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Tuesday, December 16, 2025
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Winter conditions await Kayak Series anglers at Lake Havasu

Brian Carter
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Winter conditions await Kayak Series anglers at Lake Havasu

Anglers can expect schooling fish in winter patterns when the Bassmaster Kayak Series kicks off the 2025 season Jan. 18-19.

Photo by Grant Moxley/B.A.S.S.

Jan. 8, 2025

Winter conditions await Kayak Series anglers at Lake Havasu

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft will kick off the 2025 season by heading out West. Anglers will take on Lake Havasu in western Arizona at a time when the bass will be schooled up in their winter patterns, according to Arizona local and Arizona B.A.S.S. Nation kayak angler Bradley Kuhlin.

Tournament days are scheduled for Jan. 18-19. Anglers will launch from any public access on Lake Havasu in this catch-measure-release-style tournament. The top finishers will punch their ticket to the 2026 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship presented by Native Watercraft, and all anglers will earn points toward the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year race.

It’s been several years since B.A.S.S. has visited the Colorado River impoundment. The 2021 B.A.S.S. Nation Western Regional was held on Lake Havasu, a weather-shortened event won by Taylor Smith in early February.

Both smallmouth and largemouth inhabit these waters, and both could factor into this tournament, although Kuhlin believes largemouth will ultimately be the dominant species. Competitors should be able to take advantage of the entire lake, although wind will determine just how far anglers can venture.

“The current up at the north end is a lot stronger than it is everywhere else,” the two-time Bassmaster Kayak Series National Championship qualifier said. “But the whole lake is in play. There are 20-inch smallmouth in this lake and a bunch of big largemouth. It will be very spot-dependent on the smallmouth.”

When kayak anglers arrive in Arizona, Kuhlin believes the bass will still be in a winter pattern, setting up in schools in 20 to 30 feet of water. Main-lake points will be an important player in this tournament. Bigger rocks and chunk rock will be the main cover, while man-made cover like cages will also hold bass.

“There’s thousands of man-made structures in all depths of water,” Kuhlin said. “Especially during the winter, those will hold plenty of bass.”

While there is healthy grass in the summer, Kuhlin doesn’t anticipate that coming into play in this tournament. Tule lines are also prominent, but those lines don’t factor until the prespawn and spawn.

“It should be pretty cool for Arizona that time of year,” he said. “You’ll be looking offshore at some super-slow fishing. There will be a lot of LiveScoping in that event, I can almost guarantee it.” 

Drop shots, jerkbaits and jigs will be popular choices amongst anglers. If the waters warm enough and the bass start moving toward their prespawn areas, a lipless crankbait will also come into play.

The event is being hosted by Go Lake Havasu.



Major League Fishing’s General Tire Heavy Hitters Special Presented by Bass Pro Shops Becomes Most-Watched Bass-Fishing Broadcast of 2024

Brian Carter
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Major League Fishing’s General Tire Heavy Hitters Special Presented by Bass Pro Shops Becomes Most-Watched Bass-Fishing Broadcast of 2024

BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 8, 2025) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced today that the General Tire Heavy Hitters Special Presented by Bass Pro Shops is officially the most-watched bass fishing television program of 2024. The broadcast, which aired Sunday, Dec. 8, on CBS and Paramount+, captivated fishing fans nationwide, delivering a VideoAmp household rating of 1.46 and drawing an audience of more than 2.5 million viewers — a 5% increase over 2023.

The star-studded event, hosted by Experience Kissimmee, showcased 30 of the best anglers from MLF’s Bass Pro Tour competing over six days for a $500,000 prize purse, including a $100,000 Berkley Big Bass award in the Championship Round. Highlights of the broadcast included key catches from reigning REDCREST champion Dustin Connell, 2020 Heavy Hitters Champion Jordan Lee’s strategic mastery of Lake Toho and legendary angler Kevin VanDam competing in the final tournament of his storied career.

The Heavy Hitters special not only outperformed every other fishing program in 2024, but also reinforced MLF’s dominance in delivering engaging and high-quality sports programming. The event’s massive viewership highlights the growing popularity of competitive bass fishing and MLF’s ability to attract a dedicated audience.

“Fishing fans want excitement, and that’s exactly what Heavy Hitters delivered,” said MLF President of Sales Jim Wilburn. “This event had it all – big personalities, intense competition and some incredible fish catches. To see our broadcast become the year’s most watched by a wide margin is a testament to the passion of our fans and the incredible work of our anglers, staff and partners. It’s clear that MLF is the standard for bass fishing entertainment.”

The hour-long broadcast delivered an exciting mix of on-the-water highlights and exclusive behind-the-scenes commentary. Fans were treated to firsthand insights from the anglers themselves, making the episode not only a celebration of competitive fishing but also an intimate look at what drives the sport’s most successful competitors.

