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Saturday, December 13, 2025
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Martin, O’Connell Disqualified from Bass Fishing League Regional

Brian Carter
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Martin, O’Connell Disqualified from Bass Fishing League Regional

BENTON, Ky. (Oct. 30, 2025) – Boaters Aspen Martin of White, Georgia, and Matt O’Connell of Brooks, Georgia, have been disqualified from the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Fishing League (BFL) Regional tournament held Oct. 10-11 on Lake Murray. The disqualification stems from a protest alleging the anglers violated BFL Rule No. 10, which states, in part, that contestants may not use mobile communication devices to communicate with anyone about locating or catching fish on tournament waters during tournament hours.

As part of MLF’s investigation of the protest, both anglers were asked to take a polygraph, at MLF’s expense, as prescribed by tournament rules. Additionally, MLF offered to cover travel and lodging expenses related to the polygraph.

Martin cooperated with the investigation and took the polygraph as requested. The results, however, indicate deception (untruthful) responses to the relevant questions asked during the exam – resulting in disqualification. As a result of the disqualification, boater William Bates of Alpharetta, Georgia, moves up to second place in the regional and will advance to the 2026 All-American.

O’Connell declined to take the polygraph as requested and withdrew from the 2025 Toyota Series Championship after being informed that refusal to take the exam would result in disqualification from the Lake Murray Regional and ineligibility to participate in the upcoming championship. As a result of the disqualification, boater Chad Sims of Lancaster, South Carolina, moves up to third place in the regional and will advance to the 2026 All-American.

O’Connell is suspended from future MLF competition and may reapply in 2027.

Bates and Sims will receive second and third place payouts, respectively, and payouts for the remaining boater positions at the Lake Murray Regional will be adjusted accordingly.





Why Do Anglers Hunt During the Fall and Not Fish?

Brian Carter
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0
Why Do Anglers Hunt During the Fall and Not Fish?

Why Do Anglers Hunt During the Fall and Not Fish? by Calvin Herndon

I have asked myself the question of why anglers go hunting instead of fishing during the fall months of the year. There are a lot of different reasons why this is, and it is not at all what I thought it was. I want to dive into a couple of unique reasons that you may not have realized or considered, so let’s get started. 

The first reason I want to talk about is that fishing is slowing down in many areas. All of the anglers know that when it comes to the fall that weather and water temperature changes often affect the behavior of the fish. It is known that fish become less active or move to deeper water during the fall. Some species of fish that you are trying to catch aren’t as abundant or easy to catch in the fall. Also, in the fall weather can cause boating or shoreline fishing to be less enjoyable. However, in some regions of the country fall can be a great time to catch species like salmon and trout.

The second reason I want to bring to everyone’s attention is the traditions and culture behind hunting in the fall. For many, hunting in the fall is a long-standing tradition passed down through generations. Many hunters take annual trips to deer camps or are a part of a club. Hunters also want to use this opportunity as a bonding experience with family and friends. There can also be cultural events tied to harvest time. When I was a young boy I remember sitting in the woods and building memories, waiting to harvest an animal. Lastly I want to bring up some practical reasons that many anglers hunt during the fall.

Lastly, we come to limited opportunities. What do I mean by this? Many game species can only be legally hunted during a short window in the fall. Unlike hunting, fishing can be done year-round with no off-limits or wait periods. For example, if you want to harvest a whitetail deer in the state of Virginia, you only have the months of  October through November. So in my opinion, I would say it is okay for anglers to take two months off to chase an animal of their dreams.  





Mike Gerald & Dillon Thompkins weighed in 5 bass at 13.05 lbs good enough for the CATT win on the Waccamaw River!

Brian Carter
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Mike Gerald & Dillon Thompkins weighed in 5 bass at 13.05 lbs good enough for the CATT win on the Waccamaw River!

Next Waccamaw River Fall Qualifier is Nov 22 at Yauhannah Landing!

Mike Gerald & Dillon Thompkins weighed in 5 bass at 13.05 lbs good enough for the win on the Waccamaw River!

Reid McDowell & Jay McDowell claimed 2nd with 12.17 lbs!

Ricky Wood with nice a un!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Mike Gerald & Dillon Thompkins3.3113.05$1,150.00110
Reid & Jay McDowell4.8012.17$520.00109
Joey & Danny McLean2.5712.08$175.00108
David McCarter & Jay Holbert3.7811.90107
Johnny Duarte & Ricky Wood3.9610.73$50.00106
Jesse McCormick & Shane Hollar3.2510.72105
Chris Jones & Ed Owens2.2510.16104
Britt Brown & Danny Martin2.829.84103
Darren & Karen Leeper2.809.20102
Chad Williams & David Wilder2.468.99101
Adam Watts2.508.86100
Glenn Altman & Ray Inman2.138.6499
Blake Jordan & Cole Harris2.828.2998
Robby Bynum & Eric Cox2.287.8597
Don McLaud0.000.0087
James Odom & Damon Hanna0.000.0087
Jordan Manning0.000.0087
Total Entrys$2,040.00
BONUS $$250.00
Total Paid At Ramp$1,895.00
CATT$50.00
2025 Waccamaw Fall Final Fund$295.00
2026 CATT Championship Fund$50.00
2025 Waccamaw Fall Fund Total$200.00
2025 Waccamaw Fall Point Fund$390.00





Christopher Campbell wins the CATT Nuese River with 5 bass weighing 14.29 lbs!

Brian Carter
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Christopher Campbell wins the CATT Nuese River with 5 bass weighing 14.29 lbs!

Next and last Fall Neuse River CATT Qualifier is November 22. So far, we have 32 teams eligible to enter the Fall Final! You only have to enter 1 Qualifier so come on out Nov 22 and get qualified for the Final!

