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 Watercraft
2025 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.