The General Tire Heavy Hitters broadcast exemplifies MLF’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in the sport of bass fishing. As the organization gears up for another exciting season, the record-breaking success of this event underscores its role as a leader in delivering high-quality fishing content to the forefront of sports television.

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, X,  Instagram and  YouTube.



Elite Anglers Reveal Their Winter Bass Fishing Secrets ?

Brian Carter
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Elite Anglers Reveal Their Winter Bass Fishing Secrets ?

Photo Courtesy of Bassmaster.com

When winter’s icy grip tightens on lakes across the country, most anglers store their gear and wait for spring. But for professional bass anglers, winter presents an opportunity to catch some of the year’s biggest bass. In this exclusive deep dive, we’ve gathered insights from some of the sport’s most legendary names to help you master cold-water bass fishing.

The VanDam Vertical Approach

Kevin VanDam, widely considered the greatest bass angler of all time, has built his winter strategy around vertical structure. “Most anglers fish too shallow in winter,” says the 4-time Bassmaster Classic champion. “I look for the steepest banks I can find. That’s where massive schools of baitfish gather.”

VanDam’s signature move might surprise weekend anglers: he often fishes fast, even in cold water. “My go-to technique is ripping a ¾-ounce blade bait through schools of suspended bass,” he reveals. “The reaction bite can be incredible. Don’t let conventional wisdom limit you – sometimes triggering reaction strikes is more effective than slow presentations.”

Urban Warriors: Ike’s Metropolitan Strategy

Mike “Ike” Iaconelli has made a career out of finding bass in unexpected places. His winter approach focuses on often-overlooked urban waters. “Metropolitan areas are gold mines in winter,” Iaconelli explains. “Urban lakes and rivers stay significantly warmer due to concrete structures absorbing heat.”

Iaconelli’s winter success comes from targeting man-made structure. “Bridge pilings and concrete walls on sunny afternoons are absolute magnets for bass,” he says. His biggest winter bag came from an unusual spot: “I was fishing a drop shot around warm water discharges. Those areas can be 10 degrees warmer than the main lake.”

Wheeler’s Finesse Revolution

Jacob Wheeler, the MLF champion known for his innovative approaches, emphasizes the importance of downsizing in winter. “I scale everything back – smaller weights, thinner line, and more compact baits,” Wheeler shares. His secret weapon? Modern electronics. “Forward-facing sonar has revolutionized winter fishing. I can watch in real-time how bass react to different presentations and adjust accordingly.”

The Evers System

Veteran pro Edwin Evers takes a methodical approach to winter bass. “I start deep and work my way shallow, especially during warming trends,” he explains. Evers emphasizes the importance of vertical structure: “Bluff walls are absolute gold in winter. They provide feeding zones at multiple depths, letting bass move up or down while staying close to deep water.”

One of Evers’ key tips? “Always keep a blade bait tied on for schooling fish, even in the coldest water. When you find them, you can catch them fast.”

Zona’s Television Insights

Mark Zona, the popular fishing television host, has observed countless pros during winter tournaments. His key observation? “The biggest winter bass often suspend higher in the water column than anglers expect,” he notes. Zona also emphasizes the importance of timing: “The afternoon bite is almost always better than the morning bite in winter. Let the sun do its work.”

Palaniuk’s Internet personality Electronic Edge

Brandon Palaniuk, known for his technical expertise, relies heavily on modern electronics. “Success in winter starts with finding bait balls on side-imaging,” he explains. “The bass won’t be far behind.” Palaniuk has noticed a fascinating pattern: “Bass often suspend at the same depth across an entire lake system. Once you find that magic depth, you can run that pattern everywhere.”

Secret Techniques of the Pros

Tournament anglers have developed several lesser-known techniques for winter success:

The Snap-Float Technique involves suspending finesse baits at precise depths and using subtle twitches to trigger reaction strikes. The key is letting the bait pendulum swing on the slack line.

The Hover Zone Method focuses on finding the exact depth where bass suspends and matching bait size to forage precisely. Heavy tungsten weights provide better feel in deep water.

The Current Seam Pattern targets edges of subtle current breaks, with anglers positioning their boats upstream for better control.

Gear Considerations

Professional anglers emphasize specific gear choices for winter success:

For rods:

  • Use a 7’2″ Medium Heavy for jigs and blade baits
  • Choose a 7’0″ Medium for finesse techniques
  • Select a 6’10” Medium Light for drop shots

Reel selection is equally critical:

  • 6.3:1 ratio for deep cranking
  • 7.1:1 ratio for jigs and soft plastics
  • 8.1:1 ratio for blade baits

Tournament-Tested Patterns

On clear water lakes, pros focus on the 18-25 foot depth range, targeting isolated rock piles with natural-colored baits. For stained water, they key on 8-15 foot depths, focusing on steeper banks and using darker, more visible lures.

