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Hometown Favorite Chris Lane Takes Lead at Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2025 at Lake Guntersville
Guntersville, Alabama pro lands two-day total of 44 scorable bass weighing 127 pounds to advance straight to Sunday’s Championship Round, Knockout Round field set for Saturday
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (April 4, 2025) – The race for the top spot in the Qualifying Round at Bass Pro Shops REDCREST Presented by MillerTech – and the automatic Championship Round berth that comes with it – started out wide open on the second day of competition on Lake Guntersville. Five different anglers topped SCORETRACKER® at various points during Friday’s opening period.
By the second period, it turned into a two-man race between a pair of Alabamians in Chris Lane of Guntersville and Jacob Walker of Springville. Eventually, Lane used his Guntersville knowledge and aptitude catching shallow spawners to pull away. He added 24 scorable bass for 72 pounds, 9 ounces (the best day any competitor has put together so far) to bring his two-day total to 127 pounds even, 17-7 clear of Walker.
That will earn Lane a day off as he prepares to chase his first REDCREST trophy and the $300,000 paycheck that comes with it on Championship Sunday. The rest of the Top 20 will take to the water Saturday for the Knockout Round.
Link to HD Video – Fish-Catch Highlights of REDCREST 2025 Day 2 on Lake Guntersville
Link to Photo Gallery of REDCREST 2025 Day 2 Afternoon Highlights
Lane has found his comfort zone on Guntersville, and not just because he’s lived on the shores of the lake for the past 15 years.
Prior to REDCREST, Lane took the forward-facing sonar transducers off his Nitro. He figured he could find plenty of fish flocking to shallow water – his area of expertise – so he planned to go all-in on targeting them. He didn’t even want to be tempted by the technology.
“I took that thing off my boat, and the reason I did is because it was a distraction to me and what I do and the way that I do it,” Lane said. “Taking it off coming into REDCREST before the first day of the tournament allowed me to focus on what I do, and that was reassuring and beneficial to have success without it.”
Lane’s instinct that he’d be able to find success targeting shallow spawners proved correct. He noted that the lake level has risen about a foot since the start of practice. While that might not seem like a lot, when combined with the time of year and steadily climbing water temperatures, it triggered a wave of fish to move into their spawning grounds. He found even more fish on Day 2 than Day 1 – an hour into Period 2, he had nearly surpassed his opening-day total with 47-15.
“I think it’s just the water coming up a half a foot,” Lane explained. “It may not even be that much, but it’s come up over a foot since practice started. And the water is warming, so that’s why the fish got bigger and more plentiful.”
Lane targeted his fish with a Texas-rigged Bass Pro Shops XPS Log Father. That produced both quantity and quality. He landed four bass over 4 pounds on the day, including a 5-15 and a 7-5, the latter of which earned Berkley Big Bass honors.
While Lane is at his best pitching for bedding bass, he doesn’t expect to replicate that pattern on Sunday. Thunderstorms are in the forecast with the potential to dump 1-2 inches of rain. Knowing that made Lane more eager to fish for the Qualifying Round win, since he doesn’t think the conditions will allow him to catch the same fish he targeted Friday.
“I think it’ll be different; I think you’re going to have to fish different,” Lane said. “I’ll play that by ear come Sunday, to see how much sun there is – if there’s any – and if they drop the water. Because they could pull that water in 2 seconds, and they probably will. So, I’m going to have to pay attention to all of that.”
Lane knows he’ll need to adjust if he’s going to contend for the championship trophy. His knowledge of the fishery gives him confidence he’ll be able to figure out the right moves based on the conditions.
“I think that’s probably the reassuring thing is knowing, okay, I’ve got 978 other spots where they like to get this time of year,” he said. “I think it’ll be a big adjustment for everybody, so it’ll be nice having the day off to get re-geared and re-focused, pay attention to the weather, not be tired, not get in a hurry and go from there.”
Lane has won both a Bass Pro Tour event (2023 on the Kissimmee Chain) and a tour-level championship (the 2012 Bassmaster Classic). But he said a victory at REDCREST on Guntersville would be extra sweet because of all the family, friends and sponsors who will be on hand Sunday.
