Maryland's Robinson takes it slow and steady for Day 1 lead at Bassmaster Kayak Series at Kissimmee Chain
Feb. 1, 2025
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Becky Robinson likes to fish methodically.
As she watched fellow competitors zip past her Saturday at the Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series at Kissimmee Chain presented by Native Watercraft, she couldn’t help but think they were doing the wrong thing.
The Day 1 results prove her right.
Robinson, a 68-year-old resident of Salisbury, Md., has the lead in this two-day derby in central Florida with a five-bass limit measuring 100.75 inches. The haul included a pair of 21-inch largemouth bass that were among the longest anyone in the field hooked Saturday.
True to form, Robinson took her time working patches of lily pads in anywhere from 1 to 2 feet of water. She shared a lake with about 30 other kayaks, she estimated, including her husband Ronnie, who’s in 11th place with 97.25 inches.
“I started the day fishing the reeds and had an early limit, but they were smaller fish,” she said. “When I moved to the lily pads the fish got bigger. I stayed in one small area all day. I had to put the motor up because there was a lot of grass.
“We’re from the Eastern Shore area of Maryland and we do a lot of pond fishing,” she added. “Today was like that — just pick the motor up, let the wind drift you and just take it slow and steady.”
Robinson said a gooseberry-colored worm was her go-to lure on Day 1. She anticipates going back to the same spot on Sunday and hopes her Day 1 fortune wasn’t a fluke.
“I’m still new to kayak fishing and I’m still learning,” she said. “So, sometimes you have that really good day and then you struggle the next day. I’m praying for two good days in a row.”
She said she did a lot of praying today, too.
“I checked the leaderboard with about five minutes to go and I was in ninth place,” she said. “I thought, ‘If I catch a 20-incher now, I can win this thing.’ And that’s when I caught my second 21-incher … That put me in the lead for now. I could hear my husband hollering from across the pond. It was a great way to end the day.”
A pair of Florida anglers are hot on Robinson’s heels — Sherman Bishop with 100.50 inches and Chris Mitchell with 100 inches. A total of 222 competitors from throughout the U.S. are competing in the second Kayak Series event of the 2025 season and there’s a cash purse of $44,800 to be split among the Top 22 (10% of competitors) in the tournament.
A college division is part of this tournament, as well, which is a first for the Bassmaster Kayak Series. A total of 15 anglers from two schools are competing — Carson-Newman (10 best bass totaling 164 inches) and Campbellsville University (10 bass, 158.75 inches). Ewing Minor of Carson-Newman leads the individual college standings with 80.50 inches on Day 1.
There will be college divisions in three Kayak Series events this year — at the Kissimmee Chain, as well as tournaments at Tennessee’s Dale Hollow in April and Toledo Bend on the Texas/Louisiana border in September. The winner of each event will earn a berth in the 2026 Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship.
The second and final day of the Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series at Kissimmee Chain presented by Native Watercraft will begin Sunday at 7:30 a.m. ET. Anglers can launch from any approved public access on the chain. Lines must be out of the water by 3:30 p.m. and winners will be announced at an awards ceremony scheduled for approximately 6 p.m.
That ceremony will take place live on Bassmaster.com and fishing fans also can follow the catch throughout the day via the online leaderboard found there.
The Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft is scored by TourneyX.
Full results from the Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series at Kissimmee Chain presented by Native Watercraft are scored by TourneyX and can be found here.
Experience Kissimmee and Kissimmee Sports are hosting this week’s tournament.
2025 Bassmaster Kayak Series Title Sponsor: Newport
2025 Bassmaster Kayak Series Presenting Sponsor: Native Watercraft2025 Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year Sponsor: Dakota Lithium
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
LeBrun Sets the Pace at MLF Bass Pro Tour B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 Presented by Power-Pole at Lake Conroe
Louisiana pro advances directly to Championship Sunday with two-day total of 60 bass weighing 135-2, 2nd through 20th advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round
CONROE, Texas (Jan. 31, 2025) – When pro Nick LeBrun left Lake Conroe on Thursday after Day 1 at the B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 Presented by Power-Pole , he wasn’t sure what to do next. The Bossier City, Louisiana native, who found himself atop the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard, had to decide whether to shoot for the Qualifying Round victory and the automatic berth to the Championship Round that comes with it or to ease off his fish, explore new water and use Friday to practice.
LeBrun ultimately opted to fish for the win. Mission accomplished.
Despite an early challenge from a few anglers who got on a hot morning bite and a late charge by pro Spencer Shuffield, LeBrun spent almost the entire day Friday atop SCORETRACKER, adding 22 scorable bass weighing 51 pounds, 12 ounces to his Day 1 weight. His two-day total of 135-2 topped Shuffield by nearly 11 pounds.
“I knew that there wasn’t no such thing as saving fish for this event,” LeBrun said. “If I would have stayed out of that creek and went looking for new stuff, there would have still been 20 boats back in there catching them. So, I thought, it might as well be me.”
As a result, LeBrun will take Saturday off before competing for the Stage 1 trophy during Sunday’s Championship Round. The rest of the Top 20 will take the water for the Knockout Round to duke it out for the other nine spots. The four-day event, hosted by Visit Conroe, showcases 66 of the top professional bass anglers in the world competing for a top prize of $150,000.
Despite catching more than 83 pounds on Day 1 and leading his nearest pursuer by nearly 9 pounds, LeBrun tinkered with his strategy on Day 2. Most of the field once again chose to use the one forward-facing sonar period allowed by the Bass Pro Tour’s new restrictions during Period 1, but LeBrun began the day where he ended Thursday – a hydrilla flat in the back of a creek – with his transducers turned off.
LeBrun made that call due to the heavy fishing pressure in the area. More than half the field has congregated in one creek, and this particular grass flat has been especially crowded when anglers aren’t using forward-facing sonar. With an early boat number Friday, LeBrun wanted to beat the crowd to the juice and catch as many fish as he could before they got too beat up.
“I knew that I was going to be fishing to win the round, and a lot of times, prespawn fish or fish that are wintering in a creek, they’ll bite right at daylight,” LeBrun explained. “So, I decided to go get in the mix in that grass with those other guys, because I knew I was boat No. 2, and I knew I could get in there and get whatever spot I wanted to get on.”
LeBrun is already seeing the effects of that fishing pressure. Still, he managed to boat seven bass for 16-15, which had him in second place at the end of the opening frame.
“I had a few fish that would absolutely just smoke the bait, but I’d set the hook, and I’d have them on a second or two and they’d come off,” he said. “Yesterday, you couldn’t beat one off with a hammer. So, I’m seeing the fish just react a little bit different. Some of them are kind of just swiping at it. So, yeah, the pressure is taking it’s toll. A lot of them have got holes in their mouth.”
LeBrun then opted to move offshore and use forward-facing sonar in Period 2. He had to battle some wind but added 10 bass for nearly 25 pounds to his total. That was enough to take a lead he wouldn’t relinquish.
LeBrun admitted he’s concerned about the mounting pressure on both his grass and offshore spots. However, he still feels like the event can be won from the creek where he’s done all his damage – if an angler finds something to make himself stand out.
“You’re going to have to find a few little key casts, a few key boat positions, and you’re going to have to get a little lucky with Mother Nature and have a few fresh fish move in there,” LeBrun said. “If you can get a few fresh fish coming to you and have a few key boat positions, I think that you could make it happen.”
LeBrun will use Saturday to fine tune his Championship Round strategy. He won’t be all business, though. His wife and children are planning to make the drive from Bossier City, Louisiana, to Conroe, and he’s excited to spend some time with them.
“I can’t wait to see them,” LeBrun said. “Just going to be taking it easy, and definitely going to sleep in tomorrow.”
The top 20 pros that now advance in competition on Lake Conroe are:
1st: Nick LeBrun, Bossier City, La., 60 bass, 135-2
2nd: Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark., 51 bass, 124-3
3rd: Justin Cooper, Zwolle, La., 51 bass, 120-13
4th: Jake Lawrence, Paris, Tenn., 41 bass, 120-8
5th: Jacob Wall, New Hope, Ala., 42 bass, 101-3
6th: Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 43 bass, 100-15
7th: Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., 41 bass, 99-9
8th: Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, 39 bass, 98-1
9th: Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Illinois, 42 bass, 97-13
10th: Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., 41 bass, 95-6
11th: Takahiro Omori, Tokyo, Japan, 37 bass, 95-1
12th: Ron Nelson, Berrien Springs, Mich., 43 bass, 92-8
13th: Colby Miller, Elmer, La., 39 bass, 92-3
14th: Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, 40 bass, 89-15
15th: Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., 39 bass, 89-13
16th: Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn., 37 bass, 82-10
17th: Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., 38 bass, 82-9
18th: Mark Daniels Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., 38 bass, 81-1
19th: Alton Jones Jr., Waco, Texas, 31 bass, 80-9
20th: Martin Villa, Charlottesville, Va., 36 bass, 80-6
For a full list of results visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 859 scorable bass weighing 2,014 pounds, 13 ounces caught by the 66 pros on Friday.
Friday’s Berkley Big Bass Award went to pro Marshall Hughes of Hemphill, Texas, who boated a chunky 7-pound, 11-ounce largemouth in Period 3. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day.
The full field of anglers competed in the two-day Qualifying Round on Thursday and Friday. With the two-day Qualifying Round now complete, LeBrun advances directly to Sunday’s Championship Round. The anglers that finished 2nd through 20th advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the top nine anglers will join LeBrun in Sunday’s Championship Round. In the Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $150,000.
Anglers will arrive each morning at 5:30 a.m. CT to the Outlets at Conroe, located at 1111 League Line Road in Conroe. The Bass Pro Tour trailering policy has been enacted for this event, so anglers will depart the Outlets each morning at 6:30 a.m. to one of five optional launch ramps located around the fishery. Anglers will return to the Outlets at Conroe each evening, following the end of competition at 4 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com .
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on each day of competition from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT. MLFNOW!® is live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app and Rumble.
On Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 1-2, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF welcomes fans of all ages to visit the Outlets at Conroe for the MLF Fan Experience & Watch Party. Fans can watch the pros live on the MLFNOW! big screen, enjoy free food, enter to win hourly giveaways and cheer on their favorite pros. The first 50 kids 14 and under will receive a free rod and reel each day. The Bass Pro Tour anglers will be on hand both days to meet and greet fans, sign autographs and take selfies.
Also on Saturday, pros and staff from the Bass Pro Tour, along with volunteers from local college and high school fishing teams, will assemble and deploy artificial bass habitat into Lake Conroe. The Minn Kota Habitat Restoration Event at Lake Conroe is supported by Kubota and conducted in partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the San Jacinto River Authority. Habitat will be constructed and deployed on Saturday, Feb. 1, from 9 to 11 a.m. CT at the San Jacinto River Authority Boat Ramp, located at 14340 TX-105 in Conroe.
The B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 at Lake Conroe Presented by Power-Pole features anglers competing with a 1-pound, 8-ounce minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. The MLF Fisheries Management Division determines minimum weights for each body of water that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.
The 2025 Bass Pro Tour features a field of 66 of the top professional anglers in the world, competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and the REDCREST 2026 championship.
Television coverage of the B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 at Lake Conroe Presented by Power-Pole will premiere as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Aug. 30 on Discovery, with the Championship Round premiering the following Saturday on Sept. 6. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on Outdoor Channel.
Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Bass Pro Tour include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, Bass Force, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, E3 Sports Apparel, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Lowrance, Mercury, MillerTech, Mossy Oak Fishing, NITRO, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Power-Pole, Rapala, Star brite, Suzuki Marine and Toyota.
For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Bass Pro Tour, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X , Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
B.A.S.S. and C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation opens nominations for 2025 Humanitarian Award
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. and the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation are now accepting nominations for the annual C.A.S.T. for Kids B.A.S.S. Humanitarian Award, which honors a B.A.S.S. member who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to serving underprivileged groups. This includes efforts directed toward special needs children, abuse survivors, veterans and others facing significant challenges.
Jay Yelas, former Bassmaster Elite Series angler and current Executive Director of C.A.S.T. for Kids, embodies the spirit of this award. With 16 Bassmaster Classic appearances, a 2002 Classic victory at Lay Lake and the 2003 Bassmaster Angler of the Year title, Yelas has seamlessly transitioned from a decorated professional fishing career to impactful community service leader.
"The significance of the award is it recognizes and honors all the B.A.S.S. members that do such a tremendous amount of community service and humanitarian work," Yelas said. "Unfortunately, there’s only one winner each year, but there are thousands of tremendous individuals that serve less-fortunate populations and they really give back.
"That’s what this award is all about; it brings awareness to this (segment) of the B.A.S.S. membership. Most of the attention is given to the people that win or excel at tournament fishing, but this award is like a time-out that says, 'Hey guys, there’s a lot of other people that are members of B.A.S.S. besides hard-core tournament fishermen.' That speaks volumes to the nature of people that are B.A.S.S. members."
Reflecting on the award's importance, Yelas compared it to honors in other professional sports: "Baseball has the Roberto Clemente Award, the NFL has the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award; this is fishing’s version of those honors. It’s a great way to honor people of character within the organization."
The 2024 award recognized Jake Klopfenstein of Tampa, Fla., for his dedication to providing fishing opportunities to pediatric cancer patients through Angling for Relief, the organization he founded.
Chase Anderson, CEO of B.A.S.S. and C.A.S.T. for Kids board member, emphasized the collaborative spirit of the award: "We are privileged to have collaborated with the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation for several years. Recognizing a devoted B.A.S.S. member with this Humanitarian award is our way of celebrating the incredible community that stands united under the B.A.S.S. shield. Witnessing the impactful contributions of those nominated is truly inspiring and showcases the profound influence their efforts have on countless lives."
Nominations for the 2025 award are open until February 24, 2025. Any B.A.S.S. member engaged in exemplary community service is eligible. The nomination form is available at Bassmaster.com/award.
A panel from B.A.S.S. and the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation will review all submissions and verify the humanitarian work of the nominees. While C.A.S.T. for Kids focuses on providing fishing opportunities for special needs children, nominations are open to B.A.S.S. members involved in any form of service benefiting vulnerable populations.
The recipient will be announced during the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, scheduled for March 21-23 in Fort Worth, Texas.
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Magic area delivers win for Batchelor and Williams in Bassmaster College Series at Lake Okeechobee
CLEWISTON, Fla. — Brayden Batchelor and Quinn Williams of Georgia Southern University knew they’d found the spot, and their confidence delivered a two-day winning total of 42 pounds, 3 ounces in the Strike King Bassmaster College Series event at Lake Okeechobee presented by Bass Pro Shops.
Edging Kentucky Christian University’s Cameron Dials and Ethan Burnette by a margin of 2-3, Batchelor and Williams took home $2,966.50 each and earned a spot in the Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship.
“This win means so much for me and my team,” said Batchelor, who serves as team president. “To come into this year as the new president, I couldn’t ask for more.
“I really wanted to make my family proud. They usually come to our tournaments, but they weren’t able to this time,” Batchelor said. “I told my mom she’d be sorry — and she was.”
Batchelor said he and Williams spent both days in the Pelican Bay area on the lake’s southeast side. During practice, they dialed in a pair of backwater ponds in Winnie’s Cove and quickly recognized the potential they had discovered.
“We pulled in an area, and it was loaded,” Batchelor said. “I (hooked) a 5-pounder on a Chatterbait during practice on Tuesday and we just came home after that at 11 a.m. We knew that was going to be our first spot.
"We started there both days and caught like 70 fish off it in two days.”
Noting that clear water and hard bottom were the key features that attracted a parade of spawning fish, Batchelor said he and his partner were so impressed with their findings that they never visited their second pond during the event.
“We had to push back in there with our net,” Batchelor said of the shallow pond. “The depth was about 1.7 feet, with 2-foot depressions and beds everywhere today.
“We found that magical spot and we had it almost all to ourselves. There was one other boat in that area.”
The week’s warming trend prompted widespread spawning activity throughout much of Okeechobee’s vastness. As Williams pointed out, rising water temperatures explained their day-to-day improvement — 19-1 and 23-2.
“I think the water heating up definitely had an impact on the fish moving into our area,” Williams said. “We had double the bites that we had (on Day 1) and we had big fish — a 7-3 and a 5-6 — and that water heating up caused them to eat more.
“The water was about 4 degrees warmer today. Right when we got into the cove in the morning it was already hotter than it was yesterday. We both think the big fish moved in overnight, and that’s what helped us win today.”
The winners caught all of their fish on Zoom Super Flukes in watermelon red. Batchelor used a 4/0 round bend hook, while Williams opted for a wide gap hook.
“We noticed that the fish liked it when we popped an unweighted Fluke off the bottom,” Williams said. “We’d cast it out, let it sink and work it slow; just a few pops, let it sit, another few pops, let it sit. We didn’t get any bites when we worked it fast.”
Describing the all-day action, Williams said a stealthy approach served his team’s objective.
“Today, we just slowly rotated around the area,” Williams said. “We tried to not use the trolling motor as much because the fish didn’t like the noise and the dirt being kicked up. We just let the boat drift with the wind and Power-Poled down every 15 feet.”
Batchelor also noted that fishing with their sonar units off maximized their stealth, as did super-long casts.
“Every one of our big fish came at the end of an 80-foot cast,” he said.
Batchelor said their bites started quickly, and they had a limit in the livewell by 7:45. Pulling the plug early, they headed back to the weigh-in at Roland Martin Marina.
“At 1:45 we made the decision to come on back,” Batchelor said. “We didn’t think we had won, but we thought we should go ahead and come back in case something happened.”
Dials and Burnette finished second with 40-0. After placing sixth on Day 1 with 18-6, they added a Day 2 limit of 21-10.
Fishing a canal on the lake’s north side, Dials and Burnette focused on a 100-yard stretch, where they caught their prespawn fish in depths of 10 to 20 feet. Damiki rigs comprised of 3/16-ounce heads and Strike King Z-Too minnows in the Arkansas shiner color produced all of their weight.
“I was seeing them (on forward facing sonar) a good ways out and I was trying to get to them before I got too close,” Dials said. “Sometimes, we’d see a ball of shad and there would be two or three (bass) dotted up.
“We could catch 2- to 3-pounders doing that, but most of our big ones came closer to the bank. It seemed like those bigger females were sitting there right off the bank, waiting to move up.”
Cody Abbot and Trenton Carey of Lander University finished third with 38-2. Their daily weights were 23-10 and 14-08.
Rylan Green and Luke McGuffin of Erskine College won the $100 Big Bass award for their 9-5.
New for 2025, the top two highest-finishing teams in the Strike King Bassmaster College Series Bass Pro Shops Team of the Year race as well as each team that stands atop the rankings in the Legends and Lunkers divisions of the College Series will receive the exclusive honor of being named a Bassmaster College All-American. The All-Americans will be honored on the biggest stage in bass fishing, the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Discover Hendry County hosted the tournament.
2025 Bassmaster College Series Title Sponsor: Strike King
2025 Bassmaster College Series Presenting Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops
2025 Bassmaster College Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2025 Bassmaster College Series Premier Sponsors: Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster College Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
2025 Bassmaster College Series Youth Sponsors: Seaguar, Shimano
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
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Nick LeBrun Leads Early at MLF Bass Pro Tour B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 Presented by Power-Pole at Lake Conroe
Louisiana pro catches 38 largemouth weighing 83-6 to lead after Day 1 on Lake Conroe, full field to complete Qualifying Round Friday
CONROE, Texas (Jan. 30, 2025) – The first day of the Bass Pro Tour season at B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 Presented by Power-Pole on Lake Conroe was a tale of two bites. With Major League Fishing’s new forward-facing sonar restrictions only allowing pros to use the technology for one of three periods, the forward-facing bite dominated Period 1, while winding through submerged grass emerged as the best secondary pattern.
No one combined the two better than pro Nick LeBrun. Like most in the field, the Louisiana pro used forward-facing sonar to target bass chasing baitfish offshore to start the day, stacking up 17 scorable bass for 35 pounds, 11 ounces in the opening period. He then slid to the back of a creek and added nearly 50 more pounds over the next two frames, bringing his total to 83-6 on 38 scorable bass, which earned the top spot on SCORETRACKER®. A late flurry allowed LeBrun to swipe the top spot from Tokyo, Japan’s Takahiro Omori , whom he leads by 8-14. Spencer Shuffield of Hot Springs, Arkansas, sits in third with 69-1.
LeBrun was one of many pros who found practice tough on Conroe, a result of the recent cold snap that moved through the south. So, he admitted he didn’t see an 80-pound opening day coming.
“Today caught me by surprise,” he said. “I had a few areas that I knew had potential, but I didn’t know what was really there. So, I’m really excited about that.”
The most discussed aspect of the forward-facing sonar limitations was which period most anglers would decide to turn on their transducers. Like more than half the field, LeBrun opted to do so in Period 1. His reasoning was two-fold: He didn’t want others to pressure those fish before he had a chance to target them, and he was concerned the weather system that moved through the area Thursday afternoon would mess up the bite.
That proved prescient. Utilizing forward-facing sonar in Period 1 was not only the most popular decision Thursday, it appeared to be the wise one. All of the Top 10 anglers on SCORETRACKER® began the day with all their technology online.
“I was pretty certain that a lot of competitors found the same suspended fish that I had found,” LeBrun said. “And they did; we kind of split them up. Another factor was just the weather. I didn’t want to risk going into the third period with bad storms and rain and really high winds and not even be effective.”
LeBrun’s opening period was solid, putting him in seventh place. But he separated himself from the rest of the field with his ability to continue boating bass after Period 1. Even as effective as forward-facing sonar was Thursday, he believes the ability to produce both with and without the technology is going to be mandatory to compete at a high level both on Conroe this week and all year long on the BPT.