Closing Wisdom

As Kevin VanDam notes, “The best winter fishing often happens on the worst weather days.”Jordan Lee summarizes the winter challenge perfectly: “Winter bass fishing is a game of patience and precision.”

Pro Tip: Keep detailed logs of your winter fishing success, including weather conditions, water temperatures, and productive patterns. This information becomes invaluable as you build your winter fishing expertise.

Remember, while winter bass fishing presents unique challenges, it also offers opportunities for catching the fish of a lifetime. Armed with these professional insights, you’re better equipped to tackle cold-water bass fishing like a pro. ?



Year-Round Hotspots for Bass Success!

Brian Carter
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Year-Round Hotspots for Bass Success!
Bass behavior changes with the seasons, influencing their preferred shorelines. In spring and fall, cooler water temperatures often push bass to steeper banks or areas with large rocks that retain heat. During summer, they tend to favor flatter banks with submerged wood or vegetation that provides shade and cooler water. Winter can push bass to deeper, nearby drop-offs, but they often return to the bank to feed during warmer parts of the day. Understanding these seasonal patterns helps anglers target the most productive areas throughout the year. During transitional periods, such as early spring or late fall, bass may be more scattered as they adjust to fluctuating temperatures. Observing water clarity can further refine your choice of shoreline, as bass in clearer water tend to hold to steeper banks or areas with more cover. Seasonal weather patterns, like wind direction or prolonged sunny days, also play a role in determining which banks will hold more active fish. Paying attention to subtle cues, such as the presence of baitfish or changing vegetation, can indicate shifts in bass movement throughout the seasons. By aligning your tactics with these natural patterns, you can greatly improve your catch rates and overall success.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. Scented for complete and total attraction underwater along with being made in the USA by real fishermen just like you. Grab our newest Lil Bass, Hot Sauce, MidNight, Glow, 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink HellaMite colors. Act quickly, these new colors won’t stay in stock for long. We also recently restocked our Ghost, Red Bug, Purple Rain, Brown Bug, Electric Chicken, and Goby Wan colors. The HellaMite’s solid body and hyperactive ribbed tail design produce a life-like quivering action with every twitch of the rod. Iits 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.
Using a topographic map is an essential step in identifying promising banks for bass fishing. Wide contour bands indicate shallow flats, while tightly packed lines reveal steep slopes, both of which can hold bass depending on the season. Inspecting the bottom composition is equally important—bass typically prefer hard bottoms like gravel or rocky areas over soft, silted bottoms. Scouting banks visually or with electronics can help confirm these features and reveal additional cover or structure. A systematic approach to studying a bank can uncover reliable hotspots year after year. Pay attention to subtle variations in contour lines, as gradual changes can indicate secondary structures like shelves or small drop-offs that bass often use as ambush points. Identifying areas where shallow flats transition into deeper water can help locate staging spots for bass during seasonal migrations. While scouting, look for physical indicators like submerged wood, rock piles, or vegetation that provide additional hiding and feeding areas for bass. Weather conditions, such as wind direction, can also influence which side of the bank might hold more fish at any given time.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, 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-triggering strikes!
Large rocks and submerged logs are critical cover elements for bass along the shoreline. Big rocks absorb heat and are particularly effective at attracting bass during cooler seasons like spring and fall. In summer, logs in shallow flats provide shade and ambush opportunities for bass looking to escape the heat. Anglers should also consider exploring underwater wood cover that may not be visible from the surface, as it can hold bigger fish. By focusing on these natural features, you can increase your chances of finding larger bass consistently. When fishing around big rocks, try using slow-moving lures to mimic prey and entice strikes from bass holding close to these structures. Logs near transition zones or areas with nearby baitfish can be especially productive, offering both feeding opportunities and shelter. Using electronics to locate submerged logs or hidden rock piles can give you an edge, as these spots are often overlooked by other anglers. Pay attention to water clarity, as in murkier water, bass may stay closer to cover, making precise casting around these features essential. Different retrieval speeds and angles can also help you determine how bass are interacting with the structure.The new FreshBaitz Lizards deliver a realistic profile that excels in both power and finesse techniques. Act fact, we just released new Hot Sauce, MidNight, Ghost and 10w30 Syntheic 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.
Baitfish activity is one of the most reliable indicators of bass presence. Observing surface activity like shad flicking in the shallows or using electronics to locate baitfish schools in deeper water can guide you to productive areas. Shorelines with baitfish tend to attract bass, especially if other cover, like docks or vegetation, is nearby. Docks are particularly effective as they provide shade and create feeding zones for both baitfish and bass. Prioritizing banks with visible or electronically detected baitfish can significantly improve your fishing success. Pay attention to the size and type of baitfish present, as this can influence the lure selection and presentation needed to mimic natural prey. In clear water, bass may actively chase baitfish near the surface, while in stained water, they are more likely to ambush from cover. Areas with schools of baitfish holding near transition zones or drop-offs can hold larger, more aggressive bass. Wind can also play a role, as it often pushes baitfish toward windblown banks, concentrating both prey and predator in specific areas. Regularly scanning with your electronics and adjusting your tactics based on baitfish movement can keep you on the fish.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!