Christopher Campbell wins the Nuese River with 5 bass weighing 14.29 lbs!

Rob Ramsey & Zach Phillips 2nd with 13.58 lbs!

3rd Paul King – Buddy Weatherington 13.42 lbs!

Cole Wilkins weighed in the BF at 5.21 lbs!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Christopher Campbell0.0014.29$740.00110
Rob Ramsey – Zach Phillips0.0013.58$460.00109
Paul King – Buddy Weatherington0.0013.42$200.00108
Brad Stain – Robert Richardson3.4411.62$100.00107
Brody Wilson – Zach Smith4.1911.46106
Nathaniel Drayton – Steve Davis0.0011.28105
Tom Warner Ronald Vaughn0.0011.20104
Ronald Jones – Taylor Hedum0.0010.81103
Hunter Wood Lucas Thore3.1310.65102
Roger Griffith – Jeff Farmer0.0010.61101
Vincent Bradley Billy Waters0.0010.21100
Tony Crabb – Chad Orbenhauser3.449.4499
Cole Wilkins5.219.23$220.0098
Jerry Padgett Dwight Scholer3.418.9997
Jim Hipkiss Dennis Boykin0.008.9796
Rickey Foss – George Long0.008.1595
Matthew Smith – Tom Tripp0.006.6294
Chris Hardesty Bryce Hardesty0.004.2893
Benjamin Dillahunt – John Brookshire0.000.0083
Robert Monroe – Bubba Barnett0.000.0083
Juan Medina Preston Williamson0.000.0083
James Pugh Hunter Coats0.000.0083
Total Entrys$1,760.00
BONUS $$400.00
Total Paid At Ramp$1,720.00
CATT$50.00
2025 Neuse River Fall Final Fund$340.00
2026 CATT Championship/Phantom Fund$50.00
2025 Neuse River Fall Fund Total$760.00





Ray & Chanon Dowey Win CATT Wateree with 5 bass weighing 17.04 lbs

Brian Carter
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Ray & Chanon Dowey Win CATT Wateree with 5 bass weighing 17.04 lbs

Next Lake Wateree Fall Qualifier is November 1st and is a GOLD!

Ray & Chanon Dowey won Wateree this past Saturday with 5 bass weighing 17.04 lbs and they weighed in the BF at 5.21 lbs!

Jacob & Jeff Norris 2nd with 16.32 lbs!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Ray Dowey & Chanon Dowey5.2117.04$825.00110
Jeff Norris & Jacob Norris3.9016.32$250.00109
Craig Haven – Paul Wells3.6914.54108
Bubba & Colden Baker4.1314.48107
Dearal & Sara Rodgers3.0112.62106
Todd Butler – Jeffrey Furr2.6912.43105
Glenn Kirby – Brandon Driggers0.004.96104
Clay & Braylon Parker2.952.95103
Mitchell Gordon0.000.0093
Scott & Terry Williams0.000.0093
Total Entrys$800.00
BONUS $$525.00
Total Paid At Ramp$1,075.00
2025 Wateree Fall Final Fund$175.00
CATT$0.00
2026 CATT Championship$50.00
2025 Wateree Fall Fund Total$680.00





Catch Bass using Fall Patterns!

