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Monday, December 15, 2025
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Gill North America (Gill NA) promotes the Aqua Parka: The Essential Utility Parka for Anglers and Outdoor Enthusiasts

Brian Carter
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Gill North America (Gill NA) promotes the Aqua Parka: The Essential Utility Parka for Anglers and Outdoor Enthusiasts

Gill North America (Gill NA) promotes the Aqua Parka: The Essential Utility Parka for Anglers and Outdoor Enthusiasts

Engineered for comfort, protection, and convenience on the water and in the wild.

Gill NA, a trusted leader in outdoor and fishing gear, is proud to share one of its best sellers – the Aqua Parka, a waterproof, windproof, and breathable utility parka designed specifically for anglers and outdoor adventurers. Built to withstand the toughest conditions, the Aqua Parka offers unparalleled protection, comfort, and convenience, making it the go-to choice for those who live to fish, boat, and explore the outdoors.

Whether you’re prepping your boat for an early morning tournament, changing clothes on a windy deck, braving the weather for kids sports or simply seeking extra warmth and protection, the Aqua Parka has you covered. Crafted with a waterproof shell, 4-way stretch fabric, and a thermal lining that wicks moisture away from the skin, this utility parka keeps you dry, warm, and comfortable, even in the harshest weather.

Key Features of the Aqua Parka:

– Waterproof and Windproof Shell: Featuring a stitch-free, welded seam construction with stretch the Aqua Parka keeps you dry and shielded from the wind, providing reliable protection from the elements while you’re on the water or in the field.

– 4-Way Stretch Fabric: Designed to move with you, the fabric makes changing quick and easy while ensuring freedom of movement—whether you’re reeling in the big one or getting ready for the next fishing spot.

– High-Loft Thermal Lining: The high-loft thermal lining wicks moisture away and traps heat, keeping you warm even when you’re wearing it over damp clothes—perfect for chilly mornings on the boat or cold, rainy days outdoors.

– Generous, Oversized Design: The Aqua Parka’s loose fit allows you to pull your arms inside and change comfortably anywhere if that suits your fancy, offering full coverage and privacy, even in the most exposed locations.

– Adjustable Full-Length Sleeves and YKK Zipper: With adjustable cuffs and a two-way YKK zipper, the Aqua Parka provides a customizable fit, letting you zip up quickly for warmth or unzip for ventilation as needed.

– Multiple Storage Pockets: Equipped with both internal zippered and stow pockets, the Aqua Parka keeps your valuables safe, and your gear organized, so you can stay focused on your next catch.

– Portable and Easy to Pack: Pair the Aqua Parka with the Gill changing mat for added convenience and easily stow the robe in the Gill wet/changing bag for easy transport—so you can stay prepared wherever your adventure takes you.

“The Aqua Parka was designed with anglers and outdoor adventurers in mind,” said Jane Scott Design Manager of Gill. “We know how important it is to stay comfortable and dry, especially during those long days on the water. With its innovative features, the Aqua Parka makes being on the go simple and comfortable, all while providing the warmth and protection needed to keep you performing at your best.”

A perfect addition to your fishing and outdoor gear lineup, the Aqua Parka is made to stand up to tough weather and help you make the most of every outdoor experience. Whether you’re battling the wind on a boat deck, changing out of wet clothes after a day of fishing, or simply staying warm during your outdoor adventures, the Aqua Parka delivers the reliability and performance you need.

The Aqua Parka is now available for purchase on Gill’s website and at select retailers. For more details, including pricing and availability, visit gillfishing.com





Kissimmee Chain of Lakes set to host Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 1

Brian Carter
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Kissimmee Chain of Lakes set to host Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 1

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (Feb. 11, 2025) –The first Major League Fishing (MLF) Tackle Warehouse Invitational tournament of the 2025 season is set to kick off next week, Feb. 21-23, at Lake Toho and the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes – the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Stop 1 Presented by Vosker.

The three-day tournament, hosted by Experience Kissimmee, will feature a field of pro anglers competing for a top prize of up to $115,000. Anglers will take to the water to catch their five biggest bass each day, and the winner will be determined by the heaviest three-day cumulative total.

