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MLF Toyota Series Championship on Wheeler Lake Presented by Bass Boat Technologies to Premiere Saturday on CBS Sports

WHAT:
The 2024 Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series Championship on Wheeler Lake Presented by Bass Boat Technologies will premiere this Saturday, Jan. 25, at 11 a.m. ET on CBS Sports Network.  

Hosted by the Huntsville-Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Madison County Commission and the Huntsville Sports Commission, the three-day, no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship showcased the nation’s best Toyota Series pros and international anglers competing for a top award of up to $235,000 cash and an invitation to REDCREST 2025– Major League Fishing’s most prestigious event.

WHEN:
Saturday, Jan. 25, 11 a.m. –  Noon ET
 
WHERE:
CBS Sports Network 

NOTES:
The event was the culmination of the 2024 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats season, a six-division circuit that offered a path to the 2025 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals and ultimately the Bass Pro Tour.

The 2024 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consisted of six divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern, Southwestern and Western – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International division and the Wild Card. The highest finishing pro from each division at the championship earned a $10,000 bonus.

The 2024 Toyota Series Championship field features the top 25 pros, top 25 Strike King co-anglers and tournament winners from each of the six divisions; the top 25 pros and 25 co-anglers from the Wild Card division plus tournament winners; the highest finishing boater and co-angler from each of the six Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine Regionals and the TBF at the All-American; the top three teams from the College Fishing National Championship; High School Fishing National Champions; TBF National Champions; and MLF International anglers from Canada, Central Europe, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Namibia, Portugal, South Africa, Spain and Zimbabwe.

For complete details and updated information on the Toyota Series visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Toyota Series updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.



Weekly Policy Watch Updates From The ASA

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Weekly Policy Watch Updates From The ASA

  • January 24, 2025

Your weekly look at how ASA’s government affairs team is hard at work supporting sound fisheries policies throughout the country.

ASA Congratulates President Trump on Inauguration, Looks Forward to Advancing Industry Priorities Together

ASA extends our congratulations to President Trump and Vice President Vance on their inauguration yesterday. A strong partnership between elected officials, federal agencies and the recreational fishing community is critical to the success of the sportfishing industry and its $230 billion economic impact on the U.S. economy.

We look forward to working with the new administration to promote the economic benefits of recreational angling, which supports 1.1 million jobs in the U.S. Additionally, we are optimistic that through better data collection, sound science and improved management, we will conserve our natural resources and improve fish habitat. ASA is also encouraged by the opportunity to work with new appointees at NOAA and the Fish & Wildlife Service to expand access to fishing, meaning more days on the water and growth for the industry.

Click the link below to learn more about the recreational fishing community’s policy priorities in 2025 and beyond.

Read More



SEVIIN Reels Welcomes Elite Angler John Crews to the Family

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  • January 24, 2025

Family man of great faith, proud American, father, competitor, business owner, lure designer, influencer, educator, content creator… there aren’t too many things that John Crews is not or cannot be.

PARK FALLS, WIS. – Especially within the modern era of bass fishing.

The creator and owner of soft-plastics juggernaut, Missile Baits, 46-year-old John Crews of Salem, Virginia has competed in the Bassmaster Elites since the series launched in 2006, most recently winning the Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River in 2022. Hanging his hat on an ethos of continual work and preparation plus a commitment to versatility, Crews has fished in a remarkable 13 Bassmaster Classics.

Launched by St. Croix in 2023, SEVIIN Reels aspires to design, craft, and deliver the most reliable reels available. Tested inside the state-of-the-art SEVIIN laboratory in Park Falls, Wisconsin, proven on the water by top tournament competitors and professional fishing guides, and guaranteed by one of the best warranty and service programs in the industry, SEVIIN Reels is pleased to welcome John Crews as the latest addition to the SEVIIN Reels Family.

“With respect to reels, I’ve fished with five or six brands over the years and I’ve become very particular,” says Crews. “I’ve gotten to the point where I’m not going to fish with anything that I believe puts me at any disadvantage.”

Crews says he got to know Jesse Simpkins and Ryan Teach from the SEVIIN Reels/St. Croix Team through the American Sportfishing Association. “They also started selling Missile Baits in their factory store. It really is a family atmosphere over there in Park Falls… from their ownership and employees to their staff and dealers,” he says. “I’ve always admired and appreciated that.”

Crews picked up and tried a couple SEVIIN reels at the urging of his friend and fellow tournament angler, Derek Hudnall, and was immediately impressed. Fished them for a while. “I was blown away by the quality and tight tolerances. I’ve been fishing them for a while now, and it’s remarkable how well the casting reels can be dialed in for any presentation you want to make. The adjustability is insane, and I don’t know that I’ve fished with a more castable reel.”

The 2025 Bassmaster Elite Season kicks off the first of nine events on February 20 at the St. Johns River in Palatka, Florida. “My goals this year are pretty consistent with those from past seasons,” Crews reports. “Fish all three days of every tournament, make top 50 at all of them, and make as many top 10s as possible. If I do that, everything else will follow.”

To get there, Crews will need to sync with the fish and make constant adjustments, something he’s proven to be good at. “I pride myself on staying versatile,” he says. “Whether that means fishing a Bomb Shot in 50 feet of water on a SEVIIN GX spinning reel or punching a Craw Father through the grass mats with a GS 8.1:1 casting reel, I have a lot of confidence in my ability to adapt on the fly, which is what it takes to compete at bass fishing’s highest level.”

SEVIIN Reels Product Manager, Robert Woods, says Crews is an ideal addition to the SEVIIN Family. “John has been a role model and a touchstone for me personally,” Woods says. “As a father, myself, in a young, growing family, I’ve admired how John is able to balance his family life with his tournament fishing, content creation, and his business career. He’s a guy with a record of excelling in everything he does while prioritizing what’s most important. We engineer and craft SEVIIN Reels for performance and reliability that’s tested, proven, and guaranteed, and our ambassadors like John are the ‘proven’ part. Like other professionals who choose our reels, we appreciate John’s trust in our products and his experience and feedback in helping make our fishing reels even better.”

Follow Crews’ accomplishments on tour this season at bassmaster.com. Learn more about John and link to his exceptional content across all platforms at johncrews.com. For more information on Missile Baits, visit missilebaits.com.

About SEVIIN Reels

Wherever and however you fish, the reel in your hand should help create better experiences. Born from St. Croix’s seven decades of design and manufacturing expertise, industry-leading customer service, and unbroken private ownership by the Schluter family dating back to 1977, SEVIIN reels are meticulously engineered and purpose-built to help anglers conquer every species on every piece of water on the planet. SEVIIN focuses on reels and reels only, designing and crafting products that improve the angling experience, regardless of the rods anglers choose. Seven seas, seven continents, seven days a week, SEVIIN reels are fueled by a collective love of fishing surpassed only by a passion to deliver the most reliable reels on the water. SEVIIN is a part of the St. Croix Family of Brands, including St. Croix Rod, SEVIIN Reels, St. Croix Fly, and Rod Geeks. Learn more at seviinreels.com.



Major League Fishing Expands International Presence with Addition of Japan to Global Tournament Network

Eisaku Kato to Operate MLF Events in Japan through New Partnership, MLF Japan Will Launch Kasumi BMC Series in 2025

BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 24, 2025) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced today an exclusive licensing agreement with Eisaku Kato to operate MLF events in Japan. Through this partnership, Kato will introduce the MLF format to Japanese anglers starting in 2025 with the launch of the MLF Japan Kasumi BMC Series.