“It would mean the world to me to win, not only for another victory and a check for $300,000, but for your support system, for your sponsors,” Lane said. “For the whole support team and for my family, it would just be awesome. And for the hometown. Geez, that doesn’t usually work out like that at big tournaments.”
The top 20 pros that made the cut and will advance in competition at REDCREST 2025 on Lake Guntersville are:
1st: Chris Lane, Guntersville, Ala., 44 bass, 127-0
2nd: Jacob Walker, Springville, Ala., 38 bass, 109-9
3rd: David Dudley, Lynchburg, Va., 33 bass, 102-14
4th: Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., 39 bass, 99-13
5th: Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn., 34 bass, 99-1
6th: Edwin Evers, Talala, Okla., 34 bass, 92-3
7th: Jake Lawrence, Paris, Tenn., 32 bass, 91-1
8th: Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla., 34 bass, 90-8
9th: Ron Nelson, Berrien Springs, Mich., 28 bass, 89-6
10th: Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas, 30 bass, 87-7
11th: Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., 29 bass, 87-1
12th: Justin Cooper, Zwolle, La., 31 bass, 85-5
13th: Martin Villa, Charlottesville, Va., 33 bass, 83-4
14th: Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C., 27 bass, 80-8
15th: Paul Marks Jr., Cumming, Ga., 29 bass, 80-6
16th: Marshall Robinson, Landrum, S.C., 26 bass, 79-4
17th: Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 26 bass, 78-9
18th: Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., 24 bass, 76-13
19th: Jacob Wall, New Hope, Ala., 28 bass, 76-13
20th: Nick Hatfield, Greeneville, Tenn., 28 bass, 73-13
Finishing in 21st through 50th place are:
21st: Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark., 27 bass, 72-13
22nd: Andy Morgan, Dayton, Tenn., 24 bass, 69-1
23rd: Casey Ashley, Donalds, S.C., 24 bass, 68-4
24th: Alton Jones Jr., Waco, Texas, 24 bass, 66-11
25th: Tyler Stewart, Dubach, La., 25 bass, 66-7
26th: Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., 22 bass, 65-5
27th: Mark Daniels Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., 24 bass, 64-15
28th: John Hunter, Shelbyville, Ky., 24 bass, 64-8
29th: Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C., 23 bass, 63-11
30th: Mark Davis, Mount Ida, Ark., 21 bass, 61-7
31st: Andrew Nordbye, Guntersville, Ala., 24 bass, 60-6
32nd: Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., 23 bass, 58-1
33rd: Luke Clausen, Spokane, Wash., 18 bass, 55-14
34th: Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., 19 bass, 55-13
35th: Alec Morrison, Peru, N.Y., 19 bass, 55-7
36th: Gerald Spohrer, Gonzales, La., 19 bass, 53-6
37th: Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J., 21 bass, 51-11
38th: Skeet Reese, Auburn, Calif., 17 bass, 50-15
39th: Braylon Eggerding, Grand Rapids, Mich., 17 bass, 50-3
40th: James Elam, Tulsa, Okla., 16 bass, 48-2
41st: Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, 16 bass, 44-9
42nd: Hayden Marbut, Birmingham, Ala., 14 bass, 42-6
43rd: Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., 16 bass, 41-14
44th: Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., 16 bass, 41-2
45th: Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn., 13 bass, 40-10
46th: Keith Carson, DeBary, Fla., 14 bass, 40-1
47th: Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., 13 bass, 37-2
48th: Terry Scroggins, San Mateo, Fla., 12 bass,32-15
49th: Nick LeBrun, Bossier City, La., eight bass, 23-0
50th: Dylan Hays, Hot Springs, Ark., eight bass, 17-8
Overall, there were 607 scorable bass weighing 1,706 pounds, 3 ounces caught by the 50 pros Friday.
For the second consecutive year, Chris Lane also earned the $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award on Day 2 of REDCREST with a 7-pound, 5-ounce largemouth bass that he in Period 2. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day.
The full field of anglers competed in the two-day Qualifying Round on Thursday and Friday. Now, with the two-day Qualifying Round complete, Lane advances directly to Sunday’s Championship Round. The anglers that finished in 2nd through 20th advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the remaining anglers compete to finish in the top nine to advance to Sunday’s Championship Round. In the final day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins professional bass fishing’s top prize of $300,000.