“We are excited to welcome the Major League Fishing Tackle Warehouse Invitationals to Lake Toho and the Kissimmee area,” said Tyler Weyant, Director of Sports Development at Experience Kissimmee. “It’s an honor to continue our relationship with MLF, building on the success of our past collaborations. To all participants, families, and friends joining us for the tournament, I encourage you to explore our local shops, diverse flavors of our restaurants, and rich heritage that makes Kissimmee a must-see destination.”

Although Lake Toho and the Kissimmee Chain have played host to dozens of MLF tournaments over the years – including four Bass Pro Tour events since 2019 – this event marks the first time since 2019 that a professional-level MLF tournament with the five-fish weigh-in format will be held.  

Known for its sprawling waterways and healthy bass populations, the Kissimmee Chain should offer anglers the chance to catch fish in all phases of the spawn, setting the stage for an extremely competitive tournament, according to pro Blake Smith of Lakeland, Florida, who will be among the competitors.

“Since December, we’ve already seen a few waves of fish spawning,” Smith said. “Guys are going to be able to catch some prespawn, some spawning, and some postspawn fish in this one.”

Smith said that he expects Lake Toho, where the tournament launches, to remain the most popular destination on the chain for anglers, but he predicts that some anglers may venture further due to the dense vegetation.

“Toho is always pretty good, even though right now it is a little choked out,” Smith explained. “There’s a lot of topped-out vegetation, so it’s really going to be a pick-your-poison kind of deal. You can fish Toho and punch and flip grass, or head to the other lakes like Kissimmee, Cypress or Hatchineha. Those lakes absolutely will play in this one. Especially for the guys that don’t like flipping.”

Recent weather fluctuations have added another layer of complexity.

“We’ve had some crazy weather in Florida this year,” Smith said. “It’s not been taking tons of weight to win tournaments lately, but somebody is usually in the mid-twenties for the top bag.”

When it comes to bait choices, Smith shared some standout picks.

“The first thing I’ll throw, without a doubt, is a Yamamoto Senko – it’s a staple here,” he said. “I think we’ll see a lot more of the bigger glide baits playing, now, as well. They’re getting to be pretty popular down here. I’ll have a Bucca Trick Shad tied on. And I think the traditional Florida favorites like ChatterBaits, swim baits, and (Yamamoto) Speed Senkos will all come into play.”

For this event, Smith said he expects the winner to average about 25 pounds per day, with a final three-day total of 75 pounds likely to take the crown.

“If you can get to 20 pounds a day, you’re going to be in good shape,” Smith went on to say.

Anglers will launch at 7 a.m. ET each day from Big Toho Marina, located at 69 Lakeview Drive in Kissimmee, Florida. Weigh-ins will be held at the marina and will begin at 3 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and weigh-in events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® live stream and coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The 2025 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals feature a field of professional anglers competing across six invitational tournaments around the country, for a total purse of $4.3 million and valuable Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) points to qualify for the Invitationals Championship, set for Sept. 5-7 on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, and a coveted spot on the MLF Bass Pro Tour – the sport’s top circuit.

In Tackle Warehouse Invitational competition, the full field compete in the two-day opening round on Days 1 and 2 in a five-fish, weigh-in format. Only the top 30 pros, based on their two-day cumulative weight, advance to the final round on Championship Sunday, where they will compete for the grand prize of up to $115,000. The winner of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 1 at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Presented by Vosker will be determined by the heaviest three-day cumulative weight.

New this season, forward-facing and/or 360-degree sonar is limited to only days 1 and 3 of competition. No forward-facing and/or 360-degree sonar will be allowed on day 2 of competition.

The MLFNOW! broadcast team of Chad McKee and Rob Newell will break down the extended action live all three days of competition from 7 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. ET. MLFNOW! will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app and Rumble.

Television coverage of the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Stop 1 at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Presented by Vosker will air as a two-hour episode, premiering at 9 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Oct. 4 on CBS Sports Network.

Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals 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 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.





