Snag Proof Returns with Reengineered Bobby’s Perfect and Phat Frogs
American Baitworks Brings New Life to two of the best selling topwater frogs ever made!
OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi (July 14, 2021) When American Baitworks acquired Snag Proof in 2018 we
knew that major improvements were needed in the product line. After almost 24 months of developing a new
manufacturing process, product design, proprietary hook development, all new color patterns and upgraded
packaging, the new Bobby’s Perfect and Phat Frogs have arrived.
Snag Proof Bobby’s Perfect Frog
Just like Bobby’s Original Perfect Frog, the Bobby’s Perfect 2.0 has been made even more effective. Working
with the original designer Bobby Barrack, the all-new Bobby’s Perfect has undergone a complete
reengineering.
All new features in the Bobby’s Perfect Frog make it unbeatable:
1. Water Evac System - designed to naturally expel any water infiltration while the frog is being fished for unbeatable buoyancy and consistent performance
2. Rear-weighted balance - Snag Proof’s design is engineered to keep the frog heads-up when stationary and deliver maximum action when worked through sparse or the thickest of cover
3. Braid-secure Line Tie - Snag Proof’s machine-welded line tie eliminates even the slickest braided lines from slipping through the eye of the two-piece through-wire hook system
4. Super Hollow Body - The hollow cavity design of Snag Proof frogs works together with our super-soft injection molded body and Water Evac System maximizing body compression and delivering higher percentage hook ups
5. 15 New 360-degree Hand Designed Graphics - Each Snag Proof design is created right here in the USA by our internationally renowned and award-winning lure designer Andrew Gardner. Snag Proof designs cover 360 degrees of the frog body so EVERY angle a fish sees is covered in 15 new designs
Another key feature developed by the master himself, Bobby Barrack, is how easily the frog will walk-the-dog. Bobby’s Perfect Frogs will walk-the-dog much more efficiently because we trimmed the portion of the bait that the rubber legs run through. This reduces the amount of plastic on the end of the bait for less resistance and less material to get in the way of setting the hook. The Bobby’s Perfect frog will be available at tackle retailers across the country in Fall 2021
Snag Proof Phat Frog
Completely redesigned from front to back, the new Snag Proof Phat Frog features a flatter profile to help it track smoothly through the weeds with legs that are set farther back for improved hook-up ratios and terrific walkability. Built with a new injection process, each Phat frog is made with a consistent shape and super soft hollow body, so they collapse easily to expose the razor-sharp hooks. Snag Proof’s new machine welded line tie eliminates the gap that previously existed, so there is no chance of losing fish from slick braided lines slipping.
Engineered with a rear button weight to keep the frog in a head-up position, the Phat frog always has the optimal posture to produce maximum action and the weight will never fall out. An innovative water evacuation system naturally expels any water infiltration during a cast for unbeatable buoyancy and consistent performance. Designed and created in the USA by internationally renowned and award-winning lure designer Andrew Gardner, the Snag Proof Phat Frog is available in new paint designs that cover 360-degrees of the frog body so every angle the fish can see is covered. The Phat Frog is now available at tackle retailers across the country.
American Baitworks’ Scum Frog Painted Trophy Series is Poppin!
All new PTS Poppin Frog delivers proven designs and performance
OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi, USA (July 14, 2021) – Topwater anglers know that a popping frog can deliver open water bites like nothing else and the new Trophy Series Poppin Frog delivers performance and so much more! Scum Frog has been in the frog game for decades and the company continues to innovate and design new topwater’s built around the highest quality components at a reasonable price. Like the ALL NEW Trophy Series launched in 2019, the Painted Trophy Series Poppin Frog features 10 new hand-designed colors.
The Scum Frog Trophy Series Popper (TSP) gives you that killer “ka-bloop” sound proven to drive fish crazy and produce serious topwater blow-ups. The TSP also does double duty delivering amazing “walk-the-dog” action - helping you switch on the fly and adapt to the fish and changing conditions. The Painted Trophy Series’ realistic color schemes mimic several different types of bass forage. Each color has been meticulously designed by award-winning, internationally renowned lure artist Andrew Gardner.
All Scum Frog models are manufactured at American Baitworks in Ocean Springs Mississippi, USA.
Unlike most frogs that are produced with automated manufacturing overseas, Scum Frog
production is done by hand, by American employees ensuring the time and care it takes to meet
the company’s high-quality control standards. Plus, anglers don’t have to worry about the paint
design wearing off because Scum Frog uses a proprietary system that digitally prints onto the frog
making them extremely durable.
Like all Scum Frogs, the Trophy Series Poppin Frog has a patented keel hole in the bottom to make it self-draining. Each time you lift the bait to make another cast, water automatically drains. That means there’s no need to “squeeze” the body to remove water which is required of many other brands. The Trophy Series Poppin Frog weighs in at a 1/2 ounce and its legs are made with 40-strand silicone skirt material that is color matched to the lure body perfectly.
Scum Frog, a subsidiary of American Baitworks, makes a frog for every action, size and price point in the market.
Halo Fishing Rods Unleashes the Halo HFX Series
OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi - March 10, 2021. American Baitworks has set a new standard in performance and affordability with the all-new Halo HFX Series Fishing Rods. The HFX Series has an impressive 13 rod models – 4 Spinning and 9 Casting, to cover virtually every length and action any angler could ask for.
“Anglers demand a lot from their fishing rods – performance and value are always at the top of that list.” says Halo Fishing Rods President, Walt Roberts. “We are seeing a shift in fishing where anglers are expanding their rod arsenal as they adapt and learn new techniques. We developed the HFX series to cover multiple techniques from Finesse to Power fishing.”
Halo Fishing starts each rod with unbeatable blanks, constructed of the highest-quality Japanese graphite. When Halo designed the all-new HFX Series, we did exactly that – with Toray graphite blanks that deliver ultimate sensitivity, in casting and spinning models from 6’10” to 7’11” in medium light to extra heavy actions.
Halo’s exclusive 4Finger™ reel seat offers an exposed blank design to allow fingers to feel the slightest bait touch. Sensitivity is further enhanced with integrated Sensi-touch cork composite rings that deliver more feel through the grip than conventional foam grips.
The HFX’s stainless steel guides are built to handle even the toughest braided lines but still super sensitive for the lightest fluorocarbon, and our Align™ guide system ensures perfect alignment of guides from handle to tip.
“We know a lot of our customers work hard all week so they can fish harder every weekend.” says Roberts. “The American Baitworks team is passionate about providing customers the highest quality products and equally committed to a vastly improved customer service program for anglers and our dealer network.”
Every feature of the HFX has been meticulously thought through by our team of designers and pro anglers to create a rod series with unbeatable features and value. Backed by a 5-year limited warranty and 100s of hours of product design and testing in the best office in the world – on the water!
For more information about and to check out the new Halo Fishing Rods, please visit www.americanbaitworks.com.
Berkley PowerBait Gilly
Versatile bait delivers the most realistic swimming action in addition to PowerBait flavor.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Bass fishing in Japan continues to influence American anglers, especially when it comes to new finesse presentations and swim baits. Always in search of an on-the-water advantage, Berkley pro Mike Iaconelli regularly looks abroad to find the next big technique, which led to the inspiration for the new Berkley PowerBait Gilly.
Berkley’s bait scientists took Ike’s notes and put their own unique stamp on it, including the infusion of the bait with the famed PowerBait flavor that makes fish hold on longer for more hooksets. Beyond flavor, Berkley designed the bait so the hollow head section is soft enough to collapse during strikes and keep the bait swimming upright regardless of how it’s rigged. The tabs built into the tail section give the bait a remarkably lifelike motion in the water, looking exactly like an easy meal. Texas rigged sideways, on a jig head or even a dropshot, the new Gilly is as realistic as it is versatile.
KEY FEATURES
• Pro-inspired design from Berkley pro Mike Iaconelli with heavy influence from Japanese designs and techniques
• Remarkably lifelike shape, color and action
• Hollow head section collapses easier with strikes and helps keep the bait oriented in an upright posture when swimming
• Packed with Berkley’s famed PowerBait flavor so anglers have the chance to set the hook on every bite
• Can be rigged weedless sideways as a Texas rig; or on a jig head, with a weighted swimbait hook, line-through stinger hook rig or on a drop shot
• Available in HD Tru Colors and standard injected colors
Berkley PowerBait Gilly
Sizes: 90mm and 90mm HD • 110mm and 110mm HD • 130mm and 130mm HD
Package Count: 90mm – 4 • 110mm – 3 • 130mm – 2
Colors: HD Warmouth • HD Yellow Perch • HD Sunfish • HD Pumpkinseed • HD Bluegill • HD Crappie • Black Blue Fleck • Blue Shiner Gold • Ike’s Green Pumpkin Blue Flash • Green Pumpkin • Pumpkinseed • Watermelon Candy
MSRP: $6.49 Standard Colors/$7.49 HD Tru Colors
Available: September 2021
American Baitworks Adds to Your Jigging Arsenal with the Freedom Flash
Through the ice or open water – the flash does double duty to get more bites
OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (July 14, 2021) So much flash we decided to name it that! The Freedom Flash brings vibration, flash and 10 fish-catching colors in a vertical ice or open water jig presentation.
Maximum flash & vibration
The premium, eco-friendly zinc body carries an Indiana blade mounted on the belly which swings loosely on the drop and the pick-up to maximize both flash and vibration while creating the erratic action of a baitfish in trouble.
Through wire construction & bait keeper
The through-wire construction transmits every blade vibration throughout the bait and guarantees maximum strength from the line tie to the hook when fighting fish. The bait also features an elongated wire tail with a removable hook system that enables anglers to pull the treble hook off, slide a minnow head on the wire, and lock in that head by adding the hook back on. This bait is the complete package, combining vibration, flash, strength and scent.
Premium paint finishes
The Flash’s body is wrapped in a diamond pattern with super-tough “Gator-grade” UV paint, that
will stand-up to catching even the toothiest of fish through the ice or in open water. All Freedom
Flash’s are finished with 3D red eyes and have glow color options.
Designed to be retrieved vertically through the ice or on humps and rocky points in open water, the erratic action of the Freedom Flash, mimics the flutter of a baitfish in action. The Freedom Flash is a hard bait designed to impart action with even the slightest twitch of the rod.
Get more flash in your arsenal this season with the Freedom Flash - Available Fall 2021
For more information about any of our new products for 2021/22 or to become a dealer, visit
www.americanbaitworks.com
Abu Garcia Veritas Combos
Casting and spinning combos packed with iconic Abu Garcia features.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The secret is out on Abu Garcia’s Veritas rod lineup. Feature-rich with striking aesthetics and performance that rivals rods costing twice as much, the acclaimed Veritas rod is now paired with an Abu Garcia Zata V reel, available as an Abu Garcia Veritas combo. The lineup includes four casting and five spinning combos to suit the most popular techniques for bass anglers, all of which are 15 percent stronger and 5 percent lighter than previous Veritas models.
Both the casting and spinning combos feature 10+1 stainless-steel ball bearings in the reels and rods constructed of 30-ton graphite combined with Powerlux 100 resin for a combination of strength and sensitivity in a lightweight rod. Like the highly regarded Veritas line of rods, the new Abu Garcia Veritas combos feature a split-grip design and a distinctive all-white design that, like its performance and features, helps it stand out.
ABU GARCIA VERITAS CASTING COMBOS
Key Features:
• Abu Garcia Zata V low profile reel
• 10 stainless-steel ball bearings + 1 roller bearing
• Graphite frame and sideplates
• Carbon Matrix drag system
• Duragear brass gear
• Infini brake system
• Compact bent handle and star
• Lube port
• 3-year limited warranty
Models: 7-0 MH (right- and lefthanded configurations) • 7-3 H (right- and lefthanded configurations)
MSRP: $284.95
ABU GARCIA VERITAS SPINNING COMBOS
Key Features:
• Abu Garcia Zata V spinning reel
• 10 stainless-steel ball bearings + 1 roller bearing
• Lightweight, aluminum frame
• Rocket Line Management System
• Rocket Spool lip design
• Machined-aluminum, braid-ready spool
• Everlast bail system
• Stainless-steel main shaft and components
• 3-year limited warranty
Models: 6-9 ML • 6-6 M (2-piece) • 7-0 M • 7-0 M (2-piece) • 7-0 MH
MSRP: $284.95
SPRO® Introduces New Colors of Aruku Shad
- Bumble Bee
- Blue Gill
- Bonsai
- Blue Perch
- Barbie
- Crawfish Gold
- Clear
- Chrome Purple
- Craw Chartreuse
- Frozen Perch
- Golden Dragon
- G Nugget
- Golden Perch
- Icy Barbie
- Killer Gill
- Marble Brown
- Purple Perch
- Pink Perch
- Purple Neon
- Pearl Shad
- Real Perch
- Rosey Perch
- Red Tiger
Spiderwire DURABRAID
The toughest braided line in fishing.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Already a leader in braided fishing line performance, Spiderwire is now the most abrasion-resistant conventional braided line with the introduction of DURABRAID, which is 25 percent tougher than conventional braids.
Increased abrasion resistance means that anglers using DURABRAID can confidently fish and land fish in and around heavy cover, the likes of which other lines can’t even touch. In addition to increased abrasion resistance, Spiderwire DURABRAID delivers the same easy management and casting that are hallmarks of the brand. Available in Moss Green filler spools from 6-80lb test he versatile Moss Green color, DURABRAID backs up its claim as the toughest braided line in fishing by producing even stronger knots and unequalled shock absorbency.
SPIDERWIRE DURABRAID
Key Feature: 25 percent tougher than conventional braids
Spool Sizes: 150 yards • 300 yards • 3,000 yards
Color: Moss Green
Pound-Tests: 8 • 10 • 15 • 20 • 30 • 40 • 50 • 65 • 80
MSRPs: $13.99-15.99 (150-yard spools) • $27.99-$31.99 (300-yard spools) • $279.99-319.99 (3,000-yard spools)
Available: November 2021
American Baitworks Gets Topwater Heavy with the Freedom Tackle Mischief Minnow HD
Building on the success of the original Mischief Minnow, American Baitworks introduces the
Freedom Tackle Mischief Minnow HD thrash bait!
The secret to the Mischief Minnow’s performance is the unique custom shaped patent-pending
Kilter blade design which is center-mounted on the bait's body by an angled blade pin. The Mischief
Minnow is designed to put fish in the boat with premium paint finishes, super-sharp
Gamakatsu short shank treble hooks and the exclusive Freedom Color-Matched Custom Shaped
Kilter Blades.
Brand New Features
The Mischief Minnow HD has three brand new features that bass, predator and saltwater anglers
have asked for!
• Through-wire construction now means that even the toughest fish won’t get away with a
single wire connecting line-tie and hooks through the body of the Mischief Minnow
• Weight Transfer System – cast further every time with the new weight transfer system on
board every Mischief Minnow HD that not only adds distance with stainless steel ball
bearings, but also adds sound to this loud clacking thrash bait in a larger 5.5” body
• Predator/Saltwater Patterns – we’ve added some impressive designs and paint finishes to
the Mischief Minnow HD for 2022 that are simply unbeatable
How to Fish
Working the bait is simple with a steady retrieve - relying on the custom blade design combined with
the side-to-side body rolling action which mimics a wounded baitfish on the water’s surface. The
Mischief Minnow’s unique thrashing action combines sound, wake vibration and Kilter blade flash –
a true triple threat in topwater fishing.
At rest, the high float body relies on a nose-up presentation that thrashes into action with the
slightest twitch. Use a straight retrieve or mix it up with a pause-and-rip to entice bone-jarring
strikes!
The Mischief Minnow HD is designed to put fish in the boat with premium paint finishes, super-
sharp Gamakatsu Short Shank treble hooks and the exclusive Freedom Color-Matched Custom
Kilter Blade.
The Mischief Minnow HD will be Available Fall 2021
For more information about any of our new products for 2021/22 or to become
SEAGUAR REVEALS NEW ENTRY LEVEL BASIX™ FLUOROCARBON FISHING LINE
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Goodbye mono and fluoro pretenders. Hello, genuine Seaguar fluoro. Here comes BasiX™, a mainline that delivers all the benefits of 100% fluorocarbon at a price everybody will love. |
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Seaguar, the inventor of fluorocarbon fishing lines, is introducing BasiX Fluorocarbon to meet the demand from anglers who are managing a budget but not willing to sacrifice quality and performance in their fluorocarbon line. “We’ve spent our first 50 years developing high-performance lines and leaders used by pros, captains, guides and avid anglers across the country,” says Gerry Benedicto, Seaguar General Manager. “With BasiX, we’re looking forward to serving the millions of anglers who are either fishing for the first time, getting reacquainted with the sport or managing a tight budget,” he added. Seaguar BasiX™ Fluorocarbon is made from 100% custom Seaguar fluorocarbon resins, so it’s virtually invisible underwater and boasts the kind of knot strength and abrasion resistance you expect from Seaguar. It’s a soft, supple, easy-casting line that comes off a reel smoothly for a fret-free fishing experience. Benedicto noted that Seaguar is in a unique position to make fluorocarbon lines that meet the needs of anglers across the budget spectrum. “We are the only fluorocarbon line company making our own fluoro resins, so we control the process from start to finish. That’s why we’re able to adjust formulations and constantly expand our portfolio of products to offer performance lines at an incredible value.” Available in retail stores in mid-January, 2022, new Seaguar BasiX Fluorocarbon will be available in 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, and 20 lb tests on 200-yard spools with a MSRP of $9.99 |
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A note about Seaguar BasiX fluorocarbon and TactX Braid.We are introducing BasiX Fluorcarbon and TactX™ Braid as part of our Seaguar 101™ introduction. Designed for anglers keeping a tight eye on their spending, these value-packed lines get you fishing genuine Seaguar in a budget friendly way. So now, whether you’re on top of your game, perfecting your game or just getting your game started, there’s a Seaguar line that’s right for you. We know every cast counts and will continue to support all anglers with lines and leaders that are….Always the Best. |
Abu Garcia Zenon Rods and Spinning Reels
A new level of super-premium, high-performance fishing gear that’s as light as it is tough.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The new Abu Garcia Zenon spinning reel, Abu’s lightest spinning reel ever, is the result of an asymmetric magnesium body, the removal of wasted space from conventional spinning reel design and a host of other design breakthroughs. Representing the highest quality in the super-premium spinning reel category, the new Zenon (Size 20) weighs just 4.9 ounces and is silky smooth, making it ideal for long days on the water.
Available in a Size 20 and Size 30, other premium features of the new Abu Garcia Zenon spinning reels include a dropshot keeper, friction-free main shaft support and a premium drag system that’s ultra smooth, especially for light line applications. Easy to reel and comfortable to hold all day, whether paired with a new Zenon rod or other premium Abu Garcia rod.
Abu Garcia’s new Zenon rods are the lightest and most sensitive rods the company has ever made. The Zenon line includes four casting and three spinning models, all of which feature premium carbon blanks and the company’s exclusive Powerlux 1000 resin system. This combination of components produces a powerful, ultra-light and ultra-sensitive blank without increasing weight or blank diameters. These unmatched levels of sensitivity give anglers the confidence they can detect even the subtlest strikes.
The Zenon’s reel seat delivers hypersensitivity around the exposed blank sections and improves comfort for all-day fishing. Titanium alloy guides with thin zirconia inserts and a carbon handle split-grip design help make this rod ideal for the highest levels of fishing competition, whether it’s fishing for money or pride.
ABU GARCIA ZENON SPINNING REELS
Key Features:
• Asymmetric magnesium body
• V-Compact rotor
• Extremely lightweight Hybrid Rocket Turbine Spool
• Spare machined-aluminum shallow spool
• Lightweight carbon fiber handle
• Friction-free main shaft support
• Drop shot keeper and spare dust cap
• Weights: Size 20 – 4.9 ounces • Size 30 – 5.4 ounces
MSRP: $519.95
Available: September 2021
ABU GARCIA ZENON RODS
Key Features:
• Abu Garcia’s most sensitive rod
• Powerlux 1000 graphite construction
• Ergonomic, Abu-designed reel seat
• Carbon split-grip design for reduced weight and increased sensitivity
• ROCS (Robotically Optimized Casting System) guide train for maximized casting distance with lighter lures
• Titanium alloy guides with super-thin zirconia inserts allow for a lightweight, balanced rod
• Fuji hook keeper folder down to prevent line tangling and adapts to any position on the rod
• Limited 5-year warranty
Casting Models: 6-9 ML (4.0oz) • 7-0 M (4.1oz) • 7-0 MH (4.1oz) • 7-2 H (4.9oz)
Spinning Models: 6-10 ML (3.3oz) • 7-0 M (3.4oz) • 7-0 MH (3.5oz)
MSRP: $399.95
Available: September 2021
Top 25 Collegiate Bass Fishing Pre-Season Poll for the 2021-22 Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia: Rankings 21st – 25th
Teams Ranked 21st-25th are revealed as the Association of Collegiate Anglers provides the results from its first-ever pre-season poll
Published by: Kyle Curry
8:00 AM July 19, 2021
Association of Collegiate Anglers
San Antonio, TX (7/19/2021) – The Association of Collegiate Anglers, which operates the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year program presented by Abu Garcia, is excited to showcase the pre-season rankings for college bass fishing according to a voting poll of top coaches, schools, media personnel, and fishing industry personalities with experience in college fishing.
This poll is a one-of-a-kind poll, similar to rankings in other college sports that will help kick off the season-long race for the prestigious School of the Year title. Every day this week the ACA will count down and showcase teams that made it into the top 25, and then in the near future, the first rankings for the 2021-22 season will be announced based on finishes during events this summer. Today’s article will show teams that were selected 21st-25th in the pre-season rankings.
- Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR
2021 Final Ranking: 18th
School of the Year Titles: 1 (2012)
Arkansas Tech has a rich history when it comes to top finishes in college bass fishing. Located in Russellville, AR, home to Lake Dardanelle, Arkansas Tech was picked 21st in the ACA Top 25 Pre-Season Poll by the pollsters, and
it’s no secret this fishing school could easily finish higher with top finishes at one of several events near its campus this year, as well as events far from home.
“It says a lot about our program! We have worked hard the last few years to send teams across the country to compete in as many tournaments as possible! To have members of the college fishing community identify our program as one of the best in the country means we are doing something right,” noted Tristan Weaver, Vice President of the Arkansas Tech University Bass Fishing Club.
Arkansas Tech University won the first-ever School of the Year title during the inaugural season of the program in 2012. The small school in central Arkansas edged out the likes of Louisiana-Monroe and the University of Arkansas to take the first-ever title.
Following an 18th place finish in the 2020-21 School of the Year Standings, Tristan is keeping things in perspective as he hopes the club can improve on its Top 20 finish last season. “This upcoming season, our main goal is obviously to be school of the year, but a top 12 finish would be great for our program! We are hoping to have some ambitious freshmen start school in the fall and get to work at this season’s tournaments, along with our other anglers that have been competing!”