Transition zones, where one type of bank material changes to another, are prime locations for bass to congregate. Irregular features such as underwater drains, guts, or breaks also tend to hold fish, especially when these structures are near shallow flats. These hidden irregularities often require the use of electronics to identify but can hold schools of bass that are overlooked by less observant anglers. Wind and water currents can accumulate drifting wood along these areas, providing further cover for bass. Targeting these unique features helps anglers uncover lesser-fished, high-yield spots. Bass are drawn to these transition zones because they offer a mix of feeding opportunities and protective cover. Changes in bottom composition often attract baitfish, creating an ideal hunting ground for predatory bass. Irregularities can also act as natural ambush points, allowing for the bass to position themselves strategically for feeding. In seasonal transitions, these areas can be even more productive as bass move between shallow and deeper water. Exploring these dynamic spots and learning their intricacies will give you a significant advantage over other anglers who focus solely on structures.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 new MidNight, Glow, and Ghost Worms! Our popular Wild Cherry 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, Electic 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 released new 6-inch Worms including Charmeleon, Rainbow TRT, Bone, Chocolate Mint, and Fire TGR are 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.
The sun and wind are often overlooked factors that can significantly affect bass location along banks. In spring, banks that face north or northeast receive more sunlight and warm up faster, attracting both baitfish and bass. In summer, windblown banks are ideal because the moving water cools the surface and pushes baitfish toward the shore, drawing bass in to feed. Docks, laydowns, and submerged wood also serve as essential cover throughout the year, offering shade and ambush opportunities. Adapting your bank selection based on these conditions ensures that you’re targeting areas where bass are actively feeding. In fall, cooler winds can oxygenate shallow water, prompting baitfish to congregate and bass to follow. Windblown points or coves often become high-activity zones as bass capitalize on the increased movement of prey. During cloudy days, bass may roam further from cover, making windblown areas even more critical to explore. On sunny days, focusing on shaded areas like dock edges or undercut banks can yield better results. These environmental factors and adjusting your tactics accordingly will greatly enhance your ability to catch bass.Our newest FreshBaitz Mandingo Trick Worm is the ultimate game-changer for anglers with a passion! Engineered for the angler who knows SIZE does matter, this lure is designed to attract only the BIGGEST bass with a penchant for the larger bait. The Mandingo Trick Worm boasts a solid 7-inch body enhanced with a hyperactive ribbed design, ensuring irresistible mouth-watering action for those trophy bass. Officially available in a vibrant array of 8 colors. Each worm is made from durable, high-grade Non-Salted plastic for lifelike action and unparalleled durability. Perfectly balanced for a variety of rigging options and scented for total and maximum attraction, the Mandingo Trick 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 the big ones. Proudly made in the USA by real anglers to help elevate your fishing experience and catch more bass year-round!
Productive banks with the right combination of features are reliable fishing spots you can revisit throughout the day or across seasons. Bass often patrol the same areas, especially where there is consistent cover, baitfish, and transitions. Keeping track of these locations allows anglers to create a mental or physical map of their most successful spots. Returning to these banks at different times of day can yield surprising results as bass movements fluctuate with feeding patterns. With patience and observation, you can maximize your fishing time by revisiting and refining your approach to these dependable areas. Establishing a pattern for each productive bank, such as knowing when bass are most active or how they respond to changing weather, can make your visits even more effective. Subtle changes, like water levels or seasonal vegetation growth, may alter a bank’s productivity, so regular re-evaluation is crucial. Notes on successful lure types, presentations, and retrieve speeds for specific banks can help you fine-tune your strategy over time. If a bank produces consistently, it may also indicate that the area has a healthy ecosystem supporting baitfish and bass.We have a wide variety of terminal tackle to choose from, but we’ve recently 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. 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. 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! Mosquito Hooks work for dropshotting and perfectly accommodates a wide range of soft plastics. The popular All Purpose Hooks are built with an extra-wide gap and are made to accommodate a wide range of soft plastics. 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 pressure 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.



Lane Clark Wins CATT SC Upstate Lake Hartwell, SC Jan 4, 2025

Brian Carter
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Lane Clark Wins CATT SC Upstate Lake Hartwell, SC Jan 4, 2025

Next up is the SC Upstate Fall Final on Lake Hartwell on Jan 18th at Broyle! You only had to enter 1 Fall SC Upstate Qualifier to be eligible to enter the Final! Tap on this link below and scroll down to view the Fall points!