Blake Hall and Jeremy Lamb Win ABT Smith Lake with 19.03

Brian Carter
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Blake Hall and Jeremy Lamb Win ABT Smith Lake with 19.03

Blake Hall and Jeremy Lamb Win ABT Smith Lake with 19.03

By Jason Duran

The Alabama Bass Trail kicked off its 12th season at Smith Lake. Historically, this lake has presented challenges for teams, as Mother Nature often throws unexpected weather conditions just before tournament day. Some years, it has been extremely cold, while other times, the water has even reached the parking lot at the ramp. This year, however, Mother Nature delivered a week of summer weather right at the beginning of February.  With the warming trend, teams needed to adjust their strategies on Smith Lake to locate fish that seemed confused by the transition from shallow to deep water. Nevertheless, the 225 teams competing in the Alabama Bass Trail North Division always find a way to adapt. Blake Hall and Jeremy Lamb emerged victorious, leading the field by over two pounds and securing the first ABT North win of 2025.

Blake Hall and Jeremy Lamb managed to catch a mixed bag consisting of four largemouth bass and one nice spotted bass, with a total weight of 19.03 pounds. “Our practice didn’t go well at all. We spent a couple of days out here and only found a few spots with small fish. After exhausting those areas, we decided to explore new water today, and it paid off. We started deep in the morning, targeting spotted bass. Initially, we weren’t sure if we could catch a largemouth, so we focused on getting a limit of spots first before pursuing largemouth bass. Finding some good largemouths was crucial for us to even have a chance at a payout, considering our practice. We managed to secure a limit in about 30 minutes, including a nice spotted bass that weighed over 4 pounds. We caught it using a Rapala Mooch Minnow in green shad, fished on a ¼ oz head while utilizing Live Scope to guide our casts. The fish were really scattered, and most of the time, we were targeting individual fish. The four largemouth bass we weighed in were caught on a Rapala DT6 in Brown Crawdad. After completing our limit, we decided to revisit some areas we had fished in the past, hoping that the fish would be moving shallower due to the warm weather. We found some wind and muddy water, and we used the DT6 to target fish holding close to the bottom. We also fished around long points mixed with wood. After culling through about 15 fish, we put together our mixed bag.” This win earned them $15,000 plus a $8,000 Phoenix Boats Bonus.

Mark McCaig and Tim Hurst finished in second place with a total catch of 16.85 pounds. They practiced for two days, stating, “We caught fish, but we didn’t catch the size we did today.” They noted that recent weather changes had impacted fishing conditions at Smith Lake. Just a few weeks prior, the air temperature had been below freezing for several days. However, the week leading up to the event saw temperatures in the 70s. The team observed, “When it was really cold, the fish were locked on the bottom, but now, with the warming trend, they have started moving shallower. The water temperature is currently in the mid- to upper 50s.” They explained that the fish were so shallow that casting would spook them and  they could see it on their Live Scope. By around 10:30 AM, they had already caught their limit. In practice, the area they fished contained a lot of spotted bass, but on the day of the event, they were able to locate more largemouth bass in the same area. Throughout the day, they caught a total of 20 fish, most of which were found in 12 to 15 feet of water within brush. Previously, the fish had been deeper than that. The warm front and windy conditions contributed to a better bite from the largemouth bass. They targeted these fish using the Rapala Crush City Mooch Minnow. Later in the afternoon, they noticed that they could typically scope the fish around the brush more effectively, but that changed. They decided to switch to using a jig in the brush, which led to them catching one fish and ultimately changing their strategy. This adjustment allowed them to cull up to the weight they achieved. They had expected to catch around 12 to 13 pounds and thought it would take about 16 pounds to win. However, being able to catch more largemouth bass significantly boosted their weight today. They expressed their love for this location, mentioning that they come here often. “This lake is full of fish, and it’s really fun when the spotted bass start spawning,” they added. With their second place finish they won $7,500.

Chad Hall and Ryan Hall’s team caught a total of 16.38 pounds, securing a third-place finish. They shared that practice was somewhat slow, noting, “The fish were trying to move up to shallow water. We think they are confused because it got so warm so quickly. We had a decent practice, but nothing really noteworthy.” Their day began with them catching their limit within about an hour in a ditch where they found fish. After attaining their limit, they moved on and culled the rest of the day, ultimately landing around 20 fish, which included a mix of spots and two largemouth bass. They used a ned rig and minnows, fishing in depths of 15 to 40 feet of water. They covered both the Ryan side and the Rock Creek side, emphasizing that covering a lot of water was crucial to their success. When asked about their goals for the year, they expressed, “We want to qualify for the Team Championship. It seems like every year we have one tournament where we perform poorly, and that’s usually this one. By starting off strong here, we hope to avoid that setback and have a great year.” For their efforts, they earned a $6,000 payday for their third-place finish. Plus a $1,000 AmFirst Bonus.