- Stephen F. Austin State University
Nacogdoches, TX
2021 Final Ranking: 24th
Stephen F. Austin State University ranks 21st in the pre-season poll. The highest vote the club received in the poll was 2nd place by college insiders, which means some believe this is a Top 10 team in the nation that could contend for a School of the Year title. Stephen F. Austin is one of the longest-running and most storied programs in collegiate bass fishing. Though they have never won the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia, SFA Bass Fishing Club members have had strong showings at events all across the country through the years to include several wins.
One of the most notable alumni from this club is Andrew Upshaw. After completing his college career, Upshaw pursued his dream of becoming a full-time professional angler. Over the course of the past 10 years, he has secured numerous major tournament victories, competed in over 125 events, and earned upwards of $500,000. In addition to Upshaw, there have been several others from the school go on to fish in professional level events, as well as work in the fishing industry.
- East Texas Baptist University
Marshall, TX
2021 Final Ranking: 34th
The next team to be featured in the poll is East Texas Baptist University. East Texas Baptist is ranked 23rd in the pre-season poll according to college fishing insiders. Coming off of a 34th place finish in the 2021 School of the Year standings, the college bass fishing community believes that the team from Marshall, TX will have an improved season during the 2021-22 race.
East Texas Baptist has competed on the Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series for many years and is widely respected as a top collegiate fishing program. Look for East Texas Baptist to have a strong season over the course of the next 10 months, and should they fish a full schedule of events…it’s possible this talented team of anglers could finish the year as one of the Top 10 teams in the nation.
- Clemson University
Clemson, SC
2021 Final Ranking: 27th
Coming in at 24th in the rankings is Clemson University. Clemson finished last season ranked 27th, following an 18th place finish in 2020.
“The Clemson Bass Fishing Team is honored to be considered a Top 25 team in the country. It’s a great way to start the year, and as a team, we take pride in representing our college to the best of our ability, as well as the college bass fishing community,” said Robert Wise, Clemson University Bass Fishing Club member. “This program has come a long way and being recognized by others in the college fishing world as one of the Top 25 teams in the country definitely shows the hard work and dedication that this team has put into this sport.”
Clemson currently has a strong roster of anglers. The club dedicates a lot of resources to getting out on the national tournament scene and competing in as many events as possible. That is the formula required to finish high up in the rankings at the season’s end.
“Our team’s goal is to continue to advance in every aspect of the sport, such as increasing the number of teams in each tournament, and letting the results show Clemson belongs in the Top 25 teams in college bass fishing,” added Wise.
Numerous members of the club have a strong history out on Pickwick Lake. Look for the Clemson University Bass Fishing Club to make a lot of noise at the 2022 BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops as the event returns to Florence, AL and Pickwick Lake, which could lead to them finishing higher in the rankings then being predicted.
- Greenville University
Greenville, IL
2021 Final Ranking: 21st
The final team to be included in this rankings reveal is Greenville University. A prominent and well-respected college fishing program, Greenville comes in at 25th in the collegiate bass fishing pre-season poll according to the voting panel. Greenville finished the 2021 season ranked 21st overall. The team’s 2020-21 campaign included points earned at the Bass Pro Shops Big Bass Bash presented by Berkley, AFTCO Collegiate Bass Open, and the Pickwick Slam.
In recent years, Greenville has experienced a good deal of turnover among its roster. Several of the team’s top anglers have graduated, leaving the door open for younger underclassmen to come in and carry the torch for the program. If these younger anglers can find their way and have some good showings, Greenville will continue its run as one of the best 25 teams in the nation, and possibly move into the Top 10 this year.
Berkley Fusion 19 3X Treble hooks
COLUMBIA, S.C. — New for 2021, Berkley is expanding its Fusion19 line of hooks to the saltwater market with the introduction of the Fusion19 3X Treble Hooks. Designed specifically for saltwater fishing, the new Fusion19 3X Treble Hooks feature heavy-gauge 3X wire that is laterally forged and finished with a corrosion-resistant, anti-rust coating for a hook break strength that’s 24 percent stronger on average versus leading competitors. The O’Shaughnessy bend design stands up to the toughest saltwater fish while an extra-sharp needle point guarantees a solid hookset every time. Available in five different sizes and sold in an angler-friendly, resealable clam package, Berkley Fusion19 3X Treble Hooks are incredibly tough and durable enough for most any saltwater fishing scenario.
• 3X laterally forged wire for added strength
•Innovative, resealable clam package
AVAILABLE: July 2021
SIZES AND SPECIFICATIONS
Hook sizes: 6 • 4 • 2 • 1 • 1/0
Piece count: 8 (sizes 6, 4), 6 (sizes 2, 1, 1/0)
MSRP: $6.99
Berkley Stunna
Designed in conjunction with back-to-back Bassmaster Classic champion and jerkbait expert Hank Cherry.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Hank Cherry is the best in the business when it comes to getting the most out of a jerkbait when bass fishing. His collaboration with the Berkley scientists produced one of the hottest baits in bass-fishing history: the new Berkley Stunna. The Stunna played a crucial role in Cherry’s 2021 Bassmaster Classic performance as he became just the fourth angler to win back-to-back Bassmaster Classic titles.
Born from Cherry’s vast knowledge of jerkbait techniques and the unparalleled design expertise of the Berkley bait team, the Stunna has all the characteristics needed for a jerkbait to fool even the most-pressured and least-aggressive fish. With increased action, casting distance, Fusion 19 treble hooks and durability all at the forefront of the design, the Stunna also delivers a unique and slow sink rate to trigger even more bites.
KEY FEATURES
• Excels when jerked, twitched or with sweep-and-pause retrieves
• Maximum darting action with easy 180-degree head turns and side flash when fished aggressively or jerked
• Natural, slow sink when paused to entice less-aggressive fish
• Dual brass weight paired with tungsten weight transfer for maximum casting distance
• Equipped with ultra-sharp, medium-shank EWG Fusion19 hooks
• +1 model features a protruding billow to allow for increased dive depth
• Twice the bill strength of other jerkbaits
• Available July 2021
SIZES AND SPECIFICATIONS
112
Dive Depth: 3 to 6 feet
Weight: 1/2 ounce
Hook Size: 6
Sink Rate: 8 seconds per foot
MSRP: $14.99
112 + 1
Dive Depth: 6 to 10 feet
Weight: 1/2 ounce
Hook Size: 6
Sink Rate: 8 seconds per foot
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Ito’s Mega Bag Earns Bassmaster Elite Series Win At St. Lawrence River
Taku Ito, of Chiba, Japan, has won the 2021 Farmers Insurance Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River with a four-day total of 90 pounds.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
July 18, 2021
WADDINGTON, N.Y. — Saving the best for last may not have been his intention, but Taku Ito’s eye-popping 26-pound limit propelled the Japanese sensation to a convincing victory at the Farmers Insurance Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River with a four-day total of 90 pounds.
Hailing from Chiba, Japan, the second-year Elite placed 38th on Day 1 with 17-15, then improved to 11th with a second-round limit of 22-14. Day 3 saw Ito secure his Championship Sunday berth by adding 23-3 and improving to seventh.
Earning $100,000 for his Elite win, Ito anchored his third and fourth days’ limits with 6-pound smallmouth, both of which earned $1,000 daily awards for Phoenix Boats Big Bass.
“I love Waddington — I’m very, very happy,” Ito said with the engaging sincerity Elite audiences have come to love. “When I was 8 years old, I won the (Bassin’s Black Bass with Hank Parker) video game and now, on the St. Lawrence River, I won the Bassmaster Elite Series.
“Big Bass. Big Stage. Big Dreams. Bassmaster!”
Ito, who placed sixth at last year’s St. Lawrence River event, devoted all four days to Lake Ontario. The first two days, he fished rock structures in approximately 20 feet. On Saturday those areas failed to produce, so he relocated to a spot in 26 to 27 feet near Chaumont Bay.
Calling this spot “Taku Disneyland” for its abundance of fish, Ito caught his Day 3 limit there and started on the spot Sunday.
“I was driving about two hours (each way) and I had about two hours and 30 minutes of fishing time,” Ito said.
Arriving at his spot this morning, Ito thought his graph was malfunctioning when he saw what appeared to be a false bottom at 13 to 14 feet. To his delight, it was a massive school of Lake Ontario giants.
“Usually, smallmouth are on the bottom, but today there was a school of big smallmouth suspended,” Ito said.
Ito said he noticed a distinct water clarity difference, and he assumed the fish had followed the clean water into his area. Also, Ito said the gobies he incidentally caught on his drop shot were a couple of inches larger than the 3- to 4-inchers he saw the previous three days.
“My spot had bigger gobies today, so maybe the smallmouth were there for the big gobies,” Ito said.
Ito caught some of his bass on a drop shot with a 4-inch Ecogear Aqua Swim Shrimp rigged on a 1/0 Ryugi Talisman hook with a 1/4-ounce Ryugi TG Delta sinker.
He also caught keepers on a Neko-rigged 5 1/4-inch Nories Latterie straight worm and a Berkley Hit Worm. For this rig, he used a 3/16-ounce Neko weight and a 1/0 Ryugi Talisman hook.
“I was using many Japanese techniques,” Ito said. “I would cast and sometimes the fish would take (the bait) while it was falling. Sometimes, I kept my bait on the bottom for 10 seconds, 15 seconds, with no action.”
Justin Atkins of Florence, Ala., finished second with 88-12. Atkins tied Gerald Swindle of Guntersville, Ala., for eighth place on Day 1 with 21-6, then added 22-14 and rose to fifth. He caught 23-10 on Day 3 and moved into second before settling at that position with Sunday’s limit of 20-14.
“I caught all of my fish out of the lake,” Atkins said. “I found a flat that had some grass and rock with some sand mixed in 12 to 20 feet. There was big school of fish on it, and I was using my Lowrance Active Target to look for them.”
Atkins caught his fish on a drop shot with a Berkley MaxScent Flat Worm and a 3/32-ounce Marabou jig with a piece of MaxScent worm on the shank. That adjustment added bulk and scent appeal, which helped convert more bites into hookups.
“I really liked the brown Marabou jig this week,” Atkins said. “I had some followers on black, but the brown, for whatever reason seemed to get them to trigger.”
Clark Wendlandt of Leander, Texas, finished third with 88-10. On Day 1, the 2020 Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year tied Stetson Blaylock of Benton, Ark., for sixth place with 21-12.
Wendlandt added 23-3 on Day 2 and moved up to fourth. Catching 20-10 on Semifinal Saturday kept him in that spot until his final-round limit of 23-1 advanced Wendlandt one more spot.
“I fished the lake and used a lot of different depths, but the shallowest I caught one was probably 12 feet and the deepest was 28,” Wendlandt said. “The best seemed to be about 20 feet.”
Wendlandt caught his fish on a 3/16-ounce Ned rig and a drop shot with a green pumpkin minnow-style bait.
Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C., won the $1,000 Phoenix Boats Big Bass award for the week with a 6-5. Walters also claimed the $1,000 daily Big Bass award for Day 2.
Bernie Schultz of Gainesville, Fla., who led Days 1 and 2 and finished eighth, won the $1,000 daily Big Bass award for Day 1.
Schultz took home an additional $3,000 for being the highest-placing entrant in the Toyota Bonus Bucks program, while Chris Groh of Spring Grove, Ill., earned $2,000 for being the second-highest placing entrant.
As part of the Yamaha Power Pay program, Ito also earned $4,000 for winning while Wendlandt claimed an additional $1,500 for being the second-highest placing entrant.
The Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River was hosted by the Village of Waddington and St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce. This tournament is supported by a Market New York grant from I LOVE NY/New York State’s Division of Tourism awarded as part of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. The tournament and all associated festivities were planned to ensure the safety of anglers, marshals, staff and fans.
2021 Farmers Insurance Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River 7/15-7/18
St. Lawrence River, Waddington NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 4
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Taku Ito Chiba JAPAN 20 90-00 100 $102,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-15 Day 2: 5 22-14 Day 3: 5 23-03 Day 4: 5 26-00
2. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 20 88-12 99 $35,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-06 Day 2: 5 22-14 Day 3: 5 23-10 Day 4: 5 20-14
3. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 20 88-10 98 $30,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-12 Day 2: 5 23-03 Day 3: 5 20-10 Day 4: 5 23-01
4. Cory Johnston Cavan CANADA 20 88-00 97 $35,000.00
Day 1: 5 23-07 Day 2: 5 22-02 Day 3: 5 23-01 Day 4: 5 19-06
5. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 20 85-00 96 $40,000.00
Day 1: 5 23-07 Day 2: 5 22-14 Day 3: 5 19-06 Day 4: 5 19-05
6. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 20 82-07 95 $34,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-11 Day 2: 5 19-08 Day 3: 5 24-04 Day 4: 5 18-00
7. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 20 81-11 94 $18,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-13 Day 2: 5 21-15 Day 3: 5 19-06 Day 4: 5 19-09
8. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 20 80-06 93 $18,000.00
Day 1: 5 25-05 Day 2: 5 22-09 Day 3: 5 16-15 Day 4: 5 15-09
9. Chris Groh Spring Grove, IL 18 69-07 92 $16,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-02 Day 2: 5 17-09 Day 3: 5 24-02 Day 4: 3 08-10
10. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 16 64-00 91 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-00 Day 2: 5 21-08 Day 3: 5 19-12 Day 4: 1 02-12
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 06-02 $1,000.00
2 Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 06-05 $1,000.00
3 Taku Ito Chiba JAPAN 06-00 $1,000.00
4 Taku Ito Chiba JAPAN 06-00 $1,000.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 06-05 $1,000.00
Estes Wins Toyota Series Event on Lake Champlain
Thirty-Six States and Four Countries Represented at Northern Opener as Anglers Compete for Qualification to the Toyota Series Championship and a Shot at $235,000
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (July 18, 2021) – Toyota Series angler Stephen Estes of Auburn, New Hampshire, brought a five-bass limit to the scale Saturday weighing 21 pounds, 15 ounces to win the three-day Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. at Lake Champlain in Plattsburgh, New York. Estes’ three-day total of 15 bass weighing 61-3 earned him the win by a 2-pound, 3-ounce margin over second-place angler Matt Becker of Finleyville, Pennsylvania, and earned Estes the top payout of $44,000 in the first tournament of the 2021 Toyota Series Northern Division.
Estes fished the dream on Lake Champlain, weighing in all smallmouth and averaging more than 20 pounds per day. Looking hard for the mother lode, Estes said he started his four-day practice period with 90 hours on his motor – by the time he was back at the dock after Day 3 of the event, he had over 126 hours logged.
“I was just doing a lot of looking and trying to find something special,” said Estes. “I don’t like to fish around other people and I felt like that was the deal and I just happened to stumble across it. I was idling around and I saw bait and decided to drop the Lowrance ActiveTarget down. I wouldn’t have known the fish were there without the ActiveTarget.”
Estes said he set his target range out to 120 feet, catching fish anywhere from a long cast away to right under his boat. One of his keys on the first two days when it was windy was an independent pole mount from Cornfield Crappie.
“I bought that mount maybe a year or so ago,” said Estes. “I started with LiveScope on the trolling motor, then I changed trolling motor brands and now I’m running all Lowrance. The Lowrance isn’t quite as easy to line your bait up, because the arrow isn’t perfect, but the whole point of the independent mount is when you’re on Anchor Mode, you can independently control it – that was huge the first two days. I keep a remote in my pocket and it has foot pedals.”
Throwing a drop-shot on a 6-foot-9, medium action Hammer Rods spinning rod with 10-pound Vicious No-Fade Braid and an 8-pound Seaguar Tatsu leader, Estes went with a ½-ounce Eco Pro Full Contact Drop Shot Weight and a drop-shot bait from Hawg Pours Hand Made Bass Baits called the Hawg Teaser.
“Every fish was different,” he said. “I caught some fish suspended, I’d watch my drop-shot fall, I’d see it stop falling and set the hook. I would never feel the fish bite. I’ve been doing that for three years and I’ve learned to watch my bait real close.
“Some of the fish I was catching 100 feet out from the boat – I can’t make a cast with a drop-shot further than 100 feet according to ActiveTarget,” continued Estes. “There was no rhyme or reason and I can’t tell you how many fish swam up to my bait and didn’t bite it. I just kept my head down and kept fishing and put it in front of a lot of fish.”
Though he had to relocate his fish a bit each day, Estes definitely hit the mother lode daily throughout the event. His co-anglers nearly always caught big weights as well, and doubles from the front and the back were common. Given the fish he found and his skill with electronics, it would have been a feat to beat Estes this week.
“I had a feeling [after Day 1] but I chose not to acknowledge it,” said Estes. “This is just an awesome feeling. I never expected this at all, this group of anglers is so good.”
The top 10 pros on Lake Champlain finished:
1st: Stephen Estes of Auburn, N.H., 15 bass, 61-3, $44,000
2nd: Matt Becker of Finleyville, Pa., 15 bass, 59-0, $18,000
3rd: Bryan Labelle of Hinesburg, Vt., 15 bass, 57-13, $12,750
4th: Dakota Ebare of Brookeland, Texas, 15 bass, 57-7, $10,750
5th: Kyle Hall of Cleburne, Texas, 15 bass, 57-7, $9,750
6th: Bryan Thrift of Shelby, N.C., 15 bass, 56-9, $8,625
7th: Martin Villa of Charlottesville, Va., 15 bass, 55-7, $7,300
8th: JJ Judd of Saint Albans, Vt., 15 bass, 54-4, $6,300
9th: Joseph Thompson of Coatesville, Pa, 15 bass, 53-14, $5,300
10th: Jason Bacon of Nutting Lake, Mass., 15 bass, 53-1, $4,200
A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Nick Radtke of Greenwood Lake, N.Y. took home an additional $150 for the Day One Berkley Big Bass award in the pro division, with a bass weighing 5 pounds, 9 ounces. Kevin Martin of Crown City, Ohio won the Day Two Berkley Big Bass award in the pro division, bringing a 5-pound, 4-ounce bass to the scale.
Becker 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.
Kyle Gelles of Pingree, Idaho won the Strike King Co-angler Division Saturday with a three-day total of 14 bass weighing 48 pounds, 10 ounces. Gelles 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 Champlain finished:
1st: Kyle Gelles of Pingree, Idaho, 14 bass, 48-10, Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat w/115-hp outboard
2nd: Ted Kephart of Philipsburg, Pa., 15 bass, 48-3, $5,375
3rd: Jeff Crowley of Goodrich, Mich., 15 bass, 46-5, $4,300
4th: Carter Wijangco of Naperville, Ill., 15 bass, 45-10, $3,650
5th: Stephen Draghi of Sparrowbush, N.Y., 15 bass, 45-8, $3,350
6th: Jakob Labelle of Hinesburg, Vt., 13 bass, 37-15, $2,650
7th: Sakae Ushio of Tonawanda, N.Y., 12 bass, 37-11, $2,150
8th: John Detweiler of Harleysville, Pa., 11 bass, 35-12, $1,825
9th: Tommy Sikes of Como, Texas, 12 bass, 35-8, $1,530
10th: Romano Duncan of Andover, Mass., 11 bass, 33-7, $1,290
In the Strike King co-angler division, the $100 Day One Berkley Big Bass award winner was Geoffrey Montgomery of Seneca Falls, N.Y. with a 4-pound, 15-ounce bass, while the $100 Day Two award went to Randy Brown of Lugoff, S.C., with a 4-pound, 14-ounce bass.
The Toyota Series at Lake Champlain was hosted by the City of Plattsburgh and the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau. It was the first of three regular-season tournaments in 2021 for Northern Division anglers. The next event for Toyota Series anglers will take place on August 3-5 – the Toyota Series at the California Delta in Oakley, California. 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.
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.
Spearpoint Performance Hooks Goes to ICAST 2021 with a Fury Revolutionary Hook Brand Adds Flipping Hook to Arsenal
Visalia, Calif. – July 12, 2021 – Visalia, Calif. based manufacturer, Spearpoint Performance Hooks, arrived at virtual ICAST in 2020 with a modicum of finesse when they introduced their GP Finesse and Wide Gap models.
For ICAST 2021, Spearpoint brings the Fury.
Expanding on their lineup of patent pending hooks, Spearpoint Performance Hooks is pleased to announce the Fury Flip, a 2X strong flipping hook, built from premium high carbon steel, honed to a needle-sharp point with a large barb plated with a black nickel finish and topped off with a molded keeper barb and finished with a welded eye.
As with the GP Finesse and Wide Gap versions, the Fury Flip is constructed around Spearpoint’s patent pending VGrip® design that helps perfectly present soft plastic lures, but more importantly securely holds onto fish once they have been hooked. VGrip® technology ensures that each fish is hooked deep, and that the hook securely holds, resulting in some of the highest hook-to-land ratios on the market.
Erik Hennesay, Spearpoint Performance Hooks CEO said the project has been in the works. “Our plan has been to provide a comprehensive lineup of hooks for the consumer, and the Fury Flip is the next step in that progression,” said Hennesay. “There is probably no more geographically universal technique than flipping, and the Fury Flip allows us to let anglers take advantage of our VGrip® Technology’s effectiveness, in a hook designed to handle most everything.”
In testing, Hennesay, and Vice President Art Nubaryan and their local pros put the Fury Flip through its paces on the famed big bass waters of the California Delta. They tested with a range of Fluorocarbon and braided line strengths, which resulted in hook-to-land ratios that reached 100-percent efficiencies.
In addition to landing efficiency, anglers were given one hook and asked to provide feedback on point retention and flexing. The result is that anglers reported the points retaining sharpness for most of the day without needing sharpening, and zero instances of sprung or bent hooks.
Hennesay reported that he and Nubaryan were more than encouraged with the feedback. “We saw very clean rigging on all types of lures, and hooks that performed very well,” said Hennesay. “The Fury Flip has performed beyond our expectations, and we are thrilled to present it to the industry at ICAST and to hear what anglers think when they get a chance to fish it.”
Fury Flip will be available in 3/0, 4/0 and 5/0 sizes, will come in four packs that will retail for $7.29. It will be available at Spearpoint Performance Hooks dealers by January of 2022. Dealer incentives for orders at the show are available.
Perkins Claims TNPFL Pickwick Crown
COUNCE, TENNESSEE – With his smallest bag of the event on the final day, Counce, Tennessee’s Brandon Perkins takes the win on his hometown Lake Pickwick with a three-day total of 55-pounds, 11-ounces. Adding 16-pounds, 10-ounces to his already 7-pound lead to begin the final day, Perkins managed an 8-pound margin of victory.
Emotional on stage yet again, Perkins had this event circled since the moment the schedule was released, and wanted nothing more to take a win for his hometown crowd.