“I don’t think you can win an event unless you do both well,” he said. “I think that you’re going to have to really maximize forward-facing and have a great period with that, but then you’re also going to have to go fishing and catch them other ways, too.”
After he turned off his transducers, LeBrun headed to the back of a creek that’s full of submerged hydrilla and covered the area with moving baits. While he shared the area with several other boats, he employed a slightly different approach that he thinks might have garnered a few extra bites.
“I got keyed in on a very unique, specific bait and a specific retrieve to go with it,” he said. “I was around some other competitors, and some were catching them, and some were not, so I’m not real sure how special the bait and the retrieve is. But we’ll find out tomorrow, I guess.”
LeBrun admitted he’s concerned that the fishing pressure could take a toll on the suspended bass he targeted with forward-facing sonar and, especially, on the hydrilla fish. The good news is he found a new sweet spot late in Period 3 that he hadn’t fished during practice. It produced a pair of 4-pounders, part of a 13-pound spree in the final 35 minutes that boosted him into the lead.
“I’m a little concerned about the pressure,” LeBrun said. “There’s a lot of boats – a lot of fish got caught in there today. I actually expanded my water in the third period. I kind of just went fishing, looking for some new stuff, and caught two 4-pounders. So, I’m really excited about that.”
Now, another key strategy decision awaits LeBrun: Keep his foot on the gas in an effort to remain atop SCORETRACKER® or switch gears into practice mode and search for fresh fish. This year, the winner of the Qualifying Round advances directly to the Championship Round, and an automatic Top 10 finish is tough to pass up. However, LeBrun is concerned the areas he plied Thursday won’t withstand another three days of pressure.
“I haven’t decided yet,” he said. “I’ve got to pray about that and think about that, because I don’t want to just burn up a ton of fish. But at the same time, it would be cool to not have to worry about fishing the Knockout (Round).”
Forward-facing sonar dominated the chatter leading up to and during the opening day of the BPT season – when anglers would use it and how significant a role it would play amid the new restrictions.
Omori never gave it much thought. Instead, the power-fishing maestro fished his way, locking a casting rod in his hands and never putting it down.
Omori caught all but one of his 28 scorable bass on a bladed jig. Spending virtually the entire day fishing hydrilla in the back of a creek, he racked up 35-11 on 13 scorable bass in the first period, keeping pace even with the hot forward-facing sonar bite. He then took the lead in the second period, holding the top spot until LeBrun passed him late.
“I started back there with only two boats, and after the first period, everybody got done with the forward-facing sonar bite, they just came to me,” he said. “There ended up being like eight, nine boats back there sharing fish, so it’s getting tougher and tougher. But I kind of expected that to happen. I’m glad I caught them early.”
Omori not only generated numbers of bites, he triggered some of the big ones Conroe has been known to produce. The Japanese angler landed four bass that weighed 4-15 or larger, his biggest being 5-14.
Like LeBrun, he’s concerned about the number of competitors in the area. However, there’s no question that he plans to fish for the Qualifying Round win on Friday.
“I’m going to fish as hard as I can,” Omori said. “I don’t worry about saving the fish, because you never know what’s going to happen.”
Omori is hopeful that the creek will continue to replenish as fish move shallow to stage prior to spawning. The weather should help. With the forecast calling for sunshine and highs in the low-70s for each of the next three days of competition, Omori thinks more fish should be heading to him.
“Once it warms up, the sun’s going to come out, it should have more fish coming in,” he said. “So, it’s got a lot of potential. It depends on how many boats, all that fishing pressure. But I haven’t seen sunshine in like five days since I got here, so I’m looking forward to the next couple of days, for it to warm up and bring more fish to the bank.”
The top 20 pros in after Day 1 on Lake Conroe are:
1st: Nick LeBrun, Bossier City, La., 38 bass, 83-6
2nd: Takahiro Omori, Tokyo, Japan, 28 bass, 74-8
3rd: Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark., 27 bass, 69-1
4th: Ron Nelson, Berrien Springs, Mich., 28 bass, 60-3
5th: Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Illinois, 25 bass, 59-0
6th: Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., 24 bass, 58-1
7th: Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, 23 bass, 56-8
8th: Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 23 bass, 53-7
9th: Jake Lawrence, Paris, Tenn., 20 bass, 53-6
10th: Martin Villa, Charlottesville, Va., 23 bass, 53-3
11th: Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark., 21 bass, 50-15
12th: Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., 20. bass, 49-5
13th: Mark Davis, Mount Ida, Ark., 18 bass, 46-7
14th: Edwin Evers, Talala, Okla., 19 bass, 46-1
15th: Mark Daniels Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., 22 bass, 45-9
16th: Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas, 15 bass, 45-0
17th: Colby Miller, Elmer, La., 19 bass, 44-3
18th: Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn., 16 bass, 41-3
19th: Fred Roumbanis, Russellville, Ark., 16 bass, 40-11
20th: Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., 18 bass, 39-15
A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
San Mateo, Florida’s “Big Show” Terry Scroggins earned the Day 1 Berkley Big Bass Award Thursday with a beautiful 9-pound, 5-ounce largemouth that he caught in Period 1. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day.
The full field of anglers compete in the two-day Qualifying Round on Thursday and Friday. After the two-day Qualifying Round is complete, the pro with the highest two-day total advances directly to Sunday’s Championship Round. Anglers that finish 2nd through 20th will advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the remaining anglers compete to finish in the top nine to advance to Sunday’s Championship Round. In the final-day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $150,000.
Anglers will arrive each morning at 5:30 a.m. CT to the Outlets at Conroe, located at 1111 League Line Road in Conroe. The Bass Pro Tour trailering policy has been enacted for this event, so anglers will depart the Outlets each morning at 6:30 a.m. to one of five optional launch ramps located around the fishery. Anglers will return to the Outlets at Conroe each evening, following the end of competition at 4 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com .
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on each day of competition from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT. MLFNOW!® is live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app and Rumble.
On Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 1-2, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF welcomes fans of all ages to visit the Outlets at Conroe for the MLF Fan Experience & Watch Party. Fans can watch the pros live on the MLFNOW! big screen, enjoy free food, enter to win hourly giveaways and cheer on their favorite pros. The first 50 kids 14 and under will receive a free rod and reel each day. The Bass Pro Tour anglers will be on hand both days to meet and greet fans, sign autographs and take selfies.
The B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 at Lake Conroe Presented by Power-Pole will feature anglers competing with a 1-pound, 8-ounce minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. The MLF Fisheries Management Division determines minimum weights for each body of water that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.
The 2025 Bass Pro Tour features a field of 66 of the top professional anglers in the world, competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and the REDCREST 2026 championship.
Television coverage of the B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 at Lake Conroe Presented by Power-Pole will premiere as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Aug. 30 on Discovery, with the Championship Round premiering the following Saturday on Sept. 6. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on Outdoor Channel.
Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Bass Pro Tour include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, Bass Force, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, E3 Sports Apparel, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Lowrance, Mercury, MillerTech, Mossy Oak Fishing, NITRO, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Power-Pole, Rapala, Star brite, Suzuki Marine and Toyota.
For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Bass Pro Tour, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Bass Pro Tour Anglers Inspire and Entertain at Texas Elementary Schools
CONROE, Texas (Jan. 30, 2025) – Six Major League Fishing (MLF) pros swapped their rods and reels for books and markers Wednesday, using their “off day” to bring smiles and inspiration to students at Creekside Elementary and Madeley Ranch Elementary in Montgomery, Texas. As the Bass Pro Tour B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 at Lake Conroe loomed, the visiting anglers shared fish stories, answered questions, signed autographs – even on an unexpected item – and left a lasting impression on the young fans.
LINK TO PHOTO GALLERY FROM EVENTS
The day began at Creekside Elementary, where students welcomed pros Ott DeFoe, Edwin Evers, and Andy Montgomery with boundless energy. Students eagerly swapped fishing tales, boasting about their biggest catches and peppered the pros with questions about their lives on the water. Evers, who won when the Bass Pro Tour last visited Lake Conroe in 2019, encouraged the students to chase their dreams, while DeFoe shared his journey to becoming a professional angler and a four-time Bass Pro Tour winner.
The visit also delivered some unexpected humor. Montgomery, known for his calm precision on the water, couldn’t hide his discomfort when he realized one of the classrooms they visited had a pet snake. He spent most of his time standing near the door, drawing laughs from students and teachers.
Later in the day, pros Skeet Reese, Greg Vinson, and Drew Gill brought their own brand of excitement to Madeley Ranch Elementary. The halls were abuzz as students eagerly showed off their hand-colored largemouth bass artwork, which the anglers happily signed. Reese’s truck and boat were a hit, drawing crowds of enthusiastic kids who marveled at the custom rig and peppered him with questions.
“It’s great to see so much joy and curiosity,” Reese said. “This community loves fishing, and being able to connect with these kids is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.”
One moment of laughter came during the autograph session when an excited student asked Vinson to sign a pair of Crocs—a standout moment that highlighted the fun that everyone was having.
Key school staff, including Creekside’s Betsy Baney and Madeley Ranch’s librarian Jordan Anderson and principal Dallas Clark, were instrumental in organizing the visits. Their efforts ensured a seamless day filled with laughter, learning, and plenty of autograph requests.
Beyond the schools, the excitement for the Bass Pro Tour has swept through Texas. Local newspapers featured stories on the event, billboards dotted the town, and a few anglers took to the airwaves Wednesday to promote the tournament and its accompanying Watch Party. Conroe, a community deeply connected to bass fishing, is buzzing with anticipation for the competition, which launched today at Lake Conroe.
As the anglers return to the water to compete for the $150,000 top prize, they leave behind more than autographs—they leave a legacy of encouragement and excitement in the hearts of Lake Conroe’s young fishing fans.
Hosted by Visit Conroe, the four-day MLF Bass Pro Tour B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 Presented by Power-Pole kicks off today on Lake Conroe. The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on all four days of competition from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT, live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app and Rumble.
On Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 1-2, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF welcomes fans of all ages to visit the Outlets at Conroe for the MLF Fan Experience & Watch Party. Fans can watch the pros live on the MLFNOW! big screen, enjoy free food, enter to win hourly giveaways and cheer on their favorite pros. The first 50 kids 14 and under will receive a free rod and reel each day. The Bass Pro Tour anglers will be on hand both days to meet and greet fans, sign autographs and take selfies.
For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Bass Pro Tour, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Register for the Historic 20th Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops
The Association of Collegiate Anglers’ National Championship event will be contested at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, SC on May 22-23, 2025
SAN ANTONIO, TX (January 30, 2025) – The Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops is college fishing’s longest-running National Championship tournament. The 2025 event will mark the 20th anniversary of the Association of Collegiate Anglers’ National Championship. This no-entry-fee, nationally televised event that is set to have coverage across a wide-range of digital assets will take place at the historic Lake Hartwell in Anderson, SC on May 22-23, 2025.
Register for the event here.
The Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops is a no-entry-fee tournament that will pay out well over $30,000 in prizes and contingencies. The tournament will be nationally televised, with live weigh-ins streamed for both days of tournament competition.
“The 20th National Championship is a huge milestone for the Association of Collegiate Anglers, our series partners, as well as the anglers, coaches, and teams that compete in college fishing events nationwide,” said Wade Middleton, ACA Director and President of CarecoTV. “Championship week is going to be an awesome celebration of all things college fishing. From the first event 20 years ago to now, it’s been amazing to see the growth and evolution of collegiate bass fishing.”
The first ACA National Championship was contested at Lake Lewisville in Texas 20 seasons ago. At that time, a field of approximately 65 teams travelled from all across the country to compete in the inaugural tournament.
Here in 2025, a full field of 200 teams, comprised of 400 anglers, will qualify to compete in the 20th Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops. Schools can qualify boats through a multitude of different ways. View the Championship Qualification Criteria to see how many boats your team can send.
The deadline to register for the Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops is Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 6:00 PM (ET).
The ACA National Championship at Lake Hartwell will be the final event of the 2024-25 season on the Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series. It will also be the final ACA event to count towards the 2024-25 Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia. Teams will be eligible to earn triple points at the Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops. First place will earn 2,500 points, with teams all the way down to 150th in the final overall tournament standings earning points.
View the official rules for this event.
Championship week will begin with the annual Angler & Sponsor Banquet on Wednesday night. This is the biggest night in collegiate bass fishing, with dozens of ACA series partners on-hand to meet with and provide anglers awesome swag.
The 20th Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops is a major milestone for the sport of collegiate bass fishing, and the Association of Collegiate Anglers looks forward to celebrating this accomplishment with anglers, series partners, and the team at Visit Anderson!
Ten Square Games Extends Sponsorship with Major League Fishing, Retains Fishing Clash Angler of the Year Awards
Fishing Clash Continues as the Title Sponsor for MLF’s Angler of the Year Programs Across Top Professional and Amateur Circuits
BENTON, Ky. & WARSAW, Poland (Jan. 29, 2025) – Major League Fishing (MLF) and Ten Square Games, the creators of the globally popular mobile game Fishing Clash, announced today the continuation of Fishing Clash’s sponsorship of the prestigious Angler of the Year (AOY) awards across MLF’s top four circuits in 2025. The partnership positions Fishing Clash as title AOY sponsor for the Bass Pro Tour, Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats and Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine.
Building on the success of last year’s collaboration, this renewed partnership underscores Ten Square Games’ dedication to supporting professional fishing while enhancing the visibility and reach of Fishing Clash among outdoor enthusiasts. With co-branded initiatives and record-breaking in-game engagement, the collaboration between MLF and Fishing Clash continues to bridge the gap between virtual and real-world fishing, offering unique experiences that resonate with fans, players and anglers worldwide.
“With millions of active players worldwide, Fishing Clash has become an influential platform for engaging outdoor enthusiasts and growing the sport of fishing globally,” said Kathy Fennel, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Major League Fishing. “This partnership highlights Ten Square Games’ dedication to the fishing community and underscores MLF’s commitment to offering fans and anglers opportunities to connect on every level, from digital engagement to on-the-water competition.”
Fishing Clash has revolutionized fishing entertainment by creating an immersive mobile experience enjoyed by more than 80 million players globally. In tandem with MLF, the collaboration continues to deepen connections between fans and the sport, highlighted by unique integrations like virtual tournaments mirroring real-life MLF events.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Major League Fishing, which demonstrates our dedication to the fishing community and strengthens Fishing Clash’s presence in the U.S. – our largest single market,” said Andrzej Ilczuk, CEO of Ten Square Games. “Following the success of our previous collaboration, we’ve seen remarkable growth in game installations and engagement, proving that MLF’s passionate fanbase is perfectly aligned with our game. This renewal allows us to bridge the gap between virtual and real-world fishing experiences, deepening our connection with outdoor enthusiasts globally.”
The collaboration with Major League Fishing has significantly enhanced brand visibility for Fishing Clash. In addition to logo placement on angler jerseys and boats, the game is showcased across all MLF media platforms. Fishing Clash is seamlessly integrated into coverage of AOY programs, including editorial features, social media updates, and earned media exposure in national outlets. Additionally, Fishing Clash is highlighted through voiceover mentions during MLFNOW! live streams and Bass Pro Tour linear TV broadcasts, tying everything together with high-impact touchpoints. This comprehensive strategy ensures that Fishing Clash reaches millions of outdoor enthusiasts globally and strengthens its position as a leading mobile fishing game.
Fishing Clash 2025 Angler of the Year Awards:
Bass Pro Tour Fishing Clash Angler of the Year: $100,000
Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Fishing Clash Angler of the Year: $50,000
Toyota Series Fishing Clash Angler of the Year: $5,000 per division (six divisions total)
Phoenix Bass Fishing League Fishing Clash Angler of the Year: $1,000 per division (24 divisions total)
A Fishing Clash AOY title is among the sport’s most challenging accolades, rewarding consistent performance throughout an entire season on different fisheries. The Bass Pro Tour Fishing Clash AOY must outperform 65 of the world’s best anglers through seven tournaments, showcasing versatility and perseverance, just as players do in Fishing Clash.
As a part of the partnership, MLF will award five fishing prize packs to Fishing Clash players who excel in the game’s MLF-themed challenges. The prize packs will be available throughout the year for top players during the MLF-themed events in Fishing Clash.
Fishing Clash continues to be one of the most popular mobile games in the world. The game offers a dynamic 3D fishing experience with a variety of virtual locations, including the host of MLF REDCREST 2025, Lake Guntersville, where Fishing Clash players can virtually compete.
The 2025 Bass Pro Tour Fishing Clash Angler of the Year race kicks off January 30 at the Bass Pro Tour Stage 1 at Lake Conroe in Conroe, Texas.
For more information about Fishing Clash, visit FishingClash.game or download the app for iOS or Android. To learn more about MLF, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
About Ten Square Games
The Ten Square Games Group is one of the largest Polish producers of mobile games in the free-to-play model and the leader in the outdoor hobbies mobile-game segment (fishing and hunting). Its team consists of 330 people working in studios in Wrocław and Warsaw. Ten Square Games S.A. has acquired the Rortos studio in Verona, as well as a minority stake in the Krakow Gamesture studio. The Group’s portfolio includes, among others: Fishing Clash, one of the world’s most popular 3D fishing simulators, Hunting Clash, a realistic hunting simulator, as well as Real Flight Simulator, one of the most recognizable flight simulators, and the dynamically growing game Wings of Heroes.
B.A.S.S., MAXAM Tire announce Elite Series title sponsorship extension
Jan. 29, 2025
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. and MAXAM Tire, a global leader in specialty tire manufacturing, have announced a two-year extension of MAXAM’s return as a title sponsor for the Elite Series, starting with the 2025 MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River in Orange, Texas, May 15-18.
MAXAM Tire’s sponsorship demonstrates the company’s passion for the sport and its dedication to empowering anglers and outdoors enthusiasts alike. From off-road terrain to the open road, MAXAM’s specialty tires are engineered to deliver peak performance in the most demanding conditions, just as anglers rely on top-tier gear to excel in challenging waters.
“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Bassmaster for another two years as a title sponsor,” said Steve Cunningham, director of marketing for MAXAM Tire. “The Bassmaster Elite Series embodies the same values as we do at MAXAM Tire — dedication, precision and performance. Just as anglers rely on the best equipment to excel, we provide specialty tires that deliver exceptional reliability in the most demanding conditions. We look forward to continuing this journey, supporting the passionate fishing community and connecting with the hardworking professionals who share our love for the outdoors.”
“This partnership between the Bassmaster Elite Series and MAXAM Tire has been a natural fit for both sides,” said B.A.S.S. Chief Operating Officer Phillip Johnson. “Much like the Elite anglers who take to the water to compete at professional fishing’s highest level, MAXAM Tire shares the same work ethic and values necessary for their customers to succeed under tough conditions. We look forward to standing together for an additional two years.”
The last time the Elite Series visited the Sabine River was in 2023 when Brock Mosley of Collinsville, Miss., won with a total weight of 44 pounds, 3 ounces. Mosley edged out runner-up Clark Wendlandt by almost three pounds.
Live coverage of all four days of the MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River will be featured beginning May 15 on Bassmaster.com as well as the FOX Sports digital platforms. FS1 will also broadcast the event live May 17-18.
About MAXAM Tire
MAXAM Tire is a major global specialty tire manufacturer and distributor with a strong reputation for market-leading quality, reliability and delivered value. Our organization’s foundation is centered around world-class engineering practices and the most advanced manufacturing platforms within our industry, ensuring superior product quality.
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
Helton and Wheat capitalize on key bites to lead Day 1 of Bassmaster College Series at Lake Okeechobee
Jan. 29, 2025
CLEWISTON, Fla. — A late-morning kicker buoyed the bag for Carson-Newman University’s Zachary Helton and Blake Wheat, whose five-bass limit of 24 pounds, 5 ounces topped the Day 1 leaderboard for the Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Lake Okeechobee presented by Bass Pro Shops.
Helton and Wheat, both sophomores, spent their day at the lake’s north end, where they focused on reed heads amid hyacinths. With most of their bites coming in about 2 feet of water, they weren’t sight fishing, but Helton said they were likely catching newly arriving spawners.
“It was just something different on the bank and it gave them something to spawn on,” Helton said. “I think they were all moving up.”
Around 11 a.m., Helton flipped toward a patch of reeds and came tight on an Okeechobee giant that went 9-1. A few hours later, the leaders would capitalize on another big opportunity.
“We had our limit around 10, then we had a really good cull at the end of the day, around 2 o’clock,” Wheat said. “It was about a 4-pound upgrade.”
Wheat said one particular flipping bait produced all of their weight. Color was key and, while he held his cards low, Wheat said he and his partner kept it simple with a standard Florida selection.
With no lack of company in their area, Wheat said he and Helton strived to separate themselves from the pack.
“I think we slowed down a lot and that kind of set us apart today,” he said. “There were quite a few people in the areas we were in today.”
Helton said he and his partner rotated among three main spots. With fish actively advancing, they did their best to intercept new arrivals as frequently as possible.
“We just kind of put it together as we went along,” Helton said. “They came in waves, and we were just hitting them on the head when they were there.”
Looking ahead to Day 2, Helton said he and his partner will return to the same areas. With prime spawning waters in high demand, he believes some of the spots that produced first-round fish will reload.
As for final-round expectations, Wheat said he’s confident that he and Helton can back up their opening effort with another big bag.
“We had a 1-pounder (in our limit) today, but that big one jumped us up there,” Wheat said. “I think if we just slow down and get five of the good bites tomorrow, we won’t have to have a big one. We can just have good average weights.”
Cody Abbott and Trenton Carey of Lander University are in second place with 23-10.
Kyle Zainitzer and Brock Vogel of University of North Alabama are in third place with 22-3.
Helton and Wheat lead the Big Bass standings with a 9-1.
