Gambler Lures is proud to announce the release of its latest innovation in topwater bass fishing – the Gambler Walking Frog.
Pompano Beach, FL – Designed to deliver unmatched performance and versatility, this frog builds on the success of the Gambler Popping Frog, incorporating advanced features to meet the demands of tournament anglers and recreational bass fishermen alike.
“We released the Popping Frog last year, and it’s been a resounding success, winning an MLF Toyota Series and multiple regional tournaments in the Southeast,” said Val Osinski, owner of Gambler Lures. “We took those same innovative features that separated the Popping Frog and applied them to our new Walking Frog design.”
Whether you’re working open water, skipping docks, or dragging over the densest cheese mat, the Gambler Walking Frog is engineered to perform in every scenario. Its ultra-soft body maximizes hook-up ratios, while its custom weightingensures a perfect surface balance for effortless walking action or smooth retrieves over heavy cover. The custom legs incorporate a blend of flash material and traditional rubber skirt material and the body comes pre-riggedwith rattles to further elevate its appeal, calling in bass from afar or out of thick grass with irresistible sound and vibration.
Greenville, South Carolina – February 3, 2025– Wilderness Systems, an industry leader in premium fishing kayaks, is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with Mike Iaconelli, one of the most accomplished and recognized professional bass anglers in the world.
Hailing from New Jersey, Mike Iaconelli stands alone as the only angler to have earned the BASS Federation National Championship title, the Elite Series Angler of the Year accolade and is a Bassmaster Classic Champion. A lover of kayak fishing, Mike “Ike” Iaconelli won the Bassmaster National Kayak Upper Chesapeake Championship in 2021. Mike is celebrated for his groundbreaking techniques, unwavering determination, and contagious passion for the sport. This collaboration represents an exciting milestone for Wilderness Systems, uniting their world-class kayak designs with Mike’s unmatched fishing expertise to take the angling experience to the next level.
“Joining the Wilderness Systems family is a dream come true. As someone who’s spent decades chasing the perfect fishing experience, I’m blown away by their commitment to innovation and craftsmanship. I’m excited to show anglers everywhere just how incredible fishing from a Wilderness Systems kayak can be.”
Mike Iaconelli
Through this partnership, Mike will collaborate with Wilderness Systems on product innovation, exclusive content, tournaments, and community events, sharing tips and insights to inspire anglers of all levels.
What This Means for Anglers:
Exclusive content with Mike Iaconelli and Wilderness Systems
Insights into Mike’s fishing strategies and techniques, tailored for kayak anglers
Opportunities to meet Mike at upcoming events and tournaments
“We are beyond excited to welcome Mike to the Wilderness Systems team,” said Marc-Antoine Montbleau, Senior Marketing Manager at Wilderness Systems. “His energy, passion, and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our mission to provide anglers with the ultimate tools to explore and conquer the water. Together, we’re redefining what’s possible in kayak fishing.”
To learn more about the partnership and see Mike Iaconelli in action with Wilderness Systems kayaks, stay tuned by following Wilderness Systems and Mike Iaconelli on social media:
Wilderness Systems has been a pioneer in the kayak industry for decades, known for premium designs that deliver unparalleled performance, comfort, and versatility. From recreational paddling to advanced fishing, Wilderness Systems continues to push boundaries and inspire outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. The brand’s latest model, the highly anticipated Tactical Pro 128, will be available starting March 7, marking the next step in their dedication to innovation and excellence.
There’s an old saying often credited to Mark Twain when speaking of the weather that goes something like, “If you don’t like the weather in New England now, just wait a few minutes.” There is debate as to whether he deserves the credit, and it has been attributed geographically to a great many places over the years, but I’d like to add the area around Lake Lanier in northern Georgia to the list of applicable references going forward.
I was recently invited by the fine folks at Johnson Outdoors, and supported by Gunpowder Inc., for a first look at the brand new Humminbird XPLORE fish finder series and MEGA LIVE 2 forward-facing sonar on Georgia’s Lake Lanier. Two days of fishing alongside a variety of pro anglers and Johnson Outdoors captains afforded a select group of key media individuals some hands-on time with both products.
Chris Martin Retains Second Place Position with 35.21 pounds for two Days
Redding, Calif. – February 5, 2025 –– Lake Shasta, in extreme Northern California can prove to be one of the more unique fisheries in the Western Unite States. Known for its spotted bass population, Lake Shasta can produce very average limits one week and then become a big weight event the next.
