B. Lester: 2 tips for fishing the fall “cheese”
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
The formation of thick yellow matts of algae atop hydrilla, coontail, and milfoil beds each autumn is often comically called “cheese” by anglers. And it becomes as much a part of October for some bass anglers as treestand locations and college football rivalries.
Few look forward to tossing a topwater frog across the melted gouda-looking goodness more than 7-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier, Brandon Lester. But before Lester shares two tips for picking apart this annual unique bassin’ habitat, recent Bass Fishing Hall of Fame inductee, Gene Gilliland graciously shared his scientific perspective on the aquatic event.
“The ‘cheese’ is actually dying algae,” says Gilliland. “As it dies, it turns yellow, and gasses emitted from the decay cause it to float. It can be found just about anywhere in the United States this time of year as long as the fishery has thick beds of hydrilla, coontail, eel grass, or milfoil for the dying algae to attach to,” he explains.
Lester, who lives near the southern epicenter of cheese-topped waters like Guntersville, has learned two key things to increase his hook-ups. First, don’t get in a hurry. Once you get bit, stay put. And secondly, have two different sizes of frogs tied on.
Asked to pick just one frog for the next year, he chose the original Spro Bronzeye size 65 in color Natural Red, but he never leaves the dock with just one size and color tied on.
“I can’t tell you exactly which size of frog to throw at a particular time. I’ve never really figured out why some days they prefer one versus the other – they just do. So, you have to experiment some days with a couple different sizes until you figure out which size they want most,” advises Lester.
Once you get a bite … stop! Don’t go hard-charging onward through the cheddar slop. Instead, stay put right where you got the bite, and make numerous casts to the same area that is likely not much bigger than a backyard swimming pool.
“Once you get one to blow-up you can pretty much bet there are more bass right in that super specific spot,” says Lester. “Don’t make the mistake of moving on like you’re going down the bank covering water with a crankbait,” he emphasizes.
“A lot of times, fishing the cheese can put a good limit in the boat from a spot twice the size of my Tundra. But you gotta stop and make several casts to that area once you get that first blow-up. Once you find ‘em, you’ll be dang near shaking on every cast as you anticipate another one crushing your frog,” Lester grins in conclusion.
Keep a couple different sizes of Kermie tied on and saturate a small area with casts once you get a bite. Two simple but critical pieces of advice from Lester that are sure to improve your chances in the cheese this fall as much as smoked sharp cheddar brings grins to tailgate parties.
MLF Announces 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Pr
The Phoenix Bass Fishing League allows anglers to fish close to home with opportunities to advance to the prestigious All-American and Toyota Series Championships for a shot at winning top boater awards of $120,000 and $235,000, respectively, including lucrative Phoenix MLF Bonuses.
Each qualifying tournament offers a top boater award of up to $13,000, including a $7,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus, and a top Strike King co-angler award of $3,000. Top awards jump up to $16,000 for boaters, including a $7,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus, and $4,500 for Strike King co-anglers in super-tournaments. Entry fees remain unchanged for qualifying and super-tournaments - $200 per boater and $100 per co-angler for one-day qualifying tournaments and $300 per boater and $150 per co-angler for two-day super-tournaments. Six Regionals will also have a $300 per boater and $150 per co-angler entry fee in 2022, resulting in enhanced payouts of more than 200 percent per tournament with the top 40 boaters and co-anglers receiving checks – up from 24 in previous seasons.
Boaters in each regional compete for a $67,000 top award, including a Phoenix 819 Pro with 200 HP Mercury and $10,000 plus a $7,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus for qualified anglers. Co-anglers in each regional compete for a $50,000 Phoenix 819 Pro with 200 HP Mercury. Additionally, the highest finishing boater from each division in each regional receives a $1,000 bonus and the highest finishing co-angler from each division receives a $500 bonus – you only have to beat 49 anglers from your division to win big.
“We pride ourselves on continuing to provide the absolute best tournaments for the lowest cost of participation available anywhere,” said MLF Senior Director of Tournament Operations Daniel Fennel. “Our team has put together a great schedule that will uphold that tradition, providing a competitive outlet for weekend bass anglers with multiple advancement opportunities for those looking to launch professional careers. We’ve had a fantastic 2021 season and are excited to carry that momentum into 2022.”
The extremely popular Phoenix MLF Bonus contingency award will also continue for the 2022 season. The Phoenix MLF Bonus enhances payouts from $500 to $7,000 for registered Phoenix boat owners in every qualifier, super-tournament and regional, an additional $20,000 in the All-American, and $35,000 in the Toyota Series Championship.
- The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers, plus the five tournament winners in each division, advance to a regional.
- Enter all five events in a division, fish at least two and automatically advance to the Wild Card if you weren’t pre-qualified for a regional.
- The Wild Card offers a $13,000 top boater award, including Phoenix MLF Bonus, and a top co-angler award of $3,000. Entry fees are $200 for boaters and $100 for co-anglers.
- The top six boaters and co-anglers from each regional and the Wild Card advance to the 2023 All-American.
- The highest-finishing boater and co-angler from each regional and the Wild Card at the All-American advance to the Toyota Series Championship – anglers only need to beat five anglers from their regional to advance.
The complete 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League schedule, rules and payouts can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Anglers can register for the 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League season at MajorLeagueFishing.comor by calling 270.252.1000, beginning at 8 a.m. CDT on the dates listed below:
- December 6, 2021 – Cowboy, Gator, Hoosier and Music City.
- December 7, 2021 – Bulldog, Bama, Illini, Mississippi and Volunteer.
- December 8, 2021 – Buckeye, Choo Choo, Great Lakes, Mountain and Ozark.
- December 9, 2021 – Arkie, LBL, North Carolina, Northeast and Okie.
- December 10, 2021 – Michigan, Piedmont, Savannah River, Shenandoah and South Carolina.
- Phoenix boat owners (Phoenix owners with current registrations or confirmation of a boat on order who will use their Phoenix boat in Bass Fishing League competition) and TBF members may enter all divisions by phone starting December 3, 2021.
2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Schedule:
Arkie Division
Feb 12 Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs, Ark.
Feb 26 Lake Ouachita, Mount Ida, Ark.
Apr 9 Greers Ferry Lake, Greers Ferry, Ark.
May 21 Lake Dardanelle, Russellville, Ark.
Oct 1-2 Lake Dardanelle, Russellville, Ark.
Bama Division
Mar 5 Lake Martin, Alexander City, Ala.
Apr 2 Lake Mitchell, Clanton, Ala.
May 7 Alabama River, Prattville, Ala.
Jun 11 Neely Henry Lake, Gadsden, Ala.
Oct 1-2 Lake Eufaula, Eufaula, Ala.
Buckeye Division
May 21 Indian Lake, Lakeview, Ohio
Jun 25 Ohio River-Tanners Creek, Lawrenceburg, Ind.
Jul 23 Ohio River-Maysville, Maysville, Ky.
Aug 13 Ohio River-Tanners Creek, Lawrenceburg, Ind.
Sep 10-11 Mosquito Lake, Cortland, Ohio
Bulldog Division
Feb 26 Lake Lanier, Gainesville, Ga.
Mar 12 Lake Oconee, Buckhead, Ga.
May 7 Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, Ga.
Jun 11 Lake Eufaula, Eufaula, Ala.
Aug 27-28 Lake Lanier, Gainesville, Ga.
Choo Choo Division
Feb 5 Lake Guntersville, Scottsboro, Ala.
Feb 26 Pickwick Lake, Counce, Tenn.
Apr 9 Wheeler Lake, Decatur, Ala.
Apr 30 Lake Guntersville, Scottsboro, Ala.
Sep 24-25 Pickwick Lake, Florence, Ala.
Cowboy Division
Jan 8 Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Brookeland, Texas
Feb 5 Toledo Bend Lake, Zwolle, La.
Apr 2 Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Brookeland, Texas
May 14 Lake O’ the Pines, Jefferson, Texas
Aug 27-28 Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Brookeland, Texas
Gator Division
Jan 29 Harris Chain of Lakes, Leesburg, Fla.
Feb 12 Lake Toho, Kissimmee, Fla.
Mar 5 Harris Chain of Lakes, Leesburg, Fla.
Apr 2 Lake Okeechobee, Clewiston, Fla.
Sep 24-25 Lake Okeechobee, Clewiston, Fla.
Great Lakes Division
Apr 30 Mississippi River-La Crosse, La Crosse, Wis.
May 21 Mississippi River-La Crosse, La Crosse, Wis.
Jun 18 Wolf River Chain of Lakes, Winneconne, Wis.
Aug 13 Mississippi River-Prairie du Chien, Prairie du Chien, Wis.
Sep 10-11 Mississippi River-La Crosse, La Crosse, Wis.
Hoosier Division
Apr 30 Rough River Lake, Falls of Rough, Ky.
May 14 Patoka Lake, Birdseye, Ind.
Jul 16 Lake Monroe, Bloomington, Ind.
Aug 6 Ohio River-Rocky Point, Cannelton, Ind.
Aug 27-28 Ohio River-Tanners Creek, Lawrenceburg, Ind.
Illini Division
May 14 Lake Shelbyville, Shelbyville, Ill.
Jun 18 Lake Shelbyville, Shelbyville, Ill.
Jul 16 Rend Lake, Whittington, Ill.
Aug 20 Ohio River, Paducah, Ky.
Sep 17-18 Rend Lake, Whittington, Ill.
LBL Division
Mar 5 Kentucky-Barkley Lake, Gilbertsville, Ky.
Apr 23 Kentucky-Barkley Lake, Gilbertsville, Ky.
Jun 11 Kentucky-Barkley Lake, Gilbertsville, Ky.
Jul 9 Kentucky-Barkley Lake, Gilbertsville, Ky.
Sep 10-11 Kentucky-Barkley Lake, Buchanan, Tenn.
Michigan Division
Jun 25 Lake St. Clair, Harrison Township, Mich.
Jul 16 Lake St. Clair, Harrison Township, Mich.
Aug 6 Detroit River, Trenton, Mich.
Aug 27 Detroit River, Trenton, Mich.
Sep 24-25 Detroit River, Trenton, Mich.
Mississippi Division
Feb 19 Pickwick Lake, Iuka, Miss.
Mar 12 Ross Barnett Reservoir, Brandon, Miss.
Apr 2 Grenada Lake, Grenada, Miss.
May 7 Columbus Pool, Columbus, Miss.
Sep 17-18 Pickwick Lake, Iuka, Miss.
Mountain Division
Mar 19 Dale Hollow Lake, Byrdstown, Tenn.
Apr 9 Dale Hollow Lake, Byrdstown, Tenn.
May 21 Lake Cumberland, Monticello, Ky.
Jun 25 Barren River, Scottsville, Ky.
Sep 17-18 Lake Cherokee, Jefferson City, Tenn.
Music City Division
Mar 5 Dale Hollow Lake, Byrdstown, Tenn.
Apr 23 Percy Priest Lake, Smyrna, Tenn.
May 14 Percy Priest Lake, Smyrna, Tenn.
Jun 18 Old Hickory Lake, Gallatin, Tenn.
Oct 1-2 Old Hickory Lake, Gallatin, Tenn.
North Carolina Division
Mar 5 Lake Norman, Huntersville, N.C.
Apr 23 High Rock Lake, Salisbury, N.C.
May 14 Kerr Lake, Henderson, N.C.
Jun 25 High Rock Lake, Salisbury, N.C.
Sep 10-11 Kerr Lake, Henderson, N.C.
Northeast Division
May 7 Potomac River, Marbury, Md.
Jun 11 Potomac River, Marbury, Md.
Jul 9 St. Lawrence River, Massena, N.Y.
Aug 6 Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh, N.Y.
Aug 27-28 Lake Cayuga, Union Springs, N.Y.
Okie Division
Mar 19 Lake Eufaula, Eufaula, Okla.
Apr 23 Arkansas River, Muskogee, Okla.
May 14 Lake Eufaula, Eufaula, Okla.
Jul 9 Fort Gibson, Wagoner, Okla.
Sep 17-18 Grand Lake, Grove, Okla.
Ozark Division
Mar 12 Lake of the Ozarks, Osage Beach, Mo.
Apr 2 Table Rock Lake, Kimberling City, Mo.
May 7 Table Rock Lake, Kimberling City, Mo.
Jun 18 Lake Truman, Warsaw, Mo.
Sep 24-25 Lake of the Ozarks, Osage Beach, Mo.
Piedmont Division
Mar 12 Kerr Lake, Henderson, N.C.
Apr 2 Smith Mountain Lake, Huddleston, Va.
Apr 30 Kerr Lake, Henderson, N.C.
Jul 16 James River, Henrico, Va.
Sep 17-18 High Rock Lake, Salisbury, N.C.
Savannah River Division
Mar 19 Lake Keowee, Seneca, S.C.
Apr 9 Lake Hartwell, Anderson, S.C.
Apr 30 Lake Hartwell, Lavonia, Ga.
May 21 Clarks Hill Lake, Appling, Ga.
Sep 10-11 Lake Hartwell, Lavonia, Ga.
Shenandoah Division
Mar 5 Kerr Lake, Henderson, N.C.
Apr 9 Smith Mountain Lake, Huddleston, Va.
Apr 23 Potomac River, Marbury, Md.
May 15* Kerr Lake, Henderson, N.C.
Oct 1-2 Potomac River, Marbury, Md.
South Carolina Division
Feb 12 Lake Hartwell, Anderson, S.C.
Feb 26 Santee Cooper Lakes, Summerton, S.C.
May 7 Lake Murray, Prosperity, S.C.
Jun 18 Clarks Hill Lake, Appling, Ga.
Sep 24-25 Lake Wateree, Camden, S.C.
Volunteer Division
Jan 29 Lake Chickamauga, Dayton, Tenn.
Mar 12 Cherokee Lake, Jefferson City, Tenn.
Apr 30 South Holston Reservoir, Bristol, Tenn.
May 21 Douglas Lake, Dandridge, Tenn.
Sep 10-11 Watts Bar Lake, Spring City, Tenn.
* Sunday
2022 Regionals:
Oct 6-8 Lake Murray, Prosperity, S.C.
Divisions: Bulldog, Choo Choo, Gator and Piedmont
Hosted by Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board
Oct 13-15 Pickwick Lake, Counce, Tenn.
Divisions: Bama, LBL, Music City and South Carolina
Hosted by Hardin County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Oct 13-15 Mississippi River - La Crosse, La Crosse, Wis.
Divisions: Hoosier, Illini, Michigan and Okie
Hosted by Explore La Crosse
Oct 20-22 Grand Lake, Grove, Okla.
Divisions: Arkie, Cowboy, Great Lakes and Ozark
Divisions: Buckeye, North Carolina, Northeast and Shenandoah
Hosted by Richmond Region Tourism
Oct 20-22 Smith Lake, Cullman, Ala.
Divisions: Mississippi, Mountain, Savannah River and Volunteer
Hosted by Cullman Area LOC (Local Organizing Committee)
Nov 11-12 Wild Card: TBA
2022 All-American:
Jun 2-4 Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs, Ark.
Hosted by Visit Hot Springs and Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
Trent Wins Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super-Tournament on Kerr Lake
Badra Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division
HENDERSON, N.C. (Oct. 5, 2021) – Boater Tyler Trent of Nathalie, Virginia wins the two-day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super-Tournament Presented by T-H Marine at Kerr Lake in Henderson, North Carolina on Sunday. Trent earned $14,295 for his victory at the event, hosted by the Vance County Tourism Development Authority.
TOP 10 RESULTS
| RANK | BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Tyler Trent of Nathalie, Va. | 10 | 29-13 | $14,295 |
| 2nd | Bryan Elrod of Mechanicsville, Va. | 10 | 27-1 | $3,148 |
| 3rd | Todd Langford of Great Falls, Va. | 10 | 24-1 | $2,096 |
| 4th | Ryan Powroznik of Hopewell, Va. | 10 | 24-0 | $1,469 |
| 5th | Martin Villa of Charlottesville, Va. | 8 | 21-0 | $1,259 |
| 6th | Chris Brummett of Lynch Station, Va. | 10 | 20-15 | $1,854 |
| 7th | Adam Lester of Huddleston, Va. | 9 | 20-8 | $1,049 |
| 8th | Rodney Bell of Salisbury, N.C. | 8 | 19-4 | $944 |
| 9th | Eric Johnson of Partlow, Va. | 8 | 17-14 | $839 |
| 10th | Andy Nix of Thomasville, N.C. | 7 | 16-7 | $734 |
| RANK | STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Cornell Badra of Clarksburg, Md. | 7 | 13-14 | $3,148 |
| 2nd | Timothy Kinder of Manassas, Va. | 6 | 13-1 | $1,824 |
| 3rd | Michael Luckey of Roanoke, Va. | 7 | 12-10 | $1,050 |
| 4th | Paul Worthington of Benson, N.C. | 6 | 12-3 | $734 |
| 5th | Jason Hinger of Timberlake, N.C. | 5 | 10-1 | $830 |
| 6th | Dexter Andrews of Huddleston, Va. | 5 | 9-12 | $577 |
| 7th | Scott Howard of Bedford, Va. | 5 | 9-8 | $525 |
| 8th | Matt Leicester of Hertford, N.C. | 4 | 9-1 | $472 |
| 9th | Jarrod Egolf of Walkersville, Md. | 3 | 8-15 | $859 |
| 10th | Ed Milton of Chester, Va. | 4 | 8-5 | $367 |
CONTINGENCY AWARDS
| AWARD | NAME | CONTINGENCY | PAYOUT |
| Boater Big Bass | Jeff Farmer of Jacksonville, N.C. | 4-pound, 0-ounce bass | $877 |
| Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass | Jarrod Egolf of Walkersville, Md. | 5-pound, 2-ounce bass | $439 |
| Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus | Tyler Trent of Nathalie, Va. | Eligible Phoenix Boat* | $14,295 |
* Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.
WINNING BAITS
| ANGLER | BAIT | COLOR |
| Boater |
|
Did Not Divulge |
| Strike King Co-Angler | Did Not Divulge |
2021 QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES
| EVENT | DATE | LOCATION | HOST |
| Piedmont Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship | Oct. 14-16 | Potomac River, Marbury, Md. | Charles County Board of Commissioners |
| 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American | June 2-4 | Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs, Ark. | Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism & Visit Hot Springs |
The 2021 MLF 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 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championships. Boaters will compete for a $60,000 prize package, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while Strike King co-anglers will fish for a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.
The top six finishers in each regional will then qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the Toyota Series, the pathway to the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube .
B.A.S.S. And The Fan-Brand Ink Home Décor Licensing Agreement
Bassmaster fans can enjoy a range of new licensed décor thanks to a new partnership between B.A.S.S. and The Fan-Brand.
October 5, 2021
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. and The Fan-Brand have announced a new partnership to develop and sell officially licensed Bassmaster lighted wall signs, pool table lights and an assortment of wall décor. These products are now available on The Fan-Brand’s direct-to-consumer website, TheFan-Brand.com.
“B.A.S.S. and Bassmaster are incredible standard-bearers for the sport of bass fishing and conservation, and we are honored to be selected as their licensing partner,” said Harrison Grimm, founder and CEO of The Fan-Brand. “Bass fishing is a lifestyle for many who participate, and we look forward to helping them share their passion for the sport through this new product line.”
The Fan-Brand offers a distinct way for sports enthusiasts to express their fandom. Whether decorating their home theater, garage, “fan-cave” or office, The Fan-Brand’s high-quality licensed products are conversation starters and perfect for fans looking to make a statement.
“We’re excited to bring the iconic Bassmaster brand into the homes of enthusiastic fishing fans,” said B.A.S.S. chairman and CEO Chase Anderson. “Like B.A.S.S., The Fan-Brand is a family-owned company, and we’re proud to partner with them to bring quality, American-made décor to our fans.”
To see the full range of décor, visit TheFan-Brand.com/collections/bassmaster.
Missouri’s Cooter High School Wins U.S. Army High School Fishing Open at Lake Dardanelle
RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. (Oct. 5, 2021) – The Cooter High School duo of Garrett Angotti of Steele, Missouri, and Brice Davis of Blytheville, Arkansas, won the U.S. Army High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing Open at Lake Dardanelle Presented by Googan Baits on Saturday in Russellville, Arkansas.
According to post-tournament reports, the duo caught their fish targeting rock piles in 12 feet of water with a crankbait, a buzzbait, and flipping a jig.
The event was hosted by Russellville Advertising & Promotions and the victory advanced the winning team to the 2022 U.S. Army High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing National Championship.
TOP 10 RESULTS
| RANK | SCHOOL/CLUB NAME/CITY | ANGLER NAME | BASS | WEIGHT |
| 1st | Cooter High School, Cooter, Mo.* | Garrett Angotti, Steele, Mo. Brice Davis, Blytheville, Ark. |
5 | 14-11 |
| 2nd | Russellville High School, Russellville, Ark.* | Jackson Roumbanis, Russellville, Ark. Jadon Spencer, London, Ark. |
5 | 12-11 |
| 3rd | Broken Arrow High School, Broken Arrow, Okla. | Cody Hays, Broken Arrow, Okla. Jessee Muller, Broken Arrow, Okla. |
5 | 11-14 |
| 4th | Vilonia High School, Vilonia, Ark. | Casey Tissue, Vilonia, Ark. Clayton Vote, Greenbrier, Ark. |
5 | 11-0 |
| 5th | Bryant High School, Bryant, Ark. | Tucker Dottley, Little Rock, Ark. Brandon Gabe, Alexander, Ark. |
4 | 8-9 |
| 6th | Sequoyah High School, Tahlequah, Okla. | Carl Robbins, Park Hill, Okla. Logan Taulbee, Tahlequah, Okla. |
4 | 7-10 |
| 7th | Lamar High School, Lamar, Ark. | Emelia Mize, Clarksville, Ark. Jack Mize, Clarksville, Ark. |
3 | 7-2 |
| 8th | NCA Fishing | Lane King, Harrison, Ark. Coleman Phillips, Harrison, Ark. |
2 | 6-11 |
| 9th | Vilonia High School, Vilonia, Ark. | Mason Davis, Vilonia, Ark. Kevin Finch, Conway, Ark. |
3 | 5-15 |
| 10th | Wagoner High School, Wagoner, Okla. | Garrett Barton, Wagoner, Okla. Braden Lankford, Wagoner, Okla. |
3 | 5-13 |
*National Championship Qualifier. The top 10% of teams advance to the 2021 U.S. Army High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing National Championship
Complete results from the event can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
2022 UPCOMING QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES
| EVENT | DATE | LOCATION | HOST |
| 2022 U.S. Army High School Fishing National Championship & World Finals | June 22-25, 2022 | Pickwick Lake & Wilson Lake | Florence-Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau |
U.S. Army 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 Student Angler Federation-affiliated high school club. The top 10 percent of teams at each Open event along with the TBF High School Fishing state championships will advance to the 2021 U.S. Army High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing National Championship. The U.S. Army High School Fishing national champions will each receive a $5,000 college scholarship to the school of their choice.
The first 25 high school teams that enter each U.S. Army High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing tournament will receive a free Favorite Fishing package, including one Favorite Fishing casting rod and reel, one Favorite Fishing spinning rod and reel, six packs of Googan Baits and two Favorite Fishing hats, a total package value of $230. Most tournaments are also hosted by a Bass Pro Tour angler or Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit angler, giving high school students the chance to meet the sport’s top pros. As an added bonus, the winning team at each tournament will receive a guided fishing trip with their pro angler host.
In addition to the U.S. Army High School Fishing National Championship, all High School Fishing anglers nationwide automatically qualify for the world’s largest open high school bass tournament, the 2022 High School Fishing World Finals, held in conjunction with the National Championship. More than $2.8 million in scholarships and prizes were offered at the 2021 World Finals.
Full schedules and the latest announcements, photos and articles are available at HighSchoolFishing.org and MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Drury University’s Baird & Browning Earn Victory at Abu Garcia College Fishing Tournament on Lake Dardanelle
RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. (Oct. 5, 2021) – The Drury University duo of Hunter Baird of Salina, Kansas, and Beau Browning of Hot Springs, Arkansas, weighed a five-bass limit totaling 16 pounds, 10 ounces to earn the win last weekend at the Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI at Lake Dardanelle. The victory earned the Panther’s bass club $2,000 and qualified the duo to compete in the 2022 College Fishing National Championship.
According to post-tournament reports, the duo caught their fish targeting deep offshore structure with a deep-diving crankbait and a shaky-head rig.
TOP 10 RESULTS*
| RANK | COLLEGE NAME | ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Drury University | Hunter Baird, Salina, Kan. Beau Browning, Hot Springs, Ark. |
5 | 16-10 | $2,000 |
| 2nd | Tarleton State University | Drew Hargrove, Moody, Texas | 5 | 15-3 | $1,000 |
| 3rd | East Texas Baptist University | Kaden Proffitt, Pittsburg, Texas Carson Ragsdale, Winnsboro, Texas |
5 | 14-0 | $500 |
| 4th | Arkansas Tech University | Jade Craft, Paragould, Ark. Remington Lawrence, Russellville, Ark. |
5 | 13-13 | $500 |
| 5th | Texas Tech University | Logan Bronnenberg, Gainesville, Texas Corbin Craft, Lubbock, Texas |
5 | 13-0 | $500 |
| 6th | University of Nebraska | Elijah Strom, Sioux City, Neb. Hunter Suchsland, Kearney, Neb. |
5 | 12-13 | |
| 7th | Drury University | Cole Breeden, Eldridge, Mo. Nathan Fideldy, Hutchinson, Kan. |
5 | 12-7 | |
| 8th | University of North Alabama | John Heacock, Oxford, Ala. Cole Thompson, St. Cloud, Fla. |
5 | 11-15 | |
| 9th | Sam Houston State University | Blake Castleberry, Huntsville, Texas Garrett Moss, Huntsville, Texas |
5 | 11-11 | |
| 10th | National Park College | Luke Dodd, Hot Springs, Ark. Michael McIntyre, Hot Springs, Ark. |
5 | 11-3 |
*Top 10 teams advance to the 2022 College Fishing National Championship
Complete results for the entire field can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
2021 QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES
| EVENT | DATE | LOCATION | HOST |
| Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI National Championship | TBD | TBD | TBD |
The event was the third and final qualifying tournaments for Southern Conference anglers and was hosted by Russellville Advertising & Promotions.
Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI teams compete in regular-season qualifying tournaments in one of five conferences – Central, Northern, Southern, Southeastern and Western. The top ten teams from each division’s three regular-season tournaments and the top 20 teams from the annual Abu Garcia College Fishing Open advance to the following year’s Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI National Championship.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI on MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Carson Wins Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super-Tournament on Watts Bar Lake
ROCKWOOD, Tenn. (Oct. 5, 2021) – Boater Donovan Carson of Bluff City, Tennessee, won the two-day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super-Tournament Presented by T-H Marine at Watts Bar Lake Presented by Googan Baits Sunday in Rockwood, Tennessee. Carson earned $6,415 for his victory in the event, which was by the Roane County Visitors Bureau.
TOP 10 RESULTS
| RANK | BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Donavan Carson of Bluff City, Tenn. | 10 | 21-0 | $6,415 |
| 2nd | Casey Majni of Knoxville, Tenn. | 7 | 20-0 | $4,115 |
| 3rd | John Murray of Spring City, Tenn. | 8 | 19-9 | $2,841 |
| 4th | Tim Hoskins of Middlesboro, Ky. | 7 | 19-9 | $1,997 |
| 5th | Chase Henley of Kingston, Tenn. | 7 | 19-4 | $1,283 |
| 6th | Jeffery Moore of Harriman, Tenn. | 8 | 18-14 | $1,176 |
| 7th | Archie Wilson Jr. of Corryton, Tenn. | 8 | 18-1 | $1,069 |
| 8th | Dale Pelfrey of Rockwood, Tenn. | 5 | 14-10 | $962 |
| 9th | Tommy Brown of Louisville, Tenn. | 6 | 13-3 | $855 |
| 10th | Justin Beeler of Luttrell, Tenn. | 5 | 12-11 | $748 |
| RANK | STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Darren Kelly of Wartburg, Tenn. | 6 | 17-11 | $3,571 |
| 2nd | Ashley Lewis of Easley, S.C. | 5 | 11-10 | $1,560 |
| 3rd | Scott Peters of Knoxville, Tenn. | 5 | 10-9 | $1,042 |
| 4th | Ronald Musgrave of Knoxville, Tenn. | 4 | 10-1 | $1,163 |
| 5th | Jason Hueble of Whitmire, S.C. | 5 | 9-12 | $624 |
| 6th | Jake Tipton of Kingston, Tenn. | 4 | 8-0 | $572 |
| 7th | Travis Malone of Wartburg, Tenn. | 3 | 7-10 | $520 |
| 8th | Todd Adkins of Knoxville, Tenn. | 4 | 7-0 | $468 |
| 9th | Charles Smith of Knoxville, Tenn. | 4 | 6-15 | $416 |
| 10th | Dennis Lewis of Powell, Tenn. | 3 | 6-13 | $364 |
CONTINGENCY AWARDS
| AWARD | NAME | CONTINGENCY | PAYOUT |
| Boater Big Bass | Casey Majni of Knoxville, Tenn. | 4-pound, 4-ounce bass | $907 |
| Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass | Ronald Musgrave of Knoxville, Tenn. | 4-pound, 2-ounce bass | $435 |
| Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus | Tim Hoskins of Middlesboro, Ky. | Eligible Phoenix Boat* | $1,000 |
* Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.