Anglers will launch each morning from Civitan Park, located at 1130 Sunset Drive, in Guntersville, Alabama, at 7:15 a.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLF NOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The free, family-friendly MLF Outdoor Sports Expo will also take place throughout the weekend at the Von Braun Center, located at 700 Monroe St. SW, in Huntsville. Fishing and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to explore an array of booths and vendors, featuring the newest innovations and gear in fishing, boating, and outdoors. Meet some of the biggest names in the industry, including professional anglers from the Bass Pro Tour and legendary Bass Fishing Hall of Famers like Jimmy Houston, Roland Martin and Kevin VanDam.
The four-day event, hosted by the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, and the Madison County Commission , showcases the top 50 MLF anglers from 2024 – including the top 40 anglers from the Bass Pro Tour – competing for the prestigious REDCREST Championship and a total prize pool for more than ¾ of a million dollars.
The 2024 Bass Pro Tour featured a field of 78 of the top professional anglers in the world, competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2025 Presented by MillerTech Energy.
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on each day of competition from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. MLFNOW!® is live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app and Rumble.
Television coverage of MLF’s Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2025 Presented by MillerTech Energy at Lake Guntersville will premiere as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, July 5 on Discovery, with the Championship Round premiering on Saturday, July 19. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on Outdoor Channel and Vice TV.
Proud sponsors of the MLF Bass Pro Tour and REDCREST 2025 include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, Bass Force, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, E3 Sports Apparel, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Lowrance, Mercury, MillerTech Energy, Mossy Oak Fishing, NITRO, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Star brite, Suzuki Marine and Toyota.
MLF Pros and Volunteers Team Up with Suzuki Marine for a Fun-Filled Day of Cleanup and Community Engagement at REDCREST 2025
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (April 4, 2025) – In a rewarding display of community involvement and environmental stewardship, Major League Fishing (MLF) pros joined forces with Suzuki Marine and Madison Academy to make a meaningful impact in Northern Alabama. On Wednesday, April 2, professional anglers used their “off day” before the kickoff of Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2025 Presented by MillerTech Energy – the Bass Pro Tour Championship – for two significant initiatives: a visit from the pros to Madison Academy and cleaning up the shores of Lake Guntersville with the Suzuki Marine Lake Cleanup project.
LINK TO PHOTO GALLERY FROM EVENTS
The day kicked off with a visit to Madison Academy, just west of Huntsville, where MLF pros Drew Gill and Nick LeBrun, along with MLF Competition Official Brian Poppe, met with the entire second and third-grade classes, reading fish stories and discussing the importance of protecting natural waterways. Students were captivated by the anglers’ stories and had the chance to ask questions, learn valuable fishing tips and hear about the pros’ experiences on the water.
“It’s incredible to see the students’ enthusiasm for fishing and the environment,” said Gill, who was thrilled to be part of the event. “I remember being their age not very long ago and dreaming of becoming a professional angler. It’s great to be able to inspire them and talk about conservation efforts that help keep our waters clean for future generations.”
The visit wasn’t limited to the younger grades – members of the Madison Academy High School Bass Fishing Team also met with the pros, sharing their own experiences in the world of competitive fishing and gleaning valuable insight from the professional anglers. As part of the event, students excitedly gathered autographs and snapped photos with their bass fishing heroes, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
While one set of pros was engaging the youth of the sport, another group made their way to Civitan Park in Guntersville, Alabama, for the Suzuki Marine Lake Cleanup project, a two-hour event packed with enthusiasm, teamwork and even a little competition.
As part of Suzuki Marine’s CLEAN OCEAN PROJECT, over 40 participants – including more than 20 anglers from both the MLF Bass Pro Tour and the Elite Series – scoured the shoreline, collecting more than 242 pounds of trash. In true MLF fashion, a bit of friendly competition was added to the mix, with a “mini weigh-in” to guess how much trash was collected. The pro with the closest guess took home a Suzuki Marine gift pack, but every pro was rewarded with a much cleaner Lake Guntersville shoreline as the prize.
The event was not only a great success in terms of environmental impact, but also a fantastic example of the fishing community uniting for a good cause. The partnership between MLF and Suzuki Marine has proven to be a powerful force for good, expanding the CLEAN OCEAN PROJECT’s efforts beyond the oceans to include lakes and rivers across the country.
