It eats up a lot of time anytime you try to get off the main channel and to the shoreline. There are plenty of big fish that live there, but it’s not a place where you’re going to get a lot of bites.
“If you make it through the Qualifying Rounds, Caney Creek should be really good,” Spohrer continued. “Caney is very easy to run around and it has a lot of grass – some real healthy hydrilla. We’ll see some good fish in the Knockout Round.
“Bussey Brake in the Championship Round is also going to be very interesting,” Spohrer said. “I’m not real sure how that is going to play out. There has never been a tournament there, but I know there are some big fish there. It should be good – hopefully it will be real good.”
Spohrer said that he expects lipless and squarebill crankbaits to be strong players for tournament competitors – he’ll have a Nomad Design Vertrex lipless crankbait and a Nomad Design Atlas squarebill tied on – but that the key to an angler doing well will be having confidence in their area.
“Guys are just going to need to keep their head down and fish, knowing that they may not get a lot of bites,” Spohrer went on to say. “It’s not going to be uncommon to go an hour or so without a bite. But it takes so much time to move – if a guy can find a pattern, put his head down and minimize the move time, I think they will do well.”
In the four-day opening Qualifying Rounds, anglers will compete on Lake D’Arbonne and launch at 7:30 a.m. from the Lake D’Arbonne State Park, located at 3628 Evergreen Road in Farmerville, Louisiana. The Knockout Round will take place on Caney Creek Reservoir, where anglers will launch at 7:30 a.m. from the Caney Creek Hooks Marina, located at 400 Spillway Road in Chatham, Louisiana. For the final day Championship Round, the final 10 anglers will compete on Bussey Brake, launching at 7:30 a.m. from Bonner Ferry Road, five miles northwest of Bastrop off of Hwy 593. Each day’s General Tire Takeout Ceremonies will be held at the respective launch ramps, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all takeoff and takeout ceremonies and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLF NOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
As part of the event, fans will also have the opportunity to come out and meet the MLF pros up close and personal at the Major League Fishing Festival, part of the North Delta Boat & Outdoor Show at the Monroe Civic Center in Monroe, Sat., Feb. 5, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sun. Feb. 6, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival is a chance for fishing fans to meet their favorite Bass Pro Tour anglers, register for the “Pick ‘Til You Win” game with a top prize of a 2022 Toyota Tundra or a 70-inch 4K UHD Smart TV, visit the MLF Kids Zone to catch a live catfish out of the fishing pond, meet characters from the PAW Patrol courtesy of Kid Casters, and enjoy live concerts from local musicians each day. For more information on the Major League Fishing Festival and the North Delta Boat & Outdoor Show, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Prior to the Major League Fishing Festival at the Monroe Civic Center, MLF will be hosting a kickoff event with kids from the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Louisiana on Friday, Feb. 4 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The kids will be the first to get a chance to catch live catfish in the Kids Fishing Pond and win trophies and certificates. Special surprise guests are also scheduled to appear.
The B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One Presented by Power-Pole will feature anglers competing with a 1-pound, 8-ounce minimum weight requirement on Lake D’Arbonne, and a 2-pound minimum weight requirement on Caney Creek and Bussey Brake for a bass to be deemed scorable. Minimum weights are determined individually for each competition waters that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.
The Bass Pro Tour features a field of 80 of the top professional anglers in the world competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, competing for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and the REDCREST 2023 championship.
The 40 Anglers in Group A compete in their two-day qualifying round on Lake D’Arbonne 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 Tuesday’s Knockout Round on Caney Creek Reservoir, while the winner of each group advances directly to Wednesday’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 on Bussey Brake. In the final day Championship Round, weights are zeroed and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.
The MLF NOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee, Marty Stone and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action on all six days of competition from 8:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET. MLF NOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.
Television coverage of the B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One Presented by Power-Pole will premiere at 7 a.m. ET, Sept. 3 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 competition.
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.
Fuel Me Named Exclusive Fuel Provider of Major League Fishing and Presenting Sponsor of the 2022 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit
Revolutionary Fuel Procurement Meets Seamless and Comprehensive User Experience, MLF Fuel Card Offers Fans 1.5% Cash Back on Every Purchase
TULSA, Okla. (Jan. 25, 2022) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced today that Fuel Me, a cloud-based technology platform used to simplify and automate the fuel procurement and management process, has signed on as the Exclusive Fuel Provider of Major League Fishing and the Presenting Sponsor of the 2022 MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit.
Fuel Me’s innovative development of mobile and desktop portals allows customers to simplify fuel ordering and delivery, while managing their orders in real time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with GPS live order tracking.
“Fuel Me is honored to be the Exclusive Fuel Provider for Major League Fishing,” said William Marr, President of Fuel Me. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our business model and vision for the future, and we are very excited to bring greater awareness to Fuel Me’s fuel procurement and management platform.
“We are also excited to announce that Fuel Me is developing an MLF-branded fuel card that will help support the league, while giving 1.5% cash back to each fan with every purchase – a win-win for all involved. We are eager to kick off the 2022 season and can’t wait to see where this new relationship with MLF takes us.”
The sponsorship includes commercials and graphic billboards in Bass Pro Tour and Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit programming on Discovery Channel, CBS Sports Network and the Sportsman Channel, as well as a strong brand presence within both professional tours’ in-show and on-site opportunities. The agreement also provides significant brand exposure on the MLF NOW!livestream for both tours and prominent logo placement on angler jerseys, competition official jerseys and boats during the General Tire Heavy Hitters All-Star Event in Tyler, Texas, Apr. 9-14.
With decades of experience in the energy distribution industry, Fuel Me’s mission is to provide a seamless and comprehensive user experience while expanding clean energy product initiatives and positioning itself as the energy distribution solution of the future.
“Major League Fishing is excited to join forces with Fuel Me, a brand that developed a truly innovative and disruptive technology solution within its industry,” said Jim Wilburn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Major League Fishing. “MLF had similar origins with our pioneering of the catch-weigh-immediate release format of the MLF Cups and the Bass Pro Tour. We believe the combined forces of these two groundbreaking brands will propel both companies into 2022 with renewed vigor and maximum exposure to our shared audience.”
The 2022 professional bass fishing seasons will launch over the next two weeks with the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Fuel Me Guaranteed Rate Stop 1 at Sam Rayburn Reservoir Presented by Ark Fishing, Jan. 27-30, and the Bass Pro Tour B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One Presented by Power-Pole in Monroe and West Monroe, Louisiana, Feb. 5-10.
For more information on Fuel Me and their automated fuel procurement process, visit www.Fuel.Me. For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing, its tournaments and sponsors, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
X2Power Expands Pro Team Roster in 2022
X2Power Batteries expands their pro team and increases their support for popular bass fishing tournament trails.
HARTLAND, Wisc. (January 25, 2022) – Starting off 2022 in a positive direction, X2Power Batteries has expanded their pro team lineup to 19 members and has increased their support for popular bass fishing tournament trails around the country. New additions to the X2Power Pro Team include anglers from various locations including:
• Bassmaster Elite Series
• Bassmaster Opens
• Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour
• Major League Fishing Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit
• National Walleye Tour
• MOREThe Vice President of Category Management at Batteries Plus, Shawn Budiac, mentioned, “We are very proud of how quick the X2Power brand has entered the industry and gained the reputation that it has. Much of our success can be attributed to the great work of our pro network and local tournament partners. In 2021, our pro team lived the X2Power brand and had tremendous success in their seasons. Going into 2022 we are very proud to have all our 2021 pro’s back running X2Power batteries and we are excited to welcome an expanded group of anglers and industry experts into the X2Power family!"
X2Power Batteries Pro Team for 2022:
Bassmaster
JUSTIN ATKINS (@JustinAtkinsFishing) – Justin Atkins is from Florence, Alabama and is entering his second season as a Bassmaster Elite Series Pro. Atkins is a former college bass angler and won the Forrest Wood Cup in 2017 on Lake Murray.
DESTIN DEMARION (@DestinedToFish) – Destin DeMarion is from Grove City, Pennsylvania and is a former Bassmaster Elite Series Pro. DeMarion will be competing in the Bassmaster Opens in 2022 and guiding for Smallmouth Bass out of Presque Isle, Lake Erie in Pennsylvania.
JOSH DOUGLAS (@JoshDouglasFishing) – Josh Douglas is from Isle, Minnesota and will be competing in his first season on the Bassmaster Elite Series in 2022. Douglas is also a full-time Smallmouth Bass guide out of Mille Lacs Lake in Minnesota.
JEFF GUSTAFSON (@GussyOutdoors) – Jeff Gustafson is from Keewatin, Canada and is entering his fourth season as a Bassmaster Elite Series Pro. Gustafson won the 2021 Bassmaster Elite event on the Tennessee River and will be competing in his third Bassmaster Classic in 2022.
JUSTIN HAMNER (@JustinHamnerFishing) – Justin Hamner is from Northport, Alabama and is entering his second season on the Bassmaster Elite Series. Hamner will be competing in his first Bassmaster Classic in 2022.
CARL JOCUMSEN (@Carl_Jocumsen) – Carl Jocumsen is from Toowoomba, Australia and is the first ever Australian Basmaster Elite Series Pro. Jocumsen won a Bassmaster Elite Series event on Lake Tenkiller in 2019.
WES LOGAN (@WesLoganFishing) – Wes Logan is from Springville, Alabama and is heading into his third season on the Bassmaster Elite Series. Logan won his first Bassmaster Elite Series event in 2021 on Neely Henry Lake and will competing in his first Bassmaster Classic in 2022 on Lake Hartwell.
CHAD MORGENTHALER (@CCMorgenthaler) – Chad Morgenthaler is from Reeds Spring, Missouri and is entering his eighth season on the Bassmaster Elite Series. Morgenthaler has competed in seven Bassmaster Classics.
PAUL MUELLER (@PaulMuellerFishing) – Paul Mueller is from Naugatuck, Connecticut and is entering his seventh season on the Bassmaster Elite Series. Mueller has won two Bassmaster Elite Series events and has competed in four Bassmaster Classics.
HUNTER SHRYOCK (@HunterShryockFishing) – Hunter Shryock is from Ooltewah, Tennessee and is entering his fifth season as a Bassmaster Elite Series Pro. Shryock will be competing in his third Bassmaster Classic this coming March at Lake Hartwell.
Major League Fishing
BAILEY BOULTRIES (@BaileyBFishing) – Bailey Boultries is from Springfield, Missouri and is entering his third season on the Major League Fishing Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit.
BRENT EHRLER (@BrentEhrlerFishing) – Brent Ehrler is from Redlands, California and is entering his fourth season on the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour. Ehrler won the Forrest Wood Cup in 2006 and is in the Top-15 for all-time money winners in professional bass fishing.
JEFF SPRAGUE (@JeffSpragueFishing) – Jeff Sprague is from Wills Point, Texas and is entering his fourth season on the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour. Sprague won the 2020 MLF Challenge Cup and has more than twenty Top 10’s in his career.
MORE
TOMMY KEMOS (@TommyKemos) – Tommy Kemos is from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin and is entering the 2022 National Walleye Tour season having won just about every title to be had in professional Walleye fishing. Kemos was the 2014 National Walleye Tour Angler of the Year and was the Professional Walleye Tour champion in 2006.
JUSTIN MARTIN (@JMartinDuckman) – Justin Martin is from Louisiana and is an avid duck hunter and crappie angler. Martin is best known for his appearances on A&E hit series “Duck Dynasty” but is also the General Manager of Duck Commander.
DUANE MELLOR (@Pinnacle_SportFishing) – Duane Mellor is from San Diego, California and is the owner of Pinnacle Sportfishing outfitters. Mellor and is fleet targets just about everything that swims off the coast of Southern California.
TRENT PALMER (@PalmerTrent | @Sonar_Pros) – Trent Palmer is from Cumming, Georgia and is the founder of Sonar Pros. Sonar Pros is a group of marine electronic installation experts and offers the best marine graph wiring harness.
ALEX RUDD (@AlexRuddFishing) – Alex Rudd is from Powell, Tennessee and is a successful angler on YouTube. Specializing in bass fishing from the boat, kayak and educating his viewers through his YouTube channel and podcast, “Alex Rudd Fishing”.
In addition, X2Power Batteries will continue to support multiple popular bass fishing trails across the country including the American Bass Association (ABA), Fishers of Men (FOM) and Big Bass Splash!
A quality battery is designed to keep anglers focused on one thing, fishing. X2Power Batteries relieve all anglers of any stress about making it back to the ramp or running out of juice on the water. Putting the needs of their consumers first, there is no question as to why X2Power has become the most trusted battery for anglers and outdoorsmen.
If you want to learn more about X2Power Batteries, head to https://x2powerbattery.com/. Follow X2Power Batteries on Instagram here.
MLF Set to Open 2022 Toyota Series with Southern Division Event on Lake Okeechobee
CLEWISTON, Fla. (Jan. 25, 2022) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series presented by A.R.E. is set to open the season at Lake Okeechobee next week, Feb. 3-5, with the Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. at Lake Okeechobee . Hosted by the Hendry County Tourism Development Council, the three-day tournament will feature the region’s best bass-fishing pros and Strike King co-anglers casting for a top prize of up to $100,000 in the pro division and a new Phoenix 518 pro boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard motor in the co-angler division.