Such was the case on day one at the 2025 WON bass Lake Shasta Open as 126 WON Bass Pros and their AAA partners ventured out onto the Lake from Bridge Bay Marina to try and start the quest at earning the 2025 Ranger Boats Z518 with Mercury 150 ProXS outboard presented by Bass Pro Shops with Power-Pole Charge and Volta Power Lithium Power Batteries, a package valued at $55,000.
With practice conditions that brought cold temperatures and driving rains, many anglers in the field reported tough results, and outlook for a big weigh event was not bright. However, as day one of the event dawned, the rains stopped, the temperatures warmed slightly with the sun and breezes broke up the surface of the water and the fish began to bite.
One angler who reported a slow practice was Surprise, Ariz. pro Joe Uribe Jr. who ran to one of his favorite areas on the lake hoping to catch a limit – he did better. Uribe power fished his way to 12 bites – one of which was a 7.36-pound largemouth that was big fish of the day – to bring 20.32-pounds to the scales with his day one AAA Damon Motley to take the lead.
Rocklin, Calif. pro Chris Martin, who manages the Marine Department at Bass Pro Shops in his hometown, and his AAA partner Phillip Lopez reported catching as many as 50 spotted bass between them to weigh 18.75 pounds to open the event in second place.
Third place went to pro Logan Huntze of Discovery Bay, Calif. and his AAA Steven Brackman with 17.91 pounds. They were followed by Redding, Calif. pro Randy Doyle and AAA partner Daniel Nehrer placed fourth with 17 pounds even, and Millville, Calif. pro Stev Frick and his AAA Scott Holman bagged 16.95 pounds to round out the top five.
Uribe said that he decided to try to make the best of the situation. “I went to an area that has produced for me, put my trolling motor down and fished a swimbait, “he said. “I had never caught a 20-pound bag on Shasta before, and while I didn’t expect it today, I’m certainly glad my name is on that list; it was a blessed day.”
Uribe reported making long casts with a swimbait, then watching the lure as he retrieved it on his Livescope Forward Facing Sonar, and he would see the spotted bass rise off the bottom to take a look. “I had to trigger most of them into biting by playing with the retrieve once I saw them,” he said. “But, we were able to capitalize on enough good bites to have a great day and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
Martin made a medium run to the northeast and threw 3/4-ounce Bass Patrol Jigs and reaction baits in three cuts until they had what proved to be their final weigh at around 11:00AM, then he went looking for a big bite. “We caught the majority of our fish in 30 to 50 feet of water,” he said. “Once I had the 18 pounds, I decided to run around and try for a big swimbait bite, which didn’t happen, but I feel good about tomorrow, a solid limit will keep me in contention.”
The daily livestream of the weigh-ins airs on at Facebook.com/WONBassTournaments. Daily weigh-ins from Bridge Bay Marina in Redding, Calif. begin after the first flight checks in at 3:00 PM Pacific Time.
2025 WON Bass Lake Shasta Open Day One Pro Standings
Place
Angler
Hometown
Fish
Big Bass
Day 1
Day 2
Total
1
Joe Uribe, Jr.
Surprise AZ
10-10
7.36
20.32
18.83
39.15
2
Chris Martin
Rocklin CA
10-10
5.00
18.75
16.46
35.21
3
Logan Huntze
Discovery Bay CA
10-10
5.99
17.91
12.93
30.84
4
Jerry Ballesteros
Rancho Cucamonga CA
10-10
4.89
13.72
16.72
30.44
5
Joe Mariani
Winters CA
10-10
16.88
13.21
30.09
6
Alex Niapas
Altaville CA
10-10
9.14
7.96
21.89
29.85
7
Cody Meyer
Eagle ID
10-10
15.25
13.96
29.21
8
Ian Boehm
Desrt Hills AZ
10-10
5.53
16.87
12.04
28.91
9
Greg Gutierrez
Red Bluff CA
10-10
4.27
16.31
12.27
28.58
10
Ryan Cool
Redding CA
10-10
13.47
15.03
28.50
2025 WON Bass Lake Shasta Open Day One AAA Standings
Place
Angler
Hometown
Fish
Weight
Big Bass
Day 1
Day 2
Total
1
Jacob Crawford
San Pedro CA
10-10
35.12
13.23
21.89
35.12
2
Phillip Lopez
Shingle Springs CA
10-10
33.21
5.37
18.75
14.46
33.21
3
Jake Etcheverry
Hughson CA
10-10
30.82
4.15
16.87
13.95
30.82
4
Damon Motley
Orange CA
10-10
30.22
4.51
20.32
9.90
30.22
5
Kody Sindorf
Anderson CA
10-10
30.02
3.93
16.06
13.96
30.02
6
David Underwood
Waco TX
10-10
29.57
5.30
10.74
18.83
29.57
7
Dennis Saiki
Torrance CA
10-10
29.47
4.37
15.00
14.47
29.47
8
Jeff Baird
Washington UT
10-10
29.43
4.21
14.40
15.03
29.43
9
Steve Brackmann
Wilder ID
10-10
29.40
17.91
11.49
29.40
10
Michael Grisham
Glendale AZ
10-10
28.81
16.31
12.50
28.81
The 2025 WON Bass Western Opens Series of events Consisting of five events in California, Arizona and Nevada, will culminate with the 2024 WON Bass U.S. Open at Lake Mohave in October. The five event dates are as follows:
The 2025 WON Bass Lake Shasta Open is brought to you by Bass Pro Shops, Ranger Boats, Mercury Marine, Nitro Boats, Triton Boats, Bridgford Foods, Volta Power Lithium, Power Pole, Lowrance, Daiwa, AFTCO, Costa, Berkley, Abu Garcia, Fenwick Rods, Anderson Toyota, A&M Graphics, Anglers Marine, Signature Gates, DD26 Fishing, Bad Ass Bearings, Cipher Fishing Megaware Keelguard.
