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Ott DeFoe Wins Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour at Harris Chain

Tennessee Superstar Boats 41 Pounds in Third Period to Earn Second Bass Pro Tour Victory of Season and Earn Another $100,000 Top Prize

LEESBURG, Fla. (May 26, 2021) – The Tennessee river rat did it again. Only this time, for the first time in his illustrious career, he did it in Florida. General Tire pro Ott DeFoe of Blaine, Tennessee, caught 30 bass weighing 73 pounds, 14 ounces Wednesday to win the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour Favorite Fishing Stage Three Presented by Bass Cat Boats at the Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Florida, and earn the top prize of $100,000.

“This is surreal right now. After the way this week started, this doesn’t even make sense,” said DeFoe, who earned his third career victory on the Bass Pro Tour – second this season. “I give God all of the glory and credit for this win. My decision-making process took me to Lake Griffin the first day, but I had a terrible first day and had to completely change strategies.

“On Day 2, I stayed here on Harris and pulled up to start on a grass point that had a dock nearby that I could almost cast to. It was divine intervention that told me to start there – I ended up catching almost 40 pounds off of that dock. I truly give God all of the credit for that. Sometimes he closes a window to open a door, and that’s what happened for me that day.”

DeFoe ended up staying in that general area on the south end of Lake Harris, targeting grass and docks for the remainder of the event.

“The area was really good, and you could work it in a lot of different places,” DeFoe said. “The big thing for me was not cranking my motor. Once I went into that stretch, I just put a bait in the water and I fished in and I fished out and really maximized my time. I ended up having two things going – a really, really shallow deal and a deal on the outside edges of the Kissimmee grass.”

DeFoe said he caught a number of scorable bass on a swimjig this week, but that his key bait was his signature series Rapala OG Slim Crankbait.

“It is so cool to win on a bait that I designed. I really thought it would happen at Lake Eufaula this year, but it ended up working well here and that is just a really cool deal for me,” DeFoe said. “The problem was that I was fishing a new color that’s coming out at ICAST and I only own six of them – and three are back at the house. I threw a couple of different colors this week – bream, hot copper green shad and regular copper green shad. The swimjig was a big deal and I caught a lot of fish on that, too, but that Slim was special – especially this afternoon.”

Going into the third and final period of competition Wednesday, DeFoe had a very slim lead, with Bobby Lane, Brent Chapman, Andy Montgomery, and Skeet Reese all looming and very much in contention. DeFoe mentioned to his cameraman that whoever caught the most fish in Period 3 would earn the victory. DeFoe then caught fire, catching 15 bass weighing 41 pounds, 6 ounces in the third period alone to run away from the pack.

“That third period was going to have to be my best period of the whole day, and I’m just so thankful that it was,” DeFoe went on to say. “That was a crazy end to this whole deal. This doesn’t happen often, so I am cherishing this moment.”

DeFoe earned the win by 27 pounds, 1 ounce – a new Bass Pro Tour record for largest margin of victory.

Finishing in second place for the second-consecutive event, after his runner-up finish to Jacob Wheeler at the Bass Pro Tour Stage Two at Lake Travis, was local favorite Bobby Lane of Lakeland, Florida, who remains firmly in control of the 2021 Bass Pro Tour Angler of the Year race.

“Bridesmaid again, second place,” Lane said in his post-game interview. “I got to spend all week in Harris and Little Harris just flipping grass, and it was so much fun. But Ott DeFoe just ran away with this one. It was an awesome ending for me. I caught a 2-pounder and a 4-pounder with literally 2½ minutes left to jump from fourth to second. I caught them all week on a Berkley Powerbait Power Hawg and a Berkley PowerBait MaxScent General . I kept everything simple – black and blue, with a ½-ounce Bass Addiction screw in weight with a (Berkley) Fusion 4/0 hook. “

The top 10 pros at the Bass Pro Tour Favorite Fishing Stage Three on the Harris Chain of Lakes finished:

1^st:        Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., 30 bass, 73-14, $100,000
2^nd:       Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla., 22 bass, 46-13, $45,000
3^rd:       Brent Chapman, Lake Quivira, Kan., 21 bass, 45-7, $38,000
4^th:       Andy Montgomery, Blacksburg, S.C., 17 bass, 41-10, $32,000
5^th:       Skeet Reese, Auburn, Calif., 14 bass, 37-15, $30,000
6^th:       Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., 14 bass, 32-10, $26,000
7^th:       Jeff Sprague, Point, Texas, 12 bass, 28-14, $23,000
8^th:       Brett Hite, Phoenix, Ariz., eight bass, 27-14, $21,000
9^th:       Gerald Spohrer, Gonzales, La., 12 bass, 26-10, $19,000
10^th:     Greg Vinson, Wetumpka, Ala., nine bass, 21-0, $16,000

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

Overall, there were 159 bass weighing 382 pounds, 11 ounces caught by the final 10 pros on Wednesday.

Hite won Wednesday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award, weighing a 6-pound, 6-ounce largemouth that came on his EverGreen Grass Ripper swimjig in Period 2. General Tire pro Britt Myers of Lake Wylie, South Carolina, won the $3,000 Berkley Big Bass award for the largest bass of the event with his 9½-pound largemouth that he weighed in on Day 1 of competition.

The MLF Bass Pro Tour Favorite Fishing Stage Three Presented by Bass Cat Boats at the Harris Chain of Lakes was hosted by Lake County. 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 Bass Pro Tour Favorite Fishing Stage Three Presented by Bass Cat Boats at the Harris Chain of Lakes will be showcased across two two-hour episodes, premiering at 7 a.m. ET, Sept. 25 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 B&W Trailer Hitches Stage Four at Lake Chickamauga, June 4-9 in Dayton, Tennessee.

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.

by AnglersChannel

AC Insider Podcast - Total Domination!

This week Bassmaster Elite Series Champ Caleb Kuphall joins the Circus for to talk about his wire-to-wire, dominating performance this past week on Guntersville. Under Armour Pro Chris Johnston joins in for the UA Fish, Countdown to the Classic and of course there is plenty more!

by AnglersChannel

Nonprofits Launch Clean Water, Habitat Protection Campaign

“Back Your Water” campaign promotes waterways, offers brag swag

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Two South Carolina nonprofits are teaming up to help promote and protect some of the state’s most famous waterways.

Outdoor enthusiasts have the opportunity to get some brag swag sun shirts featuring their favorite waterways with the added bonus of conserving and protecting the state’s world-famous waterways.

A partnership between the South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance (SCBFA) and Global Eco Adventures (GEA) has launched the “Back Your Water” campaign with the waterway shirts. A donation from the sale of each shirt will be made to much-needed clean water, habitat enhancement, and floodwater monitoring programs. The price of the shirts is $40.

The sun shirts, made by Local Boy Outfitters of Columbia, will feature four of the state’s most premier waterways: Lake Hartwell and Lake Wylie in the Upstate; Murray in the Midlands; and Santee Cooper Lakes in the Lowcountry. The Charleston Harbor and other popular waterways will be featured on the shirts in the near future.

“South Carolinians love their waterways,” said Gettys Brannon, CEO of the SCBFA. “We are excited for South Carolinians to be able to wear their water and contribute money directly back to the waterways we all enjoy.”

South Carolina is the twenty-third most populous state but ranks seventh in the U.S. in registered boats per capita and sales over 725,000 fishing licenses per year.

The Back Your Water campaign is in conjunction with the first South Carolina Boating and Fishing Week that the General Assembly has set for the week of June 7th.

“Boating and fishing are South Carolina’s most popular outdoor recreational activities, and we all are responsible for protecting our natural resources for future generations,” said Brannon. “Global Eco Adventures for years has been dedicated to this effort. Every penny donated will go directly to their conservation efforts.”

“We are proud to stand with the South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance (SCBFA) as part of the “Back Your Water” campaign,” said Tom Mullikin, Chairman of the Board of GEA. “SCBFA is an important voice protecting our state’s waterways, and every dollar contributed to GEA will go directly to our programs for floodwater monitors, habitat restoration, and water cleanups,” said Mullikin.

Both Brannon and Mullikin expressed appreciation to the S. C. Department of Natural Resources for its advice and support.

“We are excited to see the SCBFA partnering on a program with GEA to raise monies for these important resource issues,” said Ross Self, SCDNR Chief of Freshwater Fisheries. “I am particularly excited to see the inclusion of habitat enhancement as a priority. Habitat has become an increasingly critical issue as the state’s reservoirs age, and the timber and woody debris that existed when the waterways were impounded have broken down over time. Enhancement of larger reservoir habitat is a huge effort and will require innovative thinking and partnerships to really move the needle.”

To purchase the shirts, please visit: https://cap-clothing.com/clients/south-carolina-boating-fishing-alliance/

by AnglersChannel

Brent Chapman Tops Knockout Round at Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour – Favorite Fishing Stage Three Presented by Bass Cat Boats at Harris Chain

Final 10 Anglers Set for Championship Wednesday and Final-Day Shootout for $100,000

LEESBURG, Fla. (May 25, 2021) – Toro pro Brent Chapman of Lake Quivira, Kansas, caught 23 bass weighing 51 pounds, 12 ounces Tuesday to win the Knockout Round and advance to the final-day Championship Round at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour Favorite Fishing Stage Three Presented by Bass Cat Boats at the Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Florida. The field has now been cut to the final 10 anglers, and competition will resume Wednesday morning with the anglers departing Leesburg’s Venetian Gardens Ski Beach at 6:30 a.m.

The six-day tournament, hosted by Lake County, 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.

The top eight pros from Tuesday’s Knockout Round that will compete in Wednesday’s Championship Round on the Harris Chain of Lakes are:

1^st:        Brent Chapman, Lake Quivira, Kan., 23 bass, 51-12
2^nd:       Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., 18 bass, 46-0
3^rd:       Greg Vinson, Wetumpka, Ala., 16 bass, 38-0
4^th:       Gerald Spohrer, Gonzales, La., 14 bass, 36-14
5^th:       Skeet Reese, Auburn, Calif., 14 bass, 36-10
6^th:       Andy Montgomery, Blacksburg, S.C., 16 bass, 35-7
7^th:       Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., 13 bass, 34-15
8^th:       Jeff Sprague, Point, Texas, 14 bass, 29-2

They’ll be joined by Qualifying Round Winners:

Group A: Brett Hite, Phoenix, Ariz.
Group B: Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla.

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

“I knew it was going to be a special day for me when we had our 30-minute morning ride-around before lines in at 7 (a.m.),” Chapman said in his post-day interview. “The area where I wanted to sit down and start was an area that I had finished my day in on Sunday. When I pulled in there, there were birds everywhere feeding along the shoreline. There was a shad spawn going on, and when you see that many birds along the shore there are probably just as many bass under the water that you can’t see. It killed me to sit there and have to wait 20 minutes for lines in.

“Once we got going, it got going pretty quick,” Chapman continued. “But, the thing that was really crazy is that the birds dissipated pretty quickly and within 30 minutes the fishing went from really, really good to quite a bit tougher. It was interesting. You can learn a lot from the birds and I’m definitely going to be looking for as many more as I can possibly find tomorrow.”

Chapman said that he caught his fish Tuesday on just two key baits.

“Just like I’ve been doing all season, I’m fishing my strengths and sticking with the simple stuff,” the Kansas pro said. “I’m fishing a bladed jig – nothing fancy – just a shad color with chartreuse and white. And I’m throwing a big jig – 1-ounce – with a big chunk. When a good one bites, I want the upper hand so there is no sense in using anything lighter.

“Tomorrow, for me, is basically going to be that 1-2 punch,” Chapman went on to say. “I’ll have a couple of different colors of bladed jigs tied on and I’ll be flipping that big jig, and we’re going to go out and swing for the fences and see if we can’t bring home that big red trophy. It’s been a fantastic week. I just need it all to come together for me just one more day.”

Rounding out the top 40 finishers were:

11^th:     Paul Elias, Laurel, Miss., 11 bass, 26-12, $10,000
12^th:     Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., nine bass, 25-3, $10,000
13^th:     Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark., 11 bass, 24-12, $10,000
14^th:     John Murray, Spring City, Tenn., 12 bass, 24-4, $10,000
15^th:     James Elam, Tulsa, Okla., eight bass, 24-4, $10,000
16^th:     Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, nine bass, 24-1, $10,000
17^th:     Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., 10 bass, 23-11, $10,000
18^th:     David Walker, Sevierville, Tenn., eight bass, 23-5, $10,000
19^th:     James Watson, Lampe, Mo., 10 bass, 21-15, $10,000
20^th:     Josh Bertrand, Queen Creek, Ariz., nine bass, 21-7, $10,000
21^st:     Alton Jones Jr., Waco, Texas, nine bass, 21-6, $10,000
22^nd:    Stephen Browning, Hot Springs, Ark., nine bass, 20-8, $10,000
23^rd:    Jonathon VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., nine bass, 20-6, $10,000
24^th:     Dean Rojas, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., 11 bass, 19-12, $10,000
25^th:     Kyle Hall, Granbury, Texas, 10 bass, 19-5, $10,000
26^th:     Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., seven bass, 15-12, $10,000
27^th:     Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., eight bass, 15-11, $10,000
28^th:     Britt Myers, Lake Wylie, S.C., five bass, 14-0, $10,000
29^th:     Randall Tharp, Port Saint Joe, Fla., six bass, 13-9, $10,000
30^th:     Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark., six bass, 13-4, $10,000
31^st:     Mark Davis, Mount Ida, Ark., four bass, 12-12, $10,000
32^nd:    Chris Lane, Guntersville, Ala., six bass, 12-4, $10,000
33^rd:    Timmy Horton, Muscle Shoals, Ala., six bass, 12-3, $10,000
34^th:     John Cox, DeBary, Fla., four bass, 12-2, $10,000
35^th:     Fletcher Shryock, Guntersville, Ala., five bass, 11-4, $10,000
36^th:     Boyd Duckett, Guntersville, Ala., three bass, 10-9, $10,000
37^th:     Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J., four bass, 10-8, $10,000
38^th:     Mark Daniels Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., five bass, 8-13, $10,000
39^th:     Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C., four bass, 8-4, $10,000
40^th:     Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn., three bass, 5-4, $10,000

There were 349 bass weighing 825 pounds, 14 ounces caught by the 38 pros on Tuesday.

Elam won the $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award on Tuesday, catching an 8-pound, 14-ounce largemouth on a squarebill crankbait in Period 3. Berkley will award $1,000 to the angler who weighs the biggest bass each day, and a $3,000 bonus to the angler who weighs the largest bass of the tournament.

The MLF Bass Pro Tour Favorite Fishing Stage Three at the Harris Chain Presented by Bass Cat Boats is hosted by Lake County.

The 40 Anglers in Group A competed in their two-day qualifying round on Friday and Sunday – the 40 anglers in Group B on Saturday and Monday. After the two-day Qualifying Round, the anglers that finished in 2^nd through 20^th place from both groups advanced to Tuesday’s Knockout Round, while the winner from each group advanced directly to Wednesday’s Championship Round. In the Knockout Round, the weights were zeroed and the remaining 38 anglers competed to finish in the top 8 to advance to the Championship Round. Tomorrow, in the final day Championship Round, weights are zeroed and the highest one-day total wins. Full breakdown of the format can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The final 10 anglers will take off from the Venetian Gardens Ski Beach Boat Ramp, located at 201 E. Lake Harris Drive, in Leesburg, at 6:30 a.m. ET Wednesday. The General Tire Takeout and Championship Moment will also be held at the Ski Beach at the Venetian Gardens, beginning at 3:30 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend, but encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLF NOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The MLF NOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee, Marty Stone and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action from the final day of competition on Wednesday from 6:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CT. MLF NOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.

by AnglersChannel

New lifestyle frames by Costa Sunglasses offer premium lens technology in beach-ready styles

New Rincondo and Maya are ready for everything from a day on the coast with friends to traveling to a faraway watery world.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 25, 2021) – Costa Sunglasses - the first manufacturer of color-enhancing, all-polarized glass sunglass lenses - grows its lifestyle collection just in time for summer with two new beach-ready lifestyle frames, the Rincondo and the feminine Maya. The new frames are built for those looking to enjoy long days on a sun-drenched beach, boat - or anywhere your adventure takes you.

For nearly 40 years, Costa has built a reputation for being the best sunglasses on the water. The brand's legacy continues as it welcomes two new styles to its beach lifestyle collection. With its roots in performance eyewear for anglers, Costa brings active details to the frames with its 580 color-enhancing and polarized lens technology, durable Bio-Resin frames and Hydrolite nose and temple grips to keep your frames locked in place.

The Rincondo, a cousin to the well-loved Rincon and Rinconcito, is the paragon of style and function. With a fresh look and more coverage, the versatile frames offer a rounded lens shape and one-of-a-kind wrap that will make your sun-drenched day trip easy to enjoy.

The women’s Maya is inspired by the royal blue waters and iconic landmarks of the Yucatán. The lightweight, feminine frame has a distinctive cat-eye design and combines style with beach-ready features. Its colorways are inspired by our watery world - Shiny Sea Urchin Crystal and Shiny Coral Tortoise.

“Maya and Rincondo give watermen and women who love the Costa lens more options that look great while still offering protection from the sun,” said TJ McMeniman, Vice President of Marketing at Costa. “Our roots are in performance eyewear, and we’ve found ways to incorporate the same active features of our pro frames into our beach lifestyle collection. The category is growing in popularity with anglers who are looking for versatile eyewear that looks as great as it performs. That’s where Rincondo and Maya come in - they balance the best of both worlds in a fresh, new style.”

The Maya and Rincondo are now available at CostaSunglasses.com, where you can also find additional information on Costa and its collection of best-selling sunglasses.

by AnglersChannel

Elite Series Champ Jocumsen Leads Guntersville Trash Cleanup

Bassmaster Elite Series champion Carl Jocumsen and his wife Kayla spent Championship Sunday picking up trash along the shores of Lake Guntersville, inspiring others to join them.

Photos courtesy Carl Jocumsen

May 25, 2021

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — Bassmaster Elite Series pro Carl Jocumsen had just finished a week of fishing, practicing for 15 hours each day before going all out for the Berkley Bassmaster Elite at Lake Guntersville, where he finished 13th. After six days of grinding it out from sunup to sundown, you’d think sleeping in and relaxing was the plan for Championship Sunday.

Instead, this Australian angler and his wife, Kayla, who now make their home in Tennessee, got up early and went out to pick up trash around the lake. It wasn’t a spontaneous or one-time idea.

“Kayla and I had been thinking about doing something to give back to the community that welcomed us to fish on their lake,” Carl said. “Wherever we are, during practice, I always fill my livewells with rubbish that I find floating in the water.”

The idea to extend that to land came after Jocumsen observed the trash left behind by shoreline anglers.

“It always bothered me to see so much rubbish around bridges, and there are many of those on Guntersville,” Jocumsen said.

The Jocumsens set out with a load of trash bags. They picked up trash on both sides of three bridges, collecting 10 full garbage bags during the three-hour outing.

“It was overwhelming how much trash was left behind,” Kayla said. “The reality of it all, and doing our part in a small way, left us feeling really good about the difference you can make.”

The hard work didn’t go unnoticed by shoreline anglers encountered by the Jocumsens along the way.

“It changed us, and also left a lasting and good impression on some of the people we met at the bridges,” Jocumsen said. “People saw us doing it, and then they wanted to do it, too.”

Strangers became united for a common effort when the Jocumsens gave them trash bags to use.

“People were so grateful, and it rubbed off on us,” Kayla said. “It was a life-changing experience.”

Jocumsen was later recognized by another angler, who recognized him as fishing the tournament. He was curious as to why Jocumsen was out on a Sunday morning picking up trash on Guntersville.

“I told him it doesn’t matter where you live, and that if more people did this it could make a difference everywhere,” Carl said.

That’s the long-term idea for the Jocumsens. Their plan is to stay over after each future Elite Series event and even recruit volunteers and other resources to join them in trash pickups around the lakes.

Conservation efforts are a cornerstone of the B.A.S.S. tradition, and leading efforts to collect litter can have a sizable impact on the waterways the organization and its fans frequent. In the past year, local volunteers have gathered lakeside during Bassmaster Elite events on Lake Guntersville, Lake Eufaula, Lake Fork and the St. Johns River to collect litter as part of the B.A.S.S. Nation Clean-Up Challenge sponsored by AFTCO and Huk.

“At every stop we made, it seemed like there was a lack of education about the harm leaving trash behind does to the environment,” Jocumsen said. “We want to do our part to change it.”

“B.A.S.S. was founded on three things: tournament fishing competition, youth participation and conservation,” B.A.S.S. Conservation Director Gene Gilliland said. “(B.A.S.S. Founder) Ray Scott used to always talk about the three-legged stool. This is one of the legs, and it doesn’t get talked about a lot.”

To learn more, visit Carl Jocumsen’s page on Facebook.

by AnglersChannel

Vicchio and Smith Win Phoenix Bass Fishing League on South Holston Reservoir

Aultman Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division

BRISTOL, Tenn. (May 25, 2021) – Boater Ken Vicchio of Bluff City, Tennessee wins the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine at South Holston Presented by Googan Baits in Bristol, Tennessee. Vicchio earned $3,203 for his victory at the event.

TOP 10 RESULTS

RANK	BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	Ken Vicchio of Bluff City, Tenn.	5	17-3	$3,203
1^st	Kyle Smith of Elizabethton, Tenn.	5	17-3	$4,203
3^rd	Tim Saylor of Johnson City, Tenn.	5	16-14	$1,424
4^th	Joshua Norris of Powell, Tenn.	5	16-10	$1,497
5^th	Josh Lee of Powell, Tenn.	5	16-6	$854
6^th	Tyler Altizer of Abingdon, Va.	5	15-3	$783
7^th	John Huff of Abingdon, Va.	5	14-7	$712
8^th	Bryan Leonard of Blountville, Tenn.	5	14-5	$641
9^th	Colton Chambers of Elizabethton, Tenn.	5	14-4	$569
10^th	Richard Pugh of Knoxville, Tenn.	5	14-2	$498

RANK	STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	Audie Aultman of Knoxville, Tenn.	5	14-11	$2,433
2^nd	Justin Goodman of Lancing, Tenn.	5	12-1	$1,068
3^rd	Blaine Miller of Rosedale, Va.	5	11-6	$712
4^th	Nick Coker of Knoxville, Tenn.	5	11-5	$698
5^th	Dylan Meade of Big Stone Gap, Va.	4	10-6	$427
6^th	Jonathon Kennedy of Bloomingdale, Tenn.	4	10-5	$392
7^th	Smiley Lewis of Easley, S.C.	4	10-4	$356
8^th	Dean Dalton of Keeling, Va.	5	10-3	$320
9^th	Jim Neece, Sr. of Bristol, Va.	4	9-15	$285
10^th	Gerrit Goins of Charleston, Tenn.	4	9-2	$249

CONTINGENCY AWARDS

AWARD	NAME	CONTINGENCY	PAYOUT
Boater Big Bass	Ron Burger of Decatur, Tenn.	4-pound, 14-ounce bass	$595
Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass	Audie Aultman of Knoxville, Tenn.	5-pound, 3-ounce bass	$297
Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus	Joshua Norris of Powell, Tenn.	Eligible Phoenix Boat*	$500

* Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.

WINNING BAITS

ANGLER	BAIT	COLOR
Boater	Unspecified Jig	Did Not Disclose
Boater	V&M Chopstick Worm	Did Not Disclose
Strike King Co-Angler	Unspecified Spinnerbait	Did Not Disclose

2021 QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

EVENT	DATE	LOCATION	HOST
Volunteer Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship	Oct. 14-16	Lake Murray, Columbia, S.C.	Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board
Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American	June 3-5	Douglas Lake, Dandridge, Tenn.	Jefferson County Department of Tourism

The 2021 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championships. Boaters will compete for a $60,000 prize package, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while Strike King co-anglers will fish for a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.

The top six finishers in each regional will then qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.

The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the Toyota Series, the pathway to the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.

For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube .

by AnglersChannel

Murray Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League on Lake Eufaula

Thomas Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division

EUFAULA, Ala. (May 25, 2021) – Boater Flint Murray of Parrott, Georgia wins the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine at Lake Eufaula Presented by Googan Baits in Eufaula, Alabama. Murray earned $7,000 for his victory at the event.

TOP 10 RESULTS

RANK	BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	Flint Murray of Parrott, Ga.	5	16-14	$7,000
2^nd	Jordan McDonald of Jackson, Ga.	5	16-12	$3,000
3^rd	Dalton Tankersley of Copperhill, Tenn.	5	15-11	$2,000
4^th	Scott Hayes of Newnan, Ga.	5	15-8	$2,100
5^th	Mylan Beasley of Luverne, Ala.	5	15-3	$1,200
6^th	Tony Muina of Wewahitchka, Fla.	5	14-7	$1,100
7^th	Parker Guy of Ocilla, Ga.	5	13-12	$1,000
8^th	Chad McMurrian of Perry, Ga.	5	13-11	$900
9^th	Donald Griffith of Robertsdale, Ala.	5	13-7	$800
10^th	Holland Harris of Dothan, Ala.	5	12-15	$700

RANK	STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	Will Thomas of Madison, Ga.	5	10-6	$2,960
2^nd	Robert Enke of Columbus, Ga.	5	8-15	$1,480
3^rd	Jason Sayers of Eatonton, Ga.	4	8-14	$1,728
4^th	Zack Tunney of Marietta, Ga.	4	8-11	$691
5^th	James Murphy of Phenix City, Ala.	5	8-8	$592
6^th	Joseph Chilcott of Crestview, Fla.	4	8-4	$543
7^th	Albert McNair of Watkinsville, Ga.	3	8-1	$493
8^th	Harrison Dunahoo of Gainesville, Ga.	3	7-11	$444
9^th	Mike Langdale of Sycamore, Ga.	5	7-10	$395
10^th	Matthew Welcher of Opelika, Ala.	5	6-13	$345

CONTINGENCY AWARDS

AWARD	NAME	CONTINGENCY	PAYOUT
Boater Big Bass	Jeff Hendricks, Hull, Ga.	6-pound, 8-ounce bass	$1,000
Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass	Jason Sayers, Eatonton, Ga.	5-pound, 10-ounce bass	$490
Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus	Scott Hayes, Newnan, Ga.	Eligible Phoenix Boat*	$500

WINNING BAITS

ANGLER	BAIT	COLOR
Boater	Z-Man Original ChatterBait	White
Strike King Co-Angler	Did Not Divulge	N/A

2021 QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

EVENT	DATE	LOCATION	HOST
Bulldog Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship	Oct. 21-23	St. Johns River, Palatka, Fla.	Putnam County Tourist Development Council
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.

by AnglersChannel

Casey Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League on Chesapeake Bay

Seamon Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division

NORTH EAST, Md. (May 25, 2021) – Boater Ed Casey of Whiteford, Maryland wins the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine at Chesapeake Bay in North East, Maryland. Casey earned $5,618 for his victory at the event.

TOP 10 RESULTS

RANK	BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	Ed Casey of Whiteford, Md.	5	21-5	$5,618
2^nd	Jason Burger of Bridgeton, N.J.	5	20-9	$2,309
3^rd	Travis Manson of Conshohocken, Pa.	5	19-1	$1,539
4^th	Richard Leadbeater of Haddon Heights, N.J.	4	18-6	$1,078
5^th	Michael Duarte of Baltimore, Md.	5	18-2	$924
6^th	Matt Weber of Sykesville, Md.	5	18-1	$847
7^th	Ryan Bauman of Reading, Pa.	5	17-10	$770
8^th	Michael Sentore of Gloucester City, N.J.	5	17-7	$1,193
9^th	Pete Gluszek of Mt. Laurel, N.J.	5	17-3	$616
10^th	Joe a. Zombek, II of Scranton, Pa.	5	17-0	$539

RANK	STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	Michael Seamon of Tully, N.Y.	5	18-13	$2,309
2^nd	Griffin Ludwig of Newark, Del.	5	17-0	$1,155
3^rd	Andrew Wiley of Joppa, Md.	5	16-5	$770
4^th	Chris Jackson of Jeffersonton, Va.	5	15-10	$539
5^th	Samuel Jenesky of Pittsburgh, Pa.	5	14-15	$442
5^th	John Snyder of Nazareth, Pa.	5	14-15	$442
7^th	Andre Wynn of Windsor Mill, Md.	5	14-12	$385
8^th	John Welsh of Slatington, Pa.	5	14-4	$346
9^th	Darren Noble of Hainesport, N.J.	4	13-3	$288
9^th	Andrew Frosini of Rochester, N.Y.	5	13-3	$288

CONTINGENCY AWARDS

AWARD	NAME	CONTINGENCY	PAYOUT
Boater Big Bass	Andrew Heivly of Malvern, Pa.	6-pound, 6-ounce bass	$680
Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass	Derek Heyne of New Freedom, Pa.	5-pound, 2-ounce bass	$340
Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus	Michael Sentore of Gloucester City, N.J.	Eligible Phoenix Boat*	$500

WINNING BAITS

ANGLER	BAIT	COLOR
Boater	Unspecified Swim Jig	Did Not Disclose
Strike King Co-Angler	Z-Man Original ChatterBait	Did Not Disclose

2021 QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

EVENT	DATE	LOCATION	HOST
Northeast 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.

by AnglersChannel

Corn Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League on Rend Lake

West Frankfurt’s Jarvis Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division

WHITTINGTON, Ill. (May 25, 2021) – Boater Toby Corn of Paducah, Kentucky wins the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine at Rend Lake Presented by TINCUP Whiskey in Whittington, Illinois. Corn earned $3,376 for his victory at the event.

TOP 10 RESULTS

RANK	BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	Toby Corn of Paducah, Ky.	5	10-3	$3,376
1st	Bobby McMullin of Pevely, Mo.	4	10-3	$3,176
3^rd	Trey McKinney of Carbondale, Ill.	5	9-10	$1,200
3^rd	Scott Rice of Cobden, Ill.	5	9-10	$1,200
5^th	James Powell of Murphysboro, Ill.	4	9-5	$847
6^th	Dan Morehead of Paducah, Ky.	5	8-13	$776
7^th	Luke Budde of St. Louis, Mo.	4	7-13	$706
8^th	Riley Walk of Neoga, Ill.	4	7-11	$635
9^th	William Walker of Mulkeytown, Ill.	4	7-7	$565
10^th	Jeremy Mull of Pawnee, Ill.	4	6-15	$494

RANK	STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	James Jarvis of West Frankfort, Ill.	5	9-4	$2,318
2^nd	Brian McKay of Woodlawn, Ill.	4	8-13	$1,059
3^rd	Jordan Bowlin of Benton, Ill.	3	8-0	$706
4^th	Jackson Clark of Sugar Grove, Ill.	3	7-10	$494
5^th	Bill Grashoff of Marion, Ill.	3	6-10	$424
6^th	Tim Tresslar of Bloomington, Ill.	3	6-2	$388
7^th	Jeff Turner of Plainfield, Ill.	3	6-1	$353
8^th	Garrett Thompson of Bluford, Ill.	3	5-11	$318
9^th	Cordell Beckmann of Breese, Ill.	3	5-2	$282
10^th	Alan Bernicky of Joliet, Ill.	3	4-15	$372

CONTINGENCY AWARDS

AWARD	NAME	CONTINGENCY	PAYOUT
Boater Big Bass	John Wright of Windsor, Ill.	5-pound, 13-ounce bass	$590
Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass	Jason Korando of Chester, Ill.	3-pound, 15-ounce bass	$295

WINNING BAITS

ANGLER	BAIT	COLOR
Boater	Humdinger Tom Monsoor Swim Jig	Did Not Disclose
Strike King Co-Angler	Did Not Disclose	Did Not Disclose

2021 QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

EVENT	DATE	LOCATION	HOST
Illini Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship	Oct. 7-9	Lake Norfork, Mountain Home, Ark.	Mountain Home Area Chamber of Commerce
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.

by AnglersChannel

Scary Knee Infection Sidelines Terry Scroggins

Courtesy of Luke Stoner - Dynamic Sponsorships

Major League Fishing pro Terry Scroggins was forced to miss Stage Three of the Bass Pro Tour this week on the Harris Chan due to an infection in his left knee that became serious extremely quickly. Instead of competing like he planned to on Friday morning, Scroggins had emergency surgery on his knee to treat the infection.