WINNING BAITS
| ANGLER | BAIT | COLOR |
| Boater | Strike King Swimjig | White |
| Strike King Co-Angler | Wacky-rigged Yamamoto Senko Drop-shot rig Grub |
N/A |
2021 QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES
| EVENT | DATE | LOCATION | HOST |
| Volunteer Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship | Oct. 14-16 | Lake Murray, Columbia, S.C. | Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board |
| 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American | June 2-4, 2022 | Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs, Ark. | Arkansas Dept. of Parks and Tourism & Visit Hot Springs |
The 2021 MLF 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 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championships. Boaters will compete for a $60,000 prize package, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while Strike King co-anglers will fish for a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.
The top six finishers in each regional will then qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the Toyota Series, the pathway to the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Brueggen Wins Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super-Tournament on Mississippi River-La Crosse
| RANK | BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Mike Brueggen of La Crosse, Wis. | 10 | 35-3 | $6,053 |
| 2nd | Dan Mohn of Lansing, Ind. | 10 | 33-6 | $3,026 |
| 3rd | Cade Laufenberg of La Crosse, Wis. | 10 | 32-10 | $2,518 |
| 4th | Tom Monsoor of La Crosse, Wis. | 10 | 32-5 | $1,412 |
| 5th | Brandon Gann of Sparta, Wis. | 10 | 31-13 | $1,211 |
| 6th | Kevin Wolfram of Chicago, Ill. | 10 | 31-8 | $1,110 |
| 7th | Matt Finkeldei of Davenport, Ind. | 10 | 31-5 | $1,509 |
| 8th | Kevin Ruh of Onalaska, Wis. | 10 | 31-3 | $908 |
| 9th | Hunter Litchfield of Macomb, Ill. | 10 | 31-0 | $807 |
| 10th | Ron Cherkas of Ankeny, Ind. | 10 | 29-15 | $706 |
| RANK | STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Alan Bernicky of Joliet, Ill. | 10 | 33-10 | $3,449 |
| 2nd | Luke Kerstetter of Brookfield, Wis. | 10 | 25-7 | $1,499 |
| 3rd | Dan McAdams of Reedsburg, Wis. | 10 | 25-5 | $996 |
| 4th | Casey Goode of La Crosse, Wis. | 10 | 24-12 | $700 |
| 5th | Christopher Morgan of Greendale, Wis. | 10 | 24-12 | $600 |
| 6th | Logan Sullivan of Waunakee, Wis. | 10 | 24-4 | $550 |
| 7th | Nick Kramersmeier of Johnston, Ind. | 10 | 24-1 | $500 |
| 8th | Jeff Pfeffer of Isanti, Minn. | 10 | 23-11 | $450 |
| 9th | Nicholas Oates of Marengo, Ill. | 9 | 23-4 | $400 |
| 10th | Brett Anderson of Grantsburg, Wis. | 9 | 20-3 | $350 |
| AWARD | NAME | CONTINGENCY | PAYOUT |
| Boater Big Bass | Phillip Butera of Aurora, Ill. | 5-pound, 6-ounce bass | $817 |
| Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass | Scott Miller of Burlington, Wis. | 4-pound, 9-ounce bass | $405 |
| Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus | Cade Laufenberg of La Crosse, Wis. | Eligible Phoenix Boat* | $500 |
| ANGLER | BAIT | COLOR |
| Boater | Unspecified Swim Jig | Did Not Divulge |
| Strike King Co-Angler | Bizz Baits Sassy Stick | Did Not Divulge |
| EVENT | DATE | LOCATION | HOST |
| Great Lakes Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship | Oct. 21-23 | Lake Ouachita, Mount Ida, Ark. | Visit Hot Springs |
| 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American | June 2-4 | Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs, Ark. | Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism & Visit Hot Springs |
The top six finishers in each regional will then qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the Toyota Series, the pathway to the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube .
Mason Wins Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super-Tournament on Pickwick Lake
| RANK | BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Jimmy Mason of Rogersville, Ark. | 10 | 39-0 | $14,188 |
| 2nd | Trent Suratt of Lawrenceburg, Tenn. | 10 | 34-3 | $3,094 |
| 3rd | Mitch Crane of Columbus, Miss. | 10 | 32-8 | $2,062 |
| 4th | Taylor Luna of Prattville, Ala. | 10 | 31-3 | $1,444 |
| 5th | Christopher Whitehead of Fulton, Miss. | 10 | 29-9 | $1,238 |
| 6th | Lake Blasingame of Killen, Ala. | 10 | 29-7 | $1,134 |
| 7th | Alan Langford of Tupelo, Miss. | 10 | 28-15 | $1,031 |
| 8th | Lloyd Pickett, Jr. of Bartlett, Tenn. | 10 | 27-11 | $928 |
| 9th | Cody Nichols of Fayette, Ala. | 8 | 27-8 | $1,687 |
| 10th | James Byrd of Florence, Ala. | 9 | 25-15 | $722 |
| RANK | STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Chaz McMahan of Leoma, Tenn. | 9 | 26-8 | $3,094 |
| 2nd | Brandon Hylander of Walls, Miss. | 9 | 23-1 | $1,547 |
| 3rd | Jacob Denton of Muscle Shoals, Ala. | 10 | 22-12 | $1,229 |
| 4th | Walter Gillis of Jackson, Miss. | 7 | 19-13 | $722 |
| 5th | Kayden Tanner of Tolar, Texas | 7 | 17-6 | $619 |
| 6th | Lance Jackson of Starkville, Miss. | 7 | 15-14 | $567 |
| 7th | Jeffery Reece of Guys, Tenn. | 6 | 14-15 | $516 |
| 8th | John Thomas of Pontotoc, Miss. | 6 | 14-11 | $895 |
| 9th | Scott Kirk of Houston, Miss. | 5 | 13-13 | $413 |
| 10th | Ben Cox of Ripley, Miss. | 5 | 13-6 | $361 |
| AWARD | NAME | CONTINGENCY | PAYOUT |
| Boater Big Bass | Cody Nichols of Fayette, Ala. | 6-pound, 3-ounce bass | $862 |
| Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass | John Thomas of Pontotoc, Miss. | 4-pound, 4-ounce bass | $431 |
| Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus | Jimmy Mason of Rogersville, Ala. | Eligible Phoenix Boat* | $7,000 |
| ANGLER | BAIT | COLOR |
| Boater |
|
Did Not Divulge |
| Strike King Co-Angler |
|
Did Not Divulge |
| EVENT | DATE | LOCATION | HOST |
| Mississippi Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship | Oct. 21-23 | Lake Ouachita, Mount Ida, Arkansas | Visit Hot Springs |
| 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American | June 2-4 | Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs, Ark. | Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism & Visit Hot Springs |
The top six finishers in each regional will then qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the Toyota Series, the pathway to the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube .
McCormick’s Afternoon Rally Lifts Him To Bassmaster College Classic Bracket Victory
Bethel University's Tristan McCormick, of Burns, Tenn., has won the 2021 Carhartt Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Bass Pro Shops on the Coosa River.
Photo by Kyle Jessie/B.A.S.S.
October 4, 2021
WETUMPKA, Ala. — For the first several hours of Championship Monday at the Carhartt Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Bass Pro Shops on the Coosa River, Bethel University angler Tristan McCormick struggled to find quality bass.
To make matters worse, he watched his opponent Tucker Smith of Auburn University catch over 9 pounds of bass under Bouldin Dam before the 10:45 a.m. halftime break.
But despite the morning deficit, McCormick managed an early-afternoon flurry that saw him cull four times with several 2-pound bass for an 11-pound total weight that earned him the victory by 3 ounces. McCormick earned one of the most coveted prizes in bass fishing — a berth in the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk scheduled for March 4-6 at Lake Hartwell.
“It hasn’t sunk in and it won’t for a while,” said McCormick, who also earned $7,500, paid entry fees into all 2022 Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens and the use of a fully-rigged Nitro Z20 and Toyota Tundra. “It’s such a blessing. I’m so fortunate and I’ve worked so hard for so many years just trying to get to this moment and I’ve finally got it. That means a lot to me.”
McCormick secured the overall No. 1 seed during the qualifying day by catching 10-9. He then won his first-round matchup against Hayden Scott with 9-9 and advanced to the final round over Conner Crosby with 10-14.
The final-day total he used to slip by Smith was the biggest bag of the event.
For much of the tournament, McCormick and Smith were within sight of each other fishing the tailrace under Bouldin Dam. They focused on current seams in the water moving from Jordan Lake into a diversion canal and on into the Coosa River.
McCormick caught the majority of his bass in that area on a specific current seam using a topwater walking bait, a drop shot with a 1/2-ounce weight and a pink Roboworm and a couple of fish on a smaller-profile swimbait.
With storms and a cold front moving through the area the past couple of days, the water had risen in the tailrace to the point where McCormick had to make very precise casts to get bites.
“I had that one seam I caught everything off of this afternoon,” McCormick said. “If that seam had a lot of current, it kind of backwashed into the seam. Today, there was just a little bitty area that you could throw it where slack water was, and every fish I caught on that drop shot, as soon as I threw it in there, that’s when they had it.”
Finding bass that weighed over 3 pounds had been the key to success for both anglers over the course of the week — and early on Championship Monday, Smith landed a 3-12 largemouth. Within 20 minutes of arriving at his primary area, he landed four keepers.
After a lull of about an hour, Smith landed his fifth bass and made several important culls before the halftime break. McCormick, meanwhile, filled his limit throughout the morning but watched as several quality fish missed his topwater bait and as one close to 3 pounds pulled off the hook.
As Smith continued to catch fish in the tailrace, McCormick exited the area before halftime.
“I saw a bunch of big ones this morning missing my Spook and I just had a gut feeling to go back. I put my hat down real low to where he was out of my vision and focused on what I was doing,” McCormick said. “I knew I had to catch up and knew the only way to do it was to go back up there around a big population of fish and grind it out the rest of the day.”
After returning to the area around noon, McCormick began a flurry with a 2-pounder, followed by a 2-6, a 2-5 and then a 2-13 to take the lead — all on the drop shot.
“I wasn’t 10 casts in when I hooked that first largemouth,” McCormick said. “I threw back in there and caught a really big largemouth. After all of the pressure from the storms and everything the last two days, they settled down and they fed this morning a lot.
“That was the most activity I’ve seen all week up there. I knew they were feeding heavy and I stuck with what was best for me to catch them.”
Heavy storms moved into the area with 40 minutes to go, delaying the event until late afternoon. With a 1-8 bass still in his bag, McCormick thought he needed to cull one more time to seal the deal.
“I felt like I needed 12 pounds and I was a pound short of that goal,” he said. “If I could have just hooked one of those Spook fish this morning we would be golden. I caught all that weight in a 30- to 45-minute window and felt like it was happening. When we went under the bridge (to take cover) it hit me.
“I was thinking, ‘Gosh, I needed one more bite and we can do this.’”
With the win, McCormick became the third Bethel University angler to win the Bracket and advance to the Bassmaster Classic. Cole Floyd and Cody Huff were the first two to accomplish that feat.
2021 Carhartt Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Bass Pro Shops 10/1-10/4
Coosa River, Wetumpka, AL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 3
Angler Club/School No./Weight
Tristan McCormick Bethel University 5 11-00
Tucker Smith Auburn University 5 10-13
Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship Set for Norfork Lake
Nearly Four-Hundred Boaters and Co-anglers Head to Mountain Home to Compete for $60,000 and Their Shot at the 2022 All-American Championship
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. (Oct. 4, 2021) – The Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine’s Arkie, Illini, LBL and Ozark divisions will finish out their 2021 season this week in Mountain Home, Arkansas, Oct. 7-9, with the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship Presented by T-H Marine at Norfork Lake . Hosted by the Mountain Home Area Chamber of Commerce, the three-day regional championship will feature the top 45 boaters and co-anglers plus tournament winners in the four divisions, battling it out for a top prize of $60,000, including a Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, along with lucrative contingency awards, including up to an additional $7,000 Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus. Strike King co-anglers will compete for a top prize of $50,000, including a Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard. Winners will be determined by the heaviest three-day catch.
Anglers will take off daily at 7 a.m. CT from Buzzard Roost Marina in Mountain Home. Weigh-ins will also be held at the marina and will begin at 3 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend the event or follow the action online through the “MLF Live” weigh-in broadcasts at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The 2021 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine consisted of 24-divisions devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season and 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, advance to one of six Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championships.
The top six finishers in each regional will qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American, which will be held June 2-4 at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, hosted by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and Visit Hot Springs.
The top boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the Toyota Series, the pathway to the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the Bass Pro Tour.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook , Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Decatur to Host Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Wheeler Lake
Four-Hundred Boaters and Co-anglers Descend on Decatur to Compete for $60,000 and Their Shot at the 2022 All-American Championship
DECATUR, Ala. (Oct. 4, 2021) – The Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine’s Bama, Hoosier, Mountain and Music City divisions will finish out their 2021 season this week in Decatur, Alabama, Oct. 7-9, with the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship Presented by T-H Marine at Wheeler Lake . Hosted by Decatur Morgan County Tourism, the three-day regional championship will feature the top 45 boaters and co-anglers plus tournament winners in the Bama division, battling it out for a top prize of $60,000, including a Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, along with lucrative contingency awards, including up to an additional $7,000 Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus. Strike King co-anglers will compete for a top prize of $50,000, including a Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard. Winners will be determined by the heaviest three-day catch.
Anglers will take off daily at 7 a.m. CT from Ingalls Harbor in Decatur. Weigh-ins will also be held at the harbor 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 at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The 2021 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine consisted of 24-divisions devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season and 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, advance to one of six Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championships.
The top six finishers in each regional will qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American, which will be held June 2-4 at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, hosted by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and Visit Hot Springs.
The top boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the Toyota Series, the pathway to the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the Bass Pro Tour.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook , Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
"Ike's World"
This week Chris and David welcome in Mike Iaconelli to an early episode to talk about Ike's new TV show "My World with Mike Iaconnelli" which airs its final season 1 episode tonight. We talk about his crazy year what's ahead for 2022. Check it out, its a great show!
Smith, McCormick Advance To Bassmaster College Classic Bracket Championship
Tristan McCormick of Bethel University and Tucker Smith of Auburn University have advanced to the final round of head-to-head competition in the 2021 Carhartt Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Bass Pro Shops on the Coosa River.
Photo by Kyle Jessie/B.A.S.S.
October 3, 2021
WETUMPKA, Ala. — Bethel University senior and overall top seed Tristan McCormick and Auburn University sophomore Tucker Smith, the No. 2 seed, both won their individual matchups Sunday to advance to the final round of the Carhartt Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Bass Pro Shops on the Coosa River.
McCormick led all anglers in total weight during the semifinal round, securing 10 pounds, 14 ounces to beat Auburn’s Conner Crosby, who landed a 6-11 limit.
“It hasn’t even hit me yet. I’m just trying to enjoy each and every moment,” McCormick said. “It is my last (college) tournament and that makes it pretty special to make it to the final day and shoot it out with Tucker, one of my best friends. We know each other pretty well. It’s going to be a fun one for sure.”
Unlike Day 1 where he missed on several opportunities for big bites, McCormick fished clean throughout the semifinals.
“Everything I hooked I kept on,” he said. “That was a key thing, especially when you aren’t getting that many big blow-ups. Those 2-pound and above sized fish are what separates you and they are hard to come by. So, when you hook one, you have to take your time and be careful with it.”
He started the day with a couple of nice bites, including a 3-2 largemouth that set the tone.
“It was slack water and the current wasn’t supposed to turn on until 10 a.m., but it turned on within 30 minutes of me being there,” McCormick said. “I let the current get back out there and let everything set up and started fishing the seams and caught several. No more big ones.”
With his limit filled before the halftime break, McCormick said he started looking for the better than average largemouth after the break.
“The cloud cover and the rain was a big deal for me after I left the dam,” he said. “I relied on that and knew it was going to be cloudy all day so I shot out (away from the dam). I felt like it was the right thing to do and went and did what I do comfortably, which is throw a Spook.”
If conditions are similar on Championship Monday, McCormick said he is confident in his strategy.
“If it is cloudy all day tomorrow I know what I’m going to do,” he said. “These fish need cloud cover to be active on topwater. Every day I have gone out and gone at it the same way.”
Meanwhile, Smith caught 7-11 Sunday to edge Bethel University angler Stevie Mills by over a pound. The day did not start smoothly for the three-time high school national champion, however.
“After fishing the first day, this morning I got a little bit nervous and it all sank in,” Smith said. “I missed a bunch of fish this morning and some good ones. I had to calm down and sit down, retie my baits and get more focused. Once I got focused I caught some fish.”
When he arrived at his first spot, Smith said he lost five or six fish before moving to his next area. After losing one or two there, he recovered and secured a limit of mostly spotted bass that powered him past Mills.
“I started culling up and then I caught a decent one,” he said. “I fished around and caught a bunch of fish, just didn’t catch that 3-plus pound size. That’s what I’m looking for tomorrow.
“I’m just going to look for big ones all day. You are going to have to catch them tomorrow to win, and I’m going to try and have fun and whatever happens, happens. I’m super blessed to be able to make it this far in the tournament.”
Anglers will take off at 6:30 a.m. CT and will conclude their day at 2:30 p.m. Bassmaster College Classic Bracket LIVE presented by Bassmaster Fishing 2022, the Official Video Game, will stream live on Bassmaster.com and the FOX Sports digital platforms beginning at 7 a.m.
The winner will earn a spot in the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk at Lake Hartwell, plus paid entry fees into the 2022 Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens with the use of a fully rigged Nitro and Toyota Tundra.
2021 Carhartt Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Bass Pro Shops 10/1-10/4
Coosa River, Wetumpka, AL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Club/School No./Weight
Tristan McCormick Bethel University 5 10-14
Conner Crosby Auburn University 5 06-11
Tucker Smith Auburn University 5 07-11
Stevie Mills Bethel University 5 06-04
Watkins Wins it all on Grand Lake
GROVE, Oklahoma - With his biggest bag of the week on the final day, Taylor Watkins added 17-pounds, 10-ounces to finish with a total weight of 50-pounds, 3-ounces to take the victory at Grand Lake. While planning on a topwater bite for the event, Watkins evolved a jig pattern to catch his fish and give him his first NPFL victory.
“It was awesome, it pretty well went to plan. This morning I went where I have been starting and lost a 3-pounder that ended up not costing me, but it would have culled a pound or more. As soon as I got to my docks this morning the storm hit, and I had to take cover. When the storm passed, I fished both of those docks and never got bit.”
After not getting bit, Watkins picked up a buzzbait and picked up a few fish. After jumping around on his way back to Wolf Creek, Watkins got to work with his jig to finish out his day.
“I figured out there five docks close by to the take-off that held fish and I cycled through those three times and caught some each time. I knew the weather would change things, but it didn’t play out at all like I thought. The topwater bite never materialized but I figure out the jig deal and went with it. Big thanks to Mustad Hooks, Tuff Line, and the jig was a True South Custom Lures.”
Sheldon Collings
Grove, Oklahoma angler Sheldon Collings added 13-pounds, 3-ounces to his total for a total weight of 48-pounds, 11-ounces to finish in 2nd place. Leading after two days on Grand Lake, Collings fished a mixture of docks and offshore brush and rock piles to catch his fish this week.
Bryant Smith
Adding 15-pounds, 2-ounces on the final day, Bryant Smith finished the event in the 3rd spot with a three-day total of 45-pounds, 13-ounces. The Roseville, California angler relied on a topwater and flipping bite on shallow flat banks with isolated timber to catch his fish.
James Biggs
With 12-pounds, 7-ounces on the final day, James Biggs finished in 4th place with a grand total of 42-pounds, 14-ounces. With the slowest day of the tournament on day three, Biggs weighed in a five bass limit every day to accomplish his goal of making the NPFL championship.
“Today was horrible. When my camera guy got out of the boat around 1 pm, I had two little fish. I went to a rock pile and caught two quick, turned around, threw a crankbait up on the bank and caught my 5th fish.”
The goal all season was to make the championship. Biggs knew Grand Lake would be his best lake and was happy to have it at the end of the season.
“I can't wait for Nickajack, I have some history there. Outside of Pickwick, I finished in the top 40’s everywhere, just had a couple bad ones, so it was nice to rebound here this week. My in-laws followed me around today, all day, the watched me not catch fish for several hours.”
Jeff Dobson
Jeff Dobson weighed 12-pounds, 14-ounces on day three to finish with a total weight of 42-pounds, 6-ounces. Dobson relied on local knowledge and an Omega Custom Tackle Pro Mega jig fishing vertical structure to finish the event in the 5th place spot.
“I started this morning and caught 12-pounds and then went deep to try and cull. I had two bites, one small and one big one, and I broke the big one off.”
With a tough year on the NPFL trail, the Bartlesville, Oklahoma angler is happy to have a good finish on his home body of water but had this one penciled on his calendar all year.
“Its Grand Lake, I wanted to win, man. I had a rough season, one of the roughest I can remember as a pro, but I am definitely glad to finish on a good note.”
Rest of the Best:
6th Timmy Reams41-1
7th John Polasini40-14
8th Paul Browning40-13
9th Derrick Blake40-0
10th Matt Mollohan39-5
Big Largemouth Lifts Smith To Day 1 Win At College Classic Bracket On The Coosa River
Conner Crosby and Tucker Smith of Auburn University and Tristan McCormick and Stevie Mills of Bethel University have advanced to the second round of head-to-head competition in the 2021 Carhartt Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Bass Pro Shops on the Coosa River.
Photo by Kyle Jessie/B.A.S.S.
October 2, 2021
WETUMPKA, Ala. — Anchored by a 3-pound, 7-ounce largemouth, Tucker Smith weighed in a five-bass limit Saturday that tipped the scales at 10-2 to advance past his Auburn University teammate and partner Logan Parks and into the semifinal round of the Carhartt Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Bass Pro Shops on the Coosa River.
Smith led all anglers in total weight, edging out No. 1 seed Tristan McCormick by 9 ounces in the overall standings.
While Smith has experience on this section of the Coosa River, growing up just over an hour away from the takeoff site, he practiced like it was a new body of water and found the topwater bite was good during cloudy conditions. The clouds Smith was hoping for, however, did not materialize during Day 1.
“It wasn’t as good as it could have been,” Smith said. “Hopefully tomorrow it will be cloudier and they will bite better during the day. Cloud cover is the biggest thing for me. I can catch a few with the sun out, but if there are clouds it would be better for sure.”
After catching 8-11 on qualifying day to secure the No. 2 seed, the morning bite on Day 1 was key for Smith, who landed around 15 total bass in the first couple hours of the event, including the big largemouth in a system known for its quality population of spotted bass.
“That really separates you when the fishing is this tough,” Smith said. “I was really excited about that one. The largemouth get [big] up there, and usually, when you catch one, they are going to be superfat.
“I had it on a spinning rod so it was kind of frightening. On 10-pound test it wasn’t a very fun fight. It changed my day around and it got the ball rolling.”
From there, the three-time high school national champion moved out of his most productive area and tried some different stuff, but didn’t find the quality he found early in the morning. With warmer temperatures still hanging around southern Alabama, Smith said the bass aren’t fully committed to a fall pattern and it has made the fishing a lot more challenging.
“It doesn’t seem like you can go throw a topwater all day and catch them,” he said. “You kind of have to grind it out after the sun comes out.”
The general game plan will remain the same for Smith Sunday, but changing with the weather conditions will be the key to his success.
“I’m going to fish the conditions and see how it goes,” Smith said. “I learned a lot this afternoon so I’m going to try and use that to adjust and catch more.”
Meanwhile, McCormick overcame adversity to end the day with a 9-9 limit and defeat Hayden Scott from Adrian College.
Early in the morning, the Bethel angler missed a couple of key fish on a topwater. Then later, he swung a quality largemouth into his boat, only for it to come unbuttoned and slide across the front deck and back into the water.
“I tried not to get spun out and I was telling myself I needed to stay in it mentally,” McCormick said. “I kind of laughed about it and moved on.”
McCormick shifted through a couple of areas throughout the day, starting in a spot with a lot of current. After losing the first big one, he landed a 3-4 bass as well as a few smaller fish to move his total weight to around 7 pounds early in the day.
From there, he moved downriver where he flipped and threw a topwater bait to catch a few smaller bass before losing the largemouth over the side of the boat. With a few hours to go, McCormick moved back to his starting area and found the current had slacked off, but on his second cast he landed a quality fish that helped him advance.
With over 10 pounds on qualifying day, McCormick earned the overall No. 1 seed for the event and during practice, he learned that the morning bite would be key.
“The first day of practice, it was cloudy for most of the morning and the topwater bite lasted a lot longer,” he said. “There is a lot more activity and fish busting on the surface. I knew it was going to be tough when the sun came out.”
With a front moving into the area Sunday, McCormick said he hopes that the cloud cover will return and fire up the bass.
“It's tough, but you still catch a bunch of fish. It is just trying to get the quality,” he said.
Fellow Bethel University angler Stevie Mills, the No. 3 seed, caught 6-13 to advance against Auburn angler James Cobbs, who landed 5-15. Meanwhile, fifth-seeded Conner Crosby caught 6-2 and earned the victory over Adrian College angler Griffin Fernandes, who fell short of a limit and weighed in 4-15.
In the Final Four, it will be Auburn against Bethel on both sides of the bracket as McCormick will face off against Crosby and Smith will go head-to-head against Mills.
The winners of the head-to-head matchups will advance to the championship round Monday for a chance to qualify for the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk at Lake Hartwell. The final champion will also earn paid entry fees into the 2022 Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens with a fully-rigged Nitro and Toyota Tundra.
Anglers will take off at 6:30 a.m. CT and will conclude their day at 2:30 p.m. Bassmaster College Classic Bracket LIVE presented by Bassmaster Fishing 2022, the Official Video Game, will stream live on Bassmaster.com and the FOX Sports digital platforms beginning at 7 a.m.
2021 Carhartt Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Bass Pro Shops 10/1-10/4
Coosa River, Wetumpka, AL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Club/School No./Weight
Tucker Smith Auburn University 5 10-02
Logan Parks Auburn University 4 06-10
Tristan McCormick Bethel University 5 09-09
Hayden Scott Adrian College 5 07-04
Stevie Mills Bethel University 5 06-13
James Cobbs Auburn University 5 05-15
Conner Crosby Auburn University 5 06-02
Griffin Fernandes Adrian College 2 04-15
Collings Extends Grand Lake Lead, Perkins Holds AOY Lead
Courtesy of The National Professional Fishing League
GROVE – Oklahoma. Adding 16-pounds, 8-ounces to his day one total of 19-pounds, Grove, Oklahoma angler Sheldon Collings maintains his lead going into Showdown Saturday with a two-day total of 35-pounds, 8 ounces. Collings takes a 2-pound, 15-ounce lead into Showdown Saturday.
Starting off his morning not like he had planned, Collings was sitting on one bass at 9AM. The local knowledge kicked in and the local angler made the trek way down the lake. Flipping some docks to get a limit, the day turned around in a big way.
“This morning was pretty terrible. I had a small fish and decided to make a move. I got on some docks I thought I could catch some keepers and caught a limit for like 10-pounds or so. Around noon, I fished around and never got a bite.”
Knowing the offshore bite would settle in, Collings got back to where he caught some fish on day one and caught a 4-pounder, culling to around 12-pounds. The next couple hours were tough, but he maintained his focus and revisited some offshore areas as live coverage ended.
“Once again, live goes off and I got to an offshore spot and basically back-to-back I caught two that were almost 4-pounds. I went from 12-pounds to 14-pounds to 16-pounds on those two bass. Each one was like 2-pounds worth of upgrades.”
Collings understands the timing of his offshore areas and doesn’t get discouraged with a slow start. In the fall, Grand lakes seems to turn on in the evening when the shad pull up and the bass get to biting.
“The timing is key. You can fish them all day, but they don’t bite. I am fishing community holes; I know how they set up and when they bite. I can tell they are set up to feed. I want to win this more than anything. I told my camera man, if the weather is right tomorrow, I'll stay on my big fish holes all day cause the wind positions them and they will bite all day.”
If the weather is right, Collings will fish for bigger bites but isn't afraid to go and catch a limit. After a limit, 5 to 6-hours on his offshore areas to end the day and hopefully take the win on his home pond.
“If it's meant to be, its meant to be. If not, I'm going to go and have fun regardless and see what I can do.”
Taylor Watkins
Taylor Watkins added 15-pounds to his day one weight of 17-pounds, 9-ounces to finish the day in the 2nd place spot with a two-day total of 32-pounds, 9-ounces. Fishing a topwater first thing, Watkins went back to work on his dock deal and was able to catch his two biggest quality fish for the day.
“I fished on top this morning and basically wasted a bunch of time. I made a move to my primary area and got a small limit, then moved back further in the creek to some docks. I caught two good fish there today, and two good ones yesterday.”
The magic docks have produced several 3.75 to 4-pound quality bass for Watkins the first two days and its unknow whether the area is reloading or if those are resident fish.
“Either way, I am and planning on not catching any there tomorrow. Other than that, I lost a 6-pounder with like ten minutes left today – I'll probably spend some time there tomorrow, too.”
With his main area way down the lake, and the big fish spot close to the takeoff, the Clinton, Tennessee angler is unsure how tomorrow will go, and hasn’t made a game plan yet.
“I saw a lot of quality fish in practice in my areas, but I didn’t think they would hold up, but that’s all I have. I saved one area, fished it today, and didn’t get a bite. There is one small stretch I got several bites in practice there, I may try it again tomorrow.”