CATT Upstate – Carolina Anglers Team Trail

The Final entry fee is $120 online and $130 at the ramp with a $25 optional side pot in play!

We have 31 teams eligible to enter the Final and the Final Fund is $1,180.00! If we have 25 of those team enter the Final 1st Place will be $2,000.00 and 2nd would earn $1,000.00 paying back 5 places and 1 BF spot! Come on out if you qualified!

Also, by entering at least 2 of the SC Upstate events this fall you have qualified to enter the 2025 CATT Academy Championship on Kerr Lake, May 17-18, 2025!

2024 CATT Academy Championship winners took home $24,000.00!

Billy Dunn & Eddie Glascock brought in a 10 bass 2-day limit weighing 29.69.lbs good enough to secure the win and take home $24,000.00 PLUS 2 -$100 Lews/Strike King Gift Cards!

Lane Clark wins the last SC Upstate Qualifier with 5 bass weighing 17.98 lbs on a very cold Saturday in South Carolina! Great Job!

Justin Raines & Bradley Day win the 2024 SC Upstate Fall Points and will receive free entry at the Final!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Lane Clark0.0017.98$975.00110
Joe Anders – Matt Guffy4.0417.48$275.00109
Justin Raines – Bradley Day4.1616.22$125.00108
Landon Stacy – Toby Stacy0.0016.10107
Jimmy Blackwell – Chance Griffith4.3815.90106
Tab Anderson – Bill Francis4.4413.92$190.00105
Brody Manley – Barrett Keel4.0213.24104
Blake Campbell – Captain Childress0.0012.14103
Josh King – Andrew Cheek0.0011.32102
Caleb Wyatt0.000.0091
John Bloomfield – Brian King0.000.0091
Robbie Hoover – Steve McClellan0.000.0091
Tommy Wurst – Trey Wurst0.000.0091
Greg Abercrombie – Brent Black0.000.0091
Derrick Lehtonen0.000.0091
Bryce Lehtonen0.000.0091
Grayson Brewster0.000.0091
Stacey James – Shyanne James0.000.0091
Jordan Peeples – Dalton Dukes0.000.0091
Total Entrys$1,520.00
BONUS $$475.00
Total Paid At Ramp$1,665.00
2024 SC Upstate Fall Final Fund$330.00
CATT$50.00
2025 CATT Championship$50.00
2024 SC Upstate Fall Fund Total$1,180.00



January Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Report by Captain Chad Green

Brian Carter
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January Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Report by Captain Chad Green

Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Report

By: Captain Chad Green – Lascastguideservicesml

It is cold outside but the fishing is getting hot. Get out on the water when you can and enjoy the sunrises and sunsets. Practice catch-and-release as much as possible to preserve our great fisheries. As always, just make one more Last Cast, as it could be the next trophy fish.

Visit Indian Point Marina for any tackle that you may need and they will fix you up.
Visit https://missilebaits.store/ and check out all they have to offer.
Special Thanks to Brian Carter at the https://thebasscast.com/
Check out Smith Mountain Boat and Tackle Penhook for your boating needs https://www.smboats.com

PRACTICE CATCH AND RELEASE ON CITATION SIZE FISH

Largemouth Bass/Smallmouth Bass
The water temps will drop drastically this week and we may see shad die off soon depending on how cold it does get. Look for bass in many different depths this month. The bass are still feeding heavily on crawfish over the last few weeks but I look for that to change soon. Most of the baitfish are in deep water 30-50ft in the mid-lake area. As the threadfin shad comes to the surface to feed at night they may start to die off if the temps get below 42 degrees. The shad-kill bite can change things drastically in a short time. Jerkbaits will start to be a primary tactic resembling a dying shad. Crankbaits, A rigs, Jigs will still produce fish as not fish feed on shad during the winter. Weather will dictate what baits work the best on each day. Depth ranges from 5-30ft will produce fish all month long. Rocks, docks, points, and brush piles will all hold fish. Bass can still be very aggressive in cold weather and when you find them it can be fast and furious in a short time. This is a great month to catch trophy fish as well.


Striped Bass
Striper fishing will be good this month and look for them in larger schools as they start to migrate down the lake with falling water temps. They will travel in smaller schools searching for feeding opportunities. Jigging in the 20-40ft range will produce fish throughout the day. Larger fish will show up this month at times and may be in smaller schools. The upper end of the lake to mid-lake is where most of the action will be this month. Seagulls will start to find some feeding fish in the cold months so keep an eye out. Look for fish in the mouths of the larger tributaries. Swing by Indian Point Marina they provide you with a great selection of what you need.


Crappie
Most of the Crappie have been in the 15-25 foot range.