Brian Carter
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0
Catch Bass using Fall Patterns!
As daylight hours shorten and water temperatures begin to cool, bass instinctively respond to these environmental changes by feeding more aggressively in preparation for winter. The combination of reduced sunlight and the cooling effects of early fall fronts signals bass to migrate and stock up on energy reserves. These shifts are natural and predictable, offering anglers an opportunity to anticipate movement patterns across their favorite lakes or rivers. Understanding that this change is not random but biologically driven helps anglers plan their approach with precision. Bass are no different from other wildlife that instinctively prepare for colder months through increased feeding activity. Recognizing these cues allows you to time your trips around the most active feeding windows of the season. As water temperatures gradually drop, the metabolic rate of bass slows slightly, but their need to bulk up before winter keeps them actively searching for food. This is why anglers often see increased surface activity and more frequent baitfish chases in early to mid-fall. Paying attention to temperature trends and daylight patterns can help predict when the bite will peak in your area. The first series of cool nights usually sparks this behavior, marking the start of consistent fall feeding patterns. By understanding these natural triggers, you can stay one step ahead and position yourself where bass are most likely to be feeding aggressively.Our Fresh HellaMite is designed to imitate a major aquatic food source, delivering a realistic profile of an insect larva that fish can’t resist. Each is scented for complete and total attraction underwater, along with being made in the USA by real fishermen. We recently restocked the HellaMite Pro Pack, which is loaded with 60 baits in all six proven colors, plus three Owner Block Head Ned Jigs and a handy storage bag. This kit has everything you need to stay rigged and ready year-round. Grab our newest Lil Bass, Hot Sauce, MidNight, Glow, 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink HellaMite colors. We’ve also restocked our Green Pumpkin and Smoke Purple HellaMite. The HellaMite’s solid body and hyperactive ribbed tail design produce a life-like quivering action with every twitch of the rod. Its unique flat underbelly detail enables this bait to be fished as a drop shot, Ned rig, neko rig, and even a small Carolina-rig, making it the ideal bait in any condition year-round. When the water is clear, the fish can see the bait and look like real food, causing strikes. Each cast becomes an opportunity for an exhilarating catch, thanks to its superior performance and versatility.
During the fall transition, bass follow familiar routes along contour lines and structural features within a lake. They often move from deeper summer areas toward mid-depth channels, coves, and shallower feeding zones as conditions stabilize. This migration isn’t uniform, and some fish move faster or farther depending on the water clarity, forage distribution, and lake size. Anglers who focus on structure, such as points, ledges, and creek channels, can more easily locate bass during these shifts. Because bass rarely move in open water without purpose, identifying key pieces of structure along migration paths helps narrow down productive areas. Paying attention to both underwater contours and nearby baitfish activity provides the most consistent clues to where bass are positioned. Bass often use these structural features like highways, pausing at drop-offs or cover where they can ambush passing prey. Changes in bottom composition, such as a small rock pile or a patch of submerged vegetation, can serve as key holding spots during their journey. As conditions continue to cool, bass may travel in small groups, stopping briefly at mid-depth staging areas before pushing shallow to feed. Understanding how they use these transition routes helps anglers predict not just where the fish are now, but where they’re heading next. By methodically working through these structural zones, anglers can stay on active fish throughout each phase of the fall migration.We use our Fresh Scorpion because it closely imitates a crawfish. Our newest 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink Scorpion colors work wonders. The Scorpion is a revolutionary new look to soft plastics. Its intricate detailing and texture mimic the nuances of a real crawfish, making it hard for bass to resist. Of course, water clarity always plays a role in color selection but in any season, you can’t miss using colors such as Green Pumpkin Seed, Brown Bark, and the Magneto. This bait not only appears natural to fish but gives them something to become curious about. The Scorpion paired with a stand-up jig is deadly because the jig actually sits the bait upright in a defensive stance. The subtle color variations across the bait further enhance its appeal, mimicking the natural color shifts found in live prey. Each Fresh Scorpion has a unique and exclusive 3-axis tail design that is engineered like no other soft plastic bait. Our Scorpions are made by anglers from high-grade non-salt plastic to provide superior life-like action that triggers strikes!
Finding the productive depth zone in fall is often a matter of testing and observing patterns. Start deeper near channel bends or main-lake points, then gradually move shallower until you locate consistent fish activity. This progression helps you map the “magic depth” where bass are holding on a particular day. The same strategy applies to areas with vegetation, where bass use deeper edges as travel corridors to access shallower feeding areas. Treat weed lines and submerged plants as natural highways that bass follow as they shift position. Once you determine a consistent depth or type of cover producing bites, it can often be replicated throughout similar locations across the lake. Water temperature, sunlight, and wind direction all play a role in determining how deep bass will hold on any given day. On calm, sunny days, they may remain closer to cover in slightly deeper water, while overcast or windy conditions can push them shallower to feed. Depth can also vary based on the side of the lake, as the windward bank often concentrates baitfish and oxygen-rich water. Using your electronics to monitor baitfish depth and bottom composition helps fine-tune your approach. By staying flexible and adjusting as conditions change, you’ll consistently stay in tune with where the fish are positioned throughout the fall season.The new FreshBaitz Lizards deliver a realistic profile that excels in both power and finesse techniques. Act fast, we’ve recently just released new Hot Sauce, MidNight, Ghost, and 10w30 Synthetic Lizard designs! The unique forward-facing leg design creates drag that holds it in the strike zone longer or produces wild flapping action with every pull of the rod. Additionally, its slightly ribbed solid body and large head hold your hook in place and provide much better weedless performance making it the ideal bait to use in any condition. Water clarity always plays a super big role in color selection but in any season year-round, you can’t miss when using colors such as Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, or Green Pumpkin. Its flexible tail design ensures added movement, tempting even the most cautious fish. The superior 5.5-inch profile stretches to a whole 7 inches which is perfect for predatory fish including bass year round. Made from long-lasting durable high-grade non-salted plastic for total and maximum attention-grabbing action underwater.
Fall bass are in a heavy feeding mode, often forming loose schools to chase baitfish near the surface or around shallow cover. They typically move into shallow zones earlier in the afternoon and remain longer in the morning compared to summer patterns, creating extended feeding windows. This makes fall one of the most rewarding seasons to fish for both numbers and size. Bass are opportunistic feeders, so focusing on areas with visible forage movement can yield quick results. As temperatures cool further, expect short bursts of activity as bass take advantage of warming periods throughout the day. Knowing when and where these feeding flurries occur gives you the edge to capitalize on their heightened aggression. During these feeding windows, it’s common to see multiple bass striking in the same area, especially around active schools of baitfish. They often corral forage into corners, pockets, or along grass edges to feed efficiently. Anglers can take advantage of this behavior by positioning near transitional areas where deep and shallow zones meet. Timing is everything when the bite turns on. It can be fast and intense, but when it slows, moving locations or adjusting depth quickly can keep you on fish. Observing subtle surface disturbances or bird activity nearby can also signal when a new feeding cycle is about to start.Our Fresh Beetle delivers ultimate versatility in a soft plastic bait. Its slim yet wide body design and four claws are engineered to naturally glide and wobble as it moves through the water. This design ensures they remain enticingly active longer than conventional baits. Its unique texture also provides a realistic feel, making bass hold on longer once they bite. Water clarity plays a big role in color selection but year-round you can’t miss when using go-to colors such as Chocolate Mint, Ox Blood, or 10w30 Synthetic beetles. The hyper-active swimming claws are designed thin with long-lasting durable non-salt plastic to make them come alive with the slightest movement. The Fresh Beetle offers an enticing 4-inch profile and is scented for complete and total attraction! You can rig these Beetles as a Jig/ Chatter Trailer, Flippin/ Punching, Texas Rig, Swing Jig, and Carolina Rig. Making the beetle beyond perfect in any weather condition year-round!