“The water is extremely high – it has been for the last six months or so,” said Power-Pole pro Darrell Davis of Dover, Florida, who has three top-10 finishes on Lake Okeechobee in Toyota Series competition. “The fish are pretty scattered, and the high water has definitely opened up quite a few new areas.
“With so much water, I don’t expect people to be fishing right on top of each other,” Davis continued. “Guys are going to be able to spread out and find productive areas of water that they will have all to themselves. The weather, as always, is going to play a huge role in this tournament. We’ve got a cold front in the forecast before the tournament and that could tighten things up.”
Davis said that he expects, “typical Florida-stuff” to be the main baits of choice – ChatterBaits, lipless crankbaits and Yamamoto Senkos will all be in the regular-rotation of baits used by tournament anglers.
“The key is going to be spending the time to locate the fish, then once you find them really slowing down and milking through your area,” Davis went on to say. “I think the weights are going to be very similar to when the Toyota Series was on Lake Okeechobee in 2020 – I predict the winner is going to need at least 53 pounds over the three days.”
Anglers will take off daily at 7 a.m. ET from Roland & Mary Ann Martin’s Marina & Resort in Clewiston. Weigh-ins will also be held at Marina and will begin at 3 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend and encouraged to follow the event 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 Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard (valued at $33,500) plus $5,000 cash.
The 2022 Toyota Series presented by A.R.E. consists of six divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern, Southwestern and Western – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the six divisions and finish in the top 25 – or the top 12 from the Wild Card division – will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series presented by A.R.E. Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 cash. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard. The 2022 Toyota Series presented by A.R.E. Championship will be held Nov. 3-5 on Lake Guntersville in Guntersville, Alabama, and is hosted by Marshall County Tourism and Sports.
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.
Kay County Student Anglers Wins MLF High School Fishing Open on Toledo Bend
MANY, La. (Jan. 24, 2022) – The Kay County Student Anglers team of Jace Anderson of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, and Ty Downs of Newkirk, Oklahoma, brought five bass to the scale Saturday weighing 15 pounds, 5 ounces, to win the MLF High School Fishing Presented by Favorite Fishing Open at Toledo Bend and advance to the 2022 High School Fishing National Championship.
A field of 64 teams competed in the no-entry fee tournament, which launched from Cypress Bend Park in Many, Louisiana. In MLF and The Bass Federation (TBF) High School Fishing competition, the top 10% of teams competing advance to the High School Fishing National Championship.
The top six teams that advanced to the 2022 High School Fishing National Championship are:
1st: Kay County Student Anglers, Kay County, Okla. – Jace Anderson, Broken Bow, Okla., and Ty Downs, Newkirk, Okla., five bass, 15-5
2nd: Northeast Louisiana High School Anglers, Sterlington, La. – Ian Carter, Bastrop, La., and Colby Dark, West Monroe, La., five bass, 14-12
3rd: North Desoto High School, Stonewall, La. – Evan Howe, Keatchie, La., and Drake Wadsworth, Frierson, La., five bass, 14-0
4th: Ruston High School, Ruston, La. – Peyton Bennett and Zachary McMillan, both of Choudrant, La., five bass, 13-15
5th: East Texas Thunder – Collin Foley and Zane Parker, both of Kingwood, Texas, five bass, 12-14
6th: Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School, Orange, Texas – Justin James and Jacob Longlois, both of Orange, Texas, four bass, 12-4
Rounding out the top 10 teams were:
7th: Highland Park, Dallas, Texas – Cullum Brown and Dylan Sorrells, both of Dallas, Texas, three bass, 8-13
8th: Captain Shreve High School, Shreveport, La. – Devyn Pennington, Shreveport, La., and Jonathan Sebren, Bethany, La., three bass, 7-12
9th: Huntington High School, Lufkin, Texas – Brise Hazelton, Kennard, Texas, and Braden Tucker, Lufkin, Texas, three bass, 7-9
10th: Live Oak High School, Watson, La. – Anthony Distefano and Rowdie Thacker, both of Denham Springs, La., one bass, 7-8
Complete results from the event can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The MLF High School Fishing Presented by Favorite Fishing Open at Toledo Bend was hosted by the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission and Toledo Bend Lake Country. The next event for High School Fishing anglers will be the MLF High School Fishing Presented by Favorite Fishing Open on Lake Guntersville, March 5, in Guntersville, Alabama.
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% of teams at each Open event, along with the TBF High School Fishing state championships, will advance to the 2022 High School Fishing National Championship. The 2022 MLF High School Fishing National Championship will be held on Pickwick and Wilson Lakes in Florence, Alabama, June 22-25, and is hosted by the Florence-Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The High School Fishing National Champions will each receive a $5,000 college scholarship to the school of their choice and advance to the 2022 MLF Toyota Series Championship to compete as co-anglers.
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.
Lamar State College–Orange Wins MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Tournament on Toledo Bend
MANY, La. (Jan. 24, 2022) – The Lamar State College–Orange duo of Trent Buchholz of Beaumont, Texas, and Dakota Posey of Orange, Texas, won the MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI event on Toledo Bend Friday with a five-bass limit weighing 16 pounds, 15 ounces. The victory earned the Gators’ bass club $2,000 and a slot in the 2023 MLF College Fishing National Championship.
“Dakota and I had been working up for this one,” said Buchholz. “And everything went right for us. When it’s your time, it’s your time. We just caught them. We never lost a fish, and it just happened. This feels awesome.”
Buchholz, who claims Sam Rayburn as his home lake, said he visited Toledo Bend the week before the tournament and fished for two days and established a pattern that produced 16 pounds one of those days. For the tournament, the team continued focusing on that pattern – targeting rocks in 5 to 15 feet of water. Buchholz said the key bait for the team was a Strike King Chick Magnet Flat-Sided Crankbait.
“The first rock point we pulled up to I caught one that was 5½ pounds on the Chick Magnet,” Buchholz said. “My partner caught two 2½-pounders on a jerkbait and we ended up culling up.”
The top 10 teams that advanced to the 2023 College Fishing National Championship are:
1st: Lamar State College–Orange – Trent Buchholz, Beaumont, Texas, and Dakota Posey, Orange, Texas, five bass, 16-15, $2,000
2nd: Tarleton State University – Sam Semper, Parker, Texas, five bass, 16-12, $1,000
3rd: Texas A&M University–Commerce – Iain McClelland, Celina, Texas, and Tristan White, Celina, Texas, five bass, 16-0, $500
4th: Louisiana Tech University – Cooper Arthur, Calhoun, La., and Brodie Paige, Biloxi, Miss., five bass, 15-7, $500
5th: Lamar State College–Orange – Brett Fregia and Jack Tindel, both of Orange, Texas, five bass, 14-8, $500
6th: Tarleton State University – Kreed Averhoff, Hico, Texas, and Jordan Kalsbeek, Stephenville, Texas, five bass, 13-14
7th: Louisiana Christian University – Harrison Bieber, Dry Prong, La., and Ben South, Jasper, Texas, five bass, 13-5
8th: Tarleton State University – Luke Lewis, Corsicana, Texas, and Blake Martinez, New Braunfels, Texas, five bass, 13-3
9th: East Texas Baptist University – Corey Morris, Rockwall, Texas, and Chase Walker, Burleson, Texas, five bass, 11-15
10th: Northwestern State University – Luke Iles, Saint Francisville, La., three bass, 11-13
Complete results for the entire field can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI event on Toledo Bend was hosted by the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission and Toledo Bend Lake Country. It was the first of three regular-season tournaments for Southern Conference anglers. The next event for College Fishing anglers will be the Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI OPEN event on Lake Chickamauga, Feb. 24-25, in Dayton, Tennessee.
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.
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.
Professional Angler Mike McClelland is Fishing for Sweet Treats at Andy’s Frozen Custard®
Partnership Announced for the 2022 Season
Springfield, MO – January 19, 2022 – Professional Angler Mike McClelland has already landed his first big win for the 2022 season. The eight-time professional level tournament winner, with 35 top 10 finishes and more than $2.1 million in earnings, recently announced a partnership with Andy’s Frozen Custard® stores in Oklahoma, Texas, Florida and other select locations.
As part of the partnership, the Andy’s logo will be prominently displayed on McClelland’s boats, transport vehicles and uniforms this year, generating brand exposure among a coveted demographic. Millions of spectators and enthusiasts are expected to follow Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour and Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit, as McClelland competes throughout the 2022 season.
"I am a long time Andy's fan and I couldn’t be prouder to be displaying the Andy's Frozen Custard logo on my equipment and uniform this year,” McClelland said. “But even more important to me are what the sport of fishing and Andy’s have in common -- family and fun – two things that I really care about.”
To celebrate the partnership, Andy’s is giving away FREE frozen custard treats for a year to five lucky winners. Participants can enter by downloading the Yum Squad App and entering the promo code MMAFY122.
“This is a cool opportunity for me personally to not only be able to reconnect with a childhood friend whom I have followed for years, but to also be in a position professionally as an Andy’s Frozen Custard franchisee to support Mike and his career,” said Eric Reed, co-owner and CEO of Ranchers Custard Company, which operates multiple Andy’s Frozen Custard franchise locations in Oklahoma, Texas and Florida that are participating in the promotion.
McClelland fans can look forward to store visits and special events during his tour, with the opportunity to interact with the Blue Eye, Missouri pro, who has one of the best reputations in the fishing industry.
In its 36th year of “putting grins above chins” by offering the World’s Finest Frozen Custard treats, Andy’s has a growing portfolio of innovative regional and national sports marketing programs. In 2021, the brand announced agreements with motorsports and professional hockey.
Offering safe and lightning-fast drive-thru and walk-up service windows, Andy’s Frozen Custard is open from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Bright neon lights, a well-lit parking area and comfortable benches allow for guests to safely enjoy their treats on-site or on-the-go.
Customers can download the Andy’s Frozen Custard app to take advantage of touchless payment options and join the Yum Squad loyalty club to receive a free Concrete after the first visit. Sweet treat lovers can stay up-to-date on the latest from Andy’s on Instagram and Facebook or via Andy’s website.
Rather Outdoors Adds Industry Veteran to the Team
Rather Outdoors is pleased to announce that industry veteran Zack Swanson will join the North American operation on February 1, 2022, to lead the legendary brands of Lew’s, Strike King, Zebco and Quantum as Sr. Vice President of Brand Management.
Swanson joins the Rather family following a career spanning over two decades at Rapala VMC Corporation, where he served as Vice President of Sales and General Manager. While shepherding the team at Rapala, Swanson also served the broader industry as a member of the Board of Directors for the American Sportfishing Association, a position he has held since 2016.
Rocky Kalsow, President of North America for Rather Outdoors, sees the appointment of Zack Swanson as an important step forward for Rather’s industry leading brands. “Lew’s has been home to true American innovation since 1949, the same year the very first spincast reel rolled off the production line at a company that would later become known as Zebco. Both Strike King and Quantum have been creating groundbreaking tackle for nearly half a century,” Kalsow offered. “At Rather Outdoors, our brands have solidified themselves as legendary names, and they have a rich legacy of being built and guided by true giants of this industry. We continue this tradition by having Zack at the helm.”
Swanson, who is no stranger to avid outdoors brands and, in fact, has spent nearly his entire professional life adding value to them, is poised and ready to lead brand management at Rather. “I could not be more excited to be a part of this family. The leadership of Rather has worked tirelessly to build an environment where innovation and progress are celebrated,” Swanson said. “There is a deep history here at Rather that we will continue to honor and draw strength from. But make no mistake, there are exciting days ahead, and anglers who love these brands will want to pay attention!”
Balentine And Loos Claim Bassmaster High School Series Win At Harris Chain
Bryce Balentine and Dalton Loos of the Central Florida Youth Anglers have won the 2022 Bassmaster High School Series at Harris Chain of Lakes presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors with 25 pounds, 6 ounces.
Photo by Logan Crumley/B.A.S.S.
January 23, 2022
LEESBURG, Fla. — Bryce Balentine and Dalton Loos of the Central Florida Youth Anglers employed a balanced game plan based on quantity and quality to win the Bassmaster High School Series at Harris Chain of Lakes presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors with a limit catch of 25 pounds, 6 ounces.
Edging the second-place Sale Creek Anglers team of BJ Collins and Banks Shaw by a margin of 2-7, Balentine and Loos earned $770 each and a spot in the 2022 Bassmaster High School Series National Championship presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors. (Dates and location TBA). Shaw and former partner Gage King won the 2021 National Championship.
The winners spent their day in Lake Griffin and fished a 100-yard area of offshore grass in 9 to 10 feet. They chose their spot based on its seclusion and familiarity.
“We just wanted to get away from the crowd,” Loos said. “We’ve had history out there, so we went ahead and ran it.”
Balentine and Loos started their day fishing 1/2-ounce black/blue Z-Man ChatterBait JackHammers with green pumpkin swimbait trailers. Later in the day, they switched to a slow dragging presentation with Zoom Old Monster worms in the redbug and junebug colors Texas rigged on 5/0 hooks with 1/8-ounce weights.
The ChatterBaits earned Balentine and Loos a limit by midday. Then when the emerging sun warmed the lake, those big worms allowed them to make significant upgrades.
“When those fish are all lock-jawed, you put that big bait in front of them, they can’t resist it,” Balentine said.