“Thank you all so much. The money doesn’t even matter, I’m not going to get it anyways,” laughed Perkins (looking at his wife). The trophy, heck, not even the trophy, the support I have been given this week is way better than any trophy I could get. Regardless, the good lord has blessed me this week more than I already deserve.
Fishing offshore ledges all week on Pickwick, Showdown Saturday didn’t go as Brandon Perkins has hoped. Getting off to a semi fast start this morning, things quickly turned south for the local angler.
“I caught a limit early which helped me calm down but after that I did everything I could to make it stressful,” laughed the Counce, Tennesse angler. “I lost fish all day long, I was a wreck.”
Things got better and worse as the day continued. At the last spot of the day, a few casts and a few lost fish added to the stress.
“I saved a pile of brush piles and the weather wasn’t even good for it so I didn’t bother. I made a run to another spot I saved and got there and it was covered with a few boats. I got down to that last stop and pulled in. First cast, I lost a 4.5-pounder at the boat, it was in my hands.”
That wasn’t the worst of it. Three casts later, another 3.5-pounder jumps off. Then, like it was meant to be, Perkins was able to wrangle a 3.75-pounder to the boat and it culled a small fish. Fishing a power technique, Perkins used an unnamed spoon all week and notes the grind it has been.
“I am going to need a week to recoup after this tournament. I have been fishing crazy and violently. I don’t know if it is my rotator cuff or what, but my arms are sore.”
David Gaston
Gaston started his day with a big fish and another decent fish but the bite slowed down drastically after the morning flurry.
“It took me a lot longer to catch a limit than I thought but this afternoon when live went off, I culled a few times and ended up doing okay.”
Fishing a chatterbait shallow, and a jigging spoon deep, Gaston mixed it up all week and has done enough to move the Progressive AOY Standings around a bit. Starting the event in the top five, he will be the highest finisher of those anglers and will look to continue that effort at the next two events.
“I have never been to Winnebago and I’ve been to Grand Lake once, two years back. To be honest, I am not looking forward to either of those events, I think they are going to be tough, and I don’t like fishing in tough tournaments.”
Joel Willert
“Today was better than the last two days weight wise and I started this morning where I caught them yesterday. It took a look longer to catch a limit than I had thought but I could see them out there and I waited them out.”
With 13-pounds in his bag when he abandoned the spot that has been so good to him, Willert made a move which turns out to be the key decision on the final day.
“I pulled up and there were a ton of fish. I ended up catching the biggest fish of the day and culled a few times too. That got me to my weight. I had a great practice and I thought coming in to the event that I had a shot to win. I fished confident and it worked out.”
Although the Prior Lake, Minnesota pro feels confident offshore using his electronics, ledge fishing is actually new. Willert had never ledge fished before this event and he adapted quickly.
“My goal this year was to cash checks, not because of the money, but to stay consistent and be around in the Progressive AOY race. I should move up some after this event and looking ahead, I should be in my wheelhouse at the next one, and although I have some history with Grand Lake, I have never been there in the fall and I don’t quite know about that one yet.”
Timmy Reams
With consistent bags all week, Timmy Reams brought 17-pounds, 3-ounces to the scales on Showdown Saturday to finish the event in 4th place. The Morgantown, West Virginia angler weighed a 6-pound, 9-ounce bass to anchor his bag. Fishing a grass bed all three days, Reams worked a reaction bite to secure his top five finish.
“I was down near the power plant and I found one stretch of grass and I milked it for three days for all it was worth. I don’t know if the fish live there or if they move in and out from the ledges to feed, but I fished a jackhammer for three days.”
On days one and two, a white jackhammer was the ticket, but Reams noted the switch to bruised green pumpkin helped him catch his biggest bag of the event. Using a ½ ounce chatterbait, Reams broke out a wacky work early on the final day to secure a limit.
“I had to get a quick limit and they bit the wacky worm good. Coming into the event, I knew I had found some fish but had no idea it would hold up for three days. I was sharing some water with David Gaston and it worked out for both of us. I want to thank some sponsors – Henny Rods, Deep Creek Docks, High Mountain Off-Road and SPE Motorsports.
Marc Schilling
With a three-day total of 46-pounds, 15-ounces, Marc Schilling add 16-pounds, 8-ounces to his total to end the tournament in the 5th place spot. With bags of 9-pounds, 14-ounces, 20-pounds, 9-ounces, and todays weight, Schilling relied on a 6-pound, 9-ounce kicker on day two to anchor his tournament. Schilling was cranking ledges with a 10XD Strike King Crankbait to catch his fish.
Shawn Murphy
Starting the day in the second spot, Shawn Murphy weighed his lightest bag of the event in on the final day. With 12-pounds, 13-ounces, Murphy had a three-day total of 44-pounds, 8-ounces to finish in the 6th place spot.
“Today was really a grind for me. I have been catching 25 to 30 keepers a day and today I only got 9 bites. I have no idea why other than maybe the little breeze and overcast had them spread out more. I could see them it was just tougher to get bites.”
Sticking with his area for most of the day, rotating in and out all day, finally Murphy was able to get some fish to bite. Stroking a ¾ ounce football jig, the Nicholasville, Kentucky angler got it done and kept himself in contention. Coming into the event, Murphy had anticipated 13.5-pounds a day would get paid and didn’t see the tough event coming.
“I really didn’t think the like would fish this tough. Its going to be around 10-pounds a day to get paid and I guessed a lot more. I thought I had enough schools located where I could catch them but I wasn’t sure because I didn’t fish anything in practice. I am thrilled with a top ten and looking forward to taking the points and getting to the next event. I want to thank my sponsors – Day’s Boat Sales, Central Kentucky Sonar, Vexus Boats, Mercury Marine, Power Pole, Shimano, and Lowrance.
The Rest of the Best:
7. Jesse Millsaps 44-5
8. Pug Clements 43-9
9. Bryant Smith 41-15
10. Michael Brewer 40-6
FINAL RESULTS
Johnston Moves Into Lead Of Bassmaster Elite At St. Lawrence River
Cory Johnston, of Cavan, Canada, is leading after Day 3 of the 2021 Farmers Insurance Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River with a three-day total of 68 pounds, 10 ounces.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
July 17, 2021
WADDINGTON, N.Y. — For the past three days, Cory Johnston has mentioned saving certain fish he’d previously located for when he needed a big bite. On Saturday, he started with a trio of those difference-makers and took over the Day 3 lead of the Farmers Insurance Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River with a three-day total of 68 pounds, 10 ounces.
Hailing from Cavan, Canada, Johnston tied his younger brother Chris for second place on Day 1 with 23-7. He added 22-2 on Friday and slipped to third before moving into the top spot with Saturday’s limit of 23-1. Heading into Championship Sunday, Johnston leads Alabama pro Justin Atkins by 12 ounces.
Johnston said the smallmouth he targeted first were bed fish in about 8 feet. Picking off three solid keepers in short order gave him an early cushion and allowed him to “go fishing.”
“I fished a lot of shallow stuff today — 15 feet or less,” Johnston said. “Every spot was different; some were rock, some were sand, some were weed. It was a mix of everything.
“The strategy was: hit as many spots as you can and hope you get the right ones to bite.”
As he’s done the first two days, Johnston said he fished multiple spots throughout a 90-mile stretch from the take-off area to Chaumont Bay outside the mouth of the St. Lawrence. He caught his fish on a drop shot with an 8- to 10-inch leader.
“I had a limit by the noon hour,” Johnston said. “I upgraded a little bit, but not much. I didn’t want to burn too many fish.”
Essential to his execution was Johnston’s use of a Flogger — a cone-shaped device with a clear, flat screen that sits at the water’s surface and allows him to view details below. Similar to looking through a dive mask, without the submersion, the Flogger provides key perspective that aids in presentation.
“It shows you your bait, it shows you where the fish is and it shows you the sweet spot,” Johnston said. “You’re seeing how the fish reacts to your bait. I can catch them eventually, but it just speeds up the process.”
Looking ahead, Johnston said he’ll follow a game plan similar to the one he employed Saturday.
“I’m excited to get back out there tomorrow; I left a few out there,” Johnston said. “I probably could have culled a few more times, but I’m trying to play the game and save as many fish as I can.
“I should have three good ones saved for tomorrow and then I’m going to have to go fishing. I’m hoping for 23 pounds tomorrow; that’s my goal. I think if I got 23 I’d be hard to beat.”
Hailing from Florence, Ala., Atkins is in second place with 67-14. After tying Gerald Swindle for eighth place on Day 1 with 21-6, Atkins added 22-14 and rose to fifth. On Saturday, he weighed 23-10 and gained three more spots.
Spending his day in Lake Ontario, Atkins targeted a range of spots he’d previously fished along with a few new areas. One of his new spots yielded a 5-pounder.
Atkins caught his fish on a drop shot with a Berkley MaxScent Flat Worm and a 1/16-ounce brown Marabou jig. The latter also benefitted from the MaxScent appeal.
“I’m cutting a piece of a MaxScent The General (stick worm) and threading it onto the hook of the jig,” Atkins said. “That adds bulk to the Marabou, but I’m using a piece that’s even with the bottom of the feathers, so the fish can smell it and taste it when they bite.
“Those fish are really bad about just nipping at the Marabou jig and not getting it. I use a really limber rod, so you can tell when they get it. I think with a little bit of MaxScent on that jig, it helps them get it.”
Chris Johnston, of Peterborough, Canada, is in third place with 65-11. The first Canadian to win an Elite title at last year’s St. Lawrence River event, Johnston added 19-6 to his first two days’ weights of 23-7 and 22-14.
“I caught four of my five in the river today,” Johnston said. “I lost a big one in the lake and I lost a big one in the river — that hurt.
“I was targeting the transitions of sand patches and grass in 15 feet or less. Sometimes, you’d pull up to a spot and there’d be five or six fish there and sometimes, it would be a ghost town. They move a lot, so you’re just hoping to run into them on that stuff.”
Johnston caught his fish on a drop shot, a wacky-rigged 4-inch Senko and a 1/8-ounce black Marabou jig.
Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C., leads the Phoenix Boats Big Bass standings with a 6-5 caught on Day 2.
Josh Stracner of Vandiver, Ala., won the Rookie of the Year title with 547 points. Edging fellow Alabama pro Justin Hamner (536), Stracner said he focused on maintaining a strong mental game, even when his chances of winning the ROY title appeared bleak.
“Just keeping my head screwed on right was probably the biggest key,” Stracner said. “I held my own the first part of the season, but at the halfway point, I kind of got behind. Going into (Lake Champlain) last week, I was in fifth place and all I was worried about was making the Classic.
“Today, I did both; I made the Classic and got Rookie of the Year. It’s pretty hard to believe.”
Sunday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. ET from Whittaker Park. The weigh-in will be held at the park at 3:15 p.m. The Top 10 remaining anglers will be vying for a $100,000 first-place prize.
Live coverage 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. ET.
The Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River is being hosted by the Village of Waddington and St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce. This tournament is supported by a Market New York grant from I LOVE NY/New York State’s Division of Tourism awarded as part of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. The tournament and all associated festivities are being planned to ensure the safety of anglers, marshals, staff and fans.
2021 Farmers Insurance Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River 7/15-7/18
St. Lawrence River, Waddington NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Cory Johnston Cavan CANADA 15 68-10 100
Day 1: 5 23-07 Day 2: 5 22-02 Day 3: 5 23-01
2. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 15 67-14 99
Day 1: 5 21-06 Day 2: 5 22-14 Day 3: 5 23-10
3. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 15 65-11 98
Day 1: 5 23-07 Day 2: 5 22-14 Day 3: 5 19-06
4. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 15 65-09 97
Day 1: 5 21-12 Day 2: 5 23-03 Day 3: 5 20-10
5. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 15 64-13 96 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 25-05 Day 2: 5 22-09 Day 3: 5 16-15
6. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 15 64-07 95
Day 1: 5 20-11 Day 2: 5 19-08 Day 3: 5 24-04
7. Taku Ito Chiba JAPAN 15 64-00 94 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-15 Day 2: 5 22-14 Day 3: 5 23-03
8. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 15 62-02 93
Day 1: 5 20-13 Day 2: 5 21-15 Day 3: 5 19-06
9. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 15 61-04 92
Day 1: 5 20-00 Day 2: 5 21-08 Day 3: 5 19-12
10. Chris Groh Spring Grove, IL 15 60-13 91
Day 1: 5 19-02 Day 2: 5 17-09 Day 3: 5 24-02
11. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 15 60-09 90 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-01 Day 2: 5 21-05 Day 3: 5 18-03
12. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 15 59-04 89 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 20-10 Day 3: 5 20-02
13. Seth Feider New Market, MN 15 58-15 88 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-00 Day 2: 5 20-03 Day 3: 5 16-12
14. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 15 58-12 87 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-02 Day 2: 5 18-15 Day 3: 5 17-11
15. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 15 57-11 86 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 18-01 Day 3: 5 21-05
16. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 15 57-06 85 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 22-05 Day 3: 5 20-13
17. Bill Weidler Helena, AL 15 57-02 84 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 19-00 Day 3: 5 19-09
18. Jeff Gustafson Keewatin Ontario CANADA 15 56-10 83 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 17-02 Day 3: 5 21-03
19. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 15 56-10 82 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-07 Day 2: 5 16-03 Day 3: 5 21-00
20. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 15 56-05 81 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 18-00 Day 3: 5 19-04
21. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 15 56-03 80 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-11 Day 2: 5 20-08 Day 3: 5 18-00
22. Joshua Stracner Vandiver, AL 15 56-03 79 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 19-01 Day 3: 5 17-13
23. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 15 56-02 78 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-06 Day 2: 5 18-08 Day 3: 5 16-04
24. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 15 55-10 77 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 20-06 Day 3: 5 17-04
25. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 15 55-08 76 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 19-13 Day 3: 5 17-04
26. Darold Gleason Many, LA 15 54-15 75 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-10 Day 2: 5 16-10 Day 3: 5 17-11
27. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 15 54-01 74 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-05 Day 2: 5 17-14 Day 3: 5 15-14
28. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 15 53-14 73 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-12 Day 2: 5 17-02 Day 3: 5 15-00
29. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 15 53-04 72 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 16-00 Day 3: 5 18-15
30. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 15 53-01 71 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 17-10 Day 3: 5 17-04
31. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 15 53-00 70 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-13 Day 2: 5 18-02 Day 3: 5 18-01
32. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 15 52-13 69 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 18-04 Day 3: 5 19-00
33. Jay Yelas Lincoln City, OR 15 52-13 68 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-06 Day 2: 5 17-01 Day 3: 5 17-06
34. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 15 51-15 67 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 18-11 Day 3: 5 15-01
35. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 15 51-13 66 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-07 Day 2: 5 17-06 Day 3: 5 15-00
36. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 15 51-02 65 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 5 19-15 Day 3: 5 13-02
37. Derek Hudnall Denham Springs, LA 15 51-00 64 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-14 Day 2: 5 15-12 Day 3: 5 16-06
38. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 15 51-00 63 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 5 16-13 Day 3: 5 17-12
39. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 15 49-00 62 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 5 18-06 Day 3: 5 14-03
40. Jake Whitaker Fairview, NC 15 48-11 61 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 19-10 Day 3: 5 14-08
41. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 14 48-03 60 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-03 Day 2: 5 17-03 Day 3: 4 11-13
42. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 15 48-01 59 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-12 Day 2: 5 17-09 Day 3: 5 12-12
43. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 15 48-00 58 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 18-12 Day 3: 5 13-01
44. Bob Downey Hudson, WI 15 47-01 57 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-04 Day 2: 5 16-00 Day 3: 5 11-13
45. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 14 43-11 56 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 16-09 Day 3: 4 07-13
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 06-02 $1,000.00
2 Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 06-05 $1,000.00
3 Taku Ito Chiba JAPAN
Perkins takes over at TNPFL on Pickwick
By Justin Brouillard | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons and Ben Kennedy
With his biggest bag of the tournament, local angler Brandon Perkins gets it done on day two with 19-pounds, 15-ounces. Perkins showed some emotion as he weighed in and has a total weight of 39-pounds, 1-ounce going into Showdown Saturday with a 7-pound, 6-ounce lead.
“Having my family at take-off and seeing all you guys out here, it’s exciting. I am not usually one to get emotional but this is awesome,” Perkins told the crowd of fans.
Catching them pretty steady all day long, Perkins has figured out a way to catch fish in and around other anglers. Fishing slower today, the Counce, Tennessee angler took day one to sample his schools and figure out which ones he could fish the most effectively and which ones had some bigger fish.
“I literally burned an entire tank yesterday and today I only burned 9 gallons. I slowed way down and fished less spots, but I still moved around a lot. I still did not fish a bunch of stuff either.”
On Showdown Saturday, more of the same can be expected from Perkins.
“I don’t want to run as much, I don’t want to camp, but I will sit and try to get them fired up. I still don’t know, its Pickwick on a weekend, it’s going to be crowded and I don’t know what I will be able to fish or not.”
Obviously, Perkins being with the Progressive AOY race, the question has to be asked.
“I am trying to do what I need to do to win this event. I want to win it. AOY was a goal obviously and I felt like going in, I had a shot if I fished my strengths, but these guys keep catching them, they are so good. I just want to win this one.”
Shawn Murphy
Fishing extremely consistent this week, with bags of 15-pounds, 10-ounces yesterday and 16-pounds, 1-ounce today, Shawn Murphy is executing flawlessly on his offshore ledges. With a two-day total of 31-pounds, 11-ounces, Murphy will go into Showdown Saturday in the 2nd place spot.
“I am fishing offshore ledges like a lot of guys and I am just fishing and trying to find new schools every day. I have two key areas where some of my bigger bites are coming from and one of the areas has not had any pressure, and one has.”
Rotating between ledges in depths between 12 and 20-feet, the Nicholasville, Kentucky pro is fishing swimbaits, jigs, and crankbaits depending on how the fish are acting and noted a couple things he is doing to get his fish to bite even with other anglers rotating through.
“There are definitely some key details and techniques to help me get some bigger bites. I completely missed the afternoon bite today as a big storm blew through and blew my area out. Hopefully tomorrow I can get the afternoon bite going.”
Another detail worth noting. Murphy is using forward facing sonar and gives credit to Central Kentucky Sonar.
“My Lowrance units and all the sonar is flawless. Those guys gave me the cleanest and most phenomenal sonar install.”
Marc Schilling
With the tournaments largest bag, Marc Schilling followed up a day one bag of 9-pounds, 14-ounces with a 20-pound, 9-ounce bag. With a two-day total of 30-pounds, 7-ounces to finish the day in the 3rdplace spot. Shilling relied on a 6-pound, 9-ounce bass to anchor his day two weight.
Joel Willert
Joel Willert added 15-pounds, 9-ounces to his day-one bag of 14-pounds, 8-ounces to go into Showdown Saturday with a total weight of 30-pounds, 1-ounce and the 4th place spot.
Committing to offshore ledges coming into practice, Willert spent three days idling and hardly made a cast. Locating lots of schools, the Prior Lake, Minnesota angler knew the potential was there to have a good event.
“Coming into the first day, I know I had some big schools and a lot of schools overall. I have been running and gunning as I planned and have been catching them good. I had a tougher day yesterday but got things a bit more dialed today.”
With an early limit, Willert was able to settle in and kept running the lake until he would find an open school. Noting that there has been pressure, Willert says he has not had any issues so far.
“I have a few areas to myself, but the ones I don’t, everyone’s been good so far. I am going to start on my best spot tomorrow and I saved around 15 schools that I have not looked at, and I have some shallower brush.”
David Gaston
With 13-pounds, 15-ounces, David Gaston once again finds himself inside the top five with a two-day total of 29-pounds, 15-ounces. With slightly less weight than yesterday, Gaston has been consistent, but is once again a bit disappointed with the result.
“Today was worse for me, way worse, less fish and less quality. I lost more again today, a 4 and 3-pounder and both would have helped. I am around fish I just need to get to catching them.
As for the final day, Gaston is going to keep doing more of the same and keep the same mentality he has had all season long.
“I ain’t got a clue (for tomorrow). I have to get out and act like I am not even in a tournament, and I do have a few places I have saved. I can’t get spun out over this, If I keep doing my job and doing what I have been doing, the AOY thing will work itself out.
Gaston is running a mix of baits including a worm, spoon, hair jig, and a chatterbait. With the weather change supposedly coming for Showdown Saturday, the Sylacauga, Alabama angler is hoping to get back to catching them like he was this week in practice.
“Practice was phenomenal. My weights this week compared to practice are way lower. I know the rain will help the offshore grass bite for me which would help. Besides getting wet, I am looking forward to going at them.”
The Rest of the Best!
6. Jesse Millsaps 29-14
7. Timmy Reams29-13
8. John Soukup 29-2
9. Bryan Smith 29-1
10. Pug Clements 27-0
Feider Secures Bassmaster Angler Of The Year Title At St. Lawrence River Elite
Seth Feider, of New Market, Minn., has won the 2021 Bassmaster Angler of the Year title with 792 points.4
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
July 16, 2021
WADDINGTON, NY — Seth Feider of New Market, Minn., wrapped his arms around a lifelong dream as he kissed the Bassmaster Angler of the Year trophy on Day 2 of the Farmers Insurance Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River.
The seventh-year Elite Series pro currently sits in eighth place with a two-day total of 42 pounds, 3 ounces, so he’ll be competing for at least one more day. More importantly, though, his points total of 792 gave him enough of a cushion to secure the coveted AOY title no matter how he finishes the tournament.
“It’s a milestone; it’s a (lifetime of) work,” Feider said. “Ever since I was a little kid, every minute fishing was to get to this, it feels amazing.
“It feels like the weight of the world is off my shoulders now that it’s all over. It’s been a stressful last couple of months.”
While Feider can relax and make plans to spend the $100,000 prize that comes with the AOY title, there is still much to be decided this week.
Leading the event, Gainesville, Fla., pro Bernie Schultz overcame a painful loss Friday to maintain the top spot with a two-day total of 47-14. Schultz added 22-9 to the 25-5 he weighed on Day 1.
How painful? Put it this way: Schultz is one of the coolest heads on the water, but when Bassmaster LIVE showed a big fish that Schultz estimated at 5 pounds come unbuttoned right at the boat, the seasoned pro experienced an understandable moment of obvious exasperation.
Returning to the same 250-yard flat near Chippewa Bay where he caught his Day 1 limit, Schultz found the fish scattered over various sections of broken bottom comprising rock, gravel, sand and grass clumps.
“The composition changes depending on what part of the flat you’re on,” Schultz said. “There’s a secondary channel edge that the flat drops into, and I think that’s what’s bringing the fish to it. They have that deep-water access nearby.”
Schultz said he is catching fish in 8 feet of water, although he’s caught them in 5 or less when he’s fished this spot in previous years. Presuming this to be a postspawn positioning preference, Schultz said he is mostly fishing for unseen fish.