The top ten standings are below. For a complete list of standings please visit: https://www.alabamabasstrail.org/lewis-smith-lake/results/

Download and listen to the ABT Podcast on your favorite Podcast app by searching for “Alabama Bass Trail Podcast.”  The Podcast is released each week on Tuesday.

For Live coverage of this event and others visit https://www.youtube.com/@alabamabasstrailtv

The 2025 Alabama Bass Trail Sponsors Include: Phoenix Boats, AMFirst, Landers – McLarty Chevrolet, McGraw – Webb Chevrolet, Rapala, VMC, Crush City, Buffalo Rock, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Jack’s, Garmin, Alabama State Parks, Halo Fishing, Snag proof, NetBait, Bait Fuel, TH Marine Supplies, Power-Pole, Pro Guide Batteries, American Trailer Rental, Yamaha, Anheuser-Busch, American Baitworks, E3 Sports Apparel, FishAlabama.org, Sweet Home Alabama, and Alabama Mountain Lakes.





The NPFL has set the dates for the 2025 Championship on Lake Hartwell in October.

Brian Carter
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The NPFL has set the dates for the 2025 Championship on Lake Hartwell in October.

WILKESVILLE, Ohio—The National Professional Fishing League and Visit Anderson today announce that Lake Hartwell on the South Carolina-Georgia state line will be the site of the 2025 NPFL Championship, October 3-5, 2025, and that Visit Anderson will host the event. It will be the second annual championship for the league and the third NPFL bass tournament to be held on the lake.

“We’ve known for some time that Lake Hartwell would be the site for our Championship,” said NPFL President Brad Fuller, “but settling on the dates took a little time because of our scheduling demands and the popularity of the venue. Lake Hartwell, with the support of Visit Anderson, is one of the most attractive and popular tournament sites in the country. We’re confident that early October will offer excellent weather and outstanding fishing, making it a true test of the best for the anglers scheduled to compete.”

In all, 42 anglers will vie for the Championship, including the top 40 finishers in the Progressive Angler of the Year standings, defending champion Brandon Perkins, and Nick Brown—winner of the Chompers/NPFL Stop #5 on Lake of the Ozarks. The full list of qualifiers is available here.

“We’re honored to have the opportunity to host the NPFL Championship at Green Pond Landing, Lake Hartwell and Anderson County,” said Neil Paul, Executive Director of Visit Anderson. “Our community has enjoyed a special relationship with the NPFL and their anglers for several years now. In each visit to Anderson County, the NPFL has made a positive impact in our community, and we’re looking forward to providing a championship-caliber experience.”

The 2025 NPFL season begins March 6-8 at the Santee Cooper lakes (Marion and Moultrie) in South Carolina. That’s the first of six regular season tournaments that will qualify 40 or more top pros for next year’s Championship. The full 2025 schedule can be found here.





2025 Bassmaster Team Championship to return to Lake Hartwell

Brian Carter
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2025 Bassmaster Team Championship to return to Lake Hartwell

Feb. 11, 2025

2025 Bassmaster Team Championship to return to Lake Hartwell

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. has announced the 2025 Bassmaster Team Championship will make a return to Lake Hartwell Dec. 3-6. The winner of the four-day event featuring the best grass-roots anglers in the country will fill the final spot in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.

The event’s return marks the first time the Team Championship has been held in Anderson, S.C., since 2022. Lake Hartwell was ranked No. 22 in the Southeastern Division of Bassmaster Magazine’s 2024 100 Best Bass Lakes list and features a world-class facility in Green Pond Landing.

“We’re very excited to have the Bassmaster Team Championship back to Green Pond Landing, Lake Hartwell and Anderson County,” said Visit Anderson Executive Director Neil Paul. “The leadership of our county continues to provide us with the resources to host championship events and the continued support to develop our facilities. We have a tremendous inventory of local and regional anglers that will have an opportunity to earn their way to the Bassmaster Classic. We look forward to welcoming B.A.S.S. and the many wonderful anglers, their families and industry representatives to our community for an experience that is second to none.”

The team portion of the event will be held Dec. 3-4, with the winning duo not only claiming a cash prize, but also leading the charge into the Bassmaster Classic Fish-Off section of the event, which will take place Dec. 5-6.