Because bass are more active in fall, faster presentations often outperform slow, methodical retrieves. Soft plastics such as lizards, insect larvae, craw-styled baits, beetles, and worms can all produce excellent results when worked with a stop-and-start or swimming motion. These baits imitate the natural forage that bass key in on during this season while allowing anglers to cover water efficiently. Focus on subtle vibrations and realistic movement rather than speed alone to trigger reaction strikes from roaming fish. Matching the bait’s size and color to local forage enhances effectiveness, especially in clear or lightly stained water. Using varied retrieve speeds can also help determine how aggressive the fish are on any given day. Target areas with active bait movement, such as windblown points, channel intersections, or edges of submerged vegetation, where bass are likely to ambush prey. In these locations, a soft plastic retrieved with a slight pause between movements often entices bites from following fish. When bass are aggressive, speeding up the retrieve or creating quick bursts of motion can trigger competitive strikes. Adjusting your presentation to mimic wounded or fleeing forage makes your bait stand out and encourages reaction bites. The key is staying versatile, switching techniques and retrieve styles throughout the day ensuring you match the mood and energy level of the fish.Using a stick-styled worm is the most tried and true ways to catch fish. We have a variety of 5-inch Worms to choose from but we just added MidNight, Glow, and Ghost Worms! Our popular Watermelon Red Worms have been restocked as well. You can also experience our new wacky rigging kit while it’s ON SALE! The WACKY Pack offers our most popular colors and essential tools for wacky rigging. If you’re fast enough you might be able to grab the limited-release Pumpkin Spice Worm before it’s completely sold out, along with some of our newest colors, including the Brown Worm, Electric Chicken Worm, and Goby Wan Worm colors. The high-grade non-salt plastic they’re made from provides positive buoyancy and it even floats underwater! We also Restocked 6-inch Worms, including Watermelon Red, Green Pumpkin, Black & Blue, Fire TGR, Wild Berries, Bone, 10w30 Synthetic, Zombie Blood, and Chocolate MNT! — all available in 5 and 6-inch. We’ve also recently released new 8-count packs of worms available in Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, and Green Pumpkin. We also offer worms that have the unique ability to shift from one color to another. Scented for total attraction underwater.
In fall, most forage species have matured to their largest sizes of the year, and bass adjust accordingly by targeting bigger prey. This is why using slightly larger soft plastics can be advantageous, as they more accurately reflect the available food in the system. When bass are feeding heavily, they prefer to expend energy on larger, more rewarding meals rather than chasing small offerings. This concept explains why trophy-sized bass are often caught in the fall. It’s their peak feeding period before winter sets in. Anglers should observe local bait size and choose lures that match it as closely as possible for best results. Presenting a larger, natural-looking meal can often make the difference between a casual bite and a big strike. As water clarity and light conditions change, color selection also becomes important in creating a convincing presentation. In clear water, natural tones that resemble local forage will typically perform best, while stained or murky conditions may call for more contrast or darker shades. Paying attention to how your bait moves through the water. Its profile, fall rate, and action can help fine-tune your approach for more consistent results. Larger baits also allow you to maintain better contact with the fish’s strike zone, especially when targeting deeper or transitional areas. By combining proper size, color, and motion, anglers can closely imitate real prey and maximize their chances of attracting quality bites during the fall feeding surge.Introducing the Newest 8-Inch MagDingo Worms! These are the ultimate game-changer in bass fishing! Engineered for anglers who know SIZE does matter, this lure is designed to attract only the BIGGEST bass with a fixation for the larger bait. The MagDingo Worm boasts a solid 8-inch body enhanced with a hyperactive ribbed design, ensuring irresistible mouth-watering action for those trophy bass. The 10-count packs are now available in a variety of 6 crucial colors, including the 10w30 Synthetic, Black & Blue, Zombie Blood, Green Pumpkin, Wild Cherry, and Watermelon Red. Each worm is made in the USA from durable, high-grade Non-Salted plastic for lifelike action and unparalleled durability. Perfectly balanced for a variety of rigging options and scented for maximum attraction, the 8-inch MagDingo Worm promises year-round effectiveness in lakes, rivers, and streams. Whether you’re rigging it on a Shakey Head, Drop Shot, Texas Rig, or Carolina Rig, these worms are your ticket to landing trophy-sized smallmouth and largemouth bass.
Fall transitions occur gradually, with bass slowly adjusting their depth and location as water temperatures drop. Milder cold fronts usually cause only brief slowdowns, but severe ones can suppress feeding for several days. Understanding how weather systems influence bass behavior helps anglers stay patient and adapt quickly after a front passes. Once conditions stabilize, bass often return to predictable patterns, allowing steady fishing for weeks at a time. Wind direction and temperature changes can also influence where baitfish move, which in turn affects bass positioning. Finally, anglers should stay alert to changing weather while on the water. Strong winds and fast-moving fronts can make fall fishing both rewarding and challenging. After a front moves through, bass often become sluggish and hold tighter to cover until conditions stabilize. During this time, downsizing your presentation or slowing your retrieve slightly can help coax bites from hesitant fish. As high pressure settles in, sunny afternoons can bring the bite back as water temperatures rise just a few degrees. Paying close attention to barometric pressure and cloud cover will give you clues about when the fish are most likely to become active again. By anticipating these gradual shifts and adjusting your strategy accordingly, you can stay consistent through the unpredictable conditions that define the fall season.
We have a wide variety of terminal tackle to choose from, but we’ve released new Nako Tungsten Tear Drop Shot Weights, crafted from 97% eco-friendly tungsten for stealth, durability, and vibration, with easy-to-read size stamps and a crimped swivel for quick changes. Owner Mosquito Hooks work for dropshotting and perfectly accommodates a wide range of soft plastics. The new Haymaker EWG Worm Hooks are also now available, featuring an extra-wide gap for various soft plastics, a Z-lock shoulder bend for secure bait placement, and an angled-up super needle point for fast, powerful hooksets. The popular All Purpose Hooks are built with an extra-wide gap and are made to accommodate a wide range of soft plastics. For creature-styled baits, a more popular choice to use is the Stand-Up Jig because it sits the bait up-right in a defensive stance! The WEEDLESS Block Head Jig features high-quality construction that helps increase your hook-up ratios and keep your bait clean from snagging rocks or vegetation. The Block Head Jig is perfect for ned rigging the HellaMite with its mushroom-style head that seamlessly matches a wide variety of soft plastics. The Offset Block Head Jig, offers the same mushroom-style head with a unique offset hook, making it a go-to for weedless Ned Rig applications. The Shakey Ultrahead can permanently secure baits by inserting the pin in the center and screwing the twist lock coil spring for perfect rigging every time! The Ultrahead Wacky Jig features precise weight positioning and hook orientation for the ultimate wacky presentations. For fast Texas rigging, we use the Bullet-Type Rig which has an attached weight saving you precious time when fishing cover. The 4x Jungle Flippin Hook is designed for big fish and the toughest conditions. The Range Roller Jig Head is crafted for precision with its high center axis design, perfect for hover-strolling and mid to bottom strolling with forward facing sonar, ensuring an enticing rolling action that triggers bites. We also just released Keep’em Fresh Bait Bags! These bags are the ultimate solution for anglers who need their gear to perform. Built like a tank, this bag is 20x stronger than regular zip bags and offers 100% waterproof protection with a rock-solid double zipper seal. Whether it’s for soft plastics, snacks, or your smartphone, this reusable and versatile bag keeps everything safe from water, mud, and grime. It’s lightweight yet spacious, it fits snugly in your tackle box or backpack, making it perfect for your next adventure.