“They prefer open areas,” he said. “They like that other stuff around them, but they like to be on clean bottom.”
Schultz tried to capitalize on the morning’s dim, overcast conditions with a Rapala X-Rap Pop, but to no avail. He ended up catching his fish on a 1/4-ounce VMC Ned Head jig with a 3-inch Yamamato Senko in the green pumpkin/watermelon laminate color.
“I actually use the 4-inch Senko and I cut an inch off the end,” he said. “I do that because the 4-inch Senko has a wider diameter and it fits better against that jighead. It’s a plumper bait and the fish seem to like that look.”
On Thursday, Schultz led the Phoenix Boats Big Bass standings with a 6-2. On Friday, he had two that went 5-1 each.
Chris Johnston, of Peterborough, Canada, is in second place with 46-5. Having tied his older brother Cory for second on Day 1, he added 22-14 to Thursday’s bag of 23-7.
Johnston, who became the first Canadian to win an Elite title at last year’s St. Lawrence River event, spent the majority of his day in Lake Ontario, not far from the mouth of the river. He hit about 10 different spots and caught his fish in 5 to 30 feet of water.
“It was nice today; it laid down and I could move around, which was nice,” Johnston said of the day’s calm conditions. “I hit a couple of new spots, and one of them ended up having quite a few fish on it.”
Johnston caught his bass on a mix of reaction and finesse baits. His biggest fish of the day was 5 1/4.
Hailing from Cavan, Canada, Cory Johnston bolstered his first-round effort of 23-7 with Friday’s limit of 22-2 for a third-place total of 45-9. Targeting a mix of main-river rock reefs and isolated boulders, he caught his fish on a drop shot.
Johnston said he fished multiple spots throughout a 90-mile stretch from the takeoff area to Chaumont Bay outside the mouth of the St. Lawrence.
“This place is incredible; I say that every time we get to fish here,” Johnston said. “I left some fish out there for tomorrow and I found a few new ones.
“I ran a lot of the same stuff I ran yesterday and ran some new stuff and found some new groups of fish.”
Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C., captured the Day 2 Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 6-5.
Chris Johnston is in second place in the Angler of the Year standings with 729 points. Former AOY (2017) Brandon Palaniuk of Rathdrum, Idaho, is in third with 702 points, followed by Walters with 668 and Greg Hackney of Gonzales, La., with 667.
Josh Stracner of Vandiver, Ala., leads the Rookie of the Year standings with 552 points.
The Top 45 remaining anglers will take off at 7 a.m. ET from Whittaker Park. The weigh-in will be held back at the park at 3:15 p.m.
Live coverage for each day of the event 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. ET on Saturday and Sunday.
2021 Farmers Insurance Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River 7/15-7/18
St. Lawrence River, Waddington NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 10 47-14 100 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 25-05 Day 2: 5 22-09
2. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 10 46-05 99
Day 1: 5 23-07 Day 2: 5 22-14
3. Cory Johnston Cavan CANADA 10 45-09 98
Day 1: 5 23-07 Day 2: 5 22-02
4. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 10 44-15 97
Day 1: 5 21-12 Day 2: 5 23-03
5. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 10 44-04 96
Day 1: 5 21-06 Day 2: 5 22-14
6. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 10 42-12 95
Day 1: 5 20-13 Day 2: 5 21-15
7. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 10 42-06 94
Day 1: 5 21-01 Day 2: 5 21-05
8. Seth Feider New Market, MN 10 42-03 93
Day 1: 5 22-00 Day 2: 5 20-03
9. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 10 41-08 92
Day 1: 5 20-00 Day 2: 5 21-08
10. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 10 41-01 91
Day 1: 5 22-02 Day 2: 5 18-15
11. Taku Ito Chiba JAPAN 10 40-13 90
Day 1: 5 17-15 Day 2: 5 22-14
12. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 10 40-03 89
Day 1: 5 20-11 Day 2: 5 19-08
13. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 10 39-14 88
Day 1: 5 21-06 Day 2: 5 18-08
14. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 10 39-02 87
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 20-10
15. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 10 38-14 86
Day 1: 5 21-12 Day 2: 5 17-02
16. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 10 38-06 85
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 20-06
17. Joshua Stracner Vandiver, AL 10 38-06 84
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 19-01
18. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 10 38-04 83
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 19-13
19. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 10 38-03 82
Day 1: 5 17-11 Day 2: 5 20-08
20. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 10 38-03 81
Day 1: 5 20-05 Day 2: 5 17-14
21. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 10 38-00 80
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 5 19-15
22. Bill Weidler Helena, AL 10 37-09 79
Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 19-00
23. Darold Gleason Many, LA 10 37-04 78
Day 1: 5 20-10 Day 2: 5 16-10
24. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 10 37-01 77
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 18-00
25. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 10 36-14 76
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 18-11
26. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 10 36-13 75
Day 1: 5 19-07 Day 2: 5 17-06
27. Chris Groh Spring Grove, IL 10 36-11 74
Day 1: 5 19-02 Day 2: 5 17-09
28. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 10 36-09 73
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 22-05
29. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 10 36-06 72
Day 1: 5 19-03 Day 2: 5 17-03
30. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 10 36-06 71
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 18-01
31. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 10 35-14 70
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 16-09
32. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 10 35-13 69
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 17-10
33. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 10 35-10 68
Day 1: 5 19-07 Day 2: 5 16-03
34. Jay Yelas Lincoln City, OR 10 35-07 67
Day 1: 5 18-06 Day 2: 5 17-01
35. Jeff Gustafson Keewatin Ontario CANADA 10 35-07 66
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 17-02
36. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 10 35-05 65
Day 1: 5 17-12 Day 2: 5 17-09
37. Bob Downey Hudson, WI 10 35-04 64
Day 1: 5 19-04 Day 2: 5 16-00
38. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 10 34-15 63
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 18-12
39. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 10 34-15 62
Day 1: 5 16-13 Day 2: 5 18-02
40. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 10 34-13 61
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 5 18-06
41. Derek Hudnall Denham Springs, LA 10 34-10 60
Day 1: 5 18-14 Day 2: 5 15-12
42. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 10 34-05 59
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 16-00
43. Jake Whitaker Fairview, NC 10 34-03 58
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 19-10
44. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 10 33-13 57
Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 18-04
45. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 10 33-04 56
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 5 16-13
46. Koby Kreiger Alva, FL 10 33-03 55 $5,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 15-13
47. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 10 33-01 54 $5,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-02 Day 2: 5 15-15
48. Kenta Kimura Osaka JAPAN 9 32-14 53 $5,000.00
Day 1: 4 10-08 Day 2: 5 22-06
49. Mike Huff London, KY 10 32-13 52
Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 5 18-15
50. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 10 32-13 51 $5,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 5 18-01
51. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 10 32-12 50 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 18-08
52. Kyle Monti Okeechobee, FL 10 32-12 49 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 5 16-05
53. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 10 32-11 48 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 18-10
54. Randy Sullivan Breckenridge, TX 10 32-11 47 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 5 16-07
55. Robbie Latuso Gonzales, LA 10 32-10 46 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 15-00
56. Wes Logan Springville, AL 10 32-05 45 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 16-15
57. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 10 32-02 44 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-00 Day 2: 5 17-02
58. Carl Jocumsen Queensland AUSTRALIA 10 32-01 43 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 16-04
59. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 10 31-14 42 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 18-03
60. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 10 31-11 41 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 14-13
61. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 10 31-10 40 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 18-15
62. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 10 31-08 39 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 19-10 Day 2: 5 11-14
63. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 10 31-06 38 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-11 Day 2: 5 14-11
64. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 10 31-05 37 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-01 Day 2: 5 15-04
65. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 10 30-09 36 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 18-00
66. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 10 30-08 35 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 14-06
67. Bryan New Belmont, NC 10 30-06 34 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 12-04
68. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 10 30-05 33 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 5 16-07
69. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 10 30-05 32 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 5 15-06
70. Cody Hollen Beaverton, OR 10 30-04 31 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 16-10
71. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 10 30-01 30 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-14 Day 2: 5 12-03
72. Buddy Gross Chickamauga, GA 10 29-14 29 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 12-11
73. Destin DeMarion Grove City, PA 10 29-14 28 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 14-12
74. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 10 29-11 27 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 5 13-15
75. Skylar Hamilton Dandridge, TN 10 29-10 26 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 5 14-14
76. David Fritts Lexington, NC 9 29-05 25
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 4 13-14
77. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 8 29-04 24 $1,000.00
Day 1: 3 09-01 Day 2: 5 20-03
78. Randy Pierson Oakdale, CA 10 29-02 23
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 16-01
79. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 10 29-01 22
Day 1: 5 09-14 Day 2: 5 19-03
80. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 10 28-15 21
Day 1: 5 14-14 Day 2: 5 14-01
81. Quentin Cappo Prairieville, LA 10 28-10 20
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 13-07
82. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 10 28-09 19
Day 1: 5 13-02 Day 2: 5 15-07
83. Frank Talley Temple, TX 10 28-08 18
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 13-15
84. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 10 28-00 17
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 14-03
85. Kyle Welcher Opelika, AL 10 27-13 16
Day 1: 5 17-14 Day 2: 5 09-15
86. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 10 27-07 15
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 12-10
87. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 10 27-00 14
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 13-07
88. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 10 26-10 13
Day 1: 5 15-08 Day 2: 5 11-02
89. Rob Digh Denver, NC 8 23-03 12
Day 1: 5 17-05 Day 2: 3 05-14
90. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 9 21-01 11
Day 1: 4 09-00 Day 2: 5 12-01
91. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 7 20-03 10
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 2 04-12
92. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 5 13-10 9
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
93. Dale Hightower Mannford, OK 5 12-15 8
Day 1: 3 06-15 Day 2: 2 06-00
94. Drew Benton Blakely, GA 6 11-03 7
Day 1: 1 02-03 Day 2: 5 09-00
Sumrall more confident in the long run
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
If you follow Caleb Sumrall on social media, you know the Southern Louisiana pro isn’t afraid of a long run. He jogs 10 to 15 miles a week, and at one point ran 48 miles in a 48-hour period.
That’s on land.
Thursday during Day 1 of the Farmer’s Insurance Bassmaster Elite on the St. Lawrence River, Sumrall made the longest run on water of his pro career – as he headed 1 hour and 27 minutes west down the St. Lawrence, darn near to Lake Ontario.
It paid off big time with a 22-pound limit. Strong enough for 4th place, just behind Bernie Schultz and the Johnston Brothers.
“That’s by far the furthest I’ve ever run my 21-foot Xpress aluminum. It and my Yamaha didn’t let me down. I’m real proud of that, and I’m also proud of my decision making this year. I’ve grown way more confident and calmer about what I’m doing each day,” reflects the Carhartt pro.
Ironically, just one year ago, Sumrall shared his thoughts in a story we worked on togetherdetailing what a tough learning curve smallmouth had thrown his pro career. Obviously, he’s overcome it nicely, and is now hitting his share of home runs “up north.”
“I never stopped trying to learn. I’d come north a week early before practice started for asmallmouth dominated Elite Series event, and fish on similar waters near the upcoming event to learn as much as I could, and get dialed-in,” he says.
Asked if his buddies, Elite Series smallmouth gurus, Chris and Cory Johnston have tutored him any, Sumrall grinned and said every now and then they’ll offer a hot tip.
Still, much of Sumrall’s newfound smallmouth success is truly self-taught. And that’s always better in the long run.
Josh Ray takes lead in TNPFL on Pickwick
Courtesy of the National Professional Fishing League
By Justin Brouillard | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons and Ben Kennedy
Josh Ray brought 19-pounds, 14-ounces to the scales to take the lead on day one of the NPFL event on Pickwick Lake. Taking the gamble and camping on a spot he felt lucky to get on, the afternoon paid off as he was able to scramble enough weight to take the top spot.
“I fished two spots all day and I sat on one spot for most of the day. I may or may not get back on that school tomorrow but I was the second flight today and I was shocked it was open.”
Starting on another school, Ray milked it for over an hour before making a move. Noting several guys tried to pull in on him, the camera boat was backed off, but other anglers tried to make a move into the area.
“It’s terrible dude, I hate the Tennessee River because of that. I am making a 30-minute run and the bait doesn’t matter really, it’s more about the timing of it all.
Brandon Perkins
The most local angler of them all, Brandon Perkins feels lucky to have the weight he had even though it could have been better. Weighing 19-pounds, 2-ounces, the Counce, Tennessee angler resides in the 2nd place spot 12-ounces behind the leader.
“It worked out today, its better on paper than it actually was. I had so many issues from my livewell, to the live camera microphone. I even caught a decent fish and it had some sort of jig or hard thing in its belly and it was thinking about dying on me. I let it go and had to forfeit a limit at one point.”
Giving up his 5th fish may have hurt, but the Perkins used his knowledge to rotate enough spots and catch fish when it mattered. Culling 2 to 3 times after the live coverage ended, Perking burned 40-gallons of gas and never went more than 15-miles from the take off.
“This morning, I lost a 3.5-pounder right off and man it was stressful. I went to multiple schools that vanished. I spent 20 to 30-minutes trying to relocate them and I never did. I also had a sneaky spot and I went by it first thing and there were three boats side-by-side on that spot, no joke.”
With the run and gun mentality, some days it helps, and some days it hurts. Perkins knows he had the chance to sit on a school all day and hope they fired, but that’s not his game.
“I had two spots open this morning and there is a 20-pound bag on both. I left them and let them go. It’s a question of if they will fire and if so, how long do you wait?”
Buck Mallory
With 16-pounds, 9-ounces, Buck Mallory hold down the 3rd place spot after day one. The Lawton, Michigan angler rode a 4-pound, 14-ounce kicker to catch his weight for the day.
David Gaston
With 16-pounds on the day, David Gaston survived the first day of competition on Pickwick but is less than thrilled with how his day went. Holding down the 4th spot after day one, Gaston made big moves in the Progressive AOY race and has himself in a good spot going into day two.
“For me, it was way worse than I thought it would be. I lost two 5’s and a 4-pounder. After live coverage, I got three more fish, but man, it was tough today to get a decent bite.
Covering a lot of water, Gaston was fishing around other anglers but was still getting bites when others were not. A full tank of gas burned; Gaston is going to spend some more time this evening mapping out a route for tomorrow.
“I got back and the gas light was on. I burned a whole tank and I was almost out. It’s disappointing because I should have had a big bag but it is what it is. I didn’t fish a single ledge all day, but I was fishing deep still.”
With the shake up in the leaderboard, the Progressive AOY race is heating up. Know it or not, Gaston had a plan and stuck with without the AOY race in mind.
“I worry about each event, and my goal is to fish well enough to get a check. That’s it. I don’t worry about AOY but it would be the cherry on top.”
Mike Comeau
After catching only three fish in practice, Mike Comeau had no idea what to expect for today’s competition. Bringing 15-pounds, 10-ounces to the scales, the Vermont angler finished the day in 5thplace and made work of a sweet spot he found in practice.
“I spent a lot of time idling and was looking for grass. I fished a fair amount but only caught a couple fish. I was not sure how it would go but I had no pressure, just went fishing. I had one stretch and I got there this morning, it all happened fast.”
Knowing it was a timing deal, Comeau does have some places he has saved for tomorrow and is hoping to repeat his success tomorrow with similar weather schedules. A dead fish penalty also cost him a pound off his weight so he actually had over 16-pounds on the day.
“There is nobody around me. I did try to expand on my area after I got my weight, and I even shook a few off. I had that dead fish and culling would have been hard. I have two sneaky areas left to fish, and after a few hours tomorrow on my starting spot, I am going to go exploring some of those areas.”
Major League Fishing’s REDCREST 2021 Special to Air Sunday on CBS, Discovery Channel Airing Pre-Empted Due to Shark Week
| TULSA, Okla. (July 15, 2021) – Major League Fishing's REDCREST 2021 Special Presented by Old Wisconsin Sausage –the Bass Pro Tour Championship filmed earlier this year on Lake Eufaula in Eufaula, Alabama – will premiere nationwide Sunday, July 18, on CBS from 2 to 3 p.m. ET. The program showcases the 40 top professional bass anglers from the 2020 Bass Pro Tour, competing across five days at the Bass Fishing Capital of the World for the prestigious REDCREST Championship and the top prize of $300,000.
Sunday’s airing on CBS will showcase the highlights from all five days of the event with behind-the-scenes angler commentary and interviews, as well as a thrilling final-day shootout between some of the top anglers in the sport, including Dustin Connell, Ott DeFoe, Takahiro Omori, Bryan Thrift and Jacob Wheeler. The event was hosted by the Eufaula Barbour County Chamber of Commerce. The Discovery Channel airing of the Bass Pro Tour General Tire Heavy Hitters event, originally scheduled for this weekend, Saturday, July 17, has been pre-empted for Discovery Channel’s Shark Week. The episode will now air next weekend as regularly scheduled Bass Pro Tour programming resumes on Discovery next Saturday, July 24, from 7 to 9 a.m. ET. The full, updated television schedule can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com. For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. |
Schultz Commits To Protected Spot For Lead In Bassmaster Elite At St. Lawrence River
Bernie Schultz, of Gainesville, Fla., is leading after Day 1 of the 2021 Farmers Insurance Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River with 25 pounds, 5 ounces.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
July 15, 2021
WADDINGTON, N.Y. — A patient approach to what Bernie Schultz described as a slow area rewarded the Gainesville, Fla., pro with a five-bass limit that weighed 25 pounds, 5 ounces to lead Day 1 of the Farmers Insurance Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River.
“I found a spot near where I fished last year,” Schultz said of his upriver area, near Chippewa Bay. “I haven’t seen another tournament boat in two years and I hope I don’t — unless it’s a camera boat.”
Schultz, whose best finish on the St. Lawrence was sixth place in 2013, described his spot as a flat approximately 200 yards long with depths of 3 to 8 feet. Starting on one end of the flat in practice, he quickly caught a 4-pounder, and by the time he’d completed his drift, he had another 4- and two 3-pounders.
“It’s a really good area and it’s protected,” Schultz said. “That’s what I like about it — it has everything the fish want and it has everything I need to fish, no matter what the weather does.
“There are numerous islands and I’m cradled right in the middle of them. I decided to start there today and it was a good call. It started quickly and I left them biting.”
Despite an impressive performance, which included the day’s Phoenix Boats Big Bass — a 6-2 — Schultz said the spot he fished required such a laborious effort that he believes most anglers would have abandoned it.
“It’s a precise drift that I’m making,” he said. “It’s slow enough that if anyone practiced there, they probably would have gotten discouraged.
“The fish are in certain sections of the flat and I had to locate them today because they moved a little bit. I had a 5, that 6-2 and a 3-pounder pretty quickly, but after that I had to move around on the flat to find them.”
Schultz fished a diverse arsenal of baits including a 1/2-ounce Hildebrandt Drum Roller spinnerbait, a Shimano jerkbait (debuting next week at ICAST), a 1/8-ounce black Marabou jig, a drop shot with a green pumpkin Yamamoto Shad Shape Worm and a Ned rig with a 3-inch green pumpkin watermelon laminate Yamamoto Senko.
It is a well-known truth that two of the biggest obstacles to winning on the St. Lawrence share the same last name. Today, brothers Chris and Cory Johnston, of Peterborough and Cavan, Canada, respectfully, strengthened that lore by catching identical 23-pound, 7-ounce limits and sharing second place.
Adding to the statistical oddity, the Johnstons nearly matched one another’s top fish. Chris caught a 5-5, while his older brother had a 5-4.
Chris Johnston, who won last year’s St. Lawrence River Elite, started his day by running upriver to the Clayton, N.Y., area and targeting fry guarders — male bass that hover near the spawning bed to protect recent hatchlings — on flats in 8 to 10 feet. He found a handful of these fish early in practice but noticed Wednesday that a couple of them had left.
“I was a little disappointed yesterday, so today I thought I’d better go catch the ones that are left in that area,” he said. “That gave me a good start to the day, so I could relax a little bit.”
Around midmorning, Johnston left this area and added a few keepers, including a 5-8, in Lake Ontario’s Cape Vincent area. Contrasting his 2020 victory, he said the fish are significantly less concentrated this week.
“They’re not set up good like they were last year,” he said. “They’re scattered anywhere from 5 feet to 25 feet. I don’t have a spot that has a big group of them so I’m looking and trying to find random fish.
“The reason is that there are still fish spawning. There are fish that are guarding fry and fish that finished spawning a month ago and they’re already making their way out. There are fish up shallow trying to do their thing, and they’re everywhere in between.”
Cory Johnston devoted his day to the river and fished a hodgepodge of locations. Covering a 90-mile stretch from Waddington to Lake Ontario, he fished traditional rock reefs and shoals from 5 to 35 feet.
“I just kind of ran all over the place, wherever the wind allowed me to go,” he said. “I caught all of my fish in the river; I didn’t weigh a fish out of the lake.
“I didn’t have any specific area, I just hit 30 spots. I have a game plan and I have something in my back pocket where if I need a fish I can grab one quick in a couple of little areas. I needed a couple today and that’s what I did.”
Seth Feider of New Market, Minn., maintained his lead in the Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings with 795 points. With a 66-point margin over Chris Johnston (729), Feider just needs a decent showing Friday to conclude his best professional season with an AOY title.
Former AOY (2017) Brandon Palaniuk of Rathdrum, Idaho, is in third place with 702 points, followed by Greg Hackney of Gonzales, La., with 676 and Caleb Sumrall of New Iberia, La., with 669.
Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. ET at Whittaker Park. The weigh-in will be held back at the park at 3:15 p.m. After Friday’s weigh-in, only the Top 45 anglers will advance to Saturday’s semifinal round.
Live coverage for each day of the event 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. ET on Saturday and Sunday.
Mossy Oak Expands Major League Fishing Sponsorship with Multi-Year Deal to Remain Exclusive Camo Sponsor
TULSA, Okla. (July 15, 2021) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s premier tournament-fishing organization, and Mossy Oak, the West Point, Mississippi-based leading branded camouflage and outdoor lifestyle company, announced a new multi-year sponsorship expansion ensuring the company will remain the exclusive camo sponsor of Major League Fishing through 2024. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“Major League Fishing is thrilled to expand our relationship with Mossy Oak,” said MLF President and CEO Jim Wilburn. “Their commitment to our anglers, fans and the sport of professional bass fishing has been consistent since 2018 and their innovative and realistic camouflage patterns are a huge hit with anglers, hunters and outdoorsmen alike. To partner with an organization that shares the same love and passion for fishing and the outdoors as we do is very special.”
Mossy Oak will be showcased at all MLF-sanctioned tournaments and outdoor activations, and the brand will also be seen across numerous MLF media platforms, including prominent display in the MLF Cup events and the Bass Pro Tour Heavy Hitters All-Star event, at MajorLeagueFishing.com, MLF Bass Fishing Magazine and the “MLF NOW!” livestream, which broadcasts during every Bass Pro Tour and Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit event for a total of more than 600 hours of live-streamed content.