The Top 3 teams through Day 2 — six anglers in all — will have their weights zeroed and then compete individually in the Fish-Off. The competitor with the heaviest two-day total of the group will earn the final spot in the 2026 Bassmaster Classic.

“We’re thrilled to return to Lake Hartwell for the 2025 Bassmaster Team Championship,” said GL Compton, tournament manager for the B.A.S.S. Nation and Kayak Series. “This iconic fishery has a rich history of producing exciting competition, and its deep, clear waters and vast shoreline make this the perfect stage for anglers to showcase all of their skills. The enthusiasm and support from the local community make Hartwell a special destination, and we can’t wait to crown the next Team champions and award the final 2026 Bassmaster Classic berth in such a legendary setting.”

2025 Bassmaster Nation Series Premier Sponsors: Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha

2025 Bassmaster Nation Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew’s, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC





KAGE Welcomes its First Baitcaster by DAIWA

Brian Carter
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KAGE Welcomes its First Baitcaster by DAIWA
KAGE Welcomes its First Baitcaster
The new freshwater/saltwater crossover KAGE SV TW 150 is founded on DAIWA’s pioneering SV Concept and HYPERDRIVE® Design.
FOOTHILL RANCH, CA (February 10, 2025) – It’s said that big things come in little packages. And this adage wholly rings true with the new KAGE SV TW 150 baitcasting reel. The adaptable and palmable reel is jam packed with many of DAIWA’s most recent and sophisticated technologies, including the SV Concept and HYPERDRIVE® Design. 
“It’s the first baitcaster in the KAGE collection, so we really wanted to load it up,” said DAIWA Field Marketing Specialist, Chris Martin. “In my mind, foremost is the inclusion of the SV Spool.” The KAGE SV TW 150’s features an SV (Stress-Free, Versatile) 34mm A7075 aircraft grade spool, which offers casting control like no other. The design of the spool, as well as how the spool interacts with the braking system, gives maximum control on the cast while simultaneously increasing casting distance.KAGE SV TW 150’s second significant feature-set is HYPERDRIVE® DESIGN. Once limited to more expensive models, DAIWA employed “trickle down technology,” bringing HYPERDRIVE DESIGN to the KAGE SV TW 150. HYPERDRIVE DESIGN involves a combination of advanced manufacturing techniques, which considerably improve the performance and lifespan of the reel. More about individual HYPERDRIVE components below. DAIWA’s new KAGE SV TW 150 also owns “crossover” status, as it’s designed for both freshwater and saltwater use. Martin explained: “We included corrosion resistant ball-bearings (CRBB) to make it saltwater grade. It’s a great benefit for anglers who fish in both environments.”
Cosmetically, the KAGE SV TW 150 is striking, too. The reel sports sleek red accents akin to the entire KAGE collection. Moreover, its premium cork handles are both signature and functional, as they tender a comfortable and firm grip. On the freshwater side, Martin says the multipurpose KAGE SV TW 150 is a great choice for largemouth and smallmouth bass, white bass and light stripers, as well as casting hardbaits for walleyes. Inshore, the new baitcaster is a shoo-in for redfish, speckled trout, and flounder, as well as calico and spotted seabass on the west coast. Also distinctive to the complete KAGE collection, the rods and reels are only available at independent brick and mortar dealers. “DAIWA has always supported grassroots dealers, giving them unique offerings that help create a loyal local following. We created KAGE for them.”  
KAGE SV TW 150 FEATURES & TECHNOLOGIES:SV TECHNOLOGYThe SV (Stress-Free, Versatile) 34mm A7075 aircraft grade spool was developed with one thing in mind: casting control. The design of the spool, as well as how the spool interacts with the braking system, gives maximum control on the cast while increasing casting distance. No backlashes. Longer casts.HYPER ARMED HOUSINGA distortion-proof aluminum frame steadfastly houses the gear unit within the reel body. The concept comprises a combination of different manufacturing techniques, which considerably improve the functioning and lifespan of the reel.
HYPERDRIVE® DIGIGEAR®Technology that makes the gear teeth more efficient at transferring power, resulting in a smoother, more powerful gear set that also reduces gear noise. The gears are also strengthened by larger teeth in the traction wheel. And, the gearing has three points of contact – most gearing has only two – which maintains contact between the gear teeth, creating silky performance and a longer gear life.HYPERDRIVE® TOUGH CLUTCH The clutch mechanics have been optimized to remain safely in position even on hard casts.CRBBUnlike ordinary, unprotected “corrosion resistant” bearings, DAIWA’s CRBB ball bearings are shielded to seal out sand, fine grit, salt crystals, and other abrasives for a longer life. CRBB ball bearings are 12 times more corrosion resistant than standard ball bearings.
T-WING SYSTEM (TWS)An innovative “T” shaped mechanical aperture that the line passes through when casting and retrieving baits, which allows the line to flow freely, reducing friction and sharp angles that slow line flow. TWS is unique to DAIWA baitcasting reels.ATD®(ADVANCED TOURNAMENT DRAG)DAWIA employs an advanced drag grease that exhibits low viscosity at rest yet becomes more viscous immediately after drag start up. This reduces initial drag start-up inertia and results in a smoother drag from the initial hook up.ZERO ADJUSTERThe spool tension knob comes ideally preset at the factory to match the model and reduce backlash when casting into the wind or with lighter lures. However, anglers can fine tune the spool tension to their personal preferences.90mm SWEPT HANDLEThe increased torque turns the barrel with greater ease. Features an I-shaped premium cork knob.MSRP $259.99
PERFECT PAIRINGSColor matched and action packed, DAIWA offers a full complement of KAGE rods, including models specific to bass, walleyes, and a selection of ultralight models. For bass, paired with the new KAGE SV TW 150 baitcaster, Martin likes the 7’ 3” medium-heavy (731MHFB-B) KAGE Premium Bass Rod as a masterful multipurpose tool. For throwing heavier lures like swimbaits, he recommends the 7’ 9” heavy (KAG791HRB-B) KAGE Premium Bass Rod. The full series includes 12 technique-specific models. MSRP on all models is $199.99.
For DAIWA’s latest color catalog and/or information on DAIWA dealers in your area, call DAIWA’s Customer Service Department at 562-375-6800 or e-mail inquiries to: [email protected]. The URL for DAIWA’s web site is daiwa.us