Balentine, who placed third at last year’s event with Carson Russell, said it felt good to close out the win by fishing the same way he did in 2021.
“I just stuck with my gut and did what I know,” he said. “This is the biggest tournament I’ve won. It means a lot. It’s awesome. I have jitters, I’m still shaking.”
Loos said their win was especially meaningful, following a very difficult practice. “I fished a whole day and caught no fish.”
Collins and Shaw also targeted Lake Griffin’s offshore grass and boated a limit of 22-15. They caught all of their fish on 3/4-ounce white and chartreuse Strike King spinnerbaits with large willow-leaf blades.
“We stuck with a spinnerbait all day because we knew we could get five of the right bites doing that,” Shaw said. “We actually ended up catching a lot of fish. We didn’t lose any fish, we didn’t miss any fish, we caught everything that bit.”
Collins said he and Shaw had fished their area in previous visits to the Harris Chain, so they felt comfortable that they knew how the fish would position. Shaw noted they consistently caught better fish by monitoring their Humminbird 360 to detect key features.
“It was definitely the grass that was a little bit higher,” Shaw said. “The grass could be 4 feet high right here and 5 feet high right there. We just used 360 and Garmin LiveScope to find those sweet spots that nobody else saw.”
Peyton Sorrow of the Eagle Eye Anglers fished alone and finished third with 16-11.
Seventh-place Benjamin Hester and Mason Caldwell of Rhea County High School won the big fish award for their 9-7.
2022 Bassmaster High School at Harris Chain of Lakes presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors 1/23-1/23
Harris Chain Of Lakes, Leesburg FL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Club/School Pts
1. Bryce Balentine - Dalton Loos Central Florida Youth Anglers 0
Day 1: 5 25-06 Total: 5 25-06
2. BJ Collins - Banks Shaw Sale Creek Anglers 0
Day 1: 5 22-15 Total: 5 22-15
3. Peyton Sorrow - The Eagle Eye Anglers 0
Day 1: 5 16-11 Total: 5 16-11
4. Kody Glass - Merrick Diaz Strawberry Crest High School 0
Day 1: 5 16-00 Total: 5 16-00
5. Mason Snider - Dalton Benson Mount Juliet Fishing 0
Day 1: 5 15-10 Total: 5 15-10
6. Hunter Daniels - Joshua King Okeechobee High School 0
Day 1: 5 14-15 Total: 5 14-15
7. Benjamin Hester - Mason Caldwell Rhea County High School 0
Day 1: 5 14-13 Total: 5 14-13
8. Kane Weekley - Trent Handley LaBelle High School 0
Day 1: 5 14-12 Total: 5 14-12
9. Aaron Yavorsky - Jett Stanley Tampa Bay Junior High School 0
Day 1: 4 14-07 Total: 4 14-07
10. Chance Bryars - Noah Bryars Baldwin County High School 0
Day 1: 5 13-14 Total: 5 13-14
11. Kasen Pemberton - Samuel Godwin Sneads High School 0
Day 1: 5 13-05 Total: 5 13-05
12. Kaden Snavely - Logan Cardwell Central Florida Youth Anglers (3 0
Day 1: 5 13-04 Total: 5 13-04
13. Landon Rollison - Michael Hackle dixie county high school 0
Day 1: 5 13-03 Total: 5 13-03
14. Presley Lannom - Morgan Lannom Mt Juliet Fishing 0
Day 1: 5 12-12 Total: 5 12-12
15. Anna Swisher - Ty Jackson Columbia High School 0
Day 1: 5 12-08 Total: 5 12-08
16. Brennan Starr - Jace Lacoss Nassau Christian Bass Club 0
Day 1: 5 12-03 Total: 5 12-03
17. Konner West - Aiden Howard upstate high school anglers 0
Day 1: 5 12-01 Total: 5 12-01
18. Cody Morgan - Brant Langley Marion County junior bassmasters 0
Day 1: 4 11-11 Total: 4 11-11
19. Easton Drennon - Aaron Lane Mt. Juliet Fishing 0
Day 1: 5 11-07 Total: 5 11-07
20. Tucker Cook - Cooper Wilson Mount juliet 0
Day 1: 4 11-07 Total: 4 11-07
21. Logan Mcmasters - Colton Mcpeak Okeechobee High School 0
Day 1: 5 11-06 Total: 5 11-06
22. Alexander Tyler - Briley West McKeel Junior Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 5 11-02 Total: 5 11-02
23. Dawson Ettinger - Camren Teuton Clay County High School BassMast 0
Day 1: 5 10-13 Total: 5 10-13
24. Jeremy Monda - Will Boyd Jr Quincy Jr. Bassmasters (308) 0
Day 1: 5 10-05 Total: 5 10-05
25. Kayden Waller - Luke Malik Mt. Juliet high school 0
Day 1: 3 10-05 Total: 3 10-05
26. Drew Pitts - Luke Romesburg Steinbrenner High 0
Day 1: 5 10-03 Total: 5 10-03
27. Clayburn Reed - Gabe Richardson Pasco High School 0
Day 1: 3 10-00 Total: 3 10-00
28. Braylan Tyler - Dakota Jones Franklin County High School 0
Day 1: 5 09-15 Total: 5 09-15
29. Miles Smith - Casen Rogers Central Lafourche High School 0
Day 1: 4 09-15 Total: 4 09-15
30. Drew Bradstreet - Kamden Bradstreet Seminole Junior Anglers 0
Day 1: 5 09-13 Total: 5 09-13
31. Brett Mouw - Danny Schlenbecker The Hill Toppers 0
Day 1: 4 09-12 Total: 4 09-12
32. William Cothran - Taedem Ashworth Mt. Pleasant High School 0
Day 1: 2 09-12 Total: 2 09-12
33. Lainie Holbert - Sarah Swindle Riverside Bass Team 0
Day 1: 4 09-04 Total: 4 09-04
34. Braxton Johnson - Braxton Williams Columbia High School (439) 0
Day 1: 3 09-04 Total: 3 09-04
35. Joe Vaulton - Walker LaRue Alcoa High School (644) 0
Day 1: 5 09-01 Total: 5 09-01
36. Tanner Seabolt - Emmett Sumner Okeechobee Brahmans 0
Day 1: 5 09-00 Total: 5 09-00
37. Makenzie Bailey - Dalton Bailey Winter Springs High School 0
Day 1: 5 08-15 Total: 5 08-15
38. Levi Thibodaux - Jace Andras Lafourche Bassmaster 0
Day 1: 3 08-13 Total: 3 08-13
39. Nathan Reynolds - Backwoods Bassin 0
Day 1: 4 08-11 Total: 4 08-11
40. Hudson Choquette - Cal McInnis Headland High School 0
Day 1: 5 08-09 Total: 5 08-09
41. Mateo Gaylord - Kayden DePeal Tavares HS 0
Day 1: 5 08-06 Total: 5 08-06
41. Andon Goins - Rhea County High School 0
Day 1: 5 08-06 Total: 5 08-06
43. Remington Potter - Caden Branch LC Anglers 0
Day 1: 4 08-04 Total: 4 08-04
44. Derek Davis - Connor Jaco Mt.Pleasant Bass Team 0
Day 1: 3 08-00 Total: 3 08-00
45. Dylan Holcomb - Grayson Faircloth Liberty County Anglers 0
Day 1: 3 07-14 Total: 3 07-14
46. Conner Frederick - Timothy Finley Nassau Christian Bass Club 0
Day 1: 3 07-12 Total: 3 07-12
47. Luke Lowery - Connor Rumohr Howell High School 0
Day 1: 5 07-10 Total: 5 07-10
48. Chase Bryan - Wyatt Bryan Saraland High School 0
Day 1: 3 07-09 Total: 3 07-09
49. Jake Ellis - Tyler Goethals Central Florida Youth Anglers Hi 0
Day 1: 4 07-03 Total: 4 07-03
50. Brodie Stuart - Brock Johnson Oak Grove High School 0
Day 1: 3 07-00 Total: 3 07-00
51. Annie Lassiter - Jameson Pursley warren county pioneer anglers 0
Day 1: 5 06-13 Total: 5 06-13
51. Brendin Simich - Sam Dameron Oak Mountain High School 0
Day 1: 5 06-13 Total: 5 06-13
53. Will Hughes - Corbin Olsson East Grand Rapids 0
Day 1: 5 06-12 Total: 5 06-12
54. Carter Nutt - John Nutt Sale Creek 0
Day 1: 5 06-10 Total: 5 06-10
55. Asher Peters - James Quinlivan Headland High School 0
Day 1: 3 06-10 Total: 3 06-10
56. Thomas Wright - Carter Burdette Seminole Junior High School Angl 0
Day 1: 3 06-09 Total: 3 06-09
57. Evan Newell - Michael Teate Mid Florida Youth Anglers 0
Day 1: 5 06-08 Total: 5 06-08
58. Kai Barnett - Justin Straate Shelby County High School 0
Day 1: 5 06-06 Total: 5 06-06
59. Colton Walker - Declan Hurst Capital City Basshunters 0
Day 1: 4 06-04 Total: 4 06-04
60. Charles Tillberg - Tyger Whitman steinbrenner 0
Day 1: 4 06-03 Total: 4 06-03
61. Sailor Whitehead - Luke Bramhall Rileys. Catch 0
Day 1: 4 06-02 Total: 4 06-02
62. Logan Withrow - Braden Crumley Chilhowee Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 2 05-13 Total: 2 05-13
63. Carson Aarup - Kyle Smith Downeast Fishing 0
Day 1: 5 05-11 Total: 5 05-11
64. Trey Woliver - Brandon Ward Heritage High School 0
Day 1: 3 05-11 Total: 3 05-11
65. Carson Falk - Eli Mcdaniel Capital City Bass Hunters 0
Day 1: 3 05-10 Total: 3 05-10
66. Cole Edwards - Seth Stubblefield DAR High School 0
Day 1: 5 05-09 Total: 5 05-09
67. Jack Hay - Jakob Stamper howell high school 0
Day 1: 3 05-06 Total: 3 05-06
68. Laindree Richardson - Gannon Stork Benton High School 0
Day 1: 2 05-06 Total: 2 05-06
69. Drew Walters - Jacob Gilliard Apopka High School 0
Day 1: 3 05-05 Total: 3 05-05
70. Cooper Hughes - Raymond Sanderfer West port high school 0
Day 1: 2 05-04 Total: 2 05-04
71. Jace Akers - Cody Mullis Palatka High School 0
Day 1: 3 05-03 Total: 3 05-03
72. Kaitlyn Johnson - Amber Rourks Columbia High School 0
Day 1: 2 05-03 Total: 2 05-03
73. Austin Young - Jared Bullock Highlands County Anglers 0
Day 1: 3 05-02 Total: 3 05-02
74. Caleb Hammock - Carter Herndon Stalvey plant city bassmasters 0
Day 1: 4 05-00 Total: 4 05-00
75. Jacob Hodge - Henry Garett Greenbrier Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 3 04-12 Total: 3 04-12
76. Nick Claussen - Central Florida Youth Anglers Hi 0
Day 1: 2 04-12 Total: 2 04-12
76. Langston Martin - Coleman Mezick Lee County Anglers 0
Day 1: 2 04-12 Total: 2 04-12
78. Carter Pjesky - JD McBroom Kaneland High School 0
Day 1: 3 04-11 Total: 3 04-11
79. Cayman Scott - Cooper Shaffett Central High School 0
Day 1: 3 04-10 Total: 3 04-10
80. Tyson Verkaik - Claude Loftin Marion County High School Bassma 0
Day 1: 1 04-06 Total: 1 04-06
81. Chase Woodham - Carson Deloney Rehobeth High School 0
Day 1: 3 04-03 Total: 3 04-03
82. Owen Hershberger - Wyatt Giddens Sebring High School 0
Day 1: 3 03-15 Total: 3 03-15
83. Jacob Anderson - Zander Marroquin Hendry County Bass Masters 0
Day 1: 2 03-12 Total: 2 03-12
84. Hunter Turner - Felix Flores LaBelle High School 0
Day 1: 2 03-10 Total: 2 03-10
85. Cayden Redd - Jack Helms Rehobeth High School 0
Day 1: 3 03-08 Total: 3 03-08
86. Charlie Mathis - Sheltin Varnon Dixie county high school 0
Day 1: 2 03-08 Total: 2 03-08
86. Cassie Mcnutt - Mason Melton Mt Juliet High School 0
Day 1: 2 03-08 Total: 2 03-08
88. Jaxon Melancon - Fletcher Brasington Headland High School 0
Day 1: 1 03-05 Total: 1 03-05
89. Talan Leith - Bryson Glover Chapman High School 0
Day 1: 1 03-00 Total: 1 03-00
90. Brody Shepherd - Parker Myers Rehobeth High School 0
Day 1: 2 02-15 Total: 2 02-15
90. Braden Watson - Logan Deloney Rehobeth High School 0
Day 1: 2 02-15 Total: 2 02-15
92. Austin Mairena - Dylan Quilatan Seminole County High School Angl 0
Day 1: 1 02-15 Total: 1 02-15
93. Brantley Tate - Tyler Covington Walker High School 0
Day 1: 2 02-12 Total: 2 02-12
94. Will Travis - Colton Teffer Rhea County High 0
Day 1: 1 02-11 Total: 1 02-11
95. Wayland Adkisson - Clayton George BGA High School 0
Day 1: 2 02-10 Total: 2 02-10
96. Drake Middleton - Riverside high school 0
Day 1: 1 02-09 Total: 1 02-09
97. Barrett Choquette - Hayden Buchanan Headland High School 0
Day 1: 1 02-05 Total: 1 02-05
98. Jabe Herring - Zibe McKenzie Dixie County High School 0
Day 1: 2 02-03 Total: 2 02-03
99. Austin Benson - Brendan Brown Mount Juliet 0
Day 1: 1 01-13 Total: 1 01-13
100. Evan Powell - Kolby Angell Iowa youth fishing league 0
Day 1: 2 01-10 Total: 2 01-10
101. Max Himmel - Tyler Morris Catholic High School of Baton Ro 0
Day 1: 1 01-10 Total: 1 01-10
101. Cade Walock - Brady Smith Central High School 0
Day 1: 1 01-10 Total: 1 01-10
103. Briar Dodson - Chris Fallon Gardendale High 0
Day 1: 1 01-08 Total: 1 01-08
104. Nathan Bennett - Johnathan Clark Seminole Junior Anglers 0
Day 1: 1 01-06 Total: 1 01-06
104. Ben Puckett - Jesse Klutts Henry County High School (236) 0
Day 1: 1 01-06 Total: 1 01-06
106. Brentlea Rodgers - Logan Evans Soddy Daisy High School (552) 0
Day 1: 1 00-13 Total: 1 00-13
107. Kyle Beasley - George Jenkins HS 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Tyler Boston - Devin Gonzalez Columbia High School 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Bryce Dimauro - Justin Lawrence Seminole Junior Anglers 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Wyatt Drawdy - Tyson Griffin plant city bassmasters 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Latt Durrance - Zack Zainitzer Okeechobee High School 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Rylan Green - Alex Bradley Chapman High School 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Mason Grose - Sailor McKinney Nicholas County High School 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Bryson Hatcher - Harlyn Nelson Wb 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Jason Haynes - Isaac Dorland Marion County Youth Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Nolan Holloway - Jackson Fanning Morgan county high school 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Eddie Hook - Evan Naile South Lake High School 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Ben Howard - Jason Burchfield Southwestern High School 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Caleb Jackson - Evrett Hunter Nassau Christian Bass Club 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Mo Katz - Conner Fair Headland Bass Team 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Ryder Krueger - Carson Yero parrish community high school 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Tyler Loudon - Dylan Kreps Johnston High School 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Jack Myers - Joseph Cotromano Nassau Christian 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Riley North - Karson Peterman Rehobeth High School 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Jace Patton - Spencer White Rhea Eagle Anglers 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Jack Peeler - Cole Davis Tampa Bay Junior Bass Club (338) 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Bracky Pfeuffer - Logan Tennant Tampa Bay Highschool 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Ryan Quinn - Gary Ray Auburndale High School 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Cole Rountree - Cooper Bishman Central Florida Youth Anglers (6 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Gabriel Sanders - Colby Sloan Chilhowee Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Chance Shelby - Live Oak High School 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Houston Snell - Logan Kirkland Rehobeth High School 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Parker Stalvey - Jacob Deel Clay High School 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Conner Swindle - Max Lofton Clewiston High school 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Lane Vitelli - Quentin Silas Plant City High School (495) 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Robert Warwick - Honor Parker Flanders Palatka High School 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Cambre Webb - Dakota Skipper Silliman Fishing 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Tanner Wolf - Kyle Grieshaber Central Florida youth anglers (4 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
107. Aaron Woodard - Levi Reynolds Auburndale High school 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
BIG BASS OF TOURN
Benjamin Hester Spring City, TN 09-07 $0.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 39 364 803-14
Kentucky Christian's Messer Brothers Claim Record-Breaking Win At Bassmaster College Series On Harris Chain
Matt and Lafe Messer of Kentucky Christian University have won the 2022 Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Harris Chain of Lakes presented by Bass Pro Shops with a two-day total of 61 pounds, 13 ounces.