Kato, a long-time advocate for bass fishing in Japan, is the current owner of Big Mouth Club (BMC), and has supported BMC tournaments for many years through his company Bass Pro Support. For over 30 years, BMC has hosted tournaments at some of Japan’s largest and most prestigious fisheries, including the expansive Lake Kasumigaura and the Tone River system. Last year, 90 boaters and co-anglers participated in these events, which have become a staple of the Japanese bass fishing community. BMC’s transition to the MLF Japan Kasumi BMC Series marks an exciting new chapter in the organization’s legacy, with plans to expand tournament offerings nationwide in the coming years.

“We are thrilled to join the MLF family and bring the MLF format to Japan,” said Eisaku Kato, President of MLF Japan. “This partnership will offer Japanese anglers new and exciting opportunities to compete on the world stage, and I’m confident it will help connect us with the global fishing community. We look forward to working with MLF to create an unforgettable tournament experience for Japanese anglers.”

MLF Japan will debut its first tournament in March of 2025 and will provide anglers the opportunity to advance and compete in the International Division at the MLF Toyota Series Championship. With the addition of Japan, MLF now operates in 20 countries worldwide, further solidifying its position as the global authority in competitive bass fishing.

The top pro award at the Toyota Series Championship is up to $235,000, along with an invitation to REDCREST – the MLF Bass Pro Tour Championship. The top Strike King co-angler award is a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard. The highest finishing pro from the International Division at the Toyota Series Championship will also be awarded a $10,000 bonus as well as qualification into REDCREST and the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals.

“Adding Japan to our list of international partners is an exciting step forward for Major League Fishing,” said Dave Washburn, Vice President of Operations at MLF. “The passion and dedication of Japanese anglers are second to none, and we are eager to bring an MLF presence to this thriving fishing community. With Eisaku Kato’s leadership, the MLF Japan Kasumi BMC Series will provide a premier platform for Japanese anglers to showcase their skills and connect with the global MLF network of anglers.”

2025 MLF Japan Kasumi BMC Schedule:

March 22             Round 1               Ibaraki Prefecture Kasumigaura Tournament Place

April 19-20          Round 2               Ibaraki Prefecture Kasumigaura Tournament Place

June 14-15           Round 3               Ibaraki Prefecture Kasumigaura Tournament Place

July 26-27            Open                    Lake Biwa

Aug. 30                Round 4               Ibaraki Prefecture Kasumigaura Tournament Place

Sept. 27-28          Round 5               Ibaraki Prefecture Kasumigaura Tournament Place

Nov. 8                  Classic                  Ibaraki Prefecture Kasumigaura Tournament Place

For more information about the MLF Japan Kasumi BMC Series, visit MLFJapan.com. For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and its international partners, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, XInstagram and YouTube .




Peck and Wyle go slow for Bassmaster College Series win at Harris Chain

The Auburn University team of Jake Peck and Luke Wyle has won the Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Harris Chain presented by Bass Pro Shops.

Photo by Chase Sansom/B.A.S.S.

Jan. 23, 2025

Peck and Wyle go slow for Bassmaster College Series win at Harris Chain

CollegeSeries_StrikeKing_BPSjm_4C.png

LEESBURG, Fla. Patience paid off with a double dose of Sunshine State smackdown, as Auburn University’s Jake Peck and Luke Wyle won the Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Harris Chain presented by Bass Pro Shops. Their five-bass limit weighed 23 pounds, 2 ounces.

Topping a field of 231 teams, Peck and Wyle — senior and freshman, respectively — edged Syler Prince and Parker Stalvey of St. Johns River State College by a margin of 1-1. For their efforts, the winners took home the $6,000 top prize.

Notably, Peck notched his second College Series win, after topping the 2022 event at Norfolk Lake, alongside incoming Bassmaster Elite Series rookie Beau Browning. Making his Bassmaster debut, Wyle said the Harris Chain win was an unexpected thrill.

“It’s unbelievable; it doesn’t feel real,” Wyle said. “We really didn’t have any idea we’d even be in contention. We just assumed in Florida there would be big weights and big bags. It was a huge surprise that we ended up on top.”

After a strong cold front brought potentially unsafe weather conditions, including high winds, Tournament Director Glenn Cale postponed Wednesday’s scheduled start and shortened the event to one day. Peck and Wyle made the most of their time by committing to Lake Beauclair and adjusting their tactics to fit the frigid conditions.

“We picked up the trolling motor two times today; we fished eight different waypoints,” Peck said. “We weren’t really making one cast on each waypoint, we were just fishing the area.

“We fished Beauclair in practice, and I caught a 7-pounder on the first day of practice. We decided that we would pick that lake apart during the rest of practice. We went to Lake Griffin one day to keep it honest, and we decided that Lake Apopka was too much of a (time) risk with the lock cycle, so we decided to hunker down in Beauclair.”

As Peck explained, he and his partner targeted prespawn staging fish on shell bars amid sparse grass. The fish would pull up to those spots to feed, so the ones they encountered were generally cooperative — especially Wyle’s 8-pound, 14-ounce difference maker.

“It was toward the end of day, Jake had just caught a 6-pounder about five minutes before that, so we knew we were in a good area,” Wyle said. “We just hunkered down and grinded it out and ended up getting another really big bite.”

The winners caught all of their fish on Neko-rigged green pumpkin Berkley MaxScent Hit Worms. With several competitors sharing the same waters, Wyle said fishing a slow and subtle presentation was critical to tempting their fish.

“There were a lot of people fishing in Beauclair with us and a lot were moving around and fishing fast trying to trigger bites,” Peck said. “For us, waiting for bite windows was more effective. Those big fish were hard to pick off, so we were just waiting for them to come to us.

“With this cold front, we knew we had to slow way down. The majority of my casts took five minutes. In practice they were thumping it. Today, some were thumping, but some bites were just mushy. The fish were not as aggressive today.”

Peck said he and Wyle exercised great patience with their fish, as the feeding groups occasionally required a little more time to settle in for a meal.

“Whenever the fish pulled up to those shell bars they were (usually) ready to eat,” Peck said. “Sometimes you’d see them stationed on the bar, but they weren’t eating yet, so you’d have to wait for that bite window to open up.”

Their double dose of Florida largemouths came on the heels of a forage influx.

“In that instance where I caught a 6 and Luke caught that 8-14, a school of gizzard shad rolled over the top of that shell bar,” Peck said. “For 60 seconds, it got really active and that’s when I caught that 6-pounder.

“The shad kinda stayed around that shell bar for a few minutes and Luke also capitalized on that opportunity. It was just about sitting in an area that you had confidence in. You could sit there for a long time and not get any bites, but when that bite window opened up, it seemed like you could get a few bites pretty quick.”

Syler Prince and Parker Stalvey of St. Johns River State College finished second with 22-1. Committing to Lake Griffin, they threw 1/2-ounce Rat-L-Traps and 1/2-ounce Chatterbaits with 3.5-inch Bass Assassin Lit’l Boss trailers.

“The water temperature dropped 12 degrees, so we slowed way down,” Prince said. “We were dragging the Chatterbait along the bottom. We had to keep the ‘Trap out of the grass, but we were reeling that slowly, too.”

Prince said he and Stalvey had only one keeper at 10 o’clock, but a 10-minute flurry delivered all of their weight.

“We were just making a drift through the grass and we just ran into them,” he said.

Easton Bouma and Zachary Ward of Drury University placed third with 17-13. Working the north side of Lake Griffin, the anglers spent their day working a large grass flat in approximately 5 feet.

“We were throwing 3/8- and 1/2-ounce Chatterbaits in the golden shiner and B. Hite colors with a Yamamoto Zako trailer,” Ward said. “We were just hitting the grass and feathering the bait through the grass enough to where it wouldn’t spook a fish if it was behind the bait.”

Peck and Wyle won the $100 Big Bass award for their 8-14.

New for 2025, the top two highest-finishing teams in the Strike King Bassmaster College Series Bass Pro Shops Team of the Year race as well as each team that stands atop the rankings in the Legends and Lunkers divisions of the College Series will receive the exclusive honor of being named a Bassmaster College All-American. The All-Americans will be honored on the biggest stage in bass fishing, the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.