“We are very excited about our expanded partnership with Major League Fishing,” said Mossy Oak Chief Sales Officer Chris Paradise. “Our ultimate goal is to connect with our loyal and growing Mossy Oak fishing consumer and customers via the strongest and most authentic reach possible. Major League Fishing and their leading, broad-based media platform delivers on that expectation greatly. As the Official and Exclusive pattern of Major League Fishing, we are honored and energized to continue bringing the Mossy Oak Fishing Brand to anglers everywhere.”
Mossy Oak’s logo will also remain prominently located on the wrapped trucks, boats, and jerseys of its sponsored MLF anglers. This list includes the current Bass Pro Tour Angler of the Year (AOY) leader Ott DeFoe, brothers Jordan and Matt Lee, professional bass-fishing’s all-time leading money winner Kevin VanDam, and Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit anglers Ramie Colson Jr., and Brian Latimer.
For more information about MLF, their tournaments and sponsors, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. To learn more about Mossy Oak, visit MossyOak.com.
Swindle: Giraffe lips and jerkbaits
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
At 6’ 4”, bass fishing’s funniest man, Gerald Swindle relates well to giraffes, the world’s tallest land mammal that typically stands 15 to 20-feet high. In fact, his quick wit was fast to compare expected catch rates here on the St. Lawrence River to a giraffe’s smoocher.
“This place is loaded with big fish, we all know that. In fact, you can go ahead and write it down, weights will be just like giraffe lips – real high and real tight,” said Swindle, moments before blast off at the Farmers Insurance Bassmaster Elite Thursday morning.
When he says high …
When Swindle says high – he means high. Like, 21-pounds a day for a Top 10 says the Alabama pro.
Comparatively, his Team Toyota buddy Brandon Lester projects more like 19-pounds a day for a Top 10, and Bassmaster emcee Dave Mercer is also thinking 19 or 20 pounds a day for a Top 10. So, Swindle is definitely aiming high.
Don’t get impatient
“The biggest key for me is staying patient,” says Swindle. “Because when you know in your mind how much weight you’ll probably need to do well here, you tend to get in a hurry trying to catch 20-pounds in the first two hours of the day,” he says.
“You gotta get that out of your head. You only need 5 – and you’ve got eight hours to catch them -- but they better be the right size.”
Jigs and jerks
Unlike many Elite Series events before on the St. Lawrence where deep dropshots ruled the river, Swindle says fish this week are more scattered and shallower.
“In my mind, they’re not all deep and grouped-up. Many of them are fresh off the spawn and still relatively shallow, so I’m going to be throwing a jerkbait and a tiny little hair jig more so than the dropshot,” says Swindle.
Confident, focused, and full of humor, look for the tall bow-legged fella from Alabama to land at giraffe level status on the leaderboard here on the St. Lawrence.
Lester says largemouth could be the wildcard
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
Brandon Lester warns you’d better keep an eye on guys like Greg Hackney and Brock Mosely this week who aren’t afraid to gamble with “green fish” for the win.
Mosely dang near won here on the St. Lawrence last summer with largemouth before finishing second, and Hackney finished 3rd here at the 2015 Elite with largemouth.
“I haven’t lost my mind. I’m not saying smallmouth on dropshots and Ned rigs won’t win this thing. But because of the current conditions, I do think largemouth are probably more of a meaningful wildcard factor than just about any year that we’ve been here,” says Lester, who nearly won the 2018 Elite on the St. Lawrence.
St. Lawrence smallmouth have been blitzed by pro angling pressure the past three weeks like opposing AFC quarterbacks running from Tedy Bruschi and Willie McGinest at Gillette Stadium a few years back.
Plus, there is a bit of “post spawn funk” at play, and the Canadian side of the river that historically holds some of the finest smallmouth hotspots is off limits to Elite Series anglers this week.
“Largemouth might only account for 15% of all the bass weighed-in this week, but since we’ve got a few of those key factors hindering the smallmouth bite, it won’t shock me if at least two or three guys that finish in the Top 10 this week, lean mostly on largemouth,” says Lester.
No matter what species you target, he thinks you’d better average at least 19 pounds a day for a Top 10. “This place is phenomenal. I just don’t see 18 pounds a day being enough for a Top 10. Let alone a shot to win,” he concludes.
Joker’s wild. Royal flush. Lester’s predictions make for a pretty strong bet.
Mid-Season Report - TNPFL with Luke Dunkin
This week Chris & The boys welcome in The color commentator for the National Professional Fishing League, Luke Dunkin to the show. The boys will check in with Luke and how he feels things are progressing with the NPFL as they kick off their 4th event of the season this week on "Pig"Wick Lake.
Kayak Championship Angler Donates Prize To Child With Rare Disorder
Kayak angler Joe McElroy, of Cullman, Ala., donated his winnings from the 2021 Bassmaster B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series Nation Championship powered by TourneyX to help the son of another competitor.
Photo by B.A.S.S.
July 14, 2021
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — After finishing second at the 2021 Bassmaster B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series National Championship powered by TourneyX on Texas’ Possum Kingdom Lake, angler Joe McElroy from Cullman, Ala., announced he was donating his $5,000 winnings to help a fellow competitor’s young son who is living with a rare disease impacting just five people worldwide.
“Sometimes, it’s about timing,” McElroy said. “I was in the right place and had the opportunity, so it just came together.”
JT.jpgDuring the Top 10 award ceremony on stage at the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk, seventh-place finisher Jason Borofka, of Lavon, Texas, shared that his two-year-old son J.T. suffers from Triosephosphate Isomerase Deficiency. An ultrarare disorder, TPI causes a shortage of red blood cells (anemia), movement problems, increased susceptibility to infection and muscle weakness that can affect breathing and heart function.
According to SaveJT.com, the website that Borofka and his wife Tara run, fewer than 70 TPI Deficiency cases have ever been reported, so information is slim. The site states that J.T. is the first person in his birth state of California to be diagnosed with this disease. Currently, he is one of five people worldwide known to have TPI.
A seasoned angler originally from Salinas, Calif., Borofka uses his tournament platform to raise awareness for this disease and to generate support for his son’s ongoing medical needs. Noting the ongoing medical needs, he directed anyone interested in helping to the family’s informative/fundraising website.
McElroy was so moved by what he heard that he didn’t hesitate to follow his heart.
“The prize money was a gift and a blessing to me from God, and I wanted to pass it on,” McElroy said. “I had not met Jason until we had the Top 10 meeting; I heard his appeal for help just moments before when he accepted his seventh-place award.
“Jason was overwhelmed and thankful. He was very appreciative.”
Borofka recalls the breathtaking moment: “I was on the sidelines standing there with my family when he said that, and I was like, ‘What?!’ I was totally blown away.”
But the story doesn’t end there. Barely three months into their move to the Lone Star State, the Borofkas are finding Texas a welcoming and supportive community. Since that emotional moment onstage at the Bassmaster Classic, offers of promotional support and vital financial contributions have flooded the Borofkas due, in large part, to McElroy’s initiative.
“It was awesome because he really inspired a lot of people,” Borofka said. “A lot of people from the Dallas-Fort Worth area have contacted us wanting to help. My phone has been blowing up.
“Donations just since (the Kayak Championship) — not including Joe’s $5,000 — have been somewhere between $8,000 and $9,000. It’s growing fast. What he did, with B.A.S.S., the Bassmaster Classic and the whole setup — it was just meant to be. Honestly, it’s been a blessing.”
McElroy's donation also inspired TourneyX, other anglers and various organizations to create the Save JT Benefit Tournament, an ongoing virtual event that has already raised more than $42,000.
The Bassmaster B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series will feature three more tournaments in the 2021 season as anglers from around the country attempt to qualify for the 2022 National Championship which will be held in conjunction with the 2022 Bassmaster Classic March 4-6 in Greenville, S.C. Learn more at Bassmaster.com/kayak.
Schmitt collects Costa Compete + Conserve Bonus
Bryan Schmitt makes a living on the water. Not only as a Bassmaster Elite Series angler who just took home his first coveted “blue trophy” by winning the Elite Series Lake Champlain event, but also as a passionate and highy-respected striped bass and cobia guide on the Chesapeake Bay he calls home.
“If I’m not fishing a Bassmaster tournament, I’m guiding on the Chesapeake from May to December, and the one thing in common during all my days on the water is I’m always wearing a pair of Costas,” said Schmitt, moments after winning at Lake Champlain.
Specifically, Schmitt wore a pair of Sampan frames from Costa on Champlain -- the massive lake he comically says he’s in love with -- to qualify for the Compete + Conserve cash bonus from Costa following his win.
“When you spend as many days a year on the water as I do, you value the fact Costas are so durable, and feature such awesome lens quality,” says Schmitt. “The fact they’re doing great things for anglers and conservation through the Compete + Conserve program makes me love the brand even more.”
Not only will Costa’s Compete + Conserve bonus buy a lot of fuel for future Chesapeake Bay guide trips, but Schmitt will also get to choose a conservation agency to receive $500 in his name from Costa.
If you wear Costa eyewear and compete in fishing tournaments, make sure you visit http://costacompeteandconserve.com/ to get registered or for more information on this exciting new program. It’s absolutely free to sign up and eligible for anglers of all levels.
Cosculluela Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League on Lake St. Clair
| RANK | BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Hugh Cosculluela of The Woodlands, Texas | 5 | 23-1 | $7,220 |
| 2nd | John Zubkoff of Monroe, Mich. | 5 | 22-9 | $2,360 |
| 3rd | Doug Jenkins of Cicero, Ind. | 5 | 22-4 | $1,574 |
| 4th | Jason Elliott of Warsaw, Ind. | 5 | 21-2 | $1,101 |
| 5th | Jeremy Reese of Powell, Ohio | 5 | 20-14 | $944 |
| 6th | Alex Redwine of Cincinnati, Ohio | 5 | 20-9 | $865 |
| 7th | Austin Freed of Wolcottville, Ind. | 5 | 20-8 | $1,482 |
| 8th | Scott Dobson of Clarkston, Mich. | 5 | 20-6 | $629 |
| 8th | Jeremy Antrup of Fremont, Ind. | 5 | 20-6 | $629 |
| 8th | Tom Beale of St. Clair Shores, Mich. | 5 | 20-6 | $629 |
| RANK | STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Kristian Dus of Chicago, Ill. | 5 | 22-9 | $2,360 |
| 2nd | Chance Hoover of Lexington, Ky. | 5 | 21-13 | $1,180 |
| 3rd | Andy Fryer of Sidney, Ohio | 5 | 20-14 | $1,112 |
| 4th | Greg Elswick of Goshen, Ind. | 5 | 20-13 | $511 |
| 4th | Nathan Housel of Carlisle, Pa. | 5 | 20-13 | $511 |
| 6th | Tim Hooker of Stoutsville, Ohio | 5 | 19-5 | $433 |
| 7th | Nicholas Veselka of Fishers, Ind. | 5 | 19-3 | $393 |
| 8th | Daniel Perdieu of Rochester, Ind. | 5 | 18-12 | $354 |
| 9th | Ryan Legg of Parma, Ohio | 5 | 18-5 | $315 |
| 10th | Grant Gallagher of Fremont, Ohio | 5 | 18-1 | $275 |
| AWARD | NAME | CONTINGENCY | PAYOUT |
| Boater Big Bass | Austin Freed of Wolcottville, Ind. | 6-pound bass | $695 |
| Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass | Billy E. Crider, Jr. of Kettering, Ohio | 5-pound, 13-ounce bass | $347 |
| Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus | Hugh Cosculluela of The Woodlands, Texas | Eligible Phoenix Boat* | $2,500 |
| ANGLER | BAIT | COLOR |
| Boater |
|
Not Specified |
| Strike King Co-Angler | Not Specified |
| EVENT | DATE | LOCATION | HOST |
| Michigan Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship | Oct. 14-16 | Potomac River, Marbury, Md. | Charles County Board of Commissioners |
| Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American | June 3-5 | Douglas Lake, Dandridge, Tenn. | Jefferson County Department of Tourism |
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 .
Dove Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League on Lake Monroe
| RANK | BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Mark Dove of North Vernon, Ind. | 5 | 14-10 | $5,575 |
| 2nd | Chris Wilkinson of Farmersburg, Ind. | 5 | 14-8 | $2,288 |
| 3rd | Todd Hensley of New Albany, Ind. | 4 | 14-7 | $1,525 |
| 4th | Eddie Frey of Cincinnati, Ohio | 5 | 12-12 | $1,068 |
| 5th | Tyler Land of Coatsville, Ind. | 5 | 12-11 | $915 |
| 6th | Luke Foli of Fishers, Ind. | 5 | 12-4 | $839 |
| 7th | Brian Campbell of Oxford, Ohio | 5 | 11-0 | $763 |
| 8th | Bryce Kalen of Greenwood, Ind. | 5 | 10-12 | $648 |
| 8th | Caleb Carnes of Harned, Ky. | 4 | 10-12 | $1,148 |
| 10th | Blake Albertson of Bloomington, Ind. | 5 | 10-9 | $534 |
| RANK | STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | David E. Watson of Sullivan, Ind. | 5 | 14-6 | $2,580 |
| 2nd | Ronnie Gill of Indianapolis, Ind. | 5 | 13-12 | $1,577 |
| 3rd | Jeffery Johnson of Austin, Ind. | 4 | 13-10 | $751 |
| 4th | Eddie Patrick of Morgantown, Ind. | 4 | 11-10 | $526 |
| 5th | Greg Roberts of Columbus, Ind. | 4 | 10-10 | $451 |
| 6th | Ken Barker of Middleton, Ohio | 3 | 8-14 | $413 |
| 7th | Andy Vance of Danville, Ind. | 5 | 7-11 | $376 |
| 8th | Tom Harber of Kokomo, Ind. | 2 | 7-10 | $319 |
| 8th | Bill Kissinger of Knoxville, Tenn. | 3 | 7-10 | $319 |
| 10th | William Jackson of Lawrenceburg, Ind. | 3 | 7-2 | $263 |
| AWARD | NAME | CONTINGENCY | PAYOUT |
| Boater Big Bass | Jason Roberts of Bargersville, Ind. | 5-pound, 14-ounce bass | $665 |
| Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass | David E. Watson of Sullivan, Ind. | 5-pound, 14-ounce bass | $327 |
| Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus | Caleb Carnes of Harned, Ky. | Eligible Phoenix Boat* | $500 |
| ANGLER | BAIT | COLOR |
| Boater | Big Bite Baits Dean Rojas - Fighting Frog | Not Specified |
| Strike King Co-Angler | 10” Worms (unspecified) | Not Specified |
| EVENT | DATE | LOCATION | HOST |
| Hoosier Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship | Oct. 7-9 | Wheeler Lake, Decatur, Ala. | Decatur Morgan County Tourism |
| Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American | June 3-5 | Douglas Lake, Dandridge, Tenn. | Jefferson County Department of Tourism |
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 .
Nolan Minor’s College Fishing Farewell
Courtesy of Luke Stoner - Dynamic Sponsorships
College fishing standout Nolan Minor crossed something off his bucket list in Fort Worth, Texas during the 51st Bassmaster Classic while simultaneously bidding farewell to his impressive college fishing career. The West Virginia University graduate drove down to Texas to compete in the final college tournament of his career, The College Classic.
Minor’s tournament resume features a pile of top finishes; including major wins, second-place finishes in events, Team of the Year races, and even the 2018 Carhartt College Series Classic Bracket. Nick Ratliff narrowly edged out Minor’s Classic aspirations in 2018 during an exciting head-to-head battle, but one of those goals came full circle in Fort Worth this June.
“It was a pretty amazing experience getting to walk across the Bassmaster Classic stage, and I even got to do it with a 5-pounder,” Minor said with a smile. “That checks one dream off the bucket list, taking a big bass across the Classic stage. Now I just have to carry a 5-pounder across the Classic stage while actually fishing in the tournament.”
Minor’s confidence and goals are rooted in his humble, hard working, but always-friendly demeanor. Though he qualified for and competed in four straight Carhartt Bassmaster College Series National Championships while earning his degree from WVU, Minor was never able to fish in the special college tournament held in conjunction with the Bassmaster Classic. The experience was a fitting end to his days as a collegiate fisherman.
Now Minor has his sights on his next goal, qualifying for the Bassmaster Elite Series.
Trying to follow in the footsteps of anglers like Patrick Walters, Jake Whitaker, or the Lee brothers by qualifying through the Bassmaster Opens. Countless anglers competing at the professional level have proven that college fishing provides invaluable “on-the-job” experience to young anglers.
Currently, Minor is helping manage social media accounts for brands in the fishing industry while competing in the Northern division of the Bassmaster Opens.
To the surprise of few, Minor had a strong 38th place finish in his first Open event on the James River; cashing a solid check and learning a lot for his next two events in the process. If things work out the way he hopes, Minor plans to compete in all nine Opens in 2022.
“Trying to be a pro angler isn’t like most jobs,” Minor said. “There is no set path, it’s unpredictable. Every single person who fishes professionally has a different story. It could take a lifetime, or it could happen quickly. To be honest, financing a professional career is pretty intimidating. I have no idea how I’d do it, but I know I love this sport and I feel like it’s what I’m supposed to do.”
Throughout his college fishing career, Minor’s honest loyalty and performance on the water helped him form working relationships with brands like Carhartt, Abu Garcia and Berkley Fishing, Featherwick, Fishing Online, and Bass Resource. These companies continue to support Minor in his Bassmaster Open campaign.
“I’m fresh out of college, I’m hungry, and I know I’d really regret it if I didn’t at least give the Opens my best effort,” Minor explained. “I have the support of my family, friends, and hope to continue growing my relationship with a few incredible companies. There is no better time to give it a shot.”
John Cox disqualified for the St. Lawrence Elite Series Event
Originally posted on Bassmaster.com
John Cox won’t be fishing this week in the Farmers Insurance Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River.
B.A.S.S. officials ruled him ineligible for the final tournament of the 2021 Elite Series season because he violated the 28-day off limits rule that all competitors must follow.
Cox fished in a tournament on New York’s St. Lawrence River June 25-30, placing him in violation of the off-limits period for the Elite Series tournament on St. Lawrence which begins July 15.
Bassmaster Elite Rule C3. I, for Practice and Competition states, “Off-limits for Elite events begins on the Monday closest to 28 days prior to the first practice day.”
Here is the official statement from B.A.S.S.
“The Bassmaster Elite Series competition rules are very clear that the off-limits period for events begins 28 days prior to the first practice day. B.A.S.S. is committed to maintaining the integrity of our tournaments by holding every angler to the same rules. Unfortunately, this is not the first time that an angler has been disqualified for violating the off-limits rule.”
In 2019 Elite Series rookie Derek Hudnall was disqualified for the Lake Hartwell tournament for fishing there inside the 28-day off-limits period.
New Season of the AnglersChannel Bass Wrap Up TV Show!
As seen weekly on the Discovery Channel, this first edition of the AnglersChannel Bass wrap up show brought to you by Sportsman’s warehouse, we take you out on the water for the first Bassmaster Elite series event of the year on The St John’s river and witness that incredible rookie win, We see what’s new with the Carolina Bass Challenge, Bring you the first of our latest segment, Angler Profiles, Gear reviews from Strike King & Lews, and we’ll highlight some must have’s from Sportsman’s Warehouse, Plus ride along with AnglersChannel Staffers as they do a little fishing on Lake Guntersville!
Schmitt Slams The Door On Bassmaster Elite Series Event At Lake Champlain
Bryan Schmitt, of Deale, Md., has won the 2021 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain with a four-day total of 78 pounds, 5 ounces.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
July 11, 2021
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — Bryan Schmitt talked all week about “special little things” that were happening to help him maintain the lead at the Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain.
But the most special one happened just 15 minutes before Sunday’s final weigh-in, as Schmitt landed a 3 1/2-pound smallmouth that gave him a 12-ounce upgrade and allowed him to secure his first Elite Series win with a four-day total of 78 pounds, 5 ounces.
Call it luck. Call it fate. But the win seemed meant to be for the second-year Elite Series pro from Deale, Md.
“I pulled up to a buoy cable this afternoon right before time to come in and saw two fish on my (Garmin) LiveScope,” Schmitt said. “I threw that drop shot in there, felt the bite and didn’t really think it was a bass. But it turns out it was a bass — and without that fish I don’t win.
“When things like that are happening, man, it’s a special week.”
Schmitt talked each day about a waning bite, but he still managed to catch 21-11, 21-5 and 19-4 the first three rounds. Then on Championship Sunday, things did get tougher and he only managed to bring in 16-1.
That barely helped him stave off a hard charge from Texas pro Keith Combs, who finished with 77-13 — just 8 ounces behind the leader.
To catch his bass, Schmitt used a Spro Spin John, a Neko-rigged Missile Baits Quiver Worm and a Missile Baits Ned Bomb on a drop-shot rig.
“I caught a couple of key fish on the spinbait, but the Quiver Worm produced the bulk of my fish for sure,” he said. “I was fishing it on a Hayabusa Spin Muscle Guard Hook with a little nail weight just to get it down.
“These fish are smart, I guess. You could throw a jig in there and they wouldn’t bite it, but they would eat that Quiver Worm.”
For the Neko setup, Schmitt used a 6-9 Fitzgerald Stunner Rod and a spinning reel spooled with 10-pound braid and a 10-pound fluorocarbon leader. For the drop-shot rig, he used a drop-shot wacky hook from Hayabusa, a 1/4-ounce Reins Tungsten sinker with 8-pound fluorocarbon on the same rod. The only time he picked up a baitcaster was when he used the spinbait.
Another special element for Schmitt this week was the ability to overcome several unfortunate moments.
On Saturday, he had two key fish break his line. Then on Sunday, he lost several bass because of something he says he should have never allowed to happen.
“Today, it took me three lost fish to realize that the point on my drop-shot hook had bent in,” he said. “That’s not a smart move. Out of those three, I’ll bet you at least one of them was a big one because they were on a spot where I had caught three 4-pounders this week.
“I was able to overcome those kinds of mistakes — somehow.”
Even as he was standing in the weigh-in line, Schmitt said he thought he’d blown his chance with only 16-1 in his bag.
“I thought it was over, no way,” he said. “I knew one of these guys was going to have a good day — and Keith (Combs) did.”
Combs, who was in 16th place going into Saturday’s semifinal round, dialed in a topwater strategy for big smallmouth and caught 20-14 to jump into third heading into Championship Sunday.
The topwater pattern, which included a Strike King Sexy Dawg and another unnamed walking bait, produced again Sunday, as Combs caught 19-3 and held the unofficial lead on BassTrakk for a while.
Combs, who also used a couple of different jerkbaits, caught a pair of large fish that swallowed his lures so deeply he was forced to release them for fear of receiving a 4-ounce dead-fish penalty at the scales.