Local presenting sponsors are Visit Redding, Phil’s Propellers Huff’s Restaurant.
They will all, however, be looking for a big win on one of the biggest bass fisheries of all when the tournament is held Feb. 13-15 in east Texas.
Rayburn is synonymous with big bass, making it a mainstay on the B.A.S.S. circuit for decades. There’s plenty of room (approximately 114,500 acres) for competitors to spread out, too, in search of the legendary toads that earned “Big Sam” the No. 7 spot in the Central Division of Bassmaster Magazine’s 2024 100 Best Bass Lakes list.
Though he’s an Arkansas native and has been a Louisiana resident for a quarter-century, Bassmaster Elite Series pro Greg Hackney has a special affinity for Sam Rayburn Reservoir. When he was only 20, Hackney won a regional tournament on Rayburn, earning a boat and truck combo and qualifying for a spot in the Bassmaster All-American. Hackney also won his first Elite event on Rayburn back in 2006, the first year of the Elite Series.
“Rayburn has been very good to me through the years,” the 51-year-old pro said. “I love it there.”
Though he won’t be fishing in the Open at Rayburn, Hackney has a good understanding of what competitors can expect on the reservoir.
“It looks like it’s going to be warm just before the tournament and that should make for really good fishing,” he said. “If air temperatures sneak into the 80s, that will have a huge impact on fish migration. February is typically the month when fish will head to the bank (to spawn). You can look at previous Bassmaster events there and see (that) if it’s not cold, it’s gonna be won shallow.”
Water depth will likely be a factor, as well, Hackney said.
“When it’s lower, they hold in more mid-depth water,” he said. “If the water is low, the grass will play a huge role. If so, I’d look for a big crankbait bite out deep. If the water is high, the bushes will come into play. Another thing is the hard spots on the bottom in higher water. The fish tend to hang out there before heading farther in.”
As of early February, a Toyota ShareLunker bass (8 pounds or more) from Rayburn had yet to be reported to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. However, Hackney said he heard a 12-pound, 15-ounce beast had been boated at Rayburn recently. If so, that’s a sure sign that more big bites will follow as largemouth move into full spawn. A total of 26 ShareLunker bass were caught in Rayburn in 2024, making it one of the five most-productive big-bass fisheries in a state loaded with them.
“Everything is setting up for this one to be an absolute slugfest,” Hackney said of the upcoming Open at Rayburn. “The conditions could be perfect. You’ll have warm water, and the fish will start moving up. There should be some big weights caught.”
The St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn Reservoir presented by SEVIIN will begin Feb. 13 with a 7 a.m. CT takeoff from Umphrey Family Pavilion in Brookeland, Texas, followed by weigh-in back at the pavilion beginning at 3 p.m. The full field will fish again on Feb. 14, with the top anglers advancing to fish for the tournament title on Feb. 15.
Mark Zona returns to Bassmaster with a new podcast, TnZ, launching on the Bassmaster Channel
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Bass fishing fans, get ready! Mark Zona is making his highly anticipated return to Bassmaster, bringing his unmistakable energy and insight back to the sport with the launch of the TnZ Podcast alongside his longtime colleague Tommy Sanders. Debuting Monday, Feb. 10, on Bassmaster.com, the TnZ Podcast will be the anchor show of the all-new Bassmaster Channel, which is set to revolutionize the way fans engage with the sport.