Photo by Kyle Jessie/B.A.S.S.
January 22, 2022
LEESBURG, Fla. — A focused plan with patient presentations yielded monumental results for brothers Lafe and Matt Messer of Kentucky Christian University, who won the Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Harris Chain of Lakes presented by Bass Pro Shops with a two-day total of 61 pounds, 13 ounces.
The Messers caught 25-6 on Day 1 and then electrified the final weigh-in with a massive limit of 36-7. They edged Day 1 leaders Seth Jenkins and T.J. McKenzie of Emmanuel College by a 1-2 margin.
The Kentucky Christian team earned $3,070 and a berth in the Bassmaster College Series National Championship (dates and location TBA).
“We went into today not knowing how doable it was to catch another big bag, but we wanted to make them beat us,” Lafe Messer said. “By about midday, we started thinking this will be a tough bag to beat. On stage, that winning moment — I can’t even describe the emotions.”
The winners split their time between Texas-rigged Magnum Trick Worms and Carolina-rigged creature baits on Day 1. By day’s end, they were sold on the latter and Day 2 saw them catch all of their weight on the C-rig.
“I think the most important thing was just how slow we were fishing it,” Matt Messer said. “I was fishing it as slow as I could stand to. It was probably a minute and a half a cast.”
Making their mark: The Messers’ Day 2 performance broke the Bassmaster College Series single-day record. The previous mark of 32-7 was set by Robert “Bo” Harkins and Michael Braswell of Chico State University on Day 1 of the 2013 Bassmaster College Series Western Conference Regional on California’s Clear Lake.
The Messers also broke the Series’ two-day catch record. Cole Sands and Conner Dimauro of Bryan College set the previous record of 55-12 after the first two rounds of the 2020 Bassmaster College Series Championship on the Harris Chain (three-day event).
“I told (Lafe) all week, ‘If it was God’s plan we were going to win,’” Matt Messer said. “It ended up working out right.”
Location, location, location: Both days, the Messers stayed in Lake Dora and fished shellbeds in about 10 feet and focused their efforts on a couple of sweet spots. The two main shellbars they fished presented classic prespawn staging areas outside of spawning canals.
“We fished shellbeds that were 500 yards long and there would be a little section about two boats wide that was just loaded with 100- to 150-bass schools,” Matt Messer said. “It was just the hardest spots where it was shell on top of shell on top of shell. New ones were pulling up there every day.”
State of the tournament: Matt Messer described a blistering start to a day that was done by lunchtime. “Out of the first four fish I set the hook on today, three of them were 8-pounders. We had over 30 at about noon.”
Key change: The Messers had a big school fired up on Day 1, but those fish didn’t want to participate a second day. Making a 200-yard move on the second morning yielded huge results.
“Yesterday, we were done fishing by 10 o’clock, but today we started there and didn’t get a bite,” Lafe Messer said. “We switched to our other school and they were biting. I don’t know if the cold messed up one school and the other one stuck around — I don’t really know what happened there.”
Trouble averted: Matt Messer described a hotel parking lot mistake after Day 1, which left their boat unplugged all night. Scrambling to overcome the potential disaster of starting the day with a severe power shortage, they were able to find an option at the last moment.
“This morning, we put in, pulled as close as we could to a power outlet, and charged the boat while we were waiting for takeoff,” Matt Messer said.
Quote of the day: “We thought we had something good coming in, but we never thought it was that good. I think it was God’s plan for us to catch them, and that’s what happened.”
Second place: Finishing second with 60-11, Jenkins and McKenzie repeated their Day 1 game plan, using Carolina-rigged Zoom Speed Worms over shellbars in Lake Dora. After establishing a big first-round lead with a 31-pound limit, they added another big limit of 29-11.
“The biggest thing I can say is having a partner who’s as driven as you are,” McKenzie said. “He and I kept our heads down, we kept a bait in the water the whole time and we just dragged it really slow. We couldn’t do it without one another. We gave it 100% all week.”
Third place: Bethel University’s Matthew Cummings and Levi Mullins finished third with 47-5. Their daily weights were 26-12 and 20-9.
Mirroring their first-round pattern, Cummings and Mullins targeted grasslines with lipless baits and jerkbaits. Keeping their distance and throwing to the edges of areas where prespawners were staging proved most productive.
“The key was upsizing to a larger lipless bait,” Cummings said. “We had been throwing 1/2-ounce baits, but I upsized to a 3/4 and caught our biggest fish — a 5-pounder.”
Catch of the tournament: Joseph Woods and Anthony Cicero of Bethel University won the big bass award for their 10-14 largemouth. Their fish had been tagged by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Mega Bag Puts Jenkins And McKenzie Atop College Series Event On Harris Chain
Seth Jenkins and T.J. McKenzie of Georgia's Emmanuel College are leading after Day 1 of the 2022 Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Harris Chain of Lakes presented by Bass Pro Shops with 31 pounds.
Photo by Kyle Jessie/B.A.S.S.
January 21, 2022
LEESBURG, Fla. — Seth Jenkins and T.J. McKenzie of Emmanuel College knew exactly what they wanted to do and they proved their point by sacking up a 31-pound limit to lead Day 1 of the Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Harris Chain presented by Bass Pro Shops.
The leaders, who won another college event on the Harris Chain Jan. 10, split their time between two lakes, where they targeted prespawn bass and caught all of their fish offshore over shellbeds in 6 to 10 feet of water. Two key spots produced all of their weight, which included a 7-1 that briefly tied for the day’s big bass lead.
“We left our rods (in the truck) and idled for 16 hours in practice to find those spots,” Jenkins said. “We spent the first half of the day in the lake where we won two weeks ago.
“We worked really hard trying to find some similar stuff in practice this week — and halfway through the day, we moved to that and rounded up to 31.”
Notably, the anglers had 21 1/2 pounds when they left the first lake at 11:30 a.m. Their day started with a bang, as their biggest fish bit at 8.
Reaching their goal of breaking 30 less than an hour after moving to the second lake, Jenkins and McKenzie left their main pattern and spent the rest of their time scouting for Day 2.
“After we culled up to 31, we knew we didn’t want to beat up our stuff anymore,” McKenzie said. “We didn’t idle around that (second lake) anymore because we had idled the whole thing. We just bounced around to some stuff that we had prior knowledge of.”
Jenkins said their pattern commitment extended to their bait selection, as they caught all of their fish on one soft-plastic presentation.
“We both threw the same bait,” McKenzie said. “Later throughout the day, we switched it up and tried some different colors, but it ended up being the same bait.”
Jenkins noted that their success hinged on excruciatingly slow retrieves.
“We probably fished the bait for a minute and a half; slow dragging everything,” Jenkins said. “It had to be slow; they would not eat any reaction baits. I tried throwing a big swimbait, but I couldn’t get them to eat that.”
Also enjoying early success, Matthew Cummings and Levi Mullins of Bethel University are in second place with a limit of 26-12. They caught their fish by targeting grass edges and making long casts with reaction baits.
The first team to weigh in, they arrived shortly after the scales opened at 2:10 p.m., which was one hour prior to the first flight’s official check-in time. Mullins said they had their weight by about 11:30.
“We had a pretty good bag and one of them wasn’t doing too well, so we wanted to come in early instead of (risking a dead-fish penalty),” Cummings said.
Hayden Gaddis and Ben Cully of Carson-Newman University lead the big fish standings with an 8-7.
The tournament will conclude Saturday, with takeoff scheduled for 7:10 a.m. ET from Venetian Gardens. The weigh-in will be held back at Venetian Gardens at 3:10 p.m.