Every Vexus is tank tested by Bobby

Brian Carter
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Every Vexus is tank tested by Bobby

Every Vexus is tank tested by Bobby

The story of Lauri Rapala tank testing and hand tuning every single one of his iconic lures to make sure they swam true with a unique wounded minnow action has been well documented, dating back to the first one he carved 89 years ago.

However, fishing fans may not be aware that Vexus® Boats does much the same at their world class facility in Flippin, AR where Bobby Wallace and his right-hand man Jeff Chism place every premium fishing vessel in a 9,000 gallon ‘test tank’ that resembles an above ground swimming pool.

The goal is to make triple-dog sure there are no leaks, and that every pump, switch, and piece of plumbing is working perfectly before they’re loaded on delivery trucks and shipped to treasured dealers and customers.

In reality, the inspection process of each best-in-the business boat goes far beyond the pool. A round paper card containing a 100-point inspection of the fuel system, electrical system, plumbing, hardware, finish, steering, engine controls, and upholstery is checked – and only after Bobby signs his name on the card, indicating it passed his test, can it leave the factory.

Like so many folks at Vexus, their vocation is not just a job, but a prideful source of their personal identity — and that’s certainly the case for team leader, Bobby Wallace. The Flippin High School Class of 1989 member has never known a way to make a living that didn’t involve water and premium fishing boats.

His very first job as a teen involved doing anything that was asked of him at nearby Bull Shoals Boat Dock and Marina, and for 34 years since then, he’s poured his heart and soul into making sure every boat that rolled out of his hometown was the best it could possibly be.

Longtime Vexus leader and VP of Operations, Lance Newton says, “Bobby is a perfect example of what makes Vexus special. His knowledge of the product, attention to detail and love for the brand has a tremendous impact on our operation.”

“We are fortunate to have so many talented individuals, like Bobby, that have a passion for taking care of our customers and pouring their heart and soul into the product. It is a true honor to work alongside Bobby and his remarkable team!” adds Newton.

Wallace’s passion actually dates back to age seven when his dad took him to a boat show and ordered a new bass boat, and a young Bobby became infatuated with their shiny new fiberglass bass chaser.

A lifetime angler, Wallace still loves to drag a green pumpkin lizard behind a 1-ounce Carolina Rig on Bull Shoals in May and June, but as summer progresses don’t be surprised if you see him pulling his grandsons on an innertube behind his Vexus DVX19 fiberglass multispecies rig.

The story of Lauri Rapala tank testing and hand tuning every single one of his iconic lures to make sure they swam true with a unique wounded minnow action has been well documented, dating back to the first one he carved 89 years ago.

However, fishing fans may not be aware that Vexus® Boats does much the same at their world class facility in Flippin, AR where Bobby Wallace and his right-hand man Jeff Chism place every premium fishing vessel in a 9,000 gallon ‘test tank’ that resembles an above ground swimming pool.

The goal is to make triple-dog sure there are no leaks, and that every pump, switch, and piece of plumbing is working perfectly before they’re loaded on delivery trucks and shipped to treasured dealers and customers.

In reality, the inspection process of each best-in-the business boat goes far beyond the pool. A round paper card containing a 100-point inspection of the fuel system, electrical system, plumbing, hardware, finish, steering, engine controls, and upholstery is checked – and only after Bobby signs his name on the card, indicating it passed his test, can it leave the factory.

Like so many folks at Vexus, their vocation is not just a job, but a prideful source of their personal identity — and that’s certainly the case for team leader, Bobby Wallace. The Flippin High School Class of 1989 member has never known a way to make a living that didn’t involve water and premium fishing boats.

His very first job as a teen involved doing anything that was asked of him at nearby Bull Shoals Boat Dock and Marina, and for 34 years since then, he’s poured his heart and soul into making sure every boat that rolled out of his hometown was the best it could possibly be.