Brandon Perkins
Progressive AOY Leader Brandon Perkins added 14-pounds, 11-ounces to his day one weight of 17-pounds to end the day in the 3rd place spot with a two-day total of 31-pounds, 11-ounces. Getting off to an early start this morning, Perkins felt some pressure fall off his shoulder and was able to fish for bigger bass for the rest of the day.
“I made a mental mistake, I hung out in a place thinking I could catch some bigger fish, and unfortunately never did. A place I caught some big fish in practice, I got in there today with the intention of just fishing through, but I ended up gambling and tried to catch big ones. I'll take it thought, I was able to give my fish a break and I am ready to get after them again tomorrow.”
With the goal this week to win the Progressive AOY, Perkins is not taking his foot off the pedal. Playing it safe is not in the cards and knows that with as little experience as he has on Grand Lake, he is around fish and getting enough bites a day to hang.
“I am good, I am where I want to be, and I am thrilled with it so far. I am not playing it safe at all. Every day in practice I got a big fish over 4-pounds, and today was the first day I didn’t. I got more bites today than yesterday. I have two or three areas I have fished both days, but I didn’t touch my second-best area today. I wasn’t saving anything, I just felt like with the weight I had, I had to find bigger bites.”
Bryant Smith
With a 15-pound, 10-ounce bag today, Bryant Smith added to his day one weight of 15-pounds, 1-ounce for a total weight of 30-pounds, 11-ounces to finish in the 4th Spot. Utilizing a mix of topwater and flipping presentations, Smith has gone to work on a shallow pattern to catch his fish this week.
“On day one, I caught a few good ones on top and a few flipping. Today, I think all but one was on a topwater. I am basically looking for flat banks, and if it has isolated wood, it's even better.”
Fishing a mix of areas, he found in practice and a few areas he located during the tournament, the Roseville, California anglers has fixed a mix of new water every day to keep his areas fresh.
“I'm fishing a little new water every day, some stuff from practice and some stuff I found while fishing. I am basically fishing a Strike King Sexy Dog Hard Knocker and slipping a Strike King Rage Bug in Black/Blue. I’ve been mixing in a buzzbait as well – just mixing it up.”
The key to his areas?
“The flatter the bank, the better it is. And, I am casting right up on the bank”
James Biggs
With a two-day total of 30-pounds, 7-ounces, James Biggs added 13-pounds, 2-ounces to his day one weight of 17-pounds, 5-ounces to finish the day in the 5th place spot. Running a similar program as yesterday, Biggs wasn’t able to capitalize on some bigger bites on day two.
“I didn’t get as many big bites, but I also missed a lot more, missed several, they just were not eating it good. I either missed them or they came off today.”
Fishing some of the same water, Biggs only hit one or two of his areas and fished lots of new water. With an early limit, he took advantage of the extra time to try and focus on bigger bites.
“I saved a bunch of stuff for tomorrow, and I have been having fun. I don’t worry about pressure. My goal was to make the Championship and I have to catch them tomorrow. I am a firefighter, I deal with real pressure, these are just green fish. If I lose one, or catch one, I know the goal and just keep fishing. I did catch my biggest fish today offshore.”
Jeff Dobson
Local Jeff Dobson added 14-pounds, 12-ounces to his day one weight of 14-pounds, 12-ounces for a two-day total of 29-pounds, 8-ounces to finish in 6th place. Locating fish adjacent to feeding areas, Dobson is fishing an Omega Custom Tackle jig and fishing vertical cover.
“I am fishing the bridges, bluff walls, suspended fish. I'm flipping the big jig and forcing them to eat it, it’s a reaction bite. Only one fish this week I casted and dragged it by and got bit. They are biting it on the fall, I am not feeling it. I just pick up and they are moving off with it.”
Rest of the Best:
7th Paul Browning 29-4
8th David Hoheisel 27-7
9th John Polasini 27-6
10th Bret Loomis 26-10
Road To The Classic Starts Now With Bassmaster Fishing 2022
October 1, 2021
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — For one talented college angler, the road to competing in the iconic Bassmaster Classic and launching an incredible fishing career starts this weekend. But thanks to Bassmaster Fishing 2022, the Official Video Game, gamers and anglers alike can start their climb to angling immortality October 28.
Eight of the country’s top college anglers will face off on Alabama’s Coosa River in the Carhartt Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Bass Pro Shops, which runs Oct. 1-4. Fans can stay up-to-date on the action by following Bassmaster College Classic Bracket LIVE presented by Bassmaster Fishing 2022, the Official Video Game, which will feature real-time coverage from all eight boats on Saturday as anglers battle to advance and win a coveted berth into the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk. Continuing coverage of the tournament can be streamed on Bassmaster.com and the FOX Sports digital platforms.
Dovetail Games, developer and publisher of Bassmaster Fishing 2022 and other authentic sports simulation titles, is celebrating the launch of the game and their sponsorship of event coverage — as well as championing upcoming angling talent — by including the College Classic Bracket champion as one of the game’s playable anglers.
The young champion will find themselves in good company, appearing alongside a playable lineup of 10 Elite Series pros. Players can choose to play as their favorite angler or design their own before setting out to begin their journey to the Classic. Much like the young anglers squaring off on the Coosa River, players can use the game’s Career Mode to work their way to the Classic, beginning in the College Series. Taking the real-life progression of professional anglers and recreating it in-game, players start their careers in the College Series before moving on to the Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens. If players have the skills to win in the Opens events, they’ll be invited to the Elite Series to try and gain enough qualifying points to go to the Bassmaster Classic.
“These events provide opportunities for anglers of all ages and backgrounds that might have otherwise just kept to bass fishing as a hobby,” said two-time Bassmaster Classic champion Hank Cherry. “You never know who the next Bassmaster Classic winner might be. It’s great to see Dovetail Games bringing a career mode to Bassmaster Fishing 2022 so that more people can experience what it’s like to be a professional angler.”
Becoming the Bassmaster Classic champion is about more than just catching bass — it takes passion, pride and skill. To be the best, anglers will need to know their way around their equipment, trust their instincts and know when to go big. In Bassmaster Fishing 2022, players can make a name for themselves by climbing the ranks and becoming a master of the water.
Dovetail Games will sponsor live coverage of the Basspro.com Bassmaster Central Open at Grand Lake Oct. 21-23 and is partnering with B.A.S.S. on the inaugural Abu Garcia Bassmaster High School Combine Oct. 15-17 in Decatur, Ala.
Bassmaster Fishing 2022 will be available beginning Oct. 28 in North America and Europe on the PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, the Xbox One family of devices, including the Xbox One X and Xbox Game Pass, and Windows PC via Steam. The game is available for preorder now on PlayStation, and Playstation®Plus members get a 10% discount.
For regular updates and more information, please visit Bassmasterthegame.com.
Collings Captures Day One Lead at Grand Lake
Courtesy of The National Professional Fishing League
Making two late culls after Live Coverage had ended, local favorite Sheldon Collings put together a 19-pound day with a 5-pound, 3-ounce kicker to take the day one lead here at Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees.
Collings sampled both shallow and deeper areas to catch his bag and started off with a big bite early in the morning. After the lunker got the day started, Collings caught fish slow and steady all day long.
“I stayed in one part of the lake today and fished anywhere between 1-foot and 30-foot, and I caught fish on everything I fished today, besides a topwater bait.”
Saving some areas for later in the week, the Grove, Oklahoma angler fished one section of the lake on day one and it was a decision to visit an offshore area again later in the day that made it happen.
“I fished a spot earlier this morning and never got bit. They were there, I could see them on active target, but they were suspended and there was no bait around. After Live Coverage ended, I slipped back in there and caught a 4-pounder and another 3.5-pounder real fast.”
The offshore bite is a timing deal according to Collings and while fishing a combination of reaction baits and dragging baits, covering water fishing productive areas produced the leading weight.
“I have a lot of stuff on the opposite side of the lake that I left alone for the next couple days. I had like 14-pounds with four bass all day and thankfully got those bigger ones to go later in the day.
Taylor Watkins
Taylor Watkins caught 17-pounds, 9-ounces of Grand Lake bass to finish the day in the 2nd place spot. After fishing his main area this morning with several other boats, and only one bite to show for it, a decision to slow down his presentation led to several key fish, including a 3-pound, 14-ounce lunker.
“I had a good practice and I truly thought I was going to catch them, but in a different way than I did today. I fished until around 10 am and only had that one bite. I swung back through there, swapped up my presentation and got a few bites. That really settled me down and I was able to catch my weight.”
Saving some good areas from practice for later in the week, a repeat of day one on the same area may not happen, but the Clinton, Tennessee angler is just looking to get back out there.
“I knew there was quality in that area, and I don’t know if I can catch them on that stuff, but I saved a decent area I got some good bites and I'll give that a go.”
James Biggs
With 17-pounds, 5-ounces on day one, James Biggs fished conservatively to save fish for the rest of the week. Fishing a combination of docks and other shallow areas, Biggs ended the day in the 3rd place spot.
“I made one cull after live went out, but I basically fished docks with brush and saved some other stuff. I caught some fish early and made a bait switch and caught a couple more. My smallest fish were 3-pounders, but my biggest fish was only a 4-pounder. I was semi surprised with the weight I had today.”
Brandon Perkins
In the 4th place spot, the current Progressive Angler of the Year leader Brandon Perkins kept the pressure on his competitors with a day one weight of 17-pounds. Although the bite was slower than expected, the Tennessee angler stuck with his shallow dock pattern and put quality bass in the boat.
“I really thought I would catch more fish today, and it honestly has me a little bothered. I expected to catch 12 to 14-pounds easy, a few times, so I don’t know what the deal was.”
With folks watching on live, Perkins fished around docks with a flipping bait and worked some areas in between as well. The bite was not fast and furious, but the NPFL Pickwick champion caught enough to finish in the top five after day one, keeping his spot atop the AOY standings alive.
“Other than the no wind, I don’t know what the deal is and the weather coming in is going to be unique for what I am doing. I can make some adjustments, I mean I caught a few on some other baits today, but the docks have been the deal. I am not dialed on docks though. If the sun goes away, the fish will roam, or go away totally.”
Bret Loomis
With 16-pounds, 7-ounces, Bret Loomis sits in the 5th place spot after day one. Working a combination of shallow and offshore spots, Loomis caught fish on topwater, flipping a jig, and a big hair jig.
“This morning I started out shallow with a whopper plopper and caught one. Then I went to a dock I found in practice and flipped in and caught my biggest one.”
Using a borrowed boat after losing his trolling motor, Loomis spent the rest of the day offshore working a shaky head and hair jig to catch the rest of his limit.
“I had a few places from practice, and I don’t know if I can duplicate it tomorrow, but I didn’t set the hook in practice, so I don’t know how many are there. Caught one of my better fish on a Brown Dog Tackle Hair jig after they got off the shaky head.”
B.A.S.S. Nation 2022 Regional Championship Schedule Announced
The 2022 TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Series schedule features five regional championship events, beginning in February on Lake Havasu.
Photo by Brenden Kanies/B.A.S.S.
September 30, 2021
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The 2022 TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Series schedule features five opportunities for grass-roots anglers to battle some of the country’s best bass fisheries. Each regional championship will provide opportunities for everyday anglers to qualify for the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Championship and a shot at one of three berths in the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk.
“The B.A.S.S. Nation can be a fantastic opportunity for weekend anglers to fish for big money on a big stage or the gateway to a stellar career in professional fishing,” said B.A.S.S. Nation director Jon Stewart. “In 2022, all of these anglers — regardless of their future goals — are going to have the opportunity to compete on fantastic and historic fisheries.”
For the second consecutive year, the schedule will kick off with the Western Regional at Lake Havasu in Lake Havasu City, Ariz., Feb. 23-25. This Western fishery, which offers a combination of crystal-clear waters and stark desert beauty, ranked No. 8 in 2021 on Bassmaster Magazine’s annual list of 100 Best Bass Lakes (Western Division).
Spring will see Nation anglers take on Lewis Smith Lake in Jasper, Ala., for the Southeast Regional April 27-29 before the Central Regional on Grand Lake in Grove, Okla., May 4-6.
The schedule will swing to the upper region of the United States with the Northeast Regional on the St. Lawrence River in Waddington, N.Y., June 22-24. This smallmouth mecca ranked No. 4 overall on the 2021 100 Best Bass Lakes list and hosted three events in 2021 — a Bassmaster Elite Series tournament, a Basspro.com Bassmaster Northern Open and the Carhartt Bassmaster College National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops.
The final regular-season event, the Northern Regional, will be held on the Upper Mississippi River out of Clinton, Iowa, June 29-July 1.
“The City of Clinton is excited to host the 2022 B.A.S.S Nation Regional Championship in Iowa at our wonderfully maintained Clinton Marina located on our beautiful riverfront along the mighty Mississippi,” said Lesley Webster, director of the Clinton, Iowa Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The majestic treelines and one-of-a-kind sunrises will surely make Clinton a memorable experience for anglers and their families. In Clinton there are many things to do with a river view, and the Bassmaster anglers will be treated to a variety of attractions right on our riverfront!”
The date and location for the 2022 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship will be released at a later time. The Championship tournament will be made up of qualifiers from all five regions, and the Top 3 anglers from the overall standings will earn a berth to the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk.
“We’re proud to offer three Nation anglers the opportunity to compete in the iconic Bassmaster Classic, where anything is possible,” said B.A.S.S. Chairman and CEO Chase Anderson. “Just this year, we saw Justin Kerr qualify for the Classic through the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship and finish fourth in Fort Worth.
“The B.A.S.S. Nation local clubs have been the foundation of our organization for more than five decades. Beyond their tournaments, the Nation adds so much to the culture and growth of our sport through their conservation efforts and youth events and initiatives.”
The winner of the 2022 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship will also receive a cash prize, an invitation to join the 2023 Bassmaster Elite Series and paid Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens entry fees for all divisions. The second- and third-place finishers and nonboater Champion will each earn paid Opens entry fees for all divisions as well.
Taming Spotted Bass Could Be Key To Winning Bassmaster Central Open On Lewis Smith Lake
Alabama's Lewis Smith Lake will host the Basspro.com Bassmaster Central Open Oct. 7-9, 2021.
Photo by Justin Brouillard/B.A.S.S.
September 30, 2021
JASPER, Ala. — While Alabama native David Kilgore thinks many anglers will be around big spotted bass during the Basspro.com Bassmaster Central Open on Lewis Smith Lake Oct. 7-9, catching them will be the real trick.
“You can find them a lot of times, but catching them in the fall is difficult,” Kilgore said. “The last Open we had in the fall here, it was so frustrating because you could be around a pile of 3- and 4-pounders and you could not catch them.
“It’s not really going to be getting around them, because a lot of people will get around them, it is just going to be figuring out how to catch them.”
This summer was the wettest summer that Kilgore can remember and those rainy conditions have continued to affect the 21,000-acre reservoir located just north of Birmingham into the early fall.
“While I was gone to Norman (for the Southern Open in late September), my rain gauge had 3 inches in it and I looked on my phone and the lake had come up 3 feet again,” Kilgore said. “They are on their way to pulling it back down again. It is down from full pool now about 8 or 9 feet, which is not out of the normal this time of year.
“We've just had so much rain this summer they’ve barely been able to get it down that far. They’ve been having to pull it a lot to get it down. I really don’t know what to expect with the water going up and down. We’ve got a lot of bare banks and very little stuff in the water. It is going to be interesting.”
Kilgore was also expecting some cooler weather to move into the area ahead of the tournament, but looking at the forecast he doesn’t see that happening now.
Smith Lake is a generally rocky reservoir with plenty of creek arms and a multitude of docks. In the fall, however, the big spotted bass will be roaming the lake searching for groups of blueback herring, according to Kilgore, and cover matters very little.
“It will be like any herring lake — a Fluke, topwater, whatever you want to try and catch them on,” Kilgore said. “It won’t be reinventing the wheel, just trying to figure out one little subtlety out there in the middle and in the fall that seems really hard to do compared to the spring.”
While there is a solid population of largemouth, Kilgore doesn’t expect them to play for multiple days.
Smith Lake was originally scheduled to be the first stop of the Central Opens season back in April, but flooding and severe storms postponed the event until October.
Virginia native Jacob Powroznik enters the tournament leading the Falcon Rods Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year standings with 1,171 points with Tommy Williams of Shepherdsville, Ky., second with 1,124 and Sam George of Athens, Ala., third with 1,111.
With a win at Pickwick earlier this year, Joey Nania of Cropwell, Ala., leads the Central Open standings with 200 points, followed by Lonnie Cochran of Section, Ala., with 199 and John Garrett of Union City, Tenn., with 198.
Anglers will take off from Smith Lake Public Boat Ramp at 6:30 a.m. CT each day. Weigh-ins on Days 1 and 2 will be held at Smith Lake Public Boat Ramp starting at 2:30 p.m., and the final day weigh-in will move to Bass Pro Shops in Leeds, Ala., at 4 p.m.
The full field will compete the first two days before the boater side is cut to 10 anglers on Championship Saturday. The co-angler champion will be crowned after the Day 2 weigh-in. Coverage of the event will be available at Bassmaster.com.
Catch Bassmaster College Classic Bracket Coverage Live This Weekend
2021 Bassmaster College Team of the Year, Logan Parks and Tucker Smith from Auburn University, will be among the eight competitors at the Carhartt Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Bass Pro Shops Oct. 1-4 on Alabama's Coosa River.
Photo by Kyle Jessie/B.A.S.S.
September 29, 2021
WETUMPKA, Ala. — Fans of the rapidly growing sport of college fishing will have three days to catch live coverage of the Carhartt Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Bass Pro Shops, which runs Oct. 1-4 on the Coosa River out of Wetumpka, Ala.
The event pits the season’s eight top college anglers against one another for a coveted spot in the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk. New for this year, on Day 1 of the event, all eight anglers will compete individually to determine seeding and set the bracket for head-to-head competition.
FS1 kicks off a day of college sports with morning action from Day 2 of the tournament beginning at 7 a.m. CT. Bassmaster College Classic Bracket LIVE presented by Bassmaster Fishing 2022, the Official Video Game, will feature real-time coverage from all eight boats on Saturday as anglers battle to advance. Continuing coverage of the tournament can be streamed on Bassmaster.com and the FOX Sports digital platforms.
Date
Time (All times Central)
Network
Saturday, October 2
7 a.m. – 11 a.m.
FS1; FOX Sports Digital
12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Bassmaster.com; FOX Sports Digital
Sunday, October 3
7 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Bassmaster.com; FOX Sports Digital
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Bassmaster.com; FOX Sports Digital
Monday, October 4
7 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Bassmaster.com; FOX Sports Digital
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Bassmaster.com; FOX Sports Digital
For the first time, the 2021 Bassmaster College Team of the Year — Auburn University’s Logan Parks and Tucker Smith — automatically punched their ticket to the College Classic Bracket to compete alongside the Top 3 teams from the Bassmaster College National Championship in this individual, elimination-style tournament. Joining Parks and Smith will be National Champions Hayden Scott and Griffin Fernandes from Michigan’s Adrian College, Tristan McCormick and Stevie Mills from bass fishing powerhouse Bethel University and a second team from Auburn, Conner Crosby and James Cobbs.
How the West was won & late Breaking News!
This week Chris & the boys welcome in your back-to-back Western Toyota Series Winner Andrew Loberg to talk about his wins, the opportunities ahead of him and how the West was won. Big shakeup in the U-Pick-Em and then some late Breaking News from a major tournament platform. Check it out!
Simpson University Wins Abu Garcia College Fishing Tournament on Lake Havasu
LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. (Sept. 28, 2021) – The Simpson University duo of Quinn Hawkinson of Chico, California, and Jayden Nezy of Page, Arizona, weighed a five-bass limit totaling 10 pounds, 1 ounce to earn the win last weekend at the Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI at Lake Havasu. The victory earned the Red Hawk’s bass club $2,000 and qualified the duo to compete in the 2022 College Fishing National Championship.
TOP FIVE RESULTS*
| RANK | COLLEGE NAME | ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Simpson University | Quinn Hawkinson, Chico, Calif. Jayden Nezy, Page, Ariz. |
5 | 10-1 | $2,000 |
| 2nd | Dallas Baptist University | Mark Harris, Lindale, Texas Michael Postlewait, Astoria, Ore. |
4 | 9-0 | $1,000 |
| 3rd | Simpson University | Nathan Phillips, Kelseyville, Calif. Austin Rojas, Lake Havasu City, Ariz. |
4 | 8-10 | $500 |
| 4th | Dallas Baptist University | Reece Martin, Lindale, Texas Jacob Witkowski, Dallas, Texas |
4 | 7-3 | $500 |
| 5th | Simpson University | Ryan Beaty, Martinez, Calif. Taj White, Glendale, Ariz. |
2 | 5-9 | $500 |
Complete results for the entire field can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
2021 QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES
| EVENT | DATE | LOCATION | HOST |
| Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI National Championship | March 29-31, 2022 | Fort Gibson Lake, Wagoner, Okla. | TBD |
The event was the third and final qualifying tournaments for Western Conference anglers and was hosted by Go Lake Havasu.
Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI teams compete in regular-season qualifying tournaments in one of five conferences – Central, Northern, Southern, Southeastern and Western. The top ten teams from each division’s three regular-season tournaments and the top 20 teams from the annual Abu Garcia College Fishing Open advance to the following year’s Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI National Championship.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI on MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Beavers Wins Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super-Tournament on Lake Murray
PROSPERITY, S.C. (Sept. 27, 2021) – Boater Bradford Beavers of Summerville, South Carolina wins the two-day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super-Tournament Presented by T-H Marine at Lake Murray in Prosperity, South Carolina on Sunday. Beavers earned $13,197 for his victory at the event.
TOP 10 RESULTS
| RANK | BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Bradford Beavers of Summerville, S.C. | 10 | 36-2 | $13,197 |
| 2nd | Christopher Chavis of Guyton, Ga. | 10 | 35-13 | $2,598 |
| 3rd | Fisher Rodgers of Camden, S.C. | 10 | 34-10 | $1,733 |
| 4th | Gregory McDavid of Blountville, Tenn. | 9 | 32-10 | $1,713 |
| 5th | Wesley Sandifer of Chapin, S.C. | 10 | 31-8 | $1,039 |
| 6th | Andy Wicker of Pomaria, S.C. | 10 | 30-12 | $953 |
| 7th | Tom Rubbo of West Columbia, S.C. | 10 | 30-8 | $866 |
| 8th | Karson Grubbs of West Columbia, S.C. | 10 | 29-4 | $780 |
| 9th | Tracy Hewitt of Orangeburg, S.C. | 10 | 28-11 | $693 |
| 10th | Jason Burroughs of Hodges, S.C. | 10 | 27-0 | $606 |
| RANK | STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | AJ Dipietro of Columbia, S.C. | 5 | 24-12 | $2,925 |
| 2nd | Kenny Mathis of Boiling Springs, S.C. | 7 | 17-8 | $1,299 |
| 3rd | Jack Daniel Hoy of Hollywood, S.C. | 7 | 17-1 | $1,317 |
| 4th | Terry Jarvis of Inman, S.C. | 6 | 16-0 | $606 |
| 5th | Joshua Wix of Chesnee, S.C. | 6 | 15-13 | $520 |
| 6th | Terry Coleman of Sumter, S.C. | 5 | 14-2 | $476 |
| 7th | Jerry Pruitt of Vale, N.C. | 5 | 13-5 | $433 |
| 8th | Kevin Henderson of Honea Path, S.C. | 5 | 12-5 | $390 |
| 9th | Jeffery Stout of Dalzell, S.C. | 3 | 9-11 | $346 |
| 10th | Danny Bickley of Chapin, S.C. | 3 | 9-1 | $303 |
| AWARD | NAME | CONTINGENCY | PAYOUT |
| Boater Big Bass | Zack Catoe of Lancaster, S.C. | 5-pound, 13-ounce bass | $652 |
| Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass | AJ Dipietro of Columbia, S.C. | 6-pound, 10-ounce bass | $326 |
| Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus | Bradford Beavers of Summerville, S.C. | Eligible Phoenix Boat* | $7,000 |
| ANGLER | BAIT | COLOR |
| Boater | Did Not Divulge | N/A |
| Strike King Co-Angler | Did Not Divulge | N/A |
| EVENT | DATE | LOCATION | HOST |
| South Carolina Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship | Oct. 21-23 | St. Johns River, Palatka, Fla. | Putnam County Tourist Development Council |
| 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American | June 2-4 | Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs, Ark. | Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism & Visit Hot Springs |
The top six finishers in each regional will then qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the Toyota Series, the pathway to the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube .
Jarvis Wins Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super-Tournament on Potomac River
MARBURY, Md. (Sept. 27, 2021) – Boater Jim Jarvis of Timberville, Virginia wins the two-day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super-Tournament Presented by T-H Marine at the Potomac River in Marbury, Maryland on Sunday. Jarvis earned $4,869 for his victory at the event, hosted by the Charles County Board of Commissioners.
TOP 10 RESULTS
| RANK | BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Jim Jarvis of Timberville, Va. | 10 | 22-1 | $4,869 |
| 2nd | Todd Langford of Great Falls, Va. | 6 | 21-14 | $3,019 |
| 3rd | Michael Birr of Franklinton, N.C. | 10 | 21-2 | $1,623 |
| 4th | John Hauserman of Ellicott City, Md. | 8 | 19-13 | $1,136 |
| 5th | Keith Estes of Spring Grove, Va. | 9 | 18-13 | $1,174 |
| 6th | Robert Grabow of Morgantown, W.V. | 10 | 18-12 | $1,393 |
| 7th | Bud Conley of Pasadena, Md. | 8 | 17-7 | $811 |
| 8th | Mike Coleman of S. Chester, Va. | 8 | 17-2 | $730 |
| 9th | Jacob Melrose of Quantico, Va. | 10 | 17-1 | $649 |
| 10th | Tom Bateman of Welcome, Md. | 8 | 16-14 | $568 |
| RANK | STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Robert Wedding of Welcome, Md. | 6 | 17-10 | $2,884 |
| 2nd | Richard Stewart of Chesterfield, Va. | 10 | 15-15 | $1,217 |
| 3rd | Timothy Trible of Gaithersburg, Md. | 8 | 13-3 | $813 |
| 4th | Tyrone Adams of Fredericksburg, Va. | 8 | 13-2 | $568 |
| 5th | Jonathan Patkus of Columbia, Md. | 5 | 11-1 | $487 |
| 6th | Troy Pipkin of Sterling, Va. | 6 | 11-0 | $446 |
| 7th | Ben Haynes of Richmond, Va. | 5 | 9-10 | $406 |
| 8th | Ricky Grant of Callands, Va. | 5 | 9-4 | $365 |
| 9th | Tracy Gravely of Petersburg, Va. | 5 | 8-14 | $325 |
| 10th | Gee Kim of Melfa, Va. | 5 | 8-7 | $284 |
| AWARD | NAME | CONTINGENCY | PAYOUT |
| Boater Big Bass | Todd Langford of Great Falls, Va. | 6-pound, 7-ounce bass | $585 |
| Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass | James Henderson of McLean, Va. | 4-pound bass | $292 |
| Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus | Michael Downes of South Chesterfield, Va. | Eligible Phoenix Boat* | $500 |
| ANGLER | BAIT | COLOR |
| Boater | Z- Man Evergreen ChatterBait Jack Hammer | White |
| Strike King Co-Angler | Davis Baits Elite Swim Jig | White |
| EVENT | DATE | LOCATION | HOST |
| Shenandoah Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship | Oct. 14-16 | Lake Murray, Columbia, S.C. | Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board |
| 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American | June 2-4 | Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs, Ark. | Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism & Visit Hot Springs |
The top six finishers in each regional will then qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the Toyota Series, the pathway to the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube .
Moving Water Will Have Douglas Bass Chomping
By Pete Robbins
Ott DeFoe may have more knowledge of Tennessee’s Douglas Lake than anyone alive, and he’d be licking his chops to fish in the upcoming Big Bass Tour event on the winding Tennessee impoundment. The tournament will be held from October 8-10, and the former Bassmaster Classic champion said that’s normally prime time for the fall feed, and it’ll be made better by the was this year’s weather has played out.
“It was kind of a late, wet year,” he said. “We had quite a bit of rain in August, as well as some in September. The lake is still up a bit, certainly not as low as it would normally be. By the time the tournament starts, they should really be pulling water hard, trying to get it down to the right level for winter pool. That takes an already good situation and compounds a good bite. It’s ok when they’re not pulling water, but when it’s moving it tends to be really good.”
That should give anglers options. He expects that a fair number of fish will still be out deep, relating to offshore and deep structure like points and breaks. “If you can find some rock with current running across it, that’s the key for that bite,” the veteran pro stated. If that was his chosen depth zone, he’d deep crank and also rely on spoons and football jigs.
His preference, however, would be to stay shallow.
“I’m sure that lots of the hourly money will be won deep, but I’d be surprised if the overall winner didn’t come up closer to the bank.” He’d expect to put his trolling motor and batteries to the test, covering water with a big square bill or a topwater. “Once the water starts falling, fish any cover you can find. It could be a piece of wood or rock or concrete.” That’s not what holds the fish, though. A lot of times his biggest bites come “on almost nothing.” That’s because the bass are keyed in on bait. That would be his focus in practice: finding the largest concentrations of baitfish, because the bass will be right behind them.