2022 Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Harris Chain of Lakes presented by Bass Pro Shops 1/21-1/22
Harris Chain Of Lakes, Leesburg FL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Club/School Pts
1. Seth Jenkins - TJ McKenzie Emmanuel College 250
Day 1: 5 31-00 Total: 5 31-00
2. Matthew Cummings - Levi Mullins Bethel University 249
Day 1: 5 26-12 Total: 5 26-12
3. Lafe Messer - Matt Messer Kentucky Christian University 248
Day 1: 5 25-06 Total: 5 25-06
4. Zack Barrera - Bryson Osteen Florida Gateway College 247
Day 1: 5 24-11 Total: 5 24-11
5. Reece Martin - Dallas Baptist University 246
Day 1: 5 24-08 Total: 5 24-08
6. John Berry - Blake Bullock Blue Mountain College 245
Day 1: 5 22-12 Total: 5 22-12
6. Jackson Swisher - Seth Slanker Florida Gateway College 245
Day 1: 5 22-12 Total: 5 22-12
8. Hayden Gaddis - Ben Cully Carson-Newman University 243
Day 1: 5 22-05 Total: 5 22-05
9. Alex Cummings - Christopher Daniels Lander University 242
Day 1: 5 21-15 Total: 5 21-15
10. Brooks Anderson - Parker Guy Emmanuel College 241
Day 1: 5 21-04 Total: 5 21-04
11. Cason Ragsdale - Kaden Proffitt East Texas Baptist University 240
Day 1: 5 20-15 Total: 5 20-15
12. Cole Hopson - Callaway Robinson Georgia College 239
Day 1: 5 20-12 Total: 5 20-12
13. Drake Hemby - Jacob Frazier Carson-Newman University 238
Day 1: 5 20-09 Total: 5 20-09
14. Beau Browning - Jake Peck Drury University 237
Day 1: 5 19-10 Total: 5 19-10
15. Gabriel Talley - Reid Farris Texas AM University 236
Day 1: 5 19-05 Total: 5 19-05
16. Tanner Barclay - Lloyd Laconsay Auburn University 235
Day 1: 5 19-03 Total: 5 19-03
17. Andrew Ready - Vince Maffei Webber International University 234
Day 1: 5 18-15 Total: 5 18-15
18. Andrew Fisher - Elijah Kirk Bryan College 233
Day 1: 5 18-07 Total: 5 18-07
19. Harmon Marien - Bailey Bleser McKendree University 232
Day 1: 5 18-05 Total: 5 18-05
20. Aaron Hawkins - Broxson Daigle Texas A and M University 231
Day 1: 5 18-01 Total: 5 18-01
21. Lilly Smith - Anderson Jones Lander University 230
Day 1: 5 17-14 Total: 5 17-14
22. Jack Baron - Bradley Martin University of Montevallo 229
Day 1: 5 17-12 Total: 5 17-12
23. Drew Gill - Jonah Potts Wabash Valley College 228
Day 1: 5 17-07 Total: 5 17-07
24. Riley Underwood - Chandler Olivier University of Montevallo 227
Day 1: 5 17-04 Total: 5 17-04
25. Sydney Lewis - Hunter Luke University of Alabama 226
Day 1: 5 17-01 Total: 5 17-01
26. Spencer Black - Caleb Lonca Catawba Valley Community College 225
Day 1: 5 16-10 Total: 5 16-10
26. Chase Hubble - Brent May Florida Gateway College 225
Day 1: 5 16-10 Total: 5 16-10
26. Marshall Wiggins - Jonathan Waters University of Central Florida 225
Day 1: 5 16-10 Total: 5 16-10
29. Tyler Campbell - Brandon Martin Emmanuel College 222
Day 1: 5 16-09 Total: 5 16-09
30. Noah Campbell - Troy Harris Georgia College 221
Day 1: 5 16-08 Total: 5 16-08
30. Tyler Christy - Trey Schroeder McKendree University 221
Day 1: 5 16-08 Total: 5 16-08
32. Tyler Pendergrass - University of North Alabama 219
Day 1: 5 16-07 Total: 5 16-07
33. Evan Barker - Lane Pohlman Campbellsville University 218
Day 1: 5 16-05 Total: 5 16-05
34. Parker Brown - Layton Brown Dallas Baptist University 217
Day 1: 5 16-01 Total: 5 16-01
35. Koltyn Harbin - Baylor Howell Bethel University 216
Day 1: 5 15-15 Total: 5 15-15
36. Alec Berens - Joseph Bruener Mckendree University 215
Day 1: 5 15-10 Total: 5 15-10
37. Adam Carroll - Trey Dickert University of Montevallo 214
Day 1: 5 15-08 Total: 5 15-08
38. Cannon Bird - Jacob Keith East Texas Baptist University 213
Day 1: 5 15-05 Total: 5 15-05
38. Conner Giles - Christian Wright Bryan College 213
Day 1: 5 15-05 Total: 5 15-05
38. Britt Myers - Tyler Anderson Lander University 213
Day 1: 5 15-05 Total: 5 15-05
41. Garrett Thompson - Ethan Perry West Virginia University 210
Day 1: 5 15-04 Total: 5 15-04
42. Caleb Dachenhaus - Elliot Wielgopolski Adrian College 209
Day 1: 5 15-01 Total: 5 15-01
43. Easton Fothergill - Nick Dumke University of Montevallo 208
Day 1: 5 14-15 Total: 5 14-15
43. Brian Linder - Nathan Thompson Minnesota State - Mankato 208
Day 1: 5 14-15 Total: 5 14-15
45. Austin Aikins - Sean Obrien Bethel University 206
Day 1: 5 14-14 Total: 5 14-14
45. John Nowlin - Rudy Worley Blue Mountain College 206
Day 1: 5 14-14 Total: 5 14-14
47. Joseph Bissing - University of Tennessee 204
Day 1: 5 14-13 Total: 5 14-13
48. Louis Monetti - Michael Fugaro UNC Charlotte 203
Day 1: 5 14-09 Total: 5 14-09
49. Landon Lawson - Hunter MCClaskey King University 202
Day 1: 5 14-08 Total: 5 14-08
50. Nate Triplett - Cy Lambert University of North Alabama 201
Day 1: 5 14-06 Total: 5 14-06
51. Jackson Gill - Mason Barrett University of Central Florida 200
Day 1: 5 14-04 Total: 5 14-04
51. Josh Kelly - Christian Turner Kent State University 200
Day 1: 5 14-04 Total: 5 14-04
53. Camdon Lewis - TJ Edwards Jr Blue Mountain College 198
Day 1: 5 14-00 Total: 5 14-00
53. Caleb Sheldon - Chase Beale Lander University 198
Day 1: 5 14-00 Total: 5 14-00
55. Sam Hanggi - Sam Hoesley Auburn University 196
Day 1: 5 13-15 Total: 5 13-15
56. Cameron Tullis - Brayden Mercer East Texas Baptist University 195
Day 1: 5 13-12 Total: 5 13-12
57. Dalton Head - Will Holloway Montevallo 194
Day 1: 5 13-09 Total: 5 13-09
57. Braden Leffew - Colten Drawdy Bethel University 194
Day 1: 5 13-09 Total: 5 13-09
59. Garrett Warren - Hayden Marbut Auburn University 192
Day 1: 5 13-08 Total: 5 13-08
60. Clayton Primrose - Fisher Davis ETBU 191
Day 1: 5 13-08 Total: 5 13-08
61. Avery Whitwell - Jackson Holbert University of North Alabama 190
Day 1: 5 13-07 Total: 5 13-07
62. Chase Milholen - Cody Gregory Bethel University 189
Day 1: 5 13-05 Total: 5 13-05
63. Walker Brown - Chandler Brewer University of North Alabama 188
Day 1: 5 13-04 Total: 5 13-04
63. Wil Rigdon - Cade Hayford Campbellsville University 188
Day 1: 5 13-04 Total: 5 13-04
65. Calvin Landsberg - Jack Palaia University of Alabama 186
Day 1: 5 13-01 Total: 5 13-01
66. Jack York - Jacob Miller Stephen F Austin State Universit 185
Day 1: 5 12-15 Total: 5 12-15
67. Parker Lambert - Koby Horn Lander university 184
Day 1: 5 12-12 Total: 5 12-12
68. Evan Sutton - Kurt Litteken Jr McKendree University 183
Day 1: 5 12-11 Total: 5 12-11
69. Caz Anderson - Jaxton Orr Carson-Newman University 182
Day 1: 5 12-10 Total: 5 12-10
69. Brenton Godwin - Hunter Odom University of Montevallo 182
Day 1: 5 12-10 Total: 5 12-10
71. JD Clarke - Hunter Muncrief Stephen F Austin State Universit 180
Day 1: 5 12-09 Total: 5 12-09
71. Brady Duncan - Stevie Mills Carson-Newman University 180
Day 1: 5 12-09 Total: 5 12-09
71. Trevor Easter - Caden Cowan Tarleton State University 180
Day 1: 5 12-09 Total: 5 12-09
71. Riley Lawson - Chris Baker Kentucky Christian University 180
Day 1: 5 12-09 Total: 5 12-09
75. Tommy Sendek - Andrew Howell University of Montevallo 176
Day 1: 5 12-08 Total: 5 12-08
76. Rob Lindsey - Mason Cizek Bryan College 175
Day 1: 4 12-07 Total: 4 12-07
77. Ben Rand - Mason Grossbauer Davenport University 174
Day 1: 5 12-05 Total: 5 12-05
78. Will Oberman - Clay Oberman Campbellsville University 173
Day 1: 5 12-04 Total: 5 12-04
79. Weston Bison - Austin Gregory Lander University 172
Day 1: 5 12-03 Total: 5 12-03
79. Justin Botts - Conner Dimauro Bryan College 172
Day 1: 5 12-03 Total: 5 12-03
79. Avry Thomason - Alex Belin Georgia Southern University 172
Day 1: 5 12-03 Total: 5 12-03
79. Cole Thompson - John Heacock University of North Alabama 172
Day 1: 5 12-03 Total: 5 12-03
83. Steve Kinard - Jimmy Mitchum Lander University 168
Day 1: 5 11-14 Total: 5 11-14
84. John Sells - Cooper Hesling Georgia Southern University 167
Day 1: 5 11-13 Total: 5 11-13
85. Aidan Kerlin - Andrew Pittman East Carolina University 166
Day 1: 5 11-11 Total: 5 11-11
86. Carter Ball - Austin Tapley Adrian College 165
Day 1: 4 11-11 Total: 4 11-11
87. Robert Gee - Chad Sentell University of Tennessee 164
Day 1: 5 11-10 Total: 5 11-10
87. Ryan Thomas - Solomon Glenn University of Montevallo 164
Day 1: 5 11-10 Total: 5 11-10
89. Ben Brockwell - Justice Gayhart Kentucky Christian University 162
Day 1: 5 11-09 Total: 5 11-09
90. Andrew Rickman - Michael Postlewait Dallas Baptist University 161
Day 1: 5 11-04 Total: 5 11-04
91. Patrick Mcmurry - Jd Rorex University of Alabama 160
Day 1: 5 11-03 Total: 5 11-03
92. Lane Bailey - Justin Eggers Catawba Valley Community College 159
Day 1: 5 11-02 Total: 5 11-02
92. Connor Jacob - Sam Smith Auburn University 159
Day 1: 5 11-02 Total: 5 11-02
94. Kaleb Brown - Chad Mrazek Lander University 157
Day 1: 5 11-01 Total: 5 11-01
95. Grayson Morris - University of Montevallo 156
Day 1: 5 11-00 Total: 5 11-00
96. Hunter Fillmore - Dylan Fogarty Bethel University 155
Day 1: 5 10-15 Total: 5 10-15
96. Elliot Torode - Logan Plueger University of Montevallo 155
Day 1: 5 10-15 Total: 5 10-15
98. Brantley Anders - Kentucky Christian University 153
Day 1: 4 10-15 Total: 4 10-15
99. Will Carnes - Tavin Hodgens Campbellsville University 152
Day 1: 5 10-14 Total: 5 10-14
100. Caleb Jacob - Mitch Bender Illinois State University 151
Day 1: 4 10-14 Total: 4 10-14
101. Nathan Smith - Cabe Mackey Catawba Valley Community College 150
Day 1: 5 10-13 Total: 5 10-13
102. Ryan Park - Sam Niemeyer Murray State University 149
Day 1: 5 10-10 Total: 5 10-10
103. Lucas Smith - Dalton Mize Jacksonville State University 148
Day 1: 5 10-09 Total: 5 10-09
104. Tyler Cory - Scott Sledge University of Montevallo 147
Day 1: 5 10-08 Total: 5 10-08
105. Chase Carey - Dylan Akins Emmanuel College 146
Day 1: 5 10-07 Total: 5 10-07
106. Patrick Henry - Jared Minor Ohio State University 145
Day 1: 5 10-05 Total: 5 10-05
107. Shane Nelson - Aaron Jagdfeld Adrian College 144
Day 1: 5 10-04 Total: 5 10-04
108. Connor Hicks - Austin Wadzinski University of Tennessee 143
Day 1: 5 10-03 Total: 5 10-03
108. Jacob Welch - Lee Lambrecht Drury University 143
Day 1: 5 10-03 Total: 5 10-03
110. Brock Bila - Drury University 141
Day 1: 5 10-02 Total: 5 10-02
110. Cody Griffith - Drew Jennings Auburn University 141
Day 1: 5 10-02 Total: 5 10-02
112. Dustin Bauer - Wyatt Pearman Campbellsville University 139
Day 1: 5 10-01 Total: 5 10-01
112. Bennett Slinkard - Ty Mundhenke Auburn University 139
Day 1: 5 10-01 Total: 5 10-01
114. Hunter Bailey - JR Young Jr Jacksonville State University 137
Day 1: 5 09-15 Total: 5 09-15
115. Griffin Fernandes - Hayden Scott Adrian College 136
Day 1: 5 09-14 Total: 5 09-14
115. Bailey Mckinney - Levi Smith Marshall University 136
Day 1: 5 09-14 Total: 5 09-14
117. Tommy Dunaway - Seth Jones Florida Gateway College 134
Day 1: 5 09-12 Total: 5 09-12
117. Braden Perry - Aidan England Carson-Newman University 134
Day 1: 5 09-12 Total: 5 09-12
119. Keaton Smith - Dustin Jones Campbellsville University 132
Day 1: 5 09-12 Total: 5 09-12
120. Coleman Bingham - Jackson Staib Bethel University 131
Day 1: 5 09-11 Total: 5 09-11
121. Turner Hart - Summer Dees Bryan College 130
Day 1: 4 09-10 Total: 4 09-10
122. Cole Breeden - Hunter Baird Drury University 129
Day 1: 5 09-09 Total: 5 09-09
123. Carter Koza - Lee Koza Carson Newman University 128
Day 1: 4 09-09 Total: 4 09-09
124. Kopeland Rosser - Ryan Branch University of Montevallo 127
Day 1: 5 09-08 Total: 5 09-08
124. Chance Schwartz - James Willoughby University of Montevallo 127
Day 1: 5 09-08 Total: 5 09-08
126. Tyler Lubbat - Hayden O'barr University of Alabama 125
Day 1: 5 09-07 Total: 5 09-07
127. Kyle Knoll - Luke Morgan Southern Union State Community C 124
Day 1: 5 09-06 Total: 5 09-06
128. Cole Holloway - Taylor Mcmullen Emmanuel College 123
Day 1: 5 09-05 Total: 5 09-05