New for 2025, the top two highest-finishing teams in the Strike King Bassmaster College Series Bass Pro Shops Team of the Year race as well as each team that stands atop the rankings in the Legends and Lunkers divisions of the College Series will receive the exclusive honor of being named a Bassmaster College All-American. The All-Americans will be honored on the biggest stage in bass fishing, the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Discover Hendry County is hosting the tournament.
2025 Bassmaster College Series Title Sponsor: Strike King
2025 Bassmaster College Series Presenting Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops
2025 Bassmaster College Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2025 Bassmaster College Series Premier Sponsors: Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster College Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
2025 Bassmaster College Series Youth Sponsors: Seaguar, Shimano
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Team Toyota Talks Bass Pro Tour Strategy Changes
Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships
The 2025 Bass Pro Tour season kicks off tomorrow on Lake Conroe in Montgomery County, Texas. Each new season conjures excitement, anticipation, and nerves for BPT competitors but the nervous energy is ramped up tenfold this year thanks to new format changes for the Bass Pro Tour in 2025.
Perhaps the most notable revision revolves around forward facing sonar (FFS) use. BPT competitors will only be able to use FFS for a single 2.5-hour period each competition day. The angler gets to choose the period they employ FFS and 360-degree sonar technology, but they must do so before the period begins.
As a fan of the sport, I’m excited to see how this format change plays out in real time with the best anglers in the world solving a puzzle that has never existed before the B&W Trailer Hitch Stage One on Conroe.
Will FFS aficionados continue to dominate the tournament scene when they can only employ the technology one third of their competition days, or will anglers have to lean on more traditional methods of fishing to consistently make the Knockout and Championship Rounds? For fishing fans who pay attention, we will get to learn more about anglers in terms of their strategy and fishing prowess than perhaps ever before.
To be fair to BPT competitors, practicing and planning for this new format must be somewhat of a nightmare. Two days of practice to break down 22,000 acres of Lake Conroe isn’t much to begin with, but you add in having to strategize for two different styles of tournaments that are blended in a way they’ve never experienced, and you have a paradox that could befuddle even the best anglers.
We caught up with Team Toyota’s Mark Daniels Jr. and Terry Scroggins on their off day to peer into their minds after their first official practice trying to decipher this new puzzle.
Q – How did you practice for your first tournament with the new hybrid FFS format? What was your practice breakdown of FFS vs traditional fishing?
MDJ – “I spent one whole day looking at my Garmins, scoping around to find an area with a concentration of fish I could rely on for my FFS period. I spent 3/4s of the next day fishing old-school. Covering water and trying to get a vibe on another way to catch bass to add to the SCORETRACKER. My breakdown was about 60% FFS focused and 40% old-school.
“It ain’t real easy to catch them without FFS right now, so I’m going to be honest with you I still don’t know exactly how I’m going to approach this thing. It’s weighing on me but it’s gotta be weighing on all of us. It’s scary but exciting.”
Big Show – “I probably spent 60% of my time ‘just fishing’, trying to find some shallower fish to target and 40% of my time out scoping. It’s a bit of a catch-22. It’s tough to get bites without scoping, so the period you choose to use FFS has to be a strong one this week. You have to choose the right period, right area, and it all needs to come together quick. I tried to find places I can employ both styles of fishing in a smaller area, so I don’t burn time up running around.”
Q – There are 66 anglers competing this year vs 80 anglers last year, and your events are four days vs six days last year. How will the smaller field and fewer competition days affect your strategy?
MDJ – “It’s a blessing and a curse. Technically we have less anglers, but with no more groups all 66 of us will be fishing the first two days, whereas in the past it was only 40 anglers per day. In my mind that means there is no laying up this year. When you land on them you better catch them now and ride the wave into the next round. I think you’ll see less guys saving spots. More people capitalizing on the here and now.”
Big Show – “There are less anglers in the field, but we’ll be fishing against more than in the past on the first two days. I love that we’ll all be fishing the same days, experiencing the same conditions, but it will be harder to get a check this year and there is a chance productive areas will be more crowded during the Qualifying Rounds. We’ll have to see how things shake out in this first one.”
Q – What is your biggest goal coming into the 2025 season?
MDJ – “Just to compete at a higher level in general this year. I’ve had a few subpar seasons by my own standards, and I know I’m capable of competing better. I want to be in contention to win and get more top tens this year. It’s time to get after ‘em!”
Big Show – “My number one goal is to have a consistent season and ensure I qualify to fish the BPT next year. We are cutting from 66 anglers to the top 50 next year, and I’m pretty sure I’m right around that 50 cut right now. I made up some good ground last year, and I need to keep the hammer down in 2025.”
B.A.S.S. announces 2025 Bassmaster College Kayak Series
Jan. 29, 2024
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — New for 2025, B.A.S.S. has announced a companion circuit to the Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft. The Bassmaster College Kayak Series will offer college anglers the opportunity to punch their ticket to the 2026 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship presented by Native Watercraft over the course of three tournaments to be held concurrently with Kayak Series events.
The College Kayak events will be held Feb. 1-2 at Kissimmee Chain of Lakes in Kissimmee, Fla., April 26-27 at Dale Hollow Reservoir in Byrdstown, Tenn., and Sept. 27-28 at Toledo Bend Reservoir in Hemphill, Texas.
College Kayak Series anglers must register and pay entry fees for each regular-season Bassmaster Kayak Series event they compete in. The highest-placing College Kayak Series angler will be named winner of the College Kayak Series event and receive a trophy in addition to winning a berth to the 2026 Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship. College Kayak Series anglers will still be competing against the regular Kayak Series field, and it is possible for a College Kayak Series angler to win both the standard Kayak Series event alongside winning the College Kayak Series event.
Registration Links:
Kissimmee Chain of Lakes: tourneyx.com/leaderboard/
Dale Hollow Reservoir: tourneyx.com/leaderboard/
Toledo Bend Reservoir: tourneyx.com/leaderboard/
2025 Bassmaster College Kayak Series Schedule
February 1-2, Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Kissimmee, Fla.
April 26-27, Dale Hollow Reservoir, Byrdstown, Tenn.
September 27-28, Toledo Bend Reservoir, Hemphill, Texas
2025 Bassmaster Kayak Series Title Sponsor: Newport
2025 Bassmaster Kayak Series Presenting Sponsor: Native Watercraft2025 Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year Sponsor: Dakota Lithium
About B.A.S.S.B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
Why Vexus Wednesday - The New AVX 2085s
This week we're taking a look at the new Vexus AVX 2085s. Sporting measurements and the horsepower rating of bigger bass boats, the 2085s opens up a ton of possibilities on the water. It's a big water fishing boat, packed with family friendly features...the best of both worlds!
Below the rub rail, the tournament-engineered V2 hull includes computer-modeled lifting strakes, integrated spray rails, and a 44-gallon fuel tank on the center line. It’s a powerful combination geared for an extremely smooth, dry ride as well as responsive handling and lightning fast hole shots. Further equipped with stretch-formed gunnels, Trac-tight™ handling, and the added good looks of fiberglass-infused parts, this advanced aluminum rig is built to rout rough water while keeping comfort and convenience, front and center. Click Here for full details, or watch the walkthrough below.
Applications open for 2025 AFTCO X B.A.S.S. Nation Conservation Grant Program
Jan. 29, 2025
SANTA ANA, Calif. — The AFTCO X B.A.S.S. Nation Conservation Grant Program continues its efforts to support conservation initiatives throughout the country in 2025. The Conservation Grant Program was created in 2018 to help provide funds to approved freshwater bass conservation projects proposed by B.A.S.S. Nation clubs. To date, AFTCO’s total contribution to this program has exceeded $152,000 in grants. This partnership with B.A.S.S. Nation Conservation has actively contributed to the shared goals of AFTCO and B.A.S.S., fostering community and youth-oriented conservation projects that positively impact local fisheries.
The Grant Program provides financial support for stocking bass, habitat enhancements and ensuring that bass are properly cared for and returned to lakes and rivers in the best possible condition for future generations to enjoy. These efforts are coordinated locally with the aid of B.A.S.S Nation chapters, governmental fishery management agencies, local businesses and the valuable support of volunteers and youth organizations contributing their time and labor to the cause.
“These grants are a great example of the efforts our B.A.S.S. Nation clubs are putting forth to enhance the fishing in their local lakes and reservoirs,” said B.A.S.S. Conservation Director Gene Gilliland. “Our state chapters are blessed to be associated with a company like AFTCO that takes conservation to heart. That continued commitment to the B.A.S.S. Nation and to the fishery resources that our sport depends on is unmatched.”
You can submit your conservation proposal here. The deadline for entries is March 31, 2025. Proposals will be judged by a panel that includes representatives from B.A.S.S. and AFTCO. Please direct any questions to Gene Gilliland at ggilliland@bassmaster.com.
About AFTCO
Family owned and operated, the American Fishing Tackle Company (AFTCO) represents unparalleled quality, performance, and reliability when it counts most. Worn across the globe, AFTCO's fishing clothing and fishing raingear is designed to handle the harshest elements. Whether you're a tournament bass angler looking to stay dry in a late fall downpour or an offshore weekend warrior seeking protection from the sun's harmful UV rays, AFTCO keeps you fishing comfortably.
AFTCO reflects a legacy of firsts. From former company Chairman Milt Shedd's pioneering conservation achievements, to the invention of the roller guide and the introduction of the world's first pair of true fishing shorts, AFTCO provides conservation leadership and innovative products proven to deliver performance on the water. Our passion for the outdoors goes beyond our product offering because of an unwavering commitment to help protect our fishing resources and angler rights. Through our 10% Pledge to Protect and Conserve, your purchase of any AFTCO product directly supports conservation initiatives.
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Fred Roumbanis Faces His Toughest Offseason Yet, Eyes Strong Start to 2025 Bass Pro Tour
Jan. 28, 2025
Charity Muehlenweg • Major League Fishing
Fred Roumbanis of Russellville, Arkansas, is about to enter his 20th season of professional fishing, a milestone that marks two decades of triumphs, struggles and resilience. The offseason leading into 2025, however, was particularly tough for the veteran angler. Personal loss, professional uncertainty and unexpected setbacks tested his mental and emotional strength like never before.
Yet, Roumbanis is approaching the upcoming Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour season with renewed determination – powered by his family, his passion for the sport and the legacy he’s building for the future.
The California native’s journey in professional bass fishing has never been easy but has been defined by resilience. Starting at just 18 – and sinking a boat during a tournament on his 19th birthday – Roumbanis quickly learned that success required perseverance.
“I’ve had so many rock-bottom moments,” Roumbanis reflected. “But every time I found myself scraping the bottom, I’ve found a way to dig deep and not give up. If you keep pushing, even when things feel impossible, you’ll find a way.”
One such moment came in 2005 after he missed qualifying for the FLW Tour (now the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals) by a single point.
“I was one point away from making the cut and had a fish jump out of my livewell during a tournament on Lake Champlain,” he recalled. “That’s the kind of stuff that stays with you.”
But instead of giving up, Roumbanis forged ahead and joined the EverStart Series (now the Toyota Series) that fall.
“This was long before GPS or navigation systems. I bought a paper map and drove to La Crosse, Wisconsin, for a tournament. I didn’t really have the money to make it home, let alone fuel the boat every day for the tournament,” Roumbanis laughed. “Before the event began, MLF emcee Chris Jones gave me a pep talk. He told me to stop thinking about what I couldn’t do and focus on what I could do.
“I told him I could probably bring in 12 to 14 pounds per day and he said, ‘If you can do 14 pounds per day, I’ll see you on Championship Day’,” Roumbanis continued. “That was the first time I saw light at the end of the tunnel.”
That talk gave Roumbanis a renewed mindset. He went on to win the tournament, a turning point that marked the beginning of a successful career. Roumbanis continued to rack up victories and earned an invite to the Bassmaster Elite Series in 2006, fishing that tour for more than a decade before transitioning to the MLF Bass Pro Tour in 2019.
That unwavering determination has shaped his career, and Roumbanis relied on it again during the challenging 2024 season. With a reduction in the number of anglers on the Bass Pro Tour from 80 to 66 for 2025, Roumbanis fought to secure his spot and was one of the last to qualify.
As if the requalification wasn’t stressful enough, more obstacles were headed his way. While driving to a Bass Pro Tour event at the Chowan River in North Carolina last May, a drunk driver totaled his boat. Yet, Roumbanis didn’t let this setback derail his performance. Phoenix Boats delivered a boat the next day, which Roumbanis later purchased to complete the season, and he went on to achieve one of his best finishes of the year.
“You can’t control everything around you, but you can control how you react to it. It was a huge mental hurdle all season, knowing so many guys wouldn’t make it to the 2025 Bass Pro Tour,” he admitted. “I had the fear of not performing, but I kept pushing forward and thankfully secured that spot.”
While Roumbanis was navigating these professional challenges, the most personal blow came during the holiday season. On Christmas Day, his mother passed away, a devastating loss that left him emotionally shaken.
"She was just so strong," he said, his voice heavy with emotion. "We lost my dad years ago and had moved my mom to be closer to us the last few years. I really thought I had more time with her and that she would pull through this.
“She was such an amazing person. I didn’t plan on losing her this soon, but she held on until Christmas. I think she knew that would be the time our family could all be together and knew we needed that."
Losing his mother just weeks before the season’s start has made it difficult to focus, but Roumbanis credits his wife, Julie, as his greatest support.
“Julie has been my rock through all of this. I couldn’t have gotten through it without her keeping me moving.”
Despite the turbulent offseason, Roumbanis found bright spots over the past year. One of the greatest joys of his career has been watching his 17-year-old son, Jackson, carve his own path in the sport. Jackson began fishing tournaments at 11 and has already earned two Angler of the Year titles and numerous wins with the Arkansas Youth Bass Hogs. At 15, he won a Hobie kayak tournament and, at 17, earned a spot as team captain on the USA BASS youth team, representing the USA in Zimbabwe last fall.
“He’s already better than I was at 25,” Roumbanis said proudly. “Jackson is finishing high school virtually, taking college courses and starting his first season as a boater on the Toyota Series. He already has a clear vision of what he wants and is excelling in every aspect of it.”
Roumbanis said he admires Jackson’s drive to create his own identity.
“He doesn’t want to be in my shadow. He’s made it clear he wants to be his own man, and I respect that. We’re excited for him and will always support him. It’s a big step, but I know he’s ready.”
With the 2025 season looming and new MLF forward-facing sonar rule changes in place, Roumbanis is excited to return to his roots and focus more on shallow-water power fishing, a style that helped launch his career.
“I enjoy LiveScoping, and it’s a fun way to fish,” Roumbanis said. “I’ve worked on it a lot during the offseason and have all the best gear for when it’s time to use it. But I’m excited to have some limits in place and focus on what works best for me. With the field only able to use forward-facing sonar for one period, I think you’ll see the true talent rise to the top. It’s about the skills that got us here and utilizing various methods of fishing.”
As Roumbanis embarks on his 20th professional season at B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 Presented by Power-Pole, there’s no doubt it will be a testament to his resilience and love for the sport. No matter what comes his way, he’s ready to tackle the challenges, armed with the strength of family, a clear vision and an unyielding belief in himself.
“Life’s a book, right?” Roumbanis said with a wide grin. “You just go through these chapters of learning, and I’m really looking forward to digging into this next chapter.”
For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Bass Pro Tour, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
Florence, Alabama Set for MLF Toyota Series at Pickwick Lake
FLORENCE, Ala. (Jan. 28, 2025) –The Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats is set to visit Florence, Alabama, next week, Feb. 5-7, for the first event of the Central division – the Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats at Pickwick Lake.
The three-day tournament, hosted by Visit the Shoals, will feature a roster of the region’s best bass-fishing pros and Strike King co-anglers competing for a top prize of up to $100,000 in the pro division and a new Phoenix 518 Pro boat with a 115-horsepower outboard motor plus $5,000 in the co-angler division.
As anglers prepare for the 2025 MLF Toyota Series event on Pickwick Lake, excitement is high due to the lake’s current fishing conditions. The winter months have seen impressive catches, with multiple 20-pound bags being weighed in at recent tournaments. Local angler and seasoned competitor, Jimmy Washam of Stantonville, Tennessee, said he believes this tournament could see some of the highest weights in recent years.
“Pickwick has been on fire – it’s probably fishing as good as I’ve ever seen it,” Washam said. “The lake has been producing a lot of big largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass. In fact, we’ve been seeing 10 to 12 bags over 20 pounds per event recently. It just seems like there are a lot more 4- and 5-pounders showing up this year.”
In a tournament last month, Washam weighed in a 5-pound smallmouth, a 5-pound spotted bass and multiple 5-pound largemouth, a feat he said makes Pickwick Lake unique.
“There aren’t many lakes in the country where you can weigh in three species of black bass over 5 pounds in one bag,” said Washam. “That’s why Pickwick Lake is held in such high regard among anglers. This is a bold statement, but I believe if things go just right for someone, it could take up to 80 pounds to win the three-day event.”
Washam said bait choice will be crucial, with a variety of techniques expected to come into play. He anticipates cranking and throwing lipless crankbaits like the Azuma Shaker Z will be popular, as well as fishing with a Ned rig and a jig, particularly around the tailrace smallmouth. The Tennessee native said the Alabama rig and jerkbaits are also expected to be players.
“Stable weather is definitely a plus,” Washam said. “In looking at the extended forecast, there’s a good chance we’ll avoid any extreme cold fronts, which can make things tricky. The lake’s in full winter mode now, and we could see some rain, which will likely help the current flow and make the fish easier to find.”
With water temperatures dipping to around 44 degrees, Washam said anglers will likely find fish at depths ranging from 10 to 20 feet, though shallower waters could become productive with warmer rain.
“I’m looking forward to a great event,” Washam added. “Fishing at home, on one of the best lakes in the South, with the potential for multiple 5-pound bass of different species – it doesn’t get much better than that.”
Anglers will begin each day at 7 a.m. CT, launching from McFarland Park at 200 Jim Spain Drive in Florence. Weigh-ins will take place at the same location, starting at 3 p.m. daily. Fans are invited to attend in person and can also stay connected by following the “MLF Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily updates on 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 up to $75,000, if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard (valued at $33,500). With a 260-boat field, pros fish for a top award of up to $100,000, if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard plus $5,000 cash.
The 2025 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consists of five divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern and Southwestern – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the five divisions or the Wild Card division and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 and a qualification to REDCREST 2026. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard. The 2025 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 6-8 on Grand Lake in Grove, Oklahoma, and is hosted by the City of Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau.
Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Toyota Series include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Vosker, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Toyota Series updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Snow Start, Not Slow Start for College Champ Dylan Akins
Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships
Dylan Akins year as the Bassmaster College Series Bracket champion is off to a strong, albeit snowy start. Akins finished the first Bassmaster Open of his career in 18th-place, and while most Open competitors would agree they could have done without the frigid forecast through practice and tournament days, Akins may be getting used to the cold.
Not only did Akins deal with the historic winter storm that saw snow accumulation as far south as Florida and caused day one of the Bassmaster Opens season on Clarks Hill to be postponed. The 23-year-old Georgia native also made a white-knuckle cross-country drive in his brand-new Toyota Tundra on January 9th, the day he took possession of his new ride.
One of the perks of winning the Bassmaster College Series Classic Bracket, besides qualification to the Bassmaster Classic and a slot in the Opens, is the full use of a Toyota Tundra and a Nitro Z20 bass boat sporting your school’s colors. Unfortunately for Akins, he was scheduled to pick up his truck at Dynamic Sponsorships headquarters in Tulsa, OK the same day a winter storm was set to wreak havoc on travelers along the I-40 corridor (Jan. 9-11).
Akins flight landed about the same time the snow flurries began. His trip back to Georgia would normally take 12-hours in good conditions, but with every minute that passed travel conditions worsened. While Akins would have preferred to wait until the storm passed, the reality was he needed to get back home to continue rigging his new truck and boat. After studying a few weather radars, Akins elected to gas up his new ride, grab a Chick-Fil-A sandwich to go and hit the road.
“I was eager to get my new rig home, and I thought, well hoped I guess, that the forecast wasn’t going to be as bad as they were saying,” Akins said. “I figured I might have to drive in snow for the first few hours or so, but I’d get in front of it by Little Rock at the latest. Man was I wrong.”
Akins spent approximately the next 9-hours averaging 45-mph on the interstate and dealt with more stress than fighting a double-digit bass on light line. While this may sound a bit dramatic to northern readers, many parts of Arkansas saw anywhere from 8-inches to over a foot of snow on January ninth. Those are difficult driving conditions for anyone, let alone for a dude from the south who had “driven in flurries once or twice.”
After witnessing his share of weather-related wrecks and staying connected with his Dad who was actively following his progress, Akins finally got in front of the storm around Memphis. He opted to drive until the wee hours of the morning so the weather wouldn’t catch back up with him. Many aspiring young anglers might not realize it, but being a part-time truck driver and meteorologist is all part of the job description of “professional angler”, which Akins can now attest to.
Little did he know that this was a precursor for things to come, as Akins and the entire field of Bassmaster Open anglers were dealt a forecast of snow, ice, and temperatures in the teens last week at Clarks Hill. Akins winter storm driving experience came in handy immediately.
“I bought the first ice scraper of my life driving home from Tulsa,” Akins said with a laugh. “Out of six people in our house at Clarks Hill, I was the only one with ice scraper. It was a hot commodity... Everyone was wanting to borrow it all week.”
When it came to fishing, Akins hand stayed hot much like his 2024 efforts. The former college fishing standout used a Strike King Baby Z-Too on a ½-ounce Spotlight Head Jig Head to target deep water largemouth relating to bait and brushpiles or rocks. With his ultimate goal of finishing in the top 50 of the points standings so he can advance to the three Bassmaster Elite Qualifier tournaments, Akins 18th-place finish is a perfect start to his 2025 Opens campaign.