Local hammer Casey Majni agreed with DeFoe’s preference to stay shallow. With cooler nights coming, he’d likewise put in heavy duty work with topwaters, including Berkley’s Cane Walker, J-Walker and Choppo, the bigger the better. Bone colored baits are a consistent favorite, but he also likes shad patterns including “Perfect Ghost.” He said it pays to stay on point because “before you know it they’ll erupt, so you’ve got to get the bait to them quick.” On the rare days when the shallow bass are hesitant to break the surface, he’ll go with a Frittside crankbait, especially the “Biggun’” which as the name suggests tends to get bigger bites.
Majni added that as the water goes down, he tends to target the backs of pockets with a ¾ ounce Berkley Warpig lipless bait, hitting the flat spots as far back as he can cast. His strategy: “Turn and burn.”
DeFoe is a noted river rat, so you might expect to find him in the far upper reaches of Douglas come tournament time. That might happen, and might be a player – in any event, he expects that the mid- to upper-half of the impoundment will produce most of the top ten.
“That’s shifted,” he explained. “It used to be that the biggest fish almost always came from the lower end of the lake. Big ones still get caught down there, but they’ve spread out.” The one opportunity that has exploded down the lake is the smallmouth population. “They’ve grown up a lot,” and while they too might not win the overall top prize, he expects to see some quality brown fish in the weigh-in line.
One other wildcard that an angler focused on a single giant could pursue is to throw a big glide bait or swimbait all day. DeFoe said that’s an increasingly popular way to approach the lake, and someone who committed to the big fish strategy “could get on bluffs with current hitting them and catch a truly big one that way.”
For anglers who choose to pursue the deep bite, Majni urges them to dropshot a white Berkley Maxscent Flat Wormor rig a Berkley Hollow Belly swimbait on a 1 ounce jig head and hunt individual specimens with forward-facing sonar.
The weights at the top of the leaderboard are typically tightly-packed in the BBT tournaments on Douglas. It usually takes over 5 pounds to make the top 10, although in both 2018 and 2020 slightly smaller fish snuck in. In 2019 there was a 6.09 weighed in. In 2016 there were two over 6 and another over 7, and in 2017 Sam Harris weighed in a remarkable 7.44 pound brute. Accordingly, it’s critical to pay attention to the live leaderboard to maximize your chances and your winnings.
Hibdon Wins Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super-Tournament on Lake of the Ozarks
| RANK | BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Payden Hibdon of Versailles, Mo. | 10 | 32-14 | $8,438 |
| 2nd | Corey Cook of Lebanon, Mo. | 10 | 32-4 | $4,219 |
| 3rd | Casey Scanlon of Eldon, Mo. | 10 | 31-11 | $2,812 |
| 4th | Lawson Hibdon of Versaillies, Mo. | 10 | 31-11 | $1,969 |
| 5th | Lance Williams of Billings, Mo. | 10 | 31-9 | $1,688 |
| 6th | Rick Fishback of Springfield, Mo. | 10 | 29-14 | $1,547 |
| 7th | Brock Reinkemeyer of Warsaw, Mo. | 10 | 28-10 | $1,406 |
| 8th | Roger Fitzpatrick of Eldon, Mo. | 10 | 27-11 | $1,266 |
| 9th | Early Garrison, IV of Bull Shoals, Ark. | 10 | 27-9 | $1,125 |
| 10th | Joe Grafeman of Camdenton, Mo. | 10 | 27-5 | $984 |
| RANK | STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Anthony Johnson of Excelsior Springs, Mo. | 8 | 20-7 | $4,219 |
| 2nd | Troy Karafa of Racine, Wis. | 8 | 18-14 | $2,110 |
| 3rd | Cody Carl of Lake Latawana, Mo. | 7 | 17-2 | $1,406 |
| 4th | Bryan Barnard of Harrison, Ark. | 9 | 15-12 | $984 |
| 5th | Shane McGinnis of Springfield, Mo. | 7 | 15-11 | $844 |
| 6th | Joshua Allison of Carl Junction, Mo. | 6 | 15-0 | $774 |
| 7th | Kelby Humble of Rogersville, Mo. | 7 | 14-11 | $703 |
| 8th | Chris Bunk of Sullivan, Mo. | 6 | 14-10 | $633 |
| 9th | Mark Glover of Raytown, Mo. | 5 | 13-0 | $563 |
| 10th | Christian Singer of Bunceton, Mo. | 6 | 12-5 | $492 |
| AWARD | NAME | CONTINGENCY | PAYOUT |
| Boater Big Bass | Adam Caldwell of Springfield, Mo. | 5-pound, 11-ounce bass | $1,365 |
| Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass | Brock Krohne of Belton, Mo. | 5-pound, 4-ounce bass | $682 |
| Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus | Brad Jelinek of Lincoln, Mo. | Eligible Phoenix Boat* | $500 |
| ANGLER | BAIT | COLOR |
| Boater | Guido Jig | N/A |
| Strike King Co-Angler | Unspecified Cut Tail Worm | N/A |
| EVENT | DATE | LOCATION | HOST |
| Ozark Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship | Oct. 7-9 | Norfork Lake, Mountain Home, Ark. | Mountain Home Area Chamber of Commerce |
| 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American | June 2-4 | Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs, Ark. | Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism & Visit Hot Springs |
The top six finishers in each regional will then qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the Toyota Series, the pathway to the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube .
Myers Wins Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super-Tournament on Lake Wylie
Myers Wins Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super-Tournament on Lake Wylie
TOP 10 RESULTS
| RANK | BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Britt Myers of Lake Wylie, S.C. | 10 | 22-12 | $6,270 |
| 2nd | Michael Stephens of Gastonia, N.C. | 10 | 21-0 | $2,635 |
| 3rd | Buddy Black of Lawndale, N.C. | 10 | 19-1 | $1,758 |
| 4th | Stephen Cannon of Wilkesboro, N.C. | 9 | 16-12 | $1,230 |
| 5th | Jake Frye of Charlotte, N.C. | 6 | 16-2 | $1,054 |
| 6th | Ross Burns of Columbia, S.C. | 9 | 15-4 | $966 |
| 7th | Chris Dover of Blacksburg, S.C. | 7 | 14-10 | $878 |
| 8th | Lee Endicott of Sherills Ford, N.C. | 5 | 14-5 | $1,465 |
| 9th | Jeremy Talbert of Albemarle, N.C. | 7 | 14-2 | $703 |
| 10th | Josh Warren of York, S.C. | 9 | 14-2 | $615 |
| RANK | STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Eric Osborne of Jefferson, N.C. | 8 | 15-1 | $2,635 |
| 2nd | Barry Burford of Charlotte, N.C. | 8 | 13-15 | $1,317 |
| 3rd | Ernest McIntyre of Fayetteville, N.C. | 7 | 11-2 | $1,330 |
| 4th | Greg Robertson of King, N.C. | 6 | 11-1 | $615 |
| 5th | Thomas Davis of West Jefferson, N.C. | 4 | 10-9 | $527 |
| 6th | Justin Wilson of Mooresville, N.C. | 6 | 9-12 | $483 |
| 7th | Billy Taylor of Newton, N.C. | 5 | 9-12 | $439 |
| 8th | Travis Ruff of Connelly Springs, N.C. | 4 | 8-8 | $395 |
| 9th | Justin Johnson of Apex, N.C. | 4 | 7-15 | $351 |
| 10th | Brad Burns of Kernersville, N.C. | 3 | 7-14 | $644 |
| AWARD | NAME | CONTINGENCY | PAYOUT |
| Boater Big Bass | Lee Endicott of Sherills Ford, N.C. | 5-pound, 1-ounce bass | $675 |
| Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass | Brad Burns of Kernersville, N.C. | 4-pound, 2-ounce bass | $337 |
| Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus | Khris Williams of Mount Holly, N.C. | Eligible Phoenix Boat* | $500 |
| ANGLER | BAIT | COLOR |
| Boater | Jig/Deep Crank | N/A |
| Strike King Co-Angler | Jig/Drop-Shot | N/A |
| EVENT | DATE | LOCATION | HOST |
| North Carolina Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship | Oct. 14-16 | Lake Murray, Columbia, S.C. | Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board |
| 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American | June 2-4 | Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs, Ark. | Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism & Visit Hot Springs |
The top six finishers in each regional will then qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the Toyota Series, the pathway to the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube .
Marks Wins Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super-Tournament on Lake Lanier
GAINESVILLE, Ga. (Sept. 27, 2021) – Boater Paul Marks of Cumming, Georgia, won the two-day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super-Tournament Presented by T-H Marine at Lake Lanier Sunday in Gainesville, Georgia. Marks earned $15,678 for his victory in the event, including the lucrative $7,000 Phoenix MLF BIG5 contingency bonus.
TOP 10 RESULTS
| RANK | BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Paul Marks of Cumming, Ga. | 10 | 34-9 | $15,678 |
| 2nd | Drew Harbin of Winder, Ga. | 10 | 32-5 | $3,839 |
| 3rd | Michael Anders of Anderson, S.C. | 10 | 32-1 | $2,558 |
| 4th | J.R. McCay of Robertstown, Ga. | 10 | 31-10 | $1,792 |
| 5th | Brock Turner of Jasper, Ga. | 10 | 30-10 | $1,536 |
| 6th | Brad Wiley of Alto, Ga. | 10 | 30-8 | $1,408 |
| 7th | Matthew O’Connell of Brooks, Ga. | 10 | 29-14 | $1,530 |
| 8th | Elijah Benson of Dawsonville, Ga. | 10 | 29-4 | $1,152 |
| 9th | David Lowery of Milledgeville, Ga. | 10 | 29-3 | $1,024 |
| 10th | Emil Wagner of Marietta, Ga. | 10 | 29-2 | $896 |
| RANK | STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Joe Morgan of Woodstock, Ga. | 9 | 24-0 | $3,733 |
| 2nd | Jeff Walker of Cumming, Ga. | 10 | 21-3 | $1,867 |
| 3rd | Chandler White of Covington, Ga. | 10 | 21-1 | $1,244 |
| 4th | Colby Elliott of Blairsville, Ga. | 9 | 19-1 | $871 |
| 5th | Donald Peppers of Good Hope, Ga. | 8 | 18-0 | $747 |
| 6th | Cody Cantrell of Fairmount, Ga. | 8 | 17-13 | $684 |
| 7th | Joshua Boyd of Gainesville, Ga. | 9 | 17-13 | $622 |
| 8th | Theron Asbery of Longwood, Fla. | 7 | 16-13 | $810 |
| 9th | Thomas Pierce of Calhoun, Ga. | 9 | 16-13 | $498 |
| 10th | J.B. Banks of Gainesville, Ga. | 7 | 15-8 | $436 |
CONTINGENCY AWARDS
| AWARD | NAME | CONTINGENCY | PAYOUT |
| Boater Big Bass | Grant Kelly of Milledgeville, Ga. | 5-pound, 12-ounce bass | $1,185 |
| Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass | Stephen Waldon of Ellenwood, Ga. | 5-pound, 4-ounce bass | $570 |
| Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus | Paul Marks of Cumming, Ga. | Eligible Phoenix Boat* | $7,000 |
* Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.
WINNING BAITS
| ANGLER | BAIT | COLOR |
| Boater | Sebile Magic Swimmer Swimbait | N/A |
| Strike King Co-Angler | Sebile Magic Swimmer Swimbait | N/A |
2021 QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES
| EVENT | DATE | LOCATION | HOST |
| Bulldog Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship | Oct. 21-23 | St. Johns River, Palatka, Fla. | Putnam County Tourist Development Council |
| 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American | June 2-4, 2022 | Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs, Ark. | Arkansas Dept. of Parks and Tourism & Visit Hot Springs |
The 2021 MLF 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 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championships. Boaters will compete for a $60,000 prize package, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while Strike King co-anglers will fish for a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.
The top six finishers in each regional will then qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the Toyota Series, the pathway to the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Drury Wins Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super-Tournament on Lake Cumberland
MONTICELLO, Ky. (Sept. 27, 2021) – Boater Bryan Drury of Richmond, Kentucky, won the two-day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super-Tournament Presented by T-H Marine at Lake Cumberland Presented by Googan Baits Sunday in Monticello, Kentucky. Marks earned $14,468 for his victory in the event, including the lucrative $7,000 Phoenix MLF BIG5 contingency bonus.
TOP 10 RESULTS
| RANK | BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Bryan Drury of Richmond, Ky. | 7 | 18-10 | $14,468 |
| 2nd | Dakota Bell of Monticello, Ky. | 10 | 17-2 | $3,234 |
| 3rd | Sean Wieda of Walton, Ky. | 9 | 15-12 | $2,158 |
| 4th | Kyle Christopher of Danville, Ky. | 6 | 13-7 | $1,509 |
| 5th | Russ Simpson of Given, W. Va. | 6 | 13-0 | $1,294 |
| 6th | Jarrod Conn of Burgin, Ky. | 5 | 12-8 | $1,186 |
| 7th | Nick Uebelhor of Jasper, Ind. | 7 | 12-4 | $1,328 |
| 8th | Jesse Horseman of Junction City, Ky. | 7 | 12-1 | $970 |
| 9th | Talmadge Marcum of McKee, Ky. | 6 | 11-15 | $862 |
| 10th | Laine Bull of Cincinnati, Ohio | 5 | 10-5 | $755 |
| RANK | STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Ronnie Gill of Indianapolis, Ind. | 4 | 8-9 | $3,631 |
| 2nd | Jake Mattingly of Stanford, Ky. | 4 | 8-0 | $1,591 |
| 3rd | Joshua Mounce of Somerset, Ky. | 4 | 6-14 | $1,061 |
| 4th | Brent Clark of Bowling Green, Ky. | 4 | 6-1 | $742 |
| 5th | Buyrl Shirly of Sparta, Tenn. | 5 | 5-15 | $636 |
| 6th | Bryan Whittaker of Richmond, Ky. | 2 | 5-9 | $583 |
| 7th | Gary Slaughter of Waddy, Ky. | 3 | 5-7 | $530 |
| 8th | Brian Dillard of Bowling Green, Ky. | 2 | 5-1 | $477 |
| 9th | Walter Smith of Hardy, Ky. | 1 | 4-10 | $874 |
| 10th | Travis Lloyd of Jamestown, Tenn. | 2 | 4-5 | $371 |
CONTINGENCY AWARDS
| AWARD | NAME | CONTINGENCY | PAYOUT |
| Boater Big Bass | Grant Kelly of Milledgeville, Ga. | 4-pound, 13-ounce bass | $915 |
| Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass | Walter Smith of Hardy, Ky. | 4-pound, 10-ounce bass | $450 |
| Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus | Bryan Drury of Richmond, Ky. | Eligible Phoenix Boat* | $7,000 |
* Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.
WINNING BAITS
| ANGLER | BAIT | COLOR |
| Boater | Spinnerbait | White & Chartreuse |
| Strike King Co-Angler | Spinnerbait with Double Willow Blades | N/A |
2021 QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES
| EVENT | DATE | LOCATION | HOST |
| Mountain Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship | Oct. 7-9 | Wheeler Lake, Decatur, Ala. | Decatur Morgan County Tourism |
| 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American | June 2-4, 2022 | Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs, Ark. | Arkansas Dept. of Parks and Tourism & Visit Hot Springs |
The 2021 MLF 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 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championships. Boaters will compete for a $60,000 prize package, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while Strike King co-anglers will fish for a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.
The top six finishers in each regional will then qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the Toyota Series, the pathway to the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Andrew Loberg Earns Second-Straight Western Division Win at MLF Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. on Lake Havasu
| Two Months after Claiming Victory at California Delta, California Pro Boats 59-14 to Win at Lake Havasu and Earn Second Pro Victory of Career LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. (Sept. 26, 2021) – Toyota Series pro Andrew Loberg of Rocklin, California, crossed the stage with a five-bass limit Saturday totaling 21 pounds, 11 ounces – the largest limit weighed throughout the three-day event – to win the Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. at Lake Havasu in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Loberg’s three-day total of 15 bass weighing 59-14 earned him the win by a 3-pound, 7-ounce margin over second-place pro Mike Williams of Lake Havasu City and earned Loberg the top payout of $24,119 in the third and final tournament of the 2021 Toyota Series Western Division. Nearly two months after winning the Toyota Series event earlier this season on the California Delta, the young Californian bested some of the top talents on Lake Havasu to close out his second win of the season in style. “I’m still soaking in the win from the Delta,” said Loberg. “So, this one… I don’t even know.” One thing everyone knows now is he’s one to watch in any tournament he enters going forward. This event solidified that. Whether it was the time of year, fluctuating water, 100-degree heat or whatever, Havasu’s bass were stingy, regardless of species or where an angler tried to fish. So Loberg decided he wasn’t going to give them the option to bite. Like many of the top finishers, he was going to make them bite. That meant cranking and ripping deep grass. Fishing a ¼-mile stretch of the north end of the basin, Loberg had a pair of sweet spots on deeper points loaded with grass. But it wasn’t just grass they were loaded with, as he noticed more bait there than anywhere else he’d seen in practice, and even more importantly, more bass showing up on his forward-facing sonar. “I found that area the first day of practice,” said Loberg. “I caught a big one and one other one, and I just thought it’d be a spot in my rotation. It ended up being the winning area.” Yet just because the fish were there didn’t mean they wanted to bite. In fact, Loberg said it was often frustrating seeing so many fish down there simply unwilling to bite. “I just had to keep winding that crankbait through the grass until I made one react,” says Loberg. That often meant snapping his Rapala DT 16 when it hit the grass so hard he snapped his line a few times and even broke the lip off one bait. But it took that level of aggression to surprise a bass enough to open its mouth. That worked out perfect the first two days, as he said he had the ideal conditions of sun and little wind, and the bass were choking his crankbait when they bit. That wasn’t the case Saturday, though. With intermittent rain and wind throughout the morning, Loberg struggled to get bit early, and when he did they were barely hooked. A perfect example was a 5-pound kicker that sprung loose right as it hit the net. Still, he put eight keepers in the boat Saturday, and they were the right ones to take home the win. The top 10 pros on Lake Havasu finished: 1st: Andrew Loberg, Rocklin, Calif., 15 bass, 59-14, $24,119 A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com. Ty Faber of Pagosa Springs, Colorado won the Day One Berkley Big Bass award in the pro division Thursday with a bass weighing 6 pounds, 3 ounces. Robert Faaborg of Lake Havasu City won Friday’s Berkley Big Bass award, bringing a 5-pound, 1-ounce bass to the scale. Pro Roy Hawk took home an extra $1,000 as the highest finishing Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus member. Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $35,000 per event in each Toyota Series tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com. Kevin Gross of Redding, California, won the Strike King Co-angler Division Saturday with a three-day total of 12 bass weighing 33 pounds, 5 ounces. Williams took home the top prize package of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard motor. The top 10 Strike King co-anglers on Lake Havasu finished: 1st: Kevin Gross, Redding, Calif., 12 bass, 33-5, Phoenix 518 Pro boat w/115-hp Mercury outboard In the Strike King co-angler division, the Day One Berkley Big Bass award winner was Ralph Wells of Lake Havasu City, with a 5-pound even bass, while the Day Two award went to Steve Amata of Norco, California with a 6-pound even bass. The Toyota Series at Lake Havasu was hosted by Go Lake Havasu. It was the third and final regular-season tournament in 2021 for Western Division anglers and the last regular-season Toyota Series event of the year. The next event for Toyota Series anglers will take place on Oct. 28-30 – the 2021 Toyota Series Championship Presented by A.R.E on Pickwick Lake in Counce, Tennessee, hosted by the Hardin County Convention and Visitors Bureau. For a complete schedule, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. The 2021 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 division. Anglers who fish all three qualifiers in any of the eight divisions and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series presented by A.R.E. Championship for a shot at winning $235,000 cash, including a $35,000 Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus for qualified anglers. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard. For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Toyota Series presented by A.R.E. on the MLF BIG5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. |
Jim Davis Takes B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series Victory On The Mississippi River
Jim Davis, of Dandridge, Tenn., has won the Bassmaster B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series powered by TourneyX at the Mississippi River with a five-fish limit measuring 85.5 inches.
Photo by Kara Pasma/B.A.S.S.
September 25, 2021
LA CROSSE, Wis. — With his five biggest bass measuring 85.50 inches, Jim Davis won the Bassmaster B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series powered by TourneyX at the Mississippi River.
Fishing in Pool 7, Davis made a short paddle in the morning and got off to a nice start.
“It actually started out quick with a fish that was 17.25 inches and then they got small on me,” Davis said. “There were around 30 local boats, mostly bluegill and crappie guys and it got tough — I don’t think I had another good fish until around 10 am.”
After making a bait change, the Dandridge, Tenn., angler got two more good bites with 16.25- and 17-inch bass. Once again, the small fish started biting and they were not what Davis was looking for.
“The one key was the spinnerbait color. I was using white/chartreuse all day, but I started with silver blades and changed to a bait the exact same color, but it had gold blades. That was the key to getting those two bigger bites.”
With a small limit when the leaderboard went out before 2 p.m., Davis put the spinnerbait down and made yet again another important change.
“The bite slowed, and I had noticed that nobody was fishing supershallow around me, so I picked up the Senko, rigged it weightless Texas rig and went to work around the lily pads. It was less than a foot.”
Catching his two biggest bass with less than 30 minutes left — 18.75- and 17.75-inch fish — he made a move from 19th place at 1:45 pm to the eventual victory. Davis has been fishing from a kayak for over 15 years and fishing competitively since 2015, but a shoulder surgery has put a damper on his 2021 season.
“This was my first competitive event since that shoulder reconstructive surgery, and it feels good,” he said. “I was finally able to even paddle. I tried to do a couple of other events and one I had to drop out and the other was tough — I just couldn’t do it. It feels really satisfying to be out and come back. I just want to thank Old Town Kayaks and Frontier Outdoors for the help.”
With 84.50 inches, Anthony Winkleman took the second-place spot finishing just 1-inch behind Davis. Launching on Pool 9, Winkleman relied on bass he had located in a previous event and used that confidence to adapt to changes in his main areas.
“There was nobody at the launch I used, and I saw one guy (on the water) but he came in from another ramp,” Winkleman said. “I was confident in the stuff I had but I didn’t know I would do this well. I had a slow start to the morning throwing a swimbait and was catching a lot of little fish.”
When he was forced to make a move, the Paducah, Ky., angler paddled down the bank further to flip timber but noticed some bass busting bait close by.
“My first fish when I picked up that Spook was a 16.5-inch and then I had a really good smallmouth blow it up and miss it. There was lots of floating debris and it made it hard to throw the Spook or the swimbait.”
Utilizing Spot-Lock, Winkleman was able to take advantage of schooling bass in small areas 3 to 4 feet deep where main-river current from three sides was pushing in. After catching more than 30 bass without moving and tossing back several fish over 15 inches, it was a decision to fish an area from practice that helped him later in the day.
“In practice we had a wind that pushed debris around and it made it hard to fish,” he said. “I noticed the wind had changed slightly, and I went to that spot and threw that Spook in — and on back-to-back casts, I caught two 17-inch fish. The next cast I doubled up with a 17-inch and 12-inch fish. Then right after doubled again with a 16.5- and 15-inch.
Sticking it out until almost the end, Winkleman was met with stronger currents than expected and had to work hard to get back to get his fish entered in time with a spotty cell phone signal.
“I literally got back, jumped out in 4 feet of water and almost didn’t make it in time,” he said. “That current was tough. I threw the rods in the truck, loaded the kayak on the trailer and hauled to get signal to submit my fish. It was crazy.”
Todd Martens rounded out the Top 3 with 83.75 inches. Spending his day in an area where he’d found a school of smallmouth during the recent TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Northern Regional, he was able to do his damage on a current seam near the bottom of Pool 8.
“I checked that area this week and they were still there,” he said. “I started on them, and first thing stuck three fish in the 18- to 19-inch range and somehow managed to lose them all — I thought my event was over.”
Throwing a Rapala DT-4 in a perch color, the Rockton, Ill., angler backed off, took a breather, regrouped and was able to get to work.
“I got back up there, and it was like every third cast until 11 a.m., then it shut off. The ones I lost were footballs, the same as the 18-inch fish I ended up measuring and it was a close one, losing by less than 2 inches total.”
When the bite died, Martens worked over a shallow pattern with 2K Jigs and Get Bit Baits soft plastics but was unable to upgrade his smallmouth.
Matt Hines took the Big Bass award with a 19.25-inch bass.
The top nine anglers from the event punched their tickets to the 2022 Kayak Series National Championship, which will be held in conjunction with the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk at Lake Hartwell.
Hoyle Notches First B.A.S.S. Win At Bassmaster Southern Open On Norman
Cody Hoyle, of Rutherfordton, N.C., has won the 2021 Basspro.com Bassmaster Southern Open on Lake Norman with a three-day total of 40 pounds, 4 ounces.
Photo by Andy Crawford/B.A.S.S.
September 25, 2021
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Cody Hoyle called it on Day 2, but it took the North Carolina pro nearly all of Championship Saturday to catch the 9-pound, 2-ounce bag that completed a winning three-day total of 40-4 at the Basspro.com Bassmaster Southern Open on Lake Norman.
“I thought 8 to 10 pounds today was going to do it,” Hoyle said after establishing a sizable lead in Friday’s Semifinal round.
On Day 1, Hoyle was in second place, trailing Blake Smith by 14 ounces. A day later, he owned a 6-7 lead over Joey Nania of Cropwell, Ala. Then on Championship Saturday, Hoyle edged Nania with a winning margin of 3-9.
“This is pretty amazing; I really wasn’t expecting to win,” said Hoyle, who earned $43,533. “I entered this tournament thinking I’d get 11 pounds a day. I was actually surprised that I caught what I caught. This is probably the best I’ve done on this lake.”
Because Hoyle did not fish all three of the Southern Opens, he is not eligible for the automatic berth into the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk. That spot now goes back to the Bassmaster Elite Series where Tyler Rivet of Raceland, La., the first man out of the cut, will receive a Classic invitation.
After spending the first two days in Mountain Creek where he targeted docks in 10 to 20 feet, Hoyle made a switch for Day 3 and fished docks and marinas in Davidson and Ramsey creeks. Concerned he had fished out his area’s potential, Hoyle decided a change of scenery was due.
A painfully slow day unfolded for Hoyle on Bassmaster LIVE, as the local pro found himself with one keeper at 1 o’clock. Hoyle admitted this was a stressful scenario, but knowing his better Day 2 bites came in the afternoon, he embraced a statement he made after each of the first two days: “You just have to keep moving and keep your bait wet.”
At 1:15, Hoyle came tight on the first of two big fish, an estimated 3 1/2-pounder. Fifteen minutes later, he boat-flipped a 3-pounder that sealed the deal.
“I thought I was just going to have that one, to be honest,” Hoyle said. “I just started running stuff that I’ve caught them on in the past. That marina where I caught those fish, I’ve fished it for 10 years. It’s always been good to me.”
While a drop shot with a 6-inch Roboworm in morning dawn produced a couple of keepers on Days 1 and 2, Hoyle caught most of his fish on a homemade 1/2-ounce Arkie-style jig with a Zoom Twin trailer. Using green pumpkin and orange for the head and skirt allowed him to leverage two common forage items.
“I tied that jig to look like a bream or a crawfish,” Hoyle said. “The crawfish on this lake have a green back and their bellies are orange. That’s what the jig looked like.”
Nania, who notched his first Bassmaster win at the Bassmaster Central Open on Pickwick Lake on May 1, placed 14th on Day 1 with 11-4. He added 12-13 on Day 2 and improved to second. Today, Nania caught 12 pounds and ended with 36-11.
After spending a relatively slow morning on a main-lake shoal in 30 to 35 feet, Nania made a late-day transition that accounted for most of his weight.
“I was struggling out there, but my wife had written me this awesome note with a Bible verse about staying steadfast,” Nania said. “I only had 8 pounds at that point and after I fished some docks, I was looking around with my Garmin LiveScope and I saw a tree out in 40 feet of water. I threw out there and caught a (3.8-pound spotted bass).
“After that, I said ‘I’m going to run more trees,’ so I went and caught another 2.6 off a tree I’d fished three times in the tournament and never got a bite. It just worked out.”
Nania caught most of his fish on a Nedmiki rig — Z-Man’s version of the Damiki or “moping” rig. Comprising a Z-Man Finesse EyeZ jig with a 3.75 StreakZ trailer, Nania’s rig proved effective at teasing fish out of brushpiles and tempting the bites he needed.
Cole Huskins of Gastonia, N.C., finished third with 34-7. On Day 1, Huskins tied Rick Hawkins of Roanoke, Va., for 12th place with 11-15. Catching 10-3 in the second round moved him into sixth. Huskins closed Day 3 with 12-5 — the day’s heaviest catch.
“The past two days have been a grind, but today I got on a little deal doing something I love — I put a homemade 1/4-ounce buzzbait with a white Zoom Horny Toad in my hand and I locked it. I was covering flats and they were all over it.
“I found a wolf pack of fish running the shoreline. It was exciting; some of them would hit it right at the boat.”
Shane Lineberger of Lincolnton, N.C., won the $750 Phoenix Boats Big Bass award with a 5-7.
Hoyle won the $500 Garmin Tournament Rewards.
David Williams of Newton, N.C., won the Southern Open standings with 577 points. Jacob Foutz of Charleston, Tenn., finished second with 568, followed by Josh Douglas of Isle, Minn., with 545, Blake Smith of Lakeland, Fla., with 541 and Sam George of Athens, Ala., with 528. Williams, Foutz and Douglas will receive invitations to fish the 2022 Bassmaster Elite Series.
Jacob Powroznik of North Prince George, Va., leads the overall Falcon Rods Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year standings with 1,171 points.
Visit Lake Norman hosted the event.