129. Kyle Kreger - Elliott Pritchett Southern Illinois University Car 122
Day 1: 5 09-04 Total: 5 09-04
129. Cody Ross - Ethan Thurston East Texas Baptist University 122
Day 1: 5 09-04 Total: 5 09-04
131. Cole Dodson - Tyler Cain University of Montevallo 120
Day 1: 5 09-03 Total: 5 09-03
132. Victor Alford - Dylan Johnson Bryan College 119
Day 1: 4 09-02 Total: 4 09-02
133. Blair Erickson - Charlie Wright University of Montevallo 118
Day 1: 5 09-01 Total: 5 09-01
134. Blair Cox - Zach Adamec Missouri State University 117
Day 1: 5 09-00 Total: 5 09-00
134. Tomas Matual - Grant Olsen McKendree University 117
Day 1: 5 09-00 Total: 5 09-00
136. Robert Cruvellier - Carson Maddux Auburn University 115
Day 1: 5 08-15 Total: 5 08-15
137. Nicholas Holtgrave - Matthew Cavanaugh McKendree University 114
Day 1: 5 08-14 Total: 5 08-14
138. Bryant Marsh - Tyler Hill Blue Mountain College 113
Day 1: 4 08-14 Total: 4 08-14
139. Jaxson Freeman - Kyle Hopping McKendree 112
Day 1: 5 08-13 Total: 5 08-13
139. Luke Glasgow - Brantley Bell AL BASS NAtion 112
Day 1: 5 08-13 Total: 5 08-13
139. Jake Kimbrough - Chandler Pruett Blue Mountain College 112
Day 1: 5 08-13 Total: 5 08-13
142. Dawson Burton - Trent Keltner Kentucky Christian University 109
Day 1: 4 08-13 Total: 4 08-13
143. Kyle Bahr - Nick Pemberton University of Montevallo 108
Day 1: 4 08-12 Total: 4 08-12
144. Austin Marley - Noah Simmons Georgia Southern University 107
Day 1: 5 08-09 Total: 5 08-09
144. Cole Taylor - Hunter Temples Lander 107
Day 1: 5 08-09 Total: 5 08-09
146. Grant Dohle - Wyatt Montle Missouri State University 105
Day 1: 2 08-09 Total: 2 08-09
147. Zachary Bowen - Harrison Terry Bethel University 104
Day 1: 5 08-08 Total: 5 08-08
148. Bryar Chambers - Clent Blackwood Wallace State Community College 103
Day 1: 5 08-07 Total: 5 08-07
148. Dalton Daniels - Hunter Bettner 103
Day 1: 5 08-07 Total: 5 08-07
148. Morgan Miracle - Jake Thornbury Campbellsville University 103
Day 1: 5 08-07 Total: 5 08-07
148. Jackson Stephens - Maxwell Trotter Mckendree University 103
Day 1: 5 08-07 Total: 5 08-07
152. Gage Sherrod - Thomas Millraney Bethel University 99
Day 1: 5 08-05 Total: 5 08-05
152. Caden Sweeten - Samuel Heichel Bemidji State University 99
Day 1: 5 08-05 Total: 5 08-05
152. Garrett Walters - Reese Walters University of Alabama 99
Day 1: 5 08-05 Total: 5 08-05
155. Brock Blazier - Matthew Wilson Southern Union State Community C 96
Day 1: 5 08-04 Total: 5 08-04
156. Tj Davis - Austin Callovini Greenville University 95
Day 1: 5 08-03 Total: 5 08-03
157. Adrian Urso - Corbin Templon Murray State University 94
Day 1: 5 08-02 Total: 5 08-02
158. Cordell Beckmann - Keaton Roadman Greenville University 93
Day 1: 5 08-01 Total: 5 08-01
158. Chase Mundhenke - Blake Milligan Auburn University 93
Day 1: 5 08-01 Total: 5 08-01
160. Caleb Bridges - Jacob Davidson Bryan College 91
Day 1: 4 08-01 Total: 4 08-01
161. Dan Hackney - Hans Sleipnes High Point University 90
Day 1: 3 08-01 Total: 3 08-01
162. Mathias Dahline - Jenson Kay Adrian College 89
Day 1: 5 08-00 Total: 5 08-00
163. Matthew Zdrazil - Spencer Bargfrede Emmanuel College 88
Day 1: 5 08-00 Total: 5 08-00
164. Chase Sansom - Tyler Drown Marshall University 87
Day 1: 5 07-14 Total: 5 07-14
165. Harrison Heins - Luke Fraley Tennessee Tech University 86
Day 1: 5 07-13 Total: 5 07-13
166. Mac Johnston-Herzberg - Aric Szambelan Missouri State University 85
Day 1: 5 07-11 Total: 5 07-11
167. Lex Thompson - Evan Rice Troy University 84
Day 1: 4 07-11 Total: 4 07-11
168. Keegan Barber - Tyler Flacke Missouri State University 83
Day 1: 4 07-10 Total: 4 07-10
169. Nick Staub - Lake Norsworthy Blue Mountain College 82
Day 1: 5 07-05 Total: 5 07-05
169. Drew Traffanstedt - Dakendrick Patterson University of Montevallo 82
Day 1: 5 07-05 Total: 5 07-05
171. Stone Payne - Hayden Baxter University of Tennessee- Knoxvil 80
Day 1: 5 07-04 Total: 5 07-04
172. Joshua DeKoning - Dalton Mollenkopf Adrian College 79
Day 1: 5 07-02 Total: 5 07-02
173. Hunter Palmer - Eli Stevenson Bryan College 78
Day 1: 5 07-00 Total: 5 07-00
174. Andrew Fryer - Logan Bozeman Southern Union 77
Day 1: 5 06-15 Total: 5 06-15
175. Isaac Irvin - Mason Gross Wabash Valley College 76
Day 1: 2 06-15 Total: 2 06-15
176. Brock Lederman - Kyle Schwibinger University of Wisconsin- Stevens 75
Day 1: 4 06-12 Total: 4 06-12
177. Tyler Altizer - Dylan Thomson King University 74
Day 1: 5 06-11 Total: 5 06-11
178. Lane Stephens - Devon Rathbun Mckendree University 73
Day 1: 4 06-11 Total: 4 06-11
179. James Romig - Coltyn Morris Florida Gateway College 72
Day 1: 2 06-10 Total: 2 06-10
180. Clay Osteen - Garett Cadenhead Tarleton State University 71
Day 1: 4 06-09 Total: 4 06-09
181. Jacob Highley - Autumn Belcher Kentucky Christian University 70
Day 1: 5 06-07 Total: 5 06-07
182. Aaron Shumaker - Hunter Enlow Lander University 69
Day 1: 4 06-07 Total: 4 06-07
183. Haydan Quesenberry - Ryan Diskin Auburn University 68
Day 1: 5 06-06 Total: 5 06-06
183. Jacob Witkowski - Hunter Jenkins Dallas Baptist Univesity 68
Day 1: 5 06-06 Total: 5 06-06
185. Drew Deloney - Michal Wolan University of Alabama 66
Day 1: 3 06-06 Total: 3 06-06
185. Carson Miller - Miller Dowling University of Montevallo 66
Day 1: 3 06-06 Total: 3 06-06
187. Hunter Waldrop - Reese Melven University of South Carolina Uni 64
Day 1: 5 06-05 Total: 5 06-05
188. Logan Parks - Tucker Smith Auburn University 63
Day 1: 4 06-05 Total: 4 06-05
189. Braedon Metzgar - Sid Wallace Texas AM University 62
Day 1: 3 06-05 Total: 3 06-05
190. Lane Bradley - Holden Kauble Wabash Valley College 61
Day 1: 5 06-03 Total: 5 06-03
191. Nathan Burdett - Grayson Davis Troy University 60
Day 1: 3 06-02 Total: 3 06-02
192. Cameron Loveless - Jameson Jenkins Texas AM 59
Day 1: 4 06-01 Total: 4 06-01
193. Jalen Bean - Jacob Douglas Southwest Mississippi Community 58
Day 1: 4 06-00 Total: 4 06-00
194. John Garrett Pearson - Rudy Pearson IV Georgia College 57
Day 1: 3 06-00 Total: 3 06-00
195. Cy Casey - Tanner Hadden Emmanuel College 56
Day 1: 5 05-15 Total: 5 05-15
196. Joseph Woods - Anthony Cicero Iv Bethel University 55
Day 1: 5 05-11 Total: 5 05-11
197. Kollin Smith - Gabe Sowash Emmanuel College 54
Day 1: 4 05-10 Total: 4 05-10
198. Jonathan Fraley - Cameron Dials Kentucky Christian University 53
Day 1: 1 05-10 Total: 1 05-10
199. Weston Hollar - Jordan Pennington University of Montevallo 52
Day 1: 4 05-08 Total: 4 05-08
199. Landon Howe - Makalie King Georgia Southern University 52
Day 1: 4 05-08 Total: 4 05-08
199. Fisher Overton - Isaac Duncan Blue Mountain College 52
Day 1: 4 05-08 Total: 4 05-08
202. Cameron Smith - Jacob Blackburn Ohio State University 49
Day 1: 5 05-07 Total: 5 05-07
203. Tim Herrmann - Austin Goins Bryan College 48
Day 1: 5 05-06 Total: 5 05-06
204. Cal Culpepper - Mason Waddell University of Montevallo 47
Day 1: 2 05-06 Total: 2 05-06
205. Parker Domschke - Harper Burkeen McKendree University 46
Day 1: 4 05-05 Total: 4 05-05
206. Tyler Dubois - Niko Romero Bethel University 45
Day 1: 4 05-04 Total: 4 05-04
207. Adam Troyer - Andrew Yazdi Indiana University 44
Day 1: 4 05-03 Total: 4 05-03
208. Bo Thomas - Mason Vernia Western Michigan University 43
Day 1: 2 05-03 Total: 2 05-03
209. Colby Kerr - Jonathan Fitch Kentucky Christian University 42
Day 1: 4 05-01 Total: 4 05-01
210. Adam Hollingsworth - Travis Pattillo University of Alabama 41
Day 1: 3 04-14 Total: 3 04-14
211. Justin Latham - Karsten Raney Campbellsville University 40
Day 1: 3 04-12 Total: 3 04-12
212. Briggs Alavezos - Colton White University Montevallo 39
Day 1: 4 04-10 Total: 4 04-10
213. Brycen Hendriks - Brennan Kenison UNC Charlotte 38
Day 1: 4 04-09 Total: 4 04-09
214. Blayner Leeman - Noah Hurford Kentucky Christian University 37
Day 1: 3 04-09 Total: 3 04-09
215. Logan Hawkins - Matthew Bradham Campbellsville University 36
Day 1: 3 04-08 Total: 3 04-08
216. Carson Palmer - Cole Rankin Carson-Newman University 35
Day 1: 2 04-08 Total: 2 04-08
217. Hunter Keller - Carson Eckard Catawba Valley Community College 34
Day 1: 3 04-07 Total: 3 04-07
218. Gunner Whitaker - Mitch Johnson Kentucky Christian University 33
Day 1: 3 04-03 Total: 3 04-03
219. Hayden Fuhr - Lander University 32
Day 1: 4 04-02 Total: 4 04-02
220. Matthew Benson - Nathanael Wright Emmanuel College 31
Day 1: 3 04-01 Total: 3 04-01
220. Brock Williams - Brandon Johnson Ohio State University 31
Day 1: 3 04-01 Total: 3 04-01
222. Evan Waggener - Kyle Workman Campbellsville University 29
Day 1: 2 03-14 Total: 2 03-14
223. Max Pierlott - Mike Pierlott UNC Charlotte 28
Day 1: 2 03-10 Total: 2 03-10
224. Thomas Mingle - Nathan Couch Univerity of Tennessee 27
Day 1: 2 03-08 Total: 2 03-08
225. Tyler Finley - Lane Lassiter University of North Alabama 26
Day 1: 3 03-03 Total: 3 03-03
226. Nolan Yeager - Riley Aebi Stephen F. Austin State Universi 25
Day 1: 3 03-02 Total: 3 03-02
227. Andrew Davis - Gracie Herbold Troy University 24
Day 1: 2 02-12 Total: 2 02-12
227. Anthony Ethridge - Trey Carr III Murray State University 24
Day 1: 2 02-12 Total: 2 02-12
227. Garrett Huddleston - Riley Voltz Auburn University 24
Day 1: 2 02-12 Total: 2 02-12
230. Corey Sexton - Garrett Jennings East Tennessee State University 21
Day 1: 2 02-11 Total: 2 02-11
231. Cole Jackson - Owen Moss University of North Georgia 20
Day 1: 2 02-08 Total: 2 02-08
232. Logan East - Bryan College 19
Day 1: 1 02-06 Total: 1 02-06
233. Drew Fromm - Hunter Capehart Wabash Valley College 18
Day 1: 2 02-05 Total: 2 02-05
234. Conner Crosby - James Cobbs Auburn University 17
Day 1: 2 02-04 Total: 2 02-04
235. Dalton Coleman - Joe Bob Burchett Kentucky Christian University 16
Day 1: 2 02-03 Total: 2 02-03
236. Nate Overocker - Adam Green Greenville University 15
Day 1: 2 02-01 Total: 2 02-01
237. Sam Harvey - Jordan Brewer Auburn University 14
Day 1: 1 02-01 Total: 1 02-01
238. Ben Tschoerner - Chance Thompson Stephen F Austin State Universit 13
Day 1: 1 02-00 Total: 1 02-00
239. Chad Smith - Finn Ash Wallace State 12
Day 1: 1 01-14 Total: 1 01-14
240. Wesley Smith - Grant Harris Catawba Valley Community College 11
Day 1: 2 01-13 Total: 2 01-13
241. John Michael Ortman - Emmanuel 10
Day 1: 1 01-02 Total: 1 01-02
242. Brody Robison - Jack Alexander University of Montevallo 9
Day 1: 4 00-00 Total: 4 00-00
243. Syon Barnes - Jeremy Till Jacksonville State University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
243. Allen Bryan - Kevin Dunahoo University of North Georgia 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
243. Seth Elkins - Dale Hansard Jacksonville State University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
243. Clark Garland - Justin Padgett University of North Georgia 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
243. Owen Januszewski - Matt Mosby Adrian College 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
243. Easton Lindus - Parker Dickerson Emmanuel College 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
243. Sam Moll - Murray State University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
243. Elijah Walker - Jess Taylor AUBURN 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 169 1065 2508-06
Puma STS Earns 2022 NMMA Innovation Award
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. – When Bass Cat released the new Puma STS, feedback from initial test rides shared unanimous praise over the performance and features packed into the new twenty-footer. A wave of consumer interest ensued, never before seen in the company's history. This week, the hype was validated as the Puma STS earned the 2022 NMMA Innovation Award at the Minneapolis Progressive Boat, presented by Discover Boating.