Corrigan’s Wyatt Frankens Wins 2025 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Season Opener at Sam Rayburn Reservoir

Brian Carter
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Corrigan’s Wyatt Frankens Wins 2025 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Season Opener at Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Boater winner Wyatt Frankens of Corrigan, Texas, and Strike-King co-angler winner Jaxson Thomas of Texarkana, Arkansas.
Arkansas’ Thomas Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division

BROOKELAND, Texas (Jan. 6, 2025) – Boater Wyatt Frankens of Corrigan, Texas, caught a five-bass limit weighing 29 pounds, 1 ounce, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine event at Sam Rayburn Reservoir . The tournament, hosted by Jasper County Development District, was the first event of the season for the BFL and the Cowboy Division. Frankens earned $4,796 for his victory.

According to Frankens, fishing and the conditions had been consistent at Rayburn ahead of the tournament, but a recent water level rise changed things pretty quickly.

“I wasn’t even sure I was going to get to fish the event,” he said. “And thankfully I did last minute and was able to get in. So I didn’t get to practice a ton for the event. That probably ended up working in my favor since I wasn’t out there getting dialed on something as it was changing. I was able to fish free and adapt, and I was able to learn some things as I fished today. That ended up helping out a ton.”

Frankens relied on forward-facing sonar to find and catch his fish. His primary lures included a 6th Sense Ozzie, a 6th Sense Crush 300DD Crankbait and a 6th Sense Divine Hybrid Jig . Because he didn’t have much practice, Frankens had to cover a ton of water throughout the tournament. He primarily targeted timber in creek channels, ditches and drains, and he says he ran around enough that he nearly saw the entire lake.

Frankens prefers to hunt big bites, which is obviously a good strategy if you want to catch 29-plus pounds and win at Rayburn. But it’s also a gamble, and at first, it looked like he might be holding the losing hand.

“I didn’t have a great start to the day,” he added. “I think I was just a little too deep. Just like Rayburn fish do, they kind of moved up with the rising water. Once I figured that out at about 9:30 or 10, that’s when I started getting some of my bigger ones. It wasn’t easy. I started picking up one here, one there.”

“Shallower,” in this case, was 10 to 15 feet of water, rather than mid-20s, which would be pretty standard for Frankens this time of year at Rayburn. In addition to the fish on timber, Frankens also caught some “floaters,” or suspended nomadic fish.

Ultimately, it was keeping an open mind and his strategic use of forward-facing sonar that earned him the W.

“Using that tool to learn is a big deal,” Frankens said. “I’m not just randomly running around scoping in the middle of nowhere. That’s just not how it works. Using that technology to learn and let the fish show you what they’re doing is a big deal.”

Once he got a couple better bites and started to piece together that the fish were shallower, Frankens was able to capitalize on his history on the lake to piece together an impressive limit. Altogether, he caught about 10 keepers. That included a 2 1/2-pounder that was among the five bass he weighed in. A 2 1/2 in a 29-pound, 1-ounce limit means Franken’s other four weigh-in fish averaged more than 6 1/2 pounds apiece – a great way to kick off the 2025 BFL season.

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

1st:        Wyatt Frankens, Corrigan, Texas, five bass, 29-1, $4,796
2nd:       Wesley Baxley, Cypress, Texas, five bass, 23-15, $2,398
3rd:       Cole Moore, Anacoco, La., five bass, 19-0, $1,595
4th:        Hayden Heck, Lufkin, Texas, five bass, 17-15, $1,119
5th:        Ian Leybas, McAlester, Okla., five bass, 17-12, $959
6th:        Tommy Mackey, Bryan, Texas, five bass, 16-15, $879
7th:        James Laramore, Vidor, Texas, five bass, 16-11, $1,514
8th:        Zane Parker, Kingwood, Texas, five bass, 16-6, $719
9th:        Tater Reynolds, Florien, La., five bass, 16-4, $639
10th:     J.D. Chandler, Liberty, Texas, five bass, 15-15, $560

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

James Laramore of Vidor, Texas, caught a bass that weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $715.



Jaxson Thomas of Texarkana, Arkansas, won the Strike King co-angler division and $2,576 Saturday, after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 11 pounds, 6 ounces.

The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:

1st:        Jaxson Thomas, Texarkana, Arkansas, three bass, 11-6, $2,576
2nd:       Aaron Willis, Broken Bow, Okla., three bass, 9-1, $1,199
3rd:       Michael Glynn, Boerne, Texas, three bass, 8-8, $795
4th:        Logan Slaughter, Dallas, Texas, two bass, 8-1, $493
4th:        Gary Medley, Vidor, Texas, one bass, 8-1, $671
4th:        Ronald Leist, Onalaska, Texas, three bass, 8-1, $493
7th:        Richard Garcia, Hemphill, Texas, three bass, 7-13, $400
8th:        Mitch Powers, Pineland, Texas, three bass, 7-12, $320
8th:        Kasen Clark, Coldspring, Texas, three bass, 7-12, $320
8th:        Dustin Berry, Dayton, Texas, one bass, 7-12, $320

Jaxson Thomas of Texarkana, Arkansas, and Gary Medley of Vidor, Texas, tied for the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award, each catching a bass that weighed in at 8 pounds, 1 ounce. They each took home $178 for their share of the prize.