Hoyle Surges To Bassmaster Southern Open Lead On Lake Norman
Cody Hoyle, of Rutherfordton, N.C., is leading after Day 2 of the 2021 Basspro.com Bassmaster Southern Open at Lake Norman with a two-day total of 31 pounds, 2 ounces.
Photo by Andy Crawford/B.A.S.S.
September 24, 2021
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Despite a slow start, North Carolina pro Cody Hoyle stuck to his game plan, made a couple of key decisions and took over the Day 2 lead at the Basspro.com Bassmaster Southern Open on Lake Norman with a two-day total of 31 pounds, 2 ounces.
After placing second on Day 1 with 14-9, Hoyle trailed Blake Smith by 14 ounces. Adding a Day 2 limit of 16-9 — the event’s heaviest bag, which included a 4-10 — Hoyle now leads second-place angler Joey Nania of Cropwell, Ala., by 6-7.
Confident in his pattern from Day 1, Hoyle returned to the Mountain Creek area and targeted docks in 10 to 20 feet. He targeted the area because he knows the locals have planted a lot of brush near their docks.
“It was the same thing today, it just took longer to get them,” Hoyle said. “I guess it was just a timing deal right now. I fished one dock four times and I went back the fifth time and that big one was there.”
On Thursday, Hoyle fished 150 docks, but Friday he only needed 70. With a better idea of the most productive areas, he caught fish on a few of the ones that produced on Day 2.
Focusing mainly on the docks’ deeper outer ends, Hoyle caught his bass on two different finesse rigs — one for the bottom, one for fish suspending around brush. The latter delivered the most consistency.
“I had three keepers around 11 o’clock and then I moved to the mouth of the creek and caught two big ones between 12 and 1,” Hoyle said. “I culled up a few more times throughout the day. It was really consistent, I’d catch one good one an hour.
“I was really just going out there trying to get 10 pounds. I just got lucky and came across the right ones.”
With 15 keepers on Day 2, Hoyle said it took him all day to amass his weight. Heading back to weigh-in, he made a final stop and managed a couple of upgrades.
“Around 5:45 (p.m.), I just went right across from Blythe Landing (weigh-in site) and fished a little dock I’ve fished before and there was fish under it,” Hoyle said. “They were smaller fish, but I got a couple more ounces out of those culls.”
Looking ahead to Championship Saturday, Hoyle intends to execute the same game plan one more time.
“I’m going to go out and try to catch 8 to 10 pounds,” he said. “That ought to do it.”
With a two-day total of 24-11, Nania gained 12 spots after placing 14th on Day 1 with 11-14. Turning up the heat on Day 2 with 12-13 was a matter of dialing in a strategic presentation.
While many of his offshore competitors stayed busy chasing schooling fish, Nania focused on a main-lake point in 30 to 35 feet and targeted fish relating to the bottom. He used his Garmin LiveScope to spot bass and then used a light braid-to-fluorocarbon setup to cast an unnamed finesse bait and let it sink down to the fish.
“Yesterday, I figured it out when my co-angler caught one off the bottom and I caught three good ones late in the day,” said Nania, who qualified for the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk with a win in a Southern Open on Pickwick earlier this year. “Today, I knew if I just committed to fishing deep, I’d have a shot at a better average.
“I caught about 40 fish yesterday. Today, I caught only 25, but they were better quality. I had two over 3 pounds. That was the goal — stay clear of the fish that were up in the water column schooling and stay deep.”
Christian Shoda of Homosassa, Fla., is in third place with 23-1. After placing fourth on Day 1 with 13-1, he added 10 pounds and rose one spot Friday.
Shoda caught his bass around docks both days. While Day 1 saw a good topwater bite, his prop bait only produced two keepers Friday. For the rest of his Day 2 bag, Shoda had to slow down and catch most of his keepers on a 5/8-ounce tungsten jig with a chunk-style trailer.
“I only had one fish at noon and then I figured out what was going on,” Shoda said. “They moved shallower for me today. Usually, the second day after a cold front is tougher, so I was not expecting that. All the ones I was after today are up there eating bream and crawfish.”
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Shane Lineberger of Lincolnton, N.C., is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with a 5-7.
Alex Reece of Greenville, S.C., won the co-angler division with 11-11. On Day 1, he caught a three-fish limit of 5-5 and found himself in a three-way tie for ninth place. Adding 6-6 Friday clinched the win and earned Reece the top prize of $17,000.
“I don’t know what to say; I fished my heart out the last two days,” Reece said. “I fished harder than I’ve ever fished and we had everyone praying.”
Reece caught fish on a Megabass Vision 110 jerkbait in white and clear blue colors and a drop shot with a 4-inch Roboworm in morning dawn and bold bluegill colors. He fished the jerkbait in shallow water, while the drop shot delivered in greater depths.
Using 3/16- and 3/8-ounce weights, depending on depth, Reece would cast his drop shot and fish it at an angle to keep the bait away from the boat and hold it closer to the bottom.
Christopher Teague of Lincolnton, N.C., won the $250 Phoenix Boats Big Bass among co-anglers with a 3-14.
David Williams of Newton, N.C., leads the Southern Open standings with 573 points. Jacob Foutz of Charleston, Tenn., is second with 568, followed by Josh Douglas of Isle, Minn., with 545, Blake Smith of Lakeland, Fla., with 541 and Masayuki Matsushita of Tokoname-Shi of Japan with 529.
Based on their points standings, Williams, Foutz and Douglas will receive invitations to fish the 2022 Bassmaster Elite Series.
Jacob Powroznik of North Prince George, Va., leads the overall Falcon Rods Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year standings with 1,171 points.
The Top 10 remaining anglers will take off Saturday at 7 a.m. ET from Blythe Landing Park. Weigh-in will be at the Bass Pro Shops in Concord Mills, N.C., at 4 p.m.
Bassmaster Opens LIVE presented by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs can be streamed on Bassmaster.com and the FOX Sports digital platforms. FS1 will also broadcast live with the tournament leaders beginning at 8 a.m.
2021 Basspro.com Bassmaster Open at Lake Norman 9/23-9/25
Lake Norman, Charlotte NC.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Cody Hoyle Rutherfordton, NC 10 31-02 200
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 16-09
2. Joey Nania Cropwell, AL 10 24-11 199
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 12-13
3. Christian Shoda Homosassa, FL 10 23-01 198
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 10-00
4. Masayuki Matsushita Tokoname-Shi JAPAN 10 23-01 197
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 11-14
5. Cole Sands Calhoun , TN 10 22-06 196
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 10-06
6. Cole Huskins Gastonia, NC 10 22-02 195
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 10-03
7. Josh Douglas Isle, MN 10 22-00 194
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 09-01
8. David Williams Newton, NC 10 22-00 193
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 5 10-15
9. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 10 21-12 192
Day 1: 5 13-08 Day 2: 5 08-04
10. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 10 21-09 191
Day 1: 5 08-04 Day 2: 5 13-05
11. Michael Kinard Concord, NC 10 21-06 190 $5,147.00
Day 1: 5 09-12 Day 2: 5 11-10
12. Chris Beaudrie Princeton, KY 10 21-03 189 $4,503.00
Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 5 10-14
13. Dustin Williamson Aiken, SC 10 21-01 188 $3,538.00
Day 1: 5 09-09 Day 2: 5 11-08
14. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 10 21-00 187 $3,538.00
Day 1: 5 08-10 Day 2: 5 12-06
15. Sam George Athens, AL 10 21-00 186 $3,538.00
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 09-09
16. Woo Daves Spring Grove, VA 10 20-15 185 $3,538.00
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 5 11-00
17. KC Choosakul Sanford, NC 10 20-11 184 $3,538.00
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 5 09-15
18. Billy McCaghren Jr Mayflower, AR 10 20-07 183 $3,538.00
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 09-14
19. Rob Digh Denver, NC 10 20-06 182 $3,538.00
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 07-13
20. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 10 20-05 181 $3,538.00
Day 1: 5 08-05 Day 2: 5 12-00
21. Matt Pangrac Bixby, OK 10 20-02 180 $3,217.00
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 5 08-01
22. Rodney Jones Anderson, SC 10 20-01 179 $3,217.00
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 5 07-15
23. Dave Turner Crystal River, FL 10 20-01 178 $3,217.00
Day 1: 5 09-11 Day 2: 5 10-06
24. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 10 19-14 177 $3,217.00
Day 1: 5 10-14 Day 2: 5 09-00
25. Todd Goade White Pine, TN 10 19-14 176 $3,217.00
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 09-01
26. Greg Mansfield Olathe, KS 10 19-14 175 $2,959.00
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 5 09-02
27. Daisuke Aoki Minamitsurugun Yamanash 9 19-14 174 $2,959.00
Day 1: 4 10-08 Day 2: 5 09-06
28. Rick Hawkins Roanoke, VA 10 19-13 173 $2,959.00
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 07-14
29. Blake Smith Lakeland, FL 8 19-06 172 $2,959.00
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 3 03-15
30. Joel Willert Prior Lake, MN 10 19-06 171 $2,959.00
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 08-11
31. Chad Smith Minnetonka, MN 10 19-02 170 $2,959.00
Day 1: 5 08-05 Day 2: 5 10-13
32. Jason Wilson Lincolnton, NC 10 19-02 169 $2,959.00
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 5 09-02
33. Andy Hribar Lakeville, MN 10 19-02 168 $2,959.00
Day 1: 5 09-12 Day 2: 5 09-06
34. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 10 19-00 167 $2,959.00
Day 1: 5 09-00 Day 2: 5 10-00
35. Kameron Harbin Abbeville, SC 10 18-14 166 $2,959.00
Day 1: 5 08-09 Day 2: 5 10-05
36. Jacob Walker Alabaster, AL 9 18-09 165 $2,959.00
Day 1: 5 12-13 Day 2: 4 05-12
37. Timmy Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 10 18-08 164 $2,959.00
Day 1: 5 09-04 Day 2: 5 09-04
38. Andrew Thomasson Dublin, VA 10 18-05 163 $2,959.00
Day 1: 5 08-10 Day 2: 5 09-11
39. Chancy Walters West Des Moines, IA 10 18-04 162 $2,959.00
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 06-14
40. Andrew Upshaw Hemphill, TX 10 18-02 161 $2,959.00
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 5 08-15
41. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 10 17-15 160
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 5 07-15
42. David Kilgore Jasper, AL 10 17-15 159
Day 1: 5 08-15 Day 2: 5 09-00
43. Ben Stone Donalds, SC 9 17-14 158
Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 4 07-13
44. Hunter Sales Blaine, TN 10 17-13 157
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 5 06-12
45. Dylan Fulk Mount Pleasant, NC 10 17-11 156
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 07-14
46. Brian Post Janesville, WI 10 17-10 155
Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 5 07-09
47. Luke Plunkett Pinson, AL 10 17-10 154
Day 1: 5 07-15 Day 2: 5 09-11
48. Chris Dover Blacksburg, SC 10 17-09 153
Day 1: 5 09-09 Day 2: 5 08-00
49. Alvin Shaw Camden, SC 10 17-09 152
Day 1: 5 09-08 Day 2: 5 08-01
50. Jay Przekurat Stevens Point, WI 10 17-07 151
Day 1: 5 07-09 Day 2: 5 09-14
51. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 9 17-05 150
Day 1: 4 06-05 Day 2: 5 11-00
52. John Hunter Jr Shelbyville, KY 8 17-05 149
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 3 06-05
53. Jacob Norris Lugoff, SC 9 17-05 148
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 4 07-05
54. Jeremy Gordon Rutledge, TN 10 17-03 147
Day 1: 5 08-09 Day 2: 5 08-10
55. Johnny Bigger II Spring Hill, FL 9 17-00 146
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 4 04-01
56. Tommy Williams Shepherdsville, KY 7 16-12 145
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 2 06-03
57. Blake Sylvester Plaquemine, LA 10 16-10 144
Day 1: 5 09-11 Day 2: 5 06-15
58. Marc Schilling Shady Shores, TX 10 16-10 143
Day 1: 5 09-02 Day 2: 5 07-08
59. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 10 16-09 142
Day 1: 5 08-08 Day 2: 5 08-01
60. Scott Patton Dayton, TN 9 16-06 141
Day 1: 5 09-01 Day 2: 4 07-05
61. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 10 16-06 140
Day 1: 5 08-13 Day 2: 5 07-09
62. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 10 16-04 139
Day 1: 5 08-05 Day 2: 5 07-15
63. Kenny Mittelstaedt Paynesville, MN 10 16-01 138
Day 1: 5 08-13 Day 2: 5 07-04
64. Sean Torgrude Henderson, NV 9 15-15 137
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 4 04-13
65. Austin Cranford Moore, OK 10 15-14 136
Day 1: 5 08-11 Day 2: 5 07-03
66. Carter McNeil Abbeville, SC 9 15-12 135
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 4 06-09
67. Joey Sabbagha Prosperity, SC 8 15-11 134
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 3 04-01
68. John Garrett Union City, TN 10 15-11 133
Day 1: 5 07-14 Day 2: 5 07-13
69. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 8 15-10 132
Day 1: 3 06-01 Day 2: 5 09-09
70. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 10 15-07 131
Day 1: 5 08-06 Day 2: 5 07-01
71. Corey Lindsey Blacklick, OH 8 15-05 130
Day 1: 4 08-02 Day 2: 4 07-03
72. Jeff Queen Catawba, NC 9 15-04 129
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 4 05-04
73. Phillip Brannon Sylacauga, AL 9 15-01 128
Day 1: 5 09-09 Day 2: 4 05-08
74. Richard Kaluba Litchfield, OH 9 15-00 127
Day 1: 4 05-14 Day 2: 5 09-02
75. Dylan Hays Hot Springs, AR 9 14-15 126
Day 1: 4 06-09 Day 2: 5 08-06
76. Jacob Moore Wake Forest, NC 10 14-15 125
Day 1: 5 07-11 Day 2: 5 07-04
77. Josh Hubbard Braidwood, IL 8 14-13 124
Day 1: 5 10-14 Day 2: 3 03-15
78. Cody Huff Ava, MO 10 14-13 123
Day 1: 5 07-01 Day 2: 5 07-12
79. Jeff Bauler Santee, CA 8 14-12 122
Day 1: 4 06-11 Day 2: 4 08-01
80. Tucker Veronee Gilbert, SC 9 14-11 121
Day 1: 5 08-02 Day 2: 4 06-09
81. Scott Pellegrin Chippewa Falls, WI 9 14-10 120
Day 1: 5 08-10 Day 2: 4 06-00
82. Michael Webster Gastonia, NC 10 14-10 119
Day 1: 5 07-08 Day 2: 5 07-02
83. Freddy Palmer Estill Springs, TN 9 14-09 118
Day 1: 5 09-00 Day 2: 4 05-09
84. Devon Fuller Pacolet, SC 10 14-09 117
Day 1: 5 08-11 Day 2: 5 05-14
85. Bailey Boutries Mobile, AL 6 14-08 116
Day 1: 1 03-13 Day 2: 5 10-11
86. Randy Huffman Charleston, WV 8 14-08 115
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 3 04-08
87. Chris Blanchette Pawleys Island, SC 9 14-08 114
Day 1: 4 06-06 Day 2: 5 08-02
88. Christian Greico Tampa, FL 9 14-07 113
Day 1: 5 08-11 Day 2: 4 05-12
89. Allan Nail Sand Springs, OK 10 14-07 112
Day 1: 5 07-00 Day 2: 5 07-07
90. Denny Fiedler Wabasha, MN 9 14-05 111
Day 1: 4 06-06 Day 2: 5 07-15
91. Trevor McKinney Benton, IL 9 14-05 110
Day 1: 5 06-14 Day 2: 4 07-07
92. Jackson Swisher LAKE CITY, FL 7 14-04 109
Day 1: 2 05-03 Day 2: 5 09-01
93. Jamey Caldwell Carthage, NC 7 14-03 108
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 2 03-00
94. Brent Long Lincolnton, NC 8 13-14 107
Day 1: 4 06-13 Day 2: 4 07-01
95. Tim Frederick Leesburg, FL 9 13-12 106
Day 1: 4 06-05 Day 2: 5 07-07
96. Carson Orellana Mooresville, NC 8 13-09 105
Day 1: 5 08-10 Day 2: 3 04-15
97. Greg Alexander Hebron, MD 5 13-01 104
Day 1: 2 04-02 Day 2: 3 08-15
98. Garrett Rocamora Lithia, FL 8 12-13 103
Day 1: 5 08-11 Day 2: 3 04-02
99. Buddy Cipoletti Naples, FL 8 12-12 102
Day 1: 5 08-04 Day 2: 3 04-08
100. Kyle Austin Ridgeville, SC 8 12-12 101
Day 1: 5 08-00 Day 2: 3 04-12
101. Jared Turnbloom Calera, AL 7 12-11 100
Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 2 02-04
102. Chris Payne Vance, AL 7 12-10 99
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 2 02-10
103. Adam Rasmussen Sturgeon Bay, WI 9 12-10 98
Day 1: 5 07-03 Day 2: 4 05-07
104. Christiana Bradley Goldvein, VA 7 12-07 97
Day 1: 5 08-13 Day 2: 2 03-10
105. Ronnie Mccoy Lamar, SC 7 12-06 96
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 2 02-03
106. Scott Ashmore Broken Arrow, OK 8 12-06 95
Day 1: 3 04-14 Day 2: 5 07-08
107. Preston Harris State Road, NC 8 12-04 94
Day 1: 5 08-01 Day 2: 3 04-03
108. Allen Brooks Canton, GA 7 12-04 93
Day 1: 3 05-06 Day 2: 4 06-14
109. Jake Monti Mooresville, NC 8 12-02 92
Day 1: 5 07-12 Day 2: 3 04-06
110. Jerry Gallogly Jr North Tazewell, VA 8 12-01 91
Day 1: 4 06-05 Day 2: 4 05-12
111. Chris Whitson Louisville, TN 7 12-00 90
Day 1: 2 02-13 Day 2: 5 09-03
112. Troy O'Rourke Bentonville, AR 8 11-12 89
Day 1: 5 07-12 Day 2: 3 04-00
113. Cole Drummond Effingham, SC 8 11-12 88
Day 1: 3 04-13 Day 2: 5 06-15
114. Josh Herren Ashville, AL 6 10-13 87
Day 1: 2 05-12 Day 2: 4 05-01
115. Jerod Hawkes Eagle Pass, TX 4 10-11 86
Day 1: 3 09-07 Day 2: 1 01-04
116. John Pollard Eclectic, AL 6 10-11 85
Day 1: 1 01-06 Day 2: 5 09-05
117. Derek Lehtonen Woodruff, SC 7 10-10 84
Day 1: 5 06-11 Day 2: 2 03-15
118. Lucas Bradley Flippin, AR 9 10-10 83
Day 1: 5 06-01 Day 2: 4 04-09
119. Colby Robertson Summerfield, FL 8 10-09 82
Day 1: 4 04-10 Day 2: 4 05-15
120. Billy Messer Jr. Spartanburg, SC 8 10-09 81
Day 1: 3 04-11 Day 2: 5 05-14
121. Teb Jones Hattiesburg, MS 7 10-01 80
Day 1: 2 02-12 Day 2: 5 07-05
122. Hermilo Salgado-Zavaleta Artemus, KY 7 09-12 79
Day 1: 4 06-00 Day 2: 3 03-12
123. Mark Pappas Dandridge, TN 7 09-10 78
Day 1: 2 02-11 Day 2: 5 06-15
124. Raymond Jones III Mocksville, NC 5 09-07 77
Day 1: 1 01-03 Day 2: 4 08-04
125. Brandon Tallhamer Parkersburg, WV 7 09-03 76
Day 1: 2 03-01 Day 2: 5 06-02
126. Brad Burkhart II Speedwell, TN 6 09-02 75
Day 1: 1 01-05 Day 2: 5 07-13
127. Chris Moody Brooks, GA 6 09-00 74
Day 1: 1 01-03 Day 2: 5 07-13
128. Brayden Rakes Winston Salem, NC 6 08-14 73
Day 1: 1 01-07 Day 2: 5 07-07
129. Drew Boggs Lebanon, TN 5 08-13 72
Day 1: 5 08-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
130. Spike Stoker Cisco, TX 6 08-12 71
Day 1: 3 03-08 Day 2: 3 05-04
131. Drew Benton Blakely, GA 5 08-08 70
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 08-08
131. Jamie Lanier Jr. Branford, FL 5 08-08 70
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 08-08
133. Spencer Peters Corryton, TN 6 08-08 68
Day 1: 4 05-10 Day 2: 2 02-14
134. Nick Tate Knoxville, TN 5 08-06 67
Day 1: 2 03-15 Day 2: 3 04-07
135. Hunter Bland Williston, FL 6 08-05 66
Day 1: 2 02-14 Day 2: 4 05-07
136. Mike Toney Blacksburg, VA 6 08-02 65
Day 1: 5 07-06 Day 2: 1 00-12
137. D.J. Ellis Crestview, FL 6 08-00 64
Day 1: 1 00-14 Day 2: 5 07-02
138. Casey Majni Knoxville, TN 5 08-00 63
Day 1: 3 04-08 Day 2: 2 03-08
139. Charles Proctor Conway, SC 4 07-15 62
Day 1: 4 07-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Austin Archer Anniston, AL 5 07-15 61
Day 1: 1 02-03 Day 2: 4 05-12
141. Craig Cavanna Spring Hill, FL 6 07-15 60
Day 1: 2 02-14 Day 2: 4 05-01
142. Vernon Kemp Umatilla, FL 5 07-15 59
Day 1: 2 04-03 Day 2: 3 03-12
143. Guy Eaker Cherryville, NC 5 07-14 58
Day 1: 3 04-13 Day 2: 2 03-01
144. Eddie Ball Newport, TN 5 07-11 57
Day 1: 5 07-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
145. George Hirapetian Charlotte, NC 5 07-11 56
Day 1: 5 07-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
146. Brandon Vaughan Elizabeth City, NC 4 07-08 55
Day 1: 3 06-01 Day 2: 1 01-07
147. Daisuke Kita Ootsu-Shi JAPAN 5 07-08 54
Day 1: 2 02-08 Day 2: 3 05-00
148. Wyatt Burkhalter Coker, AL 5 07-06 53
Day 1: 5 07-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
149. Ronald Farrow Rock Hill, SC 4 07-01 52
Day 1: 4 07-01 Day 2: 0 00-00
150. Christian Mazzola Sr Walnutport, PA 5 06-14 51
Day 1: 5 06-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Clayton Wiggins Eustis, FL 3 06-14 50
Day 1: 3 06-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
152. Seiji Kato Outsu Shiga JAPAN 4 06-14 49
Day 1: 3 05-05 Day 2: 1 01-09
153. Oliver Ngy Frisco, TX 3 06-13 48
Day 1: 2 03-08 Day 2: 1 03-05
154. Jesus Loaces Moorseboro, NC 4 06-11 47
Day 1: 2 04-06 Day 2: 2 02-05
155. Blake Tomlin Greenville, GA 4 06-09 46
Day 1: 2 04-00 Day 2: 2 02-09
156. John Duarte Jr Conway, SC 3 06-07 45
Day 1: 3 06-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
157. Scott Lindstam Jr. Largo, FL 5 06-05 44
Day 1: 1 01-02 Day 2: 4 05-03
158. Dustin Reneau Mckinney, TX 4 06-04 43
Day 1: 2 03-09 Day 2: 2 02-11
159. Keith Tuma Brainerd, MN 4 06-03 42
Day 1: 1 01-07 Day 2: 3 04-12
160. Billy Myatt Charlotte, NC 3 06-03 41
Day 1: 2 02-12 Day 2: 1 03-07
161. Briana Tucker Trinity, AL 4 06-02 40
Day 1: 3 05-06 Day 2: 1 00-12
162. Cody Detweiler Orlando, FL 4 05-14 39
Day 1: 4 05-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
163. Chris Kingree Inverness, FL 4 05-13 38
Day 1: 2 03-02 Day 2: 2 02-11
164. Nick Prince Maryville, TN 2 05-09 37
Day 1: 2 05-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
165. Tim Malone Kodak, TN 4 05-05 36
Day 1: 2 02-14 Day 2: 2 02-07
166. Wayman Coleman Abbeville, SC 4 05-03 35
Day 1: 3 04-04 Day 2: 1 00-15
167. Jenny Nevans Dayton, TN 3 05-02 34
Day 1: 1 02-12 Day 2: 2 02-06
168. Michael Delvisco Dandridge, TN 3 05-01 33
Day 1: 1 01-09 Day 2: 2 03-08
169. Chris Dillow Waynesboro, VA 3 05-00 32
Day 1: 2 04-01 Day 2: 1 00-15
170. Denny Mcglon Wewahitchka, FL 3 04-14 31
Day 1: 3 04-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
171. Ron Ryals Jr Live Oak, FL 2 04-14 30
Day 1: 2 04-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
172. Caleb Gibson Tahlequah, OK 3 04-08 29
Day 1: 3 04-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
173. Daniel Rogers Dunnellon, FL 3 04-07 28
Day 1: 2 02-15 Day 2: 1 01-08
174. Randy Elliott Severn, MD 3 04-03 27
Day 1: 3 04-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
175. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 3 04-00 26
Day 1: 2 02-07 Day 2: 1 01-09
176. Craig Chambers Midland, NC 3 03-15 25
Day 1: 3 03-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
177. Brad Staley Sophia, NC 2 03-14 24
Day 1: 2 03-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
178. Shawn Hendrix Sharpsburg, GA 2 03-11 23
Day 1: 2 03-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
179. Blake Whatley Harleton, TX 2 03-04 22
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 03-04
180. Chuck Stratton Chaffee, MO 2 03-02 21
Day 1: 2 03-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
181. Rick Hamer Charleston, WV 2 02-03 20
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 02-03
182. Preston Julian Seymour, TN 1 01-11 19
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-11
182. Sandy Melvin Boca Grande, FL 1 01-11 19
Day 1: 1 01-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
182. David Perdue Wirtz, VA 1 01-11 19
Day 1: 1 01-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
185. Robert Parkison Marshall, TX 1 01-09 16
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-09
186. Matt Coughlin Dandridge, TN 1 01-07 15
Day 1: 1 01-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
187. Scott Gibbs Rome, GA 1 01-04 14
Day 1: 1 01-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
188. Anthony Lutz Stanley, NC 1 01-00 13
Day 1: 1 01-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
189. Tony Dumitras Winston, GA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
189. Toney Gravely Greenville, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
189. Eric Johnson Kingston, MA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
189. Bill Pioch Beckley, WV 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
189. Tyler Purcell Townsville, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 102 706 1321-07
2 85 645 1096-06
----------------------------------
187 1351 2417-13
2021 Basspro.com Bassmaster Open at Lake Norman 9/23-9/25
Lake Norman, Charlotte NC.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Alex Reece Greenville, SC 6 11-11 200 $17,000.00
Day 1: 3 05-05 Day 2: 3 06-06
2. Scott Beattie Sherrills Ford, NC 6 11-08 199 $4,000.00
Day 1: 3 07-04 Day 2: 3 04-04
3. David Deciucis CHESTER, VA 6 11-07 198 $3,000.00
Day 1: 3 07-00 Day 2: 3 04-07
4. Elijah Benson Dawsonville, GA 6 11-05 197 $2,250.00
Day 1: 3 04-02 Day 2: 3 07-03
5. Kibbee Mccoy Knoxville, TN 6 10-07 196 $2,100.00
Day 1: 3 05-12 Day 2: 3 04-11
6. Travis Culbreth Alexander City, AL 6 10-06 195 $2,000.00
Day 1: 3 05-14 Day 2: 3 04-08
7. Stephen Davis Blacksburg, VA 6 09-15 194 $1,900.00
Day 1: 3 04-01 Day 2: 3 05-14
8. Rodney Tapp Inman, SC 6 09-14 193 $1,800.00