After serving as a host of Bassmaster LIVE for a decade, Zona retired from the show after the close of the 2024 season. Now Zona, affectionately known as “Z,” steps back into the Bassmaster fold, reuniting with the legendary Tommy Sanders — one of the most respected voices in bass fishing. Together, the dynamic duo will offer a fresh, unfiltered take on the sport, delivering top-tier analysis with their signature mix of expertise, humor and bold opinions.
Phillip Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of B.A.S.S., expressed his excitement for the launch of the new Bassmaster Channel and its flagship program. “We are so excited to have Zona and Tommy bringing their tremendous knowledge and personalities to our new Bassmaster Channel with the TnZ Podcast. I know our fans will love watching these guys tackle some crazy topics as the Elite Series kicks off. We developed the Bassmaster Channel to enhance the fan experience, and the TnZ Podcast will no doubt be the crown jewel of our programming.”
The TnZ Podcast will lead an exciting lineup of programs available on the Bassmaster Channel, which includes other premier shows such as:
Inside Bassmaster Podcast – A deep dive into the latest in tournament action and fishing industry news.
O-Fish-Ally, Unofficial Podcast with Dave Mercer – A unique, entertaining take on the sport from Bassmaster’s inimitable emcee.
And much more!
The Bassmaster Channel is designed to inform and entertain, providing fans with unprecedented access to expert analysis, angler interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the sport’s biggest personalities.
On the TnZ Podcast, Sanders and Zona will tackle the biggest topics in bass fishing, from angler rankings and tournament breakdowns to equipment trends and even unexpected pop culture crossovers. This will be a pull-no-punches fishing show where no topic is off-limits.
Mike McKinnis, VP of media/content for JM Associates, emphasized the podcast’s unique approach. “This will be unlike any other fishing podcast out there. Zona and Sanders will be no-holds-barred, prognosticating angler tiers from best to worst and making rookie predictions on who makes it and who falls off. Most importantly, these guys are going to offer real information, not misinformation that fishing fans often get from other sources.”
“Ya … it’s a podcast, but sort of a Bassmaster fishing sport show where we can dive into the good, bad and ugly,” said Zona. “We will also hold ourselves accountable when we are totally wrong, which will probably be often. Going off my last 20 years with Tommy, I don’t think our sport will run out of crazy stuff to talk about. It’s definitely something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”
The TnZ Podcast launches Monday, Feb. 10, on Bassmaster.com. The podcast will have 26 episodes in 2025, and fans can expect a new installment every other week.
Redding, Calif. – February 5, 2025 –– Lake Shasta, in extreme Northern California can prove to be one of the more unique fisheries in the Western Unite States. Known for its spotted bass population, Lake Shasta can produce very average limits one week and then become a big weight event the next.
Such was the case on day one at the 2025 WON bass Lake Shasta Open as 126 WON Bass Pros and their AAA partners ventured out onto the Lake from Bridge Bay Marina to try and start the quest at earning the 2025 Ranger Boats Z518 with Mercury 150 ProXS outboard presented by Bass Pro Shops with Power-Pole Charge and Volta Power Lithium Power Batteries, a package valued at $55,000.
With practice conditions that brought cold temperatures and driving rains, many anglers in the field reported tough results, and outlook for a big weigh event was not bright. However, as day one of the event dawned, the rains stopped, the temperatures warmed slightly with the sun and breezes broke up the surface of the water and the fish began to bite.
One angler who reported a slow practice was Surprise, Ariz. pro Joe Uribe Jr. who ran to one of his favorite areas on the lake hoping to catch a limit – he did better. Uribe power fished his way to 12 bites – one of which was a 7.36-pound largemouth that was big fish of the day – to bring 20.32-pounds to the scales with his day one AAA Damon Motley to take the lead.
Rocklin, Calif. pro Chris Martin, who manages the Marine Department at Bass Pro Shops in his hometown, and his AAA partner Phillip Lopez reported catching as many as 50 spotted bass between them to weigh 18.75 pounds to open the event in second place.
Third place went to pro Logan Huntze of Discovery Bay, Calif. and his AAA Steven Brackman with 17.91 pounds. They were followed by Redding, Calif. pro Randy Doyle and AAA partner Daniel Nehrer placed fourth with 17 pounds even, and Millville, Calif. pro Stev Frick and his AAA Scott Holman bagged 16.95 pounds to round out the top five.