“I came down with a slight fever last Sunday and didn’t think much of it. Then I started to feel pain in the knee they replaced last year,” Scroggins said. “I fished the first day of practice as best as I could, but I was hurting pretty bad. I woke up Thursday and couldn’t walk. So I headed down to the Mayo Clinic and found out I had a bad infection and needed to get it taken care of as soon as possible.”

Scroggins surgery was schedule for Friday morning to clean the infection, replace any corrupted “plastic parts” and outfit “Big Show” with a PICC Line in his right arm to give prescribed antibiotics a straight shot into the 18-year tournament veteran.

Thankfully Scroggins was released to go home this past Sunday night and he is already on the mend. Those who know “Big Show” can attest that he isn’t the best at sitting idle, but he’ll have to force himself to relax and heal for the next few weeks.

“I already feel a lot better than I did going into practice at the Harris Chain,” Scroggins said. “There is still some pain, but the pain of having to miss an event right up the road from my house is about as bad if I’m being honest. The Harris Chain is one of the best fisheries in Florida right now and I was really looking forward to it.”

Scroggins had his left knee fully replaced this around seven months ago during the off-season in hopes he’d be ready to fish the full 2021 Bass Pro Tour schedule. Both of Scroggins’ knees were the source of constant aches and pains for the Team Toyota pro.

After having the procedure in November, going through the arduous physical therapy and rehab process, and getting cleared by his doctor “Big Show” thought his days of worrying about that particular knee were over.

Unfortunately his right knee is still the cause of considerable pain and he hoped to get that replaced before the 2022 season. This latest infection / procedure could delay his next knee surgery, and will certainly keep Scroggins sidelined through Stage Four of the Bass Pro Tour on Lake Chickamauga.

Hopefully Scroggins will be fully healed and able to compete in the northern swing of the Bass Pro Tour beginning in late June.

“I’d love to be fishing but I’m fully focused on healing up for now,” Scroggins offered. “I really appreciate all the thoughts, prayers, and well wishes from everyone. I heard them, I felt them, and I thank y’all.”

by AnglersChannel

Introducing the Quantum Fishing Team

Courtesy of Luke Stoner - Dynamic Sponsorships

TULSA, Okla. – Quantum is excited to introduce the Quantum Fishing Team; a new program which enables anglers of all levels to engage and interact with the brand. The iconic Oklahoma-based rod and reel manufacturer has been putting rock-solid fishing equipment into the hands of anglers since 1984.

The Quantum Fishing Team is taking place of what was formally the VIF Program. Quantum is building off the foundation the VIF Program provided to make improvements for our members and provide more opportunities to earn swag and interact with the brand.

These improvements include a tiered rewards platform; which allows anglers to move up within the Quantum Fishing Team and earn incentives based on the Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels of membership. Climb the ranks of the program by earning points, which translate to exclusive apparel, swag, equipment, and steeper discounts on Quantum products.

Members earn points by making Quantum-specific posts on social media, competing in fishing tournaments, making event appearances, and engaging with the brand. Along with a new platform, the Quantum Fishing Team will increase communication opportunities for program members; continuing to make improvements based on members’ input.

“We are so excited to launch the revamped Quantum Fishing Team program and can’t wait for current and new members to experience even more incentives than before,” said Balay Hartman, Quantum’s Brand Manager. “This program is designed to reward anglers for using products and supporting a brand they already know and love.”

Whether you are a high school or college angler, regional tournament angler, or you’re a fan of Quantum gear this new program is a perfect fit for you. It’s 100% free to register for the Quantum Fishing Team, just click here and sign up!

If you have any questions, comments, or want to learn more about how the Quantum Fishing Team works, please reach out to us at quantum@dynamicsponsorships.com.

by AnglersChannel

Bobby Lane Holds on To Win to Qualifying Group B at Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour – Favorite Fishing Stage Three Presented by Bass Cat Boats at Harris Chain

Florida Pro Holds off Hard Charge from Tennessee’s Ott DeFoe to Advance Directly to Wednesday’s Championship Round, Field of 38 Set for Tuesday’s Knockout Round

LEESBURG, Fla. (May 24, 2021) – Berkley pro Bobby Lane of Lakeland, Florida, boated 14 bass weighing 34 pounds, 2 ounces to hold off a hard-charging Ott DeFoe of Blaine, Tennessee, and win the two-day Qualifying Group B round at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour Favorite Fishing Stage Three Presented by Bass Cat Boats at the Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Florida. After Lane started the day with a 24-pound lead, DeFoe’s massive rally had him within 8 pounds of Lane’s lead early in the second period, but Lane pulled away in the third and earned the victory with a two-day total of 39 bass weighing 102 pounds, 6 ounces.

The six-day tournament, hosted by Lake County, features 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.

DeFoe caught a two-day total of 35 bass weighing 78-2 to end the round in second place, while General Tire pro Skeet Rese of Auburn, California, finished the round in third place with a two-day total of 22 bass weighing 60 pounds even.

The remaining 38 anglers – 19 from Group A and 19 from Group B – will now compete Tuesday in the Knockout Round, where weights are zeroed, and the anglers compete to finish in the top eight to advance to Championship Wednesday. Wednesday’s Championship Round will feature Group A winner Brett Hite, Group B winner Bobby Lane, and the top eight anglers from the Knockout Round competing in a final-day shootout for the top prize of $100,000.

“I really didn’t plan on fishing that hard today, but Ott DeFoe scared the living fire out of me,” Lane said in his post-game interview. “I had been planning to start practicing in the second round, but Ott was catching them so fast I knew it was only a matter of time before I was his next victim. We’re all competitors out here, though, and it doesn’t get much better than that. That was an awesome round.”

Lane said his key bait Monday was a black and blue-colored Berkley PowerBait MaxScent The General Worm, fished with a ½-ounce Flat Out Tungsten Screw In weight on a 7-foot, 6-inch heavy Abu Garcia Fantasista Premier rod with an Abu Garcia REVO IKE casting reel spooled with 50-pound Spiderwire Ultracast Braid line.

“That bait really got it done for me today,” Lane said. “I missed a lot of fish, but I think a lot of them were small. But none of that matters anymore because we’re moving on to the Championship Round. There will only be 10 of us left on Wednesday, and I’m so excited because I get to keep a flipping stick in my hand all day long. Let’s see if this Florida boy can get it done on one of his favorite lakes.”

DeFoe, meanwhile, overcame every negative fishing superstition that you can think of on his whirlwind day.

“I ate a banana in my boat this morning, and on my very first cast I missed one on a swimjig,” DeFoe said. “So, not only did I have a banana, but I had a bite on my first cast. I did miss it, but after that it was on, quick. I caught a couple of scorable bass, then I caught a really nice one, and then it just kept rolling after that.

“The morning was really unbelievable and set the tone for the day,” DeFoe continued. “On Saturday I went to Lake Griffin, but today I stayed close and was able to use the 30-minute ride-around period to actually look around. I graphed and idled and looked at some different stuff, and by the time the 30 minutes was close to being up, I had idled a stretch that had Kissimmee Grass, a few docks, and some baitfish flipping. I just figured that looked as good as anywhere to start. It ended up being pretty special.”

DeFoe said that he caught some fish on a swimjig and a topwater bait, but his key lure was a Rapala OG Slim Crankbait in a new color – bream – set to debut at ICAST in July.

“That bait has some chartreuse and green and blue and some brown, with a white belly – it’s just an excellent dirty-water color, and that’s what we’ve got out there right now with the algae bloom,” DeFoe said.

“There is definitely some fish left there that I didn’t catch, and I’m definitely going to start there tomorrow,” DeFoe went on to say. “But, what was interesting, the area I started in and I fished down through there… eventually I ran into Andy Montgomery, who was catching them this morning. Then a little bit later, (James) Watson runs by and he was catching them today. And Alton Jones came by, and he caught them today. That area of the lake, there was a lot of fish caught today. So I hope it can produce again tomorrow.”

The top 20 pros from Qualifying Group B that now advance to Tuesday’s Knockout Round on the Harris Chain of Lakes are:

1^st:        Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla., 39 bass, 102-6 – ADVANCES TO CHAMIONSHIP ROUND
2^nd:       Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., 35 bass, 78-2
3^rd:       Skeet Reese, Auburn, Calif., 22 bass, 60-0
4^th:       David Walker, Sevierville, Tenn., 21 bass, 59-10
5^th:       Mark Davis, Mount Ida, Ark., 24 bass, 57-10
6^th:       Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark., 25 bass, 57-4
7^th:       Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J., 23 bass, 57-3
8^th:       Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., 21 bass, 54-8
9^th:       Fletcher Shryock, Guntersville, Ala., 18 bass, 48-3
10^th:     James Watson, Lampe, Mo., 19 bass, 47-10
11^th:     John Cox, DeBary, Fla., 15 bass, 47-9
12^th:     Andy Montgomery, Blacksburg, S.C., 19 bass, 47-0
13^th:     Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark., 17 bass, 45-7
14^th:     Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C., 19 bass, 44-6
15^th:     Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., 18 bass, 44-3
16^th:     Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn., 19 bass, 44-0
17^th:     Chris Lane, Guntersville, Ala., 17 bass, 42-15
18^th:     Gerald Spohrer, Gonzales, La., 18 bass, 41-12
19^th:     John Murray, Spring City, Tenn., 17 bass, 40-6
20^th:     Timmy Horton, Muscle Shoals, Ala., 14 bass, 39-14

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

Overall, there were 358 bass weighing 870 pounds, 4 ounces caught by the 40 pros on Monday.

Pro Aaron Martens of Leeds, Alabama, caught a 7-pound, 2-ounce largemouth on a creature craw in Period 2 to win Monday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award. Berkley will award $1,000 to the angler that weighs the biggest bass each day, and a $3,000 bonus to the angler who weighs the largest bass of the tournament.

The MLF Bass Pro Tour Favorite Fishing Stage Three at the Harris Chain Presented by Bass Cat Boats is hosted by Lake County.

The 40 Anglers in Group A competed in their two-day qualifying round on Friday and Sunday – the 40 anglers in Group B on Saturday and Monday. With both groups two-day qualifying round now complete, the anglers that finish in 2^nd through 20^th place from both groups now advance to Tuesday’s Knockout Round, while the the winner of each group advances directly to Wednesday’s Championship Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed and the remaining 38 anglers compete to finish in the top 8 to advance to the Championship Round. In the final day Championship Round, weights are zeroed and the highest one-day total wins. Full breakdown of the format can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Anglers will take off from the Venetian Gardens Ski Beach Boat Ramp, located at 201 E. Lake Harris Drive, in Leesburg, at 6:30 a.m. ET each day of competition. Each day’s General Tire Takeout will also be held at the Gardens, beginning at 3:30 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend, but encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLF NOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The MLF NOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee, Marty Stone and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action on all six days of competition from 6:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CT. MLF NOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.

by AnglersChannel

Hartman Wins Toyota Series Event on Lake Chickamauga

Benton Angler Wins by Ounces, Takes Home $51,500

DAYTON, Tenn. (May 23, 2021) – Toyota Series angler Jordan Hartman of Benton, Kentucky brought a five-bass limit to the scale Saturday weighing 14 pounds, 12 ounces to win the three-day Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. at Lake Chickamauga Presented by Googan Baits in Dayton, Tennessee. Hartman’s three-day total of 15 bass weighing 51-13 earned him the win by a 12-ounce margin over second-place angler Seth Davis of Harrison, Tennessee and earned Hartman the top payout of $51,500 in the third and final tournament of the 2021 Toyota Series Central Division Presented by Neat Companies.

Hartman said Chickamauga in the summer suits him perfectly and was a great place to take home his first MLF win.

“I got to catch them exactly how I wanted to,” said Hartman, who is a Murray State graduate and just 24 years old. “I love fishing offshore. If I can be off the bank, I’m going to do it. I ledge fished the whole time. I spent every hour of practice looking at those screens. I committed to offshore and never went to the bank one time.

“I found about 30 schools, but there were only approximately five of them that would bite consistently,” continued Hartman. “I knew all 30 of them had potential, but you take into consideration the boats, and you can probably cut about half of those off. So, it was tough.”

With the boat traffic, fishing pressure, lack of current and negative mood of many of the offshore bass, Hartman was really the only pro in the entire Top 10 that stayed offshore exclusively.

“I had one area that I caught almost everything I’ve weighed on,” said Hartman. “It was a little high spot with some shells up there – I actually wasn’t even scanning it, I was just pulling up and fishing. There was one cast on this spot that I was catching almost every fish on. You had to bring it over the shells, and as soon as it fell off, they were sitting right on the back side.”

On his best spot, Hartman said he stuck with a Strike King 5XD and a True Bass Shuttlecock Hair Jig. Deeper, on other spots, he long-lined a Strike King 10XD.

While Hartman did much of his damage on his shallow ledge, which topped out at about 9-feet deep, he also caught fish as deep as 28 feet on the 10XD and ran at least a half dozen places each day of the event. One of his final fish, which may have given him the edge over Davis, was actually caught on a Strike King Sexy Spoon.

“I pulled up on this spot where I hadn’t had a bite all week,” said Hartman. “I also hadn’t had a bite on a spoon all week – I almost put that spoon in the box Friday night. But I pulled it out, threw it out there, and I didn’t even do anything. It just went slack. Everything just went my way this week – when you’re going to win, you’re going to win, and everything just clicked for me in this event.”

The top 10 pros on Lake Chickamauga finished:
1^st:           Jordan Hartman of Benton, Ky., 15 bass, 51-13, $51,500
2^nd:          Seth Davis of Harrison, Tenn., 15 bass, 51-01, $21,250
3^rd:          Miles Burghoff of Soddy-Daisy, Tenn., 15 bass, 48-01, $14,450
4^th:           Tommy Brown of Louisville, Tenn., 15 bass, 46-11, $12,250
5^th:           Jeff Dyer of Oak Hill, Ohio, 15 bass, 45-11, $11,250
6^th:           Cody Nichols of Fayette, Ala., 14 bass, 45-2, $9,125
7^th:           Joseph Webster of Winfield, Ala., 15 bass, 44-15, $7,900
8^th:           Andrew Nordbye of Guntersville, Ala., 13 bass, 44-4, $6,900
9^th:           Cody Harrison of Muscle Shoals, Ala., 14 bass, 44-1, $5,900
10^th:        Jeff McLain of Columbus, Miss., 15 bass, 41-3, $4,650

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

Jeff McLain of Columbus, Mississippi took home an additional $150 for the Day One Berkley Big Bass award in the pro division, with a bass weighing 7 pounds, 13 ounces. Mike Casada of Stearns, Kentucky won the Day Two Berkley Big Bass award in the pro division, bringing a 7-pound, 9-ounce bass to the scale.

Seth Davis of Harrison, Tennessee 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.

Michael Miller of Greenville, South Carolina won the Strike King Co-angler Division Saturday with a three-day total of 15 bass weighing 34 pounds, 12 ounces. Miller 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 Chickamauga finished:

1^st:           Michael Miller of Greenville, S.C., 15 bass, 34-12, Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat w/115-hp Mercury outboard motor
2^nd:          Sieg Taylor of Navarre Beach, Fla., eight bass, 31-2, $6,125
3^rd:          Jeremy Nash of Cookeville, Tenn., 14 bass, 30-7, $4,900
4^th:           Chris Graham of Blue Ridge, Ga., 13 bass, 28-11, $3,950
5^th:           Terry Ezzell of Russellville, Ala., 11 bass, 28-3, $3,450
6^th:           Ronald Young of New Braunfels, Texas, 11 bass, 26-13, $2,950
7^th:           Sam Howell of Somerville, Tenn., 11 bass, 26-12, $2,450
8^th:           Kenneth Heckel of Santa Claus, Ind., 13 bass, 25-5, $1,975
9^th:           Shawn Burton of Frankfurt, Ind., 10 bass, 24-6, $1,590
10^th:        Tim Kellam of Crittendon, Ky., 10 bass, 23-5, $1,350

In the Strike King co-angler division, the $100 Day One Berkley Big Bass award winner was Angie Copas of Lucasville, Ohio, with a 7-pound, 5-ounce bass, while the $100 Day Two award went to Josh Womack of Gellatin, Tennessee with a 6-pound, 4-ounce bass.

The Toyota Series at Lake Chickamauga was Presented by Googan Baits and was hosted by Fish Dayton and the Rhea Economic & Tourism Council. It was the third and final regular-season tournament in 2021 for Central Division anglers. The next event for Toyota Series anglers will take place on July 15-17 – the Toyota Series at Lake Champlain Presented in Plattsburgh, New York. 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.

by AnglersChannel

Kuphall Closes Wire-To-Wire Win At Bassmaster Elite Event On Guntersville

Caleb Kuphall, of Mukwonago, Wis., has won the 2021 Berkley Bassmaster Elite at Lake Guntersville with a four-day total of 85 pounds, 14 ounces.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.

May 23, 2021

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — An Elite angler’s “walk-up” music has no bearing on tournament performance, but Caleb Kuphall’s could not have been more fitting for his dominant wire-to-wire victory in the Berkley Bassmaster Elite at Lake Guntersville, where he tallied a four-day total weight of 85 pounds, 14 ounces.

The second-year pro from Mukwonago, Wis., enters the weigh-in stage each day to the Beach Boys’ Catch a Wave. The opening verse perfectly mirrors the eye-popping Day 1 performance that gave Kuphall nearly a 6 1/2-pound lead and positioned him to ride out the slower periods and end up surging across the finish line by a huge margin.

“Catch a wave and you’re sitting on top of the world.”

“Having as much of a lead as I did, it was very nerve wracking, because you don’t want to blow it,” Kuphall said. “You’re like ‘I’ve got this lead and if I blow it, it’s a catastrophic train wreck.’ I kinda just rode that wave.”

Earning his first Elite trophy and becoming the first Wisconsin angler to do so, Kuphall set the bar high with a Day 1 catch of 27-10. With a windy Day 2 creating position and presentation challenges, his productivity dipped to 15-10, but Kuphall retained the top spot by a 4-9 margin.

Day 3 saw him getting back on track with a 23-9 limit that pushed his lead to 11 1/2 pounds. On Championship Sunday, Kuphall started slow, picked up steady momentum and sacked up the biggest bag of the final round — 19-1 — to collect a $100,000 top prize.

Notably, Kuphall’s 17-14 margin of victory is the second largest in Bassmaster Elite Series history (behind South Carolina pro Patrick Walter’s 29-10 margin last year at Lake Fork). Kuphall is only the 11th Elite angler to win by a double-digit margin.

Kuphall caught all of his bass flipping and punching shallow vegetation. In a tournament that saw competitors trying a wide range of spring tactics, he kept it simple and stuck to a fundamentally sound game plan that helped steady his nerves.

“I don’t generally get really nervous when I’m out fishing,” he said. “Throughout today, I felt totally calm because I just had two areas, so I didn’t really have a lot of decisions to make. I wasn’t going to do anything crazy and luckily it worked out.”

Kuphall fished two main areas. The first was a vast milfoil field just outside the take-off site at Goose Pond. Here, he mostly flipped a Texas-rigged Zoom Z Hog in the green pumpkin and California 420 colors on a 4/0 extra-wide gap hook with a 3/4-ounce tungsten weight. Saturday and Sunday, he also flipped a 1-ounce Dirty Jigs No Jack Punchin’ Jig with a forktail trailer.

When his first area slowed, Kuphall ran uplake to the east side of an island just below the B.B. Comer Bridge (State Route 35). That second spot comprised two large sections of matted grass, with scattered patches of floating weeds.

Targeting isolated clumps of the thicker mats proved most productive, but Kuphall said the uplake spot was likely bolstered by a fresh supply of hefty forage.

“Area is everything and on that secondary spot, I had a lot of fish moving to me,” he said. “I didn’t go up really shallow in that area during practice, but (second-place finisher) Wes Logan did and he told me there was a ton of bream beds.

“I think what happened was when all of those bluegill got done spawning, they moved out to the mats. Every day I’d hear bluegill going nuts (eating insects) in the mats and I’d see bass blowing up on them. Those bass just stayed under those mats and ate bluegill all day.”

Reflecting on his first career Elite Series victory, Kuphall said winning against a field peppered with anglers he’s admired for years made the victory especially rewarding.

“It’s absolutely amazing,” he said. “To beat this caliber of anglers is unreal. I’ve looked up to a lot of those guys like Jason Christie and Greg Hackney (also Top 10 finishers) over the years and to fish against those guys is crazy to begin with. To hold a blue trophy — I never thought it would happen this early in my career.”

Hailing from Springville, Ala., Logan made a big comeback after placing 43rd on Day 1 with 14-1. The next two days saw him add 20-12 and 20-8 to climb into sixth, then second place. His final-round limit of 12-11 gave him a second-place total of 68-0.

Logan spent his tournament between the Goose Pond area and just above the B.B. Comer Bridge and targeted a mix of shallow scenarios. He caught fish on a ChatterBait with a Zoom Super Fluke trailer and flipped a Zoom Z Craw on 3/4- and 1-ounce tungsten weights. He also tricked a 6 1/2-pounder on Day 2 with a wacky-rigged worm.

“I caught all of my fish today flipping,” Logan said. “I was targeting little stretches of grass where it was topped out a little bit, but not completely matted out.”

Greg Hackney of Gonzales, La., finished third with 67-3. His daily weights were 16-2, 17-13, 16-8 and 16-12.

Hackney caught most of his bass by punching a Strike King Rage Rodent around shallow vegetation. He also caught fish on a Strike King KVD Sexy Frog and a Strike King Hack Attack swim jig with a Rage Craw trailer.

“I used the swim jig early when it was still (low light) and the frog would be during the day while I was punching,” Hackney said. “I would either get around a bream bed or I would see one move in the mat.”

Caleb Sumrall of New Iberia, La., won the $1,000 Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 7-6 largemouth.

Seth Feider of New Market, Minn., came into the event with a big lead in the Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings, and he did nothing to hurt his strong run at professional fishing’s biggest season-long accomplishment.

After finishing 24th this week, Feider leads the AOY race with 602 points, followed by Jason Christie of Park Hill, Okla., with 554, Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C., with 550, Chris Johnston of Otonabee, Ontario, Canada, with 541 and Brandon Palaniuk of Rathdrum, Idaho, with 541

Bryan New of Belmont, N.C., leads the Rookie of the Year standings with 457 points.

Fourth-place finisher Christie took home an additional $3,000 for being the highest-placing entrant in the Toyota Bonus Bucks program, and Chris Zaldain of Fort Worth, Texas, earned $2,000 for being the second-highest placing entrant.

As part of the Yamaha Power Pay program, Logan earned $2,500 for being the highest-placing entrant, while Christie claimed an additional $1,500 for being the second-highest placing entrant.

2021 Berkley Bassmaster Elite at Lake Guntersville 5/20-5/23
Lake Guntersville, Scottsboro AL.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 4

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$

1. Caleb Kuphall Day 1: 5 27-10 2. Wes Logan Day 1: 5 14-01 3. Greg Hackney Day 1: 5 16-02 4. Jason Christie Day 1: 5 18-12 5. Chris Zaldain Day 1: 5 10-04 6. Tyler Rivet Day 1: 5 11-14 7. Shane Lineberger Day 1: 5 15-10 8. Luke Palmer Day 1: 5 17-12 9. Chris Johnston Day 1: 5 19-01 10. Brandon Cobb Day 1: 5 13-15 Mukwonago, WI 20 85-14 100 $102,000.00
Day 2: 5 15-10 Day 3: 5 23-09 Day 4: 5 19-01
Springville, AL 20 68-00 99 $35,000.00
Day 2: 5 20-12 Day 3: 5 20-08 Day 4: 5 12-11
Gonzales, LA 20 67-03 98 $30,000.00
Day 2: 5 17-13 Day 3: 5 16-08 Day 4: 5 16-12
Park Hill, OK 20 66-09 97 $25,000.00
Day 2: 5 16-15 Day 3: 5 16-08 Day 4: 5 14-06
Fort Worth, TX 20 65-03 96 $20,000.00
Day 2: 5 20-04 Day 3: 5 19-04 Day 4: 5 15-07
Raceland, LA 20 64-13 95 $19,000.00
Day 2: 5 18-04 Day 3: 5 17-15 Day 4: 5 16-12
Lincolnton, NC 20 64-10 94 $18,000.00
Day 2: 5 17-03 Day 3: 5 16-07 Day 4: 5 15-06
Coalgate, OK 20 64-08 93 $17,000.00
Day 2: 5 19-07 Day 3: 5 12-02 Day 4: 5 15-03
Otonabee Ontario CANADA 20 63-12 92 $16,000.00
Day 2: 5 19-10 Day 3: 5 13-09 Day 4: 5 11-08
Greenwood, SC 20 63-10 91 $15,000.00
Day 2: 5 16-02 Day 3: 5 19-13 Day 4: 5 13-12

by AnglersChannel

Hite Coasts to Group A Qualifying Round Win at Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour – Favorite Fishing Stage Three Presented by Bass Cat Boats at Harris Chain

Arizona Pro Breaks the Century Mark, Boating Two-Day Total of 42 Bass Weighing 100 Pounds, 7 Ounces to Advance Directly to Wednesday’s Championship Round, 19 Anglers Advance to Knockout Round

LEESBURG, Fla. (May 23, 2021) – It turns out Brett Hite could have taken the day off. After catching a whopping 34 bass weighing 83 pounds, 5 ounces on Friday, the Phoenix, Arizona pro added eight more bass totaling 17 pounds, 2 ounces Sunday to coast to an easy victory in the Qualifying Group A round at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour Favorite Fishing Stage Three Presented by Bass Cat Boats at the Harris Chain of Lakes with a two-day total of 42 bass for 100 pounds, 7 ounces.

Hite earned the win by a 25-pound, 4-ounce margin over second place and now advances directly into the Championship Round of competition, set for Wednesday. The six-day tournament, hosted by Lake County, is being live-streamed online and filmed for television broadcast on the Discovery Channel and the Outdoor Channel later this year.

Toro pro Brent Chapman of Lake Quivira, Kansas, caught a two-day total of 29 bass weighing 75-3 to start and end the day in second place. Jasper, Texas pro Todd Faircloth, boated a two-day total of 28 bass weighing 70-7 to end the round in third place. After starting the day in 26^th place, pro Dean Rojas of Lake Havasu City, Arizona , was the big mover of the day Sunday, catching 17 bass weighing 44 pounds, 4 ounces to vault into fourth with a two-day total of 24 bass for 57-13. Rounding out the top five is pro Boyd Duckett of Guntersville, Alabama, who caught a two-day total of 22 bass weighing 54-10.

The top 20 anglers from Group A will now enjoy an off day, while the 40 anglers in Qualifying Group B will complete their two-day Qualifying Round of competition on Monday. The Knockout Round, featuring 38 anglers competing to finish in the top eight, will take place on Tuesday. Wednesday’s Championship Round will feature Hite, Monday’s Group B winner, and the top eight anglers from the Knockout Round competing in a final-day shootout for the top prize of $100,000.

“All of the hard work that we put in pays off every once in a while, and it’s been a really good couple of days for me so far,” said Hite, who has five career wins and 33 top-10 finishes in MLF competition. “Today, it was almost like those fish were kind of in shock because the wind had been blowing 20 to 30 (miles per hour) every day for the last week and today it was dead, slick calm. I guess if I am going to have a bad execution day, it’s nice to have a 40-pound lead when I do it. I’m looking forward to a couple of days off – my shoulder needs it after what seems like 1,000 casts a day.”

Like Friday, Hite relied mainly on a Z-Man Jackhammer and an EverGreen Grass Ripper swimjig to catch his fish.

“The bread and butter bait for me today was the (Z-Man) Jackhammer StealthBlade (green pumpkin shad) with a Yamamoto Zako trailer,” Hite said. “We designed this bait – EverGreen, myself and Morizo Shimizu – for days like this. In the slick calm conditions, those fish are just real finicky, and the StealthBlade just doesn’t vibrate quite as hard as the regular Jackhammer. I threw it with 14 or 16-pound Sunline FC Sniper fluorocarbon line and that’s what I caught most of my fish on today.

“I also caught some key fish on an original ½-ounce (Z-Man) Jackhammer (green shad), also with a Yamamoto Zako (sight flash) with 20-pound Sunline FC Sniper fluorocarbon,” Hite continued. “I threw it on a 7-foot, 3-inch heavy-action EverGreen Combat Stick with a 6:3:1 Daiwa Tatula Elite reel. And I let the cat out of the bag this week on our new swimjig. I worked on this thing for about a year and it’s going to be coming out in a couple of weeks – the new EverGreen Grass Ripper swimjig. I fished that with a Yamamoto Zako Paddletail Swimbait (sight flash) with 20-pound Sunline fluorocarbon line and a Daiwa Tatula Elite with a 7:1 gear ratio.

“I’m super excited to advance into the Championship Round on Wednesday,” Hite went on to say. “I’ve got a good game plan, and we’re going to let those fish rest and hopefully have a shot to win this thing.”

Tuskegee, Alabama pro Mark Daniels Jr. felt the pressure of the SCORETRACKER leaderboard on Sunday. After starting the day in 10^th place, Daniels found himself sitting in 21^st place, outside the Toro Cut Line, with just six minutes left in the day. Luckily for Daniels, he caught a 1-pound, 8-ounce largemouth as the clock ticked down to overtake pro Randy Howell by just 5 ounces and advance to the Knockout round in the final spot.

“Oh my gosh, that was one of the most stressful days of my entire career,” a relieved Daniels said in his post-game interview. “I don’t have any gray hairs yet, but I think I might have gotten a couple after today. I was trying to fish the conditions, but nothing was working. I had to fall back on what got me here, a Z-Man ChatterBait with a Z-Man RaZor ShadZ trailer. And golly, I can’t believe it was a 1-8. Literally the fish that I needed. He could have been a 1-7 and I wouldn’t be here. Unreal. I’m so, so happy that I’m going to get another opportunity in the Knockout Round.”

The top 20 pros from Qualifying Group A that now advance to Tuesday’s Knockout Round on the Harris Chain of Lakes are:

1^st:        Brett Hite, Phoenix, Ariz., 42 bass, 100-7
2^nd:       Brent Chapman, Lake Quivira, Kan., 29 bass, 75-3
3^rd:       Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, 28 bass, 70-7
4^th:       Dean Rojas, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., 24 bass, 57-13
5^th:       Boyd Duckett, Guntersville, Ala., 22 bass, 54-10
6^th:       Paul Elias, Laurel, Miss., 23 bass, 54-8
7^th:       Alton Jones Jr., Waco, Texas, 21 bass, 54-1
8^th:       Josh Bertrand, Queen Creek, Ariz., 25 bass, 54-0
9^th:       James Elam, Tulsa, Okla., 21 bass, 53-5
10^th:     Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., 25 bass, 52-13
11^th:     Greg Vinson, Wetumpka, Ala., 22 bass, 52-13
12^th:     Jeff Sprague, Point, Texas, 24 bass, 52-1
13^th:     Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., 23 bass, 51-14
14^th:     Stephen Browning, Hot Springs, Ark., 21 bass, 51-14
15^th:     Randall Tharp, Port St. Joe, Fla., 19 bass, 51-7
16^th:     Kyle Hall, Granbury, Texas, 24 bass, 48-15
17^th:     Jonathon VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., 22 bass, 47-4
18^th:     Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 18 bass, 46-3
19^th:     Britt Myers, Lake Wylie, S.C., 14 bass, 41-3
20^th:     Mark Daniels Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., 15 bass, 39-7

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

Overall, there were 327 bass weighing 776 pounds, 15 ounces caught by 38 pros on Sunday.