In addition to earning the win, Frankens has the early lead in the Fishing Clash Cowboy Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 250 points, while co-angler winner Thomas leads the Fishing Clash Cowboy Division Co-Angler of the Year race, also with 250 points.

The next event for BFL Cowboy Division anglers will be held January 18, at Toledo Bend out of Many, Louisiana To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.

The top 60 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 24-25 BFL Regional tournament on Lake Eufaula in Eufaula, Oklahoma. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $20,000.

The 2025 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 134 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 60 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, will advance to one of 12 BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top three, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2025 BFL All-American will take place May 29-31, 2025, at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is hosted by hosted by Visit Hot Springs and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.

Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Vosker, WIX Filters and YETI.

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



The Lithium Battery Industry’s Best App Just Got Better!

Brian Carter
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The Lithium Battery Industry’s Best App Just Got Better!
The Lithium Battery Industry’s Best App Just Got Better!
Norsk Lithium® Launches a Huge Free Update for Their Norsk Guardian™ App
New Hope, Minn. (January 6, 2025) – The smartphone has become an indispensable tool for modern anglers, offering GPS-enabled mapping apps, cameras to document catches, and social platforms to track bite patterns and connect with fellow anglers. Norsk Lithium® has redesigned its Norsk Guardian™ App to enhance the user interface, delivering an improved user experience for controlling, monitoring, and organizing Norsk Lithium batteries. Unlike other apps anglers rely on for mapping or social networking, Norsk Guardian™ focuses on providing real-time performance metrics, health alerts, and seamless connectivity to ensure batteries perform at their best—whether on the water or off the grid. 
Norsk Lithium listened to customer feedback and responded by adding Bluetooth® to the 14.8V line of Portable Sonar Batteries (Gen3), a feature previously only available in the Marine Battery line. This upgrade is a game-changer for hard water anglers, providing seamless connectivity to their portable sonar systems. With Bluetooth® integration, the Norsk Guardian™ App now connects to all Norsk Lithium Marine and 14.8V Portable Sonar Batteries (Gen3), allowing users to monitor key performance metrics and receive critical health alerts, ensuring peak performance in any season.The main dashboard has been completely redesigned. Now you can sort your batteries into four categories; Marine, Recreational Vehicle, Sonar, and Off-Grid. Once you connect to a battery you can assign it to a group within those four main categories. These sub-categories give you more control over your marine battery setups. For example, suppose you separate your batteries into a trolling motor group and a starting battery group. In that case, you can put your trolling motor batteries into Deep Sleep and leave your starting battery on with an automatic bilge pump for overnight docking. You won’t find this level of functionality in any other lithium battery app. 
“It’s the only app that allows the user to display battery data from batteries connected in serial or parallel. We’re the only app that allows users to connect and view data from multiple batteries at one time and display it all on one page,” says Norsk VP of Strategy & Development, James Holst.
Holst continues: “You look at your phone and you have all the battery information from an entire boat battery installation – even 6, 8, or 10 batteries in one boat – and they’ll all be visible on one screen and you can see what they’re all doing at one time. Other battery apps require users to connect and disconnect to monitor each battery’s health. Or, if they do allow you to connect to more than one battery, they cannot monitor batteries connected in series or parallel. They only show you standalone batteries.”
Many anglers are putting together shuttles for their live imaging sonar systems. Instead of guessing how much time you have left from a shuttle voltage meter, you can let Norsk Guardian™ handle the math and tell you exactly how much time you have left down to the minute with the Runtime Calculator. Check your remaining runtime in seconds and get back to fishing.   
The Norsk Guardian™ App offers an impressive array of features, providing serious anglers with powerful tools to enhance their time on the water. NEW! Activate Deep Sleep™ NEW! Activate Emergency Start Reserve NEW! Integrated Live Chat Connect Battery Information to Your Smartphone via Bluetooth Connection Monitor Your Battery’s Health & Charging Status Proactive Diagnostics & Warranty Intelligent Battery Grouping Power Cycle Counter Monitor Battery Health Setup & Receive Custom Notifications Monitor Multiple Batteries Simultaneously Integrated Troubleshooting Guide Setup Alert Notifications for Select Battery Info Provides Piece of Mind to the Norsk Lithium Battery Owner
NEW! ACTIVATE DEEP SLEEP™With the Deep Sleep™ feature in the Norsk Guardian™ app, you can easily disconnect power from your batteries’ terminals, eliminating phantom current draws and preventing fully discharged batteries. This convenient feature saves you from having to manually activate battery disconnect switches, ensuring your batteries remain charged and ready to use. Perfect for seasonal storage and traveling. NEW! ACTIVATE EMERGENCY START RESERVE [ESR]Norsk Lithium® Starting Batteries offer an Emergency Start Reserve [ESR] that allocates 25% of the battery’s capacity as a reserve available on demand so you’ll always have the power to start your outboard motor. With the Norsk Guardian™ app, you can easily access [ESR] from the convenience of your phone or with the power management button on top of the battery itself. NEW! INTEGRATED LIVE CHAT Norsk Lithium® is committed to delivering exceptional customer service. Users can connect directly with a US-based Norsk Lithium representative through the app for troubleshooting assistance or to address any general questions—all from the convenience of their smartphone. This commitment ensures every customer receives the support they need, whenever they need it.Holst concludes: “The Norsk Guardian™ app is also not a re-skinned app. It was built from the ground up to control our batteries. It allows users complete control of all major features and functions of the batteries, like Deep Sleep™. With the press of one button of the app you put all of the batteries in your boat to sleep and ready for storage up to a year. Nobody but Norsk has these capabilities. It’s about ease of use, convenience, and peace of mind, something we understand as anglers ourselves.”