Day 1: 3 04-06 Day 2: 3 05-08
9. James Roten West Jefferson, NC 6 09-13 192 $1,650.00
Day 1: 3 04-14 Day 2: 3 04-15
10. Duane Rinkus Denver, NC 6 09-12 191 $1,500.00
Day 1: 3 03-13 Day 2: 3 05-15
11. Jon Jezierski Troy, MI 5 09-08 190 $1,400.00
Day 1: 2 02-05 Day 2: 3 07-03
12. Jimmy Hayes Fayetteville, NC 5 09-07 189 $1,300.00
Day 1: 3 06-07 Day 2: 2 03-00
13. Russell Hoyle Hickory, NC 6 09-07 188 $1,100.00
Day 1: 3 04-09 Day 2: 3 04-14
14. Justin Foster Zebulon, GA 6 09-04 187 $1,000.00
Day 1: 3 05-00 Day 2: 3 04-04
15. Ronald Young New Braunfels, TX 6 09-03 186 $900.00
Day 1: 3 04-09 Day 2: 3 04-10
16. Alex Prince Blue Ridge, GA 4 09-00 185 $800.00
Day 1: 1 01-10 Day 2: 3 07-06
17. Daniel Hanniford Florence, SC 6 08-13 184 $750.00
Day 1: 3 03-14 Day 2: 3 04-15
18. Charles Bowman II Kernersville, NC 3 08-11 183 $750.00
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 08-11
19. Gary Abernethy Skyland, NC 5 08-09 182 $750.00
Day 1: 2 03-00 Day 2: 3 05-09
20. Gary Haraguchi Murfreesboro, TN 5 08-08 181 $750.00
Day 1: 2 02-14 Day 2: 3 05-10
21. Jeffrey Lotierzo II Fort Mill, SC 5 08-08 180 $700.00
Day 1: 2 03-02 Day 2: 3 05-06
22. David Few Lake Wylie, SC 4 08-07 179 $700.00
Day 1: 3 06-02 Day 2: 1 02-05
23. Harry Linsinbigler IV Dover, FL 6 08-06 178 $700.00
Day 1: 3 03-14 Day 2: 3 04-08
24. Christopher Teague Lincolnton, NC 4 08-06 177 $950.00
Day 1: 3 04-08 Day 2: 1 03-14
25. Skyler Anderson Harlem, GA 4 08-05 176 $700.00
Day 1: 3 06-07 Day 2: 1 01-14
26. Steven Roosen Charlotte, NC 4 08-01 175 $600.00
Day 1: 1 03-07 Day 2: 3 04-10
27. Brandon Willis Knoxville, TN 5 07-13 174 $600.00
Day 1: 2 03-00 Day 2: 3 04-13
28. Barney Boutries Mobile, AL 5 07-10 173 $600.00
Day 1: 3 05-01 Day 2: 2 02-09
29. Eric Testerman Galax, VA 4 07-10 172 $600.00
Day 1: 1 02-12 Day 2: 3 04-14
30. Kiel Guin Knoxville, TN 5 07-09 171 $600.00
Day 1: 3 05-04 Day 2: 2 02-05
31. Morris Collins Fairfield, OH 4 07-08 170 $550.00
Day 1: 2 04-14 Day 2: 2 02-10
32. Jeff Norris Lugoff, SC 5 07-07 169 $550.00
Day 1: 2 02-07 Day 2: 3 05-00
33. Mike Anderson Harlem, GA 4 07-05 168 $550.00
Day 1: 2 03-15 Day 2: 2 03-06
34. Alton Rockett Newton, NC 4 07-04 167 $550.00
Day 1: 1 00-14 Day 2: 3 06-06
35. Aram Hirapetyan Charlotte, NC 4 07-04 166 $550.00
Day 1: 1 02-08 Day 2: 3 04-12
36. Denise Sustaita Etoile, TX 5 07-02 165 $550.00
Day 1: 2 03-04 Day 2: 3 03-14
37. Jef Fox Jr East Flat Rock, NC 3 07-00 164 $550.00
Day 1: 1 02-07 Day 2: 2 04-09
38. Eric Osborne Jefferson, NC 4 07-00 163 $550.00
Day 1: 2 04-01 Day 2: 2 02-15
39. Tommy Young II Linden, NC 4 06-14 162 $550.00
Day 1: 3 05-10 Day 2: 1 01-04
40. Stephen Brady Woodlawn, VA 4 06-14 161 $550.00
Day 1: 3 05-05 Day 2: 1 01-09
41. Eric Camarote Rogers, MN 5 06-13 160
Day 1: 2 02-11 Day 2: 3 04-02
42. Frank Williams Saint Charles, MO 3 06-12 159
Day 1: 2 03-12 Day 2: 1 03-00
43. Don Bible II Knoxville, TN 4 06-11 158
Day 1: 3 05-05 Day 2: 1 01-06
44. O'Neil Williams Asheboro, NC 3 06-10 157
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 06-10
45. Harold Addison Columbia, SC 4 06-10 156
Day 1: 3 04-03 Day 2: 1 02-07
46. Andy Simm Piney Flats, TN 5 06-07 155
Day 1: 2 02-11 Day 2: 3 03-12
47. Bobby Williams Salisbury, NC 4 06-05 154
Day 1: 1 01-07 Day 2: 3 04-14
48. Gary Preston Madison, NC 4 06-03 153
Day 1: 3 04-11 Day 2: 1 01-08
49. Stacey Jefferson Conway, SC 4 05-15 152
Day 1: 1 01-09 Day 2: 3 04-06
50. Sergio Render Christiansburg, VA 5 05-15 151
Day 1: 2 02-05 Day 2: 3 03-10
51. Clayton Weber West Salem, WI 3 05-12 150
Day 1: 2 04-04 Day 2: 1 01-08
52. Tyler Ward Grover, NC 4 05-12 149
Day 1: 1 01-12 Day 2: 3 04-00
53. Roy Winkler III Charlotte, NC 4 05-11 148
Day 1: 3 04-11 Day 2: 1 01-00
54. Taylor Trantham Thomasville, NC 4 05-11 147
Day 1: 1 01-10 Day 2: 3 04-01
55. Noah Nicholson Union Mills, NC 4 05-11 146
Day 1: 2 02-10 Day 2: 2 03-01
56. Daniel Valois Gomez Caracas FL VENEZUELA 4 05-09 145
Day 1: 3 04-06 Day 2: 1 01-03
57. Dawson Wisner Westminster, MD 4 05-09 144
Day 1: 1 01-06 Day 2: 3 04-03
58. Michael O'Harold Cross Hill, SC 4 05-08 143
Day 1: 1 01-09 Day 2: 3 03-15
59. Clyde Roberts Marshall, NC 4 05-08 142
Day 1: 2 02-09 Day 2: 2 02-15
60. Brian Bailey Austinville, VA 3 05-06 141
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 05-06
61. Charles Saucier New Orleans, LA 4 05-05 140
Day 1: 3 04-03 Day 2: 1 01-02
62. Jason George Farragut, TN 3 05-05 139
Day 1: 2 03-04 Day 2: 1 02-01
63. Caleb Warrington IV Austin, TX 3 05-04 138
Day 1: 2 04-03 Day 2: 1 01-01
64. William Gaston Sylacauga, AL 4 05-04 137
Day 1: 3 03-15 Day 2: 1 01-05
65. Matt Melton Fairlawn, VA 4 05-03 136
Day 1: 3 03-15 Day 2: 1 01-04
66. Tyler Dover Blacksburg, SC 4 05-03 135
Day 1: 2 02-08 Day 2: 2 02-11
66. Matt Schiefelbein Marseilles, IL 4 05-03 135
Day 1: 2 02-11 Day 2: 2 02-08
68. Dalton Tankersley Copperhill, GA 3 05-02 133
Day 1: 3 05-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
69. Dan Noel Huntersville, NC 4 04-15 132
Day 1: 2 02-13 Day 2: 2 02-02
70. Masaya Yamaguchi New York, NY 3 04-12 131
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 04-12
71. Blake Gillispie Reidsville, NC 3 04-12 130
Day 1: 2 03-07 Day 2: 1 01-05
72. Bobby Henderson Charlotte, NC 2 04-11 129
Day 1: 2 04-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
73. Patrick Brondos Wilkesboro, NC 3 04-10 128
Day 1: 2 03-07 Day 2: 1 01-03
74. Derrick Bustle Statesville, NC 3 04-10 127
Day 1: 2 03-05 Day 2: 1 01-05
75. Ben Smith Little Mountain, SC 3 04-10 126
Day 1: 1 02-01 Day 2: 2 02-09
76. Mike Bush Chapin, SC 3 04-10 125
Day 1: 2 02-08 Day 2: 1 02-02
77. Stanton Harris State Road, NC 3 04-08 124
Day 1: 1 02-04 Day 2: 2 02-04
78. Levi Allgeier Bardstown, KY 3 04-05 123
Day 1: 3 04-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
79. Marty Williams Thomasville, NC 3 04-04 122
Day 1: 1 01-14 Day 2: 2 02-06
80. Marvin Godard Charlotte, NC 3 04-03 121
Day 1: 2 03-00 Day 2: 1 01-03
80. Jeff Stone Jackson, GA 3 04-03 121
Day 1: 1 01-03 Day 2: 2 03-00
82. Jason Gibson Iron Station, NC 2 04-03 119
Day 1: 1 03-00 Day 2: 1 01-03
83. Eric Winter Concord, NC 3 04-01 118
Day 1: 1 01-02 Day 2: 2 02-15
84. David Booth Erin, TN 3 04-01 117
Day 1: 1 01-04 Day 2: 2 02-13
85. Bradley Sterner Manchester, PA 2 04-01 116
Day 1: 1 02-01 Day 2: 1 02-00
86. Richard Roulston Little Rock, AR 3 04-00 115
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 04-00
87. Jason Hinger Timberlake, NC 2 03-10 114
Day 1: 1 02-12 Day 2: 1 00-14
88. Jack Pollio Lincolnton, NC 2 03-09 113
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 03-09
89. Ray Hill Lake City, FL 2 03-06 112
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 03-06
90. Gary Huff Mebane, NC 2 03-04 111
Day 1: 1 01-01 Day 2: 1 02-03
91. Ernest McIntyre Jr Fayetteville, NC 2 03-02 110
Day 1: 2 03-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
91. Lance Owen Greer, SC 2 03-02 110
Day 1: 2 03-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
93. MIke Spears Jasper, AL 2 03-00 108
Day 1: 2 03-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
93. Jacob Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 2 03-00 108
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 03-00
95. Will Dalton Laurel Fork, VA 2 02-15 106
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 02-15
96. Teri Cindric Mount Juliet, TN 1 02-13 105
Day 1: 1 02-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
97. Nikki Hames Gaffney, SC 2 02-11 104
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 02-11
97. James Williams Sims, NC 2 02-11 104
Day 1: 2 02-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
99. Hunter Baynes Statesville, NC 2 02-10 102
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 02-10
99. Bill Bruce Hendersonville, TN 2 02-10 102
Day 1: 2 02-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
101. Jarvis Ellis Albany, GA 2 02-09 100
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 02-09
101. Jerry Morris Jr Charlotte, NC 2 02-09 100
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 02-09
103. James Williams Franklin, VA 2 02-05 98
Day 1: 2 02-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
104. Carl Hunter Snellville, GA 1 02-05 97
Day 1: 1 02-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
105. Tanner Higgins Fairhope, AL 2 02-04 96
Day 1: 1 01-02 Day 2: 1 01-02
106. Cameron Shoda Crystal River, FL 2 02-03 95
Day 1: 1 01-02 Day 2: 1 01-01
107. Jonathan Theisen Cornelius, NC 1 02-02 94
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-02
108. Brian Huskins Mount Holly, NC 2 01-15 93
Day 1: 2 01-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
109. Bryant Preston Belews Creek, NC 1 01-15 92
Day 1: 1 01-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
109. Tyler Watts Mount Airy, GA 1 01-15 92
Day 1: 1 01-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
111. Lee Whitworth II Charlotte, NC 1 01-13 90
Day 1: 1 01-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
112. Sheldon Hipps Mooresville, NC 1 01-12 89
Day 1: 1 01-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
113. Ryan Godsey Chickamauga, GA 1 01-07 88
Day 1: 1 01-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
113. Kevin Gonyea Franklinton, NC 1 01-07 88
Day 1: 1 01-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
113. Eric Vyborny Sorrento, FL 1 01-07 88
Day 1: 1 01-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
116. Matt Kraemer Wellesley ONTARIO CANAD 1 01-06 85
Day 1: 1 01-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
116. Randy Lewis Crumpler, NC 1 01-06 85
Day 1: 1 01-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
116. Christopher Mcmillan Charlotte, NC 1 01-06 85
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-06
116. Jim Opetaia-Williamson Winter Garden, FL 1 01-06 85
Day 1: 1 01-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
116. Greg Secord Salem, SC 1 01-06 85
Day 1: 1 01-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
116. Cody Wade Zebulon, GA 1 01-06 85
Day 1: 1 01-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
122. Austin Cole Rutherfordton, NC 1 01-05 79
Day 1: 1 01-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
122. Byong Lee Stedman, NC 1 01-05 79
Day 1: 1 01-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
122. Nick Ward Newnan, GA 1 01-05 79
Day 1: 1 01-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
125. Ralph Gibson Locust Grove, OK 1 01-04 76
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-04
126. Dean Dalton Keeling, VA 1 01-03 75
Day 1: 1 01-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
126. Thomas Davis West Jefferson, NC 1 01-03 75
Day 1: 1 01-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
126. Cameron Debity Boca Raton, FL 1 01-03 75
Day 1: 1 01-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
126. A J Negley Charlotte, NC 1 01-03 75
Day 1: 1 01-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
126. Asa Putnam Tunnel Hill, GA 1 01-03 75
Day 1: 1 01-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
131. Randy Waddell Guntersville, AL 1 01-02 70
Day 1: 1 01-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
132. Mike Dalton Laurel Fork, VA 1 01-01 69
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-01
133. Jimmy Fellegy Lakeville, MN 1 01-00 68
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-00
133. Kevin Stewart Sevierville, TN 1 01-00 68
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-00
135. Michelle Armstrong Denver, NC 1 00-15 66
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 00-15
135. Zach Huey Mebane, NC 1 00-15 66
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 00-15
135. Brett Reece Jonesborough, TN 1 00-15 66
Day 1: 1 00-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
138. Zachery Kuhn Summerfield, FL 1 00-14 63
Day 1: 1 00-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
139. David Nunnally Emporia, VA 1 00-14 62
Day 1: 1 00-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Glenn Bailey Temple Terrace, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Bill Capps Auburn, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Charles Cotton Hemingway, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Ed Laroche Gilllespie, IL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Angela Mayo Maiden, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Trent Peace Moore, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Paul Propst Jr. Kearneysville, WV 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Stephen Sargent South Hamilton, MA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. James Staton Sorrento, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Randy Tallhamer Parkersburg, WV 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Donald West II Apex, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
Bassmaster Fishing 2022 Game Launches October 28 With Multiplayer Mode And More
September 24, 2021
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Gamers and aspiring anglers alike can experience the thrill of battling big bass and other players across a variety of real-world venues when Bassmaster Fishing 2022, the Official Video Game, releases October 28.
Today Dovetail Games, developer and publisher of authentic sports simulation titles, shared details on exciting new gameplay modes and features coming to the sportfishing game.
True to real life, players can enjoy Career Mode, where they’ll fish their way to the top by competing in the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens and Bassmaster Elite Series to qualify for the ultimate bass anglers’ challenge, the Bassmaster Classic. Players can take this journey on with one of 10 playable Elite Series anglers or create their own custom character, complete with their choice of supporting sponsors.
As players compete, they will experience eight diverse venues crafted to accurately recreate the depths, fish species, native vegetation and local points of interest, earning in-game Bass Bucks to unlock different types of lures, tackle, rods and more so they can bring the right equipment for each unique venue.
Adding a new twist to multiplayer, the game will pit players against each other in the Bassmaster Royale multiplayer mode. This all-new game mode challenges anglers to be the last player fishing, competing together against the clock and challenging anglers to bring in the best weight. Smart angling, location choices and strategic use of the underwater camera will be necessary to avoid being eliminated as the competition heats up.
The Freedom Fishing multiplayer mode allows gamers to enjoy a relaxing game with friends. Simply choose a venue to explore and fish noncompetitively. This is the ideal way to practice for the tournament game modes.
Multiplayer modes feature cross-play between all platforms, allowing anglers to play with friends no matter which platform they have.
Developed and published by Dovetail Games, Bassmaster Fishing 2022 will be available beginning Oct. 28 in North America and Europe on the PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, the Xbox One family of devices, including the Xbox One X and Xbox Game Pass, and Windows PC via Steam.
For regular updates and more information, please visit Bassmasterthegame.com.
Fall Froggin' is here, Are you ready?
Courtesy of Vance McCullough
Fall bassin’ and frog fishing got together like peanut butter and jelly. The vegetation has peaked, forming the densest mats we’ll see all year and the baitfish want to move shallow just as the bass start to put on the feed in an effort to fatten themselves before winter.
An influx of bass that have spent the summer in deeper water will make for competition among the fish and that competition is often what triggers a frenzy when there would otherwise not be one.
But, as for the resident fish in these same mats, your fishing buddies have shown the hollow-bodied lures to them all summer so it’s time to add a few wrinkles to your frogging game if you hope to score some pressured bass on fishing’s most exciting lure!
Try these tips:
Go bigger – the baitfish have grown since the shad spawn of early spring. Now is the time to match the hatch in terms of size, more than anything else. Also, an oversized version such as the Spro Dean Rojas Bronzeye King Daddy Frog casts well and sits with more weight and a wider footprint to help bass find it in what have become the thickest overhead mats of the year. Gear up with a stiff rod and heavy braided line - hopefully, you’ll need it.
Go smaller, but louder – not to contradict the advice above, but so often when dealing with pressured fish a down-sized offering is the answer. Scum Frog Popping Frogs are small in size but make a deep sound that calls bass out of dense cover. The ‘bloop, bloop, pop’ song is a great imitation of the noise made by feeding bluegills which means that by going smaller you might actually attract larger fish that prefer to catch a single bream rather than chase several smaller shad. And, because they were just introduced this summer, many bass have not seen these cool little lures yet. Be the first to show them off on your lake!
Accessorize - and make them your own. Do anything to differentiate your lures from the hordes of fake amphibians that have crawled and bumped their way over the mats all summer. Add rattles. Rattles not only raise a racket, but they add weight which helps a lure push down on the mat, offering obvious advantages. My favorite rattles are free-floating BB’s rolled into the body cavity via the drain hole. Small jingle bells, old tiny worm sinkers, scraps of soldering wire, anything that will rattle around and add weight will work. The more creative you are with your choice of rattle fodder, the more unique your lure will be. Nothing else will sound like it!
Another alteration involves the length of the frog’s legs, or the absence of them altogether. I learned this decades ago when the rubber legs of a Snagproof frog melted together in a tackle box under the Florida heat. I cut them off flush at the base and found that bass dialed-in on the lure with more accuracy than before.
Since then, I have cut the legs off a few of my lures but that first one, which I’ve named Lieutenant Dan, since as Forrest Gump pointed out “You ain’t got no legs, Lieutenant Dan” remains my favorite – yes, I still fish it. A good frog is that durable. I even boat-flipped a 3-foot gator with it (my two buddies from Tennessee that I was fishing with didn’t find it as funny as I did. No idea why I haven’t been invited to fish with them again). It’s still one of my absolute favorite toys. But Snagproof has revamped their lineup to include newer incarnations that work just as well. Again, they might work even better if you alter them to fit your specific needs.
Take a different tact with your frog fishing and have some fun this fall!
Busy Morning Gives Smith Bassmaster Southern Open Lead On Lake Norman
Blake Smith, of Lakeland, Fla., is leading after Day 1 of the 2021 Basspro.com Bassmaster Southern Open at Lake Norman with 15 pounds, 7 ounces.
Photo by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S.
September 23, 2021
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Lake Norman is approximately 34 miles long and Blake Smith saw the whole length on his way to catching a 15-pound, 7-ounce limit that leads Day 1 of the Basspro.com Bassmaster Southern Open.
Hailing from Lakeland, Fla., Smith leads Cody Hoyle of Rutherfordton, N.C., by 14 ounces.
“The key is to stay moving,” Smith said. “I have over 65 spots on this lake that range from 6 inches out to 35 feet. I hit 14 of them and caught fish throughout that depth range.”
Entering the tournament third in Southern Opens points, Smith is eyeing a 2022 Bassmaster Elite Series qualification. The Top 3 in each Opens division and the Top 3 in the overall Opens standings qualify for the Elites.
While he started the day with a conservative game plan, the action unfolded at a pleasantly surprising pace that yielded an all-largemouth bag.
“Once I hit the point around 11 (a.m.) when I knew I couldn’t upsize, I tried to help my co-angler catch a few fish,” Smith said. “I had my limit by 10 (a.m.), and I threw back a couple of 11-pound bags of spots.
“It started stressing me out that I was catching fish that might help me tomorrow and Saturday if I get there. So, I had to stop fishing.”
Smith caught most of his fish on an unnamed topwater lure. While he opted to keep the details to himself, Smith said he needed a certain scenario for his topwater bite to ignite.
“My original game plan was to get a limit of spotted bass and then try to upgrade because there’s a lot on the line here,” Smith said. “Being third in points, I wanted to make sure I had some consistency and not just swing for the fence.
“But the Lord blessed me this morning with a few good bites and it keyed my mind in to something. Once I figured it out, when I found (the scenario), it was another fish and another fish. I saw another 5-pounder and a bunch of (3-pounders) just swimming around.”
When Smith’s topwater bite died around 10 a.m., he went shallow and switched to a Yamamoto Senko. Smith employed a specific presentation strategy that he believed made a significant difference, based on current conditions. Essentially, Wednesday’s rain increased turbidity and the fish’s response to lower visibility required an adjustment.
“There’s a hundred times more consistency deep, but a very specific shallow scenario produced my weight,” Smith said. “There was a little bit of mud in my shallow areas and I think that changed what they were in there to eat. The fish that I’m going after are eating a very specific type of (forage).
“Tomorrow’s a new day and the conditions aren’t going to change a whole lot, so we shouldn’t see anything change. I’m excited to get back out there.”
Hoyle, who sits in second place with 14-9, said his game plan centered on running lots of docks. While he found fish roaming under the dimmer light of cloudy skies during practice, Thursday’s bright sun parked a lot of bass in the shady confines.
“I hit about 150 docks with depths of 10 to 20 feet,” Hoyle said. “About 15 feet was the most productive and the bigger the dock the better.
“The first place I went, I got a 3 1/2 and I had my limit by 9 a.m. I caught a 3-10 on my way in, about 15 minutes from (the Blythe Landing weigh-in site).”
Hoyle focused his efforts on the Mountain Creek area because he knew the local waterfront homeowners commonly plant brush around their docks. The additional habitat increases the big-fish appeal. He caught all of his bass on two finesse rigs — one for the bottom, one for suspended fish.
Charlie Hartley of Grove City, Ohio — a two-time qualifier for the Bassmaster Classic and winner of a Bassmaster Open in 2016 — is in third place with 13-8. He got to work early and had his weight by about 9 a.m. Hartley targeted a specific rock structure about the size of his boat and caught his fish on what he termed an old-school power-fishing technique.
“I had three largemouth and two spots in my bag,” Hartley said. “I caught them all pretty early in 18 to 20 feet. I just made a good decision on my first spot. I had a decent practice and I had trouble deciding where to start. I’m glad I started where I did; it went down really quick.”
Daisuke Aoki of Japan is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with a 5-4.
Scott Beattie of Sherrills Ford, N.C., leads the co-angler division with 7-4. With several years of local knowledge, Beattie said he focused on hitting key spots his pro overlooked.
“I got a (3-plus-pounder) and then a 2 1/2 right off the bat,” Beattie said. “They were up shallow in 1 1/2 to 2 feet and I caught them all on a Queen Tackle jig with a Zoom Twin Tail.
“I live here and there’s still a lot of the fish on the main body chasing bait, but a lot of the bigger fish feeding on bream are up shallow.”
Jimmy Hayes of Fayetteville, N.C., holds the Phoenix Boats Big Bass lead among co-anglers with a 3-8.
Smith leads the Southern Open standings with 569 points. David Williams of Newton, N.C., is second with 560, followed by Josh Douglas of Isle, Minn., with 547, John Hunter Jr. of Shelbyville, Ky., with 533 and Sam George of Athens, Ala., with 527.
Jacob Powroznik of North Prince George, Va., leads the overall Falcon Rods Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year standings with 1,153 points.
Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. ET at Blythe Landing Park. Friday’s weigh-in will be back at the park at 3 p.m. Coverage of the event will be available at Bassmaster.com.