Authenticity Leads Cox and Feider to Vexus® Boats
There’s no question John Cox and Seth Feider are two of bass fishing’s most accomplished pros, and they’re also among the sport’s most entertaining and authentic characters. Each has their own highly relatable style, but both offer a genuine connectivity that led them to join Vexus® Boats recently.
“Cox and Feider have flirted with the idea of running our boats for quite some time, but much like life, it’s all about timing, and now’s the time in our relatively young company’s history to make them a part of the Vexus family,” says Vexus leader Keith Daffron.
“Our employees here in Flippin, Arkansas, as well as our dealers around the country, are pretty fired up about this news. But I promise you, if John and Seth weren’t the genuinely good family men they are, this would never work,” adds Daffron. “They also exhibit a sincere appreciation for the premium quality of our boats and have great relationships with our dealers, which is critical.”
Feider will run the new sleek-profile VXs20 fiberglass Vexus and has a long-standing friendship with In Tune Marine of Central Minnesota. Cox, who’s never met a stranger, shares a longtime relationship with Clark Marine in Tennessee as well as dealers in his home state of Florida. He will run the new 250-hp rated AVX2100 aluminum boat to chase shallow bass, but don’t be surprised if you also see him gathering redfish and gators throughout the Sunshine State from an aluminum center console Vexus ACX2210.
“People are going to laugh when they read this, but I literally had a tear in my eye the first time I ran an aluminum Vexus for a test lap on Bull Shoals Lake. I was so grateful for the smooth ride, I got emotional,” grins Cox. “I kept expecting it would ‘bunny hop’ at slower speeds like most boats, but it never did. This boat is bad to the bone!”
Feider doesn’t apologize for his excitement about running a Vexus, either. “The hull design Randy Hopper and his crew engineered, along with the AirWave® suspension seats, make it the smoothest riding bass boat on the planet. When you’re trying to compete at places notorious for rough water like Lake Ontario, Okeechobee, and Lake Saint Clair, that’s a level of comfort that’s tough to put into words,” says Feider.
Like tournament anglers of all ages and species preferences who fish from a Vexus boat, Cox and Feider will also be eligible to win cash bonuses and heritage-rich commemorative belt buckles for their trophy cases through the Vexus REV Rewards™ program.
To ensure you’re eligible to win bonuses from Vexus and learn all the details of the premium quality boats Seth Feider and John Cox are excited to be running, please check them out at vexusboats.com.
Travel Tuesday - Pack Your Bags!
The Clothing You Need for a Week-Long Panama Fishing Trip
By Pete Robbins - Half Past First Cast
We took 20 people to Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge in January, and our first-timers were understandably a bit nervous about what clothing to bring. We’d be be on a remote island, exposed to the elements for eight or nine hours a day, and no one wants to be uncomfortable. We didn’t need to bring tackle, but that didn’t lessen the nervousness.
I recognize that just telling people what to bring doesn’t always convey the message accurately (especially since everyone has different tolerances for heat, rain and other conditions), so I figured it would just be easier to show exactly what I’m packing. Check out the video below:
Anderson’s Brent Willey Earns First Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Keowee
Easley’s Wilson Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
SENECA, S.C. (Jan. 27, 2025) – Boater Brent Willey of Anderson, South Carolina, caught a five-bass limit weighing 15 pounds, 11 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Keowee. The tournament was the first event of the season for the BFL Savannah River Division. Willey earned $10,679, including the lucrative $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency bonus, for his victory.
Willey said he was on some good fishing coming into the tournament, but it took adapting to changing conditions to dial in the winning bite.
“I actually caught ’em two days ago in probably 60 feet of water, 20 feet below the surface, and then today (Saturday) I got out there and they weren’t there,” he said. “I had to get in that 60 to 80 foot of water.
“You could see them about 5 feet off the bottom. I’d drop a Damiki rig down and get them to come up and sort of play with them. If I could get a school together, obviously, they’d compete for it, and it was a little bit easier to catch them.”
Willey caught his fish using Garmin LiveScope. The change in depth – from 20 feet deep to closer to 80 – was so drastic he had to adjust his sonar settings to be able to spot the fish.
What’s most interesting about the depth shift, according to Willey, is that the baitfish were still up high. He thinks maybe the warming trend in the region and a coinciding high-pressure system might have forced the fish to move.
Willey caught the bulk of his limit from one stretch – a deep channel – that was about a mile long. It’s a spot he wasn’t planning to make his primary area, but it’s a spot he’s fished a lot in the past. When his starting spot didn’t produce, he moved to the winning area and quickly put a 3.80-pound bass in the livewell, which told him he was on the right quality fish. He spent the rest of the day milking that spot, then running to check other areas, before returning to do it all again.
“I think the key was I was seeing big schools of herring swimming around,” Willey said of the primary area. “They were up high in the water column, but I think in the morning time when I got most of my bites – especially the fish that I weighed in – they generate power on this lake, and there was water flowing out. I think that gets a lot of the bait schooled up, and the fish seem to be more active during that time. When they stopped generation around 10 o’clock it definitely got tougher, but I was able to get a few bites. Then they started pumping water, where they actually send water up to Lake Jocassee, and that’s when it got really tough.”
Of note, Willey wasn’t alone in his tournament celebration. His tournament partner, Chris Wilson of Easley, South Carolina, also claimed victory in the co-angler division.
“He’s actually my best bud, my fishing partner, and we always fish together in the buddy tournaments,” Willey added. “So it’s pretty cool that we both got to win in the same day.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Brent Willey, Anderson, S.C., five bass, 15-11, $10,679 (includes $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
2nd: Andy Wicker, Pomaria, S.C., five bass, 14-7, $1,532
2nd: Davis Madden, Thomson, Ga., five bass, 14-7, $1,532
4th: Jesse Dodson, Greenville, S.C., five bass, 14-5, $859
5th: Keaton Owens, Inman, S.C., five bass, 14-3, $705
5th: Greg Glouse, Liberty, S.C., five bass, 14-3, $705
7th: Brody Manley, Pickens, S.C., five bass, 13-14, $613
8th: Lane Parker, Waleska, Ga., five bass, 13-11, $552
9th: Tim Watson, Martin, Ga., five bass, 13-6, $491
10th: Taylor Green, Royston, Ga., five bass, 13-4, $429
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Jason Burroughs of Hodges, South Carolina, caught a bass that weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $480.
Chris Wilson of Easley, South Carolina, won the Strike King co-angler division and $1,840 Saturday, after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 8 pounds, 8 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Chris Wilson, Easley, S.C., three bass, 8-8, $1,840
2nd: Colin Matthews, Hartsville, S.C., three bass, 8-7, $920
3rd: Rusty Odom, Simpsonville, S.C., three bass, 8-6, $612
4th: Jeff Horton, Inman, S.C., three bass, 8-5, $429
5th: Daniel Owens, Townville, S.C., three bass, 8-3, $368
6th: Joseph Tucci, Salem, S.C., three bass, 7-4, $337
7th: Chuck Bagwell, Laurens, S.C., three bass, 7-0, $307
8th: David Allen, Mableton, Ga., three bass, 6-15, $276
9th: Chase Gurkin, Simpsonville, S.C., three bass, 6-11, $245
10th: Darren Jeter, Asheville, N.C., three bass, 6-9, $215
Dwayne Parton of Anderson, South Carolina, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $240, catching a bass that weighed in at 5 pounds, 7 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
In addition to earning the win, Willey also has the early lead in the Fishing Clash Savannah River Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 250 points, while co-angler champ Wilson leads the Fishing Clash Savannah River Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 250 points.
On March 8, the BFL Savannah River Division anglers will once again square off at Lake Keowee out of Seneca, South Carolina, for the second event of their season. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
The top 60 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 3-4 BFL Regional tournament at Lake Norman in Huntersville, North Carolina. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $20,000.
The 2025 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 134 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 60 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, will advance to one of 12 BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top three, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2025 BFL All-American will take place May 29-31, 2025, at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is hosted by hosted by Visit Hot Springs and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.
Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Li Time Batteries, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Vosker, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 17 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Catching up with Kayak Ace Drew Gregory
By Vance McCullough - AC InsiderMy dad taught me young, “There are dreamers. And then there are doers. Be a doer.”
Then you meet a guy like Drew Gregory. A doer of dreams. Big dreams. Winner of too many bass tournaments to enumerate here, including the 2024 Bassmaster Kayak Series championship held concurrently with the Bassmaster Classic in Oklahoma.
Gregory works his magic from the cockpit of his Shoalie, a kayak he designed for Crescent Kayaks.
Most recently Gregory started 2025 with a bang, winning the national Bassmaster Kayak Series tournament on Lake Havasu, AZ, a long haul from his home in Ohio.
A minimalist by nature, Gregory paddled his Shoalie, sans electronics, “as far as we were allowed to fish up the river. There were no obvious bends, no cover, no wood or grass, just a little riprap for the fish to warm themselves on. This eliminated most of the angling crowd.”
Gregory’s winning tactic is often referred to as fishing ‘ugly water’, that is, water that most would overlook. But there was nothing ugly about the beautiful conditions Havasu offered, though the fishing was tough. “I could see 25 feet down so when I stood, I could see the smallmouth. There weren’t many, but I found a group of 15 or 20 bunched up where the riprap gave way to the bare sand bottom, 3-to-5-feet below. I worked that group for most of my limit both days.”
He used the new Z-man ‘Gobius’, basically a finesse swimbait which he fished on 8lb braided line in the gin clear water. “The fish were pecking at the line where it entered the water the way bluegill often do. I would speed the bait up to get it front of them and they would bite.”
After twice losing his limit fish in the final round, Gregory felt his chance of victory slipping away. “Then I went to an area where they were doing some dredging so the water had a stain to it. That color in the water was enough to raise the temperature maybe just a degree or so. I soaked a Crosseyez jig on 30lb braid and caught a 14-inch largemouth with 20 minutes left to fish. He was my smallest fish of the tournament, but he was the biggest catch. That one sealed the win.”
Gregory will fish the next Bassmaster Kayak Series event on Florida’s Kissimmee Chain as we flip the calendar to February.
Then he will kick off the Kayak Adventure Series season with the ‘Ocalapalooza’ – a tournament whose playing field encompasses most lakes, rivers and puddles within an hour of Ocala, FL. That’s a lot of water. And Gregory expects a big field of participants in the tournament trail of his own creation.
I did say the man was a big dreamer, right?
Ocalapalooza will take place February 21st and 22nd. For those keeping score at home, that’s a Friday and Saturday – a break from the traditional Saturday/Sunday schedule of most national series. This gives anglers a travel day back home that doesn’t eat into any more vacation time, a nice wrinkle born from the mind of a man who actually fishes tournaments and understands the needs of anglers.
Gregory has built a bunch of flexibility into the Kayak Adventure Series. Each event features a pre-tournament meeting Thursday afternoon followed by seminars and networking opportunities Friday morning. The first round of competition begins Friday afternoon and the fishing concludes with an entire day of tournament angling on Saturday. Over the day-and-a-half, contestants are still only posting their 5 best bass. This arrangement encourages exploration, given the extra half day on Friday.
Also, anglers are allowed to portage over obstacles, even wade through whitewater riffles in some events, and roam far upstream, away from the motorboat crowd – which is why many of us took to kayaks in the first place although other national trails have recently enacted rules that keep anglers bound to big waters where many use the latest electronics and compete with the bass boat crowd. You can do that too on the KAS but their tagline ‘find your own adventure’ is more than a slogan, it’s the way we actually do things on this fun, competitive trail dreamed up by a guy who’s won everything you can from a kayak.
One piece of electronic equipment Gregory does embrace is the camera. He has the coolest social media pics and vids. He wants the rest of us to follow suit. To that end, he has enlisted GoPro to pay huge contingency bonuses, as much as $10,000 to winners who video-record their biggest two bass catches!
Not only does this help us share the winning moments, but the camera offers an iron-clad guarantee that everything was done in a legal manner. This is often missing in our sport where we generally self-police our activities.
“It’s getting to the point,” notes Gregory, “with the big bonus money offered by GoPro, if somebody doesn’t want to film themselves it sort of raises eyebrows. The cameras are affordable and portable. Why would you not want to double or triple your payday?”
I’ll be fishing the Bassmaster tourney and the Kayak Adventure Series in my home state this February. Come on down and get your feet wet where it’s warm enough to do so!
Got to KayakAdventureSeries.com for info or to register, go tot TourneyX.com or the Tourney X app.
For information on the Bassmaster Kayak Series check Bassmaster.com and register for their events Tourney X as well.
And as always, to find upcoming tournaments you can follow or even fish in, check out the Anglers Channel Tournaments tab.
Quilatan and Rust leverage local knowledge for Bassmaster High School Series win at Harris Chain
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Ohio’s Brody Campbell Dominates at Season-Opening Toyota Series at Sam Rayburn Reservoir
BROOKELAND, Texas (Jan. 26, 2025) – You know you’re having a good tournament week when the only thing you’re chasing on the final day is a record.
Such was the case for Oxford, Ohio pro Brody Campbell on a blustery, cloudy Championship Saturday at the Toyota Series Southwestern Division season opener on Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Texas. Campbell, an Ohio-based pro with 47 Top 10s to his credit, left the dock with a 9-pound, 13-ounce cushion over second place and a shot at the record for total weight in a three-day Toyota Series event on Big Sam. Campbell didn’t eclipse the record, but he nonetheless earned his second career Toyota Series win, bagging 16 pounds even on the day to bring his three-day total to 70-5.
That’s shy of pro Colby Miller’s all-time three-day mark of 77-7 on Sam Rayburn that he set in 2024, but still a comfortable margin over Kaden Mueck (64-14), Dakota Ebare (63-15) and Marshall Hughes (60-12). The win is Campbell’s second Toyota Series victory in three years – he won at Chickamauga in 2023 – and his first Top 10 in Texas, a state he’s quickly learning to love.
“I’d never even been to Texas until last year,” Cambell said. “(Sam Rayburn) sets up nothing like the Ohio River, where I was born and raised, and the caliber of fishermen down here is just insane. But I’ve caught five fish over 10 pounds down here already, and I’d never even seen a 10-pounder until I came to Texas. I like it down here.”
Campbell had modest expectations heading into the tournament, thinking that 14 to 15 pounds a day was a realistic goal. After a mechanical issue delayed his start for two hours on Day 1, he began fishing an offshore timber field that sat in 30 to 50 feet of water and dropped a Deps Sakamata Shad on a 3/8-ounce jighead to an 8-8 largemouth that his Garmin LiveScope revealed was holding tight to the timber 25 feet down. That first fish was a momentum-starter that propelled him to 27-1 and the Day 1 lead.
Campbell backed that up with 27-3 on Day 2, fishing the same pattern in the same area in the middle of the lake, to stake a 9-13 lead over Cole Moore.
While a near 10-pound advantage heading into the final day is almost a shoo-in on most fisheries, Campbell admits that his back-to-back 27-pound limits on Days 1 and 2 – and the cushion they afforded him when he headed out on Saturday – didn’t exactly give him a can’t-miss feeling with the likes of Moore, Ebare and Miller lurking in second, third and fourth. All three anglers can boast 32- to 35-pound five-fish limits on Big Sam among them.
With a modest goal of at least 15 to 16 pounds in mind when he left the ramp Saturday, Miller’s wish was to return to the same general offshore area in the middle of Rayburn where he had built his lead. But that area lay right in the barrel of sustained 10 mph winds and 20 mph gusts, which turned the middle of the lake into a no-man’s-land of waves that made it impossible to fish effectively.
“The wind kind of ruined my spot,” Campbell admitted. “I couldn’t really tell how rough it was out there until I got there, but I had a suspicion that it was going to be a different kind of day. Once I got out there, it was rough rough. I gave it about 90 minutes first thing, but I had to scrap everything and just go fishing. I feel like I got lucky having two 27-pound days out there to start.”
Campbell’s Plan B came out of pure instinct (and a desire to get out of the washing machine at the middle of the lake).
“I just ran to the first pocket that was out of the wind,” he said. “I headed to the beach and got in a protected pocket that I’d never even been to before. I just needed something that was out of the wind, and I found a little corner in that pocket that had a lot of threadfin shad. They weren’t very big, but I was able to scrape up a bunch of fish. It was a totally random place, but I caught the most fish there I had all week.”
Campbell stated earlier in the week that he was fishing to cover his entry fees for the year. He’s well on the way, with a $67,522 payout that includes $35,000 in Phoenix Boats contingency money.
“I just came here from Florida, where I won a big team tournament on the Kissimmee Chain last week; I have good momentum going,” he said. “I’ve worked hard at this sport. I spent 300-plus days a year on the water last year, so it feels good to be fishing good and to start the season rolling with good momentum.”
The top 10 pros at the Toyota Series at Sam Rayburn Reservoir finished:
1st: Brody Campbell, Oxford, Ohio, 15 bass, 70-5, $67,522
2nd: Kaden Mueck, Livingston, Texas, 15 bass, 64-14, $12,602
3rd: Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas, 15 bass, 63-15, $9,757
4th: Marshall Hughes, Hemphill, Texas, 15 bass, 60-12, $8,130
5th: Hayden Marbut, Birmingham, Ala., 15 bass, 57-6, $7,317
6th: Cole Moore, Anacoco, La., 15 bass, 55-7, $6,754
7th: Mike Hawkes, Sabinal, Texas, 14 bass, 55-2, $6,191
8th: Colby Miller, Elmer, La., 15 bass, 54-10, $4,878
9th: Chad Mrazek, Montgomery, Texas, 15 bass, 53-2, $4,065
10th: Wesley Baxley, Cypress, Texas, 15 bass, 51-8, $3,252
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Pro Mike Hawkes of Sabinal, Texas, earned Thursday’s $500 Berkley Big Bass Award with a bass weighing 9 pounds, 5 ounces. Two pros split the Berkley Big Bass Award on Friday – both Cole Moore of Anacoco, Louisiana, and pro Kevin Lasyone of Dry Prong, Louisiana, brought a bass weighing 8 pounds, 14 ounces to the scale, to split the $500 award.
Alan Bernicky of Dardanelle, Arkansas, won the Strike King Co-angler Division Saturday with a three-day total of 13 bass weighing 27 pounds, 5 ounces. Honeycutt earned the top co-angler prize package worth $33,900, including a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard motor.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers at the Toyota Series at Sam Rayburn Reservoir finished:
1st: Alan Bernicky, Dardanelle, Ark., 13 bass, 27-5, Phoenix 518 Pro boat w/115-hp Mercury outboard
2nd: Darrell Denton, Georgetown, Texas, nine bass, 27-2, $4,150
3rd: Justin Swayze, Gurdon, Ark., 10 bass, 23-13, $3,320
4th: Robert Williams, Houston, Texas, 11 bass, 21-4, $2,905
5th: Mitchell Adams Sr., Smyrna, Tenn., four bass, 20-12, $2,640
6th: Robert Jacuzzi, Mount Ida, Ark., seven bass, 19-8, $2,075
7th: Robert Massey, Calhoun, La., seven bass, 19-3, $1,660
8th: Mike Holland, Brookeland, Texas, nine bass, 18-12, $1,453
9th: William Easley, Pollok, Texas, six bass, 18-5, $1,245
10th: Buck Hux, Barksdale, Texas, six bass, 16-13, $1,038
Strike King Co-angler Mitchell Adams of Smyrna, Tennessee, earned Thursday’s $150 Berkley Big Bass co-angler award with a 12-pound, 15-ounce giant bass, while Friday’s Day 2 $150 co-angler award went to Mark Shores of Irving, Texas, who weighed in a 9-pound, 15-ounce largemouth bass.
The Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats at Sam Rayburn Reservoir was hosted by the Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce. It was the first of three regular-season tournament for the Toyota Series Southwestern Division. The next event for the Toyota Series Southwestern Division will be March 6-8 on Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Brookeland, Texas. For a complete schedule of events, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The 2025 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consists of five divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern and the Southwestern – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the five divisions or the Wild Card division and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 and a qualification to REDCREST 2026. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard. The 2025 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 6-8 on Grand Lake in Grove, Oklahoma, and is hosted by the City of Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau.
Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Toyota Series include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Vosker, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Toyota Series updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Largemouth carry Clarke to victory on Clarks Hill
Jan. 25, 2025
EVANS, Ga. — It didn’t result in many bites, but Chase Clarke perfectly executed a big-bass pattern to win the weather-shortened St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Clarks Hill Reservoir presented by SEVIIN with a two-day total of 47 pounds, 7 ounces.
The 2022 Auburn University graduate caught three 6-pound or better largemouth during the tournament, two on the first day that lifted him to a daily total of 25-14 and one on the second day that anchored his 21-9 Day 2 total. Those two bags propelled him over second-place Blaine Bunney by 6 pounds.
“I caught the right ones, but they were frustrating. They were so hard to catch,” the Virginia Beach pro said. “I figured I would only catch 10 or 11 bass a day, and I figured if I did that, I would have a good bag. Both days I happened to catch 6-pounders. I couldn’t have drawn it up any better.”
With the win, Clarke is the first angler to clinch their spot in the 2026 Bassmaster Classic, given he competes in the final three tournaments in Division I. Clarke was in contention to win an Open at Leech Lake last year, but fell short with a third-place finish.
As he drove to the boat ramp this morning, those same feelings he felt the final morning at Leech came flooding back to him.
“That was only four tournaments ago, and to have another opportunity this soon … this is a win of a lifetime and one I will never forget. I will always cherish this.”
Several curveballs were thrown at the Opens competitors this week, starting with frigid temperatures and a winter storm that pushed through the area Tuesday. The snowfall from that storm forced the postponement of Day 1 scheduled for Thursday and shortened the event to two days.
Each morning, Clarke started by fishing ditches on the Georgia side of the lake before moving to the South Carolina side in the afternoons. While other anglers fished in the “abyss”, Clarke caught all of his bass in 35 feet of water or less.