“With those two fish, I might have actually had enough to win,” Combs said. “I hate that it worked out that way, but it is what is.”
Minnesota pro Seth Feider, who came into the event just needing to avoid a total crash and burn to maintain his lead in the Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings, did far more than simply survive. He finished in fourth place behind Schmitt, Combs and Texas pro Chris Zaldain.
With his fourth Top 10 of the season, Feider now has 699 points and holds a commanding lead over his closest competitors, Patrick Walters of South Carolina (644) and Canadian Chris Johnston (630).
Feider believes it will take something catastrophic to keep him from winning the AOY title now — and for that reason, he plans to stay close to the takeoff site during next week’s season-ending Farmers Insurance Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River.
“I’m not going to take any chances, and that definitely means I won’t be making the long run to Lake Ontario,” Feider said. “I probably won’t get more than 30 miles from the takeoff site anytime during the week.”
Another Minnesota pro, Austin Felix, took Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the day honors with a 4-13. Oklahoma pro Dale Hightower had Big Bass of the week with the 5-15 he caught on Day 1.
Combs took home an additional $3,000 for being the highest-placing entrant in the Toyota Bonus Bucks program, while Zaldain earned $2,000 for being the second-highest placing entrant.
Combs also earned $2,500 for being the highest-placing entrant in the Yamaha Power Pay program, while Zaldain claimed an additional $1,500 for being the second-highest placing entrant.
2021 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain 7/8-7/11
Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 4
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 20 78-05 100 $100,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-11 Day 2: 5 21-05 Day 3: 5 19-04 Day 4: 5 16-01
2. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 20 77-13 99 $36,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 18-13 Day 3: 5 20-14 Day 4: 5 19-03
3. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 20 76-15 98 $30,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-11 Day 2: 5 19-11 Day 3: 5 19-07 Day 4: 5 17-02
4. Seth Feider New Market, MN 20 76-14 97 $26,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-11 Day 2: 5 19-07 Day 3: 5 18-07 Day 4: 5 19-05
5. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 20 76-06 96 $21,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 19-01 Day 3: 5 19-13 Day 4: 5 19-06
6. Destin DeMarion Grove City, PA 20 76-02 95 $19,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-06 Day 2: 5 21-02 Day 3: 5 17-00 Day 4: 5 18-10
7. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 20 74-10 94 $18,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 20-01 Day 3: 5 20-04 Day 4: 5 16-02
8. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 20 73-10 93 $17,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-05 Day 2: 5 20-00 Day 3: 5 17-15 Day 4: 5 15-06
9. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 20 73-10 92 $16,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 20-00 Day 3: 5 17-14 Day 4: 5 16-13
10. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 20 73-05 91 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-14 Day 2: 5 19-04 Day 3: 5 18-14 Day 4: 5 16-05
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Dale Hightower Mannford, OK 05-15 $1,000.00
2 Seth Feider New Market, MN 05-11 $1,000.00
3 Keith Combs Huntington, TX 05-00 $1,000.00
4 Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 04-13 $1,000.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Dale Hightower Mannford, OK 05-15 $1,000.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 94 472 1633-14
2 94 470 1570-11
3 43 220 760-03
4 10 50 174-05
----------------------------------
241 1212 4139-01
A smallmouth sticker from the “Bass Chaplain”
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
Chris Wells doesn’t have to be out here. He could just as easily stay home and pastor a church full time in South Carolina.
Instead, he combines a passion for our Savior and bass fishing to serve as our Chaplain, traveling the country ministering to a bunch of us hairy legged sinners with silly raccoon tan lines on our faces from the Costa glasses we wear constantly.
Not long ago, with little or no funding for travel and groceries, he’d sleep in his truck – just to be here – for us.
You know, Us -- the traveling circus of all things pro bass fishing, that includes dudes like me that probably say too many cuss words and drink too many beers sometimes, while wondering what crankbait to tie on for the first cast of the morning.
When I think about his dedication and commitment, it brings extreme humility – and jumpy tear ducts.
Two days ago, here at Lake Champlain, Chris Wellshunted me down on the boat dock while I was interviewing Team Toyota’s Matt Arey at 6:30 a.m.and said, “I don’t mean to interrupt, but I’ve got something special for Guck.”
He had seen my post two weeks ago about wanting more decals for my Yeti water jug and brought me his own “The Bass Chaplain Chris Wells” decal, complete with a smallmouth bass on it.
It Made My Day.
Cool decals make a Yeti jug look better, but far more importantly, souls like Chris Wells make humans better.
I often watch the short sermons he posts from his home on the facebooks, and I Love to hear him pray on the loudspeaker before we play the National Anthem at sunrise minutes prior to tournament blast-off.
I remember at Lake Fork, Texas he prayed, “Lord, our world is filled with uncertainty, but we can find peace knowing there is absolutely nothing uncertain about You.”
Bam!
Simple. Profound. Goosebumps.
Thank goodness, he no longer sleeps in his truck, but he dang sure ain’t getting rich out here delivering the word in boat ramp parking lots.
A raffle he conducts to win a Free bass boat goes far in providing funding – check it out at www.ChrisWells.org, and follow his page here on facebook too, please.
And please know, his own life is not without strife. His wife Pam is battling cancer. Put her in your prayers.
Still, he is out here, riding along with pro anglers as a Bassmaster Marshall, sharing the Word, and handing out cool decals to hairy legged flippin and pitchinfools like me.
We may have raccoon eye tan lines on our faces, but thanks to “The Bass Chaplain” I believe we’ve got better perspective in our minds and increased accountability in our hearts.
Thanks so much for all you do, “Preach.”
Schmitt Maintains Lead At Bassmaster Elite Event On Lake Champlain
Bryan Schmitt, of Deale, Md., is leading after Day 3 of the 2021 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain with a three-day total of 62 pounds, 4 ounces.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
July 10, 2021
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — To hear Bryan Schmitt talk there isn’t a single bass left in Lake Champlain. They’re all gone. Just vanished.
But don’t buy any of it for a second.
The perennially pessimistic Maryland pro caught another big limit Saturday — this time five bass that weighed 19 pounds, 4 ounces — to increase his three-day total to 62-4 and maintain his lead at the Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain.
He’ll lead a field of 10 qualifying anglers into Championship Sunday with a chance to claim his first Elite Series victory and a $100,000 first-place prize. But of course, he sounded less than confident about his chances.
“I don’t even know how we got it done today, to be honest with you,” Schmitt said. “Tomorrow’s the day. Whoever catches the big bag tomorrow. It’s still anybody’s tournament.”
Schmitt, who has been either first or second all week long, said he spent Saturday’s semifinal round fishing the same areas he fished the first two days. The areas produced big bites, but Schmitt had big bass break his line twice and he admitted he was starting to feel a bit defeated.
After going to an area where he knew he could catch some small fish “just to calm down,” he revisited more familiar areas and put together the bulk of his weight with largemouth.
“I can’t get my smallmouth to go,” Schmitt said. “Yesterday, they were there but it was too rough to fish for them. Today, they were just gone, not even there. I saw one or two fish on my electronics, but I’m not even sure they were smallmouth because they wouldn’t bite.”
Schmitt’s five-bass limit included three largemouth and two smallmouth. Those two smallies came late in the day after he had abandoned his largemouth pattern.
“I caught a 4-pound largemouth that made me feel a lot better, but I started feeling like my largemouth were just burned,” he said. “So, after I caught that 4-pounder, I went smallmouth fishing and caught two that helped me upgrade.
“I really feel in my heart that the largemouth won’t hold up tomorrow. I need to make the smallmouth bite.”
Schmitt entered the day with a lead of 2 1/2 pounds over his closest competition, and that lead stayed virtually the same as Texas pro Chris Zaldain moved into second place with a three-day total of 59-13 — just 2 pounds, 7 ounces back of Schmitt.
Zaldain stuck with his strategy of targeting small schools of alewives and the big smallmouth that were chasing them. But with the change in weather conditions — from cloudy and overcast the first two days to bright sunshine Saturday — he had a harder time staying on top of his fish.
Noticeably absent for the latter part of the day were the birds that had guided him to those baitfish the first two rounds.
“My bird activity only lasted about 45 minutes today,” Zaldain said. “This is my first time fishing an alewife-driven tournament, but it was kind of what I expected. It’s like a shad spawn down South. Once those clouds disappear, the bait kind of dissipates.”
Even with the short window, bird activity led Zaldain to one mega-school of smallmouth that helped him put most of his weight in the livewell. He said that school was far away from any of the waypoints he marked during practice or the first two days of competition.
Though many anglers had been wishing for sun all week, Zaldain believed the bluebird skies were to blame for a day that wasn’t quite as action-packed as the previous two.
“It hurt my numbers for sure,” he said. “The size is still there. There are still a lot of 3 3/4- to 4 1/4-pounders up there. But when it got slick and sunny, I could see a lot of them on my electronics following my bait that wouldn’t commit.
“With it being sunny, it gives them a lot of time to examine that bait.”
The biggest mover of the day was Texas pro Keith Combs who caught 20-14 and jumped from 16th into third with a three-day mark of 58-10.
Combs, who is known for catching giant largemouth, weighed in a bag of five smallmouth Saturday anchored by a gorgeous 5-pounder that claimed Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors for the day.
“A 5-even is rare on this place, so that was big,” Combs said. “It was a great day, but it was frustrating at the same time because minutes before I caught that 5, I saw another 5 behind my bait that wouldn’t commit to it.
“That stretch had some big ones. I could have had a huge bag.”
Minnesota pro Seth Feider caught 18-7 and stayed in sixth place for a second straight day with 57-9. With his fourth Top 10 of the season now assured, Feider has 697 points in the Bassmaster Angler of the Year race and holds a 50-point lead over South Carolina pro Patrick Walters.
The Top 10 remaining anglers will takeoff for Championship Sunday at 7 a.m. ET from Plattsburgh City Marina. Weigh-in will be held back at the marina at 3 p.m.
Live coverage 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. ET.
The event is being hosted by the City of Plattsburgh and Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau.
2021 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain Local Hosts: City of Plattsburgh, Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau
2021 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain 7/8-7/11
Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 15 62-04 100
Day 1: 5 21-11 Day 2: 5 21-05 Day 3: 5 19-04
2. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 15 59-13 99
Day 1: 5 20-11 Day 2: 5 19-11 Day 3: 5 19-07
3. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 15 58-10 98 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 18-13 Day 3: 5 20-14
4. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 15 58-08 97
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 20-01 Day 3: 5 20-04
5. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 15 58-04 96
Day 1: 5 20-05 Day 2: 5 20-00 Day 3: 5 17-15
6. Seth Feider New Market, MN 15 57-09 95 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-11 Day 2: 5 19-07 Day 3: 5 18-07
7. Destin DeMarion Grove City, PA 15 57-08 94
Day 1: 5 19-06 Day 2: 5 21-02 Day 3: 5 17-00
8. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 15 57-00 93
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 19-01 Day 3: 5 19-13
9. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 15 57-00 92
Day 1: 5 18-14 Day 2: 5 19-04 Day 3: 5 18-14
10. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 15 56-13 91
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 20-00 Day 3: 5 17-14
11. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 15 56-12 90 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 19-03 Day 3: 5 18-04
12. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 15 56-10 89 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-01 Day 2: 5 19-06 Day 3: 5 20-03
13. Randy Sullivan Breckenridge, TX 15 56-04 88 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 18-04 Day 3: 5 20-00
14. Jeff Gustafson Keewatin Ontario CANADA 15 56-01 87 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-03 Day 2: 5 19-13 Day 3: 5 16-01
15. Carl Jocumsen Queensland AUSTRALIA 15 56-00 86 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-05 Day 2: 5 18-04 Day 3: 5 17-07
16. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 15 55-14 85 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 17-15 Day 3: 5 18-10
17. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 15 55-13 84 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 20-09 Day 3: 5 17-11
18. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 15 55-08 83 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-11 Day 2: 5 19-01 Day 3: 5 18-12
19. Randy Pierson Oakdale, CA 15 55-04 82 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-00 Day 2: 5 17-02 Day 3: 5 17-02
20. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 15 55-01 81 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-06 Day 2: 5 17-12 Day 3: 5 17-15
21. Kenta Kimura Osaka JAPAN 15 55-01 80 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 5 18-05 Day 3: 5 18-11
22. John Cox Debary, FL 15 55-00 79 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 17-07 Day 3: 5 20-03
23. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 15 54-14 78 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-01 Day 2: 5 17-09 Day 3: 5 17-04
24. Cody Hollen Beaverton, OR 15 54-10 77 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-11 Day 2: 5 18-01 Day 3: 5 19-14
25. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 15 54-01 76 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 16-13 Day 3: 5 18-03
26. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 15 54-01 75 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-04 Day 2: 5 18-14 Day 3: 5 17-15
27. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 15 54-00 74 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 19-06 Day 3: 5 16-10
28. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 15 53-08 73 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-11 Day 2: 5 19-07 Day 3: 5 15-06
29. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 15 53-06 72 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 17-09 Day 3: 5 17-04
30. Buddy Gross Chickamauga, GA 15 53-03 71 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-13 Day 2: 5 17-00 Day 3: 5 14-06
31. Taku Ito Chiba JAPAN 15 52-13 70 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-07 Day 2: 5 17-02 Day 3: 5 15-04
32. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 15 52-12 69 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 19-00 Day 3: 5 17-10
33. Drew Benton Blakely, GA 15 52-02 68 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-08 Day 2: 5 19-07 Day 3: 5 17-03
34. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 15 52-02 67 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 17-13 Day 3: 5 16-00
35. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 15 51-11 66 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 18-08 Day 3: 5 17-01
36. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 15 51-05 65 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-08 Day 2: 5 17-00 Day 3: 5 14-13
37. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 15 50-08 64 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-04 Day 2: 5 18-00 Day 3: 5 14-04
38. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 15 50-07 63 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 15-13 Day 3: 5 16-08
39. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 15 50-04 62 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-06 Day 2: 5 18-03 Day 3: 5 15-11
40. Bill Weidler Helena, AL 15 49-11 61 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-11 Day 2: 5 16-13 Day 3: 5 15-03
41. David Fritts Lexington, NC 15 48-12 60 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-12 Day 2: 5 19-07 Day 3: 5 12-09
42. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 15 48-11 59 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 18-11 Day 3: 5 12-08
43. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 15 48-10 58 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 18-12 Day 3: 5 14-01
44. Frank Talley Temple, TX 13 42-07 57 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 18-14 Day 3: 3 07-12
45. Dale Hightower Mannford, OK 12 40-08 56 $11,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 15-00 Day 3: 2 06-03
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PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Dale Hightower Mannford, OK 05-15 $1,000.00
2 Seth Feider New Market, MN 05-11 $1,000.00
3 Keith Combs Huntington, TX 05-00 $1,000.00
Zaldain playing hurt
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
After dropping 19-pounds of Lake Champlain smallmouth on the scales to sit in 3rd place after Day 2 at the Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite, you’d never know that Chris Zaldain is fishing with a terrible ankle sprain.
Light rains in the area Wednesday night and early Thursday morning soaked boat carpets and called for anglers to dress in raingear and rubber boots on Day 1 of competition, and that made for soggy and slick conditions inside bass boats.
“I stepped down from the back deck after putting a fish in the livewell, and my foot landed right on a pair of wet pliers laying on the floor. And man, in those rubber boots that was like stepping on a greased railroad track,” reflects Zaldain.
“I swear my ankle rolled to 90-degrees. My ride along Marshall said it looked horrific -- he thought I broke it, it swelled immediately,” he adds.
As far as he knows nothing is broken. But it’s a darn good thing Zaldain’s dad had the wisdom to send Chris and his siblings to Emergency Response Team school back in his hometown of San Jose, California, where he learned about CPR, and yes, taping sprained ankles.
“Thanks to Dad, I knew how to wrap a support bandage around it. And of course, I’m icing it a ton, and taking Ibuprofen,” he says.
Ironically, Zaldain is staying in a rent home this week owned by a medical pathologist, trained to treat the cause and effect of disease and injuries.
So, between his own emergency medical knowledge, that of his renter, and the pain-killing adrenalin of catching fat limits of smallmouth on a flutter spoon, he’ll march on in search of his first Elite Series victory battered …but far from beaten.
Another Mixed Bag Lifts Schmitt Into Lead In Elite Series Event At Lake Champlain
Bryan Schmitt, of Deale, Md., is leading after Day 2 of the 2021 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain with a two-day total of 43 pounds.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
July 9, 2021
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — Bryan Schmitt has insisted two days in a row that big smallmouth will be the key this week if he wins the Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain.
But he just keeps catching big largemouth.
The second-year Elite Series pro from Deale, Md., caught a five-bass limit Friday that weighed 21 pounds, 5 ounces and moved from second place into the lead with a two-day total of 43-0.
Once again, his bag was anchored by a big largemouth — this time a 4-15.
“I’ve burnt my largies down,” Schmitt said. “I got some lucky bites today. They happened on some places that I like fishing, but I know they were lucky bites.”
One of those lucky bites came late in the day and helped him upgrade into the lead.
“I pulled up on a spot this afternoon and made a cast with a spybait,” he said. “As I was reeling it in, something boiled out beside me and a baitfish jumped out of the water. I cast over there and caught a 4-pound smallmouth.
“That, to me, is very lucky. Little things like that have been happening for me this week.”
Besides good fortune, Schmitt has also benefited from the generosity of fellow Elite Series competitor John Crews.
The Virginia pro and founder of Missile Baits gave Schmitt a “goody bag” that was filled with Quiver Worms in the green pumpkin flash color. Schmitt said both species have been eating the worms when conditions will allow.
The smallmouth he expected to rely on Friday let him down, partly because of wind that blew much harder than it did on Thursday.
“My spot that I caught three big smallmouth off of yesterday, it was very rough and I couldn’t fish it the way I wanted to,” he said. “I still saw them on my (Garmin) LiveScope, but I just couldn’t do it right.
“Tomorrow, if it’s calm, I’m really going to have to make that happen.”
Like every angler in the field, Schmitt is also hoping for more sunshine during Saturday’s semifinal round. He said it would play a big role in making both species of bass more predictable.
“Sunlight and shade position my largemouth,” he said. “These big isolated clumps that I’m fishing, they’re going to be on them instead of roaming all around. It can maybe be better, but we don’t know.
“I've really got to catch some smallmouth tomorrow to keep it going.”
Schmitt can’t afford to slip with Pennsylvania pro Destin DeMarion just behind him in second with 40-8 and Texas pro Chris Zaldain in third with 40-6. Another Texas pro, Lee Livesay, is fourth with 40-5, while Canadian Jeff Gustafson is fifth with 40-0.
DeMarion, who caught 19-6 despite technical difficulties Thursday, got things straightened out and added 21-2 to his total Friday.
“I started where I caught my biggest largemouth yesterday and didn’t really do anything,” DeMarion said. “I started running some other stuff and ended up catching my biggest fish of the day right after I left that spot. I was pretty pumped.”
Though it was his second choice, the spot produced a solid limit of 17 pounds. Then as DeMarion was running new water, he caught enough big largemouth to cull up to his final mark of 21-2.
His bag included three smallmouth in the 4-pound range, one near 3 1/4 and a 5-pound largemouth.
“It was a blast,” he said. “A lot of people are starting with smallmouth and moving in when they see a good spot for largemouth. But I’m kind of bucking the trend and fishing for largemouth first. Then I’m using smallmouth to cull out the smaller largemouth.”
After noticing smallmouth were feeding on giant alewives, Zaldain has been using two of the baits he’s always most dangerous with — a big swimbait and a flutter spoon. They helped him 20-11 Thursday and 19-11 Friday.
“On the third day of practice, I realized they were keyed in on some really big baitfish — and that perked me up,” Zaldain said. “It’s kind of the same thing as Southern swimbait fishing when they’re keyed in on big gizzard shad. It’s the same thing up here with them eating 6- and 7-inch alewives.”
Zaldain said the bass he’s catching aren’t relating to structure. Instead, they’re roaming around chasing baitfish, and he’s using his electronics — plus the tell-tale signs of nature — to stay near them.
“I’ve got waypoints dropped on them, but they’re dropped more for the area than they are for a specific rock or a boulder,” he said. “I see birds working. I see signs of baitfish busting.
“That’s where my waypoints are, but the fish are never in the same area twice.”
The Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the day, a 5-11 largemouth, was caught by Minnesota pro Seth Feider. With a Friday bag of 19-7 Friday, Feider is now in sixth place with a two-day total of 39-2.
With 697 points, Feider now holds a solid lead in the race for Bassmaster Angler of the Year over South Carolina pro Patrick Walters (640) and Oklahoma pro Jason Christie (628). Christie suffered a 2-pound penalty Friday for making a cast with six bass in his livewell.
Feider said he believes he might be one good day away from locking up the title.
“I think if I can catch 19 or 20 pounds tomorrow, it’ll just about be done,” he said. “If I can do that, I think it would take a breakdown or a disqualification or something like that the rest of the way to keep it from happening.
“If it’s meant to be, it’ll be.”
The Top 45 remaining anglers will resume competition Saturday with takeoff scheduled for 7 a.m. ET from Plattsburgh City Marina. Weigh-in will be held back at the marina at 3 p.m.
After Saturday’s round, only the Top 10 pros will advance to Championship Sunday with a chance at the $100,000 first-place prize.
Live coverage for each day of the event 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. ET on Saturday and Sunday.
The event is being hosted by the City of Plattsburgh and Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau.