Reese Fishing Adds Major League Fishing Pro Alton Jones Jr. to Pro StaffReese Fishing Expands Promotional Efforts

Brian Carter
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Reese Fishing Adds Major League Fishing Pro Alton Jones Jr. to Pro StaffReese Fishing Expands Promotional Efforts
Reese Fishing Adds Major League Fishing Pro Alton Jones Jr. to Pro Staff
Reese Fishing Expands Promotional Efforts
AUBURN, Calif. – January 6, 2025 –– Long known as one of the premier promoters and businessmen among the professional bass fishing community, Skeet Reese, the 2024 Bass Fishing Hall of Fame inductee has once again proven that he is one who has the vision to think long term when it comes to business.  In April of 2024, Reese announced the startup of Reese Fishing, a company that would produce premium fishing rods, at extreme value to the consumer.
With the reputation of being a champion of 12 major professional tours including a win on the James River at the MLF Bass Pro Tour in 2024, the 2007 Bassmaster Angler of the Year and 2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion, Reese holds the cache to solely and effectively promote his company.  However, being one to think big picture, Reese sought to bring other anglers in to help further expose the brand.
To that vein, Reese Fishing has added Waco, Tex. Major League Fishing BPT pro Alton Jones, Jr. to the Reese Fishing pro staff.   Jones, a three-time winner in his career, including a BPT win at Lake Fork in 2022, and the 2023 Heavy Hitters Champion brings many attributes to the brand that Reese appreciates.

Reese said he has been impressed with Jones as he’s watched his career develop.  “Junior has deep roots in the sport, having grown up in it,” said Reese.  “I have always been impressed with how he approaches the water and the competition, and he handles his business off the water as well.”

Reese continued to explain in detail.  “Junior has proven himself as one of the hottest and most progressive young anglers out there and he continues to produce results as an angler,” said Reese.  “His work ethic in promotions, social media and video content are also very impressive and he’s proven his reach with great social media followings and results whenever he is in front of people; he absolutely fits the mold of Reese Fishing and I am very excited to have him on the team.”

Jones said that being able to work more closely with Reese was something he had to consider when the opportunity presented itself.  “Skeet is obviously a true legend in professional bass fishing circles, I’ve watched him throughout the years and looked up to him as a competitor,” he said.  “But I’ve worked with him and another sponsor and was so impressed with his business acumen and the way he conducts himself in business, that I saw this as an opportunity to promote a growing brand from its inception, but also as a way to learn from the best.”

He explained that he didn’t just sign on because of the benefits of learning from Reese.  “He sent me some of the rods to try before I committed because I wanted to make sure I felt like I could be competitive with them in my hands,” he said.  “I fell in love with what he’s done with the NEXT 1 series, which are amazing and a tremendous value, but the soon to be released NEXT 2 rods are some of the most amazing rods I’ve ever fished with.  They have unique features from the grips to the handles and reel seats Skeet has designed and they are truly one of the best feeling most durable rods I’ve ever fished with; I am proud to represent Reese Fishing and to fish with these rods; they are NEXT Level.”

Along with promoting Reese Fishing, Jones will also be representing Kastking reels, the company that produces and markets Reese’s Signature Reels.



New Lake Anna best five fish limit record with 31.10lbs!!!

Brian Carter
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New Lake Anna best five fish limit record with 31.10lbs!!!

Can we say Lake Anna has turned out & produced some of the best-looking bags we have ever seen?

The boys brought some bags today and finished 1st (Matt & Dylan), 2nd (Timmy Sheridan & Caleb, and 3rd (Tyler). Matthew Strykul completed the dirty 30 and now holds the new Lake Anna best five fish limit record with 31.10 lbs!!!



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