"We are very appreciative of the judges' decision on behalf of the NMMA," said Rick Pierce, President of Bass Cat & Yar-Craft Boats. "The Puma STS truly is a very special boat! This is a credit to those who've worked hard to bring the model and it's features to the market. We appreciate the judges seeing those efforts."
Key considerations for the award were the many small details designed to enhance the angler experience. One such feature is the new, patent-pending lift-latch system. Flush, push-button access located outside of each box lip makes for efficient access and one less way for water to enter storages. Lightning detection, a new Reflex flooring concept, elevated mounting flats for graphs and many more new features set the Puma STS apart from others. Most importantly, the new STS (Soft Touch Series) hull concept was fitted to the wide, feature-rich cap. It carries a soft, stable ride that simply has to be experienced to believe.
Bass Cat President, Rick Pierce received the innovation award on Wednesday night. - Minneapolis, MN
Bass Cat has been pushing design concepts for over five decades and they're extremely proud of the STS. "We've designed dozens of fresh designs and this one likely has the strongest acceptance among anglers anyone's ever experienced. It's packed with new features and obviously the market wants those. I don't believe a bass boat ever moved to the top so fast before. Even with more molds than we've built in decades we can't meet consumer demand today."
Rick finished his thoughts with gratitude for the NMMA's recognition. "It's great to have these opportunities and we thank the NMMA for this platform. This gives us two in a row in this category, along with 2020 and the 219 TFX. We now have those back to back Bassmaster Classics with Hank Cherry."
Game on! MLF Launches Fantasy Fishing for 2022 Season
Two Free-To-Play Games Powered by Bally’s Technology Launched at FantasyFishing.com
TULSA, Okla. (Jan. 20, 2022) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced today the launch of two new free-to-play games, powered by Bally’s Technology. These games offer fans a chance to engage with MLF competition and win great new fishing gear and fishing experiences of a lifetime with Major League Fishing anglers. Both games can be found at FantasyFishing.com.
Phoenix Boats MLF Fantasy Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia allows players to select a team of 10 anglers for each Bass Pro Tour and Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit event, earning points based on how many pounds of bass their anglers catch. Players can create and join private leagues to compete against friends and family, then watch the live streams and SCORETRACKER leaderboard to watch their team racking up the points. After an extremely successful pilot at the final Bass Pro Tour event last season, the Fenwick MLF Predictor Game Presented by Mercury – which challenges players to predict the outcome of various questions in conjunction with Bass Pro Tour events – will also return.
Top prizes for Fantasy Fishing include an all-expense-paid fishing trip with Bass Pro Tour angler Justin Lucas to the season-long winner on the Bass Pro Tour, an all-expense-paid fishing trip with Bobby Lane to the season-long winner on the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit, and new Abu Garcia rod and reel combos to the overall top 25 point-scorers in each Bass Pro Tour and Pro Circuit event. The top scoring player in the Predictor Game season-long standings will receive an all-expense paid trip with Edwin Evers, and the overall top 25 point-scorers in each Bass Pro Tour Predictor event will receive a new Fenwick rod.
MLF worked closely to develop the games with SportCaller, a leading global B2B free-to-play game provider and Bally’s Interactive, a division of Bally’s Corporation that operates the omni-channel provider’s sports betting, iGaming, free-to-play, and daily fantasy sports platforms. The launch of the two free-to-play games marks the next phase in the partnership between MLF and Bally’s. Additional games and offerings for MLF and the Bass Pro Tour will be announced in the future.
For complete details and updated information about MLF Fantasy Fishing, visit FantasyFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
USE CODE "fd356ef5" to join the AnglersChannel League for prizes after each event!!
A NEW YEAR BRINGS NEW GEAR, AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES
Simms Makes Strategic Moves to Build Upon a Record Setting 2021
Bozeman, Mont. (January 19, 2022) – Simms Fishing Products, preeminent manufacturer of waders, outerwear, footwear, and technical apparel in fishing close the books on a record setting 2021 and kick off the new year with a solidified strategic plan designed for exponential growth in 2022 and beyond. In addition to the long awaited release of their Spring 2022 product collection, in January of this year, Simms officially made their foray into specialty retail, and also announced a newly appointed executive team poised to capitalize on the fishing industry’s forward momentum, and the unique opportunities it provides.
“There’s never been a more exciting time to be in the fishing industry,” says Simms CEO, Casey Sheahan. “We are thrilled with our 2021 results, but we are even more excited about what’s in store for 2022. I’m repeatedly humbled and amazed to witness just how relentless our team is and how committed they are to this brand. We’ve faced challenge after challenge but without fail, our team always manages to adapt, overcome, and excel.”
Simms steadfast commitment to provide anglers with the world’s most technologically advanced fishing gear continues with the release of their Spring 2022 product collection.
The new line encompasses fishing focused innovations across all categories and boasts several revolutionary standouts. The most noteworthy — an all-new version of Simms’ most iconic product, the G3 Guide™ Stockingfoot Wader (available in Men’s, Women’s, and a Pant). Built with an incredibly breathable 3-layer upper, the new G3 features an all new, exclusive to Simms 4-layer Gore-Tex® fabric package in the lower portion of the wader. When compared to its predecessor, the new 4-layer fabric has increased tear strength by 7.5%, standard puncture resistance by 23%, pinhole puncture resistance by 84%, and breathability by 33%. The latest iteration also coincides with the 20 year anniversary of G3 being part of the Simms line.
Spring 22 also brings with it a vast array of on-deck and wading footwear options.
Simms ever popular Challenger collection expands with the addition of the all-new Air Vent Shoe, Flip Flop, and 7” Deck Boot. Designed to meet performance demands from conventional and fly anglers fishing from a variety of vessel types, all Challenger footwear provide support and comfort on non-marking platforms that offer superior slip resistance on both wet and dry surfaces.
For river focused anglers, Simms is proud to introduce the all new Guide BOA® Boot. Ruggedly built, the Guide BOA® Boot offers stability and agility that’s bolstered by the precision and convenience derived from its BOA lacing system. Finally, Simms’ footwear collection is rounded out with arguably, the most innovative wading boot they’ve launched to date, the all-new Flyweight Access Boot. Cutting ounces in exchange for grip and stability, the Flyweight Access Boot is powered by a new, exclusive to Simms Vibram® Idrogrip Flex rubber outsole. This revolutionary compound provides more slip resistance than any other rubber outsole Simms has offered. Featuring a lightweight non-absorbent mesh upper, the Flyweight Access provides durability with welded TPU overlays in high abrasion zones and offers support via a comfortable and lightweight web lacing system.
Simms sportswear collection continues to grow with numerous new styles and updated colors in popular inline pieces. While Spring 22 includes performative lifestyle options, Simms has greatly expanded upon an already robust collection of sun protective clothing. New styles such as the SolarFlex® Guide Cooling Hoody, Tech Tees, W’s BugStopper® SolarFlex® Hoody, W’s SolarFlex® Cooling Hoody, and the SolarVent collection boast UPF50 sun protection, moisture wicking capabilities and respectively feature innovative technologies such as cooling fabrics, and built-in protection against bugs that bite back.
Check out the Spring 2022 Product Collection in its entirety by clicking here.
In addition to announcing a new product collection, Simms is also proud to announce their recent acquisition of longtime Bozeman based specialty retailer, Simms at The River’s Edge Fly Shop. Established in 1983, The River’s Edge has been the headquarters for Montana fly fishing since its inception. Under Simms’ ownership, The River’s Edge will continue their longstanding full-service experience, offering guided Montana fly fishing trips, fly tying/casting instruction, and expert product and fishing advice. The recent change in ownership will give Simms better insight on the retail landscape, allow Simms to explore new and innovative merchandising strategies, and receive direct product feedback from their consumers in order to better serve a vast wholesale and retail network.
Shortly after announcing the River’s Edge transaction Simms also announced a new executive leadership roster. The newly appointed team boasts a collective commitment to the continued growth and development of the brand and its employees, but also to the holistic fishing industry and community. Equipped with multiple longstanding conservation and philanthropic partnerships as well as a common understanding of the shared responsibility the group has to positively engage with new generations of anglers, the team of 10 consists of men and women that cumulatively represent almost 300 years of experience in the outdoor / fishing industry.
Ready to make a name for himself.
This week David welcomes in Southern Opens runner up Jacob Foutz to the show to talk about earning his stripes in the Bassmaster Opens and moving up to the Bassmaster Elites for this season. Jacob gives us some insight on his plans and how he intends to make a name for himself in the Pro Fishing World.
Ready to get after it!
This week Chris & the boys welcome in Bassmaster Elite Series Pro and disappointed Cowboys fan Chris Zaldain to the show to talk about his 10th year on tour, what #tackleprep2022 has been like and what's ahead for the CZ Train as it rolls into Florida in a few weeks!
MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Set to Kick Off 2022 Season Opener with Guaranteed Rate Stop 1 on Sam Rayburn Reservoir
158 Professional Anglers to Launch 27th Season and Compete for Top Prize of up to $135,000 and Total Season Purse of More Than $6 Million
BROOKELAND, Texas (Jan. 18, 2022) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, is set to return to Brookeland, Texas next week, Jan. 27-30, for the season-opening MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Guaranteed Rate Stop 1 at Sam Rayburn Reservoir Presented by Ark Fishing. In its 27th season, the Pro Circuit features a roster of 160 of the world’s best bass-fishing professionals competing across six regular-season events, each with a top award of up to $135,000.
Hosted by the Jasper County Development District, the tournament marks the first of six regular-season Pro Circuit events and offers competitors a total purse of more than $850,000. The field is also competing for valuable points to qualify for the 2022 Tackle Warehouse TITLE Presented by Mercury, the Pro Circuit Championship – held this year on the St. Lawrence River in Massena, New York – and the coveted Pro Circuit Angler of the Year (AOY) title.
“The Jasper County Development District is proud to welcome the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit to Lake Sam Rayburn,” said Gary Collins, President of Jasper County Development District. “This event is Stop 1 of one of the most prestigious and competitive national bass tournament circuits in existence today. The television broadcast keeps the viewer in the action throughout the tournament, and the fishing tips viewers learn from these pros are beneficial to every weekend fisherman. A top-notch event, on a great lake, promoted by great sponsors. What more could fisherman and viewers ask for from an event during the spring on Lake Rayburn.”
MLF has held 122 tournaments on the renowned bass fishery over the past 28 years, a staggering number that places it neatly inside the top 10 fisheries most visited by MLF.
The event will mark the sixth time the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit has competed on Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Pro Terry Bolton of Benton, Kentucky, holds the record-winning weight on the fishery, bringing home $125,000 in 2019 with a four-day total of 91 pounds, 3 ounces. Pro Nick Lebrun of Bossier City, Louisiana, weighed in a total of 90 pounds, 7 ounces that same year, good for second place. The biggest bass weighed on Sam Rayburn in Pro Circuit history goes to former pro Andy Wicker of Pomaria, South Carolina, who reeled in an 11-pound, 2-ounce whopper in 2019.
The star-studded field of pros includes local anglers Dakota Ebare of Brookeland, Texas, Lendell Martin, Jr. of Nacogdoches, Texas, Tommy Dickerson of Orange, Texas and rookie River Lee of Nacogdoches, Texas, along with a full field of returning pros and 22 rookies. They will be joined by 16 anglers that also compete on the Bass Pro Tour, including reigning 2021 Pro Circuit AOY Michael Neal of Dayton, Tennessee and 2021 Lake Okeechobee Pro Circuit champion Skeet Reese of Auburn, California .
In Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit competition, the full field of 158 anglers compete in the two-day opening round on Thursday and Friday. The top 50 pros based on their two-day cumulative weight will advance to Saturday. Only the top 10 pros, based on cumulative weight from the first three days, will continue competition on Championship Sunday, where weights will be zeroed and anglers will compete in a one-day shootout for the grand prize of up to $135,000, including the lucrative $35,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus for qualified anglers.
Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit angler and accomplished Sam Rayburn pro Dicky Newberry of Houston, Texas, said he spent a lot of time on the reservoir prior to the off-limits cutoff.
“Sam Rayburn has got a tremendous number of fish in it – a huge population of bass, and a lot of really healthy, large bass,” said Newberry. “Unfortunately, the grass is really suffering and there’s less hydrilla in the lake than we’ve had in the past 25 years during this time of year. It can only be found in select areas of the lake, therefore, the fish that are using the grass are getting a lot of pressure right now, which will greatly affect the anglers that choose to fish the grass.”
Despite that fact, Newberry said he believes anglers will be able to play to their strengths and catch fish in a variety of ways, from 30 feet deep all the way up to 2 feet of water.
“It’s going to be wide open during this event and guys will be able to fish pretty much any strength they have,” said Newberry.
Newberry said the Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap in Rayburn Red is always one of the most popular baits on the reservoir this time of year and he suspects it will be one of the big players in this tournament, along with an assortment of Carolina rigs, football jigs and large crankbaits.
Newberry also believes that the weights being zeroed on Day 4, a new rule change for 2022, will be a huge factor during the event and will change the strategy for the anglers.
“I think a good 42 to 44 pounds after Day 3 will make the Top 10,” said Newberry. “The last day is anybody’s guess, but I suspect a solid bag in the mid-20’s on the final day will be strong. This lake can produce 40-pound stringers, but we are going to be here during a lot of the major local tournaments, so that could cut down on a lot of the large stringers.”
Anglers will take off at 7 a.m. CT, Thursday through Sunday, from the Umphrey Family Pavilion located at 5438 RR 255 in Brookeland. Weigh-ins will also be held at the pavilion daily at 3 p.m.Fans are welcome to attend the event or follow the live on-the-water action all four days of competition online on MLF NOW! beginning at 7:30 a.m. CT at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Guaranteed Rate Stop 1 at Sam Rayburn Reservoir Presented by Ark Fishing will feature live on-the-water coverage and a two-hour action-packed television show that will premiere on the CBS Sports Network on Saturday, July 2 from 7 to 9 a.m. ET.
The 2022 season culminates with the Tackle Warehouse TITLE Presented by Mercury, the Pro Circuit Championship, where the top 48 pros in the points standings, along with 2021 TITLE Champion Jimmy Washam and 2021 AOY Michael Neal, will compete for a top prize of $235,000. The 2022 TITLE will be on the St. Lawrence River in Massena, New York, Aug. 16-21, and is hosted by the Town of Massena.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit on the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Kevin VanDam partners with Costa Sunglasses
Professional bass fishing champion and Hall of Fame winner sets sights on industry leading eyewear brand for 2022
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 18, 2022) – Leading performance eyewear brand, Costa Sunglasses, welcomes one of bass fishing's most decorated anglers to its roster, Kevin VanDam. Heading into the 2022 season, VanDam will depend on Costa’s high-performance eyewear for his continued success on the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour.
“I am so excited to be joining the Costa family. No eyewear brand is more committed to anglers than Costa. Their selection of frames, lens options and lens technology is simply the best,” said VanDam. “As a professional angler, my eyewear is a critical part of my gear, and I would never settle for second best. “
VanDam’s name, more commonly referred to as “KVD,” has become synonymous with bass fishing for the last 25 years. In 2018, VanDam was inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame. In addition, he is a seven-time B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year champion, Fishing League Worldwide Angler of the Year champion, four-time Bassmaster Classic winner and four-time Major League Fishing winner.
In 2015, Kevin and his wife started the Kevin VanDam Foundation to benefit charitable organizations that focus on children’s health, education and outdoor experiences. Through the foundation they have contributed thousands of dollars to various children’s research hospitals and to the Michigan DNR Outdoor Adventure Center. The Foundation also supports the college fishing movement by sponsoring college events in the Midwest and awarding thousands of dollars in college scholarships.
“Since 1983 Costa has been on a mission to build the best sunglasses for getting out on the water and conserving the waterways and fisheries where we work and play. KVD is not only a legend in the fishing community, but he truly embodies our mission and culture,” said Costa’s Vice President of Marketing, John Acosta. “Aside from being a fierce competitor, Kevin’s passion for getting people on the water, promoting healthy competition and commitment to sustaining the sport for future generations is something we really value here at Costa.”
Last year, the brand expanded its longtime support of bass fishing by introducing the Costa Compete + Conserve contingency program. An industry first, the program not only awards the highest placing angler wearing Costa Sunglasses in select tournament trails, but it also donates to a purpose-aligned organization on the angler’s behalf.
For more information about Costa Sunglasses and its product offering, visit www.costadelmar.com. To learn more about Costa’s Compete + Conserve bass contingency program benefitting conservation, visit www.costacompeteandconserve.com.
About Costa Sunglasses
As the first manufacturer of color-enhancing all-polarized glass sunglass lenses, Costa combines superior lens technology with unparalleled fit and durability. Costa has made the highest quality, best performing sunglasses and prescription sunglasses (Rx) for outdoor enthusiasts since 1983, and now its product portfolio includes optical frames. Costa’s growing cult-brand status ties directly to its purpose to provide high-quality products with a focus on sustainability and conservation as the company works hard to protect the waters it calls home. From the use of sustainable materials to its Kick Plastic initiative, IndiFly Foundation, and strong partnership with shark research organization OCEARCH, Costa encourages people to help protect the Earth’s natural resources in any way they can. Find out more on Costa’s website and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter at @CostaSunglasses.
Bassmaster College Series Kicks Off At Harris Chain
Florida's Harris Chain of Lakes will host the Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops Jan. 21-22, 2022.
Photo by James Overstreet/B.A.S.S.
January 17, 2022
LEESBURG, Fla. — For the first time since Cole Sands and Conner Dimauro’s record-breaking performance in the 2020 College National Championship, the Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops will return to the Harris Chain of Lakes to kick off the 2022 regular season.
The two-man college teams will arrive toward the end of January, one of John Cox’s favorite times of the year to fish the chain.
“That January time is my favorite time to be there,” the third-year Elite Series pro said. “What really happens is dependent on the weather and whether we’ve had a really cold December (and) New Year’s. If it has been cold and we haven’t had many warming trends, it can really dictate a big push of fish on a warming trend that time of year. But in a really mild winter, it doesn’t group them up like it would if it got cold for a couple days and dropped the water temperature. In that case, they will be in all stages. They will be scattered a lot more.”
The Harris Chain will be the first of four regular-season events and a Wild Card event, which will serve as qualifying tournaments for the 2022 Bassmaster College National Championship.
Competition days will be Jan. 21-22 with daily takeoffs from Venetian Gardens in Leesburg at 7:10 a.m. ET and weigh-ins each day at Venetian Gardens at 3:10 p.m. Weigh-in coverage will be streamed on Bassmaster.com.
Containing eight major lakes, the Harris Chain has been a big-bass destination for many years and will also host the 2022 SiteOne Bassmaster Elite at Harris Chain Feb. 17-20. During the 2020 National Championship, which was held in October, Sands and Dimauro sacked up 84 pounds, 12 ounces to secure the largest three-day winning weight in Bassmaster history.
Hailing from DeBary, Fla., Cox guided on the chain for several years and has watched the system evolve. When he started fishing, there was no offshore grass and the Kissimmee grass near the bank was the primary cover. Now, offshore hydrilla dominates in tournaments, even during the spawn.
“It is crazy to watch that lake evolve and (see) how good and healthy it is now that the offshore grass is out there,” Cox said. “You would think, ‘Okay, we’ve got a warming trend coming. These fish are going to hit the bank and spawn.’ But it has constantly been won offshore. It just doesn’t matter what time of year.”
Based on the recent trend, Cox said he expects the winning bag from this event will come from an offshore grass area, although an early spawning event could lead to a big day for a couple of teams. Of the eight lakes that make up the Harris Chain, Cox added it can be won from any of them, but Harris and Little Harris allow anglers to maximize their time.
“It might not be in the middle of the lake like we’ve seen in the past, it could be in 3 to 4 feet,” Cox said. “It depends on how the grass comes in that year and how much they decide to spray it. They are going to be around where they are going to bed. Wherever has the cleanest looking water, that’s more than likely going to be the better fishing.”
The prespawn bass, Cox said, will be targeting shad and shiner, making it a perfect time of year to throw a rattletrap, crankbait and other types of hard baits as well as ChatterBaits. The Carolina rig can also come into play that time of the year.
The Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors and Bassmaster Junior Series will take place on Jan. 23.
The tournaments are being hosted by Lake County, the City of Leesburg and Greater Orlando Sports Commission.
2022 Bassmaster College Series Title Sponsor: Strike King
2022 Bassmaster College Series Presenting Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops
2022 Bassmaster College Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2022 Bassmaster College Series Premier Sponsors: Berkley, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2022 Bassmaster College Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Huk Performance Fishing, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
2022 Bassmaster College Series Youth Sponsors: Shimano, SPRO
Casting a Shadow..
Courtesy of Vance McCullough
I saw the shadow before I saw the squirrel.
The moving shadow.
Shadows and movement always give the game away.
When I taught my kids to sightfish, I taught them to look for shadows first. The fish may materialize after that, but even if not, you know where they are and may be able to sneak a lure into their path before they see you.
Bass do the same thing. Eyes positioned atop their head; they see what’s above very well. Our shadows and movement could end the game for us if we’re unaware of the fish’s’ position. Nothing spooks fish faster.
But we can use shadows to catch fish as well. One of the biggest revelations of the swimbait game is that the slow, wounded, vulnerable lures work brilliantly when the sun shines brightly. It’s hard to top the drawing power of a large opaque swimbait struggling overhead, casting a shadow through all columns of the water until it reaches the lake floor or dissolves into the depths, it’s cone of influence attracting attention from fish below.
While such lures are often associated with cloud cover and wind - those conditions can create memorable days - don’t overlook the value of a shadow and the ways you can use it to draw bass from big distances on calm, sunny days.
Take advantage of that.
Long rods and braided line increase casting distance, critical when fish are following a bait and need time to decide to attack, as happens constantly with swimbaits. Fluorocarbon lights up like a laser. It is not ‘invisible’ when the sun is beaming on it. Braid. Long, stiff rods will also let you reach out and touch someone when they eat the bait far from the boat.
Shadows.
Moving shadows always betray the prey. And the hunter.
Sometimes the game just comes down to ‘who casts the better shadow?’.
Gray Tapped to Oversee MLF Western Events in 2022
Former Walleye and Longtime Bass Fishing League Tournament Director Alan Gray Adds Western Toyota Series, College Fishing and High School Fishing Events to Duties
BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 13, 2022) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today that veteran Phoenix Bass Fishing League Tournament Director Alan Gray has been selected to oversee the league’s western events in 2022, including the Toyota Series, Abu Garcia College Fishing and High School Fishing tournaments. Gray will remain the Tournament Director for the BFL Michigan, Mississippi, Music City and Savannah River divisions in 2022. He will work alongside Toyota Series Tournament Director Mark McWha and Senior Director of Tournament Operations for College and High School Kevin Hunt on his new western responsibilities.
Gray brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Western events, as he has directed hundreds of events in his time with Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) and now MLF. Gray started in the Customer Service department in 2008 before being promoted to the operations staff in 2009. Gray assumed head tournament director duties of the FLW Walleye Tour in 2011 and 2012, then became a full-time Bass Fishing League tournament director in 2013, a role he has held since. Working more than 20 events each season has earned Gray the respect of his peers and the anglers he works with across the country.
“Alan is one of the most dependable, friendliest and efficient tournament directors employed at MLF, and he is beloved by our anglers,” said MLF Executive Vice President and General Manager Kathy Fennel. “We are fortunate to have him as part of our MLF family, and we are excited for him in this new role, where he will ensure a strong MLF presence in the west.”
Gray will oversee a total of nine events out west, starting in early March with the first Western Division events of the year at Lake Havasu. He will work closely with McWha and Hunt to ensure the events run smoothly.
“I have only been out west once before in my life, but I hear the lakes and the areas that we visit are absolutely gorgeous, and I know the fishing is great, so I’m really looking forward to the opportunity,” Gray said.
“I’ve worked dozens of High School tournaments over the years, but this will be the first time I’ve ever worked the College Fishing events,” Gray continued. “I love being around the student anglers – the enthusiasm, the excitement – those events are always extremely rewarding. I’m just excited to get out there and do the job that I’m being put out there to do – run a few great events and get more western anglers out on the water.”
Registration for the western events and all 2022 Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E., Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI and High School Fishing Presented by Favorite Fishing tournaments is now open. Anglers can register for the online at MajorLeagueFishing.com or by calling MLF Membership Services at 270.252.1000.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Toyota Series, Abu Garcia College Fishing and High School Fishing updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.