Longtime Vexus leader and VP of Operations, Lance Newton says, “Bobby is a perfect example of what makes Vexus special. His knowledge of the product, attention to detail and love for the brand has a tremendous impact on our operation.”

“We are fortunate to have so many talented individuals, like Bobby, that have a passion for taking care of our customers and pouring their heart and soul into the product. It is a true honor to work alongside Bobby and his remarkable team!” adds Newton.

Wallace’s passion actually dates back to age seven when his dad took him to a boat show and ordered a new bass boat, and a young Bobby became infatuated with their shiny new fiberglass bass chaser.

A lifetime angler, Wallace still loves to drag a green pumpkin lizard behind a 1-ounce Carolina Rig on Bull Shoals in May and June, but as summer progresses don’t be surprised if you see him pulling his grandsons on an innertube behind his Vexus DVX19 fiberglass multispecies rig.

“I just take a lot of pride in the fact I’ve been able to make a living my entire life doing something that centers on my love of fishing and top-notch boats. And Vexus is special because teamwork is so celebrated here. We all check our egos at the door and share the same focus and drive to make sure every boat that leaves here is the best it can possibly be,” says Wallace.

“Heck, if we were building canoes, we’d tank test them to make sure they were the best in the business too,” he smiles in conclusion.

And you can bet they’d have to pass Bobby’s inspection before they were allowed to leave Flippin.





Momentum Builds for Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech as Roster Hits 100 and Counting for 2026

Brian Carter
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Momentum Builds for Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech as Roster Hits 100 and Counting for 2026

Registrations remain open as the enhanced Pro Circuit draws strong early momentum heading into the 2026 season

BENTON, Ky. (Oct. 28, 2025) – With bigger payouts, an updated format and a growing list of talented pros, the 2026 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech is shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons in the trail’s storied history. Already, 100 anglers have registered for the upcoming campaign – and registration remains open for those eager to fish for six-figure prizes, national television exposure and potential REDCREST qualification.

The enhanced Pro Circuit, which features $100,000 to first place and at least $10,000 to the top 33% of the field, continues to attract both new and returning competitors from across the country. The 2026 season will again consist of six regular-season events, culminating in the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Championship on Florida’s Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. The full schedule, announced earlier this year, is available at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

In addition to the largest per-event payouts of any circuit outside the Bass Pro Tour, the 2026 format includes forward-facing sonar limited to a single three-hour period per day, with live MLFNOW! coverage and television broadcasts providing anglers incredible exposure for themselves and their sponsors. Each event winner will automatically qualify for REDCREST 2027, where they’ll compete for the sport’s most prestigious title and a $300,000 top prize.

“The energy and excitement that we’re seeing for the 2026 season is tremendous,” said Kevin Hunt, Senior MLF Tournament Director. “From the veterans returning to chase another title to the young anglers moving up from the Toyota Series, the 2026 field is full of talent and hunger. With the improved payouts and format changes, we are closing in on the 124 angler mark at which time the field will be restricted to pros fishing all six stops, plus Bass Pro Tour anglers. This is shaping up to be an incredible year.”

The first 100 anglers who have signed up for all six stops on the 2026 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech are:

  • Charles Abshire
  • Caz Anderson
  • Allen Armour
  • Kyle Austin
  • Teimuraz (Tom) Balachvili
  • Jay (Striker) Barnett
  • Matt Baty
  • Josh Bertrand
  • Daryl Biron
  • Drew Boggs
  • Greg Bohannan
  • Boyd Duckett
  • Alex Bradley
  • John Brown
  • Dennis Burdette
  • Miles Burghoff
  • Cal Lane
  • Brody Campbell
  • Tyler Campbell
  • Brett Carnright
  • Eddie Carper
  • Mark Condron
  • Kyle Cortiana
  • Ben Cox
  • John Dial
  • Tony Dumitras
  • Charlie Evans
  • Ty Faber
  • Ron Farrow
  • Mark Fisher
  • Terry Fisher
  • Jeff Fitts
  • Shinichi Fukae
  • Drew Gill
  • Kyle Goldstein
  • Robert Grabow
  • Ethan Greene
  • Christian Greico
  • Mitchell Grimsley
  • Tommy Guthke
  • Blake Hall
  • Will Harkins
  • Byron Haseotes
  • Brian Hatfield
  • Marshall Hughes
  • Kelly Jordon
  • Frank Kitchens III
  • Gary Klein
  • Parker Knudsen
  • Levi Kohl
  • Bobby Lane
  • Christopher Lane
  • Brian Latimer
  • Michael Leach
  • Robby Lefere
  • John Levesque
  • Jared Lintner
  • Steve Lopez
  • Harbor Lovin
  • Terry Luedtke
  • Matt Massey
  • Mike Mayo
  • Julius Mazy
  • Bill McDonald
  • Brandon McMillan
  • Bryan McNeal
  • Jesse Millsaps
  • Chad Mrazek
  • John Murray
  • Britt Myers
  • Britt Myers Jr.
  • Andrew Nordbye
  • Hayden O’Barr
  • Terry Olinger
  • Lane Olson
  • Bruce Parsons
  • Austin Pemberton
  • Keith Poche
  • Matt Reed
  • Charlie Reed Jr.
  • Dusty Rice
  • Marshall Robinson
  • Marty Robinson
  • Fred Roumbanis
  • Jackson Ryley
  • Colby Schrumpf
  • Terry Scroggins
  • Banks Shaw
  • Blake Smith
  • Miles Smith
  • Robert Sparks
  • Tyler Stewart
  • Troy Stokes
  • Mike Surman
  • Levi Thibodaux
  • Jason Vance
  • Jimmy Washam
  • Joseph Webster
  • Thomas Wooten
  • David Wootton

Anglers interested in joining the 2026 campaign can enter by phone at 270.252.1000, or if you have questions about the events, call tournament director Kevin Hunt at 270.205.5155. Once the field hits 124 pros committed to all six stops, entry will be restricted to only anglers fishing all six events plus Bass Pro Tour anglers. For the complete Pro Circuit schedule, rules and payouts, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.