Chouteau’s Allen Posts First Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Grand Lake

Brian Carter
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Chouteau’s Allen Posts First Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Grand Lake
Boater winner Ronnie Allen of Choteau, Oklahoma, and Strike-King co-angler winner Fred Fielder of Afton, Oklahoma.
Afton’s Fielder Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division

GROVE, Okla. (Feb. 10, 2025) – Boater Ronnie Allen of Chouteau, Oklahoma, caught a five-bass limit weighing 22 pounds, 6 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Grand Lake . The tournament, hosted by the City of Grove and the Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau, was the first event of the season for the BFL Okie Division. Allen earned $11,575 for his victory, including the lucrative $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus.

A good game plan goes a long way in a bass tournament, especially when fishing against the best local sticks on a fishery like Grand Lake. In this case, according to Allen, it took solid execution and a fair bit of something else.

“A lot of luck,” he said. “I just got lucky and pulled up on the right spot at the right time. I pulled up on my first spot, and I caught all my fish on that one school in about a hundred-yard stretch. I caught ’em all pretty early in the morning. I think I had 20 pounds at 8:30 or 9 o’clock, and then was able to upgrade twice from there. I was just throwing an A-rig in deep water.”

Allen found these fish more than a week ago and never made it back to check on them before the event started. He hoped they would still be there, and they were – that’s the lucky part.

He used forward-facing sonar to bird dog individual bass that were roaming open water near some deep ledges. Catching them early was a good thing, as changing conditions eventually hurt the bite.

“I think that cold front that blew in really shut them off,” Allen added. “I was happy to have my bag early because after about 10 or 11 o’clock the fish shut off.”