“It’s amazing to see everyone come together to make a difference,” said REDCREST 2025 competitor and Suzuki Marine pro Matt Becker. “We compete hard on the water, but it’s important to work together to ensure our lakes, rivers and oceans stay clean and sustainable for generations to come.”
The event was hosted by the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association and the Madison County Commission.
“We’re so grateful to our partners at Suzuki Marine and our local hosts for making the lake cleanup such a success,” said Joe Opager, Sr. Director of Communications for MLF. “It was a fun event that not only made a positive impact on the environment but also helped foster a sense of community in our sport.”
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.
Robert Mixon & Robert Lambert took 1st Place at CATT High Rock with 5 bass weighing 22.40 lbs!
Next Yadkin CATT is at Badin April 13th!
The CBC will be at High Rock April 26th! Come on out and you may win $10,000.00!
Robert Mixon & Robert Lambert took 1st Place at High Rock with 5 bass weighing 22.40 lbs!
Bart Hill & Wyatt Hill 2nd Place with 22.14 lbs!
3rd Place went to Mike Kiser & Matt Stanley with 5 bass weighing 21.31 lbs!
Zac Ridenhour (right) 4th Place with 21.11 lbs and the BF at 7.40 lbs!
5th Place Dillon Simpson & Nathan Sparks 20.22 lbs!
Ladd Whicker & Landon Whicker took 6th with 19.81 lbs!
| Team | BF | Weight | Winnings | Points |
| Robert Mixon – Robert Lambert | 4.77 | 22.40 | $1,173.00 | 110 |
| Bart Hill – Wyatt Hill | 7.14 | 22.14 | $602.00 | 109 |
| Mike Kiser – Matt Stanley | 0.00 | 21.31 | $300.00 | 108 |
| Zac Ridenhour | 7.40 | 21.11 | $515.00 | 107 |
| Dillon Simpson – Nathan Sparks | 5.77 | 20.22 | $120.00 | 106 |
| Ladd Whicker – Landon Whicker | 4.74 | 19.81 | $100.00 | 105 |
| Tom File – Thomas Ludwick | 5.19 | 19.77 | 104 | |
| Rodney Thomas – Jason Thomas | 5.81 | 18.91 | 103 | |
| Dusty Taylor – Kolton Hawks | 0.00 | 18.85 | 102 | |
| Blake White – Landon Smith | 5.68 | 18.64 | 101 | |
| Michael Swaringen – CJ Johnston | 5.95 | 18.35 | 100 | |
| Justin Hill | 0.00 | 17.13 | 99 | |
| James Blankinship – Walker Blankenship | 0.00 | 16.91 | 98 | |
| Brad Younts – Mike Smith | 0.00 | 16.34 | 97 | |
| Steve Sink – Jason Riggs | 0.00 | 15.52 | 96 | |
| Herby Young – Harold Pridgen | 0.00 | 15.48 | 95 | |
| Hunter Hill – Mason Little | 0.00 | 14.77 | 94 | |
| Bryce Burkhart | 0.00 | 14.42 | 93 | |
| Austin Garland | 5.14 | 14.25 | 92 | |
| Robbie Walser – Stanley Walser | 0.00 | 13.36 | 91 | |
| Christopher Brown – Sam Cole | 0.00 | 10.04 | 90 | |
| Bradon Mueller – Dustin Green | 0.00 | 7.65 | 89 | |
| Stephen Garner Sr – Charles Kingen | 0.00 | 5.78 | 88 | |
| Donald Livengood – Susie Manhollan | 0.00 | 0.00 | 78 | |
| Mike Ray & Orlando Giles | 0.00 | 0.00 | 78 | |
| Mark Mohler – Graeme Bosch | 0.00 | 0.00 | 78 | |
| Kevin Stowell Sr – Richard McDuffie | 0.00 | 0.00 | 78 | |
| Curt Lare – Devin Kennedy | 0.00 | 0.00 | 78 | |
| Spencer Robinson | 0.00 | 0.00 | 78 | |
| Austin Lynthcum | 0.00 | 0.00 | 78 | |
| Tyler Currick – Daryl Curl | 0.00 | 0.00 | 78 | |
| Nick Williams – Cliff Williams | 0.00 | 0.00 | 78 | |
| Keaton Hawks – Alan Hawks | 0.00 | 0.00 | 78 | |
| Adam Younts – Jacob Bridges | 0.00 | 0.00 | 78 | |
| Total Entrys | $2,720.00 | |||
| BONUS $ | $675.00 | |||
| Total Paid At Ramp | $2,810.00 | |||
| CATT | $50.00 | |||
| 2025 Yadkin Spring Final Fund | $485.00 | |||
| 2025 CATT Championship Fund | $50.00 | |||
| 2025 Yadkin Spring Final Fund Total | $1,610.00 |
Jason Ledford/Thomas Ledford win CATT Lake Wylie with 5 bass weighing 14.66 lbs!