The Greater Orlando Sports Commission hosted the tournament.

2025 Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Harris Chain presented by Bass Pro Shops 1/23-1/23
Harris Chain Of Lakes, Leesburg  FL.
 Standings Day 1

Team                                             Club/School                         Pts

1.  Jake Peck – Luke Wyle                        Auburn University                   250
  Day 1: 5   23-02   Total:   5  23-02
2.  Syler Prince – Parker Stalvey                St Johns River State College        249
  Day 1: 5   22-01   Total:   5  22-01
3.  Easton Bouma – Zachary Ward                  Drury University                    248
  Day 1: 5   17-13   Total:   5  17-13
4.  Ben Burns – Grant Pursifull                  Stephen F Austin State Universit    247
  Day 1: 5   17-12   Total:   5  17-12
5.  Patrick Morgan – Grant Gale                  Tarleton State University           246
  Day 1: 5   17-06   Total:   5  17-06
6.  Josh Richardson – Nathan Vahle               University of Nebraska              245
  Day 1: 5   17-05   Total:   5  17-05
7.  Michael Canonica – Seth Proctor              University of Tennessee             244
  Day 1: 5   17-02   Total:   5  17-02
8.  Brett Jolley Jr. – Carson Stevens            East Texas Baptist University       243
  Day 1: 5   16-12   Total:   5  16-12
8.  Jacob Webb – Cabe Mackey                     Catawba Valley Community College    243
  Day 1: 5   16-12   Total:   5  16-12
10. Anderson Jones –                             Lander University                   241
  Day 1: 5   16-04   Total:   5  16-04
11. Braxon Hightower – Luke Wenger               Dallas Baptist University           240
  Day 1: 5   16-01   Total:   5  16-01
11. Trey McMeen – Dylan Armstrong                East Texas Baptist University       240
  Day 1: 5   16-01   Total:   5  16-01
13. Ethan Fields –                               McKendree University                238
  Day 1: 5   15-12   Total:   5  15-12
14. Caleb Neu – Anthony Cicero IV                Bethel University                   237
  Day 1: 5   15-11   Total:   5  15-11
15. Hayes Pate – Garrett Sullivan                Faulkner University                 236
  Day 1: 5   15-02   Total:   5  15-02
16. Brock Blazier – Colby Joseph                 Campbellsville University           235
  Day 1: 5   14-15   Total:   5  14-15
17. Sam Ausbrooks – Eli Jaime                    Wabash Valley College               234
  Day 1: 5   14-10   Total:   5  14-10
18. Alex Wood – Joe Williams                     Missouri State University           233
  Day 1: 5   14-08   Total:   5  14-08
19. Diego Alea – Michael John Teate              Southeastern University             232
  Day 1: 5   14-06   Total:   5  14-06
20. Tyler Morris – Hunter Hamilton               LSU – Shreveport                    231
  Day 1: 5   14-05   Total:   5  14-05
21. Tyler Chmelar – Kase Kramer                  Tarleton State University           230
  Day 1: 5   14-03   Total:   5  14-03
22. Michael Gammons – Colby Elliott              Emmanuel College                    229
  Day 1: 5   14-01   Total:   5  14-01
23. Garrett Smith – Andrew Blanton               Lander University                   228
  Day 1: 5   13-15   Total:   5  13-15
23. Parker Welch – Angelo Malek                  McKendree University                228
  Day 1: 5   13-15   Total:   5  13-15
25. Isaac Patrick – Braylon Carden               Catawba Valley Community College    226
  Day 1: 5   13-12   Total:   5  13-12
26. Trenton Underwood – Lane Grogan              Northeastern State University       225
  Day 1: 4   13-09   Total:   4  13-09
27. Levi Thibodaux – Miles Smith                 LSU – Shreveport                    224
  Day 1: 5   13-07   Total:   5  13-07
28. Grayson Bonfils – Nevan Osburn               LSU – Shreveport                    223
  Day 1: 5   13-05   Total:   5  13-05
28. Hilary Sue Martin – Jack Wilson              University of Alabama               223
  Day 1: 5   13-05   Total:   5  13-05
30. Cole Pickett – Dawson Cowden                 Northwestern State University       221
  Day 1: 5   13-00   Total:   5  13-00
31. John Michael Ortman – Max Heaton             Emmanuel College                    220
  Day 1: 5   12-14   Total:   5  12-14
32. Nathan Fideldy – Noah Wells                  Drury University                    219
  Day 1: 5   12-13   Total:   5  12-13
32. Elijah Walker – Thomas Skelton               Auburn University                   219
  Day 1: 5   12-13   Total:   5  12-13
34. Stone Grove – Joseph Senn                    Bethel University                   217
  Day 1: 5   12-09   Total:   5  12-09
35. Connor Green – Peter West                    Faulkner University                 216
  Day 1: 5   12-08   Total:   5  12-08
36. Corey Morris – Brayden Mercer                East Texas Baptist University       215
  Day 1: 4   12-08   Total:   4  12-08
37. Gavin Robinson – Bennett Mcbride             Tarleton State University           214
  Day 1: 5   12-07   Total:   5  12-07
38. Jack Carroll – Tucker Dottley                Bethel University                   213
  Day 1: 5   12-05   Total:   5  12-05
39. Barrett Bennefield – Mason Mccormick         LSU – Shreveport                    212
  Day 1: 5   11-14   Total:   5  11-14
40. Camden Kozikoski – Dayne Kobriger            Drury University                    211
  Day 1: 5   11-13   Total:   5  11-13
41. Blair Cox – Grant Simmons                    Missouri State University           210
  Day 1: 5   11-12   Total:   5  11-12
42. Clayton Easter –                             Tarleton State University           209
  Day 1: 5   11-09   Total:   5  11-09
43. Cody Morgan – Brant Langley                  Southeastern University             208
  Day 1: 3   11-08   Total:   3  11-08
44. Grant Harris – Tyler Eggers                  Catawba Valley Community College    207
  Day 1: 5   11-05   Total:   5  11-05
45. Atlan Pfluger – Cade Johnson                 Texas A&M University                206
  Day 1: 5   11-02   Total:   5  11-02
46. Ben Brockwell – Will Rooker                  Kentucky Christian University       205
  Day 1: 5   11-01   Total:   5  11-01
46. Bryant Martin – William Tew                  LSU – Shreveport                    205
  Day 1: 5   11-01   Total:   5  11-01
48. Zane Stroman – Dylan Benson                  East Texas Baptist University       203
  Day 1: 2   11-00   Total:   2  11-00
49. Jordan Bezold – Joe Bezold                   Northern Kentucky University        202
  Day 1: 5   10-14   Total:   5  10-14
50. Hunter Russell – Richard Skiff               Wabash Valley College               201
  Day 1: 5   10-13   Total:   5  10-13
51. Fisher Edwards – Drew Bates                  Georgia College                     200
  Day 1: 5   10-12   Total:   5  10-12
51. Emerson Petty –                              Tennessee Wesleyan University       200
  Day 1: 5   10-12   Total:   5  10-12
51. Landon Robbins – Will Eriksson               University of Tennessee             200
  Day 1: 5   10-12   Total:   5  10-12
54. Wyatt Pearman – Ridge Rutledge               Campbellsville University           197
  Day 1: 5   10-11   Total:   5  10-11
55. Landon Rollison – Drew Kuhnle                Lander University                   196
  Day 1: 5   10-08   Total:   5  10-08
56. Colten Drawdy – Hunter Shelton               Bethel University                   195
  Day 1: 5   10-07   Total:   5  10-07
57. John Mullins – Jacob Sledge                  Middle Tennessee State Universit    194
  Day 1: 5   10-06   Total:   5  10-06
58. Cooper Crowell – Sam Taylor                  Stephen F Austin State Universit    193
  Day 1: 5   10-04   Total:   5  10-04
58. Harmon Marien – Mason Darling                McKendree University                193
  Day 1: 5   10-04   Total:   5  10-04
60. Joseph Brown – Zayne Niziol                  Dallas Baptist University           191
  Day 1: 5   10-02   Total:   5  10-02
61. Dallas Copeland – Mario Botan                Texas A&M University                190
  Day 1: 5   10-01   Total:   5  10-01
62. Harrison Terry – Jordan Hampton              Bethel University                   189
  Day 1: 4   10-00   Total:   4  10-00
63. Dawson Hendrix – Henry Fleddermann           McKendree University                188
  Day 1: 5   09-15   Total:   5  09-15
64. Caden Pearson – Ty Leak                      Wabash Valley College               187
  Day 1: 4   09-14   Total:   4  09-14
65. Andrew Sell – Blake Rufkahr                  Missouri State University           186
  Day 1: 5   09-13   Total:   5  09-13
66. Cameron Dials – Ethan Burnette               Kentucky Christian University       185
  Day 1: 5   09-11   Total:   5  09-11
66. Parker Lambert – William Hammond             Lander University                   185
  Day 1: 5   09-11   Total:   5  09-11
68. Carson Floyd – Jarred Bodine                 Snead State Community College       183
  Day 1: 5   09-09   Total:   5  09-09
69. Elliott Davis – John Elliott                 Texas A&M University                182
  Day 1: 5   09-08   Total:   5  09-08
69. Peter Radulski Jr – Lane Gerbers             Clemson University                  182
  Day 1: 5   09-08   Total:   5  09-08
71. Breckett Long – Cooper Mayes                 Texas A&M University                180
  Day 1: 4   09-08   Total:   4  09-08
72. Brendin Simich – Benjamin Travis             Auburn University                   179
  Day 1: 5   09-06   Total:   5  09-06
72. Lane Stephens – Jack Stephens                McKendree University                179
  Day 1: 5   09-06   Total:   5  09-06
74. Colby Carrier – Justin Frey                  Bethel University                   177
  Day 1: 5   09-05   Total:   5  09-05
75. Jacob Renelt – George Contos                 Tarleton State University           176
  Day 1: 4   09-05   Total:   4  09-05
76. Jacob Highley –                              Kentucky Christian University       175
  Day 1: 5   09-04   Total:   5  09-04
77. Logan Greeno – Matthew Nichols               University of Nebraska              174