The top 11 boaters finished the tournament:

1st:        Ronnie Allen, Chouteau, Okla., five bass, 22-6, $11,575 (includes $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
2nd:       Billy Gordon, Catoosa, Okla., five bass, 20-13, $2,288
3rd:       Justin Barbour, Tulsa, Okla., five bass, 19-11, $1,525
4th:        Camden Kozikoski, Edmond, Okla., five bass, 19-5, $1,068
5th:        Tate Brumnett, Wagoner, Okla., five bass, 19-4, $915
6th:        Kyle Kitts, Joplin, Mo., five bass, 18-7, $839
7th:        Shawn Clark, Afton, Okla., five bass, 17-0, $763
8th:        Nathen Luce, Claremore, Okla., five bass, 16-13, $686
9th:        Preston Cook, Miami, Okla., five bass, 15-15, $610
10th:     Brad Cook, Afton, Okla., five bass, 15-9, $507
10th:     Cody Miller, Shell Knob, Mo., five bass, 15-9, $507

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Kacey Moreland of Porter, Oklahoma, caught a bass that weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $665.



Fred Fielder of Afton, Oklahoma, won the Strike King co-angler division and $2,288 Saturday, after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 11 pounds, 12 ounces.

The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:

1st:        Fred Fielder, Afton, Okla., three bass, 11-12, $2,288
2nd:       Dave Harvey, Centerton, Ark., three bass, 9-0, $1,144
3rd:       Eian Odle, Willow Springs, Mo., three bass, 8-9, $762
4th:        Thad Hewitt, Delaware, Okla., two bass, 7-8, $634
5th:        James West, Spiro, Okla., three bass, 6-15, $458
6th:        Bo Dunlap, Broken Arrow, Okla., two bass, 6-12, $419
7th:        Zack Holt, Yukon, Okla., three bass, 6-2, $381
8th:        Jared Geary, Joplin, Mo., two bass, 5-15, $343
9th:        Mark Sloan, Harrison, Ark., three bass, 5-12, $286
9th:        Tad Harp, Cave Springs, Ark., two bass, 5-12, $286

Robert Joslin of Fort Smith, Arkansas, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $332, catching a bass that weighed in at 5 pounds, 8 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.

In addition to earning the win, Ronnie Allen of Chouteau, Oklahoma, also has the early lead in the Fishing Clash Okie Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 250 points, while Fred Fielder of Afton, Oklahoma, leads the Fishing Clash Okie Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 250 points.

The next event for BFL Okie Division anglers will be held March 22, at Lake Eufaula in Eufaula, Oklahoma. 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. 10-11 BFL Regional tournament on Grand Lake in Grove, 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.





SPRO Expands Distribution of Premium Japanese Fishing Brands to U.S. Market

Brian Carter
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0
SPRO Expands Distribution of Premium Japanese Fishing Brands to U.S. Market

SPRO Expands Distribution of Premium Japanese Fishing Brands to U.S. Market

Kennesaw, GA – SPRO, a leading distributor of high-quality fishing gear, proudly announces expanding its portfolio to include more premier Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) brands, making them accessible to U.S. anglers and retailers. SPRO is now the exclusive U.S. distributor for Hide Up, a renowned Japanese fishing brand known for its innovative and high-performance tackle, including the highly sought-after Coike. SPRO’s growing lineup includes top-tier Japanese brands such as Nories, Meiho, Marfix, and Sea Falcon. By strengthening its distribution network, SPRO ensures that hard-to-find JDM products are now more accessible than ever to U.S. consumers. With SPRO’s inventory strategically located in the United States, anglers can enjoy faster shipping, eliminating the long wait times typically associated with international orders. Additionally, by purchasing through SPRO, U.S. customers can avoid the complexities of fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates, import duties, and elevated shipping costs. “Japanese fishing gear is highly sought after for its superior craftsmanship and performance,” said Syd Rives SPRO National Sales Manager. “We are excited to bring these exceptional brands to anglers across the United States, helping them elevate their fishing experience without the usual challenges of importing.

SPRO.com





Local Angler Seabolt Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Gator Division Opener at Lake Okeechobee

Brian Carter
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0
Local Angler Seabolt Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Gator Division Opener at Lake Okeechobee
Boater winner Tanner Seabolt of Okeechobee, Florida, and Strike-King co-angler winners Anthony Valachovic of Coral Springs and Evrett Hunter of Nokomia, Florida.
Valachovic and Hunter Tie for Win in Strike King Co-Angler Division

OKEECHOBEE, Fla. (Feb. 10, 2025) – Fishing in his first career tournament in MLF competition, 19-year-old boater Tanner Seabolt of Okeechobee, Florida, caught a five-bass limit weighing 31 pounds, 9 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Okeechobee . The tournament was the first event of the season for the BFL Gator Division. Seabolt earned $4,507 for his victory.