Uribe said that he decided to try to make the best of the situation. “I went to an area that has produced for me, put my trolling motor down and fished a swimbait, “he said. “I had never caught a 20-pound bag on Shasta before, and while I didn’t expect it today, I’m certainly glad my name is on that list; it was a blessed day.”
Uribe reported making long casts with a swimbait, then watching the lure as he retrieved it on his Livescope Forward Facing Sonar, and he would see the spotted bass rise off the bottom to take a look. “I had to trigger most of them into biting by playing with the retrieve once I saw them,” he said. “But, we were able to capitalize on enough good bites to have a great day and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
Martin made a medium run to the northeast and threw 3/4-ounce Bass Patrol Jigs and reaction baits in three cuts until they had what proved to be their final weigh at around 11:00AM, then he went looking for a big bite. “We caught the majority of our fish in 30 to 50 feet of water,” he said. “Once I had the 18 pounds, I decided to run around and try for a big swimbait bite, which didn’t happen, but I feel good about tomorrow, a solid limit will keep me in contention.”
The daily livestream of the weigh-ins airs on at Facebook.com/WONBassTournaments. Daily weigh-ins from Bridge Bay Marina in Redding, Calif. begin after the first flight checks in at 3:00 PM Pacific Time.
2025 WON Bass Lake Shasta Open Day One Pro Standings
Place
PRO Angler
Hometown
Fish
Weight
Big Bass
1
Joe Uribe, Jr.
Surprise AZ
5-5
20.32
7.36
2
Chris Martin
Rocklin CA
5-5
18.75
4.24
3
Logan Huntze
Discovery Bay CA
5-5
17.91
5.99
4
Randy Doyle
Redding CA
5-5
17.00
5
Steve Frick
Milville CA
5-5
16.95
6
Joe Mariani
Winters CA
5-5
16.88
7
Ian Boehm
Desrt Hills AZ
5-5
16.87
5.53
8
Alex Klein
Oroville CA
5-5
16.84
5.02
9
Ed Arledge
Valley Center CA
5-5
16.39
3.63
10
Greg Gutierrez
Red Bluff CA
5-5
16.31
4.27
11
Aaron Britt
Yuba City CA
5-5
16.16
12
Robert Nakatomi
Sacramento CA
5-5
16.06
13
Mark Crutcher
Lakeport CA
5-5
15.66
14
Phil Dutra
Arab AL
5-5
15.60
15
Cody Meyer
Eagle ID
5-5
15.25
16
Roy Hawk
Lake Havasu City AZ
5-5
15.00
17
Bill Townsend
Redding CA
5-5
14.57
18
Brian Conder
Smartsvile CA
5-5
14.48
19
Chris Raza
Orangvalle CA
5-5
14.47
20
Todd Kline
San Clemente CA
5-5
14.42
2025 WON Bass Lake Shasta Open Day One AAA Standings
Place
AAA Angler
Hometown
Fish
Big Bass
Weight
1
Damon Motley
Orange CA
5-5
20.32
2
Phillip Lopez
Shingle Springs CA
5-5
5.37
18.75
3
Steve Brackmann
Wilder ID
5-5
17.91
4
Daniel Nehrer
Borrego Springs CA
5-5
5.06
17.00
5
Scott Holman
Orange CA
5-5
16.95
6
Eddie Bouslaugh Jones
Redding CA
5-5
16.88
7
Jake Etcheverry
Hughson CA
5-5
16.87
8
Steven Cook
Willow AK
5-5
4.08
16.84
9
Dante Ray
Fernley NV
5-5
4.42
16.39
10
Michael Grisham
Glendale AZ
5-5
16.31
11
Glen Wyatt
Stockton CA
5-5
16.16
12
Kody Sindorf
Anderson CA
5-5
3.93
16.06
13
Scott Stanfield
Anderson CA
5-5
5.13
15.66
14
Derek Andersen
Meadow Vista CA
5-5
15.60
15
Paul Howard
Sacramento CA
5-5
3.65
15.25
16
Dennis Saiki
Torrance CA
5-5
4.37
15.00
17
John Garrett
Elk Grove CA
5-5
14.57
18
Steve W. Clark
Fresno CA
5-5
14.48
19
Thaddeus Vinson
Medford OR
5-5
14.47
20
Chad LeBlanc
Weatland CA
5-5
4.57
14.42
The 2025 WON Bass Western Opens Series of events Consisting of five events in California, Arizona and Nevada, will culminate with the 2024 WON Bass U.S. Open at Lake Mohave in October. The five event dates are as follows:
The 2025 WON Bass Lake Shasta Open is brought to you by Bass Pro Shops, Ranger Boats, Mercury Marine, Nitro Boats, Triton Boats, Bridgford Foods, Volta Power Lithium, Power Pole, Lowrance, Daiwa, AFTCO, Costa, Berkley, Abu Garcia, Fenwick Rods, Anderson Toyota, A&M Graphics, Anglers Marine, Signature Gates, DD26 Fishing, Bad Ass Bearings, Cipher Fishing Megaware Keelguard.