  Day 1: 3   09-03   Total:   3  09-03
78. Colin Oldfield – Nick Fashho                 Southwestern Michigan College       173
  Day 1: 4   09-01   Total:   4  09-01
79. Ryan Foster – Colton Hill                    McKendree University                172
  Day 1: 5   09-00   Total:   5  09-00
79. Jack Gano – Cole Muenzer                     Southwestern Michigan College       172
  Day 1: 5   09-00   Total:   5  09-00
81. Triston Richardson – Johnny Hudson Jr        LSU – Shreveport                    170
  Day 1: 3   09-00   Total:   3  09-00
82. Dalton Phelps – Peyton Rose                  Wabash Valley College               169
  Day 1: 5   08-14   Total:   5  08-14
83. Austin Denmark – Matthew Bennett             Faulkner University                 168
  Day 1: 5   08-10   Total:   5  08-10
84. Matthew Parrish – Drew Moss                  Auburn University                   167
  Day 1: 5   08-09   Total:   5  08-09
85. Hunter Stuart – Ryan Rhodes                  Tarleton State University           166
  Day 1: 3   08-09   Total:   3  08-09
86. Brice Hudler – Roy Crush IV                  Texas A&M University                165
  Day 1: 5   08-08   Total:   5  08-08
87. Nathan Finch – Parker Mckee                  Faulkner University                 164
  Day 1: 3   08-07   Total:   3  08-07
88. Braden Cox – Cameron Smith                   Ohio State University               163
  Day 1: 5   08-06   Total:   5  08-06
89. Carter Smith – Ross Deters                   Wabash Valley College               162
  Day 1: 2   08-06   Total:   2  08-06
90. Elizabeth Eastman – Ethan Powell             Auburn University                   161
  Day 1: 5   08-05   Total:   5  08-05
91. Connor Hall – Carson Belville                McKendree University                160
  Day 1: 5   08-03   Total:   5  08-03
91. Christian Moore –                            Tarleton State University           160
  Day 1: 5   08-03   Total:   5  08-03
93. Cade Lipham – Caleb Coleman                  Drury University                    158
  Day 1: 4   08-03   Total:   4  08-03
94. Hampton Shull –                              Lander University                   157
  Day 1: 5   08-02   Total:   5  08-02
95. Will Weischwill – Cade Dornburg              Texas A&M University                156
  Day 1: 5   08-01   Total:   5  08-01
96. Caden Cardoza – Greyson Brock                University of Tennessee             155
  Day 1: 5   08-00   Total:   5  08-00
97. Reece Keeney – Brantley Anders               Kentucky Christian University       154
  Day 1: 5   07-15   Total:   5  07-15
98. Sam Semper – Sonny Mann                      Tarleton State University           153
  Day 1: 4   07-15   Total:   4  07-15
99. Evan Fields – Noah Dabney                    Campbellsville University           152
  Day 1: 5   07-14   Total:   5  07-14
100. Dillon Robertshaw – Jake Mantovani           Missouri State University           151
  Day 1: 5   07-13   Total:   5  07-13
100. Gage Starks – Jack Thompson                  Murray State University             151
  Day 1: 5   07-13   Total:   5  07-13
102. Braydon Kelley – Noah Parrish                East Texas Baptist University       149
  Day 1: 4   07-13   Total:   4  07-13
103. Paul Baker – Chandler Cook                   Auburn University                   148
  Day 1: 5   07-12   Total:   5  07-12
104. Dawson Lynch – John Mizell                   Tarleton State University           147
  Day 1: 4   07-12   Total:   4  07-12
104. Owen Wheeler –                               Bethel University                   147
  Day 1: 4   07-12   Total:   4  07-12
106. Laindree Richardson – David Derubertis       Drury University                    145
  Day 1: 3   07-12   Total:   3  07-12
107. Karson Denton – Hayden Hurst                 Tarleton State University           144
  Day 1: 5   07-10   Total:   5  07-10
107. Justin Latham – Blaine Mattingly             Campbellsville University           144
  Day 1: 5   07-10   Total:   5  07-10
109. Caleb Johnston – Colin Cosenza               Northwestern State University       142
  Day 1: 5   07-09   Total:   5  07-09
110. Dalton Langner – Charlie Pennington          University of Alabama               141
  Day 1: 3   07-09   Total:   3  07-09
111. Hunter Sandschafer – Connor Becker           Wabash Valley College               140
  Day 1: 5   07-07   Total:   5  07-07
111. Jase White – Brady Horton                    Drury University                    140
  Day 1: 5   07-07   Total:   5  07-07
113. Will Hadley – Blayne Leeman                  Kentucky Christian University       138
  Day 1: 5   07-06   Total:   5  07-06
114. Clayton Greer – Aiden Larson                 Georgia College                     137
  Day 1: 5   07-05   Total:   5  07-05
115. Archer Smith – Nathan Kallstrand             Murray State University             136
  Day 1: 4   07-05   Total:   4  07-05
116. Peter Bourgeois – Parker Womack              Dallas Baptist University           135
  Day 1: 5   07-04   Total:   5  07-04
116. Max Newkirk –                                Murray State University             135
  Day 1: 5   07-04   Total:   5  07-04
118. Connor Dunn – Caden Denny                    Texas A&M University                133
  Day 1: 4   07-04   Total:   4  07-04
119. Clay Henderson – Brant Rowland               Drury University                    132
  Day 1: 3   07-03   Total:   3  07-03
120. Ryan Pero – Tucker Evans                     Stephen F Austin State Universit    131
  Day 1: 3   07-02   Total:   3  07-02
121. Jack Dill – Luca Palermo                     Clemson University                  130
  Day 1: 4   07-01   Total:   4  07-01
122. Easton Booth – Wesley Garner                 Enterprise State Community Colle    129
  Day 1: 5   07-00   Total:   5  07-00
123. Caleb Bomer – Reed Allen                     Texas A&M University                128
  Day 1: 2   07-00   Total:   2  07-00
124. Trace Loe – Levi Loe                         Southern Arkansas University        127
  Day 1: 4   06-15   Total:   4  06-15
125. Bryson Dotson – Christian Misciagna          Tennessee Wesleyan University       126
  Day 1: 4   06-14   Total:   4  06-14
125. Matthew Wilson – Gus Dietrich                University of Alabama               126
  Day 1: 4   06-14   Total:   4  06-14
127. Dillan Mcglothern – Nick Claussen            Webber International                124
  Day 1: 5   06-12   Total:   5  06-12
127. Noah Trant – Evan Howe                       Northwestern State University       124
  Day 1: 5   06-12   Total:   5  06-12
129. Anna Kay – Briley Mills                      Emmanuel College                    122
  Day 1: 3   06-12   Total:   3  06-12
130. Ryan Doel – Ryan Thompson                    Missouri State University           121
  Day 1: 5   06-11   Total:   5  06-11
130. Jeff Giffen – Cooper Gilroy                  University of Alabama               121
  Day 1: 5   06-11   Total:   5  06-11
132. Grant McCraney –                             Faulkner University                 119
  Day 1: 3   06-10   Total:   3  06-10
132. Will Oberman – Clay Oberman                  Campbellsville University           119
  Day 1: 3   06-10   Total:   3  06-10
134. Stone Smith – Drake Wadsworth                Northwestern State University       117
  Day 1: 2   06-10   Total:   2  06-10
135. Wyatt Loving – Kenny Price                   Stephen F Austin State Universit    116
  Day 1: 3   06-09   Total:   3  06-09
135. Andrew Ready – Carter Teune                  Southeastern University             116
  Day 1: 3   06-09   Total:   3  06-09
137. Alex Avery – Christian Bales                 Murray State University             114
  Day 1: 4   06-07   Total:   4  06-07
138. Connor Foreman – Joe Krejci                  Texas A&M University                113
  Day 1: 3   06-07   Total:   3  06-07
139. Will Gordon – Will Burch                     Murray State University             112
  Day 1: 5   06-06   Total:   5  06-06
140. Coleman Stewart – Keenan Stewart             Campbellsville University           111
  Day 1: 5   06-05   Total:   5  06-05
141. Doug Karker – Logan Niesen                   University of Wisconsin – Platte    110
  Day 1: 4   06-05   Total:   4  06-05
142. Kyle Hopping – Kai Barnett                   McKendree University                109
  Day 1: 4   06-03   Total:   4  06-03
143. Ben Puckett – Collin Foley                   Mississippi State University        108
  Day 1: 3   06-01   Total:   3  06-01
144. Jaxson Freeman – Evan Sutton                 McKendree University                107
  Day 1: 2   06-01   Total:   2  06-01
145. Mason George – Carter Maples                 Snead State Community College       106
  Day 1: 2   06-00   Total:   2  06-00
146. Farren Todd III – Brady Cornwell             Northeastern State University       105
  Day 1: 4   05-15   Total:   4  05-15
147. Chase Hubble –                               University of Florida               104
  Day 1: 3   05-15   Total:   3  05-15
148. Evan Mccormick – Cole Sampson                McKendree University                103
  Day 1: 2   05-15   Total:   2  05-15
149. Logan Ware – Conner Pickens                  Southwestern Michigan College       102
  Day 1: 4   05-14   Total:   4  05-14
150. Garrett Huddleston – Riley Voltz             Auburn University                   101
  Day 1: 3   05-14   Total:   3  05-14
151. Colton Odom – William Gully                  Auburn University                   100
  Day 1: 4   05-11   Total:   4  05-11
152. Landon O’Connor –                            Stephen F Austin State Universit     99
  Day 1: 3   05-11   Total:   3  05-11
153. Tyler Gunter – Mason Sills                   Catawba Valley Community College     98
  Day 1: 3   05-10   Total:   3  05-10
153. Stone Robertson – Carter Martin              University of Tennessee              98
  Day 1: 3   05-10   Total:   3  05-10
155. Colton Combs – Corbin Joyner                 Northeast State University           96
  Day 1: 3   05-09   Total:   3  05-09
156. Brett Hill – Brayden Hoehn                   Campbellsville University            95