In the mornings, he saw the bass suspended 10 feet under the surface over 35 feet of water, while one of his 6-pounders came in the back of a ditch where the bottom was in 10 feet of water. As the day wore on, brushpiles became his main target.
“They would push up way shallow in the backs of the ditches in the mornings and then in the afternoons I was catching them in brushpiles. It didn’t matter how deep the brushpile was, it just mattered where it was. And the brush had to have blueback herring around it.”
Clarke figured out early on that largemouth would be the key to cashing a check on Clarks Hill, so when he did catch a largemouth, he would pick apart that area searching for more. A Greenfish Tackle Bad Little Shad jighead paired with a Fluke-style bait was his best presentation.
He used several different sizes of that jighead throughout the tournament, but he always used one with a 3/0 hook to make sure he kept the bass pegged.
After practice, Clarke did not think he would have a chance to win, but he did locate a small group of big largemouth that ended up being a crucial part of his tournament.
“I had what I would call a magic brushpile,” he explained. “I caught a 6-pounder out of it the first day of practice and I could see there were four more in there. I went back (Day 1), and it took me about 30 minutes, but I caught another one. So, there were three left. I started there this morning, and they were gone.”
That brushpile happened to be in the mouth of a ditch, so Clarke went all the way to the back of the ditch but couldn’t find those bass until he heard a splash behind him.
“About the time I u-turned to go back out, I heard something bust the water,” Clarke said. “And it was right in the reflection of the sun, so I couldn’t see anything. I panned over with my trolling motor and saw two of those bass. I made a really long cast and got the bait to them at 110 feet out.”
Those bass followed his bait back to within 20 feet of the boat before another largemouth Clarke did not see swam up from the bottom to eat his lure. That 6-2 largemouth anchored his bag for the day.
With just two bass in the livewell around 10:30, Clarke hooked up with another big largemouth. After working it to the boat, he was able to lip it and bring it in the boat, where the hook immediately fell out of the bass’s mouth. That 5-10 bass turned out to be the winning catch, as he filled out his limit soon after that.
“If it is your time to win, things happen that don’t happen every day,” he said. “I pulled up there and my second cast, she ate it. Stuff like that doesn’t happen.”
Bunney claimed second in his first Open with a two-day total of 41-4. The 18-year-old Okie landed 22-7 on Day 1 before adding 18-13 to his total on the final day.
Using a Spro RkCrawler crankbait and a ⅜-ounce Queen Tackle Tungsten jighead paired with a Yum Houdini Shad, he picked apart a long, rocky point where the bass were chasing herring in 17 feet of water. A creek channel ran up against that point before running into shallow water. To get some of his better bites, Bunney said he had to crawl his crankbait across some of the bigger chunk rock.
“It was the deepest ledge point before going all the way out,” Bunney explained. “The bass were using it like a ladder to go up or down.”
On Day 1, Bunney caught the majority of his limit early in the morning before letting his primary area rest. On Day 2, things did not heat up until the afternoon hours. With 12 pounds in the livewell around noon, he moved back to his primary area and landed two 5-pounders to bolster his bag.
“We had no wind this morning. I mean, it was absolute glass, and that had everything screwed up,” he said.
Lucas Lindsay, another Auburn graduate, finished third with a two-day total of 39-14. Lindsay landed in the middle of the pack on Day 1 with a daily total of 16-0, but rebounded on Day 2 with a 23-14 limit that was anchored by a 7-5 largemouth, the Big Bass of the Tournament.
On the final day, Lindsay spent most of his time in the Little River, fishing brushpiles, rockpiles or trashpiles holding bass. A Z-Man Scented Jerk ShadZ or a CrushCity Mooch Minnow rigged on an Echo Bait Company jighead caught the majority of his bass.
All anglers earned points towards the Division I standings. At the conclusion of the four-event schedule, the Top 50 anglers in the division will advance to the Elite Qualifier round starting at Lake Champlain in September.
Visit Columbia County hosted the event.
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: St. Croix
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Presenting Sponsor: SEVIIN
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Two 6-pounders carry Clarke to the lead at Clarks Hill
Jan. 24, 2025
EVANS, Ga. — Using lessons learned from last season, Virginia Beach’s Chase Clarke landed a five-bass limit weighing 25 pounds, 14 ounces to take the Day 1 lead at the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Clarks Hill Reservoir presented by SEVIIN.
The former Auburn University angler anchored his bag with two largemouth over 6 pounds, including a 6-8 bucketmouth that claimed Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Day honors.
“I know I’m not going to catch very many. But when they are that size, I’m doing something right,” Clarke said. “It was just one of those days where every decision I made was the right one. Hopefully that happens again tomorrow.”
Oklahoma’s Blaine Bunney holds second place with 22-7 followed by Tennessee’s Christian Nash in third with 22-5.
Winter has been in full swing this week in northeast Georgia, as a winter storm brought as much as 2 inches of snow to the area Tuesday night. That caused unsafe road conditions, leading to the cancellation of the regularly scheduled Day 1 on Thursday and shortening the event to two days. Anglers were greeted to 25-degree temperatures as they launched Friday morning.
With two full days off, though, the Opens pros showed the true potential of Clarks Hill. Nineteen bags over 18 pounds, including four over 20 pounds, hit the scales Friday and 116 limits were caught by the field of 161 anglers.
The 2024 season was Clarke’s first as an Elite Qualifier angler, and one tournament in particular from last year has helped him tremendously this week at Clarks Hill.
“I’m taking what I used at Lake Ouachita (last February) and implementing it here,” he explained. “Even though there aren’t blueback herring in Ouachita, the same thing is working for me.”
Clarke had a solid practice period on Clarks Hill, but as it progressed his daily weights went down. He never imagined a 25-pound bag was possible the way things were going.
“I didn’t think there was any chance. My best day in practice was 18 pounds, but that was the first day. The second day I had 14 and then 12 the last day. I was going downhill throughout practice. But I would pull up and look at some stuff in practice and just leave. I didn’t really know what was there exactly.”
When the tournament finally started on Thursday, Clarke worked his way to a limit by 11 a.m. Shortly after, Clarke made his lone mistake of the day. He landed a 3 ½-pounder that would have helped him, but in the process of culling, he accidentally threw that bass back, costing him a half pound.
“I caught a 2-pounder right after that, which didn’t help,” Clarke said. “I looked up to the clouds wondering, ‘How did I mess this up.’ I looked back down and on my next cast I caught one of the 6-pounders.”
Clarke mixed things up throughout the day, moving back and forth between shallow and deep water. Three baits caught the bulk of his bass — two bottom-contact baits and one bait he suspended in the water column.
Water clarity is a key component to what he is doing.
“I don’t want the clearest water in the lake, but I don’t want it to be super stained either,” Chase explained. “I’m looking for that in-between with 6 or 7 feet of visibility.”
While warmer, the forecast calls for less wind on Saturday, which Clarke thinks might change what his bass are doing.
Bunney, meanwhile, is fishing his first Open. The recent high school graduate is targeting largemouth in deep water using a jighead minnow and forward-facing sonar. He also landed a 4-3 spotted bass.
“Largemouth are what I’m looking for. That is what is going to win,” he said. “I stumbled into something the first day of practice that led me to this.”
While plenty of other competitors are chasing bass feeding on blueback herring, there isn’t much in the way of bait where Bunney is fishing. As the week has progressed, he has noticed the bass sinking lower and lower in the water column.
“You would think the bass would be really (targeting) the bait balls, but they really aren’t. They are kind of just floating in the nothing, the abyss. And they are wanting to push deeper down. When you think they would be 5 feet under the surface, they are 35 feet under the surface in 50 feet of water.”
Hailing from Dale Hollow, Nash got off to a hot start, catching a 4-pounder before filling out his limit in that same pocket. He then caught a 6-pounder out of a brushpile, anchoring his bag for the day.
“I pulled in a pocket this morning and there was someone already there, so I made a slight adjustment and went to another pocket,” he said. “The wind was blowing into a pocket, and I said, ‘Man, that looks good.’”
Nash has utilized forward-facing sonar to catch his bass, which are located between 35 feet of water to 50 feet of water.
“I’m using ¾-ounce and 1-ounce heads. When one sees it, they’ve got it,” he said. “In the mornings, I think the herring get tucked down to the bottom in the creeks. To me, it seemed like the bass just kept going deeper.”
The full field of anglers will launch from Wildwood Park beginning at 7:15 a.m. ET and return for weigh-in beginning at 3:15 p.m. The winner, given they fish all of the events in Division 1, will earn a spot in the 2026 Bassmaster Classic. The Top 50 in points at the end of Division 1 will advance to the Elite Qualifier round, details of which were just announced.
Bassmaster LIVE coverage of the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Clarks Hill Reservoir presented by SEVIIN begins at 8 a.m. Saturday on Bassmaster.com.
Visit Columbia County is hosting the tournament.
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: St. Croix
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Presenting Sponsor: SEVIIN
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Major League Fishing Launches 2025 Phoenix Fantasy Fishing
BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 24, 2025) – Major League Fishing (MLF) is excited to announce the launch of the 2025 Phoenix Fantasy Fishing game, offering fans the ultimate way to engage with the world’s premier bass fishing league. Open now, fishing fans can test their skills by selecting the top anglers at each Bass Pro Tour and Tackle Warehouse Invitational tournament and competing for a chance to win some exciting prizes.
How to Play
The 2025 Phoenix Fantasy Fishing game is free to play and open to legal residents of the contiguous United States who are at least 18 years old. Participants can register at FantasyFishing.com and select ten anglers – five from Flight 1 and five from Flight 2 – to build their team. The goal is to predict the anglers who will achieve the highest cumulative weight of scorable fish during each tournament.
Players can submit their picks during the official entry period before each event. The entry period for the first event of the year, the Bass Pro Tour B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 at Lake Conroe closes at 7:45 a.m. CT on Jan. 30, 2025.
Entries can be updated anytime during the official entry period, but all changes must be saved by clicking the ‘update team’ button. Players are encouraged to double-check their selections prior to the start of the event to account for any last-minute angler replacements.
Scoring and Prizes
Participants’ scores will be determined by the combined weight of fish caught by their selected anglers. The player with the highest total weight at each event will win a Major League Fishing Bait Prize Pack. The two season-long winners of the Bass Pro Tour game and the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals game will each win a coveted Tackle Warehouse Prize Pack, with more than $1,500 worth of various baits, lures, plastics and accessories. In the event of a tie, the winner will be determined by the closest prediction of the total weight of scorable fish caught by the tournament champion.
Engage and Win
Fantasy Fishing offers fans an interactive way to follow the action and root for their favorite anglers. With every cast and catch, players can track their team’s performance and compete against other fans across the country. Leaderboards and updates will be available throughout each tournament, enhancing the excitement of the 2025 Major League Fishing season.
Join the Action
Registration is now open! Don’t miss the opportunity to make your selections and earn your share of the exciting fishing prizes. Points accumulate throughout the season – the more you participate, the more you earn.
Sign up today at FantasyFishing.com and make your picks!
The 2025 Bass Pro Tour season kicks off Jan. 30-Feb. 2, with the B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 Presented by Power-Pole at Lake Conroe in Conroe, Texas. The 2025 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals season launches Feb. 21-23 at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes in Kissimmee, Florida.
For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
MLF Toyota Series Championship on Wheeler Lake Presented by Bass Boat Technologies to Premiere Saturday on CBS Sports
WHAT:
The 2024 Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series Championship on Wheeler Lake Presented by Bass Boat Technologies will premiere this Saturday, Jan. 25, at 11 a.m. ET on CBS Sports Network.
Hosted by the Huntsville-Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Madison County Commission and the Huntsville Sports Commission, the three-day, no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship showcased the nation’s best Toyota Series pros and international anglers competing for a top award of up to $235,000 cash and an invitation to REDCREST 2025– Major League Fishing’s most prestigious event.
WHEN:
Saturday, Jan. 25, 11 a.m. – Noon ET
WHERE:
CBS Sports Network
NOTES:
The event was the culmination of the 2024 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats season, a six-division circuit that offered a path to the 2025 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals and ultimately the Bass Pro Tour.
The 2024 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consisted of six divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern, Southwestern and Western – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International division and the Wild Card. The highest finishing pro from each division at the championship earned a $10,000 bonus.
The 2024 Toyota Series Championship field features the top 25 pros, top 25 Strike King co-anglers and tournament winners from each of the six divisions; the top 25 pros and 25 co-anglers from the Wild Card division plus tournament winners; the highest finishing boater and co-angler from each of the six Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine Regionals and the TBF at the All-American; the top three teams from the College Fishing National Championship; High School Fishing National Champions; TBF National Champions; and MLF International anglers from Canada, Central Europe, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Namibia, Portugal, South Africa, Spain and Zimbabwe.
For complete details and updated information on the Toyota Series visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Toyota Series updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
2025 AFTCO x B.A.S.S. Conservation Grants
SANTA ANA, Ca., January 17, 2025 – The AFTCO x B.A.S.S. Nation Conservation Grant Program continues in 2025 to support conservation initiatives throughout the country. The Conservation Grant Program was created in 2018 to help provide funds to approved freshwater bass conservation projects proposed by B.A.S.S. Nation clubs. To date, AFTCO’s total contribution to this program has exceeded $152,000 in grants. This partnership with B.A.S.S. Nation Conservation has actively contributed to the shared goals of AFTCO and B.A.S.S., fostering community and youth-oriented conservation projects that positively impact local fisheries.
The Grant Program provides financial support for stocking bass, habitat enhancements, and ensuring that bass are properly cared for and returned to lakes and rivers in the best possible condition for future generations to enjoy. These efforts are coordinated locally with the aid of B.A.S.S Nation chapters, governmental fishery management agencies, local businesses, and the valuable support of volunteers and youth organizations contributing their time and labor to the cause. “These grants are a great example of the efforts our B.A.S.S. Nation clubs are putting forth to enhance the fishing in their local lakes and reservoirs. Our state chapters are blessed to be associated with a company like AFTCO that takes conservation to heart. That continued commitment to the B.A.S.S. Nation and to the fishery resources that our sport depends on is unmatched.” — Gene Gilliland, B.A.S.S. Conservation Director
You can submit your conservation proposal HERE. The deadline for entries is March 31, 2025. Proposals will be judged by a panel that includes representatives from B.A.S.S. and AFTCO. Please direct any questions to Gene Gilliland at ggilliland@bassmaster.com.
About AFTCO
Family owned and operated, the American Fishing Tackle Company (AFTCO) represents unparalleled quality, performance, and reliability when it counts most. Worn across the globe, AFTCO's fishing clothing and fishing rain gear is designed to handle the harshest elements. Whether you're a tournament bass angler looking to stay dry in a late fall downpour or an offshore weekend warrior seeking protection from the sun's harmful UV rays, AFTCO keeps you fishing comfortably.
AFTCO reflects a legacy of firsts. From former company Chairman Milt Shedd's pioneering conservation achievements, to the invention of the roller guide and the introduction of the world's first pair of true fishing shorts, AFTCO provides conservation leadership and innovative products proven to deliver performance on the water. Our passion for the outdoors goes beyond our product offering because of an unwavering commitment to help protect our fishing resources and angler rights. Through our 10% Pledge to Protect and Conserve, your purchase of any AFTCO product directly supports conservation initiatives.
Press Contact:
Denny Le
Marketing Manager
denny@aftco.com
Fishin' Tip Friday - Taking the Red Eye with KVD
What a winter blast!
Even in Florida it’s colder than a (insert favorite reference to a well digger or witch here).
But, since y’all like to come down here and start the tournament season way too early every year, we’ve discovered ways to catch fish, quality fish – tournament winning fish – under any conditions.
Tournaments are the best laboratory for the development and exchange of ideas on how to catch ‘em. Kevin VanDam is among the best ever at refining those ideas into cold, hard tournament winnings.
Here’s a great tip he personally shared with me years ago about catching cold water bass in my own home state. I’ve won thousands of dollars doing this during the prespawn period in Florida and I’m sharing it with you now:
“Hey Kevin,” I opened the conversation as he readied his tackle to take on Florida’s Kissimmee Chain and a stout field of fellow Bassmaster Elite Series pros, “when it gets really cold down here, we often slow down and flip or drag soft plastics, but I imagine you’ll be doing something more fun and likely more productive? Lipless crankbait maybe?”
“You bet,” came the reply. “I’m going to work offshore grass beds, hydrilla mostly, with a Redeye Shad. It swims down when paused instead of dropping like a rock. It has a shimmy action that scatters light like a real baitfish. That combination of a slow rate of fall and the lifelike action can be critical in cold, clear water anywhere we fish but these Florida bass can be extra picky, so it makes even more of a difference here.”
“Color can be important here too,” I noted, “what’s the choice for this tourney?”
“Chrome sexy shad,” said VanDam.
It’s a perfect choice. Chrome/blue back and gold/black back have long been staples in Florida and the chrome base with a sexy shad overcoat combines the best of those hues.
If you manage to skate your tow vehicle and boat over the icy roads of North Florida (don’t get to say that very often) and find yourself fishing in Central or South Florida as winter grudgingly gives way to spring, toss a Redeye Shad around grass, submerged and standing, and intercept those big females as they begin to make moves toward the spawning flats, coves and canals.
Remember to lift and drop the lure letting it flutter to the tips of whatever grass you can find. Violent, dip-and-rip form is neither needed nor productive under cold conditions. Just lift and drop and stay in contact with the bait. Fluorocarbon line will transmit vibrations, or lack thereof, even when slack, but if you use braided line – and I often do – be sure to follow the lure with your rod tip to keep the line semi-tight for the purpose of bite detection as slack braid doesn’t telegraph anything, but it will float the lure higher in the water at a given speed, and around grass it blends in nicely so there’s no reason not to use it, especially considering the extra strength it lends when fighting the biggest bass of the year from heavy cover.
You might want to dial back the rod action to a medium heavy or even use a glass or composite cranking stick with a parabolic bend when fishing braided line and any lure that sports treble hooks. This will keep your trophy pinned to the bait during that critical moment when you reach to grab it at boatside – the moment when most big fish are lost. My favorite rod for this these days is a Lew’s Custom Lite (model CLBJR) – it’s 7’4” with a medium heavy backbone and a moderately fast tip. While it boasts just enough stiffness to pop my bait out of the clingy grass tips, it also has enough give it the action to not rip the hooks out while landing fish.
Bundle up and come fish with us in the Snowshine State. And bring those rattling lipless crankbaits!
Peck and Wyle go slow for Bassmaster College Series win at Harris Chain
Jan. 23, 2025
LEESBURG, Fla. — Patience paid off with a double dose of Sunshine State smackdown, as Auburn University’s Jake Peck and Luke Wyle won the Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Harris Chain presented by Bass Pro Shops. Their five-bass limit weighed 23 pounds, 2 ounces.
Topping a field of 231 teams, Peck and Wyle — senior and freshman, respectively — edged Syler Prince and Parker Stalvey of St. Johns River State College by a margin of 1-1. For their efforts, the winners took home the $6,000 top prize.
Notably, Peck notched his second College Series win, after topping the 2022 event at Norfolk Lake, alongside incoming Bassmaster Elite Series rookie Beau Browning. Making his Bassmaster debut, Wyle said the Harris Chain win was an unexpected thrill.
“It’s unbelievable; it doesn’t feel real,” Wyle said. “We really didn’t have any idea we’d even be in contention. We just assumed in Florida there would be big weights and big bags. It was a huge surprise that we ended up on top.”
After a strong cold front brought potentially unsafe weather conditions, including high winds, Tournament Director Glenn Cale postponed Wednesday’s scheduled start and shortened the event to one day. Peck and Wyle made the most of their time by committing to Lake Beauclair and adjusting their tactics to fit the frigid conditions.
“We picked up the trolling motor two times today; we fished eight different waypoints,” Peck said. “We weren’t really making one cast on each waypoint, we were just fishing the area.
“We fished Beauclair in practice, and I caught a 7-pounder on the first day of practice. We decided that we would pick that lake apart during the rest of practice. We went to Lake Griffin one day to keep it honest, and we decided that Lake Apopka was too much of a (time) risk with the lock cycle, so we decided to hunker down in Beauclair.”
As Peck explained, he and his partner targeted prespawn staging fish on shell bars amid sparse grass. The fish would pull up to those spots to feed, so the ones they encountered were generally cooperative — especially Wyle’s 8-pound, 14-ounce difference maker.
“It was toward the end of day, Jake had just caught a 6-pounder about five minutes before that, so we knew we were in a good area,” Wyle said. “We just hunkered down and grinded it out and ended up getting another really big bite.”
The winners caught all of their fish on Neko-rigged green pumpkin Berkley MaxScent Hit Worms. With several competitors sharing the same waters, Wyle said fishing a slow and subtle presentation was critical to tempting their fish.
“There were a lot of people fishing in Beauclair with us and a lot were moving around and fishing fast trying to trigger bites,” Peck said. “For us, waiting for bite windows was more effective. Those big fish were hard to pick off, so we were just waiting for them to come to us.
“With this cold front, we knew we had to slow way down. The majority of my casts took five minutes. In practice they were thumping it. Today, some were thumping, but some bites were just mushy. The fish were not as aggressive today.”
Peck said he and Wyle exercised great patience with their fish, as the feeding groups occasionally required a little more time to settle in for a meal.
“Whenever the fish pulled up to those shell bars they were (usually) ready to eat,” Peck said. “Sometimes you’d see them stationed on the bar, but they weren’t eating yet, so you’d have to wait for that bite window to open up.”
Their double dose of Florida largemouths came on the heels of a forage influx.
“In that instance where I caught a 6 and Luke caught that 8-14, a school of gizzard shad rolled over the top of that shell bar,” Peck said. “For 60 seconds, it got really active and that’s when I caught that 6-pounder.