Elam won Sunday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award, weighing in a 9-pound, 1-ounce largemouth on a squarebill crankbait during Period 1. Berkley will award $1,000 to the angler that weighs the biggest bass each day, and a $3,000 bonus to the angler who weighs the largest bass of the tournament.

The MLF Bass Pro Tour Favorite Fishing Stage Three at the Harris Chain Presented by Bass Cat Boats is hosted by Lake County.

The 40 Anglers in Group A competed in their two-day qualifying round on Friday and Sunday – the 40 anglers in Group B on Saturday and Monday. After each two-day qualifying round is complete, the anglers that finish in 2^nd through 20^th place from both groups advance to Tuesday’s Knockout Round, while the the winner of each group advances directly to Wednesday’s Championship Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed and the remaining 38 anglers compete to finish in the top 8 to advance to the Championship Round. In the final day Championship Round, weights are zeroed and the highest one-day total wins. Full breakdown of the format can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

by AnglersChannel

Last Minute Heroics for MDJ

Courtesy of Luke Stoner - Dynamic Sponsorships

Stage Three of the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour offered plenty of drama today at the conclusion of Group A’s Qualifying Round on the Harris Chain of Lakes. Mark Daniels Jr. and Randy Howell played leapfrog on the Toro Cut Line throughout the third period, which culminated in MDJ catching one last scoreable bass in the waning minutes of competition to lock in the 20th spot.

By sliding into the 20th place position in the last five minutes, the Toyota Bonus Bucks angler secured his qualification for Tuesday’s Knockout Round, with just 5-ounces separating him from Randy Howell. Talk about last minute heroics.

“Man it is so dang stressful to be right there on the cut line as the clock is winding down,” Daniels Jr. said. “I don’t like being in that position at all, but thankfully for me I ended up on the shiny side today. I’m not happy I put myself in that position, but I’m grateful it turned out the way it did.”

The always-gracious Bill Lewis pro started the day in 10th place and was hopeful he could wind up enough fish to cruise into the Knockout Round, but changing weather conditions threw a wrench into that plan. On the first day of his Qualifying Round, MDJ caught every bass on a reaction bait but he struggled to get that pattern going today.

“The lack of wind really seemed to hurt the bite I was on,” MDJ explained. “It becomes extremely hard to fool Florida bass with a reaction bait when it slicks off.”

Daniels Jr. tried of plethora of other techniques, and actually caught one key scoreable bass with a flipping stick, but ultimately had to go back to the well with a moving bait to give him the boost he needed.

Team Toyota pro Jacob Wheeler travels with MDJ on the Bass Pro Tour and was unfortunately on the other side of the cut line drama today in the sunshine state. Wheeler finished the day just over 4-pounds out of 20th place and lost a big bass on a crankbait with just a few minutes remaining in dramatic fashion.

Wheeler is coming off his third Bass Pro Tour victory on Lake Travis just a couple short weeks ago and will have to live vicariously through his travel mates Dustin Connell and Mark Daniels Jr. this week. Both anglers advanced to the Knockout Round today and will start fishing again Tuesday morning with a clean slate.

“The beauty of this Major League Fishing format is I can absolutely still win this tournament,” Daniels Jr. proposed. “I barely squeaked in to the Knockout Round, but come Tuesday the weights will be zeroed and anything can happen.”

by AnglersChannel

Bobby Lane Leads Group B at Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour – Favorite Fishing Stage Three Presented by Bass Cat Boats at the Harris Chain

Florida Pro Catches 25 Bass Weighing 68 Pounds, 4 Ounces to Grab Early Lead for Group B, Group A to Complete Two-Day Qualifying Round Sunday

LEESBURG, Fla. (May 22, 2021) – After a back-and-forth battle at the top of the leaderboard during Period 1, Berkley pro Bobby Lane of Lakeland, Florida, surged ahead in Period 2 of the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour Favorite Fishing Stage Three at the Harris Chain Presented by Bass Cat Boats event in Leesburg, Florida. Lane caught a total of 25 bass on Saturday – including a pair of 6-pounders and several 4-pounders – to lead Qualifying Group B with 68 pounds, 4 ounces.

The Lakeland pro ended the day with a 24-pound advantage over second-place pro David Walker of Sevierville, Tennessee, who caught 14 bass weighing 44 pounds, 4 ounces. Pro Keith Poche of Pike Road, Alabama , sits 3 pounds, 12 ounces behind Walker, ending the day in third place with 15 bass weighing 40-8.

The 40 anglers in Group B will have the day off on Sunday, while the 40 anglers in Group A will complete their two-day Qualifying Round of competition. Group B will conclude their Qualifying Round on Monday. The six-day event, hosted by Lake County, features 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.

Ending Period 1 in second place behind Poche, Lane caught a 4-pounder in the middle of Period 2 that moved him to the top of the leaderboard – and he never looked back.

“Today was a lot of hooksets and a lot of fun,” said Lane, 2016 Challenge Cup Champion on the Harris Chain of Lakes. “The wind was my friend and I basically had the whole entire South side of Lake Harris to myself.”

Lane, who never went more than an hour without padding his lead with a scoreable bass, said he caught almost all his fish flipping a Berkley PowerBait Power Hawg with a ½-ounce weight and a 4/0 Berkley Fusion19 hook along grass lines.

“This was one of the best days of flipping I’ve had in a while and the windy conditions were a huge benefit today,” said Lane. “The Berkley Power Hawg is perfect for the grass I’m flipping in and I tied on a Berkley PowerBait MaxScent The General as a back-up when my Power Hawg got hung up.”

Lane said he expects the conditions to change by Monday but he’s excited to have won the first round and to go back out on the water with the security of a 24-pound lead.

“My goal is to get into that Championship Round and I’m going to do whatever I can to make that happen,” said Lane. “If the water is slick and calm like I anticipate, I plan to focus on finding really thick clumps of grass where the fish are hiding in the shade. I may even venture over to the other side of Lake Harris.”

Location didn’t seem to matter much for Walker, who racked up several 4-pounders throughout the day in different areas across the lake.

“The way things were going during that second period had me a little worried, but thankfully I did well in the first and third period,” said Walker. “We’re still in it and we’re doing good – looking forward to getting back out there on Monday.”

The top 20 pros in Qualifying Group B after Day 1 on the Harris Chain of Lakes are:

1^st:           Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla., 25 bass, 68-4
2^nd:          David Walker, Sevierville, Tenn., 14 bass, 44-4
3^rd:          Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., 15 bass, 40-8
4^th:           Mark Davis, Mount Ida, Ark., 14 bass, 36-1
5^th:           Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J., 16 bass, 35-10
6^th:           Fletcher Shryock, Guntersville, Ala., 10 bass, 31-4
7^th:           John Cox, DeBary, Fla., seven bass, 28-2
8^th:           Skeet Reese, Auburn, Calif., 12 bass, 27-5
9^th:           Chris Lane, Guntersville, Ala., 11 bass, 27-3
10^th:        Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., nine bass, 27-2
11^th:        Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C., 11 bass, 26-10
12^th:        Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark., nine bass, 23-15
13^th:        Tai Au, Glendale, Ariz., eight bass, 21-0
14^th:        Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn., 10 bass, 20-6
15^th:        Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., eight bass, 20-1
16^th:        Jordan Lee, Cullman, Ala., four bass, 17-14
17^th:        Gerald Spohrer, Gonzales, La., six bass, 17-0
18^th:        Scott Suggs, Alexander, Ark., eight bass, 16-8
19^th:        Mike McClelland, Blue Eye, Mo., eight bass, 15-12
20^th:        Andy Morgan, Dayton, Tenn., eight bass, 15-6

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

Overall, there were 290 bass weighing 747 pounds, 3 ounces caught by the 40 pros on Saturday.

Shryock won Saturday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award, weighing in an 8-pound, 6-ounce largemouth on a creature bait during Period 3. Berkley will award $1,000 to the angler that weighs the biggest bass each day, and a $3,000 bonus to the angler who weighs the largest bass of the tournament.

The MLF Bass Pro Tour Favorite Fishing Stage Three at the Harris Chain Presented by Bass Cat Boats is hosted by Lake County.

The 40 Anglers in Group A compete in their two-day qualifying round on Friday and Sunday – the 40 anglers in Group B on Saturday and Monday. After each two-day qualifying round is complete, the anglers that finish in 2^nd through 20^thplace from both groups advance to Tuesday’s Knockout Round, while the the winner of each group advances directly to Wednesday’s Championship Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed and the remaining 38 anglers compete to finish in the top 8 to advance to the Championship Round. In the final day Championship Round, weights are zeroed and the highest one-day total wins. Full breakdown of the format can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

by AnglersChannel

Kuphall Extends Lead At Bassmaster Elite Series Event On Lake Guntersville

Caleb Kuphall, of Mukwonago, Wis., is leading after Day 3 of the 2021 Berkley Bassmaster Elite at Lake Guntersville with a three-day total of 66 pounds, 13 ounces.

Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.

May 22, 2021

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — Knowing when to shift gears rewarded Caleb Kuphall with a five-bass limit of 23 pounds, 9 ounces, which helped him extend his lead in the Berkley Bassmaster Elite at Lake Guntersville with a three-day total weight of 66 pounds, 13 ounces.

Holding the top spot since Day 1, the pro from Mukwonago, Wis., set the pace with a first-round limit of 27-10 — the tournament’s biggest bag — and followed with 15-10. After the first two days found Kuphall with leads of 6-7 and 4-9, he enters Championship Sunday 11 1/2 pounds ahead of Alabama pro Wes Logan.

“The more the better,” Kuphall said of his numerical advantage. “If you’re going to lead, you might as well lead big, I guess. I don’t know; I’ve never been in this position before.

“It feels great to be in the lead, but I’m going to be nervous tonight.”

As he has done the past two days, Kuphall began on a large milfoil bed close to takeoff. The area yielded much of his weight on Days 1 and 2, but intense fishing pressure — from him and other anglers — has steadily decreased the area’s productivity.

Kuphall had been Texas-rigging a Zoom Z Hog in the California 420 color on a 4/0 extra-wide gap hook with a 3/4-ounce tungsten weight, but today he switched to a 1-ounce Dirty Jigs No Jack Punchin’ Jig with a forktail trailer.

“I was just trying to show them something different,” Kuphall said of his bait change. “They started taking my (Texas rig) really lightly and I was missing a couple.

“Generally, with that jig, if they get it, you’re gonna get them. It’s just a better hookup percentage.”

Around 9 a.m., Kuphall had four fish for approximately 10 1/2 pounds, so he pulled the plug and relocated to his secondary spot — a large milfoil bed near the B.B. Comer Bridge (State Route 35). Expansive cover with lots of sunfish and big gizzard shad presented a promising scenario.

Within 30 minutes of arriving, Kuphall experienced a flurry that started with a 6-pounder and followed with two in the 4-pound class. Adding two more quality fish later in the day, Kuphall culled all the fish he’d caught on his starting spot.

“I knew the big fish were there,” he said. “I just got on a good stretch and conditions were just right today.

“The sun was positioning the fish in those mats and the wind was so light it wasn’t affecting my ability to fish the mats. Everything just set up perfectly to go in there and do damage.”

On Day 2, Kuphall found the stronger wind was compacting the mats and making presentations more difficult. Also, he had to use higher trolling motor power, which likely spooked the fish. Today’s conditions allowed him to leisurely work isolated grass clumps on the mat’s perimeter.

“I was looking for the thickest stuff available; the thicker the better,” Kuphall said. “You’d flip in there and they’d destroy the bait as soon as it gets through.

“I was using a Z Hog with an ounce weight. I try to go as light as possible because I miss a lot of fish if you go too heavy on the weight.”

Looking ahead to Championship Sunday, Kuphall said he’ll give his first spot a chance to produce, but unless he finds a big bite, he’ll transition to his spot near the B.B. Comer Bridge much earlier.

“By the way my first area’s going, I’m thinking I’m going to spend a lot of time in (the second spot) tomorrow,” he said.

Hailing from Springville, Ala., Logan bolstered his first two limits of 14-1 and 20-12 with a third-round bag of 20-8 and tallied 55-5. Fresh off his win at the Whataburger Bassmaster Elite at Neely Henry Lake, Logan caught all of his bass by flipping milfoil mats in the same general area where Kuphall spent most of his day.

“There’s so much floating eelgrass that it’ll get blown into a milfoil mat and make a canopy that they’ll get under,” Logan said. “I’m flipping three or four different baits and a couple of them have different actions. I’m in really thick cover, I threw a beaver-style bait and in the open stuff, I’m flipping a Zoom Z Craw.”

Logan said he’s optimistic about Championship Sunday because, in addition to his mat pattern, he noticed an increase in shoreline activity — big bass staking out bream beds.

“I saw a lot of fish this afternoon that weren’t there this morning or yesterday,” Logan said. “They may be flooding offshore, but there’s a lot of them that aren’t leaving the bank.”

Canadian pro Chris Johnston is in third with 52-4. He entered Day 3 in second place, but fell one spot after a slower bite added 13-9 to his previous weights of 19-1 and 19-10.

Johnston started his day targeting an offshore hard spot in about 10 feet where he caught fish on a drop shot with a Roboworm in the morning dawn color. He returned to the pad field that yielded a couple of big bites on a Spro Popping Frog on Day 2, but could not get that pattern going.

“My starting spot has gotten a lot of pressure and I just didn’t get the big ones to bite today,” Johnston said. “There’s tons of fish there; you can see them (on the graph), but it’s very tough to get bites now.”

After his frog pattern fizzled, Johnston tried a few different areas and ultimately caught a couple of small keepers off beds.

Caleb Sumrall of New Iberia, La., is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 7-6 largemouth.

Seth Feider of New Market, Minn., leads the Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings with 602 points. Jason Christie of Park Hill, Okla., is second with 554, followed by Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C., with 550, Johnston with 547 and Brandon Palaniuk of Rathdrum, Idaho, with 541.

Bryan New of Belmont, N.C., leads the Rookie of the Year standings with 457 points.

The Top 10 remaining anglers will take off at 5:30 a.m. CT on Championship Sunday from Scottsboro's Goose Pond Colony Resort Marina. The weigh-in will be held back at Goose Pond at 2 p.m., with $100,000 going to the winner.

Live coverage of the event can be streamed on Bassmaster.com and the FOX Sports digital platforms. FS1 will also broadcast the action live with the leaders beginning at 7 a.m.

by AnglersChannel

Brett Hite Jumps Out to Early Lead at Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour – Favorite Fishing Stage Three Presented by Bass Cat Boats at the Harris Chain

Phoenix, Arizona Pro Leads After Day 1 of Qualifying Round Group A with 34 Bass Weighing 83 Pounds, 5 Ounces – Group B to Compete Saturday

LEESBURG, Fla. (May 21, 2021) – Pro Brett Hite of Phoenix, Arizona, dominated the field on Friday, catching 34 bass totaling a staggering 83 pounds, 5 ounces, to grab the early lead in Qualifying Group A on Day 1 of the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour Favorite Fishing Stage Three at the Harris Chain Presented by Bass Cat Boats event. The six-day tournament, hosted by Lake County, features 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.

Hite will bring a commanding 40-pound, 9-ounce, lead into the second day of competition for Group A on Sunday, nearly doubling the weight of the second-place angler. Toro pro Brent Chapman of Lake Quivira, Kansas, who ran neck-in-neck with Hite during Period 1, caught 16 bass weighing 42-12 to end the day in second place, while Alabama pro Boyd Duckett of Guntersville sits in third place, 3 pounds back of Chapman with 16 bass weighing 39-12.

The 40 anglers in Group A will now enjoy a day off Saturday, while the 40 anglers in Group B will begin their first day of competition. Group A resumes competition on Sunday.

Hite was in the same general area throughout the day as several other pros, yet he put on a ChatterBait clinic, shooting ahead on the SCORETRACKER® early in Period 2.

“I’m in awe of the day – this is one of the type of days that you dream about,” said Hite. “I found a massive area with a lot of fish during practice. I’m fishing the way I love to fish, catching plenty of fish and a bunch of big ones.

“It really came down to two different ChatterBait Jack Hammers that were the bread and butter for me,” continued Hite. “A BHite Delight-colored ½-ounce with a metal blade and a green pumpkin-colored Yamamoto Zako as well as a ½-ounce Jack Hammer StealthBlade with a Yamamoto Zako trailer.”

Hite said both baits had seen their fair share of action throughout the day.

“This bait looks like it should after a full day – all beat up, with teeth marks and paint coming off – that’s the mark of a good day,” said Hite. “I caught a lot of fish, and an 8-pounder on that ChatterBait. I’m really looking forward to going fishing on Sunday and hopefully making that Championship Round.”

Hite credited his sweet setup of an Evergreen rod, a Daiwa Tatula Elite reel and 20-pound Sunline fluorocarbon for his exceptional start to the event.

Chapman was also thrilled with his Day 1 results, taking advantage of his lead later in the day to practice and learn more about the water he’s fishing. That practice resulted in three additional fish in the third and final period and a second-place finish.

“To catch that many scoreable bass in a day is just phenomenal,” said Chapman. “I’m familiar with this fishery, but not at this time of year, so I wasn’t really sure how it would fish. I’m really happy with how my practice went this week and it really paid off today.”

The top 20 pros in Group A after Day 1 on the Harris Chain of Lakes are:

1^st:           Brett Hite, Phoenix, Ariz., 34 bass, 83-5
2^nd:          Brent Chapman, Lake Quivira, Kan., 16 bass, 42-12
3^rd:          Boyd Duckett, Guntersville, Ala., 16 bass, 39-12
4^th:           Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, 15 bass, 37-15
5^th:           Alton Jones, Jr., Waco, Texas, 12 bass, 32-14
6^th:           Paul Elias, Laurel, Miss., 13 bass, 32-13
7^th:           James Elam, Tulsa, Okla., 15 bass, 32-7
8^th:           Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 13 bass, 31-11
9^th:           Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., 13 bass, 30-0
10^th:        Mark Daniels, Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., 11 bass, 28-12
11^th:        Kyle Hall, Granbury, Texas, 13 bass, 26-6
12^th:        Greg Vinson, Wetumpka, Ala., 11 bass, 25-8
13^th:        Britt Myers, Lake Wylie, S.C., seven bass, 25-0
14^th:        Randall Tharp, Port Saint Joe, Fla., eight bass, 24-3
15^th:        Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas, 10 bass, 24-0
16^th:        Kevin VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., 10 bass, 22-0
17^th:        Shin Fukae, Thomson, Ga., 10 bass, 20-0
18^th:        Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., nine bass, 19-4
19^th:        Jared Lintner, Arroyo Grande, Calif., eight bass, 17-5
20^th:        Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., seven bass, 15-12

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

Overall, there were 332 bass weighing 797 pounds, 14 ounces caught by 38 pros on Friday.

Britt Myers won Friday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award, weighing in a 9-pound, 8-ounce largemouth on a bladed jig during Period 2. Berkley will award $1,000 to the angler that weighs the biggest bass each day, and a $3,000 bonus to the angler who weighs the largest bass of the tournament.

The MLF Bass Pro Tour Favorite Fishing Stage Three at the Harris Chain Presented by Bass Cat Boats is hosted by Lake County.

The 40 Anglers in Group A compete in their two-day qualifying round on Friday and Sunday – the 40 anglers in Group B on Saturday and Monday. After each two-day qualifying round is complete, the anglers that finish in 2^nd through 20^th place from both groups advance to Tuesday’s Knockout Round, while the winner of each group advances directly to Wednesday’s Championship Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed and the remaining 38 anglers compete to finish in the top 8 to advance to the Championship Round. In the final day Championship Round, weights are zeroed and the highest one-day total wins. Full breakdown of the format can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

by AnglersChannel

Kuphall Maintains Lead At Bassmaster Elite Series Event On Lake Guntersville

Caleb Kuphall, of Mukwonago, Wis., is leading after Day 2 of the 2021 Berkley Bassmaster Elite at Lake Guntersville with a two-day total of 43 pounds, 4 ounces.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.

May 21, 2021

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — On Thursday, Caleb Kuphall said he was concerned he’d exhausted his Day 1 hot spot, but the area still held enough quality fish to help him maintain his lead at the Berkley Bassmaster Elite at Lake Guntersville with a two-day total of 43 pounds, 4 ounces.

Sacking up a Day 1 limit of 27-10 — the tournament’s biggest bag so far — the pro from Mukwonago, Wis., carried a lead of 6-7 into Friday’s competition. Adding 15-10, Kuphall heads into Saturday’s semifinal round with a 4-9 margin over Canadian Chris Johnston.

Starting both days on a large milfoil bed not far from takeoff, Kuphall has done most of his work in a relatively small area within this sprawling habitat. Other boats were fishing around him, but Kuphall has dialed in a particular sweet spot.

“There’s a lot of pressure in that spot; today, there was another two boats in there and another one came in later on,” Kuphall said. “There’s still a lot of fish there; I got bit pretty much up until I left around 9:30. I just don’t think I can get another two days out of it.”

Kuphall is catching his bass on a Zoom Z-Hog in the California 420 color. He’s rigging the bait on a 4/0 extra-wide gap hook with a 3/4-ounce tungsten weight.

Once his starting spot fizzled, Kuphall ran about 15 minutes uplake to fish a matted milfoil bed. This area holds scattered pads, but he said the secondary habitat isn’t factoring into his game plan.

“You have the mat line, and what I’m fishing is out from that,” he said. “It’s a little deeper water and the isolated grass clumps are key to getting my bites. I really haven’t gotten any bites fishing the line.

“I’m using the Z-Hog here too, but I’m using a 1-ounce weight. If the wind blows again tomorrow, I may have to go to an ounce and a quarter or an ounce and a half.”

On Day 1, Kuphall’s second spot yielded two sizable culls, but on Friday it afforded only a 1/4-pound upgrade. He noted that Friday’s wind impeded his efficiency on his uplake area.

“The wind was coming right up the gut and I had my trolling motor on 80 to 100% just to hold in that area,” he said. “When you’re shallow like that in the mats, I think I was spooking a lot of fish before I was getting to them.”

Assessing his day, Kuphall said he’s pleased with his position but thankful for a huge first round, which buoyed his weight. Overall, Friday proved considerably more challenging.

“One of my areas is drying up on me and the other one ... I just didn’t catch them today,” he said. “I think I’m going to have to look for something else to do because I don’t see that first spot holding up another two days.

“It was a grind today. I only caught about 10 fish today. I was hoping I’d get some bigger bites, but I didn’t get them. But tomorrow’s another day.”

Kuphall said he plans on giving his starting spot another look Saturday, but he won’t burn much time there unless he finds a big bite early.

“I have a couple of other areas that I haven’t touched yet,” he said. “They’re (mostly) keeper areas; just limit areas. If I get into trouble, I can go and get a couple of bites.”

Hailing from Peterborough, Ontario, Johnston added 19-10 to the 19-1 he caught Thursday and gained three spots from fifth with a total weight of 38-11.

Johnston caught three of his limit fish by throwing a bream-colored Spro Poppin’ Frog over pads. He caught the other two while fishing a drop shot with a Roboworm in the morning dawn color over an offshore hard spot in about 10 feet.

“I didn’t go to my frog area on Day 1 because I had two 3-pounders blow up on it in practice and I was saving it in case I needed it,” Johnston said. “Luckily, it worked out today and there were more fish there than I thought. I wasn’t expecting to get those big ones and that many.”

Luke Palmer of Coalgate, Okla., is in third with 37-3. After placing eighth on Day 1 with 17-12, Palmer added a limit of 19-7, which included a 5 1/2-pounder.

Palmer divided his day between throwing a Zara Spook in shallow water and rotating through a drop shot, jerkbait and rattlebait in deeper grass.

“I’m just mixing it up and trying to figure out what the fish want,” Palmer said. “You’re liable to go down one stretch, turn around and come back with another bait and just wreck them.”

Caleb Sumrall of New Iberia, La., is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 7-6.

Seth Feider of New Market, Minn., leads the Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings with 612 points. Brandon Palaniuk of Rathdrum, Idaho, is in second with 557, followed by Jason Christie of Park Hill, Okla., with 554, Johnston with 548 and Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C., with 541.

Bryan New of Belmont, N.C., leads the Rookie of the Year standings with 463 points.

Saturday’s takeoff is scheduled for 5:30 a.m. CT from Scottsboro's Goose Pond Colony Resort Marina. The weigh-in will be held back at Goose Pond at 2 p.m. After Saturday’s weigh-in, only the Top 10 remaining anglers will advance to Championship Sunday with a chance at the $100,000 first-place prize.

Live coverage of the event can be streamed on Bassmaster.com and the FOX Sports digital platforms. FS1 will also broadcast the action live with the leaders beginning at 7 a.m.

by AnglersChannel

Britt Myers Wrestles With Wrist Injury and 9-lber

Courtesy of Luke Stoner - Dynamic Sponsorships

Major League Fishing pro Britt Myers woke up Wednesday morning to start practice on the Harris Chain of Lakes for Stage Three of the Bass Pro Tour but immediately felt something was seriously wrong with his right wrist. The General Tires pro said his wrist was completely fine when he went to bed, but woke up to a swollen hand and intense pain.

Myers is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet off the water, but he’s a fierce competitor on the water; he’s fished through pain plenty of times in his career but this time it was almost unbearable. He gave up precious practice time to head to the local Urgent Care.

“I seriously think I am dealing with maybe 10% function in my right hand,” Myers said. “The nurse at the Urgent Care couldn’t tell me exactly what it was. She thought it could be tendonitis but I’ve had surgeries in the past and know all about tendonitis. This one feels different.”

After spending a lot of time icing and babying his wrist, the longtime owner of CS Motorsports in North Carolina decided he was just going to have to grit his teeth and fish through the discomfort to the best of his abilities on the Harris Chain.

While day one of his Qualifying Round didn’t go as well as it could have without dealing with the injury, Myers certainly made the most of his predicament; catching 25-lbs. of bass, including a 9-pound 8-ounce giant, to finish the day in 13th place.

“I literally fished the entire day one handed,” Myers said in disbelief. “I lost so many fish that could have been scoreables because I couldn’t set the hook properly. I was a mess out there. But I’m super thankful for that big bass and the other fish I did catch… today could have been much more of a train wreck.”

Like most, Myers is right handed. He typically casts with his right hand, reels with his right hand, and grabs big bass at the edge of his boat with his right hand. Today that all had to change.

“As long as I could keep the rod straight and the fish came right at me, I could reel them in like I was working a pencil sharpener without too much pain,” Myers said. “But as soon as a fish would surge to the left or right I was practically helpless. My range of motion is so limited right now and I can’t put tension on my right hand.”

Myers promises the scene was absolute chaos when he hooked and eventually landed the big bass of the day, which earned him $1000, and he believes he caught it all on GoPro. That video will likely publish on his social media pages in the days to come, but first Myers is going to focus on rehabbing his wrist and qualifying for the Knockout Round.

by AnglersChannel

Steady Winds Will Play a Factor on Harris Chain

Courtesy of Luke Stoner -Dynamic Sponsorships

Major League Fishing pros headed out on the vast and beautiful Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Florida to kick off the Favorite Fishing Stage Three this morning. The eight individual lakes of the Harris Chain covering over 75,000 acres of water offer a myriad of ways Bass Pro Tour anglers can target scoreable bass this week.

While it’s hard to know what to expect in terms of presentations, techniques, or bait selection; one thing MLF pros anticipate is strong winds from the east these first two days of competition.

“The winds have been blowing hard out of the east since we got here,” James Elam said. “It’s not dangerous or anything, but it definitely limited the areas you could effectively fish in practice. The wind has churned up the water in a lot of spots I thought could be good and affected the water quality.”

The Oklahoma native and longtime Toyota Bonus Bucks member said the easterly winds will have both fish and anglers bunched up in certain areas on the Harris Chain. Something Elam and the rest of the Major League Fishing pros are used to in the sunshine state.

“Florida fisheries always seem to fish small,” Elam said. “But I don’t get too worried if I’m fishing around other anglers down here. If the fish are there, sometimes you have to be willing to fish around a crowd.”

Sure some areas will be negatively affected by turbulent water due to the steady winds, but the same breeze will undoubtedly turn other areas and groups of fish on like a light switch.

Kevin VanDam has made millions of dollars throughout his career capitalizing on this type of scenario. KVD plans on leaning into the wind, using his equipment to help deal with what Mother Nature throws at him and his fellow competitors.

“It’s all about the grass down here in Florida. Whether it’s Kissimmee grass and lily pads around the shoreline or the offshore eelgrass and hydrilla,” VanDam explained. “Taking advantage of the Minn Kota Raptors, electronics, and spot lock capabilities on my boat are going to be key in all this wind.”

VanDam relies on these tools because they give him the ability to make pinpoint casts and presentations to fish keying in on subtleties in the aquatic vegetation. Shallow water anchors like Power Poles and Raptors always play an important role for anglers when fishing in Florida, and that’ll be no different for Major League Fishing pros on the Harris Chain this week.

by AnglersChannel

Sumrall’s birthday bass is biggest of the day at Guntersville Elite

Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships

Caleb Sumrall may not be leading the Berkley Bassmaster Elite Series tournament at Lake Guntersville, but catching the biggest bass of the day on his 34^th birthday provided a pretty strong gift. Sumrall caught the 7 pound 6 ounce beast of a largemouth at high noon after a morning that fell well short of a party.

“This fish was a total day saver, or maybe even a tournament saver, because the first five hours of my birthday out there was not a good scene,” smiled Sumrall.

Sumrall sees life’s big picture clearly, realizing that catching fish is his job, but not his highest priority. “I’ve got two awesome healthy kids, a super sweet and supportive wife, and I’m fishing for a living, that’s a pretty good place to be at age 34, and while there’s still stress, it’s a different kind of stress than I had in my previous job,” says the Carhartt pro.

One of bass fishing’s all-time great Cinderella stories, Sumrall had just been laid-off from his job in the oil field industry when he won the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship on Lake Hartwell in October, 2017 to make enough money to keep the bills paid and get an invite to the Bassmaster Elite Series.

“I was managing 100 employees and trying to keep a $25 Million dollar a year company happy before I lost that job. That was stressful. And obviously this career is stressful too, but a better kind of stress,” says a reflective Sumrall.

Sumrall is rooming with Chris and Cory Johnston, as well as his close buddy Lee Livesay, and ironically, May 20^th is Cory’s birthday too, so there’s a strong chance a few celebratory ‘cold pops’ might get consumed in Guntersville among the fun-loving bunch Thursday night.

But at the core of his 34^th birthday is gratefulness and fellowship.

“Five years from now when I turn 39, I want to be known as a good guy, an honest and fun guy to be around, and hopefully have a couple Elite Series wins under my belt. The fellowship among the Elite Series pros is the best it’s ever been, and why not shoot for the stars, right?” quizzed Sumrall in conclusion.