Local presenting sponsors are Visit Redding, Phil’s Propellers Huff’s Restaurant.
Rocky Talkie Opens Applications for 2025 Search & Rescue Awards The backcountry radio brand expands support for U.S. and Canadian Search & Rescue teams through annual grant program
DENVER, Colo. (February 3, 2025) – Rocky Talkie, a leading manufacturer of rugged backcountry communication devices, is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Search & Rescue (SAR) Awards. Open through February 28, 2025, this annual initiative provides critical grants to underfunded SAR teams across the United States and Canada to support their operations and save lives.
Now in its sixth year, the SAR Awards initiative underscores Rocky Talkie’s ongoing commitment to supporting volunteer rescue teams, who play a vital role in outdoor safety. Since its founding in 2019, Rocky Talkie has pledged $2 per radio sold to support SAR teams, with the first official award granted in 2020. To date, the program has provided over $156,000 in grants, helping SAR teams to acquire essential equipment, invest in advanced training and expand their capabilities in the field.
“Search and Rescue teams are the unsung heroes of outdoor adventure,” said Bryce Jones, co-founder of Rocky Talkie. “Their dedication and expertise make the backcountry safer for everyone, and we’re proud to support their lifesaving work through this program. The SAR Awards is our way of giving back to the community and ensuring these teams have the tools they need to succeed.”
For the 2025 grant cycle, Rocky Talkie will award multiple grants across three funding levels: $5,000 Grants $10,000 Grants $25,000 Grants
SAR teams can select the grant level that best aligns with their financial needs when applying. Winners will be selected by a dedicated Selection Committee, ensuring funding reaches teams that will benefit most from additional resources. How to Apply
The SAR Awards are open to all Search & Rescue teams operating as a non-profit or in partnership with a non-profit that accepts grants or donations to support the SAR team, in the United States or Canada. Applications must be submitted by February 28, 2025. To learn more and apply, visit rockytalkie.com/pages/sar-award.
CLEWISTON, Fla. (Feb. 5, 2025) –The Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats is headed back to Lake Okeechobee, Feb. 13-15, for the first event of the 2025 Southern division – the Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats at Lake Okeechobee.
The three-day tournament, hosted by the Hendry County Tourism Development Council, will showcase the region’s top bass-fishing pros and Strike King co-anglers. Competitors will vie for a grand 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.
Lake Okeechobee has faced an unusual winter – a brutally cold start followed by an abrupt warming trend. According to Bass Pro Tour angler Keith Carson of DeBary, Florida, the lake got too warm, too fast, which could lead to some interesting dynamics on the water. Carson said the fish are in spawn mode, and the conditions will create opportunities for big bags. But the lake’s murkier water and slightly higher levels could make finding those fish more challenging.
“The water is kind of dirty. I think it’s a little bit higher,” Carson said. “I think we’ll likely see a lot of guys blind pitching at the reeds. They’re still really going to catch them, though. There was a local tournament last Saturday and first place was 29 pounds, so I think we’re going to see some giants.”
Carson said he expects that forward-facing sonar will play a significant role in the tournament, continuing a trend seen in recent years.
“I used to think that it wasn’t that big of a deal for Florida because our lakes are so different from the lakes up north,” he said. “But, man, after last year, where just about everyone in the top 10 was using it – it’s going to be a big deal.”
When asked what he would have tied on for this event, Carson had a few go-to picks that he suggested.
“I’d definitely be throwing the Berkley Spin Rocket,” he said. “I’d have a black-and-blue Berkley swimjig tied on, with a MaxScent Meaty Chunk trailer – that would also be really good. And I think an old-school spinnerbait could be a player in this one, especially if a guy can get on a shad spawn.”
Anglers will begin each day at 7 a.m. ET, launching from Roland & Mary Ann Martin’s Marina & Resort, located at 920 E. Del Monte Ave. in Clewiston. Weigh-ins will take place at the marina, 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 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.