2021 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain Local Hosts: City of Plattsburgh, Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau
2021 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain 7/8-7/11
Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 10 43-00 100
Day 1: 5 21-11 Day 2: 5 21-05
2. Destin DeMarion Grove City, PA 10 40-08 99
Day 1: 5 19-06 Day 2: 5 21-02
3. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 10 40-06 98
Day 1: 5 20-11 Day 2: 5 19-11
4. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 10 40-05 97
Day 1: 5 20-05 Day 2: 5 20-00
5. Jeff Gustafson Keewatin Ontario CANADA 10 40-00 96
Day 1: 5 20-03 Day 2: 5 19-13
6. Seth Feider New Market, MN 10 39-02 95 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-11 Day 2: 5 19-07
7. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 10 38-15 94
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 20-00
8. Buddy Gross Chickamauga, GA 10 38-13 93
Day 1: 5 21-13 Day 2: 5 17-00
9. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TN AUSTRALIA 10 38-09 92
Day 1: 5 20-05 Day 2: 5 18-04
10. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 10 38-08 91
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 19-03
11. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 10 38-04 90
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 20-01
12. Randy Pierson Oakdale, CA 10 38-02 89
Day 1: 5 21-00 Day 2: 5 17-02
13. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 10 38-02 88
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 20-09
14. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 10 38-02 87
Day 1: 5 18-11 Day 2: 5 19-07
15. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 10 38-02 86
Day 1: 5 18-14 Day 2: 5 19-04
16. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 10 37-12 85
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 18-13
17. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 10 37-10 84
Day 1: 5 20-01 Day 2: 5 17-09
18. Taku Ito Chiba 277-0862 JAPAN 10 37-09 83
Day 1: 5 20-07 Day 2: 5 17-02
19. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 10 37-06 82
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 19-06
20. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 10 37-04 81
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 17-15
21. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 10 37-03 80
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 19-01
22. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 10 37-02 79
Day 1: 5 19-06 Day 2: 5 17-12
23. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 10 36-12 78
Day 1: 5 17-11 Day 2: 5 19-01
24. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 10 36-08 77
Day 1: 5 19-08 Day 2: 5 17-00
25. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 10 36-07 76
Day 1: 5 17-01 Day 2: 5 19-06
26. Kenta Kimura Osaka OK JAPAN 10 36-06 75
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 5 18-05
27. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 10 36-04 74
Day 1: 5 18-04 Day 2: 5 18-00
27. Randy Sullivan Breckenridge, TX 10 36-04 74
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 18-04
29. David Fritts Lexington, NC 10 36-03 72
Day 1: 5 16-12 Day 2: 5 19-07
30. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 10 36-03 71
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 18-11
31. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 10 36-02 70
Day 1: 5 17-04 Day 2: 5 18-14
32. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 10 36-02 69
Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 17-09
33. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 10 36-02 68
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 17-13
34. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 10 35-14 67
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 16-13
35. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 10 35-02 66
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 19-00
36. Drew Benton Blakely, GA 10 34-15 65
Day 1: 5 15-08 Day 2: 5 19-07
37. John Cox Debary, FL 10 34-13 64
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 17-07
38. Cody Hollen Beaverton, OR 10 34-12 63
Day 1: 5 16-11 Day 2: 5 18-01
39. Frank Talley Temple, TX 10 34-11 62
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 18-14
40. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 10 34-10 61
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 18-08
41. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 10 34-09 60
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 18-12
42. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 10 34-09 59
Day 1: 5 16-06 Day 2: 5 18-03
43. Bill Weidler Helena, AL 10 34-08 58
Day 1: 5 17-11 Day 2: 5 16-13
44. Dale Hightower Mannford, OK 10 34-05 57 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 15-00
45. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 10 33-15 56
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 15-13
46. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 10 33-15 55 $5,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 16-06
47. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 10 33-13 54 $5,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 17-04
48. Cory Johnston Cavan CANADA 10 33-12 53 $5,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-11 Day 2: 5 16-01
49. Chris Groh Spring Grove, IL 10 33-10 52 $5,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 15-01
50. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 10 33-10 51 $5,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-11 Day 2: 5 15-15
51. Wes Logan Springville, AL 10 33-09 50 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 17-00
52. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 10 33-08 49 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 14-14 Day 2: 5 18-10
53. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 10 33-08 48 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 18-06
54. Joshua Stracner Vandiver, AL 10 33-07 47 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 17-04
55. Mike Huff London, KY 10 33-06 46 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 5 17-01
56. Jake Whitaker Fairview, NC 10 33-05 45 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 15-12
57. Darold Gleason Many, LA 10 33-04 44 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 14-12
58. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 10 33-03 43 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 16-00
59. Bryan New Belmont, NC 10 33-02 42 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 19-11
60. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 10 33-02 41 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 15-15
61. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 10 33-02 40 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 16-09
62. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 10 32-15 39 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-08 Day 2: 5 16-07
63. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 10 32-14 38 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 14-06
64. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 10 32-11 37 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 15-02
65. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 10 32-11 36 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-15 Day 2: 5 16-12
66. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 10 32-07 35 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 17-05
67. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 10 32-07 34 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 15-04
68. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 10 32-07 33 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-12 Day 2: 5 15-11
69. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 10 32-04 32 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 17-07
70. Skylar Hamilton Dandridge, TN 10 32-03 31 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 5 15-15
71. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 10 32-00 30 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 13-14
72. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 10 32-00 29 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 5 13-15
73. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 10 32-00 28 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-02 Day 2: 5 14-14
74. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 10 32-00 27 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 15-02
75. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 10 31-09 26 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-02 Day 2: 5 14-07
76. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 10 31-09 25
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 16-06
77. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 10 31-07 24
Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 17-06
78. Koby Kreiger Alva, FL 10 31-04 23
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 5 16-13
79. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 10 31-02 22
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 13-11
80. Bob Downey Hudson, WI 10 31-00 21
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 13-10
81. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 10 30-12 20
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 13-09
82. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 10 30-05 19
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 15-11
83. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 10 30-02 18
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 15-05
84. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 10 30-00 17
Day 1: 5 19-10 Day 2: 5 10-06
85. Kyle Welcher Opelika, AL 10 29-10 16
Day 1: 5 16-12 Day 2: 5 12-14
86. Rob Digh Denver, NC 10 29-07 15
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 14-10
87. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 10 28-03 14
Day 1: 5 16-11 Day 2: 5 11-08
88. Kyle Monti Okeechobee, FL 10 26-15 13
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 14-01
89. Robbie Latuso Gonzales, LA 10 26-13 12
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 5 14-11
90. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 10 26-01 11
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 12-10
91. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 10 24-15 10
Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 5 11-01
92. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 10 24-15 9
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 5 11-03
93. Jay Yelas Lincoln City, OR 10 22-10 8
Day 1: 5 17-12 Day 2: 5 04-14
94. Derek Hudnall Denham Springs, LA 5 16-11 7
Day 1: 5 16-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
95. Quentin Cappo Prairieville, LA 7 16-04 6
Day 1: 2 05-01 Day 2: 5 11-03
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Dale Hightower Mannford, OK 05-15 $1,000.00
2 Seth Feider New Market, MN 05-11 $1,000.00
Critical Decisions Likely To Impact Bassmaster Elite Series Event On St. Lawrence River
Waddington, N.Y., will host the 2021 Farmers Insurance Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River July 15-18.
Photo by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S.
July 9, 2021
WADDINGTON, N.Y. — Chris Johnston will soon return to the site of his historic 2020 victory, but he and the rest of the field will face a different scenario for this year's Farmers Insurance Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River.
Competition days will be July 15-18 with daily takeoffs from Whittaker Park at 7 a.m. ET and weigh-ins each day at the park at 3 p.m.
Etching his name in the B.A.S.S. record book, Johnston caught a four-day total of 97 pounds, 8 ounces at last year’s event and became the first Canadian to win an Elite trophy. While he’s expecting a productive event, the pro from Peterborough, Ontario, points to a couple of requisite considerations.
“The smallmouth are going to be catchable deep and shallow,” Johnston said two weeks before the tournament’s start. “Our fish only get a short (seasonal) window to feed. They’re spawning right now and when they come off the beds, they’re going to be gorging themselves.
“In the river, fish spawn in up to 20 feet of water and some of those fish never go shallow. Those fish can spawn out in 20 feet and the next day they can be out in 40. Some fish live deep year-round, some live shallow; so this tournament is going to have a lot of options.”
Noting the region experienced a relatively warm spring, Johnston said he expects most bass to be in the postspawn stage. Last year’s event was held a week later, but Johnston believes competitors will find a nearly identical scenario.
Regarding game plans, Johnston said this year’s X factor will be Lake Ontario. Same as 2020, tournament waters include the easternmost Great Lake, but it’s a much farther run this time.
In 2020, anglers launched out of Clayton, N.Y., literally at the river’s mouth. Waddington — the host site for the 2017-19 events — sits about 65 miles upstream, so anglers must carefully weigh their location strategies.
“You’re an hour and a half from the mouth, then it depends on how far you want to go (into Lake Ontario),” Johnston said. “You’ll need to get gas going out and coming back in.
“The big thing about the lake is if you get big winds, it can kill (your productivity). I’ll be surprised if anyone can do it for four days in a row. Someone might get two good days in the lake and then need two in the river, but to put all your eggs in one basket and say you’re going to the lake four days is too much of a gamble.”
With far less running time in 2020, Johnston spent four days on Lake Ontario. He’ll likely spend at least part of this year’s event there because the region’s hydrology creates the potential for better quality fish.
Summarily, Lake Superior drains into Lake Huron via the St. Marys River, with Huron sending its water to Lake Erie via the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers (passing through Lake St. Clair). With Erie draining into Ontario via the Niagara River, a massive volume of water flows to the Atlantic Ocean through the St. Lawrence River.
When Lake Ontario enters the northeast-flowing St. Lawrence, all that lake current becomes constricted and accelerates over its 744-mile course to the Atlantic Ocean. Spending their lives fighting current, river fish burn more calories than lake fish. But while that explains why fish over 4 pounds are more common in Lake Ontario, you still have to make them bite.
“A couple of people are going to catch them, but a lot of people are going to strike out,” Johnston said. “It can still be won in the river; you can catch 25 pounds any day.
“Personally, I think the fish in the lake get less pressure and I think there are some big ones grouped up. But you’re only going to get to fish for three or four hours out there, so you've got to be on ’em really good.”
This final 2021 Elite event stands unique from the previous eight in that the winner earns an automatic berth into the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk, which is scheduled for March 4-6 on Lake Hartwell. Points earned at the St. Lawrence could help a few anglers qualify for the sport’s grandest event, but as Johnston points out, what’s on the line could influence strategic decisions.
“There will probably be a lot of guys who are outside the Classic (qualification) in Angler of the Year points and this tournament will be their last chance to be in the Classic,” Johnston said. “A lot of those people are probably going to say, ‘There’s so many big fish in the lake, I’m just going to gamble and go for a win.’
“The river’s a safer bet for numbers of fish, but if they get a Top 30 in the river, it’s not going to get them into the Classic.”
Those that stay in the St. Lawrence typically target main-river humps, sunken islands and rock/sand transitions in 20 to 40 feet with drop shots, Ned rigs and Carolina rigs. Anglers fishing shallow will throw jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs and drop shots. In the lake, most will target isolated rocks with drop shots, Ned rigs and tubes.
Johnston said he expects three daily bags of 19 to 20 pounds to make the Top 10 cut. Considering travel to Lake Ontario will greatly reduce fishing time, he’s looking for a winning four-day total in the mid-80s.
Live coverage for all four days of the event 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. ET on Saturday and Sunday.
The Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River is being hosted by the Village of Waddington and St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce. This tournament is supported by a Market New York grant from I LOVE NY/New York State’s Division of Tourism awarded as part of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. The tournament and all associated festivities are being planned to ensure the safety of anglers, marshals, staff and fans.
B. Lester: When God made bass lakes
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
Brandon Lester is an All-American guy. He’ll drink a beer with a buddy, loves to pick his guitar, and when he’s not competing in a Bassmaster Elite Series event, he’s fishing with his best friends around home in Southcentral Tennessee.
But make no mistake, the cornerstones of his life are faith and family. And he’s pretty sure God gave special attention to the creation of Lake Champlain when He was carving out bass fisheries.
Lester dropped another 20-pound limit of Champlain bass on the scales Thursday to sit solidly inside the Top 10 and told onlookers from the weigh-in stage, “When God was making bass fishing lakes, He made this one first.”
And he meant it.
“I used to get asked what my favorite bass lake was, and I’d say I didn’t have one, that my job was to like all of them in order to make a living. But after my first trip to Champlain, when Aaron Martens won here in 2017, I knew this was my clear favorite,” says Lester.
The easy-going Tennessee pro’s opinion certainly remained unchanged after Thursday’s weigh-in when he showed off a mixed bag of healthy smallmouth complimented by a fat largemouth as his anchor fish.
Champlain’s bass read Bassmaster Magazine
“Every time I’ve come here it seems like you can catch bass however you like to most. I’ve literally caught them from 2-feet deep to 45-feet deep. And unlike most of the places we go, they actually pattern here the way Bassmaster Magazine says bass are supposed to behave,” he laughs. “When you see a spot here that looks like it should have a bass living on it, it usually does.”
Play the wind
Champlain has a rough reputation for dangerous waves when the wind blows. But Lester says if you’ll use common sense, play close attention to the forecast, and choose a launch ramp accordingly, there’s so many bass here you should never have to run far from a wind-protected area to have a safe and memorable day.
Lester’s 5 All Time favorite lures for Lake Champlain
In no particular order: Drop shot, Ned rig, Topwater walking lure, ½-ounce jig to pitch to submerged vegetation, and a 3.5” soft swimbait.
As for Lester’s second favorite lake
“I live three hours from legendary Dale Hollow, and it definitely has huge smallmouth in it, but man, my second favorite bass fishery in America would have to be the St. Lawrence River. I absolutely love to catch smallmouth, and the St. Lawrence is unmatched for overall size and quantity,” concludes Lester with a grin, knowing the Elite Series is headed there next week.
Gross Hobbles To Day 1 Lead At Bassmaster Elite Series Event On Lake Champlain
Buddy Gross, of Chickamauga, Ga., is leading after Day 1 of the 2021 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain with 21 pounds, 13 ounces.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
July 8, 2021
Gross Hobbles To Day 1 Lead At Bassmaster Elite Series Event On Lake Champlain
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — This time last month, Buddy Gross was struggling to walk after suffering a freak ankle injury while horseback riding.
His right ankle is still grotesquely swollen, but it didn’t slow him down on the water Thursday as he caught five bass that weighed 21 pounds, 13 ounces to take the opening-round lead in the Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain.
“I made some good calls today,” said Gross, who weighed in four largemouth and one smallmouth. “I hit some stuff that I’d hit before and managed to catch a few.
“I had two smallmouth in my bag for the biggest part of my day, but I stopped on one more spot on the way in and caught another 4-pound largemouth to cull one of those fish.”
With three days left before the tournament is done, Gross didn’t go into specifics about where and how he was catching either species. But he did say he only hit about three of the 30 places he found to fish for largemouth during practice.
He had all but one of the bass he weighed in by noon.
“I’ve got a bunch of stuff left to fish, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be good,” said Gross, who picked up his first career Elite Series victory last year on Alabama’s Lake Eufaula. “They weren’t there like I expected them to be for most of practice, but they seem to be showing up now.
“If I can make it to Saturday when the sun is supposed to come out, I think it could be really good.”
As for the injured right ankle that dogged him during a 52nd-place finish at last month’s Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk on Lake Ray Roberts, Gross said it is just a matter of being careful.
“If I hit it just wrong in the boat, it still sends a sharp pain,” he said. “It’s still swollen really badly. I know I need to see a specialist, but right now I just want to fish.”
Gross holds less than a 1-pound lead over second-place pro Bryan Schmitt of Maryland (21-11) and third-place angler Randy Pierson of California (21-0).
Unlike Gross who focused mainly on largemouth, Schmitt targeted smallmouth most of the day. But he switched occasionally to largemouth when he was near the right type of habitat, and it was a decision that paid big dividends.
“I sampled a bunch of stuff I thought I could get a bite on early,” Schmitt said. “Some of it worked, some didn’t. Then about 11 o’clock, I ran some new stuff and caught a couple of big smallmouth and a couple of big largemouth.
“I probably caught 20 or so fish, but a lot of small ones.”
Schmitt said he fished roughly half the areas he identified as good possibilities in practice. Then with a good limit already in his livewell, he spent about an hour idling and looking for new water before weigh-in.
While he admitted 4-pound-plus largemouth are hard to come by on Champlain, he said the talk that 4-plus smallmouth are hard to find is false.
“I caught three of them today, and I don’t even know what I’m doing,” Schmitt said. “There’s a lot more big smallmouth in here than largemouth.”
Pierson, the 2018 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship winner, weighed in all largemouth, but that wasn’t necessarily his plan. He spent his day targeting smallmouth and then switching tactics when he saw something he said looked “largemouthy.”
“I’m pretty much throwing four baits,” Pierson said. “I’m throwing a Senko, a drop shot, a River2Sea S-Waver and a River2Sea Rover. It was just a matter of bouncing around through smallmouth stuff and moving shallow when things looked right for largemouth.
“Everything just went exactly right. It was a special day.”
Nine anglers caught more than 20 pounds of bass Thursday, and Minnesota pro Seth Feider barely missed that benchmark, finishing in 10th place with 19-11.
That total was more than enough to help Feider maintain his lead in the Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings. The Minnesota pro, who was visibly nervous for the first 30 minutes on Bassmaster LIVE, has 693 points, while Oklahoma pro Jason Christie (627) and South Carolina pro Patrick Walters (622) trail distantly behind him.
“I feel a lot better now than I did this morning,” Feider said. “I scrapped my plan to fish for smallmouth right away. I gave it maybe an hour and just wasn’t feeling it.”
That’s when he switched to flipping for largemouth.
“When I decided to go flip milfoil, I caught one the first five minutes,” he said. “It wasn’t a big one, about 3 1/2 pounds. But at that point, I knew I was gonna do it the rest of the day and that made me feel a lot better.”
Oklahoma pro Dale Hightower took in the lead in the race for Phoenix Boats Big Bass with a 5-15.
Competition will resume Friday with takeoff scheduled for 7 a.m. ET from Plattsburgh City Marina. Weigh-in will be held back at the marina at 3 p.m.
After Friday’s round, only the Top 45 pros will advance to Saturday’s semifinal round.
Live coverage for each day of the event 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. ET on Saturday and Sunday.
The Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain is being hosted by the City of Plattsburgh and Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau.
2021 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain 7/8-7/11
Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Buddy Gross Chickamauga, GA 5 21-13 100
Day 1: 5 21-13
2. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 5 21-11 99
Day 1: 5 21-11
3. Randy Pierson Oakdale, CA 5 21-00 98
Day 1: 5 21-00
4. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 5 20-11 97
Day 1: 5 20-11
5. Taku Ito Chiba JAPAN 5 20-07 96
Day 1: 5 20-07
6. Carl Jocumsen Queensland AUSTRALIA 5 20-05 95
Day 1: 5 20-05
6. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 5 20-05 95
Day 1: 5 20-05
8. Jeff Gustafson Keewatin Ontario CANADA 5 20-03 93
Day 1: 5 20-03
9. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 20-01 92
Day 1: 5 20-01
10. Seth Feider New Market, MN 5 19-11 91
Day 1: 5 19-11
11. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 5 19-10 90
Day 1: 5 19-10
12. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 5 19-08 89
Day 1: 5 19-08
13. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 5 19-06 88
Day 1: 5 19-06
13. Destin DeMarion Grove City, PA 5 19-06 88
Day 1: 5 19-06
15. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 5 19-05 86
Day 1: 5 19-05
15. Dale Hightower Mannford, OK 5 19-05 86
Day 1: 5 19-05
15. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 5 19-05 86
Day 1: 5 19-05
18. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 5 19-01 83
Day 1: 5 19-01
19. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 5 18-15 82
Day 1: 5 18-15
19. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 5 18-15 82
Day 1: 5 18-15
21. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 5 18-14 80
Day 1: 5 18-14
22. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 5 18-11 79
Day 1: 5 18-11
23. Chris Groh Spring Grove, IL 5 18-09 78
Day 1: 5 18-09
23. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 5 18-09 78
Day 1: 5 18-09
25. Darold Gleason Many, LA 5 18-08 76
Day 1: 5 18-08
25. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 18-08 76
Day 1: 5 18-08
27. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 5 18-05 74
Day 1: 5 18-05
28. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 5 18-04 73
Day 1: 5 18-04
29. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 5 18-03 72
Day 1: 5 18-03
30. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 5 18-02 71
Day 1: 5 18-02
30. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 5 18-02 71
Day 1: 5 18-02
30. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 5 18-02 71
Day 1: 5 18-02
33. Kenta Kimura Osaka JAPAN 5 18-01 68
Day 1: 5 18-01
33. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 5 18-01 68
Day 1: 5 18-01
35. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 5 18-00 66
Day 1: 5 18-00
35. Randy Sullivan Breckenridge, TX 5 18-00 66
Day 1: 5 18-00
37. Jay Yelas Lincoln City, OR 5 17-12 64
Day 1: 5 17-12
38. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 5 17-11 63
Day 1: 5 17-11
38. Cory Johnston Cavan CANADA 5 17-11 63
Day 1: 5 17-11
38. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 5 17-11 63
Day 1: 5 17-11
38. Bill Weidler Helena, AL 5 17-11 63
Day 1: 5 17-11
42. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 17-09 59
Day 1: 5 17-09
42. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 5 17-09 59
Day 1: 5 17-09
42. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 5 17-09 59
Day 1: 5 17-09
42. Jake Whitaker Fairview, NC 5 17-09 59
Day 1: 5 17-09
46. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 5 17-08 55
Day 1: 5 17-08
47. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 17-07 54
Day 1: 5 17-07
48. John Cox Debary, FL 5 17-06 53
Day 1: 5 17-06
48. Bob Downey Hudson, WI 5 17-06 53
Day 1: 5 17-06
50. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 5 17-04 51
Day 1: 5 17-04
51. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 5 17-03 50
Day 1: 5 17-03
51. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 5 17-03 50
Day 1: 5 17-03
51. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 5 17-03 50
Day 1: 5 17-03
51. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 5 17-03 50
Day 1: 5 17-03
55. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 5 17-02 46
Day 1: 5 17-02
55. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 5 17-02 46
Day 1: 5 17-02
57. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 5 17-01 44
Day 1: 5 17-01
58. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 5 16-14 43
Day 1: 5 16-14
59. David Fritts Lexington, NC 5 16-12 42
Day 1: 5 16-12
59. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 16-12 42
Day 1: 5 16-12
59. Kyle Welcher Opelika, AL 5 16-12 42
Day 1: 5 16-12
62. Cody Hollen Beaverton, OR 5 16-11 39
Day 1: 5 16-11
62. Derek Hudnall Denham Springs, LA 5 16-11 39
Day 1: 5 16-11
62. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 5 16-11 39
Day 1: 5 16-11
65. Wes Logan Springville, AL 5 16-09 36
Day 1: 5 16-09
65. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 5 16-09 36
Day 1: 5 16-09
65. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 5 16-09 36
Day 1: 5 16-09
68. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 5 16-08 33
Day 1: 5 16-08
69. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 5 16-06 32
Day 1: 5 16-06
70. Mike Huff London, KY 5 16-05 31
Day 1: 5 16-05
71. Skylar Hamilton Dandridge, TN 5 16-04 30
Day 1: 5 16-04
72. Joshua Stracner Vandiver, AL 5 16-03 29
Day 1: 5 16-03
73. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 5 16-02 28
Day 1: 5 16-02
73. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 5 16-02 28
Day 1: 5 16-02
75. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 15-15 26
Day 1: 5 15-15
76. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 5 15-13 25
Day 1: 5 15-13
76. Frank Talley Temple, TX 5 15-13 25
Day 1: 5 15-13
78. Drew Benton Blakely, GA 5 15-08 23
Day 1: 5 15-08
79. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 5 15-03 22
Day 1: 5 15-03
80. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 5 15-02 21
Day 1: 5 15-02
80. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 5 15-02 21
Day 1: 5 15-02
82. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 5 14-14 19
Day 1: 5 14-14
83. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 5 14-13 18
Day 1: 5 14-13
83. Rob Digh Denver, NC 5 14-13 18
Day 1: 5 14-13
83. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 5 14-13 18
Day 1: 5 14-13
86. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 5 14-10 15
Day 1: 5 14-10
87. Koby Kreiger Alva, FL 5 14-07 14
Day 1: 5 14-07
88. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 5 14-01 13
Day 1: 5 14-01
89. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 5 13-14 12
Day 1: 5 13-14
90. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 13-12 11
Day 1: 5 13-12
91. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 5 13-07 10
Day 1: 5 13-07
91. Bryan New Belmont, NC 5 13-07 10
Day 1: 5 13-07
93. Kyle Monti Okeechobee, FL 5 12-14 8
Day 1: 5 12-14
94. Robbie Latuso Gonzales, LA 5 12-02 7
Day 1: 5 12-02
95. Quentin Cappo Prairieville, LA 2 05-01 6
Day 1: 2 05-01
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Dale Hightower Mannford, OK 05-15 $1,0000.00
Zaldain knows smallmouth love pink
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
Chartreuse, green pumpkin, red craw, sexy shad, and black-blue will probably always be the top sellers on bass fishing’s menu of popular lure colors, but every once in a while, a special shade sneaks in and appeals to the appetites of the finicky finned critters we chase.