Seabolt, who works at Fast Break Bait & Tackle up on Okeechobee’s north end, is able to stay pretty dialed in on what’s happening at his home lake.

“I found a spot up there on the north end – cattails with some bedded fish around them,” he said. “I was just throwing a worm at them. It was pretty consistent all day. I had my bag by around 12:30ish and then just kept on throwing a bigger worm for a big one.

“I found these fish two weeks ago. I didn’t really catch anything great off it, but I caught some solid fish. I guess they pulled in there either last night or today.”

After 12:30, Seabolt made one nice cull, tossing back a 4-pounder for a 5 1/2. His biggest fish weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces.

What’s wild about the spot where Seabolt caught his fish is that, according to Seabolt, another local tournament was also won there on Saturday, and it took 30-plus to win that one, too.

Seabolt spent the tournament working down one key stretch, pitching a Gambler Ace in black and blue on a 7-foot, 2-inch Scenko Stix custom rod. Seabolt wasn’t sight-fishing, but he was fishing his Texas rig slowly, knowing that the fish were setting up on beds. Most of his bass came in little clusters.

For Seabolt, this is win No. 1 with Major League Fishing.

“I went into this tournament thinking that if they were there I could catch them really good,” he said. “So I just went into the tournament praying. Honestly, it (winning this event) means everything to me.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

1st:        Tanner Seabolt, Okeechobee, Fla., five bass, 31-9, $4,507
2nd:       Dylan Quilatan, Windermere, Fla., five bass, 24-15, $2,253
3rd:       Roger Gonzalez, Coco, Fla., five bass, 24-5, $1,502
4th:        Finn Taylor, Lake Placid, Fla., five bass, 23-15, $1,052
5th:        Casey Warren, Myrtle Beach, S.C., five bass, 23-11, $901
6th:        Fred Chivington Jr., San Mateo, Fla., five bass, 21-2, $826
7th:        Richard Newberry, Pinellas Park, Fla., five bass, 20-14, $1,251
8th:        Brandon St. Pierre, Lehigh Acres, Fla., five bass, 19-10, $638
8th:        Ben Harris, Haines City, Fla., five bass, 19-10, $1,293
10th:     Eric Morgan, Royal Palm Beach, Fla., five bass, 18-5, $526

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Ben Harris of Haines City, Florida, caught a bass that weighed 10 pounds, 4 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $655.



Anthony Valachovic of Coral Springs, Florida, and Evrett Hunter of Nokomis, Florida, tied for the win in the Strike King co-angler division Saturday, after each bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 16 pounds, 2 ounces. Valachovic earned $2,017, including the $327 Berkley Big Bass co-angler award, which he received for catching the biggest fish of the day in the co-angler division – a 10-pound, 5-ounce bass. Hunter earned $1,690 for his share of the victory money.

The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:

1st:        Anthony Valachovic, Coral Springs, Fla., three bass, 16-2, $2,017
1st:        Evrett Hunter, Nokomis, Fla., three bass, 16-2, $1,690
3rd:       Chuck Crow, Windermere, Fla., three bass, 14-5, $638
3rd:       Shannon Pike, Sarasota, Fla., three bass, 14-5, $638
5th:        David Lane, Orlando, Fla., three bass, 13-14, $451
6th:        Dean Bligh, Heddon Heights, N.J., three bass, 12-14, $413
7th:        Michael Ryan, Mount Dora, Fla., three bass, 11-7, $376
8th:        Tyler Nekolny, Coral Springs, Fla., three bass, 10-10, $319
8th:        Jeremy Bouldin, Kings Mountan, N.C., three bass, 10-10, $319
10th:     Scott Hopping, Port Saint Lucie, Fla., three bass, 10-8, $263

In addition to earning the win, Tanner Seabolt of Okeechobee, Florida, has the early lead in the Fishing Clash Gator Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 250 points, while Anthony Valachovic of Coral Springs, Florida, and Evrett Hunter of Nokomis, Florida, are tied for the lead in the Fishing Clash Gator Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 250 points apiece.

The next event for BFL Gator Division anglers will be held March 8, at Lake Toho out of Kissimmee, Florida. 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. 17-18 BFL Regional tournament on Lake Seminole in Bainbridge, Georgia. 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.





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