For regular Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.





Texas’ Harris Holds on for Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional on Lake Eufaula

Brian Carter
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0
Texas’ Harris Holds on for Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional on Lake Eufaula
Boater winner Riley Harris of Orange, Texas, and co-angler winner Steven Fisher of Nacogdoches, Texas.
Texas’ Fisher Claims Co-Angler Division

EUFAULA, Okla. (Oct. 27, 2025) – Boater Riley Harris of Orange, Texas, caught a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 31 pounds, 6 ounces, to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine Regional on Lake Eufaula Presented by Mando Deodorant . The tournament, which was hosted by Vision Eufaula, concluded Saturday. For his win, Harris earned a prize package valued at $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.

The Lake Eufaula event served as the Regional championship for the BFL Cowboy and Arkie divisions. The field included the top 60 boaters and co-anglers based on point standings, plus each division’s tournament winners. The top three boaters and co-anglers have also now qualified for the 2026 BFL All-American.

Harris said he focused his approach to the tournament on three areas that featured either boulders or brushpiles in 10 to 15 feet of water. He spent his entire tournament using the trolling motor to move around those boulders and brushpiles and pick off fish with a 6th Sense Divine Hybrid Jig tipped with a 6th Sense 4.8-inch Bodega Creature Bait.

“Friday went how I expected it to,” Harris said. “The fish were positioned how I wanted them to be. Although I lost a really big one first thing in the morning, I ended up leaving them alone because I figured I had enough to be near the top. I just spent the last hour of the day looking around to see if I could find anything different.”

Harris said he returned to that starting spot the second day of the tournament and it produced nothing for him.

“At 12 o’clock I had zero fish,” Harris said. “I had to run new water. I was able to get a limit, but it was nothing like I needed it to be.”

Harris said he ran back to his starting area for the last hour of competition, and a 3½-pound bass boosted his weight some, but Harris still wasn’t confident in his total weight.

“I didn’t think it was enough when I was running back in,” Harris said. “I thought I needed one more good bite to give me a shot at the win.”

Harris’ intuition was wrong, however, as his Day 2 limit of 13 pounds, 8 ounces, was enough to earn him the victory by a 14-ounce margin.

“I was shocked,” Harris added. “I was in the last flight, and my buddy was waiting for me at the dock and asked me how I did, and I said, ‘Not good. I only have 13 (pounds).’ And he said, ‘Man, you’re going to win.’

“It totally caught me off guard,” Harris went on to say. “I was honored and blessed to be able to pull it off.”

The top three boaters who qualified for the 2026 Phoenix BFL All-American finished:

1st:        Riley Harris, Orange, Texas, 10 bass, 31-6, $50,000
2nd:       Austin Rose, Mena, Ark., 10 bass, 30-8, $8,223 (includes $500 Phoenix Bonus)
3rd:       Caleb Black, McAlester, Okla., 10 bass, 30-3, $3,892

Rounding out the top 10 boaters were:

4th:        Red Ballard, Sulphur, La., 10 bass, 29-4, $2,399
5th:        Ian Leybas, McAlester, Okla., 10 bass, 28-14, $1,803
6th:        Wyatt Frankens, Corrigan, Texas, 10 bass, 27-15, $1,504
7th:        Chris Jones, Bokoshe, Okla., 10 bass, 27-13, $1,355
8th:        Phillip Lunceford, Stigler, Okla., 10 bass, 27-5, $1,206
9th:        Haydan Marshall, Quitman, Texas, 10 bass, 27-3, $1,056
10th:     Chip Hawkins, Little Rock, Ark., 10 bass, 27-3, $982

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Bobby Ammons of Waldron, Arkansas, won the Berkley Big Bass Boater award and $1,000 for landing a bass that weighed 2 pounds, 9 ounces – the biggest of the tournament.



Steven Fisher of Nacogdoches, Texas, won the co-angler division Saturday after bringing a two-day total of six bass weighing 17 pounds even to the scale. Fisher earned the top co-angler award of $14,999 for his victory.

The top three co-anglers who qualified for the 2026 Phoenix BFL All-American finished:

1st:        Steven Fisher, Nacogdoches, Texas, six bass, 17-0, $14,999
2nd:       John McCullar, Benton, Ark., six bass, 16-13, $3,807
3rd:       Ted Marodis, Biloxi, Miss., six bass, 15-8, $1,941

Rounding out the top 10 co-anglers were:

4th:        Bill Black, McAlester, Okla., six bass, 15-8, $1,195
5th:        Logan Slaughter, Lewisville, Texas, six bass, 15-4, $822
6th:        Rick Habarka, North Little Rock, Ark., six bass, 15-3, $748
7th:        Alan Bernicky, Dardanelle, Ark., six bass, 15-2, $823
8th:        Duane Tiley, Mabelvale, Ark., six bass, 15-1, $598
9th:        Blake Defoor, Waldron, Ark., six bass, 14-9, $524
10th:     Quintus Lee, Whitehouse, Texas, six bass, 14-5, $487

Jason Phillips of Rison, Arkansas, caught a bass that weighed 5 pounds, 9 ounces, to win the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award worth $500.

The 2025 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine was 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 co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, now 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 43rd annual BFL All-American. The BFL All-American will take place May 28-30, 2026, at Lake Murray in Columbia, South Carolina, and is hosted by the Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board.

Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sport 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, PirahnO2, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.

For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular BFL updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube





Rutledge’s Gordon Cruises to Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional on Dale Hollow Lake

Brian Carter
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0
Rutledge’s Gordon Cruises to Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional on Dale Hollow Lake
Boater winner Jeremy Gordon of Rutledge, Tennessee, and co-angler winner Darren Kelly of Wartburg, Tennessee.
Wartburg’s Kelly Tops Co-Angler Division

BYRDSTOWN, Tenn. (Oct. 27, 2025) – Boater Jeremy Gordon of Rutledge, Tennessee, caught a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 36 pounds, 15 ounces, to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine Regional on Dale Hollow Lake Presented by Mando Deodorant . The tournament, which was hosted by the Byrdstown-Pickett County Chamber of Commerce, concluded Saturday. For his win, Gordon earned a prize package valued at $57,100, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.

The Dale Hollow Lake event served as the Regional championship for the BFL Volunteer and LBL divisions. The field included the top 60 boaters and co-anglers based on point standings, plus each division’s tournament winners. The top three boaters and co-anglers have also now qualified for the 2026 BFL All-American.

“My practice was really tough,” Gordon said. “But after a fog delay on the first morning, I got to my first area and they started biting fairly quickly. I had 18 pounds by noon. The rest of the day proved to be very hard to get bites.”

Gordon said the fish he targeted were in offshore groups of 10 to 20 fish in 30 to 40 feet of water. Gordon knew the fish were there; it was just like “pulling teeth” to get them to bite. Gordon said the key to his success was using a bigger bait – a 6-inch jighead minnow. At the end of the day, Gordon weighed the only five keepers that bit the first day of the tournament.

Gordon’s second day didn’t really take off for him until 10 a.m., and for the second day in a row, the 10 a.m. to noon window was the hot bite for him.

“I made a key adjustment to go to my secondary area, and I ran into some fish there,” Gordon said. “I hit a little flurry, and in an hour and a half I caught my fish. I only caught six keepers the second day, but they were the right fish.

“When I caught my fifth fish, I felt confident I was going to make the All-American,” Gordon added. “That was my goal. But I had a little 2-pound smallmouth I needed to cull. Then I caught a kicker 4-pounder, and I had a bigger bag than I had on Day 1, and I thought, “Ok. I have a shot now.’

“I’ve qualified for three-straight Toyota Series Championships, so I’ve had some shots at big events,” Gordon said. “This year I wanted to focus on BFLs. I wanted to fish closer to home and stay local. I love Major League Fishing, and my goal was to make the All-American. I had an absolutely unbelievable year in the Volunteer Division. Everything about this season exceeded my expectations.”

The top three boaters who qualified for the 2026 Phoenix BFL All-American finished:

1st:        Jeremy Gordon, Rutledge, Tenn., 10 bass, 36-15, $57,100 (includes $7,000 Phoenix Bonus)
2nd:       Isaac Peavyhouse, Jamestown, Tenn., 10 bass, 35-2, $6,264
3rd:       Corey Neece, Bristol, Tenn., 10 bass, 34-2, $3,224

Rounding out the top 10 boaters were:

4th:        Justin Botts, Bluff City, Tenn., 10 bass, 33-13, $2,055
5th:        Gavin Clevenger, Knoxville, Tenn., 10 bass, 32-5, $1,470
6th:        Harlan Thomas, Paducah, Ky., 10 bass, 31-14, $1,353
7th:        Gavin Cloutier, Johnson City, Tenn., 10 bass, 31-11, $1,236
8th:        Harbor Lovin, New Concord, Ky., 10 bass, 30-11, $1,120
9th:        Noah Morgan, Russellville, Ky., 10 bass, 30-8, $1,003
10th:     Owen Stamm, Morristown, Tenn., 10 bass, 29-11, $944

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Travis Bowen of Duffield, Virginia, won the Berkley Big Bass Boater award and $1,000 for landing a bass that weighed 5 pounds, 12 ounces – the biggest of the tournament.



Darren Kelly of Wartburg, Tennessee, won the co-angler division Saturday after bringing a two-day total of five bass weighing 12 pounds even to the scale. Kelly earned the top co-angler award of $11,949 for his victory.

The top three co-anglers who qualified for the 2026 Phoenix BFL All-American finished:

1st:        Darren Kelly, Wartburg, Tenn., five bass, 12-0, $11,949
2nd:       Wayne Crouch, Jamestown, Tenn., five bass, 11-9, $3,045
3rd:       Mason Pike, Knoxville, Tenn., four bass, 9-5, $1,602

Rounding out the top 10 co-anglers were:

4th:        Dawson Schultz, Russellville, Tenn., three bass, 8-5, $1,017
5th:        Austin Smith, Hazard, Ky., four bass, 8-0, $725
6th:        Brady Field, Gallatin, Tenn., three bass, 7-13, $666
7th:        Barry Gunter, Trafalger, Ind., three bass, 6-14, $608
8th:        Justin McGaha, Knoxville, Tenn., three bass, 6-13, $599
9th:        Andrew Farmer, Lancing, Tenn., two bass, 6-4, $491
10th:     Mike Westfall, Norris City, Ill., three bass, 6-1, $462

Christopher Davis of Huntsville, Alabama, caught a bass that weighed 5 pounds even to win the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award worth $500.

The 2025 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine was 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 co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, now 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 43rd annual BFL All-American. The BFL All-American will take place May 28-30, 2026, at Lake Murray in Columbia, South Carolina, and is hosted by the Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board.

Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sport 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, PirahnO2, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.

For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular BFL updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.





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