2021 Basspro.com Bassmaster Open at Lake Norman 9/23-9/25
Lake Norman, Charlotte NC.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Blake Smith Lakeland, FL 5 15-07 200
Day 1: 5 15-07
2. Cody Hoyle Rutherfordton, NC 5 14-09 199
Day 1: 5 14-09
3. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 5 13-08 198
Day 1: 5 13-08
4. Christian Shoda Homosassa, FL 5 13-01 197
Day 1: 5 13-01
5. Johnny Bigger II Spring Hill, FL 5 12-15 196
Day 1: 5 12-15
5. Josh Douglas Isle, MN 5 12-15 196
Day 1: 5 12-15
7. Jacob Walker Alabaster, AL 5 12-13 194
Day 1: 5 12-13
8. Rob Digh Denver, NC 5 12-09 193
Day 1: 5 12-09
9. Rodney Jones Anderson, SC 5 12-02 192
Day 1: 5 12-02
10. Matt Pangrac Bixby, OK 5 12-01 191
Day 1: 5 12-01
11. Cole Sands Calhoun , TN 5 12-00 190
Day 1: 5 12-00
12. Rick Hawkins Roanoke, VA 5 11-15 189
Day 1: 5 11-15
12. Cole Huskins Gastonia, NC 5 11-15 189
Day 1: 5 11-15
14. Joey Nania Cropwell, AL 5 11-14 187
Day 1: 5 11-14
15. Joey Sabbagha Prosperity, SC 5 11-10 186
Day 1: 5 11-10
16. Sam George Athens, AL 5 11-07 185
Day 1: 5 11-07
17. Chancy Walters West Des Moines, IA 5 11-06 184
Day 1: 5 11-06
18. Jamey Caldwell Carthage, NC 5 11-03 183
Day 1: 5 11-03
19. Masayuki Matsushita Tokoname-Shi JAPAN 5 11-03 182
Day 1: 5 11-03
20. Sean Torgrude Henderson, NV 5 11-02 181
Day 1: 5 11-02
21. Hunter Sales Blaine, TN 5 11-01 180
Day 1: 5 11-01
21. David Williams Newton, NC 5 11-01 180
Day 1: 5 11-01
23. John Hunter Jr Shelbyville, KY 5 11-00 178
Day 1: 5 11-00
24. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 5 10-14 177
Day 1: 5 10-14
25. Josh Hubbard Braidwood, IL 5 10-14 176
Day 1: 5 10-14
26. Todd Goade White Pine, TN 5 10-13 175
Day 1: 5 10-13
27. KC Choosakul Sanford, NC 5 10-12 174
Day 1: 5 10-12
27. Greg Mansfield Olathe, KS 5 10-12 174
Day 1: 5 10-12
29. Joel Willert Prior Lake, MN 5 10-11 172
Day 1: 5 10-11
30. Billy McCaghren Jr Mayflower, AR 5 10-09 171
Day 1: 5 10-09
30. Tommy Williams Shepherdsville, KY 5 10-09 171
Day 1: 5 10-09
32. Daisuke Aoki Minamitsurugun Yamanash 4 10-08 169
Day 1: 4 10-08
33. Jared Turnbloom Calera, AL 5 10-07 168
Day 1: 5 10-07
34. Chris Beaudrie Princeton, KY 5 10-05 167
Day 1: 5 10-05
35. Ronnie Mccoy Lamar, SC 5 10-03 166
Day 1: 5 10-03
36. Brian Post Janesville, WI 5 10-01 165
Day 1: 5 10-01
36. Ben Stone Donalds, SC 5 10-01 165
Day 1: 5 10-01
38. Randy Huffman Charleston, WV 5 10-00 163
Day 1: 5 10-00
38. Jacob Norris Lugoff, SC 5 10-00 163
Day 1: 5 10-00
38. Chris Payne Vance, AL 5 10-00 163
Day 1: 5 10-00
38. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 5 10-00 163
Day 1: 5 10-00
38. Jason Wilson Lincolnton, NC 5 10-00 163
Day 1: 5 10-00
43. Jeff Queen Catawba, NC 5 10-00 158
Day 1: 5 10-00
44. Woo Daves Spring Grove, VA 5 09-15 157
Day 1: 5 09-15
45. Dylan Fulk Mount Pleasant, NC 5 09-13 156
Day 1: 5 09-13
46. Andy Hribar Lakeville, MN 5 09-12 155
Day 1: 5 09-12
47. Michael Kinard Concord, NC 5 09-12 154
Day 1: 5 09-12
48. Blake Sylvester Plaquemine, LA 5 09-11 153
Day 1: 5 09-11
48. Dave Turner Crystal River, FL 5 09-11 153
Day 1: 5 09-11
50. Phillip Brannon Sylacauga, AL 5 09-09 151
Day 1: 5 09-09
50. Chris Dover Blacksburg, SC 5 09-09 151
Day 1: 5 09-09
50. Dustin Williamson Aiken, SC 5 09-09 151
Day 1: 5 09-09
53. Alvin Shaw Camden, SC 5 09-08 148
Day 1: 5 09-08
54. Jerod Hawkes Eagle Pass, TX 3 09-07 147
Day 1: 3 09-07
55. Timmy Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 5 09-04 146
Day 1: 5 09-04
56. Carter McNeil Abbeville, SC 5 09-03 145
Day 1: 5 09-03
56. Andrew Upshaw Hemphill, TX 5 09-03 145
Day 1: 5 09-03
58. Marc Schilling Shady Shores, TX 5 09-02 143
Day 1: 5 09-02
59. Scott Patton Dayton, TN 5 09-01 142
Day 1: 5 09-01
60. Freddy Palmer Estill Springs, TN 5 09-00 141
Day 1: 5 09-00
60. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 5 09-00 141
Day 1: 5 09-00
62. David Kilgore Jasper, AL 5 08-15 139
Day 1: 5 08-15
63. Drew Boggs Lebanon, TN 5 08-13 138
Day 1: 5 08-13
63. Christiana Bradley Goldvein, VA 5 08-13 138
Day 1: 5 08-13
63. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 5 08-13 138
Day 1: 5 08-13
63. Kenny Mittelstaedt Paynesville, MN 5 08-13 138
Day 1: 5 08-13
67. Austin Cranford Moore, OK 5 08-11 134
Day 1: 5 08-11
67. Devon Fuller Pacolet, SC 5 08-11 134
Day 1: 5 08-11
67. Christian Greico Tampa, FL 5 08-11 134
Day 1: 5 08-11
67. Garrett Rocamora Lithia, FL 5 08-11 134
Day 1: 5 08-11
71. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 5 08-10 130
Day 1: 5 08-10
71. Andrew Thomasson Dublin, VA 5 08-10 130
Day 1: 5 08-10
73. Carson Orellana Mooresville, NC 5 08-10 128
Day 1: 5 08-10
73. Scott Pellegrin Chippewa Falls, WI 5 08-10 128
Day 1: 5 08-10
75. Jeremy Gordon Rutledge, TN 5 08-09 126
Day 1: 5 08-09
75. Kameron Harbin Abbeville, SC 5 08-09 126
Day 1: 5 08-09
77. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 5 08-08 124
Day 1: 5 08-08
78. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 5 08-06 123
Day 1: 5 08-06
79. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 5 08-05 122
Day 1: 5 08-05
79. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 5 08-05 122
Day 1: 5 08-05
79. Chad Smith Minnetonka, MN 5 08-05 122
Day 1: 5 08-05
82. Buddy Cipoletti Naples, FL 5 08-04 119
Day 1: 5 08-04
82. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 5 08-04 119
Day 1: 5 08-04
84. Tucker Veronee Gilbert, SC 5 08-02 117
Day 1: 5 08-02
85. Corey Lindsey Blacklick, OH 4 08-02 116
Day 1: 4 08-02
86. Preston Harris State Road, NC 5 08-01 115
Day 1: 5 08-01
87. Kyle Austin Ridgeville, SC 5 08-00 114
Day 1: 5 08-00
88. Luke Plunkett Pinson, AL 5 07-15 113
Day 1: 5 07-15
89. Charles Proctor Conway, SC 4 07-15 112
Day 1: 4 07-15
90. John Garrett Union City, TN 5 07-14 111
Day 1: 5 07-14
91. Jake Monti Mooresville, NC 5 07-12 110
Day 1: 5 07-12
91. Troy O'Rourke Bentonville, AR 5 07-12 110
Day 1: 5 07-12
93. Eddie Ball Newport, TN 5 07-11 108
Day 1: 5 07-11
94. George Hirapetian Charlotte, NC 5 07-11 107
Day 1: 5 07-11
95. Jacob Moore Wake Forest, NC 5 07-11 106
Day 1: 5 07-11
96. Jay Przekurat Stevens Point, WI 5 07-09 105
Day 1: 5 07-09
97. Michael Webster Gastonia, NC 5 07-08 104
Day 1: 5 07-08
98. Wyatt Burkhalter Coker, AL 5 07-06 103
Day 1: 5 07-06
98. Mike Toney Blacksburg, VA 5 07-06 103
Day 1: 5 07-06
100. Adam Rasmussen Sturgeon Bay, WI 5 07-03 101
Day 1: 5 07-03
101. Cody Huff Ava, MO 5 07-01 100
Day 1: 5 07-01
102. Ronald Farrow Rock Hill, SC 4 07-01 99
Day 1: 4 07-01
103. Allan Nail Sand Springs, OK 5 07-00 98
Day 1: 5 07-00
104. Trevor McKinney Benton, IL 5 06-14 97
Day 1: 5 06-14
105. Christian Mazzola Sr Walnutport, PA 5 06-14 96
Day 1: 5 06-14
106. Clayton Wiggins Eustis, FL 3 06-14 95
Day 1: 3 06-14
107. Brent Long Lincolnton, NC 4 06-13 94
Day 1: 4 06-13
108. Derek Lehtonen Woodruff, SC 5 06-11 93
Day 1: 5 06-11
109. Jeff Bauler Santee, CA 4 06-11 92
Day 1: 4 06-11
110. Dylan Hays Hot Springs, AR 4 06-09 91
Day 1: 4 06-09
111. John Duarte Jr Conway, SC 3 06-07 90
Day 1: 3 06-07
112. Chris Blanchette Pawleys Island, SC 4 06-06 89
Day 1: 4 06-06
112. Denny Fiedler Wabasha, MN 4 06-06 89
Day 1: 4 06-06
114. Tim Frederick Leesburg, FL 4 06-05 87
Day 1: 4 06-05
114. Jerry Gallogly Jr North Tazewell, VA 4 06-05 87
Day 1: 4 06-05
114. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 4 06-05 87
Day 1: 4 06-05
117. Lucas Bradley Flippin, AR 5 06-01 84
Day 1: 5 06-01
118. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 3 06-01 83
Day 1: 3 06-01
119. Brandon Vaughan Elizabeth City, NC 3 06-01 82
Day 1: 3 06-01
120. Hermilo Salgado-Zavaleta Artemus, KY 4 06-00 81
Day 1: 4 06-00
121. Cody Detweiler Orlando, FL 4 05-14 80
Day 1: 4 05-14
121. Richard Kaluba Litchfield, OH 4 05-14 80
Day 1: 4 05-14
123. Josh Herren Ashville, AL 2 05-12 78
Day 1: 2 05-12
124. Spencer Peters Corryton, TN 4 05-10 77
Day 1: 4 05-10
125. Nick Prince Maryville, TN 2 05-09 76
Day 1: 2 05-09
126. Allen Brooks Canton, GA 3 05-06 75
Day 1: 3 05-06
126. Briana Tucker Trinity, AL 3 05-06 75
Day 1: 3 05-06
128. Seiji Kato Outsu Shiga JAPAN 3 05-05 73
Day 1: 3 05-05
129. Jackson Swisher LAKE CITY, FL 2 05-03 72
Day 1: 2 05-03
130. Scott Ashmore Broken Arrow, OK 3 04-14 71
Day 1: 3 04-14
130. Denny Mcglon Wewahitchka, FL 3 04-14 71
Day 1: 3 04-14
132. Ron Ryals Jr Live Oak, FL 2 04-14 69
Day 1: 2 04-14
133. Cole Drummond Effingham, SC 3 04-13 68
Day 1: 3 04-13
133. Guy Eaker Cherryville, NC 3 04-13 68
Day 1: 3 04-13
135. Billy Messer Jr. Spartanburg, SC 3 04-11 66
Day 1: 3 04-11
136. Colby Robertson Summerfield, FL 4 04-10 65
Day 1: 4 04-10
137. Caleb Gibson Tahlequah, OK 3 04-08 64
Day 1: 3 04-08
137. Casey Majni Knoxville, TN 3 04-08 64
Day 1: 3 04-08
139. Jesus Loaces Moorseboro, NC 0 04-06 0
Day 1: 0 04-06
140. Wayman Coleman Abbeville, SC 3 04-04 61
Day 1: 3 04-04
141. Randy Elliott Severn, MD 3 04-03 60
Day 1: 3 04-03
142. Vernon Kemp Umatilla, FL 2 04-03 59
Day 1: 2 04-03
143. Greg Alexander Hebron, MD 2 04-02 58
Day 1: 2 04-02
144. Chris Dillow Waynesboro, VA 2 04-01 57
Day 1: 2 04-01
145. Blake Tomlin Greenville, GA 2 04-00 56
Day 1: 2 04-00
146. Craig Chambers Midland, NC 3 03-15 55
Day 1: 3 03-15
147. Nick Tate Knoxville, TN 2 03-15 54
Day 1: 2 03-15
148. Brad Staley Sophia, NC 2 03-14 53
Day 1: 2 03-14
149. Bailey Boutries Mobile, AL 1 03-13 52
Day 1: 1 03-13
150. Shawn Hendrix Sharpsburg, GA 2 03-11 51
Day 1: 2 03-11
151. Dustin Reneau Mckinney, TX 2 03-09 50
Day 1: 2 03-09
152. Spike Stoker Cisco, TX 3 03-08 49
Day 1: 3 03-08
153. Oliver Ngy Frisco, TX 2 03-08 48
Day 1: 2 03-08
154. Chris Kingree Inverness, FL 2 03-02 47
Day 1: 2 03-02
154. Chuck Stratton Chaffee, MO 2 03-02 47
Day 1: 2 03-02
156. Brandon Tallhamer Parkersburg, WV 2 03-01 45
Day 1: 2 03-01
157. Daniel Rogers Dunnellon, FL 2 02-15 44
Day 1: 2 02-15
158. Hunter Bland Williston, FL 2 02-14 43
Day 1: 2 02-14
158. Craig Cavanna Spring Hill, FL 2 02-14 43
Day 1: 2 02-14
158. Tim Malone Kodak, TN 2 02-14 43
Day 1: 2 02-14
161. Chris Whitson Louisville, TN 2 02-13 40
Day 1: 2 02-13
162. Teb Jones Hattiesburg, MS 2 02-12 39
Day 1: 2 02-12
162. Billy Myatt Charlotte, NC 2 02-12 39
Day 1: 2 02-12
164. Jenny Nevans Dayton, TN 1 02-12 37
Day 1: 1 02-12
165. Mark Pappas Dandridge, TN 2 02-11 36
Day 1: 2 02-11
166. Daisuke Kita Ootsu-Shi JAPAN 2 02-08 35
Day 1: 2 02-08
167. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 2 02-07 34
Day 1: 2 02-07
168. Austin Archer Anniston, AL 1 02-03 33
Day 1: 1 02-03
169. Sandy Melvin Boca Grande, FL 1 01-11 32
Day 1: 1 01-11
169. David Perdue Wirtz, VA 1 01-11 32
Day 1: 1 01-11
171. Michael Delvisco Dandridge, TN 1 01-09 30
Day 1: 1 01-09
172. Matt Coughlin Dandridge, TN 1 01-07 29
Day 1: 1 01-07
172. Brayden Rakes Winston Salem, NC 1 01-07 29
Day 1: 1 01-07
172. Keith Tuma Brainerd, MN 1 01-07 29
Day 1: 1 01-07
175. John Pollard Eclectic, AL 1 01-06 26
Day 1: 1 01-06
176. Brad Burkhart II Speedwell, TN 1 01-05 25
Day 1: 1 01-05
177. Scott Gibbs Rome, GA 1 01-04 24
Day 1: 1 01-04
178. Raymond Jones III Mocksville, NC 1 01-03 23
Day 1: 1 01-03
178. Chris Moody Brooks, GA 1 01-03 23
Day 1: 1 01-03
180. Scott Lindstam Jr. Largo, FL 1 01-02 21
Day 1: 1 01-02
181. Anthony Lutz Stanley, NC 1 01-00 20
Day 1: 1 01-00
182. D.J. Ellis Crestview, FL 1 00-14 19
Day 1: 1 00-14
183. Drew Benton Blakely, GA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
183. Tony Dumitras Winston, GA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
183. Toney Gravely Greenville, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
183. Rick Hamer Charleston, WV 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
183. Eric Johnson Kingston, MA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
183. Preston Julian Seymour, TN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
183. Jamie Lanier Jr. Branford, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
183. Robert Parkison Marshall, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
183. Bill Pioch Beckley, WV 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
183. Tyler Purcell Townsville, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
183. Blake Whatley Harleton, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 102 704 1321-07
----------------------------------
102 704 1321-07
2021 Basspro.com Bassmaster Open at Lake Norman 9/23-9/25
Lake Norman, Charlotte NC.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Scott Beattie Sherrills Ford, NC 3 07-04 200
Day 1: 3 07-04
2. David Deciucis CHESTER, VA 3 07-00 199
Day 1: 3 07-00
3. Skyler Anderson Harlem, GA 3 06-07 198
Day 1: 3 06-07
3. Jimmy Hayes Fayetteville, NC 3 06-07 198
Day 1: 3 06-07
5. David Few Lake Wylie, SC 3 06-02 196
Day 1: 3 06-02
6. Travis Culbreth Alexander City, AL 3 05-14 195
Day 1: 3 05-14
7. Kibbee Mccoy Knoxville, TN 3 05-12 194
Day 1: 3 05-12
8. Tommy Young II Linden, NC 3 05-10 193
Day 1: 3 05-10
9. Don Bible II Knoxville, TN 3 05-05 192
Day 1: 3 05-05
9. Stephen Brady Woodlawn, VA 3 05-05 192
Day 1: 3 05-05
9. Alex Reece Greenville, SC 3 05-05 192
Day 1: 3 05-05
12. Kiel Guin Knoxville, TN 3 05-04 189
Day 1: 3 05-04
13. Dalton Tankersley Copperhill, GA 3 05-02 188
Day 1: 3 05-02
14. Barney Boutries Mobile, AL 3 05-01 187
Day 1: 3 05-01
15. Justin Foster Zebulon, GA 3 05-00 186
Day 1: 3 05-00
16. James Roten West Jefferson, NC 3 04-14 185
Day 1: 3 04-14
17. Morris Collins Fairfield, OH 2 04-14 184
Day 1: 2 04-14
18. Gary Preston Madison, NC 3 04-11 183
Day 1: 3 04-11
18. Roy Winkler III Charlotte, NC 3 04-11 183
Day 1: 3 04-11
20. Bobby Henderson Charlotte, NC 2 04-11 181
Day 1: 2 04-11
21. Russell Hoyle Hickory, NC 3 04-09 180
Day 1: 3 04-09
22. Ronald Young New Braunfels, TX 3 04-09 179
Day 1: 3 04-09
23. Christopher Teague Lincolnton, NC 3 04-08 178
Day 1: 3 04-08
24. Rodney Tapp Inman, SC 3 04-06 177
Day 1: 3 04-06
24. Daniel Valois Gomez Caracas FL VENEZUELA 3 04-06 177
Day 1: 3 04-06
26. Levi Allgeier Bardstown, KY 3 04-05 175
Day 1: 3 04-05
27. Clayton Weber West Salem, WI 2 04-04 174
Day 1: 2 04-04
28. Charles Saucier New Orleans, LA 3 04-03 173
Day 1: 3 04-03
29. Harold Addison Columbia, SC 3 04-03 172
Day 1: 3 04-03
30. Caleb Warrington IV Austin, TX 2 04-03 171
Day 1: 2 04-03
31. Elijah Benson Dawsonville, GA 3 04-02 170
Day 1: 3 04-02
32. Stephen Davis Blacksburg, VA 3 04-01 169
Day 1: 3 04-01
33. Eric Osborne Jefferson, NC 2 04-01 168
Day 1: 2 04-01
34. William Gaston Sylacauga, AL 3 03-15 167
Day 1: 3 03-15
35. Matt Melton Fairlawn, VA 3 03-15 166
Day 1: 3 03-15
36. Mike Anderson Harlem, GA 2 03-15 165
Day 1: 2 03-15
37. Daniel Hanniford Florence, SC 3 03-14 164
Day 1: 3 03-14
37. Harry Linsinbigler IV Dover, FL 3 03-14 164
Day 1: 3 03-14
39. Duane Rinkus Denver, NC 3 03-13 162
Day 1: 3 03-13
40. Frank Williams Saint Charles, MO 2 03-12 161
Day 1: 2 03-12
41. Patrick Brondos Wilkesboro, NC 2 03-07 160
Day 1: 2 03-07
41. Blake Gillispie Reidsville, NC 2 03-07 160
Day 1: 2 03-07
43. Steven Roosen Charlotte, NC 1 03-07 158
Day 1: 1 03-07
44. Derrick Bustle Statesville, NC 2 03-05 157
Day 1: 2 03-05
45. Jason George Farragut, TN 2 03-04 156
Day 1: 2 03-04
45. Denise Sustaita Etoile, TX 2 03-04 156
Day 1: 2 03-04
47. Jeffrey Lotierzo II Fort Mill, SC 2 03-02 154
Day 1: 2 03-02
47. Ernest McIntyre Jr Fayetteville, NC 2 03-02 154
Day 1: 2 03-02
47. Lance Owen Greer, SC 2 03-02 154
Day 1: 2 03-02
50. Marvin Godard Charlotte, NC 2 03-00 151
Day 1: 2 03-00
50. MIke Spears Jasper, AL 2 03-00 151
Day 1: 2 03-00
50. Brandon Willis Knoxville, TN 2 03-00 151
Day 1: 2 03-00
53. Gary Abernethy Skyland, NC 2 03-00 148
Day 1: 2 03-00
54. Jason Gibson Iron Station, NC 1 03-00 147
Day 1: 1 03-00
55. Gary Haraguchi Murfreesboro, TN 2 02-14 146
Day 1: 2 02-14
56. Dan Noel Huntersville, NC 2 02-13 145
Day 1: 2 02-13
57. Teri Cindric Mount Juliet, TN 1 02-13 144
Day 1: 1 02-13
58. Jason Hinger Timberlake, NC 1 02-12 143
Day 1: 1 02-12
58. Eric Testerman Galax, VA 1 02-12 143
Day 1: 1 02-12
60. Eric Camarote Rogers, MN 2 02-11 141
Day 1: 2 02-11
60. Matt Schiefelbein Marseilles, IL 2 02-11 141
Day 1: 2 02-11
60. Andy Simm Piney Flats, TN 2 02-11 141
Day 1: 2 02-11
60. James Williams Sims, NC 2 02-11 141
Day 1: 2 02-11
64. Bill Bruce Hendersonville, TN 2 02-10 137
Day 1: 2 02-10
64. Noah Nicholson Union Mills, NC 2 02-10 137
Day 1: 2 02-10
66. Clyde Roberts Marshall, NC 2 02-09 135
Day 1: 2 02-09
67. Mike Bush Chapin, SC 2 02-08 134
Day 1: 2 02-08
67. Tyler Dover Blacksburg, SC 2 02-08 134
Day 1: 2 02-08
69. Aram Hirapetyan Charlotte, NC 1 02-08 132
Day 1: 1 02-08
70. Jeff Norris Lugoff, SC 2 02-07 131
Day 1: 2 02-07
71. Jef Fox Jr East Flat Rock, NC 1 02-07 130
Day 1: 1 02-07
72. Jon Jezierski Troy, MI 2 02-05 129
Day 1: 2 02-05
72. Sergio Render Christiansburg, VA 2 02-05 129
Day 1: 2 02-05
72. James Williams Franklin, VA 2 02-05 129
Day 1: 2 02-05
75. Carl Hunter Snellville, GA 1 02-05 126
Day 1: 1 02-05
76. Stanton Harris State Road, NC 1 02-04 125
Day 1: 1 02-04
77. Ben Smith Little Mountain, SC 1 02-01 124
Day 1: 1 02-01
77. Bradley Sterner Manchester, PA 1 02-01 124
Day 1: 1 02-01
79. Brian Huskins Mount Holly, NC 2 01-15 122
Day 1: 2 01-15
80. Bryant Preston Belews Creek, NC 1 01-15 121
Day 1: 1 01-15
80. Tyler Watts Mount Airy, GA 1 01-15 121
Day 1: 1 01-15
82. Marty Williams Thomasville, NC 1 01-14 119
Day 1: 1 01-14
83. Lee Whitworth II Charlotte, NC 1 01-13 118
Day 1: 1 01-13
84. Sheldon Hipps Mooresville, NC 1 01-12 117
Day 1: 1 01-12
84. Tyler Ward Grover, NC 1 01-12 117
Day 1: 1 01-12
86. Alex Prince Blue Ridge, GA 1 01-10 115
Day 1: 1 01-10
86. Taylor Trantham Thomasville, NC 1 01-10 115
Day 1: 1 01-10
88. Stacey Jefferson Conway, SC 1 01-09 113
Day 1: 1 01-09
88. Michael O'Harold Cross Hill, SC 1 01-09 113
Day 1: 1 01-09
90. Ryan Godsey Chickamauga, GA 1 01-07 111
Day 1: 1 01-07
90. Kevin Gonyea Franklinton, NC 1 01-07 111
Day 1: 1 01-07
90. Eric Vyborny Sorrento, FL 1 01-07 111
Day 1: 1 01-07
90. Bobby Williams Salisbury, NC 1 01-07 111
Day 1: 1 01-07
94. Matt Kraemer Wellesley ONTARIO CANAD 1 01-06 107
Day 1: 1 01-06
94. Randy Lewis Crumpler, NC 1 01-06 107
Day 1: 1 01-06
94. Jim Opetaia-Williamson Winter Garden, FL 1 01-06 107
Day 1: 1 01-06
94. Greg Secord Salem, SC 1 01-06 107
Day 1: 1 01-06
94. Cody Wade Zebulon, GA 1 01-06 107
Day 1: 1 01-06
94. Dawson Wisner Westminster, MD 1 01-06 107
Day 1: 1 01-06
100. Austin Cole Rutherfordton, NC 1 01-05 101
Day 1: 1 01-05
100. Byong Lee Stedman, NC 1 01-05 101
Day 1: 1 01-05
100. Nick Ward Newnan, GA 1 01-05 101
Day 1: 1 01-05
103. David Booth Erin, TN 1 01-04 98
Day 1: 1 01-04
104. Dean Dalton Keeling, VA 1 01-03 97
Day 1: 1 01-03
104. Thomas Davis West Jefferson, NC 1 01-03 97
Day 1: 1 01-03
104. Cameron Debity Boca Raton, FL 1 01-03 97
Day 1: 1 01-03
104. A J Negley Charlotte, NC 1 01-03 97
Day 1: 1 01-03
104. Asa Putnam Tunnel Hill, GA 1 01-03 97
Day 1: 1 01-03
104. Jeff Stone Jackson, GA 1 01-03 97
Day 1: 1 01-03
110. Tanner Higgins Fairhope, AL 1 01-02 91
Day 1: 1 01-02
110. Cameron Shoda Crystal River, FL 1 01-02 91
Day 1: 1 01-02
110. Randy Waddell Guntersville, AL 1 01-02 91
Day 1: 1 01-02
110. Eric Winter Concord, NC 1 01-02 91
Day 1: 1 01-02
114. Gary Huff Mebane, NC 1 01-01 87
Day 1: 1 01-01
115. Brett Reece Jonesborough, TN 1 00-15 86
Day 1: 1 00-15
116. Zachery Kuhn Summerfield, FL 1 00-14 85
Day 1: 1 00-14
116. Alton Rockett Newton, NC 1 00-14 85
Day 1: 1 00-14
118. David Nunnally Emporia, VA 1 00-14 83
Day 1: 1 00-14
119. Michelle Armstrong Denver, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Brian Bailey Austinville, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Glenn Bailey Temple Terrace, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Hunter Baynes Statesville, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Charles Bowman II Kernersville, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Bill Capps Auburn, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Charles Cotton Hemingway, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Will Dalton Laurel Fork, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Mike Dalton Laurel Fork, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Jarvis Ellis Albany, GA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Jimmy Fellegy Lakeville, MN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Ralph Gibson Locust Grove, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Nikki Hames Gaffney, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Ray Hill Lake City, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Zach Huey Mebane, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Ed Laroche Gilllespie, IL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Angela Mayo Maiden, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Christopher Mcmillan Charlotte, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Jerry Morris Jr Charlotte, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Trent Peace Moore, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Jack Pollio Lincolnton, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Paul Propst Jr. Kearneysville, WV 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Richard Roulston Little Rock, AR 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Stephen Sargent South Hamilton, MA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. James Staton Sorrento, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Kevin Stewart Sevierville, TN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Randy Tallhamer Parkersburg, WV 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Jonathan Theisen Cornelius, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Jacob Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Donald West II Apex, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. O'Neil Williams Asheboro, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
119. Masaya Yamaguchi New York, NY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
Costa Sunglasses brings next level clarity and performance to the optical space with Costa Clear lenses
New optical collection features customizable clear lenses for superior clarity all day, every day - because not every adventure takes place under the harsh sun.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (September 23, 2021) – Since 1983, Costa Sunglasses has built a reputation for creating the highest quality, best-performing sunglasses for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts – but Costa knows that not every adventure takes place in the light of day. Costa Clear, the brand’s latest collection of single vision and progressive optical lenses, answers the call for clear vision all day, every day.
The collection of three single vision (Essential, Waypoint, Waypoint Plus) and four progressive (Base, Essential, C-Scape, C-Scape Plus) lens options offer a tiered approach to suit the unique needs of everyone - from those who desire an accessible and reliable Costa optical lens to elite anglers and craftsmen that demand extra performance and clarity.
Premium options in both the single vision and progressive lens categories utilize Costa Waypoint™ digital surfacing technology, which enhances the field of view by virtually eliminating the peripheral blur found in high wrap glasses. Waypoint digital surfacing ensures superior visual clarity no matter which direction you look. Premium lenses in the progressive category feature Costa C-SCAPE® technology. Developed by top sportfishing pros and lens designers, C-SCAPE technology offers immediate adaptation and enhanced viewing fields suited for the needs of watermen and women.
“Costas are made for the anglers, soul surfers and explorers who have inspired us since day one. Now we can provide the same optical clarity and quality that our community expects from Costa in a complete pair of optical frames,” says Jessica Bryant, Sr. Product Marketing Manager at Costa. “We’ve paired our best in lens optics with a deeper selection of Rx designs and technologies – creating the perfect pair of glasses for answering a 4 a.m. wakeup call or scrawling an entry in your journal at night. .”
Similar to Costa’s sun RX lenses, all Costa Clear lenses are etched with the C-Wave logo for authenticity and include advanced coatings, including protection from blue light. Every lens is hydrophobic [water resistant], oleophobic [smudge and oil resistant], scratch resistant, anti-static and made to reduce inner and outer glare to protect lens integrity on and off the water.
Costa Clear lenses are now available in all of Costa’s optical frames, as well as eight new styles for a complete pairing of high-performance lenses and frames. The sophisticated new frame styles are built with the waterman and woman in mind. Taking inspiration from the PRO series of sunglasses, additions to the Ocean Ridge collection are built from a durable, double injected Bio-Resin and feature an ventilated nose pad for increased comfort, eyewire drains to help manage sweat, Hydrolite(™) grips and keeper-ready temples to keep your frames in place.
The collection is now available online at CostaDelMar.com and through authorized Rx dealers. To find a Rx dealer near you, visit https://www.costadelmar.com/en-us/stores.
AC Insider Podcast - TNPFL Update and more!
This week due to a last minute reschedule Chris & David welcome in Co-Owner of the National Professional Fishing League Al McCulloch to the show to talk about the loss of two of his anglers. Al gives us an update on their season as the look forward to the final regular season event of the year next week. CB & DX talk u-Pick-em's, a little points action and more. Check it out!
Bassmaster High School Combine To Showcase Anglers From 28 States
High school anglers from 28 states will participate in the inaugural Abu Garcia Bassmaster High School Combine Oct. 15-17 in Decatur, Ala.
September 21, 2021
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — When the inaugural Abu Garcia Bassmaster High School Combine kicks off on Oct. 15, 85 gifted anglers from 28 states will have the opportunity to showcase their talents for a host of college coaches. The three-day event will be held on Wheeler Lake in Decatur, Ala.
“Response to the inaugural High School Combine has been incredible,” said Hank Weldon, senior manager of the B.A.S.S. College and High School program. “The fact that high school anglers are traveling here from as far away as California, New York and Maine really speaks to the massive growth and appetite for high school and college bass fishing over the past few years. The college coaches are going to be incredibly impressed by the skill level that will be on display.”
Among the athletes attending the combine are 31 students who competed in July’s Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School National Championship presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors and 11 anglers who were named to the 2021 Bassmaster High School All-State Fishing Team presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors.
“This event gives us a great stepping stone to the next level by connecting us with college coaches and allowing us to showcase our skills against others from around the country,” said Cole Moulton of Enfield, N.H., a member of the prestigious 2021 Bassmaster High School All-American Fishing Team. “Also, the combine allows me to see how my skills match up against some other very talented anglers from across the country, which in return will help me improve.”
At the High School Combine, anglers will perform multiple tasks to show their skill set not only on the water but also to display their knowledge of the sport as a whole. After the first day, colleges will have the opportunity to select anglers for a “second look” where they can further explore everything that angler has to offer and see if they would be the perfect fit for their fishing program.
The opportunity to meet individually with prospective anglers is critical for coaches.
“To me, there is no magic equation for an angler to present, but experienced, well-rounded anglers and students who are interested in an opportunity to compete are easier to spot than one might think,” said Coach Seth Borton of Adrian College, which claimed its first Bassmaster College Series National Championship earlier this summer. “For me, it's all about face-to-face interaction. Usually a few questions and a couple of fishing stories later the picture doesn't take long to paint.”
While the High School Combine provides an unprecedented chance for young anglers to get in front of championship-caliber college programs, the coaches themselves are eagerly anticipating an opportunity to recruit more effectively.
“The biggest difference between what I do as a fishing coach versus most sports is that I’m a one-man staff for evaluation and anything that can help me save time is very valuable,” said Coach John Pollard of Faulkner University. “This combine will help me do more evaluations for more prospects in three days than I can normally do in several months. As a coach and recruiter, this is an exciting opportunity to evaluate and make contact with 85 anglers who are eager to continue their competitive angling in college.”
Only colleges offering bass fishing scholarships were invited to attend. The following schools will participate in the inaugural Abu Garcia Bassmaster High School Combine:
Adrian College
Bethel University
Blue Mountain College
Bryan College
Calhoun College
Campbellsville University
Carson-Newman University
Dallas Baptist University
Drury University
East Texas Baptist University
Emmanuel College
Faulkner University
Florida Gateway College
Kentucky Christian University
Lander University
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Louisiana State University - Shreveport
Troy University
University of Montevallo
Wabash Valley College
For more information, visit Bassmaster.com/high-school.