You bet, pal. It’s your birthday. Shoot for the stars. And the 7-pounder you caught on your 34^th birthday should provide a big boost toward a great weekend ahead.

by AnglersChannel

Kuphall Builds Hefty Lead At Bassmaster Elite Series Event On Guntersville

Caleb Kuphall, of Mukwonago, Wis., is leading after Day 1 of the 2021 Berkley Bassmaster Elite at Lake Guntersville with 27 pounds, 10 ounces.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.

May 20, 2021

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — A fast start plus two afternoon upgrades yielded a five-bass limit of 27 pounds, 10 ounces for Caleb Kuphall of Mukwonago, Wis., who leads Day 1 of the Berkley Bassmaster Elite at Lake Guntersville.

Heading into Day 2, Kuphall holds a lead of 6-7 over veteran South Carolina pro Todd Auten.

According to BassTrakk’s unofficial standings, Kuphall had secured a limit of approximately 19-4 by 6:58 a.m. Registering his first keeper — a 2-12 — 24 minutes after the 5:30 takeoff, Kuphall quickly added four more keepers, including two over 5 pounds.

About 30 minutes after securing the day’s first limit, Kuphall upgraded to 21-12. Several hours passed without further improvement, but shortly after noon, he added a 4-8 and followed with a 5-8 just before 1 p.m.

Noting that he fished two different areas, Kuphall described his primary spot as a classic postspawn staging area. Located in a large spawning cove, the area he targeted provided a natural stopping point for bass on their way out toward summer habitat.

“It was a point with a big mat of milfoil going out to the main lake,” he said. “I got back-to-back bites — in the morning, I caught a 6- and a 5 1/2-pounder on the very next cast.

“I kind of had two things going today, and the first one was a supershallow deal. I caught two of my weigh-in fish in about 3 feet of water, and the rest of them came in about 6 feet.”

Kuphall kept his bait details guarded, but he noted that a bottom-oriented presentation tempted all of his bites. He used multiple colors, but he said the appearance is less important than the presentation.

“It’s a reaction bite; a fast-fall kind of deal,” he said.

Kuphall said he ended up having to fish his area out, as a fellow competitor was showing interest. He’s hopeful that a few quality fish remain, so he’ll explore it again on Day 2.

“I hit it pretty hard, I don’t think there’s much left there,” he said. “I’m going to give it a go tomorrow and hopefully get a few bites off of it.

“It’s not something that’s going to hold up for multiple days. It’s pretty much a one-and-done deal.”

In second place, Auten sacked up a limit that weighed 21-3. His morning also started quickly, but it took a few hours for him to dial in the quality bites.

“About 9:30, I had one fish — a 7-pounder — but I pulled into a little place and caught a couple of good ones, messed around and caught another good one,” Auten said. “That was about it on the big fish and then I caught a couple more 2-pounders.

“I struggled, really. I just got lucky and got a couple of good bites. It might be the area. I’ll have to go back in there tomorrow and see.”

Auten described his most productive area as a windblown point where prespawn and postspawn fish were staging. A crankbait and spinnerbait produced all of his weight, with the 7-pounder biting the latter.

Brandon Palaniuk of Rathdrum, Idaho, is in third with 20-12. One week after winning the Basspro.com Bassmaster Northern Open at James River, Palaniuk took a mobile approach to tracking down Guntersville’s transitioning bass.

Having gone through about 35 baits Thursday, Palaniuk said he caught all of his weight on two reaction baits. One of them was a Storm Arashi Glide Bait in the black silver shad color.

“I saw a piece of cover and said, ‘I have to stop and throw a glide on that,’” he said. “I caught a 3-pounder and one that was about 5 1/2.

“I was just trying to cover water. I feel like these fish are moving so much, you have to stay on top of them.”

Caleb Sumrall of New Iberia, La., is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 7-6.

Seth Feider of New Market, Minn., maintained his lead in the Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings with 602 points. Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C., is in second with 574, followed by Palaniuk with 560, Jason Christie of Park Hill, Okla., with 552 and Chris Johnston of Peterborough, Canada, with 545.

KJ Queen of Catawba, N.C., leads the Rookie of the Year standings with 451 points.

Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 5:30 a.m. CT from Goose Pond Landing. The weigh-in will be held at Goose Pond at 2 p.m. Only the Top 48 anglers will advance after Friday’s weigh-in to fish the semifinal round on Saturday.

Live coverage of the event can be streamed on Bassmaster.com and the FOX Sports digital platforms.

2021 Berkley Bassmaster Elite at Lake Guntersville 5/20-5/23
Lake Guntersville, Scottsboro AL.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$

1. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 5 27-10 100
Day 1: 5 27-10
2. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 5 21-03 99
Day 1: 5 21-03
3. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 5 20-12 98
Day 1: 5 20-12
4. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 19-05 97
Day 1: 5 19-05
5. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 5 19-01 96
Day 1: 5 19-01
6. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 5 18-12 95
Day 1: 5 18-12
7. Brett Preuett Monroe, LA 5 18-06 94
Day 1: 5 18-06
8. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 5 17-12 93
Day 1: 5 17-12
9. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 5 17-10 92
Day 1: 5 17-10
10. Cory Johnston Cavan CANADA 5 17-06 91
Day 1: 5 17-06
11. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 5 17-00 90
Day 1: 5 17-00
12. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 5 16-14 89
Day 1: 5 16-14
13. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 5 16-13 88
Day 1: 5 16-13
14. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 5 16-12 87
Day 1: 5 16-12
15. Derek Hudnall Denham Springs, LA 5 16-05 86
Day 1: 5 16-05
16. Drew Benton Blakely, GA 5 16-02 85
Day 1: 5 16-02
16. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 16-02 85
Day 1: 5 16-02
16. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 5 16-02 85
Day 1: 5 16-02
16. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 5 16-02 85
Day 1: 5 16-02
20. Kyle Welcher Opelika, AL 5 16-00 81
Day 1: 5 16-00
20. Jake Whitaker Fairview, NC 5 16-00 81
Day 1: 5 16-00
22. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 5 15-15 79
Day 1: 5 15-15
22. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 5 15-15 79
Day 1: 5 15-15
24. Seth Feider New Market, MN 5 15-12 77
Day 1: 5 15-12
25. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 5 15-10 76
Day 1: 5 15-10
26. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 5 15-07 75
Day 1: 5 15-07
26. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 5 15-07 75
Day 1: 5 15-07
28. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 5 15-06 73
Day 1: 5 15-06
29. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 5 15-04 72
Day 1: 5 15-04
30. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 5 15-03 71
Day 1: 5 15-03
31. Skylar Hamilton Dandridge, TN 5 14-15 70
Day 1: 5 14-15
31. Bryan New Belmont, NC 5 14-15 70
Day 1: 5 14-15
33. Bob Downey Hudson, WI 5 14-13 68
Day 1: 5 14-13
34. John Cox Debary, FL 5 14-10 67
Day 1: 5 14-10
34. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 5 14-10 67
Day 1: 5 14-10
36. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 5 14-09 65
Day 1: 5 14-09
37. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 5 14-05 64
Day 1: 5 14-05
37. Buddy Gross Chickamauga, GA 5 14-05 64
Day 1: 5 14-05
37. Randy Pierson Oakdale, CA 5 14-05 64
Day 1: 5 14-05
40. Carl Jocumsen Queensland AUSTRALIA 5 14-04 61
Day 1: 5 14-04
41. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 4 14-04 60 $1,000.00
Day 1: 4 14-04
42. Jay Yelas Lincoln City, OR 5 14-02 59
Day 1: 5 14-02
43. Wes Logan Springville, AL 5 14-01 58
Day 1: 5 14-01
43. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 5 14-01 58
Day 1: 5 14-01
45. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 14-00 56
Day 1: 5 14-00
46. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 5 13-15 55
Day 1: 5 13-15
47. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 5 13-15 54
Day 1: 5 13-15
48. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 5 13-14 53
Day 1: 5 13-14
49. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 5 13-12 52
Day 1: 5 13-12
50. Taku Ito Chiba JAPAN 5 13-11 51
Day 1: 5 13-11
51. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 13-07 50
Day 1: 5 13-07
51. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 13-07 50
Day 1: 5 13-07
53. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 5 13-06 48
Day 1: 5 13-06
54. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 5 13-05 47
Day 1: 5 13-05
55. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 5 13-03 46
Day 1: 5 13-03
56. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 5 13-01 45
Day 1: 5 13-01
57. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 5 12-15 44
Day 1: 5 12-15
57. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 5 12-15 44
Day 1: 5 12-15
57. Joshua Stracner Vandiver, AL 5 12-15 44
Day 1: 5 12-15
60. Mike Huff Corbin, KY 5 12-14 41
Day 1: 5 12-14
60. Bill Weidler Helena, AL 5 12-14 41
Day 1: 5 12-14
62. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 5 12-09 39
Day 1: 5 12-09
63. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 5 12-08 38
Day 1: 5 12-08
64. Koby Kreiger Alva, FL 5 12-06 37
Day 1: 5 12-06
65. Frank Talley Temple, TX 5 12-05 36
Day 1: 5 12-05
66. Destin DeMarion Grove City, PA 5 12-03 35
Day 1: 5 12-03
67. Darold Gleason Many, LA 5 12-02 34
Day 1: 5 12-02
67. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 12-02 34
Day 1: 5 12-02
69. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 5 11-14 32
Day 1: 5 11-14
69. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 5 11-14 32
Day 1: 5 11-14
71. Jeff Gustafson Keewatin Ontario CANADA 5 11-12 30
Day 1: 5 11-12
72. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 5 11-08 29
Day 1: 5 11-08
72. Cody Hollen Beaverton, OR 5 11-08 29
Day 1: 5 11-08
72. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 5 11-08 29
Day 1: 5 11-08
75. Randy Sullivan Breckenridge, TX 5 11-08 26
Day 1: 5 11-08
76. Robbie Latuso Gonzales, LA 5 11-02 25
Day 1: 5 11-02
77. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 5 11-01 24
Day 1: 5 11-01
78. Dale Hightower Mannford, OK 5 10-12 23
Day 1: 5 10-12
79. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 5 10-12 22
Day 1: 5 10-12
80. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 5 10-09 21
Day 1: 5 10-09
81. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 5 10-09 20
Day 1: 5 10-09
82. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 5 10-06 19
Day 1: 5 10-06
83. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 5 10-04 18
Day 1: 5 10-04
83. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 5 10-04 18
Day 1: 5 10-04
85. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 4 10-03 16
Day 1: 4 10-03
86. Chris Groh Spring Grove, IL 5 10-00 15
Day 1: 5 10-00
87. Kenta Kimura Osaka JAPAN 5 09-09 14
Day 1: 5 09-09
88. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 4 08-08 13
Day 1: 4 08-08
89. Quentin Cappo Prairieville, LA 4 08-06 12
Day 1: 4 08-06
90. Rob Digh Denver, NC 3 08-00 11
Day 1: 3 08-00
91. David Fritts Lexington, NC 4 07-15 10
Day 1: 4 07-15
92. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 4 07-13 9
Day 1: 4 07-13
93. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 4 07-12 8
Day 1: 4 07-12
94. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 3 07-03 7
Day 1: 3 07-03
95. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 3 07-01 6
Day 1: 3 07-01
96. Kyle Monti Okeechobee, FL 2 06-07 5
Day 1: 2 06-07
97. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 3 05-13 4
Day 1: 3 05-13
98. Rick Morris Lake Gaston, VA 2 03-15 3
Day 1: 2 03-15

by AnglersChannel

Swindle: heavy spaghetti and soaking crankbaits at Guntersville Elite

Courtesy of Alan McGuckin -Dynamic Sponsorships

At the end of a speed walk back from a boat ramp bathroom, and just before launching at Day 1 of the Berkley Bassmaster Elite Series on Lake Guntersville, Team Toyota’s Gerald Swindle took time to talk about everything from soaking his Rapala crankbaits to wife Lulu’s spaghetti.

Q: You posted a picture on social media last night of Rapala crankbaits soaking in water inside a Y’all Sweet Tea mug, what was going on there?

Swindle: I had drilled four microscopic holes in them to let the water soak into the famous Rapala balsa wood, which will make ‘em sink a little better, and dive a little deeper.

Q: How many pounds would you be happy with catching today to go to bed tonight knowing you had a great day, and a solid chance at Sunday’s Top 10?

Swindle: 21-pounds

Q: What’s the very first lure you’re going to throw today?

Swindle: One of those custom-soaked DT crankbaits.

Q: How was Lulu’s spaghetti last night?

Swindle: Good and gone. I put four paper plates together to hold the weight of it all.

Q: You’re a music lover. What song is stuck in your head right now?

Swindle: Old school country – John Conlee’s “Rose Colored Glasses.”

“These rose colored glasses that I'm looking through show only the beauty. 'Cause they hide all the truth.” – John Conlee (1978).

by AnglersChannel

Scaife, Waters Win Wolfson Tourney with over 30 pounds of St Johns River bass!

Courtesy of Vance McCullough

Photos courtesy of Becky Williams

“Saturday was an absolute blur!” said Will Scaife. “When God does something, He makes sure there is no doubt or question, and He was definitely with us! Winning the Wolfson Bass Tournament is a life-long dream that so many can relate to, and you honestly don’t know if it will ever happen. To bust 30lbs for the first time and do it in the biggest tournament in the southeast is an indescribable feeling.”

“God has blessed us with a special opportunity to catch these fish,” said Branden Waters. “It was a special opportunity to get to fish the Wolfson together. 48 hours ago, I wasn’t even sure I was going to fish. We fished extremely clean and had a really fun day fishing.”

Scaife and Waters topped a field of 395 boats to win the 32^nd Woldson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament out of Palatka, Fla. and collect the top prize of $10,000.

Their total weight was 30.66 pounds (5-fish limit) and included a kicker that weighed 8.01.

“We should have lost two fish in the net nut didn’t,” noted Scaife. “Just blessed.”

Sight-fishing was the main game for Scaife and Waters but a locally made, semi-secret topwater lure provided two key catches. “Out of the five we weighed,” said Scaife, “a couple of them came on topwater, a Devil’s Horse, well, actually the Heaberlin horse, as we call it, made a local guy, Bryan Heaberlin.” “It’s modified to work,” said Waters of the special plug.

The duo used Lucky Strike G4 tubes to pull the rest of their weight off of beds in Lake George where bass are still spawning under record cool temperatures that included overnight lows in the 50’s for at least 3 nights prior to Saturday’s tournament. “We were tickled that we had to put the hoodies on this morning,” said Scaife. Waters said, “I told him if it stayed cool, we were going to catch them.”

Runners-up Kevin Duncan and Austin Duncan weighed-in 23.05 pounds.

Phillip Turwitt and Jason Jackson placed 3^rd with 21.74, followed closely by Brandon Wilkes and Jimmy Cornn with 21.63.

Justin Woods and Clayton Woods rounded out the Top 5 with 20.97 pounds.

Big bass honors went to James Sojka and Andrew Pulliam with a 9.59-pound beauty that ate a Strike King Red Eye Shad in Rodman Reservoir.

Organizers and anglers generated well over $400,000 for the hospital at this year’s event.

by AnglersChannel

Zaldain talks heavy metal and uprooted eel grass prior to Guntersville Elite

Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships

Thanks to early sunrises and late sunsets, most pros have logged 13-hour practice days in preparation for the Berkley Bassmaster Elite on Guntersville that begins Thursday.

Chris Zaldain was certainly among them. He was one of the very last pros to come off the water Wednesday. But the always classy and even-keeled caster of oversized swimbaits graciously took time at the dock to share his thoughts with fans on the eve of competition.

Q: Let’s start with an easy one, where did the nickname “Zaldaingerous” come from?

CZ: Brandon Palaniuk started calling me that during one of the very first seasons we competed as pros when I made a lot of Top 10 cuts.

Q: What’s going to be the biggest challenge on Guntersville this week?

CZ: Making a clear cast among on the uprooted, chopped up, eel grass floating on the surface.

Q: Every fishery is in a constant state of ecological change, but what remains Guntersville’s greatest asset?

CZ: The abundance of aquatic vegetation and shad here is still amazing.

Q: How much weight will an angler need to average here each day to get a Top 10?

CZ: I’ll say 17-pounds a day.

Q: What four lures can fans watching on Bassmaster.com and Fox Sports 1 expect to see pros using a bunch?

CZ: Frogs, soft plastic stick worms, deep diving crankbaits, and a swimjig

Q: What music or podcasts are you listening to most right now?

CZ: Heavy metal – a lot of Avenged Sevenfold

by AnglersChannel

Jason Abram - Finding his groove again

This week Chris and David welcome in MLF Pro Circuit Winner Jason Abram to the show to talk about his recent win on Lake Eufaula. With KG out practicing or the Toyota Series Event on Chickamauga, the pair check in to see how his week is going.

by AnglersChannel

B.A.S.S. Announces Inaugural High School Combine To Debut This Fall

May 19, 2021

BIRMINGHAM, Ala — B.A.S.S. officials announced today that 100 high school anglers will have the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of colleges during the inaugural Abu Garcia Bassmaster High School Combine, which is set to debut October 15-17 on Wheeler Lake in Decatur, Ala.

“This is something we have dreamed of for years,” said Hank Weldon, senior manager of the B.A.S.S. College and High School program. “B.A.S.S. is constantly looking for ways to grow the High School and College platforms and give young anglers opportunities to excel not only in the sport but also in the industry. What better way than to give college coaches a chance to see all of the skills these high school anglers possess and possibly award scholarships?”

The Abu Garcia Bassmaster High School Combine will be a three-day event where anglers will perform multiple tasks to show their skillset not only on the water but also display their knowledge of the sport as a whole. After the first day, colleges will have the opportunity to select anglers for a “second look” where they can further explore everything that angler has to offer and see if they would be the perfect fit for their fishing program.

The following 16 colleges have already signed up to participate in this inaugural event:

Adrian College
Bethel University
Blue Mountain College
Bryan College
Campbellsville University
Carson-Newman University
Dallas Baptist University
Drury University
Emmanuel College
Faulkner University
Florida Gateway College
Kentucky Christian University
University of Kentucky
University of Montevallo
University of North Alabama
Wabash Valley College

“Decatur Morgan County Tourism is very proud to host the Bassmaster High School Combine. This is an incredible opportunity for The City of Decatur,” said Don Dukemineer, Director of Sports Development for Decatur Morgan County Tourism. “We are always proud to showcase the beautiful Tennessee River. We will work diligently to create a fantastic experience for all of the participants. We always enjoy working with this wonderful organization and look forward to our continued partnership.”

Registration for the Abu Garcia Bassmaster High School Combine will open at 8 a.m. CT on June 1 at Bassmaster.com/high-school and remain open until 100 participants have registered. The $500 registration fee includes accommodations for two nights and all meals for the weekend.

For more information, visit Bassmaster.com/high-school.

by AnglersChannel

Arey says Guntersville’s exceptional water clarity is altering patterns

Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships

Matt Arey’s not saying Guntersville’s water clarity is anywhere near that of the bottled water for sale at the lake’s iconic Waterfront Bay Grocery & Tackle store. But he will tell you it’s the clearest he’s ever seen Guntersville in his 13 years of fishing professional tournaments on the famed Northeastern Alabama bass fishery.

“I fished my first pro level event here in 2007 or 2008, and I’ll promise you, I’ve never seen Guntersville this clear. There are places where you can see your lure 5-feet below the surface,” said Arey while fueling up next to Seth Feider at Waterfront Grocery after two days of practice.

The Team Toyota pro believes much of G’Ville’s newfound clarity is the result of an abundance of eel grass (Zostera) that acts as a natural filter. And while bass and their prey love living in it, Arey says it will definitely alter the typical early summer patterns fans are accustomed to seeing Elite Series pros rely on.

Arey finished 3rd here in June of 2019 by mining a classic off-shore structure spot in 17 to 20’ of water with a ¾-ounce football jig and a deep diving crankbait. But he says those kinds of magical isolated spots are less of a player now because the eel grass beds offer so many top-notch stopping locations between the spawning areas and deeper creek and river channels.

“At one point today, I was offshore with a spinning reel and a dropshot rig trying to find some deep fish in that clearer water and Hank Cherry found it so rare and funny he stopped and took a picture of me with his cell phone,” grinned Arey.

“I’d guess only 20% of the field will focus on the classic off-shore, post-spawn ledge bite or isolated structure spots this week,” says Arey. “And I still think you’ll need to average 17-pounds a day to make the Top 10 cut, but you’ll see a lot of limits being caught around shallower grass on a topwater and other baits like Jamie Hartman wrecked ‘em on the final day of our 2019 event here,” concludes Arey.

by AnglersChannel

Alhambra Bulldawg Bassin Wins U.S. Army High School Fishing Presented by Favorite Fishing at the California Delta

OAKLEY, Calif. (May 18, 2021) – The Alhambra Bulldawg Bassin duo of Luke Beaty and Emmett Gargaro, both of Martinez, California, won the U.S. Army High School Fishing Presented by Favorite Fishing at the California Delta Presented by Googan Baits on Sunday in Oakley, California. The event was hosted by the City of Oakley and the victory advanced the winning team to the 2021 U.S. Army High School Fishing Presented by Favorite Fishing National Championship.

TOP 20 RESULTS

RANK	SCHOOL/CLUB NAME/CITY	ANGLER NAME(S)	BASS	WEIGHT
1^st	Alhambra Bulldawg Bassin*	Luke Beaty Emmett Gargaro	5	23-6
2^nd	Delta Teen Team*	Hunter Binns Guy Laackmann	5	19-11
3^rd	Heritage High School*	Asher Haynes Sean O’Malley	5	18-3
4^th	Delta Teen Team*	Max Gonzalez Tyler Wood	5	18-2
5^th	Rio Vista*	Daniel Hurley Dominic Vieira	5	18-0
6^th	Grizzly Bass Masters*	Lucas Gerondakis Jon Loya	5	16-7
7^th	Grizzly Bass Masters*	Sam Houston Riley Malonoey	5	16-5
8^th	Roosevelt*	Chee Moua Vang Keith Yang	5	16-4
9^th	Liberty High School*	Joaquin Elliott Vince Fonte	5	14-14
10^th	Freedom*	Tyler Hurney Silas Jones	5	14-8
11^th	Lake County HS Fishing Club*	Joey Gentle Justin Gentle	5	14-5
12^th	SO CAL Junior Bass Anglers*	Connor Dreas Tyler Parks	5	14-5
13^th	SO CAL Junio Bass Anglers*	Logan Howarter Kaine Navarro	5	14-0
14^th	Vista Del Lago*	Christopher Gritts Westly Gritts	5	13-12
15^th	Del Oro	Wyatt Holthaus Ryan Vinci	5	13-11
16^th	Livermore	Jadrien Garcia Colin Perotti	5	13-8
17^th	NOR CAL Junior Bass Club	Ian Maynard Arian Valencia	5	12-13
18^th	Delta Teen Team	Maxwell Kaneko Sam Shimabukuro	5	12-7
19^th	San Joaquin Bassmasters	Zackary Anderson Joshua Marlin	5	12-0
20^th	Oakdale	Michael Brush Levi Duesterhaus	4	11-4

*The top 20% of teams advance to the 2021 U.S. Army High School Fishing Presented by Favorite Fishing National Championship. (This event was a double qualifier, combining the MLF Open and the TBF California State Championship.)

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

2021 UPCOMING QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

EVENT	DATE	LOCATION	HOST
U.S. Army High School Fishing Presented by Favorite Fishing Sam Rayburn Open	June 5	Potomac River, Marbury, Md.	The Commissioners of Charles County MD
2021 U.S. Army High School Fishing National Championship & World Finals	Jun. 30 – Jul. 3	Lake Hartwell, Anderson, S.C.	Anderson Convention & Visitors Bureau

The first 25 high school teams that enter each U.S. Army High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing tournament will receive a free Favorite Fishing package, including one Favorite Fishing casting rod and reel, one Favorite Fishing spinning rod and reel, six packs of Googan Baits and two Favorite Fishing hats, a total package value of $230. Most tournaments will also be hosted by a Bass Pro Tour angler or Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit angler, giving high school students the chance to meet the sport’s top pros. As an added bonus, the winning team at each tournament will receive a guided fishing trip with their pro angler host.

U.S. Army High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing tournaments are free, two-person (team) events for students in grades 7-12 and are open to any MLF and Student Angler Federation-affiliated high school club. The top 10 percent of teams at each Open event along with the TBF High School Fishing state championships will advance to the 2021 U.S. Army High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing National Championship. The U.S. Army High School Fishing national champions will each receive a $5,000 college scholarship to the school of their choice.

In addition to the U.S. Army High School Fishing National Championship, all High School Fishing anglers nationwide automatically qualify for the world’s largest open high school bass tournament, the 2021 High School Fishing World Finals, held in conjunction with the National Championship. More than $2.8 million in scholarships and prizes were offered at the 2020 World Finals.

Full schedules and the latest announcements, photos and articles are available at HighSchoolFishing.org and MajorLeagueFishing.com.

by AnglersChannel

New B.A.S.S. Program Inspires And Educates Families On Outdoor Exploration

The Go Out{side} lifestyle initiative was designed to inspire and educate families as they begin exploring the outdoors.

Photo by B.A.S.S.

May 18, 2021

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — As more people reconnect with each other and nature, B.A.S.S. has announced a new lifestyle initiative to inspire and educate families as they begin exploring the great outdoors. The Go Out{side} program encourages a new audience of burgeoning outdoor enthusiasts who can turn to the authorities at B.A.S.S. for guidance on a variety of outdoor topics, including fishing, camping, hiking, cooking, travel, gear and conservation.

“The stories, videos and information found on Go Out{side} are truly designed to be easy-to-follow and practical for people of any skill level who are ready to explore,” explained Go Out{side} Director Laurie Tisdale. “In fact, our entire Simple 7 series was created to offer simple steps to get you safely in nature now.”

2020 saw a surge in people turning to outdoor activities for recreation and an opportunity to interact responsibly with each other. According to the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, 81% of Americans say they spent time enjoying outdoor activities during the pandemic, 31% for the first time. But many of these people struggle with the basics of getting started.

“For five decades, B.A.S.S. and the Bassmaster brand have inspired millions of people to spend time in the outdoors, fueled the passion for fishing and led efforts to promote youth fishing and conservation,” said B.A.S.S. Chairman Chase Anderson. “Go Out{side} is a natural extension of our commitment to introduce people of all skill levels and backgrounds to fishing and the outdoors. Go Out{side} is particularly focused on providing an easy gateway to the outdoors for families to create memorable experiences outside. The entire Bassmaster family encourages you to go outside and enjoy God’s beautiful creation!”

Along with the knowledgeable writers and staff from B.A.S.S., Go Out{side} Ambassadors including Chef Jimmy Kennedy, outdoor bloggers and photographers Philip and Corey Hunt from Two Dog Outdoors, tournament angler Kristine Fischer and multispecies kayak angler John Deshauteurs will lend their expertise to the program.

“We hope that people can take our tips and create new memories with their friends and families,” said Deshauteurs. “Getting involved with the Go Out{side} program was important to us because it allowed us to get outdoors as a family even more! Experiencing life with our family is why we do what we do, and to be able to share those experiences with the Go Out{side} team has been such a gift.”

In addition to enjoying a variety of information resources on Bassmaster.com, families can also delve into a variety of outdoor activities during the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk June 11-13 in Fort Worth, Texas. As part of the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo, the Go Out{side} Experience will offer fun, free options including inflatable archery, cornhole, jumping dogs, knot tying and more. Kids can even catch their first fish at an on-site catfish pond.

For helpful tips, videos and more information on the Go Out{side} program, visit Bassmaster.com/go-outside.

Go Out{side} Launch Partner: Eukanuba

Go {Fish} Supporting Sponsor: AFTCO

Go {Gear Up} Supporting Sponsor: Grizzly Coolers

Go {Cook} Supporting Sponsor: Big Green Egg

Go {Camp) Supporting Sponsor: Go RVing

by AnglersChannel

Melton Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by Googan Baits on Center Hill Lake

Kentucky’s Parnell Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division

SPARTA, Tenn. (May 18, 2021) – Boater Jay Melton of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, won the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine at Center Hill Lake Presented by Googan Baits in Sparta, Tennessee, Sunday. Melton earned $4,350 for his victory at the event.

TOP 10 RESULTS

RANK	BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	Jay Melton of Murfreesboro, Tenn.	5	13-13	$4,350
2^nd	Beau Grissim of Lebanon, Tenn.	5	13-9	$2,175
3^rd	Terry Steele of Sparta, Tenn.	5	13-6	$1,451
4^th	Brandon Edel of Hendersonville, Tenn.	5	13-5	$1,015
5^th	Adam Wagner of Cookeville, Tenn.	5	13-0	$1,334
5^th	Tony Eckler of Lebanon, Tenn.	5	13-0	$834
7^th	Hunter Bouldin of McMinnville, Tenn.	5	12-15	$725
8^th	John Hopkins of Hendersonville, Tenn.	5	12-13	$653
9^th	Jacob Daily of Rossville, Ga.	5	12-12	$580
10^th	Jeremy Nash of Cookeville, Tenn.	5	12-8	$508

RANK	STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	Kendall Parnell of Monticello, Ky.	5	9-14	$2,064
2^nd	Bobby Harris of McEwen, Tenn.	4	9-10	$1,032
3^rd	Mark Gilbert of Murfreesboro, Tenn.	4	9-6	$813
4^th	James Roye of Altamont, Tenn.	4	9-1	$447
4^th	Josh Underhill of Watertown, Tenn.	4	9-1	$447
6^th	Jake Cross of Byrdstown, Tenn.	4	8-12	$378
7^th	Pop Catalin of Cookeville, Tenn.	4	7-11	$344
8^th	Ricky England of Sparta, Tenn.	5	7-10	$310
9^th	Garrett Davis of Manchester, Tenn.	3	7-5	$275
10^th	Wayne Crouch of Jamestown, Tenn.	4	6-7	$229
10^th	Travis Akers of Morehead, Ky.	3	6-7	$229

CONTINGENCY AWARDS

AWARD	NAME	CONTINGENCY	PAYOUT
Boater Big Bass	John Wells of Nashville, Tenn.	4-pound, 5-ounce bass	$615
Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass	Richard Hawkes of Murfreesboro, Tenn.	4-pound, 3-ounce bass	$287
Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus	Adam Wagner of Cookeville, Tenn.	Eligible Phoenix Boat*	$500

WINNING BAITS

ANGLER	BAIT	COLOR
Boater	Strike King Rage Bug	N/A
Strike King Co-Angler	Strike King KVD Perfect Plastic Game Hawg	N/A

2021 QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

EVENT	DATE	LOCATION	HOST
Music City 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.

by AnglersChannel

Shipton Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League on Potomac River

Virginia’s Williams Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division

MARBURY, Md. (May 18, 2021) – Boater Jason Shipton of Muncy, Pennsylvania, won the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine at the Potomac River in Marbury, Maryland. Shipton earned $4,082 for his victory at the event.