“The shad kinda stayed around that shell bar for a few minutes and Luke also capitalized on that opportunity. It was just about sitting in an area that you had confidence in. You could sit there for a long time and not get any bites, but when that bite window opened up, it seemed like you could get a few bites pretty quick.”
Syler Prince and Parker Stalvey of St. Johns River State College finished second with 22-1. Committing to Lake Griffin, they threw 1/2-ounce Rat-L-Traps and 1/2-ounce Chatterbaits with 3.5-inch Bass Assassin Lit’l Boss trailers.
“The water temperature dropped 12 degrees, so we slowed way down,” Prince said. “We were dragging the Chatterbait along the bottom. We had to keep the ‘Trap out of the grass, but we were reeling that slowly, too.”
Prince said he and Stalvey had only one keeper at 10 o’clock, but a 10-minute flurry delivered all of their weight.
“We were just making a drift through the grass and we just ran into them,” he said.
Easton Bouma and Zachary Ward of Drury University placed third with 17-13. Working the north side of Lake Griffin, the anglers spent their day working a large grass flat in approximately 5 feet.
“We were throwing 3/8- and 1/2-ounce Chatterbaits in the golden shiner and B. Hite colors with a Yamamoto Zako trailer,” Ward said. “We were just hitting the grass and feathering the bait through the grass enough to where it wouldn’t spook a fish if it was behind the bait.”
Peck and Wyle won the $100 Big Bass award for their 8-14.
New for 2025, the top two highest-finishing teams in the Strike King Bassmaster College Series Bass Pro Shops Team of the Year race as well as each team that stands atop the rankings in the Legends and Lunkers divisions of the College Series will receive the exclusive honor of being named a Bassmaster College All-American. The All-Americans will be honored on the biggest stage in bass fishing, the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission hosted the tournament.
2025 Bassmaster College Series Title Sponsor: Strike King
2025 Bassmaster College Series Presenting Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops
2025 Bassmaster College Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2025 Bassmaster College Series Premier Sponsors: Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster College Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
2025 Bassmaster College Series Youth Sponsors: Seaguar, Shimano
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Major League Fishing Expands International Presence with Addition of Japan to Global Tournament Network
BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 23, 2025) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced today an exclusive licensing agreement with Eisaku Kato to operate MLF events in Japan. Through this partnership, Kato will introduce the MLF format to Japanese anglers starting in 2025 with the launch of the MLF Japan Kasumi BMC Series.
Kato, a long-time advocate for bass fishing in Japan, is the current owner of Big Mouth Club (BMC), and has supported BMC tournaments for many years through his company Bass Pro Support. For over 30 years, BMC has hosted tournaments at some of Japan's largest and most prestigious fisheries, including the expansive Lake Kasumigaura and the Tone River system. Last year, 90 boaters and co-anglers participated in these events, which have become a staple of the Japanese bass fishing community. BMC's transition to the MLF Japan Kasumi BMC Series marks an exciting new chapter in the organization’s legacy, with plans to expand tournament offerings nationwide in the coming years.
“We are thrilled to join the MLF family and bring the MLF format to Japan,” said Eisaku Kato, President of MLF Japan. “This partnership will offer Japanese anglers new and exciting opportunities to compete on the world stage, and I’m confident it will help connect us with the global fishing community. We look forward to working with MLF to create an unforgettable tournament experience for Japanese anglers.”
MLF Japan will debut its first tournament in March of 2025 and will provide anglers the opportunity to advance and compete in the International Division at the MLF Toyota Series Championship. With the addition of Japan, MLF now operates in 20 countries worldwide, further solidifying its position as the global authority in competitive bass fishing.
The top pro award at the Toyota Series Championship is up to $235,000, along with an invitation to REDCREST – the MLF Bass Pro Tour Championship. The top Strike King co-angler award is a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard. The highest finishing pro from the International Division at the Toyota Series Championship will also be awarded a $10,000 bonus as well as qualification into REDCREST and the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals.
“Adding Japan to our list of international partners is an exciting step forward for Major League Fishing,” said Dave Washburn, Vice President of Operations at MLF. “The passion and dedication of Japanese anglers are second to none, and we are eager to bring an MLF presence to this thriving fishing community. With Eisaku Kato’s leadership, the MLF Japan Kasumi BMC Series will provide a premier platform for Japanese anglers to showcase their skills and connect with the global MLF network of anglers.”
2025 MLF Japan Kasumi BMC Schedule:
March 22 Round 1 Ibaraki Prefecture Kasumigaura Tournament Place
April 19-20 Round 2 Ibaraki Prefecture Kasumigaura Tournament Place
June 14-15 Round 3 Ibaraki Prefecture Kasumigaura Tournament Place
July 26-27 Open Lake Biwa
Aug. 30 Round 4 Ibaraki Prefecture Kasumigaura Tournament Place
Sept. 27-28 Round 5 Ibaraki Prefecture Kasumigaura Tournament Place
Nov. 8 Classic Ibaraki Prefecture Kasumigaura Tournament Place
For more information about the MLF Japan Kasumi BMC Series, visit MLFJapan.com. For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and its international partners, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube .
About Big Mouth Club (BMC)
Since its founding in 1994, BMC has hosted bass tournaments at Japan’s largest bass-fishing venues, primarily the expansive Lake Kasumigaura and Tone River system, with occasional events at Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake. BMC promotes sustainable tournaments and has introduced digital weigh-ins to promote catch, weigh and immediate release, benefiting bass conservation during spawning season. BMC’s main sponsor, Bass Pro Support, developed the Smart Scale app, which allows anglers to register catches with digital weight and photos. The app also facilitates registration, fee payment, scoring and real-time ranking.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Kayak Series anglers could enjoy big catches on Kissimmee Chain
Jan. 23, 2025
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Spawning will be on the minds of the largemouth when kayak anglers arrive in central Florida for the Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series at Kissimmee Chain presented by Native Watercraft. The question will be: Are conditions optimal for a bed-fishing bonanza?
Tournament days are scheduled for Feb. 1-2. Competitors will launch from any approved public access on the fishery in this catch-measure-release-style tournament. The top finishers will claim a spot in the 2026 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series National Championship presented by Native Watercraft, and all anglers will earn points toward the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year race.
Made up of six large lakes, the Kissimmee Chain is part of bass-fishing lore. From Bassmaster Classics to Dean Rojas’ record setting 45-pound, 2-ounce single-day catch in Lake Toho, the chain is known for big bass and big bags. St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN pro Bobby Bakewell believes this event will be no different.
“The Kissimmee Chain is good all year,” the Orlando native said. “There is more offshore grass to work with, so the cold fronts don’t affect that bite as much. But the Kissimmee Chain has been fishing well lately. When that chain is popping, it is really popping.”
As with every early-season event in Florida, weather conditions will determine just how good the fishing will be during this event. A new moon is expected a couple of days before the tournament, which will send the bass toward the bank if warm conditions are present.
If a cold front comes through, however, the bass will be less likely to head to their spawning grounds, which will make the Florida-strain largemouth finicky.
“Wind will definitely be a factor,” Bakewell added.
While there are plenty of bass throughout the system, Bakewell anticipates Lake Toho will garner much of the attention for one main reason: lots of hydrilla.
“It has a ton in it right now. Like, boat-lane type of stuff,” he explained. “If anglers can get on a bare spot in the grass, a grass point or a shellbed on a grass patch, they can catch 20 pounds pretty quickly.”
The shallows will also play, as the chain supports strong reed lines, lily pads and other shoreline cover.
“It is a toss-up if someone will win shallow or offshore,” Bakewell said. “It will be harder to stay consistent for two days up shallow, but someone can also catch a 7- to 10-pounder each day shallow, too.”
A multitude of baits could come into play in this event, from Texas-rigged soft plastics and weightless Senkos in the shallows to ChatterBaits, lipless crankbaits and jerkbaits in offshore situations. Punching grass will also be a productive technique.
Experience Kissimmee is hosting the tournament.
2025 Bassmaster Kayak Series Title Sponsor: Newport
2025 Bassmaster Kayak Series Presenting Sponsor: Native Watercraft2025 Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year Sponsor: Dakota Lithium
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
MLF’s Daniel Fennel: From Lake Life to the Big Leagues as Bass Pro Tour Tournament Director
BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 23, 2025) – Fishing has been at the center of Daniel Fennel’s life for as long as he can remember. Now entering his third season as the Bass Pro Tour Tournament Director and celebrating 20 years with Major League Fishing (MLF), he’s turned his passion into a career that resonates with anglers and fans across the country.
“I feel like I’ve been part of this world forever,” said Fennel. “When you grow up with a mom like I did (Kathy Fennel, MLF Executive Vice President and General Manager), you don’t just learn about fishing – you live it. Some of my earliest memories are going to tournament weigh-ins when I was just a little kid.”
Raised in Benton, Kentucky and the heart of tournament-fishing culture, Fennel’s early years were spent tagging along to events, watching his mother lead operations with professionalism and passion. Those experiences laid the foundation for his career. After attending Murray State University, Fennel joined the team in 2005, initially working in the customer service department. It didn’t take long for his talents and enthusiasm to shine through, and he quickly climbed the ranks. Now, as Tournament Director of the Bass Pro Tour, Fennel is responsible for overseeing the logistics, operations, and excitement of MLF’s top circuit.
“I’ve always said that my proudest moments aren’t even my own,” Fennel said. “It’s when I see an angler’s hard work and sacrifices pay off, like watching them hoist a trophy or earn the big cardboard check. Knowing that our team helped create that opportunity is what keeps me going.”
While Fennel’s role as tournament director requires meticulous attention to detail, he thrives on the challenges that come with the job. From managing the takeoffs and takeouts each day to ensuring fair competition, his goal is to provide anglers with a seamless and memorable tournament experience.
“Being on the stage and crowning a champion is one of the most fulfilling parts of my job,” Fennel said. “It’s a culmination of their hard work and sacrifice, and I’m incredibly honored to be a part of those moments.”
Fennel’s lifelong connection to fishing started on the waters of Kentucky Lake, where his father worked as a fishing guide. Long before forward-facing sonar and today’s high-tech gadgets, Fennel spent countless hours dragging Carolina rigs and locating schools of fish with his dad for his upcoming guide trips.
“It was old-school fishing,” Fennel laughed. “A lot of trial and error, but those are some of my favorite memories.”
Fennel’s love for the outdoors wasn’t limited to fishing. Growing up, he dabbled in local fishing tournaments and even directed Tuesday night events during his early career with FLW. He recalls the interoffice rivalries that fueled those events and the trash-talking that ensued each Wednesday morning.
“Let’s just say, winning those bragging rights was priceless,” he joked.
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Fennel leads a vibrant and active life. He and his wife, Amanda, met during high school and have been married for 18 years. Together, they have two sons, Jake, 15, and Jude, 13, both of whom are excelling in athletics. Jake competes in cross country and track, while Jude is passionate about football and basketball.
“They keep us on our toes,” Fennel said. “But it’s awesome to see their love for sports and competition.”
The Fennels are self-proclaimed theme park enthusiasts, often combining summer tournament travel with stops at new roller coasters and attractions across the country. Music has also played a huge role in Fennel’s upbringing. A lifelong music enthusiast, he finds joy in both playing and listening to music.
“Music has always been a driving force in my life,” he said. “It’s something that keeps me grounded and inspired.”
As he reflects on his two decades with MLF, Fennel remains humbled and grateful for the journey.
“I’ve been so fortunate to turn something I love into a career,” he said. “This sport has given me so much – from incredible experiences to lifelong friendships. I’m just proud to be part of it.”
The 2025 Bass Pro Tour season kicks off next week, Jan. 30-Feb. 2, with the B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 Presented by Power-Pole at Lake Conroe in Conroe, Texas.
For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Bass Pro Tour, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 17 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Yamaha Becomes Title Sponsor of the Collegiate All-Academic Team presented by Yamaha
SAN ANTONIO, TX (January 22, 2025) – The Association of Collegiate Anglers announces longtime supporter of college fishing Yamaha Outboards as the title sponsor of the Association of Collegiate Anglers All-Academic Team.
New for the 2024-25 school year, as part of its historic celebration of the 20th season of college bass fishing, the ACA created the All-Academic Team to reward anglers for their success in the classroom. Three anglers are named to the team at each ACA major event, for a total of 12 recipients annually. At the year-end Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship, one of the 12 All-Academic Team members will be named the Academic All-American.
With Yamaha’s support of this program, it will be called the All-Academic Team presented by Yamaha. In partnership, the ACA and Yamaha will award scholarships to the recipients of this prestigious honor. Each of the 12 recipients will be honored on-site at the event for which they were selected. Anglers selected to the All-Academic Team presented by Yamaha will be featured in national television coverage, press releases, social media, and more.
“Yamaha is very honored to be a part of the ACA for our 20th year of sponsorship. College bass fishing has come so far in this time from its early days and humble beginnings. Today the participation is sometimes overwhelming when you attend the events and see how many young anglers are pursuing their dreams,” said Scott Higgins, Marketing Division Manager-Yamaha Outboards. “We are even more pleased with the announcement of the ACA All-Academic Team. This is a great way to reward student anglers that are doing a good job of keeping their studies at a high level and fishing with the college teams. Yamaha wishes all the student anglers the best in their college studies and competitive fishing pursuits.”
“The All-Academic Team presented by Yamaha has been received with overwhelming support from the students, coaches, faculty, and many others,” said Wade Middleton, ACA Director & President of CarecoTV. “It is awesome to see so many nominations sent in for such deserving anglers. These anglers work extremely hard to balance their schoolwork and travel the country competing in bass fishing tournaments. This award is a great way to draw attention to successful student anglers that will go on to be future leaders in the business world!”
With the spring semester set to begin soon, the 2024-25 school year and ACA college fishing season is halfway complete. To this point, a total of six anglers have been named to the All-Academic Team presented by Yamaha. Here are those six anglers:
Briar Dodson – University of Montevallo
Mason Bohland – Purdue University
Jake Krauth – University of North Alabama
Nicholas Howell – Illinois State University
Harmon Marien – McKendree University
Clay Henderson – Drury University
A total of six more anglers will be named to the All-Academic Team presented by Yamaha this season. At the year-end Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship in May of 2025, one of those 12 anglers will be named the 2024-25 Academic All-American.
To nominate an angler, click here.
College anglers set to take on famed Okeechobee
CLEWISTON, Fla. — Big bass always swim in the waters of Lake Okeechobee, and teams fishing the Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Lake Okeechobee presented by Bass Pro Shops will be arriving in south Florida at the perfect time of year to catch giant bags.
“With the new moon, there will be some really big bags caught,” St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN pro Scott Kerslake said. “You are talking in the 27-plus range.”
Tournament days will be Jan. 29-30. Teams will launch from Roland Martin Marina beginning at 7 a.m. and will return for weigh-in starting at 3 p.m. The top 10% of the field will clinch a spot in the Strike King College Series National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops later in the year. This is the first event in the College Series’ Lunkers Trail division. The Lunkers Trail Team of the Year will receive an automatic bid to the College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’s.
New for 2025, the top two highest-finishing teams in the Strike King Bassmaster College Series Bass Pro Shops Team of the Year race as well as each team that stands atop the rankings in the Legends and Lunkers divisions of the College Series will receive the exclusive honor of being named a Bassmaster College All-American. The All-Americans will be honored on the biggest stage in bass fishing, the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
One of the most recognizable names in bass fishing, Lake Okeechobee has long been a big-bass factory. Elite Series pro and Clewiston resident Scott Martin proved that again last February when he caught a staggering three-day total of 90 pounds, 6 ounces during the 2024 St. Croix Bassmaster Open presented by SEVIIN held there.
For anglers like Kerslake who have lived around the lake the longest, Okeechobee is unrecognizable compared to what it once was. Several years of hurricanes have brought lake levels up 4 feet above normal and have stayed there, submerging a lot of the reed lines that were once so productive.
The hurricanes also ripped up plenty of vegetation, while Florida Fish and Wildlife has carried on with their efforts to eliminate hydrilla from the lake.
“The hurricane we had about five years ago, it absolutely ripped all of the hydrilla out of the lake,” the Okeechobee guide explained. “There are no mats or anything like that. If they don’t spray it, there are some good-looking pennywort mats in some areas, and they are trying to plant some eelgrass.”
Despite its size, Lake Okeechobee fishes very small. During the Open last year, 85 to 100 boats were stacked in the Harney Pond area of the lake where Martin ended up catching his winning bags. Kerslake imagines several areas will get that treatment in this tournament as well.
“The general rule is, if you don’t see a boat in that area, there probably aren’t any fish,” Kerslake said. “It fishes really small, especially with the water up and all of the reeds and all of the vegetation depleted.”
When the college teams arrive, the bass will likely be in a prespawn and spawning mode, especially with a new moon occurring during the event. Weather, however, will be the equalizer. If a cold front moves through, Kerslake imagines the bite will be pretty tough. A warming trend will likely send the bass toward their spawning grounds. Water temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees will create ideal conditions for shallow movement.
“What these fish do is they hang around out in the big water chasing the shad schools, and when the moon gets right and they are feeling it, they run to the bank,” Kerslake said. “There is just so much muck on the bottom right now that it is hard to find a hard bottom.”
Senko-style baits, Flukes, ChatterBaits, lipless crankbaits and Texas rigs are some of the most popular baits this time of year, Kerslake said.
Discover Hendry County is hosting the tournament.
2025 Bassmaster College Series Title Sponsor: Strike King
2025 Bassmaster College Series Presenting Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops
2025 Bassmaster College Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2025 Bassmaster College Series Premier Sponsors: Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster College Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
2025 Bassmaster College Series Youth Sponsors: Seaguar, Shimano
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Icy roads force postponement of Bassmaster Open at Clarks Hill Reservoir
Jan. 22, 2025
EVANS, Ga. — Due to unsafe and icy roads, Day 1 of the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Clarks Hill Reservoir presented by SEVIIN has been postponed to ensure the safety of anglers, fans and tournament staff. Tournament officials made the decision after seeking guidance from local authorities.
“With temperatures forecast to drop to 17 to 19 degrees, any areas that have thawed but not dried will refreeze overnight, making conditions unsafe,” said Executive Director of Tournaments Hank Weldon. “Additionally, all local schools are closed for tomorrow, further emphasizing the severity of the situation. While this decision is unfortunate, it is necessary to ensure everyone’s safety.”
The tournament will resume Friday at 7:15 a.m. at Wildwood Park in Appling, Ga., with weigh-in at 3:15 p.m. at the same location. The full field will fish on both days, and the tournament will conclude on Saturday.
Visit Columbia County is hosting the tournament.
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: St. Croix
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Presenting Sponsor: SEVIIN
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Toyota Bonus Bucks - A Family Tradition
Toyota has been supporting bass fishing for over two decades, and they can proudly claim they are the only truck, "That pays you to fish"! The Toyota Bonus Bucks program started in 2008 and has paid out millions to anglers across the country. From top-level professional events, all the way down to the college ranks and weekend events, Toyota owners have been reaping rewards for 17 years and counting! With over 600 events sanctioned, in both bass and walleye, it PAYS to tow with Toyota and it's as simple as Drive a Toyota, Register, Fish, and Redeem. Complete details can be found here.
For the Robinson family, Toyota Tundras have become a family tradition, along with stacking those Bonus Bucks checks, check it out below!
Weather leads to postponement of Day 1 of Bassmaster College Series at Harris Chain
Jan. 22, 2025
LEESBURG, Fla. — Due to potentially unsafe weather conditions, including high winds and rain, Day 1 of the Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Harris Chain presented by Bass Pro Shops has been postponed due to potentially dangerous weather situations. The event will now be a one-day tournament.
B.A.S.S. officials reviewed and considered all weather resources, and tournament officials decided to postpone the first day of competition for the safety and well-being of the college anglers.
The tournament will resume Thursday at 7 a.m. at Venetian Gardens/Ski Beach in Leesburg, Fla., with weigh-in at 3 p.m. at the same location.
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission is hosting the tournament.
2025 Bassmaster College Series Title Sponsor: Strike King
2025 Bassmaster College Series Presenting Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops
2025 Bassmaster College Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2025 Bassmaster College Series Premier Sponsors: Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster College Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
2025 Bassmaster College Series Youth Sponsors: Seaguar, Shimano
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Why Vexus Wednesday - Catching up with Cox
By Vance McCullough - AC Insider
John Cox has forged a brilliant bass tournament career from aluminum boats.
He can run any brand, any model he choses and he has chosen the Vexus AVX2100.
Why?
“I just fished a redfish tournament with (fellow bass pro and erstwhile redfish competitor) Keith Carson out of the new ACX2210 and I am completely in love with that boat. I have never been in a boat that rides that nice and still gets back in the shallows so well – everything you want to do. It rides the rough water, gets up nice in a chop. It’s a 22-foot boat and it floats in shin-dep water with a 250 on it. It’s the best of all worlds.
“Now I’m picking up my AVX2100. It’s the 2nd one off the assembly line,” said Cox, driving from Arkansas enroute to South Carolina to get his new prize wrapped for the upcoming Bassmaster Elite season. He will also put the boat to the test on the NPFL tournament trail as well as some select Major League Fishing events.
“It’s a very similar hull to that ACX center console but this one’s a bass layout. I haven’t put this one in the water yet but that first prototype one that we ran, I mean it is incredible.
“Super fast.
“When you’re in the cockpit it has that ride and feel of a glass boat with all the benefits of aluminum. I mean I’m pulling it right now, 75 miles per hour, watching my gas gauge and it’s not moving.”
At first blush people often take a Vexus aluminum model for a fiberglass boat. Such is the case with Cox’s new ride.
“You have to go over and tap on it to see that it’s aluminum. It’s a great boat.”