Pink is one of those – especially anytime clearwater and smallmouth bass are involved like here at Lake Champlain -- and Carhartt-Yamaha pro Chris Zaldain is very aware of that.
“Yup, everybody knows I’m going to have a Magdraft swimbait tied on everywhere we go, but this is one body of water where the pink version can be a player,” grins Zaldain.
Interestingly, other than putting pink in his starting line-up, when it comes to basic swimbait strategy, Zaldain doesn’t treat this northern body of water near the Canadian border much different than the famous swimbait waters of the Southern U.S. such as Guntersville or Lake Fork.
In fact, his primary goal Thursday to begin competition was to find schools of the biggest alewife baitfish that swim in this massive body of water on the New York-Vermont border.
Seagulls and other diving birds often provide a hot tip on where to find the bait, but for Zaldain, the key is finding jumbo sized bait. “Big bass eat big baits. Some of the best fish I caught in practice were coughing up 6” long alewives, so that’s what I’m trying to match with this 6” swimbait.”
Classic thinking for the always classy San Jose, California native who now calls Fort Worth, Texas home. Go big or go home. And this week, don’t be afraid to put some pink in the mix.
FOX Sports Expands Bassmaster Event Coverage Amid Booming Interest
Nearly two million viewers watched live coverage of Hank Cherry's historic win in the 2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk on the FOX broadcast network and FS1.
July 8, 2021
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Amid healthy ratings and booming interest in Bassmaster Elite Series live coverage on FS1, B.A.S.S. and FOX Sports have expanded their planned broadcasts to include three Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens Series tournaments and the revived Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter.
Since starting the 2021 Bassmaster Elite Series season on the FOX Sports networks, more than 4.5 million viewers have tuned-in for tournament action. Through the first seven events of the Elite Series season, fans have watched and streamed a staggering 358.5 million minutes of Bassmaster LIVE and weigh-in coverage, while also breaking single-day Elite event records for visits and video views.
“Participation in fishing is at an all-time high and that’s reflected in the huge appetite we’re seeing for live fishing,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. “Our partnership with FOX Sports has allowed us to showcase the highest level of bass fishing in the Bassmaster Elite Series. Now we are thrilled to highlight the stars of the future with Opens coverage as well as exciting saltwater fishing!”
The announcement of additional programming comes just weeks after the iconic Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk reeled in nearly 2 million viewers to the FOX broadcast network and FS1 for eight hours of live coverage during the Super Bowl of Bass Fishing. The partnership has allowed B.A.S.S. to continue reaching new audiences, and almost 1.3 million people who watched Saturday Bassmaster LIVE coverage on FOX had not previously watched an Elite Series event on FS1.
Elite Series invitations as well as the Falcon Rods Angler of the Year title will be on the line when FS1 broadcasts live coverage of Championship Saturday from the divisional finals of the Bassmaster Opens Series. Fans can catch on-the-water action Sept. 11 at St. Lawrence River/1000 Islands in Clayton, N.Y. (Northern Division), Sept. 25 at Lake Norman in Charlotte, N.C. (Southern Division), and Oct. 23 at Grand Lake in Grove, Okla. (Central Division).
After a 12-year hiatus, the Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter will be held Nov. 12-14 in Port Aransas, Texas. FS1 will air seven hours of action across Nov. 13-14 as 10 teams target this powerful predator fish that reside in brackish water marshes and often reach weights of more than 40 pounds.
“With two Elite Series events to go in 2021, it continues to be a great first year with Bassmaster,” said Bill Wanger, FOX Sports EVP, Head of Programming & Scheduling. “We are excited to expand our programming and start to build on that momentum.”
For a full schedule of upcoming Bassmaster event coverage on the FOX Sports networks, visit Bassmaster.com/tv-schedule.
Champlain Elite: Lobster Mac and Cheese, please
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
Pros may not be able to count on the nomadic smallmouth bass they found in practice staying put at the Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite on massive Lake Champlain, but when you’re in the Northeastern United States, you can always count on great food.
Caleb Sumrall has already secured a great plate of beef tips from “99 Restaurants’ And Mark Menendez’s local buddy supplied him some awesome mac and cheese. Now, the two consummate pros just have to figure out how to catch bass well above the 3-pound mark.
Q: What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing this week?
Sumrall: There’s a ton of fish in this lake, but catching 4-pounders is the big challenge. And that’s the size you’ll need to separate yourself from the pack.
Menendez: I think the biggest challenge is managing your run distance – not getting mentally spun out on whether to make the long run south to Ticonderoga, or for example, Rouses Point way up north.
Q: What do you like most about Champlain?
Sumrall: The simple fact there are so many bass in this lake.
Menendez: I’ll be really honest, I’ve been fishing professionally for 30 years, and this lake and I have never really gotten along well. So, I’m just trying to do well enough this week to persevere my chances of making the 2022 Bassmaster Classic.
Q: What percentage of the fish weighed-in the next four days will be smallmouth versus largemouth?
Sumrall: I’ll say 75% smallmouth, and 25% largemouth.
Menendez: 70% smallmouth, 30% largemouth.
Q: What three lures can fans expect to see the pros throw a lot this week?
Sumrall: Drop shot, Topwater, and a small swimbait.
Menendez: Jerkbait, Dropshot, and a Ned rig.
MLF Toyota Series to Kickoff Northern Division on Lake Champlain
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (July 7, 2021) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. Northern Division will kick off the 2021 season with a tournament next week in Plattsburgh, New York, July 15-17, with the Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. at Lake Champlain. Hosted by the City of Plattsburgh, the three-day tournament will feature the region’s best bass-fishing pros and 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.
“Champlain is fishing pretty good right now,” said Toyota Series angler Alec Morrison of Peru, New York. “It always tends to be a little tougher in July during the post spawn, but we are a little ahead this year and I think the tournament will be pretty good.”
Morrison said many of the fish are in the mid-range depths of 14 to 18 feet and waiting to transition out to deeper water, but warmer temperatures could potentially push more fish out a little further by the date of the tournament.
“I’ve fished many events on this body of water, and actually came in 2nd and 3rd place as a co-angler,” said Morrison. “This will be my first time to fish a tournament on Champlain as a boater, so I’m really excited about that and looking forward to it.
“I’m a little nervous considering it’s a home body of water but I’m going to practice as hard as I can and try to come up with something,” continued Morrison. “I expect to see a mix of everything being fished next week. July seems to be the month you’re bouncing around, hitting a lot of spots and using a wide array of techniques, whether power-fishing with swimbaits, jerkbaits and topwater baits or slowing down with the typical finesse stuff like drop-shot and Ned rigs. I’m sure all of those will be used frequently by everyone during the event.”
Morrison said he anticipates it will take 17 to 18 pounds per day to slide into the top 10 and will take around 60 pounds to win the three-day event.
Anglers will take off daily at 6 a.m. ET from the Plattsburgh City Marina located at 5 Dock St. in Plattsburgh. Weigh-ins will also be held at the marina and will begin at 2 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. 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. 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 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.
Pennsylvania’s Central High School Wins 2021 High School Fishing National Championship on Lake Hartwell
ANDERSON, S.C. (July 6, 2021) – Martinsburg, Pennsylvania’s Central High School duo of Gerald Brumbaugh and Hunter Klotz brought a three-bass limit to the scale weighing 9 pounds, 9 ounces to win the 2021 High School Fishing National Championship on Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina, last week. Central’s three-day total of nine bass totaling 28-13 gave them the win by a 1-pound, 14-ounce margin and earned the duo $10,000, berths as Strike King co-anglers into the lucrative Toyota Series Championship event, and several scholarships offers from colleges with fishing teams.
Brumbaugh and Klotz are childhood friends, having fished and played backyard basketball together for as long as they can remember. The duo overcame a host of talented anglers to claim high school fishing’s top crown. To do so, they leaned on consistency and the teachings of their captain, Brumbaugh’s father Gerald.
“It was a grind today,” said Klotz. “We learned that when it gets tough, you don’t always need to change things up. You just keep grinding and grinding and grinding, because there isn’t one perfect thing you need to do.”
“I think a lot of people went in and beat the bank today,” added Brumbaugh. “But we learned to keep with it.”
“I told the camera boat today that we would need a kicker fish to win,” said Klotz.
That kicker never came, but the grind paid off an hour before weigh-in, when the duo boated a solid, 2-pound keeper that enabled them to cull a 1-pounder. Though it wasn’t the lunker bucketmouth they were hoping for, the bass propelled them to a finish just over a pound above Hart and Fisher, who they knocked off the hot seat before claiming their victory.
“We were running cane piles all week,” explained Brumbaugh. “It’s no secret. But without Garmin LiveScope, we aren’t winning this week. We aren’t sponsored by them or anything, that’s just how it is.”
“I had to do a double-take at first,” added Klotz. “You would throw the bait out there and the fish would all fly up to it. You could see them. It looked like a volcano rising up, but they would all sit there and they wouldn’t bite. Sometimes, you just watch them on the graph, they swim right under your boat and you have to go somewhere else.”
The teammates say they used a bait they’d never thrown before this week to take home the title, a jointed swimbait called the Sebile Magic Swimmer. By burning the unusual herring-imitating swimbait just under the surface, they were able to coax bass out of cover and towards the surface for a bite.
“Sometimes,” Klotz said, “They would smack it and you would miss them. Other times, they would suck it down.”
The Central High School duo found the bait by chance at a local tackle store. After reading about recent tournaments online, they coerced a store owner into selling them some of a precious stash that was kept behind the counter in unmarked boxes. And though they say that every fish they weighed came from a Magic Swimmer, their pattern did vary slightly throughout the week.
Early on, bream-colored baits and a medium-speed retrieve prevailed. As weather moved in, they switched to shad-colored baits and began reeling as fast as their 7:1:1 reels would allow – all in an attempt to trigger the reaction bite. At each cane pile, they would watch fish on LiveScope, make several casts and run on to the next waypoint.
The team estimated that they covered more than 50 spots each day.
A total of 259 high school teams competed for a share of the more than $3 million in scholarships and prizes in the National Championship and the High School Fishing World Finals tournaments, held in conjunction with each on Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina. The event was hosted by the Anderson Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The top 10 finishers from the event were:
1st: Central High School, Martinsburg, Penn. – Gerald Brumbaugh and Hunter Klotz, nine bass, 28-13
2nd: Madison County High School, Danielsville, Ga. – Logan Fisher and Will Hart, nine bass, 26-15
3rd: South Forsyth High School, Cumming, Ga. – William Ayscue and Jacob Rogers, nine bass, 25-10
4th: Hewitt-Trussville High School, Trussville, Ala. – Andrew Jones and Carson Underwood, nine bass, 25-6
5th: Clarks Hill Youth Fishing Team, Martinez, Ga. – Brayden Batchelor and Evan Gonsalves, nine bass, 24-8
6th: Madison County High School, Danielsville, Ga. – Blake Hooper and Levi Seagraves, nine bass, 23-8
7th: Lumpkin County High School, Dahlonega, Ga. – Jake Barrett and Cooper McDonald, nine bass, 21-15
8th: Alhambra High School, Martinez, Calif. – Luke Beaty and Emmett Gargaro, nine bass, 21-9
9th: NCA Fishing, Harrison, Ark. – Lane King and Coleman Phillips, nine bass, 21-8
10th: Hartleys Hawgs – Nathan Fiant and Brett Hill, six bass, 17-10
Complete results from the event can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The 2021 High School Fishing National Championship on Lake Hartwell was a three-day event that saw the entire field of 259 teams compete for two days. The National Championship field was cut to the top 10 for day three and the winner was determined by heaviest three-day cumulative weight. The tournament featured the top anglers from the 2020 TBF High School Fishing State Championships and MLF U.S. Army High School Fishing Open Presented by Favorite Fishing events.
For complete details and updated information on High School Fishing, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the U.S. Army High School Fishing Presented by Favorite Fishing on the MLF BIG5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Major League Fishing’s Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Set to Premiere on This Week on Sportsman Channel and Outdoor Channel
Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Episodes to Air Every Wednesday and Sunday Through Mid-December
TULSA, Okla. (July 6, 2021) – The 26th season of the Major League Fishing (MLF) Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers is set to premiere with a two-hour episode Wednesday, July 7, at 10 a.m. ET on the Sportsman Channel and re-air on Sunday, July 11, at 7 a.m. ET on the Outdoor Channel.
The 2021 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers features a roster of the world’s best bass-fishing professionals competing across six regular-season events, each with a top award of up to $135,000. The field also competes for valuable points to qualify for the 2021 Tackle Warehouse TITLE Presented by Mercury – the Pro Circuit Championship.
The first two-hour episode of the Pro Circuit will showcase the 13 Fishing Stop 1 at Lake Okeechobee event in Clewiston, Florida. Episodes will premiere Wednesdays at 10 a.m. ET on the Sportsman Channel and re-air that same week on Sundays at 7 a.m. ET on the Outdoor Channel. The schedule will culminate with six new episodes of the Tackle Warehouse TITLE, the Pro Circuit Championship event, airing from October through mid-December.
The complete air schedule for the 2021 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers on the Sportsman Channel and Outdoor Channel is:
- July 7 13 Fishing Stop 1 at Lake Okeechobee – Sportsman Channel
- July 11 13 Fishing Stop 1 at Lake Okeechobee – Outdoor Channel
- July 14 Covercraft Stop 2 at Lewis Smith Lake – Sportsman Channel
- July 18 Covercraft Stop 2 at Lewis Smith Lake – Outdoor Channel
- July 21 Googan Baits Stop 3 at Lake Murray Presented by Favorite Fishing – Sportsman Channel
- July 25 Googan Baits Stop 3 at Lake Murray Presented by Favorite Fishing – Outdoor Channel
- Aug. 18 Grundens Stop 4 at Lake Eufaula Presented by A.R.E. – Sportsman Channel
- Aug. 22 Grundens Stop 4 at Lake Eufaula Presented by A.R.E. – Outdoor Channel
- Aug. 25 Federal Ammunition Stop 5 at Potomac River Presented by Lucas Oil – Sportsman Channel
- Aug. 29 Federal Ammunition Stop 5 at Potomac River Presented by Lucas Oil – Outdoor Channel
- Sept. 1 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Stop 6 at St. Lawrence River Presented by Googan Baits– Sportsman Channel
- Sept. 5 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Stop 6 at St. Lawrence River Presented by Googan Baits– Outdoor Channel
- Oct. 6 Tackle Warehouse TITLE at Mississippi River Presented by Mercury Day 1 – Sportsman Channel
- Oct. 10 Tackle Warehouse TITLE at Mississippi River Presented by Mercury Day 1 – Outdoor Channel
- Oct. 13 Tackle Warehouse TITLE at Mississippi River Presented by Mercury Day 2 – Sportsman Channel
- Oct. 17 Tackle Warehouse TITLE at Mississippi River Presented by Mercury Day 2 – Outdoor Channel
- Oct. 20 Tackle Warehouse TITLE at Mississippi River Presented by Mercury Day 3– Sportsman Channel
- Oct. 24 Tackle Warehouse TITLE at Mississippi River Presented by Mercury Day 3 – Outdoor Channel
- Oct. 27 Tackle Warehouse TITLE at Mississippi River Presented by Mercury Day 4 – Sportsman Channel
- Oct. 31 Tackle Warehouse TITLE at Mississippi River Presented by Mercury Day 4 – Outdoor Channel
- Nov. 3 Tackle Warehouse TITLE at Mississippi River Presented by Mercury Day 5 – Sportsman Channel
- Nov. 7 Tackle Warehouse TITLE at Mississippi River Presented by Mercury Day 5 – Outdoor Channel
- Nov. 10 Tackle Warehouse TITLE at Mississippi River Presented by Mercury Day 6 – Sportsman Channel
- Nov. 14 Tackle Warehouse TITLE at Mississippi River Presented by Mercury Day 6 – Outdoor Channel
The full television schedule can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Jacob Wheeler Wins Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour General Tire Stage Five at St. Lawrence River
Harrison, Tennessee Pro Smashes Multiple Bass Pro Tour Weight Records to Earn Record-Setting Fourth Career Bass Pro Tour Victory and $100,000 Top Prize
MASSENA, N.Y. (June 30, 2021) – After breaking nearly every major weight record on the Bass Pro Tour this week, Academy Sports + Outdoors pro Jacob Wheeler of Harrison, Tennessee, added another accolade to his resume Wednesday. Wheeler caught 35 scorable bass weighing 129 pounds even to earn his fourth career Bass Pro Tour victory – the most all-time – and the top prize of $100,000 at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour General Tire Stage Five at the St. Lawrence River Presented by Berkley in Massena, New York.
| Among the Bass Pro Tour records that Wheeler set this week was the single-day heaviest weight – 165 pounds, 1 ounce, that he weighed on Day 1 – the heaviest two-day qualifying round weight – 222 pounds, 1 ounce – and the most weight ever weighed in a Championship Round – 129 pounds even – that he set Wednesday. With his latest victory, the 30-year-old pro pushed his career earnings to more than $2.6 million.
“I was fortunate to have a solid practice for this event. I didn’t know what I could catch, and I didn’t know what it would take to win, because it was so crazy out here on the St. Lawrence River,” Wheeler said. “To officially be the champion... I don’t think I’ve ever won on smallmouth on a natural river system, so this feels unbelievable.” While the final tally on SCORETRACKER® may seem as though it was an easy win for Wheeler, the Tennessee pro found himself in seventh place after a slow start Period 1 with only five smallmouth for 21-8. As he prepared to start his afternoon, Wheeler made the decision to run to an area he found while practicing during his final Qualifying Round. Thanks to a more than 30-pound cushion in that round, Wheeler was able to scout new areas and find fish for the Championship Round. They were also fish that he knew he could count on because of the area they were located. “I was looking for fish in the places that had the most wind, because I knew that those areas wouldn’t be fished as much,” Wheeler explained. “I knew that if I was going to have two days off the water that I was going to need to find fish that would be there when I got back in the Championship Round, so I found a spot that was getting beat on by the wind out of the southwest a ton. I knew other guys wouldn’t want to mess with that area because if it was windy like it was, the waves wouldn’t be fun to deal with for flogging and sight fishing. “I’ve been in a handful of situations like this one right here, and there is nothing like a plan coming together perfectly,” Wheeler went on to say. “I cherish every single win, every single top-10. It’s something that you’re never guaranteed so you have to make sure to take a step back and appreciate these moments. This one right here was special. I cannot wait to celebrate with my wife and my little one.” Toro pro Jeff Sprague of Point, Texas, matched his career-best finish on the Bass Pro Tour with his second-place showing at the event. “Finished in second, so close once again,” Sprague said in his post-game interview. “One of these days we’re going to figure out how to win one of these events. But I’m still super excited about my finish this week. We fished extremely hard today, I even ran around this morning and fished new water and tried to make something happen. It was a crazy, amazing week here in New York and I’m thrilled to bank another top-10 finish.” The top 10 pros at the Bass Pro Tour General Tire Stage Five at the St. Lawrence River finished: 1st: Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., 35 bass, 129-0, $100,000 A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com. Overall, there were 238 bass weighing 819 pounds, 11 ounces caught by the final 10 pros on Wednesday. Wheeler also won Wednesday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award, weighing a 6-pound, 6-ounce smallmouth on a drop-shot rig in Period 1 to earn the prize. Lucas earned the $3,000 Berkley Big Bass award for the largest bass of the event with his 6-pound, 13-ounce smallmouth that he weighed on Day 1 of competition. Pro Ott DeFoe of Blaine, Tennessee, finished the event in 12th place and did not qualify for Wednesday’s Championship Round, but his finish was strong enough to maintain his lead in the MLF Bass Pro Tour Angler of the Year standings. With two events remaining in the season, DeFoe currently sits with 352 points and owns a 10-point lead over the second-place pro, California’s Brent Ehrler (342). Wheeler remains in third with 338, followed by Florida’s Bobby Lane in fourth place with 311 and Alabama’s Justin Lucas in fifth place with 309. Full AOY standings for the entire Bass Pro Tour field can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com. The General Tire Stage Five at the St. Lawrence River Presented by Berkley featured anglers competing with a 2-pound minimum weight requirement, meaning each bass caught must weigh at least 2 pounds for it to be deemed scorable. Minimum weights are determined individually for each competition waters that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery. The MLF Bass Pro Tour General Tire Stage Five at the St. Lawrence River Presented by Berkley was hosted by the Town of Massena and Fish Massena. The six-day tournament featured 80 of the top professional anglers from around the world competing for a purse of $805,000, including a top cash prize of $100,000 to the winner. Television coverage of the General Tire Stage Five Presented by Berkley at the St. Lawrence River will be showcased across two two-hour episodes, premiering at 7 a.m. ET, Oct. 23 on the Discovery Channel. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on the Discovery Channel, with additional re-airings on the Outdoor Channel and the Sportsman Channel. Each two-hour long reality-based episode goes in-depth to break down each day of competition. The Bass Pro Tour features a field of 76 of the top professional anglers in the world – joined at each event by 4 pros that qualify from the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit – competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, competing for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual Heavy Hitters all-star event and the REDCREST 2022 championship. The next event for Bass Pro Tour anglers will be the Bass Pro Tour Stage Six at Lake Champlain, Aug. 5-10 in Plattsburgh, New York. For complete details and updated information on the Bass Pro Tour, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. |