  Day 1: 3   05-08   Total:   3  05-08
157. Mitch Johnson –                              Kentucky Christian University        94
  Day 1: 4   05-07   Total:   4  05-07
158. Logan East – Victor Alford                   Tennessee Wesleyan University        93
  Day 1: 3   05-07   Total:   3  05-07
158. Reece Knight – Sean Baugh                    Snead State Community College        93
  Day 1: 3   05-07   Total:   3  05-07
160. Christian Boyd – Luke Ray                    Shelton State Community College      91
  Day 1: 3   05-06   Total:   3  05-06
161. Cody Domingos – Jackson Paden                University of Tennessee              90
  Day 1: 3   05-04   Total:   3  05-04
161. Carty Shoen – Tyler Swan                     Auburn University                    90
  Day 1: 3   05-04   Total:   3  05-04
163. Michael Raymer –                             Bethel University                    88
  Day 1: 2   05-02   Total:   2  05-02
164. Brogan Gregg – Ian Fehrenbacher              Wabash Valley College                87
  Day 1: 3   04-14   Total:   3  04-14
165. Levi Kohl – Grant Meisenhelter               Murray State University              86
  Day 1: 3   04-13   Total:   3  04-13
165. Zach Pocos – Tucker Siminak                  McKendree University                 86
  Day 1: 3   04-13   Total:   3  04-13
167. Ian Carter – Khristian Rousseve              LSU – Shreveport                     84
  Day 1: 3   04-10   Total:   3  04-10
168. Otto Cornett – Josh Kerr                     Texas A&M University                 83
  Day 1: 2   04-10   Total:   2  04-10
169. Karsten Raney – Brayson Claunch              Campbellsville University            82
  Day 1: 4   04-08   Total:   4  04-08
170. Ethan Powell – Aidan Casey                   Texas A&M University                 81
  Day 1: 3   04-06   Total:   3  04-06
171. Xander Patton – Stephen Brooks               Emmanuel College                     80
  Day 1: 2   04-05   Total:   2  04-05
172. Aiden Hamblin –                              Tarleton State University            79
  Day 1: 2   04-00   Total:   2  04-00
172. Pete Johnson – Tanner Wolf                   Southwestern Michigan College        79
  Day 1: 2   04-00   Total:   2  04-00
174. Wilson Bennett – Luke Abston                 Auburn University                    77
  Day 1: 2   03-15   Total:   2  03-15
175. Trevor Johnston – Ashton Hehr                Texas A&M University                 76
  Day 1: 1   03-13   Total:   1  03-13
176. Luke Rokavec – Braden Fairbanks              Campbellsville University            75
  Day 1: 3   03-11   Total:   3  03-11
177. Alex Standerfer – Dustin Swafford            Catawba Valley Community College     74
  Day 1: 2   03-11   Total:   2  03-11
178. Chase Fisher – Erik Stubbendick              University of Wisconsin – Platte     73
  Day 1: 2   03-09   Total:   2  03-09
178. Jackson Wyatt – Tyler Gentry                 Texas A&M University                 73
  Day 1: 2   03-09   Total:   2  03-09
180. Mark Bixler – Ty Reynolds                    Murray State University              71
  Day 1: 3   03-05   Total:   3  03-05
181. Noah Lieberman – Jacob Hiebsch               Missouri State University            70
  Day 1: 2   03-05   Total:   2  03-05
181. Kade MacDonald – Michael Pipitone            University of Wisconsin – Whitew     70
  Day 1: 2   03-05   Total:   2  03-05
183. Colby Ullery – Matthew Posa                  Faulkner University                  68
  Day 1: 2   03-03   Total:   2  03-03
184. Jeffrey Jones – Nickolas Illobre             Bethel University                    67
  Day 1: 2   03-02   Total:   2  03-02
185. Cole Hadlock – Jackson Kulijof               Murray State University              66
  Day 1: 2   03-00   Total:   2  03-00
186. Reagan Mills – Luke Wilson                   Auburn University                    65
  Day 1: 2   02-14   Total:   2  02-14
187. Jack Clancy – Samuel Spraberry               University of Tennessee              64
  Day 1: 2   02-11   Total:   2  02-11
188. Caden Bunney – Ryan Mizee                    Oklahoma State University            63
  Day 1: 1   02-11   Total:   1  02-11
188. Jamison Melton – Eli Morgan                  Clemson University                   63
  Day 1: 1   02-11   Total:   1  02-11
190. Walker Griffith – Brady Mccamy               Snead State Community College        61
  Day 1: 1   02-10   Total:   1  02-10
191. Tyler Madden – Kyle Knoll                    Auburn University                    60
  Day 1: 2   02-08   Total:   2  02-08
192. Nathan Baldwin – Thomas Avery                University of Alabama                59
  Day 1: 1   02-07   Total:   1  02-07
193. Jackson Smith – Ely Hagans                   Bethel University                    58
  Day 1: 2   02-05   Total:   2  02-05
194. Skyler Stevens – Brier Hardy                 Faulkner University                  57
  Day 1: 1   02-03   Total:   1  02-03
195. Nathan Preston – Evan Conn                   Auburn University                    56
  Day 1: 1   02-01   Total:   1  02-01
195. Mason Thompson – Matthew Dettling            University of Tennessee              56
  Day 1: 1   02-01   Total:   1  02-01
197. Allen Powe – Jonathan Combs                  Campbellsville University            54
  Day 1: 1   01-12   Total:   1  01-12
197. Maxwell Trotter – Chase Logue                McKendree University                 54
  Day 1: 1   01-12   Total:   1  01-12
199. Robert Montgomery – Grason Turnbull IV       Auburn University                    52
  Day 1: 1   01-11   Total:   1  01-11
200. Bronson Jackson – Jebb Bryan                 Auburn University                    51
  Day 1: 1   01-09   Total:   1  01-09
201. Trevor Alexander – Fletch Titus              Missouri State University            50
  Day 1: 1   01-08   Total:   1  01-08
202. Cody Tiemann – Luke Salvail                  JC Calhoun Community College         49
  Day 1: 1   01-06   Total:   1  01-06
203. Avery Merrow – Mason Stidwill                Southwestern Michigan College        48
  Day 1: 1   01-02   Total:   1  01-02
204. Braci Ault – Brody Ault                      Purdue University                     0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
204. Will Baker – Hayden Cooper                   Moltow State Community College        0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
204. Bryce Balentine – Connor Koch                Florida Gateway College               0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
204. Adam Barinowski – John Ingram                Georgia College                       0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
204. Turner Barksdale – Jared Walters             Shelton State Community College       0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
204. Logan Carter – Caleb Martinez                Motlow State Community College        0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
204. Logan Clark – Hunter Stuckey                 East Texas Baptist University         0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
204. Jonathan Fitch – Joe Bob Burchett            Kentucky Christian University         0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
204. Wes Kinard – Sam Hatcher                     University of Alabama                 0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
204. Aaron McGill – Trey Woliver                  University of Tennessee               0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
204. Dustin Michek – Josh Morrow                  University of Wisconsin – Platte      0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
204. Patrick Monahan – Caleb White                Murray State University               0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
204. Avery Myers – Ryder Hall                     Missouri State University             0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
204. Hunter Nipper – Reese Wade                   Shelton State Community College       0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
204. Palmer Parrish –                             Clemson University                    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
204. Malcolm Patton II – Jordan Brewer            Auburn University                     0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
204. Parker Phillips – Mac Bowman                 Auburn University                     0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
204. Delaney Platt – Ryan Olsen                   Wabash Valley College                 0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
204. Lane Pohlman – Gabe Amburgey                 Campbellsville University             0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
204. Joshua Roberts – Braylin Lewis               Faulkner University                   0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
204. Brayden Stoker – Tucker Kendall              Tarleton State University             0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
204. Zach Thompson – John Whetter                 Oklahoma State University             0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
204. Adrian Urso – Corbin Templon                 Murray State University               0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
204. Brock Williams –                             Ohio State University                 0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
204. Noah Wright – Bennett Matheny                University of Alabama                 0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
204. Wilson York – Matthew Tucker                 JC Calhoun Community College          0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
204. Michael Zanglin – Carter Stambelos           Auburn University                     0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
231. Keith Gallagher – Ayden Slack                Northwestern State University        20
  Day 1: 1   -00-01   Total:   1  -0-01
———————————————————————–