The compartments stay dry. “Even after I pressure washed it my rods stayed dry in the lockers.”
“Keith Carson was like ‘wait ‘til you get to the trailer’ and was like ‘I can’t see a trailer making that big of deal’ but all the miles I’ve already driven it, man, I’m telling you it tracks so true. Each trailer is built custom for that boat. A lot of plants don’t do that. A lot of plants have certain trailers and they just throw the boat on there. At Vexus they’re making it exactly for that boat. You can really tell when you’re pulling it around. I’m pulling it with a regular 4-wheel drive Tundra and you forget it’s back there.”
Aside from manufacturing a superior boat and trailer here in the USA, Cox says the real magic at Vexus is the people behind the product.
“They’re very meticulous. The checked over everything again before I left with the boat. I really like the effort the group there puts in.
“So listen,” says Cox, “I got to the plant at 6:45 this morning. It was just getting light, and they were rolling wide open in there. Everybody was going. I was impressed.
“It was 9 degrees this morning!”
Cox says the team at Vexus is always brainstorming and discussing improvements. “A lot of places you go to, you don’t hear anybody arguing at all, don’t hear anybody debating anything. You go to that plant and people aren’t afraid to share their opinions. I think that’s what helps them dial-in the boat. Every build, they’re making it better. I love when we get in there and we all start talking about ‘we should change this’ or ‘we should do something like that’. It’s really neat, trying to piece together the puzzle of building the perfect boat.
“This boat, the 2100, I was in there 9 months ago and we were talking about it. I was looking at the 2210 then and I was like ‘I want that hull in a bass boat’. They built it, called me up and said ‘you want to go run one?’ I can’t wait to get it out there!
“This one’s got a nice V bottom up front that rides so good and more of a mod V as you get to the back. You stand on that front deck and it floats so shallow.”
Long known as the hardest fishing man in the bass tournament world, Cox has embraced redfish tournaments now too. He and Carson have already qualified for the National Redfish Tour Championship. The two pros are about to put the hurt on a bunch of bass – and competing anglers – across the country as well this season.
Form brackish backwaters to bass laden impoundments, Cox will make his money from a Vexus.
The Wait Is Over: MLF Bass Pro Tour Returns Next Week at Lake Conroe
Field of 66 Anglers Ready to Compete for Top Prize of $150,000 at B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 Presented by Power-Pole
CONROE, Texas (Jan. 22, 2025) – All eyes will be on Lake Conroe next week, Jan. 30 – Feb. 2, when Major League Fishing (MLF) kicks off the 2025 Bass Pro Tour (BPT) season with the B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 Presented by Power-Pole.
Hosted by Visit Conroe, the four-day tournament will feature a field of 66 top professional anglers, including reigning Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) Jacob Wheeler, REDCREST 2024 Champion Dustin Connell, and fan-favorites Ott DeFoe and Edwin Evers, who won the last time the BPT visited Lake Conroe in 2019. Six Texas pros will also be looking to defend their home turf as they compete for a boosted $150,000 top prize at each tournament, a share of the $6.49 million season purse, and valuable AOY points in hopes of qualifying for the General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2026, the Bass Pro Tour championship.
This event will mark the second time that the MLF’s top level, the Bass Pro Tour, has visited Lake Conroe. The tour last visited in 2019, the second event of its inaugural season. In that event Oklahoma’s Evers won by flipping his way down the bank with a black and blue Berkley PowerBait Pit Boss, picking out small indentations and grassy, undercut banks and flipping his bait as close to the bank as he could. He also caught some key fish on a vibrating jig.
California pro Brent Ehrler has only fished Conroe a handful of times but may have the best résumé on the lake of anyone in the field. He finished third there in the 2017 Bassmaster Classic and fourth at the 2019 BPT stop. Ehrler believes that the lake’s multitude of options make it a very good tournament fishery.
“About two-thirds of the lake is completely developed, and there’s so much available cover that it can be hard to pinpoint the fish,” he said. “It’s completely covered with docks, seawalls and dredged-out canals that it can almost be hard to figure them out because there’s so many potential targets. The northern section is the same, but undeveloped and all rock, brush and trees. That’s not counting the marinas and offshore brushpiles; the lake has almost everything.”
Ehrler hasn’t been to Conroe since the BPT event in 2019, but he knows what the lake is capable of.
“It’s known as a big-fish lake, and that time of year, we’re likely to see the biggest bass we’ll see all year,” he said. “It’s never been a numbers lake in my experience, but the chance to catch a huge one is always there.”
Ehrler expects many different techniques to be a factor. Nothing should be off the table at this event.
“You name it – you can catch them on just about anything on that lake and that time of year,” he said. “You can crank or throw a ChatterBait or jerkbait there, but you can also fish a shaky head or drop-shot. There will also be guys throwing a jig and Carolina rig and catching fish.”
Ehrler expects forward-facing sonar to play a factor, but the new rules limiting its use to just one period each day should mitigate its impact.
“I’m sure guys will catch them with LiveScope, and it’s never really been a factor here because all of the other tournaments were before we all had it,” Ehrler said. “I know it won’t be won solely with forward-facing sonar because we’re now limited. You’ll have to find ways to catch some in those other two periods.”
Anglers will arrive each morning at 5:30 a.m. CT to the Outlets at Conroe, located at 1111 League Line Road in Conroe. The Bass Pro Tour trailering policy has been enacted for this event, so anglers will depart the Outlets each morning at 6:30 a.m. to one of five optional launch ramps located around the fishery. Anglers will return to the Outlets at Conroe each evening, following the end of competition at 4 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com .
On Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 1-2, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF welcomes fans of all ages to visit the Outlets at Conroe for the MLF Fan Experience & Watch Party. Fans can watch the pros live on the MLFNOW! big screen, enjoy free food, enter to win hourly giveaways and cheer on their favorite pros. The first 50 kids 14 and under will receive a free rod and reel each day. The Bass Pro Tour anglers will be on hand both days to meet and greet fans, sign autographs and take selfies.
The B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 at Lake Conroe Presented by Power-Pole will feature anglers competing with a 1-pound, 8-ounce minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. The MLF Fisheries Management Division determines minimum weights for each body of water that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.
The 2025 Bass Pro Tour features a field of 66 of the top professional anglers in the world, competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and the REDCREST 2026 championship.
The full field of anglers will compete in the two-day Qualifying Round on Thursday and Friday. After the two-day Qualifying Round is complete, the pro with the highest two-day total will advance directly to Sunday’s Championship Round. Anglers that finish 2nd through 20th will advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the remaining anglers compete to finish in the top nine to advance to Sunday’s Championship Round. In the final-day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $150,000.
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on the final four days of competition from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. MLFNOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app and Rumble.
Television coverage of the B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 at Lake Conroe Presented by Power-Pole will premiere as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Aug. 30 on Discovery, with the Championship Round premiering the following Saturday on Sept. 6. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on Outdoor Channel.
For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Bass Pro Tour, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 17 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Bill Lowen Joins Zoom Bait Company Pro Team
Elite Series Pro to Fish for Leading Soft Plastic Manufacturer
Brookville, Ind. – January 22, 2025 – Talk to Brookville, Ind. Bassmaster Elite Series pro Bill Lowen about his lure offerings and he will tell you that soft plastic baits are an integral part of his fishing whenever he is on the water. Whether he is using his trademark swim jig or fishing ultra shallow water – which is where you’ll find him the majority of the time – a Texas Rigged soft plastic bait is going to be included.
With the soft plastic category being vital to his success as a professional, it makes sense that when he had the opportunity to partner with a new brand, Lowen would select the leading soft plastic manufacturer in the fishing industry, Zoom Bait Company. “I cannot tell you how many fish I’ve caught on Zoom Baits since I started fishing, let alone since I began my career 21 years ago,” said Lowen. “I don’t care what companies anglers represent, there are always several bags of Zoom Bait in the boat, and it’s been that way for me too.”
Lowen said there is a sense of pride in wearing that Zoom oval on his jersey. “Zoom Baits is one of the true iconic brands in our sport that has created the standard in many lure categories and in color development,” he said. “From the Big Salty Chunk, to the Super Fluke, to the Trick Worm and the Ultravibe Speed Craw – to name a few, Zoom has been an important part of my fishing, and now the brand is a part of my career officially, I am very excited to represent this brand.”
Chris Baxter, Product Manager at Zoom Bait Company said that adding Lowen was easy. “Bill’s dedication and success on the water align perfectly with Zoom’s commitment to providing performance-driven baits,” said Baxter. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Zoom Bait family.”
Follow Lowen as he competes on the 2025 Bassmaster Elite Series and National Professional Fishing League schedules. For more about Zoom Bait Company, visit https://zoombait.com.
About Bill Lowen:
Bill Lowen is a professional angler on the Bassmaster Elite Series entering his 21st season competition in B.A.S.S. competition. Known as a shallow water angler, Lowen has built a reputation as the premier swim jig fisherman in the business and has displayed those skills throughout his career. Although he is deserving of this reputation, he is wildly versatile as an angler, evidenced by his “Dollar Bill” nickname, given to him for his ability to finish in the money most of the events he enters. In his career, Lowen has finished in the top 10 22 times, qualified for 11 trips to the Bassmaster Classic, is an Elite Series Champion and posted nearly $1.6 million in career earnings.
Lowen resides in Brookville, Ind. with his wife Jennifer, daughter Neveah and son Fischer. He is an avid outdoorsman with a burning passion for waterfowl hunting and hunting in general during the offseason. Lowen is sponsored by Xpress Boats, Yamaha Motors, Drake Waterfowl, Mossy Oak, RAILBLAZA, Lure Parts Online, Seaguar, T-H Marine, Ark Fishing International, Lakewood Products, ZOOM Baits, Grosse Savanne, BOSS Shot Shells, HUMMINBIRD, MINN KOTA, Impulse Lithium and Weida’s Marine. Follow Lowen on his website at http://billlowen.com/ and on his social media channels: https://www.facebook.com/TurtleLowen/ and https://www.instagram.com/billlowenfishing/.
B.A.S.S. announces 2025 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers schedule
Jan. 21, 2025
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. has announced the schedule for the 2025 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers series, and the slate offers up three of the hottest fisheries in the country for anglers to compete for the opportunity to walk across bass fishing’s biggest stage.
For the 2025 season, the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN evolved into an eight-event season comprised of two divisions, each featuring four tournaments. Anglers placing in the Top 50 in each division’s Angler of the Year race will advance to the newly installed Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers series. This stand-alone series will feature three events, spanning from September through November, to qualify anglers for the Bassmaster Elite Series.
“This schedule is strong and will be a challenge for the group moving from the Opens to the EQs,” said Executive Director of Tournaments Hank Weldon. “It’s a diverse schedule, and I think we’re catching each of those fisheries at a really good time for anglers and fans alike. I’m looking forward to seeing how the new EQs shake out this year.”
The first EQ event is scheduled for Sept. 18-20 at Lake Champlain in Plattsburgh, N.Y. Champlain checked in at No. 6 in the Northeastern Division of Bassmaster Magazine's 2024 100 Best Bass Lakes list. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass are abundant in this lake that features everything from shallow grass to deep, rocky structure.
Next up is Pickwick Lake in Counce, Tenn., Oct. 2-4. Giant largemouth, smallmouth and spots can fill a bag on this body of water which ranked ninth in the Southeastern Division of Bassmaster Magazine’s 100 Best Bass Lakes list, and bags of more than 25 pounds are the norm.
The third and final EQ stop on the slate will be Nov. 13-15 at Lake Okeechobee in Clewiston, Fla. Okeechobee is known for giant largemouth — just ask Bassmaster Elite Series pro Scott Martin who, in the 2024 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN season-opener at Lake Okeechobee set an Opens record for the heaviest one-day bag with the massive 33-pound, 2-ounce limit he weighed in on Day 1 of the event. Martin went on to set another Opens’ record at the same event for heaviest winning catch with a three-day total of 90 pounds, 6 ounces.
In addition to the 100 anglers qualifying from both divisions of the Opens, all current Bassmaster Elite Series anglers will be eligible to compete in the Elite Qualifiers, as well as the second- and third-place finishers from the 2024 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance.
B.A.S.S. remains committed to the “win and you’re in” concept for the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour. Anglers who fish every event in a division of the Opens will receive a berth to the Classic if they win an event. The same applies to the three-event EQ series, taking the total to 11 berths to the Classic, which is an increase of two berths from years past.
Also new for 2025, the number of anglers who will qualify for the Elite Series has been increased to 10 (nine qualified in each of the past two years). Additionally, the EQ series rules will mirror those of the Elite Series, meaning the “no-info rule” is currently in effect and soliciting information for these bodies of waters is now prohibited.
EQ entry fees will be $3,500 per event. For full details please visit Bassmaster.com.
2025 Elite Qualifiers
Sept. 18-20, Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh, N.Y.
Oct 2-4, Pickwick Lake, Counce, Tenn.
Nov. 13-15, Lake Okeechobee, Clewiston, Fla.
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: St. Croix
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Presenting Sponsor: SEVIIN
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Travel Tuesday - The First Trip of 2025!
By Pete Robbins - Half Past First Cast
We got home from our fifth trip to Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge at 1:30 this morning. I haven’t even unpacked yet (except for the Yeti cooler full of yellowfin fillets that went straight into our freezer) but I’m still on a high. We had a fantastic group of 20 anglers, calm seas, great multispecies action, and incredible service. Some of our traveling party who were traveling through Atlanta got waylaid by the southeast’s snowpocalypse, but fortunately they all seemed to take it in good spirits.
I’m probably starting to sound like a broken record by this point, but it bears repeating that if you are looking for a bucket list fishing trip this is one you must consider. If you’re a hard core bass angler, it’s the best topwater fishing you can possibly imagine. If you’re a novice but love great scenery and want to catch a bunch of different species, this is the place to do it. It’s safe, and while it’s not inexpensive, it’s a solid value. We won’t be heading back until the spring of 2025, so that gives you plenty of time to save if you want to join us on a hosted trip. If you can’t wait that long, we’re happy to send you down before then. Either way, just shoot us an email so you don’t miss out.
We’ll be posting more detailed content about the trip in the coming days. In the meantime, enjoy some pictures. If they don’t whet your appetite, you’re either a non-angler or have no pulse.
Toyota ShareLunker Partners with AFTCO on New ‘Guide of the Year’ Award
ATHENS – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Toyota ShareLunker Program are partnering with AFTCO on a new promotion to recognize a fishing guide who contributes to conservation and enhancement of largemouth bass in Texas.
The AFTCO Guide of the Year award is open during the entire ShareLunker season. The winning guide will be announced on Toyota ShareLunker social media channels by the following April. The winner of the AFTCO Guide of the Year award will receive $500 worth of AFTCO gear of their choice, a $500 cash prize and be recognized at the Toyota ShareLunker VIP banquet in the fall.
“With a chance to win $500 worth of AFTCO gear of their choosing and $500 cash prize, this promotion underscores the importance of conservation, and the invaluable role that guides can play in preserving Texas’s bass populations,” said Natalie Goldstrohm, Toyota ShareLunker program coordinator. “Fishing guides can play a pivotal role in the Toyota ShareLunker Program’s mission to engage the public in the promotion and enhancement of Lunker bass fishing in Texas public waters.”
To be considered for the AFTCO Guide of the Year Award, the guide’s clients that catch a ShareLunker-sized bass (a largemouth bass weighing eight pounds or measuring more or 24 inches or longer) on a guided trip must enter their catch into the ShareLunker database or website in accordance with program rules. The client must indicate their fish was caught during a guided trip and include their guide’s name. The client must submit their ShareLunker data and are encouraged to submit a DNA sample to the Toyota ShareLunker Program for their guide to be considered.
“The number of ShareLunker sized bass that guides encounter is considerable,” added Goldstrohm. “By having clients reporting these catches and providing the much-needed DNA samples, TPWD biologists can better manage Lunker populations, better understand bass populations and evaluate Lone Star bass stockings.”
The guide must have held at the time of catch a valid fishing license (unless exempt), a valid fishing guide license in Texas and not have any current or pending fish and wildlife violations. All guides mentioned during ShareLunker catch submissions will be considered for the AFTCO Texas Bass Guide of the year. All eligible guides will be contacted in January 2025 to fill out the application form that highlights their accomplishments and contributions to bass conservation. Application forms should be completed by guides by Feb. 28, 2025.
A review committee will use a scoring rubric to evaluate guides based on the established criteria.
AFTCO, a partner with the Toyota ShareLunker program, is committed to conservation and the preservation of fishing resources. Freshwater conservation efforts at the local level are focused on the support of state agencies and regional projects through their bass fishing conservation grant programs. At the national level, AFTCO supports the placement of artificial and natural fish habitats, lake cleanups, the Bass Bus Live Release Boat and their Fish Care 101 education content. Additional information on AFTCO’s conservation initiatives can be found on their conservation website.
"We have had a great relationship with TPWD to this point and look forward to expanding our relationship with them in 2025 and beyond,” said Casey Shedd, President AFTCO. “Conservation is a core principle of AFTCO and it's great to build on that with a great partner like TPWD.”
During the first three months of the season (Jan. 1 — March 31), anglers who reel in a 13-plus pound bass can loan it to TPWD for the ShareLunker selective breeding and stocking program. These anglers can call the ShareLunker hotline at (903) 681-0550 to report their catch 24/7 through March 31, 2025.
Anglers that catch and loan a 13-plus pound lunker earn Legacy Class status, receive a catch kit filled with merchandise, a 13lb+ Legacy decal for their vehicle or boat, VIP access to the Toyota ShareLunker Annual Awards event, a high-quality replica mount of their fish from Lake Fork Taxidermy, ShareLunker branded apparel provided by AFTCO, and Bass University will provide a swag pack and annual subscription. These anglers also receive entries into two separate drawings – a Legacy Class Drawing and the year-end Grand Prize Drawing. Both drawings will award the winner a $5,000 Bass Pro Shops shopping spree.
The year-round Toyota ShareLunker program offers anglers three additional levels of participation for catching bass over eight pounds or 24 inches in Texas public waters. Each of these levels provide vital data to TPWD fisheries biologists, helping them to continue to create bigger, better bass in Texas.
Anglers who enter data for any lunker they catch greater than eight pounds or 24 inches also receive a catch kit, a decal for their vehicle or boat, a one-month subscription to Bass University and an entry into the year-end Grand Prize Drawing to win a $5,000 Bass Pro Shops shopping spree. ShareLunker entry classes include the Bass Pro Shops Lunker Class (8 lb.+), Strike King Elite Class (10 lb.+) and Lew’s Legend Class (13 lb.+).
Once a lunker is reeled in, anglers need to enter the catch data on the Toyota ShareLunker mobile app – available for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play – or on the Toyota ShareLunker online app at TexasSharelunker.com.
In addition to providing basic catch information, anglers have the option to send a DNA scale sample from their lunker bass to TPWD researchers for genetic analysis. Anglers who contribute a sample to the program will receive a Lew’s baitcast reel valued at up to $200 while supplies last, with a limit of one reel per angler. Anglers who send in a genetic sample will also get a three-month subscription to Bass University. Instructions for submitting DNA samples are located on the Toyota ShareLunker website.
The Toyota ShareLunker Program is made possible in part by the generous sponsorship of Toyota. Toyota is a longtime supporter of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation and TPWD, providing major funding for a wide variety of fisheries, state parks and wildlife projects.
Additional vital program support comes from Legend class category prize sponsor Lew’s, Elite class category prize sponsor Strike King, Lunker class category prize sponsor Bass Pro Shops, AFTCO, Bass Forecast, Bass University and Lake Fork Taxidermy. For updates on the Toyota ShareLunker Program, visit facebook.com/sharelunkerprogram/, https://www.instagram.com/TexasShareLunker/ or TexasSharelunker.com.
Media Contacts: TPWD Press Office, 512-389-8030, news@tpwd.texas.gov
A student angler bonus program to Bragg about
High school angler Caige Bragg of Trussville, AL is not a boastful young man, despite the fact he’s fast proving himself as one of America’s most talented young bass anglers. He’s got the Vexus® Varsity trophy banners, and $500 Tackle Warehouse gift cards to prove it.
The 17-year old Springville High School junior registered for the Vexus® Boats Varsity program that rewards qualifying high school anglers who win their sanctioned event while competing out of any Vexus. Winners earn a $500 gift card from Tackle Warehouse, along with a cool banner to hang in their boat garage or bedroom.
Bragg has cashed-in twice thus far, both times by winning on Lake Neely Henry, including most recently just before Christmas in an Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation High School event where he caught his winning fish using Garmin forward-facing sonar on the south end of the Coosa River impoundment.
His dad, Jade, who clears utility easements for a living purchased the Vexus AVX2080 aluminum tournament rig from Freedom Marine at Lake Guntersville and serves as his talented son’s boat captain.
“It’s an aluminum boat, but it truly feels just like a fiberglass boat as far as how smooth it rides. Plus, it floats super shallow, and that’s really helpful for getting into all the crazy little backwater areas along the Coosa River,” says the younger Bragg.
He also says the really wide front deck on their Vexus is ideal for two anglers fishing shoulder-to-shoulder all day, and that unlike some aluminum boats, their AVX2080 has tons of dry storage and an ice chest that keeps ice frozen for two days amid the Alabama heat.
When asked what he’s planning to buy with his most recent Tackle Warehouse gift cards, you guessed it, Bragg says more soft plastic minnows and jig heads for use with forward-facing sonar, and possibly a glide bait too.
The folks at Vexus are proud of this young angler’s success. He’s living proof that you can win large tournaments out of an aluminum boat and stay humble, even when your last name is Bragg, as you collect trophy banners and Tackle Warehouse gift cards.
To learn more, and to get singed-up, please visit https://vexusboats.com/vexus-varsity/.