TOP 10 RESULTS

RANK	BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	Jason Shipton of Muncy, Pa.	5	18-6	$4,082
2^nd	Richard Hare of Fredericksburg, Va.	5	17-5	$1,701
2^nd	Keith Estes of Spring Grove, Va.	5	17-5	$1,901
4^th	Jesepth Hughes of King George, Va.	5	17-0	$952
5^th	Joe Wilkerson of Falls Church, Va.	5	16-11	$816
6^th	Al Fiorille of Mount Airy, Md.	5	16-4	$748
7^th	Lenny Baird of Stafford, Va.	5	16-1	$680
8^th	Matthew Caffi of Fairfax, Va.	5	15-11	$612
9^th	Robert Henderson of King George, Va.	5	15-7	$544
10^th	Fred Aldridge of Brandystation, Va.	5	14-15	$452
10^th	Fredderick Chandler of Mount Airy, Md.	5	14-15	$452

RANK	STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	David Williams of Fredericksburg, Va.	5	16-7	$2,491
2^nd	Gilbert Brown of Fredericksburg, Va.	5	15-13	$1,301
3^rd	Jeramy Evans of Galax, Va.	5	15-7	$683
4^th	John Castro of Lorton, Va.	5	15-2	$476
5^th	Jeff Mellott of Warfordsburg, Pa.	5	14-11	$408
6^th	Rickey Mummert Jr. of Hanover, Pa.	5	14-7	$340
6^th	Christopher Butler of Glen Allen, Va.	5	14-7	$340
6^th	Jonathan Patkus of Columbia, Md.	5	14-7	$340
9^th	David Deciucis of Chester, Va.	4	13-15	$272
10^th	Travis Waterman of Fredericksburg, Va.	5	13-12	$238

CONTINGENCY AWARDS

AWARD	NAME	CONTINGENCY	PAYOUT
Boater Big Bass	David Wright of Fort Meade, Md.	5-pound, 4-ounce bass	$560
Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass	Gilbert Brown of Fredericksburg, Va.	5-pound, 4-ounce bass	$280
Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus	Joseph Thompson of Coatesville, Pa.	Eligible Phoenix Boat*	$500

WINNING BAITS

ANGLER	BAIT	COLOR
Boater	Yamamoto Senko & Z-Man ChatterBait	N/A
Strike King Co-Angler	Yamamoto Senko	N/A

2021 QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

EVENT	DATE	LOCATION	HOST
Shenandoah Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship	Oct. 14-16	Lake Murray, Columbia, S.C.	Capital City/Lake Murray Country
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.

by AnglersChannel

College Anglers Win with Costa Compete + Conserve

Courtesy of Luke Stoner - Dynamic Sponsorships

The first major tournament win of Jack Dice’s college fishing career came with plenty of surprises for the 21-year old Digital Marketing major. Dice, a junior attending Liberty University, was as shocked as anyone when he found out he had won the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series tournament on Lake Hartwell back in April.

While most of the 200+ boats he was competing against consisted of two person teams, Dice was fishing alone, and after an up and down practice the Lynchburg, Virginia native was just hoping to catch five keepers each day of the derby.

Fast forward to the end of the event not only did Dice hoist the first place trophies, but he became the first collegiate angler to win through the brand new Costa Compete + Conserve contingency program.

“Of course I was pumped to win the tournament, but after the initial excitement waned I got fired up all over again when the folks from Costa contacted me,” Dice explained. “My parents bought me a pair of Costa Del Mar sunglasses with Green Mirror lenses for my birthday five or six years ago. I absolutely love them and have been wearing them ever since.”

Dice began tournament fishing as a co-angler in Bassmaster Open events around the age of 16. While he already had an affinity for the outdoors, Dice fell in love with tournament bass fishing. He began fishing the former FLW BFLs as a boater, started a popular YouTube channel ObsessedFishing, and took up college fishing tournaments upon attending Liberty University.

Dice’s first tournament win came just days after Costa announced their new bass fishing rewards program. College anglers have the chance to win through the Compete + Conserve program in all Carhartt Bassmaster College Series events and MLF Abu Garcia College Series tournaments.

The highest finishing registered angler / team wins a Costa prize package including a free pair of Costa Sunglasses, a branded Costa back pack, and Costa apparel / swag for all “regular season” events. For the two Championship Tournaments, the highest finishing college team will win an incredible $2,500!

Whether they win a Costa prize package or cash, college anglers still choose a Conservation Partner to receive a $250 donation on behalf of Costa and themselves. Of the five conservation organizations included, the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation resonated with Dice the most.

“In the tournament fishing world we as anglers are often incentivized by what we can win, so it’s super cool to see Costa offer a program where not only does the angler win, but the resource wins some too,” Dice said. “With more anglers on the water and increased fishing pressure, having a company like Costa help support the environment is critical and helps all of us catch more fish.”

For more information, a full list of supported events, or to get registered for Compete + Conserve, follow this link: https://www.costacompeteandconserve.com/. If you’d rather call than click, give (309) 202-2018 a call and Luke will be happy to help you.

by AnglersChannel

Williams Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League on Lake Dardanelle

Hardy’s Herring Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. (May 18, 2021) – Boater Charles Williams of Clarksville, Arkansas, wins the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine at Lake Dardanelle Presented by Abu Garcia in Russellville, Arkansas. Williams earned $4,964 for his victory at the event, hosted by Russellville Advertising & Promotion.

TOP 10 RESULTS

RANK	BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	Charles Williams of Clarksville, Ark.	5	17-6	$4,964
2^nd	Wayne Dixon of Morrilton, Ark.	5	15-4	$2,364
3^rd	Shawn Gordon of Russellville, Ark.	5	14-4	$2,039
3^rd	Marty Scudder of Rison, Ark.	5	14-4	$1,339
5^th	Brian Bean of Hot Springs, Ark.	5	13-14	$946
6^th	Quincy Houchin of Mabelvale, Ark.	5	13-10	$1,367
7^th	Karson Hamilton of Hot Springs, Ark.	5	13-8	$1,023
8^th	Justin Swayze of Gurdon, Ark.	3	12-6	$709
9^th	Robert Stevens of Hot Springs, Ark.	5	12-2	$631
10^th	Beau Browning of Hot Springs, Ark.	5	12-1	$552

RANK	STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	Kyle Herring of Hardy, Ark.	4	11-9	$2,364
2^nd	Ron Knight of Hot Springs, Ark.	5	11-1	$1,182
3^rd	Steve Meredith of Jessieville, Ark.	3	10-10	$1,140
4^th	Bill Hockaday of Nashville, Ark.	4	9-14	$552
5^th	Jody Jones of Harvey, Ark.	4	9-5	$433
5^th	John Duvall of Atkins, Ark.	5	9-5	$433
5^th	Tim Allen of Murfreesboro, Ark.	5	9-5	$433
8^th	Trever Jones of Bigelow, Ark.	5	9-0	$355
9^th	Andrew Wooley of Little Rock, Ark.	3	8-8	$315
10^th	Todd Garner of Pocola, Okla.	4	8-5	$276

CONTINGENCY AWARDS

AWARD	NAME	CONTINGENCY	PAYOUT
Boater Big Bass	Mike Webster of Pottsville, Ark.	4-pound, 9-ounce bass	$235
Boater Big Bass	Charles Williams of Clarksville, Ark.	4-pound, 9-ounce bass	$235
Boater Big Bass	Karson Hamilton of Hot Springs, Ark.	4-pound, 9-ounce bass	$235
Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass	Steve Meredith of Jessieville, Ark.	5-pound, 3-ounce bass	$352
Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus	Quincy Houchin of Mabelvale, Ark.	Eligible Phoenix Boat*	$500

WINNING BAITS

ANGLER	BAIT	COLOR
Boater	Did Not Disclose	N/A
Strike King Co-Angler	Did Not Disclose	N/A

2021 QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

EVENT	DATE	LOCATION	HOST
Arkie Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship	Oct. 7-9	Lake Norfork, Mountain Home, Ark.	Mountain Home Area Chamber of Commerce
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.

by AnglersChannel

Grissim Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League on Center Hill Lake

White Bluff’s Cheshire Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division

SPARTA, Tenn. (May 18, 2021) – Boater Beau Grissim of Lebanon, Tennessee, wins the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine at Center Hill Lake in Sparta, Tennessee. Grissim earned $4,498 for his victory at the event.

TOP 10 RESULTS

RANK	BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	Beau Grissim of Lebanon, Tenn.	5	14-9	$4,498
2^nd	Anthony Nash of Quebeck, Tenn.	5	14-7	$2,249
3^rd	Terry Steele of Sparta, Tenn.	5	14-2	$1,498
4^th	Josh Tramel of Smithville, Tenn.	5	13-15	$975
4^th	Drew Boggs of Lebanon, Tenn.	5	13-15	$975
6^th	Brandon Edel of Hendersonville, Tenn.	5	13-10	$825
7^th	Dillon Massia of Mt. Juliet, Tenn.	5	13-9	$750
8^th	Tom Bowker of Terre Haute, Ind.	5	13-6	$1,625
9^th	Matt Underhill of Lascassas, Tenn.	5	13-0	$562
9^th	Ryan Dowell of Brandenburg, Ky.	5	13-0	$562

RANK	STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	Daniel Cheshire of White Bluff, Tenn.	5	11-14	$2,197
2^nd	Christopher Stites, Jr. of La Vergne, Tenn.	5	9-13	$1,098
3^rd	Pop Catalin of Cookeville, Tenn.	4	8-9	$733
4^th	Brian Haworth of Cookeville, Tenn.	4	8-6	$513
5^th	Chris Rushing of Gamaliel, Ky.	4	8-1	$439
6^th	Dustin Forrest of Knob Lick, Ky.	3	7-10	$603
7^th	Alexander Villarreal of Franklin, Tenn.	5	7-8	$366
8^th	Billy Johnson of Nashville, Tenn.	2	7-1	$315
9^th	Todd Mowery of Munford, Tenn.	4	6-14	$293
10^th	Jake Cross of Byrdstown, Tenn.	2	6-4	$256

CONTINGENCY AWARDS

AWARD	NAME	CONTINGENCY	PAYOUT
Boater Big Bass	Dwight Fox of Gainesboro, Tenn.	4-pound, 8-ounce bass	$645
Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass	Billy Johnson of Nashville, Tenn.	4-pound bass	$315
Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus	Tom Bowker of Terre Haute, Ind.	Eligible Phoenix Boat*	$500

WINNING BAITS

ANGLER	BAIT	COLOR
Boater	Unspecified Beaver	N/A
Strike King Co-Angler	Unspecified Shaky Head & Frog	N/A

2021 QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

EVENT	DATE	LOCATION	HOST
Music City 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.

by AnglersChannel

McCulley Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League on Lake Ferguson

Lena’s Harrell Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division

GREENVILLE, Miss. (May 18, 2021) – Boater Brad McCulley of Batesville, Mississippi, wins the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine at Lake Ferguson Presented by Googan Baits in Greenville, Mississippi. McCulley earned $3,418 for his victory at the event, hosted by the Greenville/Washington County CVB.

TOP 10 RESULTS

RANK	BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	Brad McCulley of Batesville, Miss.	5	21-5	$3,418
2^nd	Andy Graves of Clarksdale, Miss.	5	21-0	$1,709
3^rd	John Anderson of Baysprings, Miss.	5	20-6	$1,838
4^th	Jason Honnoll of Starkville, Miss.	5	20-3	$798
5^th	Kirk Tisdale of Ellisville, Miss.	5	18-6	$684
6^th	Lloyd Pickett, Jr. of Bartlett, Tenn.	5	18-3	$627
7^th	Bradley Perkins of Raymond, Miss.	5	17-6	$570
8^th	Rob Livingston of Cleveland, Miss.	5	17-1	$513
9^th	Denny Patterson of Horn Lake, Miss.	5	17-0	$456
10^th	Charlie Jennings of Greenville, Miss.	5	16-14	$399

RANK	STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	Ramey Harrell of Lena, Miss.	5	20-6	$1,709
2^nd	Colin Fogerty of Memphis, Tenn.	5	18-0	$855
3^rd	Clay Atkins of Hamilton, Miss.	5	16-9	$570
4^th	Greg Hamblin of New Albany, Miss.	5	14-15	$399
5^th	Daniel McAfee of Smithville, Miss.	5	14-14	$342
6^th	Keith Whipple of Luka, Miss.	5	14-10	$313
7^th	Anthony House of New Albany, Miss.	5	13-7	$285
8^th	Scott Kirk of Houston, Miss.	5	13-2	$256
9^th	Thomas Sanderson of Amory, Miss.	5	12-7	$228
10^th	John Harrell of Lena, Miss.	5	12-6	$199

CONTINGENCY AWARDS

AWARD	NAME	CONTINGENCY	PAYOUT
Boater Big Bass	Clay Lucas of Columbus, Miss.	5-pound, 12-ounce bass	$420
Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass	Elton Bryant of Flowood, Miss.	4-pound, 13-ounce bass	$210
Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus	John Anderson of Baysprings, Miss.	Eligible Phoenix Boat*	$500

WINNING BAITS

ANGLER	BAIT	COLOR
Boater	Unspecified Craw Tube	Black/Blue
Strike King Co-Angler	Zoom Brush Hog	Watermelon

2021 QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

EVENT	DATE	LOCATION	HOST
Mississippi Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship	Oct. 21-23	Lake Ouachita, Mt. Ida, Ark.	Visit Hot Springs
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.

by AnglersChannel

Choctaw’s Waner Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League on Lake Eufaula

EUFAULA, Okla. (May 18, 2021) – Boater Paul Waner of Choctaw, Oklahoma, wins the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine at Lake Eufaula Presented by Berkley in Eufaula, Okla. Waner earned $5,645 for his victory at the event.

TOP 10 RESULTS

RANK	BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	Paul Waner of Choctaw, Okla.	5	23-9	$5,645
2^nd	Shonn Goodwin of Moore, Okla.	5	19-14	$2,453
3^rd	Brett King of Kinta, Okla.	5	18-8	$1,635
4^th	Chris M. Jones of Bokoshe, Okla.	5	17-4	$1,063
4^th	Hunter McClary of Stigler, Okla.	5	17-4	$1,063
6^th	Jacob Capps of Muskogee, Okla.	5	16-14	$1,399
7^th	Darin Crowder of Claremore, Okla.	5	16-9	$818
8^th	Jeff Clark of Van Buren, Ark.	5	15-11	$736
9^th	Trevor Yates of Norman, Okla.	5	15-9	$654
10^th	Jeremy Johnson of Henryetta, Okla.	5	15-8	$543
10^th	Justin Phillips of Checotah, Okla.	5	15-8	$543

RANK	STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	Clay Campbell of Owasso, Okla.	5	16-2	$2,453
2^nd	Andrew Sharp of Fort Smith, Ark.	4	15-3	$1,226
3^rd	Glynn Reid of Baton Rouge, La.	5	14-3	$816
4^th	Justin Fuller of Broken Arrow, Okla.	5	14-0	$942
5^th	Timothy Cartwright of Sand Springs, Okla.	5	13-7	$491
6^th	Coby Fourkiller of Tahlequah, Okla.	5	12-14	$450
7^th	Patrick Weir of Park Hill, Okla.	5	12-12	$409
8^th	Aaron Warren of Inola, Okla.	5	12-10	$368
9^th	Nathan Colwell of Pryor, Okla.	5	12-7	$652
10^th	Jake Hess of Tulsa, Okla.	5	11-14	$286

CONTINGENCY AWARDS

AWARD	NAME	CONTINGENCY	PAYOUT
Boater Big Bass	Paul Waner of Choctaw, Okla.	7-pound, 5-ounce bass	$740
Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass	Justin Fuller of Broken Arrow, Okla.	5-pound, 3-ounce bass	$370
Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus	Jacob Capps of Muskogee, Okla.	Eligible Phoenix Boat*	$500

WINNING BAITS

ANGLER	BAIT	COLOR
Boater	Custom Spinnerbait	N/A
Strike King Co-Angler	Custom Spinnerbait	N/A

2021 QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

EVENT	DATE	LOCATION	HOST
Okie Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship	Oct. 21-23	Lake Ouachita, Mt. Ida, Ark.	Visit Hot Springs
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.

by AnglersChannel

MLF Toyota Series Central Division Finale Set for Lake Chickamauga

DAYTON, Tenn. (May 18, 2021) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series presented by A.R.E. is headed to Lake Chickamauga this week, May 20-22, for the Central Division Presented by Neat Companies regular-season finale with the Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. at Lake Chickamauga Presented by Googan Baits . Hosted by the Fish Dayton and the Rhea Economic & Tourism Council, the three-day tournament will feature the region’s best bass-fishing pros and Strike King co-anglers casting for a top prize of up to $65,000, plus an additional $35,000 bonus if the winner is a qualified Phoenix Boat owner

Bass Pro Tour angler John Murray of Spring City, Tennessee, said that he expects to see a lot of different patterns and techniques in play this week.

“Every day is different on Chickamauga, and I think we’ll see guys doing a variety of things to do well,” Murray said. “So much is happening on the lake right now. Some fish are still spawning, some have already spawned – I don’t think it’ll be just ledge-fishing or shallow-water fishing that will do well. You’re not going to be able to have one key spot, just yet. The guys that do well are going to be in more of a general area or two, with a couple of different patterns going.”

With warm weather on tap for this week, Murray said that he thinks the fishing will be pretty good for the Toyota Series anglers.

“We just had a big bass event this week with hundreds of boats on the water fishing for big ones, and a 9-pounder was the biggest and a 7-pounder finished in second,” Murray said. “That’s a little odd for Chickamauga – the big fish were not biting. But we’re about to go from 40- to 50-degree nights to 60- to 70-degree nights this week and it should change some things up. There will be a lot of options to catch them.”

Murray said that if he was fishing in this event, he’d be throwing a ChatterBait, jigs, a wacky-rigged Senko and a frog.

“I think if you can catch 17 pounds a day you’ll likely make the top 10,” Murray went on to say. “Overall, I think the three-day winner is going to need to average 19 to 20 pounds a day, so my winning weight prediction is 57 to 60 pounds.”

Anglers will take off daily at 6 a.m. ET from the Dayton Boat Dock in Dayton. Weigh-ins will also be held at the Dayton Boat Dock and will begin at 2 p.m. Fans are encouraged to follow the event online through the “MLF Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

In Toyota Series regular-season competition, payouts are based on the number of participants competing in the event, scaling up for every 20 boats over 160 and scaling down for every boat below 160. With a 160-boat field, pros fish for a top prize of $40,000, plus an extra $35,000 if Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard (valued at $33,500). With a 260-boat field, pros fish for a top award of $65,000, plus an extra $35,000 if Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard (valued at $33,500) plus $5,000 cash.

by AnglersChannel

Logan Huntze Wins Toyota Series Event on California Delta

Huntze Brothers Complete Clean Sweep at the Cal Delta, Winning Both Boater and Strike-King Co-angler Divisions

OAKLEY, Calif. (May 17, 2021) – Toyota Series angler Logan Huntze of Discovery Bay, California, brought a five-bass limit to the scale Saturday weighing 19 pounds, 7 ounces to win the three-day Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. at California Delta in Oakley, California. Logan’s three-day total of 15 bass weighing 64-12 earned him the win by a 1-pound, 6-ounce margin over second-place angler Phillip Dutra of Antioch, California, and earned him the top payout of $24,293 in the first tournament of the 2021 Toyota Series Western Division.

Putting more than 27 pounds on the scale on Day 1, Logan kicked off the event with a bang. After weighing a mere 18 pounds on Day 2, he fell to second behind Ish Monroe; however, with another 19 pounds, 7 ounces on Day 3, Logan earned his second MLF win.

Logan’s brother Colby Huntze also took the top prize on the Strike King co-angler side. Leading wire-to-wire, Colby weighed 11-8 on the final day for a total of 45-13. For his win, Colby earned a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat.

Logan has fished the California Delta events for the past three years on the boater side and his finishes have gotten progressively better each time. He had an 11^th-place showing in 2019, followed by an eighth-place finish last summer, before notching the win on Saturday.

The week ended extremely well for Logan, but a rough start threatened him early on. Engine issues on the first day caused him to only be able to idle and cost him valuable hours of fishing time toward the end of the day.

Fishing the central Delta, Logan caught his winning bags by punching and throwing a frog, two of the best ways to catch big bass on the California Delta.

“I was fortunate that I found some mats that were protected from the wind,” said Logan. “My area was calmer and that really helped me on the first day. I caught an 8, a 5 and a 4 before my engine troubles. My co-angler that day was really positive and that helped, and I couldn’t really complain because I already had a good bag. I was able to catch two more 5-pounders in areas I saw while I was idling to get a ride back in.”

His key fish on the first two days came on a Missile Baits D Bomb in either green pumpkin or candy grass. He fished them on a 4/0 Gamakatsu Heavy Cover Flippin’ Hook with a 1 ¼-ounce tungsten weight.

On the second day with a fully functional outboard, he ran back to his best area from the first day.

“There were a bunch of sea lions in the mats, and I couldn’t get a bite,” Logan recalled. “I had to run some new stuff and I was able to scratch up 18 pounds punching, including a 6-pounder. I was fortunate to get a good bite each of the first two days to keep me in it.”

On the final day, he switched gears again and primarily threw a frog en route to the win, although punching also contributed to a few bass.

“I fished more new stuff and caught two big ones on a frog and about ten smaller ones,” Logan said. “With the wind blowing so much the first two days, today was much easier to run around and fish where I wanted to.”

His frog of choice was a Snag Proof Bobby’s Perfect Frog in either sparrow or tweety.

With so much vegetation in the system, Logan said he keyed in on areas that were deep enough to hold fish based on the tide chart during the event.

“I was fishing hyacinth mats, some primrose, and dead tules,” he said. “Some of the areas had some grass mixed in. They had three to four feet of water on them during the high tide, which made for a good bite each morning. On the last day, I focused on the cheese mats with the frog.”

The top 10 pros on the California Delta finished:
1^st:           Logan Huntze of Discovery Bay, Calif., 15 bass, 64-12, $24,293
2^nd:          Phillip Dutra of Antioch, Calif., 15 bass, 63-6, $9,413
3^rd:          Mark Lassagne of Dixon, Calif., 15 bass, 58-6, $7,788
4^th:           Ish Monroe of Oakdale, Calif., 14 bass, 57-2, $6,073
5^th:           Nick Salvucci of Atascadero, Calif., 15 bass, 55-12, $5,466
6^th:           Blake Dyer of Concord, Calif., 15 bass, 52-5, $4,859
7^th:           Michael Caruso of Peoria, Ariz., 15 bass, 51-4, $4,251
8^th:           Michael Moreno of Salida, Calif., 15 bass, 50-5, $3,644
9^th:           Tuan Nguyen of Woodland, Calif., 15 bass, 49-3, $3,037
10^th:        Jordan Collom of Canyon Lake, Calif., 15 bass, 49-0, $2,429

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

Christopher Owen of Poway, California, took home an additional $66 for the Day One Berkley Big Bass award in the pro division, with a bass weighing 9 pounds, 10 ounces. Rodney Brinser of Discovery Bay, California, won the Day Two Berkley Big Bass award of $66 in the pro division, bringing a 7-pound, 5-ounce bass to the scale.

Justin Patti of Peoria, Arizona, 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.

Colby Huntze of Discovery Bay, California, won the Strike King Co-angler Division Saturday with a three-day total of 15 bass weighing 45 pounds, 13 ounces. Huntze took home the top prize package of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard motor.

The top 10 Strike King co-anglers on the California Delta finished:

1^st:           Colby Huntze of Discovery Bay, Calif., 15 bass, 45-13, Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat w/115-hp Mercury outboard
2^nd:          Aaron Agner of Redding, Calif., 15 bass, 42-14, $3,334
3^rd:          Michael Walsh of El Cajon, Calif., 14 bass, 42-6, $2,532
4^th:           Larry Rogers of Riverside, Calif., 15 bass, 38-2, $2,215
5^th:           Scott Bern of San Rafael, Calif., 12 bass, 35-3, $1,899
6^th:           Zack Eggleston of Goleta, Calif., 15 bass, 34-5, $1,582
7^th:           Jacob Traba of Pacifica, Calif., 14 bass, 34-0, $1,266
8^th:           Roy Desmangles of Lincoln, Calif., 13 bass, 31-12, $1,108
9^th:           Corey Vasquez of Porterville, Calif., 11 bass, 27-9, $949
10^th:        Camron Diatte of Salinas, Calif., 10 bass, 26-0, $791

In the Strike King co-angler division, the $44 Day One Berkley Big Bass award winner was Aaron Agner of Redding, California, with a 8-pound, 11-ounce bass, while the $44 Day Two award went to Zach Ham of Byron, California, with a 7-pound, 2-ounce bass.

The Toyota Series at California Delta was hosted by the City of Oakley. It was the first of three regular-season tournaments in 2021 for Western Division anglers. The next event for Toyota Series anglers will take place on May 20-22 – the Toyota Series at Lake Chickamauga Presented by Googan Baits in Dayton, Tennessee. For a complete schedule, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.

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.

by AnglersChannel

Darold Gleason’s sentimental Tiny Torpedo

Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships

Sometimes cousins are more like brothers. That’s certainly the case with Bassmaster Elite Series pro Darold Gleason and his younger cousin Jared Burns, and a nearly 30-year old Tiny Torpedo topwater lure on the dashboard of Gleason’s Toyota Tundra serves as a daily reminder of that bond.

“I grew up mostly fishing in ponds, and this Tiny Torpedo was one of the first artificial lures I ever used as a teenager,” remembers Gleason, winner of the 2019 Central Open on Toledo Bend. “Jared is six years younger than me, so as I got older and started fishing from a bass boat, I gave him this exact Tiny Torpedo to use in his pond fishing.”

The iconic topwater found its way full circle back to Gleason several years later in 2015 when he qualified for BASSfest on Kentucky Lake, nine hours northeast of he and Burns’ homeland near Toledo Bend.

“That tournament was a turning point in my life and fishing career, because it was really the first true pro event I ever qualified for. Jared obviously realized the significance of it because he executed a friendly little sneak attack and taped this Tiny Torpedo and a heartfelt ‘good luck’ note on my truck right before I left,” Gleason remembers fondly.

The good luck Tiny Torpedo brought good vibes in the form of 61-pounds of Kentucky Lake largemouth Gleason caught on a football jig and deep diving crankbait. The quality-sized bass he likes to call “Ocean Ponies” lead to a 14^th place finish and a check for $11,000 in his pro debut.

The Torpedo has been on his Tundra’s dash for six years since that pivotal early summer event on Kentucky Lake, and Gleason now in his rookie season the Bassmaster Elite Series, finds himself glancing at the sacred lure often amid the 30,000 miles he and bride Randi travel annually.

“The toughest part of life as a pro angler is time away from home and the people you love. Little tokens like this make you feel a little better connected to them while you’re away. And the fact Jared always cheers me on so faithfully is pretty dang special – just like this 30-year-old topwater of he and I’s,” concluded Gleason.

by AnglersChannel

Jason Abram Wins Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Grundéns Stop 4 Presented by A.R.E. at Lake Eufaula

Piney Flats, Tennessee Pro Earns Second Career Victory on Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit in As Many Years, Wins $100,000 on Alabama’s Lake Eufaula

EUFAULA, Ala. (May 16, 2021) – Pro Jason Abram of Piney Flats, Tennessee, brought a five-bass limit to the scale Sunday weighing 14 pounds, 1 ounce to win the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, Grundéns Stop 4 Presented by A.R.E. at Lake Eufaula . Abram’s four-day total of 20 bass weighing 66 pounds, 4 ounces earned him the win by a 1-pound, 1-ounce margin over Bass Pro Shops angler David Walker of Sevierville, Tennessee, and earn the top prize of $100,000.

Link to Photo of Grundéns Stop 4 Winner Jason Abram
Link to Photo Gallery of Abram’s Championship Day
Link to Video of Day 4 Championship Weigh-In from Grundéns Stop 4 at Lake Eufaula
Link to Video of Fish Catch Highlights from Day 4 of Grundéns Stop 4 at Lake Eufaula

“In my wildest dreams I never thought I could win a tournament on Eufaula in mid-May fishing shallow,” Abrams said to MLF reporters after the event. “This lake is known for deep ledges and brush piles this time of year. But I came here to do my thing and fish the way I like to fish and it turned into a win – that’s pretty special.”

Coming into Lake Eufaula, Abram said his plan was to fish shallow. He did not think the tournament would be won shallow, he just wanted to fish shallow to get back to his fishing roots: an East Tennessee run-and-gun approach.

“Over the last two tournaments, I sort of got side-tracked trying to fish deep,” Abram said. “I came here with the intention of fishing shallow to get a decent check, get some solid points and find my groove again.”

Abram fished up in the Chattahoochee River portion of Eufaula, targeting channel swing banks that had some kind of wood providing shade over an eddy in the current, either in the form of an overhang tree or a piece of dead wood collecting flotsam to form a canopy over the eddy.

Abram would pitch a jig into the shaded eddy and sort of pop it through the current seam, allowing the current to suck it down about 2 feet between pops. His unique retrieve provoked a reaction response from bass set up in the eddy to feed on current-driven shad.

Abram’s jig of choice was a white custom 5/8-ounce swimjig – handmade by a friend named Craig France – with a Reaction Innovation Spice Beaver trailer. The jig features a flatter head to “float” in the current a little better.

“I could only find about 18 or 19 small spots that fit the pattern,” Abram said. “And they were spread out in about an 18-mile stretch of the river, so I did a lot of running and gunning. It’s how I fish back home. Once I know exactly what I’m looking for, I’ll run 20 miles to find a few more of them.”

Abram spent as much time running as he did fishing. He would often fish a place only three to five minutes before running to the next sweet shade spot.

“Those fish were set up to feed in those spots,” he continued. “They usually bit on the first flip or two into a current seam so it didn’t take long to fish one. And I would visit some of the same spots sometimes four to five times a day.”

Second-place finisher David Walker, who pushed his career earnings to $1.97 million, also did most of his damage this week on a swimjig.

“I caught all my fish around the bank on jigs,” the Tennessee pro said. “I was using a Z-Man CrossEyez swimjig in the morning to get a limit, then I’d come back up the lake and start flipping a jig.

“I’ve really got no excuses – there is nothing I would have done any differently,” Walker went on to say. “It’s been a great week. When you’re a tournament fishing, there are a lot more bad days than good days, so to have a good week really makes up for the bad weeks. I am very happy with how this event shook out.”

The top 10 pros at the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Grundéns Stop 4 on Lake Eufaula finished:

1^st:          Jason Abram, Piney Flats, Tenn., 20 bass, 66-4, $100,500
2^nd:         David Walker, Sevierville, Tenn., 20 bass, 63-3, $30,500
3^rd:         Trevor Fitzgerald, Belleview, Fla., 19 bass, 62-12, $25,000
4^th:         Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla., 20 bass, 60-7, $20,000
5^th:         Ryan Davidson, Branchland, W.Va., 19 bass, 55-14, $19,000
6^th:         Mitch Crane, Columbus, Miss., 20 bass, 55-6, $18,000
7^th:         Skeet Reese, Auburn, Calif., 20 bass, 50-13, $17,000
8^th:         Dicky Newberry, Houston, Texas, 20 bass, 50-8, $16,000
9^th:         Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, 17 bass, 47-8, $15,000
10^th:       Ramie Colson Jr., Cadiz, Ky., 17 bass, 45-1, $14,000

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

Overall, there were 43 bass weighing 103 pounds, 15 ounces caught by the final 10 pros Sunday. The catch included seven five-bass limits.

The four top performers who now qualify to compete in the MLF Bass Pro Tour General Tire Stage Five at the St. Lawrence River in Massena, New York, June 25-30, are Jason Abram, Trevor Fitzgerald, Ryan Davidson and Mitch Crane.

The MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, Grundens Stop 4 Presented by A.R.E. – Lake Eufaula event will feature a two-hour action-packed television show that will premiere on the Outdoor Channel on Sunday, August 22 from 7 to 9 a.m. ET and re-air on the Sportsman Channel this fall.

The MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, Grundens Stop 4 Presented by A.R.E. at Lake Eufaula was hosted by the Eufaula Barbour County Chamber of Commerce.

In Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit competition, the full field of anglers competed in the two-day opening round on Thursday and Friday. The top 50 pros based on their two-day cumulative weight advanced to Saturday. Only the top 10 pros continued competition on Sunday, with the winner determined by the heaviest accumulated weight from the four days of competition.

Throughout the season, anglers are also vying for valuable points in hopes of qualifying for the 2021 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit TITLE presented by Mercury, the Pro Circuit Championship, where they will compete for up to $235,000. The 2021 TITLE will be on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wisconsin on Aug. 17-22, and is hosted by Explore La Crosse.

For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit presented by Bad Boy Mowers on the MLF BIG5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

by AnglersChannel

Florida’s Fitzgerald Jumps to Lead at Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Grundéns Stop 4 at Lake Eufaula

EUFAULA, Ala. (May 15, 2021) – Rookie Trevor Fitzgerald of Belleview, Florida, jumped from third place into first on Day 3 of the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, Grundéns Stop 4 Presented by A.R.E. at Lake Eufaula in Eufaula, Alabama, bringing a 20-pound, 12-ounce limit to the stage. Lake Eufaula has been anything but predictable during the four-day event, which features bass fishing professionals from around the world, competing for a top prize of up to $135,000; however, a handful of anglers have consistently stayed in the top 10 all three days to move on to Championship Sunday.

Fitzgerald’s three-day total of 53 pounds, 14 ounces moved him from third place into first giving him a 1 pound, 11-ounce advantage going into the final day, with pros Jason Abram of Piney Flats, Tennessee and David Walker of Sevierville, Tennessee within striking distance of the top spot. Abram maintained his second-place position for the third day in a row, bringing in an 18-pound, 11-ounce limit to put his three-day total at 52 pounds, 3 ounces, while Walker jumped from seventh place into third, with a limit weighing 20-12, to bring his total to 50 pounds, 15 ounces.

Fitzgerald, who brought in his biggest limit of the week on Day 3, has continued to improve his weights each day of the competition by focusing on little brush piles scattered across Lake Eufaula.

“I’m not fishing the big, beautiful piles set out on the obvious contour breaks,” said Fitzgerald. “Instead, I’m focusing on more isolated objects scattered out across vast flats. Some of it is brush, but smaller pieces of brush that have been there for a while – a single limb or laydown buried in the bottom.”

While other anglers are running bigger brush piles, Fitzgerald said he has 20 isolated pieces he has been rotating through and hasn’t had much traffic around those areas.

One pile, which Fitzgerald referred to as “magic brush”, has produced half of his total weight for the event.

“I don’t know what it is about this one brush top,” said Fitzgerald. “It doesn’t look like anything special – just a little top about half the size of my boat. There are a hundred others out there just like it, but for some reason I catch a good fish there every time I stop to fish it. I have not seen a single boat around it all week, but I had a couple spectators around me today, so I’m hoping they don’t fish it before tomorrow.

“I think the shad in the area are probably a factor because I can see balls of shad all around it on my LiveScope and when I catch a bass there, it’s belly is full of shad. I haven’t stopped there long enough to see how many I can catch off of it, but I may just go fish it all day tomorrow and see what it can produce.”

The top 10 pros advancing to the final day of competition Sunday on Lake Murray are:
1^st:           Trevor Fitzgerald of Belleview, Fla., 15 bass, 53-14
2^nd:          Jason Abram of Piney Flats, Tenn., 15 bass, 52-3
3^rd:          David Walker of Sevierville, Tenn., 15 bass, 50-15
4^th:           Bobby Lane of Lakeland, Fla., 15 bass, 47-14
5^th:           Cole Floyd of Leesburg, Ohio, 15 bass, 43-13
6^th:           Ryan Davidson of Branchland, W.V., 14 bass, 42-6
7^th:           Mitch Crane of Columbus, Miss., 15 bass, 41-0
8^th:           Dicky Newberry of Houston, Texas, 15 bass, 40-13
9^th:           Skeet Reese of Auburn, Calif., 15 bass, 40-11
10^th:        Ramie Colson, Jr. of Cadiz, Ky., 15 bass, 40-4

Anglers finishing 11^th through 20^th are:
11^th:        Michael Neal of Dayton, Tenn., 15 bass, 40-4, $11,000
12^th:        Chris Lane of Guntersville, Ala., 14 bass, 40-2, $11,000
13^th:        Dakota Ebare of Brookeland, Texas, 15 bass, 40-0, $11,000
14^th:        J. Todd Tucker of Moultrie, Ga., 15 bass, 39-7, $11,000
15^th:        Kyle Hall of Granbury, Texas, 15 bass, 39-3, $11,000
16^th:        Jon Englund of Farwell, Minn., 15 bass, 39-3, $11,000
17^th:        Tommy Dickerson of Orange, Texas, 14 bass, 38-14, $11,000
18^th:        Jim Tutt of Longview, Texas, 15 bass, 38-13, $11,000
19^th:        Casey Ashley of Donalds, S.C., 15 bass, 38-12, $11,000
20^th:        Chad Warren of Sand Springs, Okla., 15 bass, 38-9, $11,000

For a full list of results visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Overall, there were 213 bass weighing 503 pounds, 14 ounces caught by 50 pros Saturday. The catch included 31 five-bass limits.

The MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, Grundens Stop 4 Presented by A.R.E. at Lake Eufaula is hosted by the Eufaula Barbour County Chamber of Commerce.

In Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit competition, the full field of anglers competed in the two-day opening round on Thursday and Friday. The field was cut to 50 anglers on Saturday. Now, the top 10 pros based on their three-day cumulative weight advance to Sunday where the winner will be determined by the heaviest accumulated weight from all four days of competition.

Anglers will take off at 6:30 a.m. CT on Sunday from Lakepoint Resort State Park, located at 104 Lakepoint Drive in Eufaula. Weigh-ins will also be held at the park Sunday at 3 p.m. Fans are encouraged to follow the action online through the MLF NOW! live stream and coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, Grundens Stop 4 Presented by A.R.E. – Lake Eufaula event will feature live on-the-water coverage and a two-hour action-packed television show that will premiere on the Outdoor Channel on Sunday, August 22 from 7 to 9 a.m. ET and re-air on the Sportsman Channel this fall. Weigh-in will be streamed and fans can catch live on-the-water action all day Sunday, May 16 on MLF NOW! beginning at 7 a.m. CT at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

by AnglersChannel

Palaniuk Notches First Bassmaster Opens Victory On James River

Brandon Palaniuk, of Rathdrum, Idaho, has won the 2021 Basspro.com Bassmaster Northern Open at James River with a three-day total of 53 pounds, 12 ounces.
Photo by Andy Crawford/B.A.S.S.

May 15, 2021
RICHMOND, Va. — Brandon Palaniuk had three days to sack up the winning total of 53 pounds, 12 ounces, but two memorable hours delivered most of his weight at the Basspro.com Bassmaster Northern Open on the James River.

After placing 50th on Day 1 with 13-11, Palaniuk caught the event’s heaviest bag — 22-6 — in the final hour of Day 2 and took over the lead. On Saturday, he tallied 17-11, also in the final hour and surged across the finish line by nearly 3 1/2 pounds.

A five-time Bassmaster Elite Series winner, the pro from Rathdrum, Idaho, notched his first Opens victory and collected a top prize of $52,000.

“I’ve fished the James River five times now in the Northern Opens; this was my fourth final day,” Palaniuk said. “I’ve come close and I’ve been trying to get this monkey off my back for a while and, dang, it feels good.”

Palaniuk spent his tournament in the Chickahominy River, which flows into the James downriver from the take-off site at Osborne Park & Boat Landing. The first day, he fished natural habitat features, but Days 2 and 3 saw him capitalizing on a fast-paced opportunity at Walkers Dam, about 22 miles upstream.

“I got beat to this spot on Day 1, but I figured out the cast late in the day yesterday,” Palaniuk said. “You had to make the exact cast. If you were off 2 feet left or right, you wouldn’t get bit. It would happen in the first five cranks of the reel handle.

“The incoming tide was best because it held the bait and the fish higher in the water.”

The week’s tide schedule brought outgoing water in the morning, then a rising cycle around midday. Tides advance approximately 50 minutes each day, so the second and third rounds presented Palaniuk with a narrow window of opportunity.

“Yesterday, I had three fish with an hour to go and I caught 22 pounds in the last hour,” he said. “I knew it was because of the incoming tide, so I told my marshal today ‘Low tide is at 12:35 (in the Chickahominy). We’re going to have 25 minutes of incoming tide before we have to leave. We’re going to push it to the last minute.'”

Both days, Palaniuk found that targeting specific current seams was critical to enticing bites. He observed large gizzard shad in the area and recognized that the bass were leveraging current dynamics to capture their meals.

Palaniuk caught his best fish on 6- and 8-inch Megabass Magdraft swimbaits in the albino color. He also caught fish on a drop shot with a green pumpkin/blue fleck XZone Lures Deception Worm, which he fished over isolated cover off the bank.

“I just cycled through it because it just seemed like there would be little feed windows,” Palaniuk said. “It changed every 10 minutes and you’d have to figure out where they were positioned. Once you found that, you could catch a couple pretty quick.”

Nicholas Bodsford of Richmond, Va., placed second with 50-5. The local favorite turned in one of the event’s most consistent performances with daily weights of 16-10, 16-7 and 17-4.

Bodsford caught his bass cranking shallow cover with a Lucky Craft 1.5 squarebill and flipping a Texas-rigged Missile Baits D Bomb. With changing water clarity and a minor cold front at the tournament’s beginning, his performance hinged on adaptation.

“Practice just got thrown out the window and every day, I had to start over,” Bodsford said. “I didn’t do the same thing one day; I just made adjustments.

“Where I caught them the first day, it was muddy and high yesterday. I ran back upriver and caught enough (to make the Top 10). Today, I scrapped everything. I just went fishing and it worked out.”

Jeff Queen of Catawba, N.C., finished third with 50-4. Keeping himself in the Top 10 the entire time, Queen placed eighth on Day 1 with 17-9, rose to second after adding 17-11 and ended his run Saturday with an even 15 pounds.

Queen caught his bass on a swim jig converted into a bladed jig with a Switch Blade made by his Queen Tackle company with a Jenko Tremor Shad trailer. He also caught fish on a 1/4-ounce tungsten finesse jig with a craw trailer.

“I had a good day and at the end, I stopped right across from the boat ramp and caught my biggest fish."

Tommy Williams of Shepherdsville, Ky., won the $750 Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 8-7.

Greg Alexander of Hebron, Md., won the $500 Garmin Tournament Rewards.

Palaniuk leads the Northern Open standings with 200 points. Bodsford is second with 199, followed by Queen with 198, Justin Margraves of Diana, Texas, with 197 and Alexander with 196.

Jacob Powroznik of North Prince George, Va., leads the Falcon Rods Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year points standings with 687.

2021 Basspro.com Bassmaster Open at James River 5/13-5/15
James River, Richmond VA.
(BOATER) Standings Day 3

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$

1. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 15 53-12 200 $52,267.00
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 22-06 Day 3: 5 17-11
2. Nicholas Bodsford Richmond, VA 15 50-05 199 $25,387.00
Day 1: 5 16-10 Day 2: 5 16-07 Day 3: 5 17-04
3. Jeff Queen Catawba, NC 15 50-04 198 $17,920.00
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 17-11 Day 3: 5 15-00
4. Justin Margraves Diana, TX 15 47-11 197 $14,933.00
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 5 19-10 Day 3: 5 16-09
5. Greg Alexander Hebron, MD 15 47-06 196 $13,492.00
Day 1: 5 21-02 Day 2: 5 13-04 Day 3: 5 13-00
6. Mike Hicks Goochland, VA 15 43-13 195 $11,947.00
Day 1: 5 18-13 Day 2: 5 12-05 Day 3: 5 12-11
7. Tommy Williams Shepherdsville, KY 15 42-02 194 $11,950.00
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 5 20-05 Day 3: 5 11-11
8. Jonathan Kelley Old Forge, PA 15 42-02 193 $10,453.00
Day 1: 5 19-06 Day 2: 5 13-15 Day 3: 5 08-13
9. Hugh Cosculluela Spring, TX 15 41-00 192 $8,213.00
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 12-02 Day 3: 5 10-11
10. Bo Boltz Jr New Kent, VA 15 38-10 191 $6,720.00
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 12-14 Day 3: 5 07-04

by AnglersChannel

Cold Weather Layers and Flip-Flops

Courtesy of Luke Stoner - Dynamic Sponsorships

It’s May in Alabama, but it hasn’t exactly been balmy the past two mornings at Smith Lake Park for the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series boat launch. We certainly won’t complain about the weather, as the afternoons have been absolutely gorgeous. But temperatures have dipped into the 40s each night here in Cullman making it feel more like the originally scheduled mid April date for this event.

Morning launch has seen lots of college anglers layered up with warm Carhartt outerwear, plenty of beanies, hoodies, and heavy rain gear even though the sun is shining. So you’ll understand my surprise when I’ve seen countless collegiate fishermen sporting flip-flops as their footwear of choice this week.

Cade Rudiger and Cooper Thor attend Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas and they are two such anglers who like to accentuate their Carhartt rain suits with sandals or flip-flops.

“It gets warm around 10:00a.m, so you gotta have some flops man,” Thor said with a smile. “We are making a long run first thing this morning which is why we’re all bundled up everywhere else. The layers keep us warm in the morning and the flip-flops are clutch when it gets hot this afternoon.”

The Lumberjacks are making their long run in Rudiger’s 2019 Skeeter boat powered by a 250HP Yamaha Outboard that they officially registered for the Yamaha Power Pay contingency program this week at tournament registration. The bass fishing rewards program offered by Yamaha is free to register for and pays out on select college tournaments just like professional and grassroots level events.

Thor and Rudiger didn’t have the day one they were hoping for, weighing in just one solid Smith Lake keeper, but the Texas natives were both still smiling and ready to greet the day with a good attitude.

“Our fishing tackle is about as all over the place as our clothes,” Rudiger joked. “Heavy jackets and sandals or topwaters and deep diving crankbaits… we’ve got all the bases covered. In all seriousness we’re just excited to go have some fun and see what happens. It’ll be a good day either way.”

by AnglersChannel

Greenville University Plans for a Big Saturday

Courtesy of Luke Stoner - Dynamic Sponsorships

The conclusion of the day one weigh-in for the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series at Smith Lake found Nate Overocker and Evan Seggerman of Greenville University in 48th place. Just under 10-lbs of Smith Lake spotted bass had the Greenville Panthers in a solid position going into the final day of competition on Saturday.

Seggerman, a senior with a degree in Biology and Overocker, a junior studying Mathematics were pleased with their day one results, but are hoping to move up the leaderboard far enough to earn a coveted spot in the 2021 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series National Championship.

Overocker and Seggerman have been well traveled this year, competing in all three Bassmaster College Series events so far, and would love to nail down a qualification here in Cullman, Alabama.

“Throughout practice and again today we are catching our better fish first thing in the morning,” Seggerman said. “We were able to put three solid keepers in the boat before 7:00am, and then had to grind all day for our final two keeper bites.”

Both spotted and largemouth bass have to be over 15-inches in order to be a keeper this week on Smith Lake, and they have certainly been tough to come by for most of the 200+ boat field. Weights are bunched up around 7 to 10-pounds, with just over 12-pounds having teams in the top ten.

“We’re keying in on a bit of shad spawn activity,” Overocker offered. “If we can replicate our day one results but add just one more quality bite I think we’ll move quite a ways up the leaderboard. It all starts with a good morning though, that will be key.”

The central Illinois natives made the ten-hour drive to Smith Lake in Overocker’s 2018 Toyota Tundra, which is another reason why they are eager to improve their position. Overocker is proudly registered for Toyota Bonus Bucks College Series, and would love to finish high enough to earn his second Bonus Bucks check of 2021.

“We drive that truck all over the country to and from fishing tournaments and I never have to worry about reliability,” Overocker said. “It’s a great vehicle and the Bonus Bucks program gives us the chance to make some extra money while we’re at it!”

The College Series portion of the popular contingency program offered by Toyota is similar to the official program in that an angler doesn’t have to win an event to earn the rewards; you just have to be the highest placing registered participant in a supported event.

For college anglers, there are no year restrictions when it comes to Bonus Bucks. If you are a college angler towing your boat with a Toyota tow vehicle, whether it’s a 2018 or a 2002, you are eligible for Toyota Bonus Bucks College Series. The program offers the opportunity to earn money for yourself and a matching amount for your school’s fishing club.

With any luck, Seggerman and Overocker will be making the drive back to Illinois on Sunday with a National Championship berth, and maybe a few Bonus Bucks in their back pocket.

by AnglersChannel

Bobby Lane Pads Lead at Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Grundéns Stop 4 at Lake Eufaula

EUFAULA, Ala. (May 14, 2021) – Berkley pro Bobby Lane of Lakeland, Florida, brought a five-bass limit totaling 16 pounds, 6 ounces to the scale Friday to extend his lead after Day 2 of the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, Grundéns Stop 4 Presented by A.R.E. at Lake Eufaula in Eufaula, Alabama. Lane’s two-day total of 10 bass weighing 36 pounds, 14 ounces gives him a 3-pound, 6-ounce advantage heading into Day 3 of the four-day competition featuring bass fishing professionals from around the world, battling it out for up to $135,000.

Pro Jason Abram of Piney Flats, Tennessee, held onto second place, weighing 13 pounds, 5 ounces on Friday for a two-day total of 33-8, with rookie Trevor Fitzgerald making a leap from 12^th place to loom only 6 ounces behind Abram in third, with a total of 33 pounds, 2 ounces. Pro Cole Floyd of Leesburg, Ohio, who entered the event leading the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Angler of the Year (AOY) race, brought the biggest bag of the day to the stage Friday with a limit weighing 18 pounds, 8 ounces, vaulting him from 54^th place into the top 10.

While the weights on Day 2 fluctuated a fair amount, with anglers at the top of the leaderboard struggling and a few pros lower in the standings hammering out big bags, Lane continued his hot streak on Lake Eufaula by fishing shallow.

“Yesterday I started down the lake on what I thought was a good shad spawn,” said Lane. “Today I ran up the river first thing and found the shad to be a lot more active in that area.”

Lane caught a near 6-pounder early to get his day started off right.

“That big one really eased my mind,” said Lane. “Fish like that make the rest of the day go so much better.”

That relaxed mindset helped the Berkley pro make good strategic decisions later in the day when boat traffic and fishing pressure became an issue.

“There’s a lot of traffic up there and everything is getting beat on,” said Lane. “By the time everyone starts running around mid-morning, the banks get muddy and the fish seem to shut off for a while. That’s when I started picking up the flipping stick and going to work in more protected places.”

With only 50 tournament boats on the water tomorrow, Lane said he is hoping the muddy water on the banks will improve.

“The water level didn’t drop as low last night as it had previous nights, so it looks like the river has stabilized,” said Lane. “I’m hoping for a warmer night tonight to make the shad active again in the morning.”

The top 20 pros after Day 2 on Lake Eufaula are:

1^st:           Bobby Lane of Lakeland, Fla., 10 bass, 36-14
2^nd:          Jason Abram of Piney Flats, Tenn., 10 bass, 33-8
3^rd:          Trevor Fitzgerald of Belleview, Fla., 10 bass, 33-2
4^th:           Brad Knight of Lancing, Tenn., 10 bass, 31-6
5^th:           Skeet Reese of Auburn, Calif., 10 bass, 30-13
6^th:           Dicky Newberry of Houston, Texas, 10 bass, 30-11
7^th:           David Walker of Sevierville, Tenn., 10 bass, 30-3
8^th:           Chad Warren of Sand Springs, Okla., 10 bass, 30-2
9^th:           Jared McMillan of Clewiston, Fla., 10 bass, 30-2
10^th:        Cole Floyd of Leesburg, Ohio, 10 bass, 30-0
11^th:        Justin Lucas of Guntersville, Ala., 10 bass, 30-0
12^th:        Mitch Crane of Columbus, Miss., 10 bass, 29-15
13^th:        Jeremy Lawyer of Sarcoxie, Mo., 10 bass, 29-10
14^th:        Ron Nelson of Berrien Springs, Mich., 10 bass, 29-9
15^th:        Kyle Hall of Granbury, Texas, 10 bass, 28-13
16^th:        Ramie Colson, Jr. of Cadiz, Ky., 10 bass, 27-15
17^th:        Jon Englund of Farwell, Minn., 10 bass, 27-7
18^th:        John Cox of DeBary, Fla., nine bass, 27-3
19^th:        Cal Lane of Guntersville, Ala., 10 bass, 27-2
20^th:        Tommy Dickerson of Orange, Texas, 10 bass, 27-1

For a full list of results visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Blake Smith of Lakeland, Florida won the day's $500 Berkley Big Bass award in the pro division after bringing a largemouth weighing 7 pounds, 13 ounces to the scale.

Overall, there were 638 bass weighing 1,496 pounds, 15 ounces caught by 153 pros Friday. The catch included 89 five-bass limits.

The MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, Grundens Stop 4 Presented by A.R.E. at Lake Eufaula is hosted by the Eufaula Barbour County Chamber of Commerce.

In Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit competition, the full field of anglers competed in the two-day opening round on Thursday and Friday. The top 50 pros based on their two-day cumulative weight now advance to Saturday. Only the top 10 pros will continue competition on Sunday, with the winner determined by the heaviest accumulated weight from the four days of competition.

Anglers will take off at 6:30 a.m. CT Saturday and Sunday from Lakepoint Resort State Park, located at 104 Lakepoint Drive in Eufaula. Weigh-ins will also be held at the park daily at 3 p.m. Fans are encouraged to follow the action online through the MLF NOW! live stream and coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, Grundens Stop 4 Presented by A.R.E. – Lake Eufaula event will feature live on-the-water coverage and a two-hour action-packed television show that will premiere on the Outdoor Channel on Sunday, August 22 from 7 to 9 a.m. ET and re-air on the Sportsman Channel this fall. Weigh-ins will be streamed daily and fans can catch live on-the-water action all day Saturday and Sunday, May 15-16 on MLF NOW! beginning at 7 a.m. CT at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

by AnglersChannel

Late-Day Rally Lifts Palaniuk To Bassmaster Open Lead At James River

Brandon Palaniuk, of Rathdrum, Idaho, is leading after Day 2 of the 2021 Basspro.com Bassmaster Northern Open at James River with a two-day total of 36 pounds, 1 ounce.
Photo by Brenden Kanies/B.A.S.S.

May 14, 2021

RICHMOND, Va. — Saving the best for last, Bassmaster Elite Series pro Brandon Palaniuk sacked up a late-day limit of 22 pounds, 6 ounces to rise 49 spots and lead Day 2 of the Basspro.com Bassmaster Northern Open at James River.

Hailing from Rathdrum, Idaho, Palaniuk claimed the event’s heaviest bag, which bolstered his Day 1 catch of 13-11 to tally 36-1. Heading into Championship Saturday, Palaniuk leads Jeff Queen by 13 ounces.

Following a slow start, Palaniuk made a key decision to relocate to a spot he identified on Day 1. The results were unquestionable.

“With an hour to go, I had three fish; then I pulled up on a spot and filled my limit and culled three times,” Palaniuk said. “I caught a 5-11 and a 5 1/2 and then I caught one that was pushing 5 in that last hour. It was just incredible.”

Noting that he’s fishing a very specific situation in Chickahominy Creek, Palaniuk was understandably guarded with his details. He did, however, state that he accomplished most of his work on a small area where precision was as important as bait selection.

“It’s not big; it’s a one-cast deal,” Palaniuk said of his replicable scenario. “It’s hard cover, but there’s more to it.”

Traveling to Richmond directly from last week’s Whataburger Bassmaster Elite at Neely Henry Lake, Palaniuk had approximately one full day of James River practice. Given his brief period of preparation, he decided to commit to waters he’s fished during past visits.

“I’ve never fished anywhere else,” he said. “I only had a total of eight hours, coming from Neely Henry, I had to go with what’s familiar to me.”

Timing seems to be the key component to Palaniuk’s success. As he explained, the bass are positioning with obvious feeding intent, so repetitive casting to a specifically defined area is essential for keeping his bait in the strike zone.

“If you hit the timing right, you can catch (a lot of weight),” Palaniuk said. “What I saw today, there’s 25 to 30 pounds there. Those fish are there to eat, for sure. I think there are new fish coming to me.”

Feeding windows are common to tidal fisheries and that definitely contributed to Palaniuk’s big catch. However, his afternoon flurry hinged on a more complex strategy.

“I made a slight adjustment and I think that, along with timing, were the two keys,” he said. “I figured out the angle I needed to get the right bites.”

Palaniuk said he used a mix of reaction baits and slower presentations. Both techniques produced big bites.

“I hope I fish tomorrow because I don’t know what could happen,” he said. “I’ve made the Top 10 here before quite a few times, but I’ve never been able to pull off the win.”

Hailing from Catawba, N.C., Queen is in second place with 35-4. Adding 17-11 to his eighth-place opening-round limit of 17-9, Queen demonstrated impressive consistency that belied a Day 2 challenge.

“I caught a couple of fish — including one of my big ones — on the reaction bait I fished on Day 1, but I had to go finesse fishing with a wacky-rigged green pumpkin purple flake Senko today,” Queen said. “This afternoon, they did a little better.

“I only had five by about 12 o’clock, but I made an adjustment and caught 11 in the last two hours. I caught those fish on a prototype bladed jig with a straight-tail fluke-style trailer and a squarebill.”

Day 1 leader Greg Alexander of Hebron, Md., is in third place with 34-6. After weighing 21-2 — the event’s second-heaviest bag — on Day 1, he added 13-4 Friday.

Alexander caught a couple of his fish on the 1/2-ounce Cheeseburger Jig and chunk trailer that produced his Day 1 bag, but he caught most of his fish on an unweighted Texas-rigged Yamamoto Senko.

“Today, I had half the bites that I had yesterday,” Alexander said. “I had 30 bites yesterday and about 15 today. I had a shorter day, but the water didn’t move much today. When the water doesn’t move, they don’t bite."

Tommy Williams of Shepherdsville, Ky., is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 8-7.

Cody Stahl of Griffin, Ga., won the co-angler division with 20-14. Leading Day 1 with 11-5, he added 9-9 Friday. As Stahl explained, dialing in a particular presentation was the key to his success.

“I figured out that there were some fish still on beds and they were spawning around cypress trees,” Stahl said. “They were relating to the back sides of the trees where it was protected from the wind and boat wakes and it was in the shade.

“I caught my fish on a TrueSouth Custom Lures jig with a Big Bite Baits Swimming Craw with the (pinchers) dyed chartreuse. When I was reeling my jig up, I noticed my bait matched the river shad that were chasing it. I believe those shad and bluegill were trying to eat those bass eggs.”

On Day 2, Stahl caught his fish with a TrueSouth bladed jig and a Big Bite Baits Swimon trailer. He caught one of his keepers around spatterdock and made two late-day culls when his boater took him to a tree he spotted on Day 1.

James Johnson of Chester, Va., won the $250 Phoenix Boats Big Bass award among co-anglers with a 5-15.

Palaniuk leads the Northern Open standings with 200 points. Queen is in second with 199, followed by Alexander with 198, Jonathan Kelley of Old Forge, Pa., with 197 and Nicholas Bodsford of Richmond, Va., with 196.

Jacob Powroznik of North Prince George, Va., leads the overall Falcon Rods Opens Angler of the Year standings with 687 points.

Saturday’s takeoff is scheduled for 6 a.m. ET from Osborne Park & Boat Landing. The weigh-in will be held at the Bass Pro Shops in Ashland, Va., at 3 p.m.