Trombly Wins Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super-Tournament on Detroit River
| RANK | BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Mike Trombly of Belleville, Mich. | 10 | 52-14 | $5,886 |
| 2nd | Michael Sitko of Pinckney, Mich. | 10 | 45-14 | $2,943 |
| 3rd | Jeff Vizachero of Grosse Isle, Mich. | 10 | 43-6 | $1,964 |
| 4th | Patrick Goodman of White Pigeon, Mich. | 10 | 43-0 | $1,373 |
| 5th | Heath Wagner of Angola, Ind. | 10 | 42-12 | $1,177 |
| 6th | Elijah Meyers of Fort Wayne, Ind. | 10 | 41-4 | $1,079 |
| 7th | Dick Parker of Loraine, Ohio | 10 | 40-2 | $981 |
| 8th | Jason Root of Fostoria, Ohio | 10 | 39-13 | $1,083 |
| 9th | Chris Hellebuyck of Waterford, Mich. | 10 | 38-5 | $1,000 |
| 10th | Josh Kolodzaike of Toledo, Ohio | 10 | 38-0 | $687 |
| RANK | STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Andy White of Canton, Mich. | 10 | 41-8 | $2,943 |
| 2nd | Kendra Mueller of Pinckney, Mich. | 10 | 37-15 | $1,472 |
| 3rd | Jeff Copley of Marengo, Ohio | 10 | 37-13 | $1,230 |
| 4th | Kristian Dus of Roselle, Ill. | 10 | 37-5 | $687 |
| 5th | Zachary Bauer of Martinsville, Ind. | 10 | 33-3 | $789 |
| 6th | Nick Ireland of Davison, Mich. | 9 | 31-8 | $540 |
| 7th | Steve Ward of Trenton, Mich. | 10 | 30-13 | $491 |
| 8th | Scott Davis of Coloma, Mich. | 10 | 29-14 | $573 |
| 9th | Bill Langille of Kent, Ohio | 8 | 29-6 | $392 |
| 10th | Marvin Washington of Canton, Mich. | 9 | 27-7 | $343 |
| AWARD | NAME | CONTINGENCY | PAYOUT |
| Boater Big Bass | Drew Six of Clinton, Ohio | 6-pound, 4-ounce bass | $795 |
| Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass | Tom Bauer of Martinsville, Ind. | 5-pound, 2-ounce bass | $132 |
| Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass | Scott Davis of Coloma, Mich. | 5-pound, 2-ounce bass | $132 |
| Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass | Christopher Slone of Shelby TWP, Mich. | 5-pound, 2-ounce bass | $132 |
| Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus | Chris Hellebuyck of Waterford, Mich. | Eligible Phoenix Boat* | $500 |
| ANGLER | BAIT | COLOR |
| Boater | Dropshot/Tube | Did Not Disclose |
| Strike King Co-Angler | Dropshot/Tube | Did Not Disclose |
| EVENT | DATE | LOCATION | HOST |
| Michigan Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship | Oct. 14-16 | Potomac River, Marbury, Md. | Charles County Board of Commissioners |
| 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American | June 2-4 | Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs, Ark. | Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism & Visit Hot Springs |
The top six finishers in each regional will then qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the Toyota Series, the pathway to the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube .
Pilcher Wins Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super-Tournament on Grand Lake
| RANK | BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | John Pilcher of Kansas, Okla. | 10 | 34-12 | $7,038 |
| 2nd | Hunter Baird of Salina, Kan. | 10 | 34-7 | $3,519 |
| 3rd | Joel Baker of Talala, Okla. | 10 | 33-9 | $2,346 |
| 4th | Brandon Mosley of Choctoaw, Okla. | 10 | 33-7 | $1,642 |
| 5th | Christopher Holmes of Coweta, Okla. | 10 | 32-4 | $1,908 |
| 6th | Brit Sumter of Prairie Grove, Ark. | 10 | 32-0 | $1,290 |
| 7th | Chad Warren of Sand Springs, Okla. | 10 | 31-1 | $1,173 |
| 8th | Shonn Goodwin of Moore, Okla. | 10 | 31-1 | $1,056 |
| 9th | Stephen Whitesell of Grove, Okla. | 10 | 30-10 | $938 |
| 10th | William Gaddis of Afton, Okla. | 10 | 30-8 | $1,321 |
| RANK | STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Nathan Colwell of Pryor, Okla. | 9 | 26-6 | $3,844 |
| 2nd | Dominic Cavitt of Pittsburg, Kan. | 10 | 25-8 | $1,759 |
| 3rd | Timothy Cartwright of Sand Springs, Okla. | 10 | 23-4 | $1,174 |
| 4th | Mike Meadows of Midwest City, Okla. | 10 | 22-15 | $821 |
| 5th | Michael Mulberry of Galena, Mo. | 10 | 21-12 | $704 |
| 6th | Scott Smith of Blanchard, Okla. | 9 | 21-7 | $645 |
| 7th | Leroy Sheperd of Mountain View, Okla. | 8 | 20-10 | $586 |
| 8th | Robert Jones of Broken Arrow, Okla. | 8 | 18-11 | $528 |
| 9th | Troy Stumfoll of Fort Scott, Kan. | 10 | 17-7 | $469 |
| 10th | Berton Pritchett of Gentry, Ark. | 6 | 16-0 | $411 |
| AWARD | NAME | CONTINGENCY | PAYOUT |
| Boater Big Bass | Kurt Gordon of Cushing, Okla. | 6-pound bass | $1,050 |
| Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass | Rick Lanier of Tulsa, Okla. | 4-pound, 13-ounce bass | $525 |
| Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus | Christopher Holmes of Coweta, Okla. | Eligible Phoenix Boat* | $500 |
| ANGLER | BAIT | COLOR |
| Boater | Bass X Jig | Did Not Divulge |
| Strike King Co-Angler | Big Bite Baits B2 Worm | Did Not Divulge |
| EVENT | DATE | LOCATION | HOST |
| Okie Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship | Oct. 21-23 | Lake Ouachita, Mt. Ida, Ark. | Visit Hot Springs |
| 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American | June 2-4 | Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs, Ark. | Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism & Visit Hot Springs |
The top six finishers in each regional will then qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the Toyota Series, the pathway to the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube .
Greico Wins Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super-Tournament on Lake Okeechobee
| RANK | BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Christian Greico of Tampa, Fla. | 10 | 44-1 | $7,516 |
| 2nd | Austin Schroeder of Zephyrhills, Fla. | 10 | 41-6 | $3,758 |
| 3rd | Nicholas Hoinig of Port Saint Lucie, Fla. | 10 | 38-14 | $2,504 |
| 4th | Greg Harp of Vero Beach, Fla. | 10 | 38-13 | $1,754 |
| 5th | Mikey Keyso of North Port, Fla. | 10 | 37-10 | $1,503 |
| 6th | Ron Veale of Okeechobee, Fla. | 10 | 37-8 | $1,878 |
| 7th | Eric Panzironi of Longwood, Fla. | 10 | 37-0 | $1,253 |
| 8th | Peter Thliveros of Saint Augustine, Fla. | 10 | 36-6 | $1,127 |
| 9th | Kail Stevens of Okeechobee, Fla. | 10 | 34-9 | $1,002 |
| 10th | Casey Marsh of Dunnellon, Fla. | 10 | 33-13 | $877 |
| RANK | STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | C.J. Barbosa of Mims, Fla. | 10 | 27-11 | $3,701 |
| 2nd | Justin Brown of Frostproof, Fla. | 10 | 25-12 | $2,176 |
| 3rd | Anthony Valachovic of Coral Springs, Fla. | 10 | 25-3 | $1,234 |
| 4th | William Lewis of Jacksonville, Fla. | 5 | 23-1 | $864 |
| 5th | Barry Colbert of Port Saint Lucie, Fla. | 6 | 22-8 | $740 |
| 6th | Randy Paquette of Sarasota, Fla. | 10 | 22-1 | $679 |
| 7th | Kevin Thomas of Miramar, Fla. | 7 | 20-2 | $1,176 |
| 8th | Johnny Dease of Orlando, Fla. | 8 | 19-6 | $555 |
| 9th | Greg Fox of Bonita Springs, Fla. | 5 | 19-4 | $494 |
| 10th | Theron Asbery of Longwood, Fla. | 9 | 18-12 | $432 |
| AWARD | NAME | CONTINGENCY | PAYOUT |
| Boater Big Bass | Don Demott of Boca Raton, Fla. | 8-pound bass | $1,147 |
| Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass | Kevin Thomas of Miramar, Fla. | 8-pound, 6-ounce bass | $559 |
| Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus | Santos Solis of Vero Beach, Fla. | Eligible Phoenix Boat* | $500 |
| ANGLER | BAIT | COLOR |
| Boater | 2 oz. Wetted Beaver | Did Not Divulge |
| Strike King Co-Angler | 3-Blade Spinnerbait | Did Not Divulge |
| EVENT | DATE | LOCATION | HOST |
| Gator Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship | Oct. 21-23 | St. Johns River, Palatka, Fla. | Putnam County Tourist Development Council |
| 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American | June 2-4 | Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs, Ark. | Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism & Visit Hot Springs |
The top six finishers in each regional will then qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the Toyota Series, the pathway to the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube .
Boulware Wins Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super-Tournament on Sam Rayburn Reservoir
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Boater Clayton Boulware of Zavalla, Texas and Strike-King co-angler Lane Anderson of Kountze, Texas.
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Kountze’s Anderson Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division
BROOKELAND, Texas (Sept. 21, 2021) – Boater Clayton Boulware of Zavalla, Texas wins the two-day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super-Tournament Presented by T-H Marine at Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Brookeland, Texas on Sunday. Boulware earned $9,531 for his victory at the event, hosted by the Jasper County Development District.
TOP 10 RESULTS
CONTINGENCY AWARDS
* Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.
WINNING BAITS
2021 QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES
The 2021 MLF 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 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championships. Boaters will compete for a $60,000 prize package, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while Strike King co-anglers will fish for a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.
The top six finishers in each regional will then qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the Toyota Series, the pathway to the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour. For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube . |
Huselton Wins Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super-Tournament on Lake Hamilton
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Boater Chris Huselton of Conway, Arkansas and Strike-King co-angler Ron Knight of Hot Springs, Arkansas.
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Hot Spring’s Knight Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Sept. 20, 2021) – Boater Chris Huselton of Conway, Arkansas, won the two-day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super-Tournament Presented by T-H Marine at Lake Hamilton Presented by Berkley Sunday in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Huselton earned $6,175 for his victory in the event.
TOP 10 RESULTS
CONTINGENCY AWARDS
* Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.
WINNING BAITS
2021 QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES
The 2021 MLF 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 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championships. Boaters will compete for a $60,000 prize package, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while Strike King co-anglers will fish for a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.
The top six finishers in each regional will then qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the Toyota Series, the pathway to the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour. For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube . |
Johnson Wins Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super-Tournament on Old Hickory Lake
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Boater Daniel Johnson of Lebanon, Tennessee and Strike-King co-angler Chris Coates of Bethpage, Tennessee.
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Bethpage’s Coates Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division
GALLATIN, Tenn. (Sept. 20, 2021) – Boater Daniel Johnson of Lebanon, Tennessee, won the two-day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super-Tournament Presented by T-H Marine at Old Hickory Lake Presented by Googan Baits Sunday in Gallatin, Tennessee. Johnson earned $6,886 for his victory in the event, which was hosted by Sumner County Tourism.
TOP 10 RESULTS
CONTINGENCY AWARDS
* Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.
WINNING BAITS
2021 QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES
The 2021 MLF 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 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championships. Boaters will compete for a $60,000 prize package, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while Strike King co-anglers will fish for a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.
The top six finishers in each regional will then qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the Toyota Series, the pathway to the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour. For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube . |
Tom Frinks and Bryan Talmadge take the win with 16.66 on Alabama River
By Jason Duran
Prattville, AL, September 18- The South Division of the Alabama Bass Trail concluded its 2021 regular season on the Alabama River at Cooter’s Pond. The event was regularly scheduled for May, however, due to weather conditions and river flooding it was postponed. The fifth and final event would be the final chance for teams to make the top 75 in points to qualify for the no entry fee ABT championship with a $50,000 first place pay out. Tom Frinks and Bryan Talmadge caught 16.66 pounds of Alabama River bass to claim first place and a $17,500 pay day.
Tom and Bryan targeted fish in 4-12 feet of water using a “shad colored, big spinner bait and a big football jig.” They fished primarily the main river, and their fish were very current related. “We found the water to be stained to clear early in the morning, but as the current began to move and when the rain came, it started to muddy up some of our areas.” Throughout the day they caught a good number of smaller fish but managed to boat six of what they would consider keepers allowing them to cull up once. The team shared that they did “break off a couple large fish that could have possibly helped” them a little more, but in the end, they had all they needed to collect the win and the check.
They took home the first place $10,000, a $7,000 Phoenix Boats First Flight bonus check and a $500 Garmin bonus. Tom said, he “didn’t ever expect the 16.66 to be a number he would want to win with, but it sure was a great payday nonetheless.”
Matt Headrick and Matt Mcclung went out this morning in boat number 73 and headed upriver to target shallow main river type areas. Early in the morning they caught fish on a spinner bait and some on a Lucky Craft square bill. Conditions started to change for them, and they noticed water started rising as the current began to moving. Then the rain set in and muddied up their areas, so they switched over to a using the ½ oz Ace Jig by Untamed Tackle with various tailers by Googan Baits in green colors. When they made the adjustment, they caught three “good ones in about an hour window” that helped them secure second place. The rest of the day was spent the working this pattern. “There were a few boats fishing in our area, but those teams stayed a little deeper, and we stayed more shallow.” With 15.63 pounds, they claim second place, a $5,000 pay day and were really excited.
The team shared, “this was a great season for us,” especially after the first couple events where they were in the running to make the top 9 in points and qualify to fish the B.A.S.S. Team Championship on Lake Eufaula. However, they slipped to tenth after the fourth event and made it a goal today to make the top 9 teams. This second-place finish helped them to move up in points, accomplish their goal and have a shot at making the Bassmaster Classic.
The third-place team of Brannon and Marshal Rufo said the goal for them today was to make the ABT Championship on Smith Lake. They were sitting on the bubble and needed a good finish to qualify. This week was their first time to fish this area of the Alabama River. They were hoping to make a top 40 today and went out with that goal in mind. The team headed upriver and “started out this morning throwing a buzz bait and had a really big bite that got us excited but ended up being a hybrid bass. “We continued to bounce around heading upriver and eventually put together a small limit using a med diving Fat Free Shad Square Bill and a 3/8 oz. white Chatterbait with a white craw trailer.” As they moved upriver, they started to upgrade their limit. “We started to just catch a good one here and there to cull out the small ones we caught early. As we headed back to weigh-in, we just had to put out heads down and drive though that bad rainstorm to make it back.” They were very excited with 15.23 pounds for the third-place finish, $4000 check and the chance to fish for $50,000 at Smith Lake in the championship. “We have never been there either, and we hope something like today can happen there as well.”
Joey Davison and Tullis Lanier started this event only five points out of the lead for Anglers of the Year. The team shared, “it was a very stressful five points. We were most worried about the water levels. We are shallow water fishermen, and they will drop the bottom out of this place quick, it could very easily drop three feet over night.” They practiced to win this event not just protect the points. “We fished for large-mouth all day in shallow, shallow water. Today we caught around 25 fish, and we had two 4 pound fish. We covered a lot of water running to Jones Bluff and back. On the way back we didn’t run fast because we were afraid, we were going to run out of gas.”
When the scales closed, they had 14.57 and not only made up the five points for South division AOY but finished the tournament in fourth place, collected a $3000 check and had enough points to surpass the AOY leaders in the North Division. This gives them the title of “Overall Angler of the Year.” The team shared that was a very hard accomplishment against this field of guys. They have never won an ABT event but have been very consistent especially this year. They have fished the ABT six Years and said they too are “really excited to qualify to fish the B.A.S.S. Teams Championship and have a good shot at making the Bassmaster Classic on a lake they know a good bit about.”
This concludes the Alabama Bass Trail regular season. The Championship will be held October 22-23 on Lewis Smith Lake in Jasper, AL. The Top 75 teams in each division, along with each regular season winner, as well as couples and student teams will all be fishing for a $50,000 cash first place prize.
The sponsors of the 2021 Alabama Bass Trail include: Phoenix Boats, Academy Sports, Alabama Power, America’s First Federal Credit Union, Berkley, Big Bite Baits, Bill Penny Automotive, Black Rife Coffee Company, Buck N’ Bass, Anheuser – Bush, Inc., E3 Sports Apparel, Fish Neely Henry Lake.com, Garmin, Hydrowave, Jack’s, Lew’s, Mtn Dew, Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, Power-Pole, Strike King, Sweet Home Alabama, T-H Marine, Wedowee Marine, YETI Coolers.
Wooten Wins Toyota Series Event on Potomac River
MARBURY, Md. (Sept. 19, 2021) – Toyota Series pro Thomas Wooten of Huddleston, Virginia brought a five-bass limit to the scale Saturday weighing 14 pounds, 6 ounces to win the three-day Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. at the Potomac River in Marbury, Maryland. Wooten’s three-day total of 15 bass weighing 45-2 earned him the win by an 8-ounce margin over second-place pro Aaron Dixon of Bel Alton, Maryland and earned Wooten the top payout of $33,251 in the third and final tournament of the 2021 Toyota Series Northern Division.
After catching 18 pounds on Day 2 to rally into the Top 10, Wooten put up the best bag from the final day (14-6) on the Potomac River to claim his first Toyota Series victory.
“I love the Potomac,” said Wooten. “This win feels really good. I won a truck and a boat at a regional event here, I think in 2007, and that was one of the bigger tournaments I’ve won up here. I’ve finished top-five numerous times and I’ve been close. So, it feels good.
“I like the tougher tournaments on the Potomac, especially when the grass came back as good as it did this year,” continued Wooten. “I figured if I could get five bites a day flipping, I’d have a chance. I was catching 10 to 12 pounds on a swim jig, and figured I’d go punch one up. I knew if I got to the last day, there was going to be one rod on the deck and I was going to punch all day. But, they turned on with the frog yesterday, and I couldn’t leave it.”
Catching the biggest bag of the tournament on Day 2 vaulted Wooten into contention, and he did it with a key change in tactics. On Day 1, he tossed around a swim jig and a buzzbait in eelgrass and punched for a few other fish. On Day 2, he started throwing a frog.
“I figured it out about 11:30 [on Day 2],” said Wooten. “They quit biting the buzzbait, quit biting the swim jig, and I started throwing the frog. Once I started, I had about 15 blowups and culled six or seven times. It wasn’t as good on the final day, I think I leaned on them a little hard on Day 2, but they were still there.”
Wooten won narrowly, edging out Dixon by ounces, but it was enough to send him on to Pickwick and possibly reignite his dreams of fishing at the top level. A boat captain in high school fishing with his son, Wooten said he doesn’t have a lot of spare time to travel the country in search of bass, but he may try to make some more.
“I do want to get back into it, a lot more than what I am now,” said Wooten, who finished 12th and fifth in the Northern Division in 2007 and 2008. “I have three young kids, my oldest is 12. I did make the Pro Circuit one year, I left the Hudson River and finished fifth in points, and they called me on the way home. My wife was pregnant, and I couldn’t do it – you’ve got to make your priorities right – but, I would like to fish full-time as a pro, I really would, so maybe this is the start.”
The top 10 pros on the Potomac River finished:
1st: Thomas Wooten of Huddleston, Va., 15 bass, 45-2, $33,251
2nd: Aaron Dixon of Bel Alton, Md., 15 bass, 44-10, $12,303
3rd: Nolan Gaskin of Broussard, La., 15 bass, 41-14, $9,525
4th: Nick Hatfield of Greeneville, Tenn., 14 bass, 39-4, $7,938
5th: Brian Latimer of Belton, S.C., 15 bass, 37-10, $7,144
6th: Robby Lefere of Jackson, Mich., 15 bass, 37-1, $6,350
7th: Frank Ippoliti of Mercersburg, Pa., 15 bass, 36-3, $5,556
8th: Jason Williams of Alexandria, Va., 14 bass, 34-4, $4,763
9th: Matt Becker of Finleyville, Pa., 11 bass, 31-8, $4,969
10th: Danny L. Shanz of Summerton, S.C., 10 bass, 27-2, $3,175
A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
John Hauserman of Ellicott City, Maryland took home an additional $102 for the Day One Berkley Big Bass award in the pro division, with a bass weighing 5 pounds, 4 ounces. Scott Cooke of Morengo, Ohio won the Day Two Berkley Big Bass award in the pro division, bringing a 5-pound, 8-ounce bass to the scale.
Pro Matt Becker of Finleyville, Pennsylvania took home an extra $1,000 as the highest finishing Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus member. Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $35,000 per event in each Toyota Series tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.
David Williams of Fredericksburg, Virginia won the Strike King Co-angler Division Saturday with a three-day total of 11 bass weighing 32 pounds, 10 ounces. Williams took home the top prize package of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard motor.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers on the Potomac River finished:
2nd: Kevin Hesson of Seneca, Pa., 11 bass, 28-2, $4,125
3rd: Michael Catt of Jacksonville, Fla., nine bass, 23-13, $3,246
4th: Michael Duarte of Baltimore, Md., 12 bass, 22-13, $2,840
5th: Terry Stevens of Sterling, Va., 10 bass, 21-9, $2,434
6th: Gary Haraguchi of San Jose, Calif., 10 bass, 18-10, $2,029
7th: Jacob Rice of Osceola Mills, Pa., eight bass, 17-10, $1,623
8th: Jeff Mellott of Warfordsburg, Pa., nine bass, 17-4, $1,420
9th: Jeff Adams of Mechanicsville, Md., even bass, 16-5, $1,217
10th: Brendan Vinton of Braintree, Vt., nine bass, 15-12, $1,014
The Toyota Series at the Potomac River was hosted by the Charles County Board of Commissioners. It was the third and final regular-season tournament in 2021 for Northern Division anglers. The next event for Toyota Series anglers will take place on Oct. 28-30 – 2021 Toyota Series Championship Presented by A.R.E on Pickwick Lake in Counce, Tennessee, hosted by the Hardin County Convention and Visitors Bureau. For a complete schedule, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The 2021 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 division. Anglers who fish all three qualifiers in any of the eight divisions and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series presented by A.R.E. Championship for a shot at winning $235,000 cash, including a $35,000 Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus for qualified anglers. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Toyota Series presented by A.R.E. on the MLF BIG5’s social media outlets at Facebook , Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Lake Havasu Readies to Host Toyota Series Event
LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. (Sept. 17, 2021) – The Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. Western Division will finish out its 2021 season with a tournament next week in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, Sept. 23-25, with the Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. at Lake Havasu . Hosted by Go Lake Havasu, 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.
“The fish on Lake Havasu are still in their summer patterns and haven’t really transitioned over into a fall setting, but there are definitely fish to be caught and I’m looking forward to a great event,” said Toyota Series pro Shaun Bailey of Lake Havasu City, Arizona. “There’s quite a bit of grass on the main lake that will definitely be in play and a lot of bait moving around getting ready for the fall setting – water temps and the weather just haven’t quite shifted.
“The fish seem to be more active right now in the mornings, when there are cooler temps and low-light conditions,” continued Bailey. “They are moving around eating topwater baits and reaction baits early on. As it gets hot throughout the day, they tend to get less active and guys will have to finesse it up a bit, so I expect to see a lot of Ned rigs and drop shots in play as well.”
Bailey said fish can currently be found anywhere from 2 to 20 feet of water, so he anticipates there will be an array of techniques used throughout the tournament.
“There are a lot of options, so guys can definitely play to their strengths at this event,” said Bailey. “With it being so hot and the surface water temps being so warm, guys are really going to have to pay attention to fish care and do everything they can to keep their livewell water temperature cold throughout the day.”
Bailey said one of his tricks to taking care of his fish in such hot weather is to fill his livewell first thing in the morning and add a 20 lb. bag of ice to it – but the real key according to the Arizona pro is to never put lake water back into the livewell the rest of the day.
“Once I’ve filled the livewell and iced it, I use my recirculating pumps to oxygenate the water in the livewell and keep the pumps running throughout the entire day,” said Bailey. “I bring extra ice and keep frozen water bottles in my ice chest. Everything you can do to keep the livewell temperature cool and not re-introduce warm lake water into it throughout the day will result in better fish care.”
Bailey said he believes it will take an average of 17 pounds per day to make the Top 10, and the winning weight will be around 55 pounds.
“Being consistent throughout all three days is going to be key,” said Bailey. “I always look forward to the Toyota Series coming out and fishing our lakes and I’m excited to get out there and try to make another good finish.”
Anglers will take off daily at 6:30 a.m. MT from Windsor Beach at Lake Havasu State Park in Lake Havasu City. Weigh-ins will also be held at the park and will begin at 2:30 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 BIG5 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 2021 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 division. Anglers who fish all three qualifiers in any of the eight divisions and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. Championship for a shot at winning $235,000 cash, including a $35,000 Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus for qualified anglers. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard. The 2021 Toyota Series Championship Presented by A.R.E. will be held Oct. 28-30 on Pickwick Lake in Counce, Tennessee, and is hosted by the Hardin County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. on the MLF BIG5’s social media outlets at Facebook , Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Tough Late-Summer Conditions Likely For Bassmaster Southern Open On Norman
North Carolina's Lake Norman will host the Basspro.com Bassmaster Southern Open Sept. 23-25, 2021.
Photo by Andy Crawford/B.A.S.S.
September 17, 2021
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It will be a game of numbers, in which diligence plus a little luck could equal success for anglers competing in the Basspro.com Bassmaster Southern Open at Lake Norman.
Competition days will be Sept. 23-25 with daily takeoffs from Blythe Landing Park at 7 a.m. ET. On Days 1 and 2, weigh-ins will be held back at the park at 3 p.m. The Day 3 weigh-in will be at the Bass Pro Shops in Concord Mills, N.C., at 4 p.m.
The final Southern Division event of the 2021 season will determine the divisional points winner and move the Opens field one step closer to crowning the overall Falcon Rods Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year, with only the Central Opens at Lewis Smith Lake and Grand Lake remaining.
David Williams of Maiden, N.C., currently second in the Southern Division points, said lingering warmth will likely drape Norman with a challenging scenario. Water temperatures on this 32,500-acre Catawba River reservoir are currently reading in the upper 70s to low 80s, and that’s still the stuff of summer patterns. A week before the tournament, Norman is a little more than 3 feet below full pool.
“It really hasn’t gotten cool enough to get them into their fall feed,” Williams said. “A lot of the fish are still schooled up out in the middle of the lake or in the main-river channels. They haven’t really made a push to the bank or to the creeks.
“They’re just following the bait (blueback herring, alewives, threadfin shad and gizzard shad). They could be schooling in one region of the lake one day, and then the next day, the bait moves and the fish move with them. They could be 5 miles from where you found them.”
Having fished Norman since his childhood, Williams has seen the lake shift from a largemouth-dominated fishery to one where spotted bass take center stage. While the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission recently stocked 2,000 F-1 largemouth (Florida strain/Northern bass cross), it was illegal spotted bass introductions a few decades back that yielded today’s complexion, estimated at 80/20 spots to largemouth.
“It’s not a bad thing. You can catch a lot of fish, but catching the right ones can be difficult,” Williams said. “I’ve seen fish schooling all day long, chasing bait. It’s just hard to find any size because there are just a lot of small ones. But if you find the right area with the right size fish in it, you can get well in a hurry.
“You just go through enough numbers of them until you get the right one. I’ve been out here this time of year catching a bunch of 12- to 13-inchers and all of a sudden, a pack of bigger ones swims through and you catch a couple 2 1/2-pounders.”
Noting that rock and brush will be the dominant habitat features, Williams said he expects shaky heads, small swimbaits and topwaters to see a lot of action. Based on the dynamic nature of summertime spotted bass fishing, he believes the entire lake will be in play — at least initially.
“There will typically be a region of the lake that’s hotter than the others, but it could be won out of any region,” he said. “You never know where the best region is, but they’ll typically bite better in one region than another. That will stay consistent unless you get some kind of drastic weather change.”
North Carolina’s largest man-made lake located wholly within the state, Norman will offer plenty of offshore space. But there’s a good chance a handful of anglers will spend at least part of their time on the bank looking for largemouth around docks, brush and shallow rock.
Williams said flipping, cranking and walking topwaters could yield a 4- to 5-pound bite, but anglers will have to mind the quality vs. quantity calculation.
“If a guy can find that (shallow largemouth bite), he can do well,” Williams said. “It’s just hard to get a limit like that. I feel like you have to have multiple things going on; maybe some schooling fish to get your limit and then maybe go shallow. If you dedicate shallow, it’s hard to get five this time of year.”
Given the seasonal scenario, Williams predicts a 12-pound daily average will win the event. Norman holds plenty of chunky spots, but catching 2-pounders during late summer can be frustratingly difficult.
“You have to separate yourself from the rest of the field,” he said. “A lot of people will have 7 to 8 pounds, but the ones who find those bigger bites will excel.”
Nodding to the event’s diverse field, Williams made this observation: “Somebody could come in from another region or another country and try some technique or use their electronics to find something that not a lot of locals do.
“Those big ones are out there somewhere and if (someone) finds something where those big ones are sitting and finds a way to catch them, that could be dangerous.”
Currently, Jacob Foutz of Charleston, Tenn., Williams, Blake Smith of Lakeland, Fla., and Keith Poche of Pike Road, Ala., sit atop of the Southern Division points standings while Jacob Powroznik of North Prince George, Va., is leading the Falcon Rods Opens Angler of the Year race.
The full field will compete the first two days before the boater side is cut to the Top 10 anglers for Championship Saturday. The co-angler champion will be crowned after the Day 2 weigh-in. Coverage of the event will be available at Bassmaster.com. FS1 and the FOX Sports digital platforms will also carry live coverage Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. ET.