ABT 100 Lake Guntersville Adams and Whitehead Win with 28.49 pounds
Keachi’s Howe Earns First Career Phoenix Bass Fishing League Win at Toledo Bend
Sulphur’s Gilder Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
MANY, La. (Jan. 20, 2025) – Boater Evan Howe of Keachi, Louisiana, caught a five-bass limit weighing 27 pounds even Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Toledo Bend Reservoir . The tournament was the second event of the season for the BFL Cowboy Division. Howe earned $3,804 for his victory.
According to Howe, Toledo Bend has been red hot all winter. Prior to the tournament, he’d been catching plenty of fish out deep using forward-facing sonar. But come competition day, those fish were gone. His counter was to rely on his experience on the lake, running and gunning drains to look for new fish.
“I just went back on history and figured out where the shad were and started scoping around them,” he said. “(I was targeting) any kind of drain with timber that had shad in it. Honestly, you would scope through it and see only one or two fish worth throwing at. I had to keep jumping drains to find enough fish to throw at.”
Howe says he eventually found fish up shallower in the drains, but “shallower” is relative. They were still in 30 feet of water. It was just a matter of covering enough water to find the right caliber of fish. Things started slowly, with Howe putting only about 5 pounds in the livewell by 9 a.m. Once he found the better-quality fish, though, Howe was able to box 20 pounds by 10 a.m. By 1 p.m., he had 27.
“I ended up catching a few good ones, but they were not biting well,” added Howe. “I had a lot followers. A lot that just nipped at the tail. They wouldn’t get the whole bait.”
Howe caught his fish using a Damiki rig with a Rapala Crush City Freeloader soft plastic.
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Evan Howe, Keachi, La., five bass, 27-0, $3,804
2nd: Cole Moore, Anacoco, La., five bass, 24-0, $1,902
3rd: Colby Miller, Elmer, La., five bass, 23-1, $1,767 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
4th: Tater Reynolds, Florien, La., five bass, 21-8, $888
5th: Robert Lafitte, Many, La., five bass, 20-13, $1,266
6th: Caden Alexander, Huntington, Texas, five bass, 19-13, $697
7th: Zane Parker, Kingwood, Texas, five bass, 19-6, $634
8th: Frank Canizaro, Mansfield, La., five bass, 19-5, $571
9th: Jacob Callahan, Yantis, Texas, five bass, 18-4, $507
10th: Cal Cameron, Nacogdoches, Texas, five bass, 17-13, $444
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Robert Lafitte of Many, Louisiana, caught a bass that weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $505.
Eddy Gilder of Sulphur, Louisiana, won the Strike King co-angler division and $2,154 Saturday, after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 11 pounds, 4 ounces.
The top 11 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Eddy Gilder, Sulphur, La., three bass, 11-4, $2,154
2nd: Leavitt Hamilton, Gonzales, La., three bass, 10-1, $951
3rd: Gary Medley, Vidor, Texas, three bass, 9-4, $634
4th: Mark Sterling, Hornbeck, La., three bass, 8-15, $444
5th: Shane Landry, Winnie, Texas, three bass, 8-14, $380
6th: Logan Slaughter, Dallas, Texas, three bass, 8-0, $349
7th: James Wright, Hamshire, Texas, three bass, 7-14, $317
8th: Chris Harrell, Conroe, Texas, three bass, 7-4, $285
9th: Joe Perez, Kemp, Texas, three bass, 6-11, $225
9th: Cole Allen, Taylor, Ark., three bass, 6-11, $325
9th: Adam Brister, Meadville, Miss., three bass, 6-11, $225
Gilder also earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $252, catching a bass that weighed in at 6 pounds, 8 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After two events, Cole Moore of Anacoco, Louisiana, now leads the Fishing Clash Cowboy Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 497 points, while Gary Medley of Vidor, Texas, leads the Fishing Clash Cowboy Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 495 points.
The third event of the year for BFL Cowboy Division anglers will be held Feb. 15, at Toledo Bend out of Zwolle, Louisiana. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
The top 60 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 24-25 BFL Regional tournament on Lake Eufaula in Eufaula, Oklahoma. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $20,000.
The 2025 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 134 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 60 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, will advance to one of 12 BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top three, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2025 BFL All-American will take place May 29-31, 2025, at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is hosted by hosted by Visit Hot Springs and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.
Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Li Time Batteries, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Vosker, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 17 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
West Columbia’s Murphy Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event on Lake Murray
Columbia’s McClinton Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
PROSPERITY, S.C. (Jan. 20, 2025) – Boater Lucas Murphy of West Columbia, South Carolina, caught a five-bass limit weighing 26 pounds, 10 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Murray . The tournament, hosted by Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board, was the first event of the season for the BFL South Carolina Division. For his victory, Murphy earned $5,886, including a $2,500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus.
“We had a big front come through at 10 o’clock,” Murphy said. “I caught probably two of my fish before it and three of them after, but all pretty close to it. I caught most of them shallow on a lipless crankbait and a few out deep on a brush pile with a drop-shot.”
In the morning, when the wind was cooking, Murphy took advantage of the conditions with the lipless crank – a 1/2-ounce Strike King Red Eye Shad in a red craw pattern – fishing in 5 feet of water or less.
“I was just kind of chasing the wind on rocky banks,” he said. “Wherever the wind was hitting the bank, if it’s got rock on it you start fishing it. Two of the three big crankbait fish I caught off of places I never caught a fish off of in my life. I just fished it because it set up right.”
Post-front, the sun eventually came out, and that’s when Murphy adjusted to fishing brush piles in 25 to 30 feet of water with a 5-inch Strike King Filler Worm on a drop-shot. Altogether, he landed about a dozen keepers, he had to cover quite a bit of water to catch them. Murphy says the fish are really spread out in Lake Murray this season.
“I caught ’em all over the place,” he said. “I do fish the lake a lot, so I kind of just have some areas and some sweet spots. I started mid-lake and just kind of fished my way down to the dam. I feel like I’d make a move to an area and catch a big one and fish a little bit, then make a move to another area and catch another big one.
“I ran into a few of the great big ones,” he added. “I caught my big fish – a 7 1/4 – and it’s the biggest fish I ever caught in a tournament. I caught that one and was feeling pretty good.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Lucas Murphy, West Columbia, S.C., five bass, 26-10, $5,886 (includes $2,500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
2nd: Andy Wicker, Pomaria, S.C., five bass, 23-7, $2,118
3rd: Wesley Sandifer, Chapin, S.C., five bass, 22-13, $1,129
4th: Michael Murphy, Gilbert, S.C., five bass, 22-8, $790
5th: Brandon Jeffcoat, Columbia, S.C., five bass, 20-0, $677
6th: Shane Lineberger, Lincolnton, N.C., five bass, 19-7, $621
7th: Derek Lehtonen, Woodruff, S.C., five bass, 19-3, $564
8th: Matt Messer, Warfield, Ky., five bass, 19-0, $508
9th: Andrew Blanton, Chesnee, S.C., five bass, 18-15, $451
10th: Will Alewine, Newberry, S.C., five bass, 18-6, $395
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Andy Wicker of Pomaria, South Carolina, caught a bass that weighed 9 pounds, 8 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $425.
Zahreed McClinton of Columbia, South Carolina, won the Strike King co-angler division and $1,668 Saturday, after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 13 pounds, 7 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Zahreed McClinton, Columbia, S.C., three bass, 13-7, $1,668
2nd: Kate Hough, Prosperity, S.C., three bass, 10-7, $834
3rd: Trent Carey, York Springs, Pa., three bass, 9-5, $558
4th: Thomas Pennell III, Boiling Springs, S.C., three bass, 8-14, $389
5th: Greg Clayton, York, S.C., three bass, 8-9, $334
6th: Coeltryn Kirkland, Lexington, S.C., three bass, 8-6, $306
7th: Kodell Keels, Columbia, S.C., one bass, 8-2, $483
8th: Rodney Tapp, Inman, S.C., three bass, 7-14, $250
9th: Todd Huntley, Inman, S.C., three bass, 7-13, $222
10th: Robert Adams, Greensboro, N.C., three bass, 7-8, $195
Kodell Keels of Columbia, South Carolina, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $205, catching a bass that weighed in at 7 pounds, 13 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
In addition to the win, Lucas Murphy also now has the early lead in the Fishing Clash South Carolina Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 250 points, while co-angler winner Zahreed McClinton leads the Fishing Clash South Carolina Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 250 points.
The next event for BFL South Carolina Division anglers will be held Feb. 1, at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
The top 60 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 3-4 BFL Regional tournament at Lake Norman in Huntersville, North Carolina. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $20,000.
The 2025 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 134 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 60 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, will advance to one of 12 BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top three, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2025 BFL All-American will take place May 29-31, 2025, at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is hosted by hosted by Visit Hot Springs and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.
Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Li Time Batteries, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Vosker, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 17 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Reigning Bassmaster Kayak Series champion heats up desert to win at Lake Havasu
Jan. 19, 2025
LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. — While most of the United States prepared for a polar blast on Sunday, Drew Gregory was heating up the Arizona desert on the closing day of the Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series at Lake Havasu presented by Native Watercraft.
Gregory, a 45-year-old resident of Kent, Ohio, earned a come-from-behind win in the two-day tournament, the first derby of the 2025 Bassmaster season. His total of 10 bass measuring 165.25 inches was 2.25 inches better than Utah’s Caymen Rasmussen, who finished second with 163 total inches.
Gregory, who won the 2024 Yahama Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship scored by TourneyX on Oklahoma’s Lake Tenkiller, measured five smallmouth bass on Day 1 at Havasu for an 83.50 inch total. He followed with another limit (this time four smallmouth and one largemouth) totaling 82 inches, which was enough to slip into the pole position and take the season-opening victory on this 19,800-acre reservoir on the Arizona/California border.
Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but as he often does, Gregory found a way to win and claimed $7,000 on Sunday.
“It was very tough this week,” he said. “But you know, that’s typical. Anywhere in winter, except maybe Florida, it’s gonna be tough fishing. The water here was cold.”
Gregory game planned for Havasu’s winter smallmouth bite. He found a school of 10 to 15 nice-sized fish stacked up on Day 1, and he caught four measurable fish from the bunch before the run ended. He started in the same area on Day 2 but managed only one bite.
Lucky for him, it was his biggest catch of the day — a 17.75-inch smallie that came on Sunday’s second cast. Gregory then started working his way upriver, employing an arsenal of Z-Man lures, including the Gobius swim bait (natural color) that was his go-to at Havasu.
“I took note of the waypoints I made yesterday and started working them today,” he said. “The river is shallow and clear, so I looked at a lot of that both days. But my fourth fish today, the only largemouth I had, came on a spinnerbait in a backwater that was a little stained. It was just a little cut with a mudline, but it stood out as a good place to catch one.”
Gregory struggled to catch a limit on Sunday, hooking his fifth fish with only 20 minutes remaining in the competition.
“I had what I think would have been the winning fish come off twice earlier in the day,” he said. “When I missed those, I figured it just wasn’t going to be my day. But I went back to that murky water, and this time, I threw a 3/8-ounce Z-Man CrossEyeZ Power Finesse jig with a Pro Craw Trailer (both in green pumpkin). That got it done.”
Gregory also said he used a prototype signature casting rod throughout the tournament at Lake Havasu, a project he’s been working on with Yakrods.
Rasmussen, who was second, claimed $3,000 of the $22,200 cash purse up for grabs at Havasu.
Rounding out the Top 5 are third, JJ Gibbs, 158 inches, $2,500; fourth, Mark Kile, 158 inches, $2,000; and fifth, John Turner, 153 inches, $1,700. Each of that trio hails from Arizona. In all, 111 kayakers from around the U.S. competed.
The $500 Big Bass Award went to California’s Kong Yang, who hooked a 21.75-incher on Day 2. Fellow Californian Chris Cabral also caught a 21.75-inch fish on Day 1, but Yang’s next biggest fish (19.50 inches) gave him the tiebreaker edge.
The kayak event on Havasu was the first of six regular-season kayak tournaments on tap in 2025. Other kayak showdowns are scheduled Feb. 1-2 on the Kissimmee (Fla.) Chain of Lakes; April 26-27 on Dale Hollow Reservoir in Tennessee; May 31-June 1 on Lake Tenkiller; July 26-27 on Lake Champlain in New York; and Sept. 27-28 at Toledo Bend on the Texas/Louisiana border.
The 2025 Yahama Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship scored by TourneyX is scheduled for March 19-20 on Texas’ Lake Fork, immediately preceding the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour on Lake Ray Roberts near Fort Worth, Texas. Top anglers from the 2025 season compete in that tournament, while this year’s best from the kayak series are vying for spots in the 2026 championship.
Full results from the Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series at Lake Havasu presented by Native Watercraft are scored by TourneyX and can be Full results from the Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series at Lake Havasu presented by Native Watercraft are scored by TourneyX and can be found here.
Go Lake Havasu sponsored the week’s activities.
2025 Bassmaster Kayak Series Title Sponsor: Newport
2025 Bassmaster Kayak Series Presenting Sponsor: Native Watercraft2025 Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year Sponsor: Dakota Lithium
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Herber uses home-water knowledge to lead first day at Bassmaster Kayak Series at Lake Havasu
Jan. 18, 2025
LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. — While a blistering Arctic storm made its frigid march across much of the continent Saturday, temperatures remained mild in the Arizona desert on Day 1 of the Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series at Lake Havasu presented by Native Watercraft.
The catch was fairly tepid, too, with Paul Herber of Canyon Lake, Calif., being the hottest angler of the day with his five best bass measuring a total of 87 inches. That gave Herber a 3½-inch lead over the second-place angler heading into the second and final day of the tournament on this 19,800-acre reservoir on the Arizona/California border.
Of the 111 competing on Lake Havasu, 42 zeroed on Day 1 of the derby and only 11 anglers caught a five-bass limit. Temperatures hovered around 60 degrees all day, but once the desert sun got overhead, the Havasu smallmouth bite disappeared.
That might have helped Herber, who at 39 years of age, has more than 20 years’ experience fishing Havasu and knows the lake’s nuances. This was, however, the first time he’s ever fished from a kayak, though he made it look relatively easy on Saturday.
“A lot of my friends fish kayak and they’ve been encouraging me to do it,” Herber said. “So, I rented one and was just out here giving it my all. Things worked out today.”
Herber, who owns a swimming pool repair company, targeted Havasu’s smallmouth bass early, throwing a series of Neko and Ned rigs, drop shots and the like. He had a limit within a couple hours of takeoff but went more than four hours before catching his biggest bass of the day — a 19-inch largemouth that helped him climb atop the leaderboard at Havasu. He said the big bass came on a swimbait.
“The smallmouth were biting, but that stopped when the sun came out,” he said. “So, then I chased a largemouth bite for hours before I finally got one about 2 p.m. I was very fortunate to already have a limit because it was not easy getting that last bite.”
With the lead in hand, and home-water knowledge in his corner, Herber said he’ll approach Day 2 in much the same way, hoping for similar results.
“I’m cautiously optimistic,” he said. “The smallmouth around here are notorious for being there one day and gone the next. But if I can get a couple in the boat early, that’ll be a good start. Then I focus on getting a big one to bite. Hopefully it works out like it did today.
Drew Gregory, the Kent, Ohio, resident who won last year’s Bassmaster Kayak Championship in Oklahoma, is in second place after Day 1 on Havasu with a five-fish limit measuring 83½ inches.
The remainder of the Top 5 halfway through the tournament include third, California’s Chris Cabral, 82½ inches; fourth, Nebraska’s Adam DeWitt, 82¼ inches; and fifth, Utah’s Caymen Rasmussen, 82 inches.
Cabral caught the big bass of the day — a 21.75-inch toad that helped him into third place.
The kayak event on Havasu is the first Bassmaster event of the 2025 season and one of six regular-season kayak tournaments on tap for the year. Other kayak showdowns are scheduled Feb. 1-2 on the Kissimmee (Fla.) Chain of Lakes; April 26-27 on Dale Hollow Reservoir in Tennessee; May 31-June 1 on Lake Tenkiller in Oklahoma; July 26-27 on Lake Champlain in New York; and Sept. 27-28 at Toledo Bend on the Texas/Louisiana border.
The 2025 Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship scored by TourneyX is scheduled March 19-20 on Texas’ Lake Fork, immediately preceding the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour on Lake Ray Roberts near Fort Worth, Texas. Top anglers from the 2025 season compete in that tournament, while this year’s best from the kayak series are vying for spots in the 2026 championship.
The second and final day of the Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series at Lake Havasu presented by Native Watercraft will begin Sunday with a take-off at 7:30 a.m. MT. The derby is headquartered at Lake Havasu State Park, but competitors can launch anywhere on the lake. Lines come out of the water at 3:30 p.m. and awards will be presented to top anglers at approximately 6 p.m.
That ceremony will take place live on Bassmaster.com and fishing fans also can follow the catch throughout the day via the online leaderboard found there.
The Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft is scored by TourneyX.
Full results from the Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series at Lake Havasu presented by Native Watercraft are scored by TourneyX and can be found here.
Go Lake Havasu is sponsoring this week’s activities.
2025 Bassmaster Kayak Series Title Sponsor: Newport
2025 Bassmaster Kayak Series Presenting Sponsor: Native Watercraft2025 Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year Sponsor: Dakota Lithium
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Winter showdown on tap for first Bassmaster Opens event at Clarks Hill Reservoir
Jan. 16, 2025
EVANS, Ga. — A true winter showdown is on tap for anglers fishing the first tournament of the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN season at Clarks Hill Reservoir. Even with the cold temperatures and a daunting practice forecast, the potential for big bags is high, and 2024 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off winner Tyler Campbell believes any section of the lake could produce winning bass.
“You typically see some solid weights this time of year,” the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour qualifier said. “There is a potential for 25- to 30-pound bags, and once every couple of years there is a double-digit-class bass caught. It wouldn’t surprise me to see a mega-bag, but low to mid-20s is about the average winning weight this time of year.
“Six of the Top 10 anglers could be doing something completely different from one another,” the Emmanuel University graduate added. “It is a very diverse fishery, and I think it will show out. I’m excited about it.”
Competition days are scheduled for Jan. 23-25 with daily takeoffs and weigh-ins to be held at Wildwood Park in Appling, Ga. The full field will compete the first two days of the event before the Top 10 competitors vie for the trophy on Championship Saturday. The winner, given they are signed up for all four tournaments in Division I of the Opens, will punch their ticket to the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Those registered for all of the Division I events will also earn points based on their finishes throughout the season, with the Top 50 anglers from Division 1 as well as the Top 50 anglers from Division II of the Opens qualifying for the Elite Qualifiers Series, a three-tournament series that will determine the nine anglers moving on to the Elite Series in 2026.
Straddling the border between South Carolina and Georgia, the Savannah River impoundment has hosted plenty of Bassmaster events in the past, from the 1973 Bassmaster Classic won by Rayo Breckenridge to several Bassmaster Elite Series events in the early 2000s. Last February, B.A.S.S. returned to Clarks Hill as the College, High School and Junior Series took on the massive reservoir and brought impressive bags of largemouth and spotted bass to the scales.
Depending on how much rain the lake receives, Campbell anticipates that anglers will be able to spread out and fish their strengths.
“You will see some guys run to the very north end. The cool thing about Clarks Hill is you can win in any region of the lake. Guys will catch them deep and shallow. It is really weather-dependent. If we get a couple of good, bright, sunny days, you will see the shallow bass turn on.”
This is the first time in a long time Elite Series veteran Jason Williamson, who won the last Elite event that was held on Clarks Hill in May 2010, will be fishing a true winter tournament. December was mild across the region, but as soon as the calendar turned to the new year, Old Man Winter made his appearance.
“It’s been cold. So, the water temperatures are going to be pretty low,” he said.
He isn’t going away for this tournament, either. While this coming weekend is supposed to be relatively mild temperature-wise, forecasts call for heavy rains to accompany a cold front on Saturday and Sunday. When anglers start practice on Monday they will be greeted with 20-degree air in the morning.
It will only get colder, as another weather system is expected to move into the area with the potential to drop several inches of snow. Whether the snow forecast actually comes to fruition is yet to be seen and likely won’t be accurately determined until one or two days out, but it could throw a wrench into some competitors’ game plans before some milder weather moves in for the tournament days.
With this set of ingredients, Williamson anticipates plenty of spotted bass being caught in deeper water. Those bass will likely be chasing blueback herring, a staple baitfish in the Savannah River. Natural rock in deep water and deeper brushpiles will be key elements. Shaky heads, drop shots and minnow-style baits like a Zoom Winged Fluke will all come into play.
“The spots are going to bite. The herring are going to be out deep,” he said. “The consistency will definitely be with the spotted bass. Guys that are good with their electronics, finding bait and structure, those are the guys who are going to shine. Sun and clouds are going to make a big difference. Cloud cover hanging around early in the mornings will change the game big time.”
While largemouth may be more lethargic that time of the year, Campbell anticipates whoever wins will likely land some of the better largemouth the lake has to offer.
“(For the top half of the field) I would say it is going to be predominantly largemouth, but there will be plenty of quality spotted bass too. But guys near the top will have all largemouth or three or four largemouth and a spotted bass or two.”
Natural rock on top of deep humps will hold largemouth offshore. On the bank, meanwhile, Hurricane Helene provided plenty of new laydowns for the bass to hunker down around. Shallow crankbaits, jigs, spinnerbaits and ChatterBaits could all produce quality bites if the conditions are right.
“Conditions will be set up for power fishing,” Campbell said.
Daily takeoffs are scheduled for 7:15 a.m. and anglers will return for weigh-in beginning at 3:15 p.m. Full coverage of the tournament will be available on Bassmaster.com.
Visit Columbia County is hosting the event.
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: St. Croix
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Presenting Sponsor: SEVIIN
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.