2021 Basspro.com Bassmaster Open at James River 5/13-5/15
James River, Richmond VA.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$

1. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 10 36-01 200
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 22-06
2. Jeff Queen Catawba, NC 10 35-04 199
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 17-11
3. Greg Alexander Hebron, MD 10 34-06 198
Day 1: 5 21-02 Day 2: 5 13-04
4. Jonathan Kelley Old Forge, PA 10 33-05 197
Day 1: 5 19-06 Day 2: 5 13-15
5. Nicholas Bodsford Richmond, VA 10 33-01 196
Day 1: 5 16-10 Day 2: 5 16-07
6. Bo Boltz Jr New Kent, VA 10 31-06 195
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 12-14
7. Justin Margraves Diana, TX 10 31-02 194
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 5 19-10
8. Mike Hicks Goochland, VA 10 31-02 193
Day 1: 5 18-13 Day 2: 5 12-05
9. Tommy Williams Shepherdsville, KY 10 30-07 192
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 5 20-05
10. Hugh Cosculluela Spring, TX 10 30-05 191
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 12-02
11. Jefferson Hamilton Henrico, VA 10 30-04 190 $5,973.00
Day 1: 5 18-06 Day 2: 5 11-14
12. Brad Webb Hampton, VA 10 29-09 189 $5,227.00
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 17-06
13. Garrett Geouge Lanexa, VA 10 29-09 188 $4,107.00
Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 14-03
14. Curtis Richardson Belleville Ontario CANA 10 29-08 187 $4,107.00
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 13-11
15. James Mignanelli Harmony, PA 10 29-07 186 $4,107.00
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 5 13-00
16. Masayuki Matsushita Tokoname-Shi JAPAN 10 29-06 185 $4,107.00
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 14-02
17. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 10 29-01 184 $4,107.00
Day 1: 5 15-00 Day 2: 5 14-01
18. Gary Adkins Green Bay, WI 10 28-14 183 $4,107.00
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 10-07
19. Ryan Broughman Corapeake, NC 10 28-01 182 $4,107.00
Day 1: 5 16-08 Day 2: 5 11-09
20. Chris Beaudrie Princeton, KY 10 28-00 181 $4,107.00
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 14-06
21. Drake Hundley Church Road, VA 10 27-13 180 $3,733.00
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 15-14
22. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 10 27-12 179 $3,733.00
Day 1: 5 16-01 Day 2: 5 11-11
23. Spike Stoker Cisco, TX 10 27-11 178 $3,733.00
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 5 14-06
24. John Conway, Jr. Jr Henrico, VA 10 27-10 177 $3,733.00
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 12-03
25. Jeff Jensen Beech Creek, PA 10 27-07 176 $3,733.00
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 5 14-11
26. Christiana Bradley Goldvein, VA 10 26-14 175 $3,435.00
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 12-01
27. Michael Rowe Providence Forge, VA 10 26-14 174 $3,435.00
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 13-04
28. Marc Schilling Shady Shores, TX 10 26-12 173 $3,435.00
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 14-14
29. Reese Hudson Broomall, PA 10 26-12 172 $3,435.00
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 12-06
30. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 10 26-12 171 $3,435.00
Day 1: 5 13-08 Day 2: 5 13-04
31. Cameron Smith Wareham, MA 10 26-10 170 $3,435.00
Day 1: 5 07-03 Day 2: 5 19-07
32. Nick Radtke Greenwood Lake, NY 10 26-09 169 $3,435.00
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 14-03
33. Tommy Little Chester, VA 10 26-08 168 $3,435.00
Day 1: 5 15-00 Day 2: 5 11-08
34. Jeremy Sadowski Valuntower, CT 10 26-06 167 $3,435.00
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 11-13
35. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 10 26-06 166 $3,435.00
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 12-12
36. Stanley Sypeck Jr Sugarloaf, PA 10 26-03 165 $3,435.00
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 12-06
37. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 10 26-01 164 $3,435.00
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 12-08
38. Nolan Minor Charlottesville, VA 10 25-15 163 $3,435.00
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 12-05
39. Ryan Whitacre Chicago, IL 10 25-13 162 $3,435.00
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 11-10
40. Chris Atwell Mechanicsville, VA 10 25-09 161 $3,435.00
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 13-11
41. Tyler Williams Belgrade, ME 10 25-08 160
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 07-15
42. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 10 25-05 159
Day 1: 5 12-05 Day 2: 5 13-00
43. Matt Pangrac Bixby, OK 10 25-03 158
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 5 14-01
44. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 10 25-00 157
Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 5 14-09
45. Tanner Ward Woodsfield , OH 10 24-14 156
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 11-05
46. Glynn Goodwin Marietta, OH 10 24-13 155
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 12-15
47. Blake Sylvester Plaquemine, LA 10 24-11 154
Day 1: 5 09-04 Day 2: 5 15-07
48. Ryan Powroznik Prince George, VA 10 24-10 153
Day 1: 5 07-09 Day 2: 5 17-01
49. Nate Kendrick Milford, VA 10 24-09 152
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 14-12
50. Matt Funk Suffolk, VA 10 24-08 151
Day 1: 5 11-12 Day 2: 5 12-12
51. Chase Clarke Virginia Beach, VA 10 24-07 150
Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 5 10-08
52. Paul Kimball Glastonbury, CT 10 24-06 149
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 5 10-10
53. Greg Mansfield Olathe, KS 10 24-04 148
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 10-01
54. Sheron Brown Leminster, MA 10 24-04 147
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 13-11
55. Jacob Kupselaitis Powhatan, VA 10 24-03 146
Day 1: 5 12-05 Day 2: 5 11-14
56. Burley Langford Jr. S.Chesterfield, VA 10 24-01 145
Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 5 10-03
57. Brent Shores Boise, ID 10 24-01 144
Day 1: 5 10-14 Day 2: 5 13-03
58. Tyler Morgan Schuylkill Haven, PA 10 24-00 143
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 5 10-11
59. Daisuke Aoki Minamitsurugun Yamanash 10 23-15 142
Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 5 13-11
60. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 10 23-15 141
Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 5 13-08
61. Timothy Chaffin Quinton, VA 10 23-13 140
Day 1: 5 13-08 Day 2: 5 10-05
62. Mark Heatwole Penn Laird, VA 10 23-12 139
Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 08-03
63. Rob Uzzle Hampton, VA 9 23-11 138
Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 4 06-13
64. Matthew Mccarthy Marysville, OH 9 23-11 137
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 4 12-05
65. Christopher Bryant Disputanta, VA 10 23-10 136
Day 1: 5 11-12 Day 2: 5 11-14
66. Whitney Stephens Waverly, OH 10 23-07 135
Day 1: 5 13-08 Day 2: 5 09-15
67. Stephen Estes Auburn, NH 10 23-06 134
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 5 08-15
68. Shayne Berlo Mclean, VA 10 23-05 133
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 11-08
69. Destin DeMarion Grove City, PA 10 23-04 132
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 5 13-02
70. Jake Biram Tulsa, OK 10 23-04 131
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 5 12-02
71. Coop Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CAN 10 23-04 130
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 5 11-12
72. Brad Leuthner Independence, MN 10 23-03 129
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 08-10
73. Donnie Bell Jr Hopewell, VA 10 23-02 128
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 5 12-00
74. Julius Mazy Phoenix, AZ 10 23-02 127
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 11-08
75. Scott Pellegrin Chippewa Falls, WI 10 23-01 126
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 5 09-12
76. Denny Fiedler Wabasha, MN 10 22-12 125
Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 5 08-13
77. Craig Chambers Midland, NC 10 22-10 124
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 08-07
78. Eddie Levin Westerville, OH 10 22-10 123
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 5 12-10
79. Kevin Park Waymart, PA 10 22-07 122
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 5 10-03
80. Marshall Johnson Montpelier, VA 8 22-06 121
Day 1: 5 16-12 Day 2: 3 05-10
81. Willy Dennison Iii III Willoughby Hills, OH 10 22-05 120
Day 1: 5 16-06 Day 2: 5 05-15
82. Travis Manson Conshohocken, PA 10 22-05 119
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 07-08
83. Andrew Upshaw Tulsa, OK 8 22-05 118
Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 3 08-04
84. Lucas Murphy Lexington, MI 10 22-05 117
Day 1: 5 08-09 Day 2: 5 13-12
85. Brian Brooks Chesterfield, VA 8 22-04 116
Day 1: 3 06-05 Day 2: 5 15-15
86. Kirk McMullen Greensburg, PA 8 22-01 115
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 3 07-08
87. Jonathan Ceaser Maidens, VA 10 22-01 114
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 08-11
88. Jason Burger Bridgeton, NJ 10 22-00 113
Day 1: 5 10-15 Day 2: 5 11-01
89. Steve Morella Townshend, VT 10 21-14 112
Day 1: 5 06-11 Day 2: 5 15-03
90. Christopher Fiore Midlothian, VA 10 21-14 111
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 5 11-15
91. Michael Zampese Haskell, NJ 10 21-14 110
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 5 10-13
92. Turner Hart Ashland, VA 8 21-13 109
Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 3 07-12
93. Mike Caul South Prince George, VA 10 21-13 108
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 08-12
94. Joe Lucarelli Center Harbor, NH 10 21-13 107
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 11-02
95. Pete Gluszek Mount Laurel, NJ 10 21-12 106
Day 1: 5 12-05 Day 2: 5 09-07
96. Douglas Reed Bridgeton, NJ 10 21-11 105
Day 1: 5 12-05 Day 2: 5 09-06
96. Cass Terrance Akwewsane, NY 10 21-11 105
Day 1: 5 09-06 Day 2: 5 12-05
98. Joe Carr Lanexa, VA 10 21-10 103
Day 1: 5 07-01 Day 2: 5 14-09
99. Randy Elliott Severn, MD 10 21-10 102
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 5 08-05
100. Brian Post Janesville, WI 10 21-09 101
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 5 09-08
101. Trevor Jancasz White Pigeon, MI 10 21-09 100
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 10-14
102. Steven Colgin Lanexa, VA 10 21-08 99
Day 1: 5 08-11 Day 2: 5 12-13
103. Jonathan Dietz Corry, PA 10 21-06 98
Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 5 11-02
104. Cavin Young Sr Prince George, VA 10 21-01 97
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 5 09-09
105. Timmy Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 10 21-01 96
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 10-06
106. Brian Bylotas Scott Township, PA 10 21-00 95
Day 1: 5 09-02 Day 2: 5 11-14
107. Jared Williams Hampton, VA 10 21-00 94
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 5 10-04
108. Michael Murphy East Syracuse, NY 8 20-12 93
Day 1: 5 16-15 Day 2: 3 03-13
109. John Garrett Union City, TN 10 20-12 92
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 09-06
110. Joe Labarbera Montrose, PA 10 20-12 91
Day 1: 5 09-11 Day 2: 5 11-01
111. Joel Willert Prior Lake, MN 8 20-11 90
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 3 04-04
112. Austin Cranford Moore, OK 10 20-11 89
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 07-07
113. Justin Dodson Chesterfield, VA 10 20-11 88
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 5 08-10
114. Jeff Salmon Chester, VA 9 20-11 87
Day 1: 4 09-00 Day 2: 5 11-11
115. Regan Coffey North Chesterfield, VA 10 20-10 86
Day 1: 5 08-11 Day 2: 5 11-15
116. Caleb Gibson Tahlequah, OK 10 20-08 85
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 5 10-02
117. Harrison Baker Quinton, VA 10 20-07 84
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 09-03
118. George Yund Albany, NY 10 20-05 83
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 06-02
119. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 9 20-05 82
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 4 08-14
120. Kraig Kettelkamp Clifton Springs, NY 7 20-05 81
Day 1: 4 10-01 Day 2: 3 10-04
121. Greg Fisher Zanesville, OH 10 20-04 80
Day 1: 5 09-09 Day 2: 5 10-11
122. Frankie Appaluccio Franklin, NJ 10 20-02 79
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 07-10
123. Frank Arthur Fallston, MD 10 20-02 78
Day 1: 5 08-15 Day 2: 5 11-03
124. Richard Owen Bracey , VA 7 20-00 77
Day 1: 2 06-02 Day 2: 5 13-14
125. Casey Smith Macedon, NY 9 19-14 76
Day 1: 4 08-05 Day 2: 5 11-09
126. Keith Smith Leesburg, VA 10 19-14 75
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 08-07
127. Zak Fadden Plymouth, MI 10 19-13 74
Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 5 09-09
128. Damian Szlachta Center Valley, PA 9 19-12 73
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 4 08-02
129. Kerry Frey Middlebury, IN 10 19-11 72
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 5 05-11
130. Garrett Rose Pipecreek, TX 10 19-10 71
Day 1: 5 06-14 Day 2: 5 12-12
131. Zach Goutremout Chaumont, NY 8 19-08 70
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 3 05-08
132. Trait Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 9 19-08 69
Day 1: 5 12-05 Day 2: 4 07-03
133. Brian Brooks Pittsgrove, NJ 10 19-03 68
Day 1: 5 09-11 Day 2: 5 09-08
134. Sam George Athens, AL 8 18-15 67
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 3 03-08
135. Jeffrey Brown Church Road, VA 9 18-15 66
Day 1: 4 08-09 Day 2: 5 10-06
136. Brad Elwood Clear Spring, MD 10 18-11 65
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 5 08-12
137. Matt Noraas Pamplin, VA 10 18-11 64
Day 1: 5 09-01 Day 2: 5 09-10
138. Douglas Lyon Glendale, OH 10 18-10 63
Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 5 08-02
139. Wayne Vaughan Jr Chester, VA 10 18-09 62
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 06-10
140. Chancy Walters West Des Moines, IA 10 18-09 61
Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 5 08-01
141. Wyatt Burkhalter Coker, AL 10 18-09 60
Day 1: 5 08-08 Day 2: 5 10-01
142. Trevor McKinney Benton, IL 10 18-07 59
Day 1: 5 07-00 Day 2: 5 11-07
143. Kyle Austin Ridgeville, SC 10 18-06 58
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 06-15
144. Jeremy Maye Windsor, VA 6 18-04 57
Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 1 03-02
145. Tyler Ashby Swanton, MD 10 18-03 56
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 5 08-00
146. John Pelletier Castleton, NY 8 18-02 55
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 3 06-10
147. Rick Hawkins Roanoke, VA 9 18-02 54
Day 1: 5 08-04 Day 2: 4 09-14
148. Christian Mazzola Sr Walnutport, PA 10 18-00 53
Day 1: 5 08-09 Day 2: 5 09-07
149. Austin Hoke Lititz, PA 9 18-00 52
Day 1: 4 08-10 Day 2: 5 09-06
150. Parker Mott Winter Garden, FL 8 18-00 51
Day 1: 5 08-12 Day 2: 3 09-04
151. Bradley Hallman Norman, OK 9 17-15 50
Day 1: 4 08-10 Day 2: 5 09-05
152. Denis Karachopan Rocky Point, NY 8 17-12 49
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 3 05-01
153. Steven Camp Mechanicsvlle, VA 10 17-11 48
Day 1: 5 04-11 Day 2: 5 13-00
154. Tyler Conde Chepachet, RI 9 17-11 47
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 4 07-05
155. Joshua Geyer Loganton, PA 10 17-09 46
Day 1: 5 07-09 Day 2: 5 10-00
156. Lucas Bogosian Harrington Park, NJ 10 17-09 45
Day 1: 5 09-11 Day 2: 5 07-14
157. Patrick Martin St Roch De L Achigan Qu 10 17-07 44
Day 1: 5 06-05 Day 2: 5 11-02
158. Terry Baksay Bridgeport, CT 10 17-06 43
Day 1: 5 07-07 Day 2: 5 09-15
159. Scott Noel Loveland, OH 7 17-03 42
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 2 03-07
160. Trevor Lo Maplewood, MN 10 17-02 41
Day 1: 5 08-10 Day 2: 5 08-08
161. Matthew Szczoczarz Cumberland, RI 7 16-14 40
Day 1: 4 11-05 Day 2: 3 05-09
162. Tom Knee Newtown Square, PA 8 16-13 39
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 3 04-12
163. Ed Powell Sandyville, WV 7 16-11 38
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 2 04-09
164. Daniel Snyder Annandale, VA 9 16-10 37
Day 1: 5 09-09 Day 2: 4 07-01
165. Teb Jones Hattiesburg, MS 8 16-06 36
Day 1: 3 03-15 Day 2: 5 12-07
166. John Zeolla Oak Park, CA 8 16-04 35
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 3 06-04
167. Josh Summerville Lilly, PA 6 16-04 34
Day 1: 4 06-12 Day 2: 2 09-08
168. Jason Tibbetts Centreville, VA 9 15-15 33
Day 1: 4 03-15 Day 2: 5 12-00
169. Tj Milton Chester, VA 7 15-13 32
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 2 03-09
170. Ed Melton Houston, TX 7 15-11 31
Day 1: 3 06-11 Day 2: 4 09-00
171. Mike Rodevitz Colebrook, NH 6 15-10 30
Day 1: 1 04-13 Day 2: 5 10-13
172. Kenny Mittelstaedt Paynesville, MN 10 15-08 29
Day 1: 5 08-02 Day 2: 5 07-06
173. Gunnar Meger Otsego, MN 8 15-07 28
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 3 02-14
174. Jason Bishop North Prince George, VA 9 15-07 27
Day 1: 4 04-10 Day 2: 5 10-13
175. Chaz Carrington Suffolk, VA 8 15-07 26
Day 1: 5 08-06 Day 2: 3 07-01
176. Barry Brandt Jr. Newport News, VA 8 15-02 25
Day 1: 5 07-14 Day 2: 3 07-04
177. Ed Stiefel Mahwah, NJ 10 15-02 24
Day 1: 5 07-09 Day 2: 5 07-09
178. Steve Miller Mechanicsville, VA 5 14-13 23
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
179. Luke Plunkett Pinson, AL 9 14-11 22
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 4 04-05
180. Wilson Burton Jr Findlay, OH 7 14-08 21
Day 1: 3 05-00 Day 2: 4 09-08
181. Randy Lamanche Marcellus, NY 8 14-08 20
Day 1: 4 08-09 Day 2: 4 05-15
182. Justin Salisbury Binghamton, NY 10 14-08 19
Day 1: 5 07-01 Day 2: 5 07-07
183. Austin Archer Anniston, AL 10 14-04 18
Day 1: 5 08-02 Day 2: 5 06-02
184. Keith Nemcek St Charles, IL 8 14-03 17
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 3 03-03
185. Oliver Ngy Frisco, TX 7 14-01 16
Day 1: 5 12-05 Day 2: 2 01-12
186. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 7 13-10 15
Day 1: 5 10-15 Day 2: 2 02-11
187. Eddie Casey Whiteford, MD 6 13-06 14
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 1 01-02
188. Darryl Halbert Enoree, SC 8 13-06 13
Day 1: 4 05-03 Day 2: 4 08-03
189. Carmen Peluso Pittsburgh, PA 6 13-04 12
Day 1: 3 07-07 Day 2: 3 05-13
190. Andy Hribar Lakeville, MN 8 13-03 11
Day 1: 5 08-15 Day 2: 3 04-04
191. Randy Huffman Charleston, WV 8 13-03 10
Day 1: 5 07-05 Day 2: 3 05-14
192. Matthew Kite Powhatan, VA 5 13-02 9
Day 1: 5 13-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
193. Frank Poirier North Prince George, VA 8 13-02 8
Day 1: 5 09-08 Day 2: 3 03-10
194. Alex Peric Krum, TX 10 13-00 7
Day 1: 5 06-11 Day 2: 5 06-05
195. Bart Stanisz Wichita Falls , TX 6 12-05 6
Day 1: 3 07-04 Day 2: 3 05-01
196. David Boelkins Lake Zurich, IL 10 12-04 5
Day 1: 5 07-11 Day 2: 5 04-09
197. Steven Hatala Harrison Township, MI 8 12-04 4
Day 1: 5 07-03 Day 2: 3 05-01
198. Hunter Bland Williston, FL 9 12-02 3
Day 1: 5 07-05 Day 2: 4 04-13
199. John Mcgraw Hamilton Sq, NJ 6 11-15 2
Day 1: 1 02-06 Day 2: 5 09-09
200. Kevin Ledoux Choctaw, OK 9 11-07 1
Day 1: 5 04-12 Day 2: 4 06-11
201. Joe Spano Scranton, PA 6 10-15 0
Day 1: 2 03-03 Day 2: 4 07-12
202. Mike Cherry Hampton, VA 10 10-12 0
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 5 00-00
203. Jason Putman Cicero, NY 5 10-11 0
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
204. Tommy Stalb Manheim, PA 5 10-09 0
Day 1: 3 05-14 Day 2: 2 04-11
205. Troy Baxter Canton, NY 7 10-07 0
Day 1: 5 07-13 Day 2: 2 02-10
206. Chris Kingree Inverness, FL 7 10-07 0
Day 1: 5 07-07 Day 2: 2 03-00
207. Robert Hinds South Prince George, VA 6 09-13 0
Day 1: 4 06-05 Day 2: 2 03-08
208. Danny McGarry Newcastle CANADA 7 09-07 0
Day 1: 2 03-02 Day 2: 5 06-05
209. Gary Krammes Pottsville, PA 6 09-05 0
Day 1: 4 05-10 Day 2: 2 03-11
210. John Watts Jr Flushing, MI 5 09-01 0
Day 1: 4 07-10 Day 2: 1 01-07
211. Cody Bertrand Dyer, IN 9 08-11 0
Day 1: 4 08-11 Day 2: 5 00-00
212. Brian Mullaney New Market, MD 5 08-08 0
Day 1: 5 08-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
213. Danger Kelly Somerset, KY 5 08-08 0
Day 1: 2 02-13 Day 2: 3 05-11
214. Linwood Shores Powhatan, VA 5 08-07 0
Day 1: 5 08-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
215. Brock Belik Orchard, NE 5 08-01 0
Day 1: 4 06-03 Day 2: 1 01-14
216. Shane Rees Middletown, IN 5 08-00 0
Day 1: 5 08-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
217. Jonathan Carter Portland, ME 4 07-09 0
Day 1: 2 03-02 Day 2: 2 04-07
218. Billy Gilbert Hamburg, NY 5 06-15 0
Day 1: 5 06-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
219. Brian Hughes Barrie CANADA 4 06-14 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 4 06-14
220. Joe Ford Bewdely CANADA 4 06-04 0
Day 1: 4 06-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
221. Justin Dalton Green Bay, VA 4 06-00 0
Day 1: 4 06-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
222. Burley Warf Moneta, VA 4 05-10 0
Day 1: 2 03-15 Day 2: 2 01-11
223. Michelle Jalaba Birmingham, MI 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
223. Charlie Machek Midlothian, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 187 1046 2419-12
2 153 941 2056-05
----------------------------------
340 1987 4476-01

2021 Basspro.com Bassmaster Open at James River 5/13-5/15
James River, Richmond VA.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 2

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$

1. Cody Stahl Griffin, GA 6 20-14 200 $22,553.00
Day 1: 3 11-05 Day 2: 3 09-09
2. Phillip Arnold Powhatan, VA 6 17-04 199 $5,307.00
Day 1: 3 06-10 Day 2: 3 10-10
3. Ryan Drewery South Prince George, VA 6 16-08 198 $3,980.00
Day 1: 3 10-11 Day 2: 3 05-13
4. Brian Langford South Chesterfield, VA 6 16-03 197 $2,985.00
Day 1: 3 07-08 Day 2: 3 08-11
5. Andy Semonco Chester, VA 6 16-02 196 $2,786.00
Day 1: 3 09-15 Day 2: 3 06-03
6. Donnie Meade Richmond, VA 6 16-01 195 $2,653.00
Day 1: 3 06-07 Day 2: 3 09-10
7. Bill Butler Chester, VA 6 16-00 194 $2,521.00
Day 1: 3 08-10 Day 2: 3 07-06
8. Stacey Jefferson Conway, SC 6 15-15 193 $2,388.00
Day 1: 3 09-09 Day 2: 3 06-06
9. Charles James Richmond, VA 6 15-04 192 $2,189.00
Day 1: 3 08-03 Day 2: 3 07-01
10. Bryan Folino Williamstown, MA 6 15-02 191 $1,990.00
Day 1: 3 05-07 Day 2: 3 09-11
11. Brad Goetz Montello, WI 6 14-12 190 $1,857.00
Day 1: 3 06-04 Day 2: 3 08-08
12. Joe Franzwa Pittsgrove, NJ 6 14-12 189 $1,725.00
Day 1: 3 07-14 Day 2: 3 06-14
13. Lynn Hoeffer Newport News, VA 6 14-10 188 $1,459.00
Day 1: 3 06-08 Day 2: 3 08-02
14. Robert Bruguiere Roseland, VA 6 14-08 187 $1,327.00
Day 1: 3 06-08 Day 2: 3 08-00
15. Marco Flores Topeka KS JAPAN 6 14-07 186 $1,194.00
Day 1: 3 08-03 Day 2: 3 06-04
16. James Schneider Watervliet, NY 6 14-04 185 $1,061.00
Day 1: 3 08-04 Day 2: 3 06-00
17. Michael Rustin Henrico, VA 6 13-07 184 $995.00
Day 1: 3 07-10 Day 2: 3 05-13
18. Akira Okuyama Forest Hills, NY 6 13-06 183 $995.00
Day 1: 3 03-15 Day 2: 3 09-07
19. Lenny Baird Stafford, VA 6 13-04 182 $995.00
Day 1: 3 08-14 Day 2: 3 04-06
20. Tommy Hamilton Disputanta, VA 6 13-03 181 $995.00
Day 1: 3 05-06 Day 2: 3 07-13
21. Austin Minton Prince George, VA 6 13-01 180 $929.00
Day 1: 3 07-02 Day 2: 3 05-15
22. Connor Westerman New Castle, PA 6 12-12 179 $929.00
Day 1: 3 05-06 Day 2: 3 07-06
23. James Johnson Chester, VA 4 12-10 178 $1,179.00
Day 1: 2 03-09 Day 2: 2 09-01
24. Jess Salmon Milford, NJ 6 12-10 177 $929.00
Day 1: 3 06-08 Day 2: 3 06-02
25. Mike Mueller Medway, MA 6 12-09 176 $929.00
Day 1: 3 06-02 Day 2: 3 06-07
26. Joe Mantione West Milford, NJ 5 12-08 175 $796.00
Day 1: 3 08-12 Day 2: 2 03-12
27. EJ Thomas Roanoke, VA 6 12-06 174 $796.00
Day 1: 3 07-08 Day 2: 3 04-14
28. A J Negley Charlotte, NC 6 12-05 173 $796.00
Day 1: 3 08-01 Day 2: 3 04-04
29. Alan Alfonso Jr. Ruther Glen, VA 6 12-05 172 $796.00
Day 1: 3 05-14 Day 2: 3 06-07
30. Ryan Lachniet Gum Spring, VA 6 12-04 171 $796.00
Day 1: 3 06-01 Day 2: 3 06-03
31. Brian Durham Dinwiddie, VA 5 12-01 170 $730.00
Day 1: 3 06-09 Day 2: 2 05-08
32. David Deciucis CHESTER, VA 6 12-00 169 $730.00
Day 1: 3 06-06 Day 2: 3 05-10
33. Scott Stephenson III South Prince George, VA 6 12-00 168 $730.00
Day 1: 3 06-03 Day 2: 3 05-13
34. Jon Jezierski Troy, MI 6 11-09 167 $730.00
Day 1: 3 05-00 Day 2: 3 06-09
35. Shon Pulley Greenfield, IN 6 11-09 166 $730.00
Day 1: 3 06-01 Day 2: 3 05-08
36. Lou Britos Disputanta, VA 5 11-08 165 $730.00
Day 1: 2 04-12 Day 2: 3 06-12
37. Jason Holder Powhatan, VA 6 11-08 164 $730.00
Day 1: 3 04-13 Day 2: 3 06-11
38. Jim Opetaia-Williamson Winter Garden, FL 6 11-08 163 $730.00
Day 1: 3 04-14 Day 2: 3 06-10
39. Travis Ruddock Mechanicsville, VA 6 11-08 162 $730.00
Day 1: 3 06-00 Day 2: 3 05-08
40. Kyle Patrick Cooperstown, NY 5 11-07 161 $730.00
Day 1: 3 08-09 Day 2: 2 02-14
41. Jesse Kidd Chesterfield, VA 6 11-07 160
Day 1: 3 07-04 Day 2: 3 04-03
42. Derek Brown Charlottesville, VA 6 11-06 159
Day 1: 3 04-13 Day 2: 3 06-09
43. Bill Telesca Cicero, NY 6 11-03 158
Day 1: 3 06-06 Day 2: 3 04-13
44. Aaron Bartlett New Kent, VA 6 11-03 157
Day 1: 3 06-03 Day 2: 3 05-00
45. Jody Gardner Tippecanoe, OH 6 11-02 156
Day 1: 3 05-06 Day 2: 3 05-12
46. Sakae Ushio Tonawanda, NY 5 10-15 155
Day 1: 3 07-15 Day 2: 2 03-00
47. Tevinn Rollins Hampton, VA 6 10-15 154
Day 1: 3 07-00 Day 2: 3 03-15
48. Chris Underwood Oak Hill, VA 5 10-14 153
Day 1: 2 05-13 Day 2: 3 05-01
49. Jack Pollio Lincolnton, NC 4 10-13 152
Day 1: 3 08-03 Day 2: 1 02-10
50. Cory Hartfield Centerburg, OH 6 10-12 151
Day 1: 3 06-00 Day 2: 3 04-12
51. Joe Stalb Manheim, PA 5 10-10 150
Day 1: 3 06-13 Day 2: 2 03-13
52. Mike Rinaldi North Haledon, NJ 6 10-10 149
Day 1: 3 04-13 Day 2: 3 05-13
53. Brok Schwartzkopf New Prague, MN 6 10-10 148
Day 1: 3 05-00 Day 2: 3 05-10
54. John Dunn Deltaville, VA 6 10-08 147
Day 1: 3 07-05 Day 2: 3 03-03
55. James Tilley Aylett, VA 6 10-08 146
Day 1: 3 07-01 Day 2: 3 03-07
56. Ralph Gibson Locust Grove, OK 4 10-08 145
Day 1: 2 05-08 Day 2: 2 05-00
57. Ryan Park Mount Joy, PA 6 10-05 144
Day 1: 3 02-14 Day 2: 3 07-07
58. Les Forrest Chesterfield, VA 6 10-00 143
Day 1: 3 06-05 Day 2: 3 03-11
59. Kevin Hesson Seneca, PA 5 09-14 142
Day 1: 2 05-04 Day 2: 3 04-10
60. Mike Anderson Harlem, GA 5 09-14 141
Day 1: 2 05-01 Day 2: 3 04-13
61. Chuck Boso Oklahoma City, OK 5 09-12 140
Day 1: 2 02-14 Day 2: 3 06-14
62. Bryce Bason Mill Hall, PA 4 09-11 139
Day 1: 2 03-04 Day 2: 2 06-07
63. Gerald Heffler Chester, VA 4 09-10 138
Day 1: 3 08-02 Day 2: 1 01-08
64. Roger Walters Jr Colonial Heights, VA 6 09-10 137
Day 1: 3 04-13 Day 2: 3 04-13
65. Eddie James Newport News, VA 5 09-09 136
Day 1: 3 07-08 Day 2: 2 02-01
66. Rodney Manson Glen Burnie, MD 5 09-09 135
Day 1: 3 05-01 Day 2: 2 04-08
67. Levi Allgeier Bardstown, KY 3 09-08 134
Day 1: 3 09-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
67. Shane Nelson Wadsworth, OH 3 09-08 134
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 09-08
69. Jacob Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 5 09-06 132
Day 1: 3 06-03 Day 2: 2 03-03
70. Timothy Nichols Pittsgrove, NJ 6 09-06 131
Day 1: 3 06-01 Day 2: 3 03-05
71. Avery Neely Richmond, VA 6 09-06 130
Day 1: 3 05-00 Day 2: 3 04-06
72. Joshua McGeary Mt. Pleasant, PA 3 09-04 129
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 09-04
73. Jamie Newton Falls Church, VA 4 09-04 128
Day 1: 1 03-05 Day 2: 3 05-15
74. Mark Kendra Great Meadows, NJ 5 09-03 127
Day 1: 3 06-10 Day 2: 2 02-09
75. JC Henry Elkton, MD 6 09-02 126
Day 1: 3 05-11 Day 2: 3 03-07
76. Travis Wyatt Disputanta, VA 4 09-01 125
Day 1: 1 01-01 Day 2: 3 08-00
77. David Booth Erin, TN 4 09-01 124
Day 1: 3 06-08 Day 2: 1 02-09
78. Tim Mcglenn Welcome, MD 6 09-00 123
Day 1: 3 06-09 Day 2: 3 02-07
79. Christopher McCarthy Woonsocket, RI 5 08-15 122
Day 1: 2 02-10 Day 2: 3 06-05
80. Angela Mayo Maiden, NC 3 08-13 121
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 08-13
81. Nicole Jacobs Saint Paul, MN 5 08-10 120
Day 1: 2 02-03 Day 2: 3 06-07
82. Dylan Walsh Greensboro, NC 5 08-10 119
Day 1: 3 03-13 Day 2: 2 04-13
83. Curtis Hall II Lenore, WV 6 08-10 118
Day 1: 3 03-15 Day 2: 3 04-11
84. Rick Williams Jr Sandston, VA 4 08-09 117
Day 1: 1 00-15 Day 2: 3 07-10
85. Anthony Griles Providence Forge, VA 5 08-08 116
Day 1: 3 06-03 Day 2: 2 02-05
86. Tri Nguyen Hampton, VA 4 08-08 115
Day 1: 1 03-03 Day 2: 3 05-05
87. Kevin Gregory Midlothian, VA 4 08-08 114
Day 1: 2 04-12 Day 2: 2 03-12
88. Samuel Jenesky Jr Cecil, PA 4 08-04 113
Day 1: 3 04-00 Day 2: 1 04-04
89. Shaun Clarke Midlothian, VA 4 08-03 112
Day 1: 3 06-14 Day 2: 1 01-05
90. Thomas Ulintz Mars, PA 4 08-02 111
Day 1: 3 06-15 Day 2: 1 01-03
91. Devon Norwood Kitson Montclair , NJ 5 08-01 110
Day 1: 3 06-00 Day 2: 2 02-01
92. Jordan Laclair Morristown, NY 5 08-00 109
Day 1: 3 04-04 Day 2: 2 03-12
93. Timothy Austin Urbanna, VA 4 07-13 108
Day 1: 1 01-14 Day 2: 3 05-15
94. Chris Whittaker Waverly, VA 5 07-12 107
Day 1: 3 04-06 Day 2: 2 03-06
95. Nathaniel Kilgore Franklin, VA 4 07-11 106
Day 1: 3 07-11 Day 2: 1 00-00
96. George Petrak Binghamton, NY 3 07-11 105
Day 1: 3 07-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
97. Chip Stith Piscataway, NJ 5 07-10 104
Day 1: 2 04-06 Day 2: 3 03-04
98. Scott Seros Redmond, OR 6 07-09 103
Day 1: 3 02-12 Day 2: 3 04-13
99. Tim Byers Emporia, VA 3 07-09 102
Day 1: 2 04-09 Day 2: 1 03-00
100. Richard Stewart Chesterfield, VA 5 07-09 101
Day 1: 3 03-09 Day 2: 2 04-00
101. Michael Oley North Chesterfield, VA 4 07-08 100
Day 1: 1 01-12 Day 2: 3 05-12
102. Travis Heath Chester, VA 4 07-07 99
Day 1: 2 03-09 Day 2: 2 03-14
103. John Barnes Henrico, VA 4 07-05 98
Day 1: 3 05-11 Day 2: 1 01-10
104. Jim Calhoun Norfolk, VA 4 07-04 97
Day 1: 3 05-13 Day 2: 1 01-07
105. Skyler Anderson Harlem, GA 4 07-03 96
Day 1: 2 03-07 Day 2: 2 03-12
106. Chris Newton Whitesboro, NY 5 07-01 95
Day 1: 2 02-00 Day 2: 3 05-01
107. Harry Moore Clarington, OH 3 07-00 94
Day 1: 3 07-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
108. Cody Wilson Ladson, SC 5 06-15 93
Day 1: 3 03-11 Day 2: 2 03-04
109. Christopher House Walworth, NY 5 06-14 92
Day 1: 2 03-04 Day 2: 3 03-10
110. Pete Kenny Yorktown, VA 4 06-11 91
Day 1: 3 05-13 Day 2: 1 00-14
111. Robert Winward Jr Newark, DE 5 06-10 90
Day 1: 2 01-15 Day 2: 3 04-11
112. Roland Burton Hopewell, VA 6 06-08 89
Day 1: 3 02-13 Day 2: 3 03-11
113. Matthew Strykul Falls Church, VA 4 06-07 88
Day 1: 1 00-14 Day 2: 3 05-09
114. Bobby Harris Sr Disputanta, VA 3 06-05 87
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 06-05
115. Paul Propst Jr. Kearneysville, WV 4 06-05 86
Day 1: 1 01-02 Day 2: 3 05-03
116. Dawson Wisner Westminster, MD 6 06-04 85
Day 1: 3 00-10 Day 2: 3 05-10
117. Jerry Tyler Weldon, NC 5 06-04 84
Day 1: 3 04-04 Day 2: 2 02-00
118. Trey Grow III Mechanicsville, VA 4 06-04 83
Day 1: 3 04-03 Day 2: 1 02-01
119. Mike Bell Lisbon, NY 3 06-03 82
Day 1: 3 06-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
120. Josh Hollins Chapel Hill, NC 4 06-03 81
Day 1: 1 01-11 Day 2: 3 04-08
121. Joseph Zapf Oak Ridge, NJ 5 06-02 80
Day 1: 2 02-15 Day 2: 3 03-03
122. Trevor Wright Chesterfield, VA 5 06-01 79
Day 1: 2 02-03 Day 2: 3 03-14
123. William Condrey Chesterfield, VA 3 06-00 78
Day 1: 3 06-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
123. David Dickerson Colonial Heights, VA 3 06-00 78
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 06-00
123. Daryl Moody Newport News, VA 3 06-00 78
Day 1: 3 06-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
126. Ashley Wilmore White Stone, VA 3 05-15 75
Day 1: 3 05-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
127. Jed Dickerson Chesterfield, VA 5 05-15 74
Day 1: 2 03-02 Day 2: 3 02-13
128. Brent Temple BREWERTON, NY 2 05-14 73
Day 1: 1 03-01 Day 2: 1 02-13
129. Wayne Drewery South Prince George, VA 3 05-11 72
Day 1: 3 05-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
130. Ben Jacobi Richmond, VA 4 05-10 71
Day 1: 3 04-12 Day 2: 1 00-14
131. Michael Mawyer Midlothian, VA 3 05-09 70
Day 1: 1 02-01 Day 2: 2 03-08
132. Rich Knisely Jr. Disputanta, VA 4 05-08 69
Day 1: 3 04-03 Day 2: 1 01-05
133. Taurus Lopez Ellenville, NY 3 05-07 68
Day 1: 3 05-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
134. Vinny Livingston Ivor, VA 3 05-05 67
Day 1: 3 05-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
135. Bud Biram Tulsa, OK 3 05-05 66
Day 1: 1 01-06 Day 2: 2 03-15
136. Austin Burton North Prince George, VA 4 05-05 65
Day 1: 2 02-04 Day 2: 2 03-01
137. Vince Stuccio Chesapeake, VA 4 05-04 64
Day 1: 3 03-12 Day 2: 1 01-08
138. Brian West Gloucester, VA 4 05-03 63
Day 1: 1 02-05 Day 2: 3 02-14
139. Michael Baldwin Jr South Chesterfield, VA 5 05-01 62
Day 1: 2 01-13 Day 2: 3 03-04
140. Brian Landkrohn Nashport, OH 3 05-01 61
Day 1: 1 02-07 Day 2: 2 02-10
141. Greg Mauldin Archdale, NC 4 05-00 60
Day 1: 1 00-12 Day 2: 3 04-04
142. David Everhart Kearneysville, WV 3 04-15 59
Day 1: 3 04-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
143. Jonathan Patkus Columbia, MD 2 04-15 58
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 04-15
144. Rusty Girard Norfolk, VA 4 04-15 57
Day 1: 2 03-00 Day 2: 2 01-15
145. Charles Cotton Hemingway, SC 3 04-14 56
Day 1: 2 04-00 Day 2: 1 00-14
146. Mark Westrick Hastings, PA 3 04-14 55
Day 1: 1 01-00 Day 2: 2 03-14
147. Gary Hall Delbarton, WV 3 04-13 54
Day 1: 3 04-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
148. Ron Ryals Jr Live Oak, FL 2 04-09 53
Day 1: 2 04-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
149. Daniel Istik Cranberry Twp, PA 3 04-09 52
Day 1: 1 02-06 Day 2: 2 02-03
150. Donnie Bowman Quinton, VA 3 04-07 51
Day 1: 3 04-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Eric Hawks Galax, VA 3 04-07 50
Day 1: 1 01-09 Day 2: 2 02-14
152. Ricky Meyers Fredericksburg, VA 3 04-06 49
Day 1: 3 04-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
152. Josh Mossey Hillsborough, NC 3 04-06 49
Day 1: 3 04-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
154. Michael Mcmanama Hopewell, VA 2 04-04 47
Day 1: 2 04-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
155. Nathan Seymour Chester, VA 2 04-01 46
Day 1: 2 04-01 Day 2: 0 00-00
156. Chris Moore Mechanicsville, VA 3 04-00 45
Day 1: 3 04-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
157. Brendan Rhatigan Slingerlands, NY 2 04-00 44
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 04-00
158. Corey Burton Canton, OH 3 03-15 43
Day 1: 3 03-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
159. Tim Gunter York, PA