BIG BASS 
Day
 1   Jake Peck                Tulsa, OK           08-14          $0.00

———————————————————————–
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
 1       102       785      1706-15
———————————-
         102       785      1706-15



Kayak Series anglers could enjoy big catches on Kissimmee Chain

Spawning bass could play a role in the Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series at Kissimmee Chain presented by Native Watercraft Feb. 1-2.

Photo by Andy Crawford/B.A.S.S.

Jan. 23, 2025

Kayak Series anglers could enjoy big catches on Kissimmee Chain

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Spawning will be on the minds of the largemouth when kayak anglers arrive in central Florida for the Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series at Kissimmee Chain presented by Native Watercraft. The question will be: Are conditions optimal for a bed-fishing bonanza?

Tournament days are scheduled for Feb. 1-2. Competitors will launch from any approved public access on the fishery in this catch-measure-release-style tournament. The top finishers will claim a spot in the 2026 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series National Championship presented by Native Watercraft, and all anglers will earn points toward the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year race. 

Made up of six large lakes, the Kissimmee Chain is part of bass-fishing lore. From Bassmaster Classics to Dean Rojas’ record setting 45-pound, 2-ounce single-day catch in Lake Toho, the chain is known for big bass and big bags. St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN pro Bobby Bakewell believes this event will be no different.

“The Kissimmee Chain is good all year,” the Orlando native said. “There is more offshore grass to work with, so the cold fronts don’t affect that bite as much. But the Kissimmee Chain has been fishing well lately. When that chain is popping, it is really popping.”

As with every early-season event in Florida, weather conditions will determine just how good the fishing will be during this event. A new moon is expected a couple of days before the tournament, which will send the bass toward the bank if warm conditions are present. 

If a cold front comes through, however, the bass will be less likely to head to their spawning grounds, which will make the Florida-strain largemouth finicky. 

“Wind will definitely be a factor,” Bakewell added. 

While there are plenty of bass throughout the system, Bakewell anticipates Lake Toho will garner much of the attention for one main reason: lots of hydrilla. 

“It has a ton in it right now. Like, boat-lane type of stuff,” he explained. “If anglers can get on a bare spot in the grass, a grass point or a shellbed on a grass patch, they can catch 20 pounds pretty quickly.” 

The shallows will also play, as the chain supports strong reed lines, lily pads and other shoreline cover.

“It is a toss-up if someone will win shallow or offshore,” Bakewell said. “It will be harder to stay consistent for two days up shallow, but someone can also catch a 7- to 10-pounder each day shallow, too.”  