by AnglersChannel

Auburn University Pair Takes Lead In Bassmaster College Series Event At Smith Lake

Connor Jacob and Sam Smith, of Auburn University, are leading after Day 1 of the 2021 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series at Smith Lake presented by Bass Pro Shops with 14 pounds, 14 ounces.
Photo by Kyle Jessie/B.A.S.S.

May 14, 2021

CULLMAN, Ala. — A year after Connor Jacob and Sam Smith struggled to find quality bass on this fishery, the tandem from Auburn University is atop the leaderboard after Day 1 of the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series at Smith Lake presented by Bass Pro Shops.

Jacob and Smith, both 20-year-old sophomores, caught a limit of five bass Friday that totaled 14 pounds, 14 ounces. That gave them a narrow lead over the University of Michigan’s Paul Tabisz and James Ge, who are in second place with 14-8.

In all, 192 teams from 27 states are competing in the two-day tournament here in north-central Alabama.

Jacob and Smith had some quality catches on Friday, led by the 4-5 largemouth Smith hooked later in the day when the duo retreated from the high sun into the back of pockets off the main lake.

“We were on these trash mats, flipping around the edges, and I saw something that looked like fry swimming around,” Smith said. “I dropped down right through it and set the hook where (the 4-5) was.”

That bass likely bumped Jacob and Smith into the lead, though they were productive throughout the postcard-perfect day, with sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-70s.

The tandem fished swim jigs around docks first thing Friday morning and wound up with an early limit of spotted bass, including a 3-pounder. That was the same technique they tried last February during the College Series event here, but it didn’t work, and they wound up finishing 127th.

It was a different story on Friday, though.

“We were a year ahead of ourselves,” Jacob said, laughing. “Honestly, we expected it to be pretty slow today. We had two horrible days of practice. But within the first 45 minutes, we had that limit. I think it’s the ending of a shad spawn we saw last week. We spent the last few hours looking for new water. We didn’t catch too many that helped us today, but we found some places that can help us tomorrow.”

Jacob and Smith said they’ve caught bass in all three phases of the spawn since they began practicing on Lewis Smith Lake earlier this week. They think they can exploit any of those bites and make a run at the tournament title on Saturday.

“We caught a couple that had eggs coming out of them,” Jacob said. “We caught a bed fish in practice, and the big one Sam caught today, I’m pretty sure that was a prespawn fish. It was weird to see all that happening, but we’re happy with how we did today.”

Tabisz and Ge weighed five spotted bass on Friday and said they’ll target those again on Day 2.

“We couldn’t get anything going on largemouth in practice, but we found something pretty special on the spots,” Tabisz said. “We had our limit by about 9 o’clock. The bite’s been consistent since about Wednesday afternoon, so I think the weather holding steady for us has helped.”

Jacob Witkowksi and Layton Brown of Dallas Baptist University are in third place with a limit that weighed 13-8. Auburn anglers have the fourth and fifth spots locked down currently — Garrett Warren and Will Jones are fourth with 13-6 and Sam Hoesley and Sam Hanggi are fifth with 13-3.

The entire field will fish again Saturday with the top 10 percent of anglers (19 teams) advancing to the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops. That event will be held later this year at a location yet to be disclosed.

The Smith Lake tournament originally was scheduled to be held in April but was postponed following heavy rains last month that caused water levels in the fishery to swell. A Bassmaster Open event also scheduled for the lake was postponed, as well.

The second and final day of the tournament is set to begin with a 5:45 a.m. CT takeoff from Smith Lake Park. Weigh-in is scheduled to begin back at the park at 1:45.

2021 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series at Smith Lake presented by Bass Pro Shops 5/14-5/15
Smith Lake, Cullman AL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1

Angler Club/School Pts

1. Connor Jacob - Sam Smith Auburn University 250
Day 1: 5 14-14 Total: 5 14-14
2. Paul Tabisz - James Ge University of Michigan 249
Day 1: 5 14-08 Total: 5 14-08
3. Jacob Witkowski - Layton Brown Dallas Baptist Univesity 248
Day 1: 5 13-08 Total: 5 13-08
4. Garrett Warren - Will Jones Auburn University 247
Day 1: 5 13-06 Total: 5 13-06
5. Sam Hoesley - Sam Hanggi Auburn University 246
Day 1: 5 13-03 Total: 5 13-03
6. Britt Myers - Tyler Anderson Lander University 245
Day 1: 5 13-02 Total: 5 13-02
7. Tyler Price - Ethan Shaw Bryan College 244
Day 1: 5 13-01 Total: 5 13-01
8. Hayden Scott - Griffin Fernandes Adrian College 243
Day 1: 5 12-15 Total: 5 12-15
9. Chris Payne - Terry Sentell Tennessee 242
Day 1: 5 12-13 Total: 5 12-13
9. Kollin Smith - Lilly Smith Emmanuel College 242
Day 1: 5 12-13 Total: 5 12-13
11. Gunner Whitaker - Mitchell Johnson Kentucky Christian University 240
Day 1: 5 12-12 Total: 5 12-12
12. Jack York - Jacob Miller Stephen F Austin State Universit 239
Day 1: 5 12-11 Total: 5 12-11
13. Landon Lawson - Donavan Carson King University 238
Day 1: 5 12-10 Total: 5 12-10
13. Colin Slentz - Evan Slentz Lander University 238
Day 1: 5 12-10 Total: 5 12-10
15. Grayson Morris - Jacob Pfundt University of Montevalllo 236
Day 1: 5 11-15 Total: 5 11-15
16. Ethan Jones - Joseph Bruener McKendree University 235
Day 1: 5 11-14 Total: 5 11-14
17. Judd Morgan - Joey Bissing University of Tennessee 234
Day 1: 5 11-13 Total: 5 11-13
18. Gus Mclarry - Dawson Cassidy 233
Day 1: 5 11-10 Total: 5 11-10
19. Landon Smith - Jacob Schrimsher Calhoun Community College 232
Day 1: 5 11-09 Total: 5 11-09
20. Jackson Staib - Baylor Howell Bethel University 231
Day 1: 5 11-08 Total: 5 11-08
21. Brooks Anderson - Parker Guy Emmanuel College 230
Day 1: 5 11-04 Total: 5 11-04
21. Ryan Feehan - Perry Marvin Virginia Tech 230
Day 1: 5 11-04 Total: 5 11-04
21. Lucas Smith - Dalton Mize Jacksonville State University 230
Day 1: 5 11-04 Total: 5 11-04
24. Brad Ableman - K.P Palmer Bethel University 227
Day 1: 5 11-03 Total: 5 11-03
25. Luke Glasgow - Connor Gable Itawamba Community College 226
Day 1: 5 11-02 Total: 5 11-02
26. Dustan Jones - Will Sams University of Kentucky 225
Day 1: 5 11-01 Total: 5 11-01
26. Daelyn Whaley - Cy Casey Emmanuel College 225
Day 1: 5 11-01 Total: 5 11-01
28. Jacob Butts - Trevor Gorman Erskine College 223
Day 1: 5 11-00 Total: 5 11-00
28. Kyle Kunst - Mitchell Gunn 223
Day 1: 5 11-00 Total: 5 11-00
30. Jack Tindell - Brett Fregia Lamar State College Orange 221
Day 1: 5 10-15 Total: 5 10-15
31. Jake Blumling - Nathanael Wright Emmanuel College 220
Day 1: 5 10-14 Total: 5 10-14
31. Thomas Mingle - Stone Payne Univerity of Tennessee 220
Day 1: 5 10-14 Total: 5 10-14
31. Caden Sweeten - Samuel Heichel 220
Day 1: 5 10-14 Total: 5 10-14
34. Chase Mundhenke - Blake Milligan Auburn University 217
Day 1: 5 10-11 Total: 5 10-11
35. Luke Henderson - Logan Hawkins Campbellsville University 216
Day 1: 5 10-10 Total: 5 10-10
36. Ty Mundhenke - Cam Busby 215
Day 1: 5 10-10 Total: 5 10-10
37. Rob Lindsey - Mason Cizek Bryan College 214
Day 1: 5 10-08 Total: 5 10-08
38. Matthew Bradham - Caleb Stephenson Campbellsville University 213
Day 1: 5 10-06 Total: 5 10-06
39. Tristan McCormick - Stevie Mills Bethel University 212
Day 1: 5 10-05 Total: 5 10-05
40. Logan Parks - Tucker Smith Auburn University 211
Day 1: 5 10-04 Total: 5 10-04
41. Rudy Worley - John Nowlin Blue Mountain College 210
Day 1: 5 10-03 Total: 5 10-03
42. Austin Carr - Justin Carr 209
Day 1: 5 10-02 Total: 5 10-02
42. Brian Linder - Nathan Thompson 209
Day 1: 5 10-02 Total: 5 10-02
42. Levi Mullins - Chase Milholen Bethel University 209
Day 1: 5 10-02 Total: 5 10-02
45. Joe McClosky - Ryan Winchester Bethel University 206
Day 1: 5 10-01 Total: 5 10-01
46. Drew Gill - Zebulon Frasure Wabash Valley College 205
Day 1: 4 10-01 Total: 4 10-01
47. Hunter Haraway - Malcolm Patton Calhoun Community College 204
Day 1: 4 10-00 Total: 4 10-00
48. Evan Seggerman - Nate Overocker Greenville University 203
Day 1: 5 09-15 Total: 5 09-15
49. Cade Fortenberry - Landon Baudoin Nicholls State University 202
Day 1: 5 09-14 Total: 5 09-14
50. Ty Black - Avry Thomason Georgia Southern University 201
Day 1: 5 09-13 Total: 5 09-13
50. Gunner Wilson - Zach Manneback Adrian College 201
Day 1: 5 09-13 Total: 5 09-13
52. Chase Carey - Dylan Akins Emmanuel College 199
Day 1: 5 09-12 Total: 5 09-12
52. Brady Harp - Jordan McCaleb 199
Day 1: 5 09-12 Total: 5 09-12
52. Jarred Jones - Logan Tate Jacksonville State University 199
Day 1: 5 09-12 Total: 5 09-12
55. Cole Breeden - Cameron Smith Drury University 196
Day 1: 5 09-11 Total: 5 09-11
55. Adam Carroll - Trey Dickert University of Montevallo 196
Day 1: 5 09-11 Total: 5 09-11
55. Jade Craft - Parker Mcmahan Arkansas Tech 196
Day 1: 5 09-11 Total: 5 09-11
55. Brenton Godwin - Hunter Odom University of Montevallo 196
Day 1: 5 09-11 Total: 5 09-11
55. Dalton Smith - Cade Hayford Campbellsville University 196
Day 1: 5 09-11 Total: 5 09-11
60. Bryar Chambers - Clent Blackwood Wallace State 191
Day 1: 5 09-09 Total: 5 09-09
61. Grant Gallagher - Ben Statly Adrian College 190
Day 1: 5 09-09 Total: 5 09-09
62. Cole Holloway - Taylor Mcmullen Emmanuel College 189
Day 1: 5 09-08 Total: 5 09-08
62. Tyler Lubbat - Hayden O'barr University of Alabama 189
Day 1: 5 09-08 Total: 5 09-08
64. Jordan Nicely - Sam Clark Georgetown 187
Day 1: 4 09-07 Total: 4 09-07
65. Wil Rigdon - Dustin Jones Campbellsville University 186
Day 1: 5 09-06 Total: 5 09-06
66. Emily Freeman - Braiden Koerber Murray State University 185
Day 1: 4 09-06 Total: 4 09-06
67. Ben Cully - William Gaddis Carson-Newman University 184
Day 1: 3 09-06 Total: 3 09-06
68. Colton Parrott - Jackson Denny 183
Day 1: 5 09-04 Total: 5 09-04
69. Tyler Vanbrandt - Jarrod Layton Adrian College 182
Day 1: 5 09-03 Total: 5 09-03
70. Jeremy Dellinger - Nathan Smith Catawba Valley Community College 181
Day 1: 5 09-01 Total: 5 09-01
71. Weston Bison - Tommy Teaster Lander University 180
Day 1: 5 08-13 Total: 5 08-13
71. Teddy Peznola - Jonathan Ayers University of Tennessee 180
Day 1: 5 08-13 Total: 5 08-13
73. Conner Crosby - James Cobbs Auburn University 178
Day 1: 4 08-12 Total: 4 08-12
73. Noah Pressler - Jacob Silver 178
Day 1: 4 08-12 Total: 4 08-12
75. Hunter Waldrop - Mark Kershaw University of South Carolina Uni 176
Day 1: 4 08-09 Total: 4 08-09
76. Dawson Burton - Jonathan Fraley Kentucky Christian University 175
Day 1: 5 08-08 Total: 5 08-08
77. Conner Johnson - Jake Thomas Georgetown college 174
Day 1: 5 08-07 Total: 5 08-07
78. Benjamin Moore - Hunter Ruber Eastern Kentucky University 173
Day 1: 4 08-05 Total: 4 08-05
79. Brycen Hendriks - Alex Palomba 172
Day 1: 5 08-02 Total: 5 08-02
80. Drew Elrod - Luke Byerly University of Tennessee Knoxvill 171
Day 1: 4 08-02 Total: 4 08-02
81. Benson Dowler - Tyler Pendergrass university of north alabama 170
Day 1: 4 08-00 Total: 4 08-00
82. Cordell Beckman - David Bartlett Greenville University 169
Day 1: 5 07-13 Total: 5 07-13
82. Isaac Duncan - Taylor Owens Blue Mountain College 169
Day 1: 5 07-13 Total: 5 07-13
84. Alden Keel Jr - Lake Norsworthy Blue Mountain College 167
Day 1: 4 07-13 Total: 4 07-13
85. Wyatt Pearman - Kyle Workman Campbellsville University 166
Day 1: 4 07-12 Total: 4 07-12
86. Aaron Cherry - Chandler Holt University of Montevallo 165
Day 1: 3 07-10 Total: 3 07-10
87. Bo Thomas - Kurt Antonowitsch Western Michigan University 164
Day 1: 4 07-09 Total: 4 07-09
88. Brody Kitchings - Nikolas Beckstein Mississippi State 163
Day 1: 4 07-06 Total: 4 07-06
89. Matt Short - Colton Combs Eastern Kentucky University 162
Day 1: 4 07-04 Total: 4 07-04
90. Lucas Oliver - Spencer Black Catawba Valley Community College 161
Day 1: 3 07-02 Total: 3 07-02
91. John Sells - Cooper Hesling Georgia Southern University 160
Day 1: 3 07-00 Total: 3 07-00
92. Sean Clayton - Owen Dimaio Clemson University 159
Day 1: 3 06-14 Total: 3 06-14
93. Hunter Bond - GL Compton Clemson University 158
Day 1: 4 06-13 Total: 4 06-13
93. Griffin Heffington - Drake Hemby Carson-Newman University 158
Day 1: 4 06-13 Total: 4 06-13
93. Hunter Jones - Colby Kerr Kentucky Christian University 158
Day 1: 4 06-13 Total: 4 06-13
96. Nate Triplett - Cody Barnes University of North Alabama 155
Day 1: 4 06-12 Total: 4 06-12
97. Cal Culpepper - Mason Waddell University of Montevallo 154
Day 1: 3 06-12 Total: 3 06-12
97. Wesley Livingston - Garrison Hendrix 154
Day 1: 3 06-12 Total: 3 06-12
99. Kaiden Dubose - Trace Moore 152
Day 1: 3 06-11 Total: 3 06-11
99. Dale Hansard - Mason Lee Jacksonville State University 152
Day 1: 3 06-11 Total: 3 06-11
101. Justin Botts - Conner Dimauro Bryan college 150
Day 1: 4 06-10 Total: 4 06-10
101. Fisher Overton - Fisher Young Blue Mountain College 150
Day 1: 4 06-10 Total: 4 06-10
103. Seth Jenkins - Taylor Green Emmanuel College 148
Day 1: 4 06-10 Total: 4 06-10
104. Drew Traffanstedt - Dakendrick Patterson University of Montevallo 147
Day 1: 4 06-08 Total: 4 06-08
105. Louis Monetti - 146
Day 1: 3 06-08 Total: 3 06-08
106. Tyler Campbell - Caleb Hudson Emmanuel College 145
Day 1: 3 06-07 Total: 3 06-07
107. Ryan Corcoran - Matthew Welcher 144
Day 1: 3 06-06 Total: 3 06-06
107. Cody Gregory - Hunter Fillmore Bethel University 144
Day 1: 3 06-06 Total: 3 06-06
107. Carson Maddux - Jake Maddux Auburn University 144
Day 1: 3 06-06 Total: 3 06-06
110. Jake Kimbrough - Grant Busby Blue Mountain College 141
Day 1: 3 06-04 Total: 3 06-04
111. Garrett Smith - Jonathan Hanna Erskine College 140
Day 1: 4 06-01 Total: 4 06-01
112. Matthew Benson - Garrett Ankerich Emmanuel College 139
Day 1: 3 06-01 Total: 3 06-01
112. Parker Brown - Reece Martin Dallas Baptist University 139
Day 1: 3 06-01 Total: 3 06-01
112. Jacob Klicman - Kent State University 139
Day 1: 3 06-01 Total: 3 06-01
115. Trevor Topken - Nicholas Nobles 136
Day 1: 3 06-01 Total: 3 06-01
116. Jackson Pontius - Riley Underwood University of Montevallo 135
Day 1: 3 05-15 Total: 3 05-15
116. Collin Sutherland - Aiden Free Erskine College 135
Day 1: 3 05-15 Total: 3 05-15
118. Jacob Emery - Aaron Jagdfeld Adrian College 133
Day 1: 3 05-14 Total: 3 05-14
119. Bradley Martin - Jack Baron University of Montevallo 132
Day 1: 2 05-14 Total: 2 05-14
120. Tate Sloan - Thad Simerly Tennessee Tech University 131
Day 1: 3 05-13 Total: 3 05-13
121. Lafe Messer - Matt Messer Kentucky Christian University 130
Day 1: 2 05-12 Total: 2 05-12
122. Jacob Davis - Auston Ballard Itawamba community college 129
Day 1: 4 05-11 Total: 4 05-11
123. Wyatt Wright - Austin Francis Emmanuel College 128
Day 1: 3 05-09 Total: 3 05-09
123. Corey Yaden - Blake Stephenson Brewton Parker college 128
Day 1: 3 05-09 Total: 3 05-09
125. Tommy Sendek - Andrew Howell University of Montevallo 126
Day 1: 3 05-08 Total: 3 05-08
126. Daniel Schroeder - Lukas Mckinney Murray State University 125
Day 1: 3 05-07 Total: 3 05-07
127. Tim Herrmann - bryan college 124
Day 1: 3 05-03 Total: 3 05-03
128. Hudson Tinnell - Sam Shiver Faulkner University 123
Day 1: 2 05-03 Total: 2 05-03
129. Harbor Lovin - Allen Mullins Murray State University 122
Day 1: 3 05-00 Total: 3 05-00
130. Robert Gee - Chase Dawson University of Tennessee 121
Day 1: 2 04-12 Total: 2 04-12
131. Austin Owen - Carter Thompson Clemson University 120
Day 1: 2 04-10 Total: 2 04-10
132. Garrett Thompson - Ethan Perry West Virginia University 119
Day 1: 3 04-08 Total: 3 04-08
133. David George - Jacob Lovell King University 118
Day 1: 2 04-08 Total: 2 04-08
133. Braden Perry - Aidan England Carson-Newman University 118
Day 1: 2 04-08 Total: 2 04-08
135. Morgan Miracle - Jake Thornbury Campbellsville University 116
Day 1: 3 04-07 Total: 3 04-07
136. Grant Olsen - Colsyn Head Mckendree University 115
Day 1: 2 04-06 Total: 2 04-06
137. Brock Bila - Jacob Welch Drury University 114
Day 1: 2 04-03 Total: 2 04-03
138. Tyler Greenlee - Cam Cornelius Georgetown College 113
Day 1: 2 04-01 Total: 2 04-01
139. Russel Buffa - Brayden Federer Adrian College 112
Day 1: 2 04-00 Total: 2 04-00
140. K.D. Sizemore - Auburn University 111
Day 1: 2 03-13 Total: 2 03-13
141. Thomas Millraney - Zachary Bowen Bethel University 110
Day 1: 1 03-13 Total: 1 03-13
142. Matthew Cummings - Joseph Woods Bethel University 109
Day 1: 2 03-11 Total: 2 03-11
142. Drew Jennings - Cody Griffith Auburn University 109
Day 1: 2 03-11 Total: 2 03-11
144. Jack Dice - Liberty University 107
Day 1: 2 03-10 Total: 2 03-10
144. Garrett McWilliams - John Berry Hinds community college 107
Day 1: 2 03-10 Total: 2 03-10
146. Christian Wright - Conner Giles Bryan college 105
Day 1: 2 03-09 Total: 2 03-09
147. Braden Jenkins - Bailey Rene Indiana University Southeast 104
Day 1: 1 03-09 Total: 1 03-09
148. Peyton McCord - Caleb Whitehurst Auburn University 103
Day 1: 2 03-05 Total: 2 03-05
149. Gavin Cloutier - Calvin Rogers King University 102
Day 1: 2 03-04 Total: 2 03-04
150. Austin Parr - Chase Cole Erskine College 101
Day 1: 1 03-04 Total: 1 03-04
151. Robert Cruvellier - Sam Harvey Auburn University 100
Day 1: 2 03-02 Total: 2 03-02
152. Avery Whitwell - Jackson Holbert University of North Alabama 99
Day 1: 1 03-02 Total: 1 03-02
153. Aaron Atwood - Jacob Drake Auburn University 98
Day 1: 2 03-01 Total: 2 03-01
154. Dustin Bauer - Cody Cissell Campbellsville University 97
Day 1: 1 03-00 Total: 1 03-00
155. Christopher Daniels - Alex Cummings Erskine College 96
Day 1: 2 02-15 Total: 2 02-15
156. Cole Dodson - Trent Jones University of Montevallo 95
Day 1: 1 02-15 Total: 1 02-15
157. Tyler Cory - Elliot Torode University of Montevallo 94
Day 1: 2 02-13 Total: 2 02-13
158. Dax Ewart - Wilson Smith Bethel University 93
Day 1: 1 02-11 Total: 1 02-11
159. Cade Rudiger - Cooper Thor Stephen F. Austin University 92
Day 1: 1 02-09 Total: 1 02-09
160. Preston Kendrick - Bryan College 91
Day 1: 1 02-08 Total: 1 02-08
161. Michael Childers - Calhoun Community College 90
Day 1: 1 02-07 Total: 1 02-07
162. Reese Kingston - Caleb Barrow Brewton-Parker College 89
Day 1: 1 02-04 Total: 1 02-04
163. Kyle Zainitzer - Walker Sahagun University of North Alabama 88
Day 1: 2 02-03 Total: 2 02-03
164. Calvin Currie - Hayden Fuhr Lander University 87
Day 1: 1 02-03 Total: 1 02-03
165. Connor Handley - Wallace State 86
Day 1: 1 02-02 Total: 1 02-02
166. Brandon Leach - Lain Peake Eastern Kentucky Unversity 85
Day 1: 1 02-01 Total: 1 02-01
167. Kaden Brown - Eastern Kentucky University 84
Day 1: 1 01-15 Total: 1 01-15
167. Chase Hubble - Brent May Florida Gateway College 84
Day 1: 1 01-15 Total: 1 01-15
169. Bryant Marsh - Tyler Hill Blue Mountain College 82
Day 1: 1 01-13 Total: 1 01-13
170. TJ Edwards - Camdon Lewis Blue Mountain College 81
Day 1: 1 01-12 Total: 1 01-12
170. Andrew Fisher - Bryan College 81
Day 1: 1 01-12 Total: 1 01-12
172. Dalton Coleman - Noah Hurford Kentucky Christian University 79
Day 1: 1 01-11 Total: 1 01-11
172. John Wesley Wardlaw - Easton Lindus Emmanuel College 79
Day 1: 1 01-11 Total: 1 01-11
174. Christopher Buckhart - Arkansas State University- Mount 77
Day 1: 1 01-10 Total: 1 01-10
175. Coleman Bingham - Cy Lambert Bethel 76
Day 1: 1 01-08 Total: 1 01-08
175. Seth Elkins - John Russell Reaves Jacksonville State University 76
Day 1: 1 01-08 Total: 1 01-08
177. Hunter Bailey - JR Young Jacksonville State University 74
Day 1: 1 01-07 Total: 1 01-07
178. Chandler Ellis - Parker Lambert Lander University 73
Day 1: 1 01-05 Total: 1 01-05
179. Kooper Abernathy - Geordan Grant Lamar State College Orange 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
179. Tanner Barclay - Lloyd Laconsay 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
179. Chase Clarke - Jk Guin Auburn University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
179. Hunter Enlow - Lander University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
179. Jon Gekiere - Carter Welch University of Arkansas 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
179. Avery Hammock - Daniel Wilson Erskine College 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
179. Elijah Kirk - Austin Goins bryan college 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
179. Austin Marley - Alex Belin Georgia Southern University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
179. Shane Nelson - Adrian College 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
179. Chandler Olivier - Josiah Campbell University of Montevallo 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
179. Eion Patterson - Brandon Dayvault 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
179. Ashton Smith - Brewton-Parker College 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
179. Tyson Stork - University of Illinois 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
179. Cole Thompson - Chase Fernandez University of North Alabama 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00

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