A multitude of baits could come into play in this event, from Texas-rigged soft plastics and weightless Senkos in the shallows to ChatterBaits, lipless crankbaits and jerkbaits in offshore situations. Punching grass will also be a productive technique. 

Experience Kissimmee is hosting the tournament.

2025 Bassmaster Kayak Series Title Sponsor: Newport

2025 Bassmaster Kayak Series Presenting Sponsor: Native Watercraft
2025 Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year Sponsor: Dakota Lithium



MLF’s Daniel Fennel: From Lake Life to the Big Leagues as Bass Pro Tour Tournament Director

BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 23, 2025) – Fishing has been at the center of Daniel Fennel’s life for as long as he can remember. Now entering his third season as the Bass Pro Tour Tournament Director and celebrating 20 years with Major League Fishing (MLF), he’s turned his passion into a career that resonates with anglers and fans across the country.

“I feel like I’ve been part of this world forever,” said Fennel. “When you grow up with a mom like I did (Kathy Fennel, MLF Executive Vice President and General Manager), you don’t just learn about fishing – you live it. Some of my earliest memories are going to tournament weigh-ins when I was just a little kid.”

Raised in Benton, Kentucky and the heart of tournament-fishing culture, Fennel’s early years were spent tagging along to events, watching his mother lead operations with professionalism and passion. Those experiences laid the foundation for his career. After attending Murray State University, Fennel joined the team in 2005, initially working in the customer service department. It didn’t take long for his talents and enthusiasm to shine through, and he quickly climbed the ranks. Now, as Tournament Director of the Bass Pro Tour, Fennel is responsible for overseeing the logistics, operations, and excitement of MLF’s top circuit.

“I’ve always said that my proudest moments aren’t even my own,” Fennel said. “It’s when I see an angler’s hard work and sacrifices pay off, like watching them hoist a trophy or earn the big cardboard check. Knowing that our team helped create that opportunity is what keeps me going.”

While Fennel’s role as tournament director requires meticulous attention to detail, he thrives on the challenges that come with the job. From managing the takeoffs and takeouts each day to ensuring fair competition, his goal is to provide anglers with a seamless and memorable tournament experience.

“Being on the stage and crowning a champion is one of the most fulfilling parts of my job,” Fennel said. “It’s a culmination of their hard work and sacrifice, and I’m incredibly honored to be a part of those moments.”

Fennel’s lifelong connection to fishing started on the waters of Kentucky Lake, where his father worked as a fishing guide. Long before forward-facing sonar and today’s high-tech gadgets, Fennel spent countless hours dragging Carolina rigs and locating schools of fish with his dad for his upcoming guide trips.

“It was old-school fishing,” Fennel laughed. “A lot of trial and error, but those are some of my favorite memories.”

Fennel’s love for the outdoors wasn’t limited to fishing. Growing up, he dabbled in local fishing tournaments and even directed Tuesday night events during his early career with FLW. He recalls the interoffice rivalries that fueled those events and the trash-talking that ensued each Wednesday morning.

“Let’s just say, winning those bragging rights was priceless,” he joked.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Fennel leads a vibrant and active life. He and his wife, Amanda, met during high school and have been married for 18 years. Together, they have two sons, Jake, 15, and Jude, 13, both of whom are excelling in athletics. Jake competes in cross country and track, while Jude is passionate about football and basketball.

“They keep us on our toes,” Fennel said. “But it’s awesome to see their love for sports and competition.”

The Fennels are self-proclaimed theme park enthusiasts, often combining summer tournament travel with stops at new roller coasters and attractions across the country. Music has also played a huge role in Fennel’s upbringing. A lifelong music enthusiast, he finds joy in both playing and listening to music.

“Music has always been a driving force in my life,” he said. “It’s something that keeps me grounded and inspired.”

As he reflects on his two decades with MLF, Fennel remains humbled and grateful for the journey.

“I’ve been so fortunate to turn something I love into a career,” he said. “This sport has given me so much – from incredible experiences to lifelong friendships. I’m just proud to be part of it.”

The 2025 Bass Pro Tour season kicks off next week, Jan. 30-Feb. 2, with the B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 Presented by Power-Pole at Lake Conroe in Conroe, Texas.

For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Bass Pro Tour, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, XInstagram and  YouTube.



A Student Angler Bonus Program to Bragg About

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A Student Angler Bonus Program to Bragg About

Story by Alan McGuckin

High school angler Caige Bragg of Trussville, AL is not a boastful young man, despite the fact he’s fast proving himself as one of America’s most talented young bass anglers. He’s got the Vexus® Varsity trophy banners, and $500 Tackle Warehouse gift cards to prove it.

The 17-year old Springville High School junior registered for the Vexus® Boats Varsity program that rewards qualifying high school anglers who win their sanctioned event while competing out of any Vexus. Winners earn a $500 gift card from Tackle Warehouse, along with a cool banner to hang in their boat garage or bedroom.

Bragg has cashed-in twice thus far, both times by winning on Lake Neely Henry, including most recently just before Christmas in an Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation High School event where he caught his winning fish using Garmin forward-facing sonar on the south end of the Coosa River impoundment.

His dad, Jade, who clears utility easements for a living purchased the Vexus AVX2080 aluminum tournament rig from Freedom Marine at Lake Guntersville and serves as his talented son’s boat captain.

“It’s an aluminum boat, but it truly feels just like a fiberglass boat as far as how smooth it rides. Plus, it floats super shallow, and that’s really helpful for getting into all the crazy little backwater areas along the Coosa River,” says the younger Bragg.

He also says the really wide front deck on their Vexus is ideal for two anglers fishing shoulder-to-shoulder all day, and that unlike some aluminum boats, their AVX2080 has tons of dry storage and an ice chest that keeps ice frozen for two days amid the Alabama heat.

When asked what he’s planning to buy with his most recent Tackle Warehouse gift cards, you guessed it, Bragg says more soft plastic minnows and jig heads for use with forward-facing sonar, and possibly a glide bait too.

The folks at Vexus are proud of this young angler’s success. He’s living proof that you can win large tournaments out of an aluminum boat and stay humble, even when your last name is Bragg, as you collect trophy banners and Tackle Warehouse gift cards.

To learn more, and to get singed-up, please visit vexusboats.com/vexus-varsity/.



Toyota ShareLunker Partners with AFTCO on New ‘Guide of the Year’ Award

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Toyota ShareLunker Partners with AFTCO on New ‘Guide of the Year’ Award


ATHENS – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Toyota ShareLunker Program are partnering with AFTCO on a new promotion to recognize a fishing guide who contributes to conservation and enhancement of largemouth bass in Texas.


The AFTCO Guide of the Year award is open during the entire ShareLunker season. The winning guide will be announced on Toyota ShareLunker social media channels by the following April. The winner of the AFTCO Guide of the Year award will receive $500 worth of AFTCO gear of their choice, a $500 cash prize and be recognized at the Toyota ShareLunker VIP banquet in the fall. 


“With a chance to win $500 worth of AFTCO gear of their choosing and $500 cash prize, this promotion underscores the importance of conservation, and the invaluable role that guides can play in preserving Texas’s bass populations,” said Natalie Goldstrohm, Toyota ShareLunker program coordinator. “Fishing guides can play a pivotal role in the Toyota ShareLunker Program’s mission to engage the public in the promotion and enhancement of Lunker bass fishing in Texas public waters.”


To be considered for the AFTCO Guide of the Year Award, the guide’s clients that catch a ShareLunker-sized bass (a largemouth bass weighing eight pounds or measuring more or 24 inches or longer) on a guided trip must enter their catch into the ShareLunker database or website in accordance with program rules. The client must indicate their fish was caught during a guided trip and include their guide’s name. The client must submit their ShareLunker data and are encouraged to submit a DNA sample to the Toyota ShareLunker Program for their guide to be considered.


“The number of ShareLunker sized bass that guides encounter is considerable,” added Goldstrohm. “By having clients reporting these catches and providing the much-needed DNA samples, TPWD biologists can better manage Lunker populations, better understand bass populations and evaluate Lone Star bass stockings.”


The guide must have held at the time of catch a valid fishing license (unless exempt), a valid fishing guide license in Texas and not have any current or pending fish and wildlife violations. All guides mentioned during ShareLunker catch submissions will be considered for the AFTCO Texas Bass Guide of the year. All eligible guides will be contacted in January 2025 to fill out the application form that highlights their accomplishments and contributions to bass conservation. Application forms should be completed by guides by Feb. 28, 2025.
A review committee will use a scoring rubric to evaluate guides based on the established criteria.


AFTCO, a partner with the Toyota ShareLunker program, is committed to conservation and the preservation of fishing resources. Freshwater conservation efforts at the local level are focused on the support of state agencies and regional projects through their bass fishing conservation grant programs. At the national level, AFTCO supports the placement of artificial and natural fish habitats, lake cleanups, the Bass Bus Live Release Boat and their Fish Care 101 education content. Additional information on AFTCO’s conservation initiatives can be found on their conservation website.


“We have had a great relationship with TPWD to this point and look forward to expanding our relationship with them in 2025 and beyond,” said Casey Shedd, President AFTCO. “Conservation is a core principle of AFTCO and it’s great to build on that with a great partner like TPWD.”


During the first three months of the season (Jan. 1 — March 31), anglers who reel in a 13-plus pound bass can loan it to TPWD for the ShareLunker selective breeding and stocking program. These anglers can call the ShareLunker hotline at (903) 681-0550 to report their catch 24/7 through March 31, 2025.


Anglers that catch and loan a 13-plus pound lunker earn Legacy Class status, receive a catch kit filled with merchandise, a 13lb+ Legacy decal for their vehicle or boat, VIP access to the Toyota ShareLunker Annual Awards event, a high-quality replica mount of their fish from Lake Fork Taxidermy, ShareLunker branded apparel provided by AFTCO, and Bass University will provide a swag pack and annual subscription. These anglers also receive entries into two separate drawings – a Legacy Class Drawing and the year-end Grand Prize Drawing. Both drawings will award the winner a $5,000 Bass Pro Shops shopping spree.


The year-round Toyota ShareLunker program offers anglers three additional levels of participation for catching bass over eight pounds or 24 inches in Texas public waters. Each of these levels provide vital data to TPWD fisheries biologists, helping them to continue to create bigger, better bass in Texas.


Anglers who enter data for any lunker they catch greater than eight pounds or 24 inches also receive a catch kit, a decal for their vehicle or boat, a one-month subscription to Bass University and an entry into the year-end Grand Prize Drawing to win a $5,000 Bass Pro Shops shopping spree. ShareLunker entry classes include the Bass Pro Shops Lunker Class (8 lb.+), Strike King Elite Class (10 lb.+) and Lew’s Legend Class (13 lb.+).
Once a lunker is reeled in, anglers need to enter the catch data on the Toyota ShareLunker mobile app – available for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play – or on the Toyota ShareLunker online app at TexasSharelunker.com.


In addition to providing basic catch information, anglers have the option to send a DNA scale sample from their lunker bass to TPWD researchers for genetic analysis. Anglers who contribute a sample to the program will receive a Lew’s baitcast reel valued at up to $200 while supplies last, with a limit of one reel per angler. Anglers who send in a genetic sample will also get a three-month subscription to Bass University. Instructions for submitting DNA samples are located on the Toyota ShareLunker website.


The Toyota ShareLunker Program is made possible in part by the generous sponsorship of Toyota. Toyota is a longtime supporter of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation and TPWD, providing major funding for a wide variety of fisheries, state parks and wildlife projects.


Additional vital program support comes from Legend class category prize sponsor Lew’s, Elite class category prize sponsor Strike King, Lunker class category prize sponsor Bass Pro Shops, AFTCO, Bass Forecast, Bass University and Lake Fork Taxidermy. For updates on the Toyota ShareLunker Program, visit facebook.com/sharelunkerprogram/https://www.instagram.com/TexasShareLunker/ or TexasSharelunker.com.



College anglers set to take on famed Okeechobee

College anglers will expect massive weights at the Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Lake Okeechobee presented by Bass Pro Shops Jan. 29-30.

Photo by Craig Lamb/B.A.S.S.

Jan. 22, 2025

College anglers set to take on famed Okeechobee

CollegeSeries_StrikeKing_BPSjm_4C.png

CLEWISTON, Fla. Big bass always swim in the waters of Lake Okeechobee, and teams fishing the Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Lake Okeechobee presented by Bass Pro Shops will be arriving in south Florida at the perfect time of year to catch giant bags. 

“With the new moon, there will be some really big bags caught,” St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN pro Scott Kerslake said. “You are talking in the 27-plus range.” 

Tournament days will be Jan. 29-30. Teams will launch from Roland Martin Marina beginning at 7 a.m. and will return for weigh-in starting at 3 p.m. The top 10% of the field will clinch a spot in the Strike King College Series National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops later in the year. This is the first event in the College Series’ Lunkers Trail division. The Lunkers Trail Team of the Year will receive an automatic bid to the College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’s.

New for 2025, the top two highest-finishing teams in the Strike King Bassmaster College Series Bass Pro Shops Team of the Year race as well as each team that stands atop the rankings in the Legends and Lunkers divisions of the College Series will receive the exclusive honor of being named a Bassmaster College All-American. The All-Americans will be honored on the biggest stage in bass fishing, the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.

One of the most recognizable names in bass fishing, Lake Okeechobee has long been a big-bass factory. Elite Series pro and Clewiston resident Scott Martin proved that again last February when he caught a staggering three-day total of 90 pounds, 6 ounces during the 2024 St. Croix Bassmaster Open presented by SEVIIN held there. 

For anglers like Kerslake who have lived around the lake the longest, Okeechobee is unrecognizable compared to what it once was. Several years of hurricanes have brought lake levels up 4 feet above normal and have stayed there, submerging a lot of the reed lines that were once so productive. 

The hurricanes also ripped up plenty of vegetation, while Florida Fish and Wildlife has carried on with their efforts to eliminate hydrilla from the lake. 

“The hurricane we had about five years ago, it absolutely ripped all of the hydrilla out of the lake,” the Okeechobee guide explained. “There are no mats or anything like that. If they don’t spray it, there are some good-looking pennywort mats in some areas, and they are trying to plant some eelgrass.”

Despite its size, Lake Okeechobee fishes very small. During the Open last year, 85 to 100 boats were stacked in the Harney Pond area of the lake where Martin ended up catching his winning bags. Kerslake imagines several areas will get that treatment in this tournament as well.

“The general rule is, if you don’t see a boat in that area, there probably aren’t any fish,” Kerslake said. “It fishes really small, especially with the water up and all of the reeds and all of the vegetation depleted.” 

When the college teams arrive, the bass will likely be in a prespawn and spawning mode, especially with a new moon occurring during the event. Weather, however, will be the equalizer. If a cold front moves through, Kerslake imagines the bite will be pretty tough. A warming trend will likely send the bass toward their spawning grounds. Water temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees will create ideal conditions for shallow movement. 

“What these fish do is they hang around out in the big water chasing the shad schools, and when the moon gets right and they are feeling it, they run to the bank,” Kerslake said. “There is just so much muck on the bottom right now that it is hard to find a hard bottom.” 

Senko-style baits, Flukes, ChatterBaits, lipless crankbaits and Texas rigs are some of the most popular baits this time of year, Kerslake said.

Discover Hendry County is hosting the tournament.