Next Lake Wylie CATT Spring Qualifier is April 5th at Buster Boyd!
Jason Ledford/Thomas Ledford win Lake Wylie with 5 bass weighing 14.66 lbs!
Andrew Kinsey/Matthew Vause 2nd with 13.13 lbs!
The BF was brought in by Dalton Russell/Hunter Layne weighing 3.91 lbs!
| Team | BF | Weight | Winnings | Points |
| Jason Ledford/Thomas Ledford | 3.82 | 14.66 | $460.00 | 110 |
| Andrew Kinsey/Matthew Vause | 3.03 | 13.13 | $135.00 | 109 |
| Dalton Russell/Hunter Layne | 3.91 | 12.26 | $55.00 | 108 |
| David Winters/John Paul George | 3.64 | 11.90 | 107 | |
| Jermaine Roach/Christina | 3.66 | 9.24 | 106 | |
| Jason Rhodes/Jody Black | 2.12 | 8.80 | 105 | |
| Jason Cougar/Kimberly Cougar | 2.81 | 7.40 | 104 | |
| AJ Rebhan | 2.79 | 6.92 | 103 | |
| Dave Everly/Justin Sullivan | 2.39 | 5.46 | 102 | |
| Anthony Burnett/Christopher Burnett | 0.00 | 3.02 | 101 | |
| Grady Oliver/Mike Jennings | 0.00 | 0.00 | 91 | |
| Total Entrys | $660.00 | |||
| BONUS $ | $200.00 | |||
| Total Paid At Ramp | $650.00 | |||
| Wylie 2025 Spring Final Fund | $100.00 | |||
| CATT | $0.00 | |||
| 2025 CATT Championship Fund | $0.00 | |||
| 2025 Wylie Spring Final Fund Total | $380.00 |
Ned Rig for Big Bites from Bass!
| The Ned Rig has earned its place as a trusted finesse fishing method among bass anglers. The Ned Rig is known for its subtle presentation, it consistently catches fish even when bass are inactive or pressured. Its effectiveness lies in its simplicity, a small bait that mimics vulnerable prey along the bottom. Whether targeting numbers or larger bass, the Ned Rig has proven to be a reliable option when other techniques fail. It’s a key tool in any angler’s arsenal, especially during challenging conditions. Because of its minimalist design, it presents a non-threatening profile that appeals to even the most finicky fish. It performs exceptionally well in clear water where bass rely more heavily on sight to feed. The technique is versatile enough for use in all seasons, though it truly excels during tough bites in the heat of summer or dead of winter. Anglers new to finesse tactics often find the Ned Rig an easy entry point with a quick learning curve. Overtime, it has transitioned from a niche tactic to a must-know approach for consistent bass fishing success. Its ability to trigger strikes without overwhelming the fish makes it one of the most dependable presentations in modern bass fishing.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. Its unique flat underbelly detail enables this bait to be fished as a drop shot, Ned rig, neko rig, and even a small Carolina-rig, making it the ideal bait in any condition year-round. When the water is clear, the fish can see the bait and look like real food, causing strikes. Each cast becomes an opportunity for an exhilarating catch, thanks to its superior performance and versatility. |
| Modern Ned Rig fishing offers a wide range of soft plastic options, giving anglers more versatility than ever. Alongside the classic short worms, many now use insect larva, cray-styled baits, beetles, and other naturalistic profiles to better match forage. These shapes provide different action and silhouettes, helping adapt to various water bodies and feeding behaviors. Buoyant soft plastics are particularly effective, as they stand up on the bottom and imitate live prey with minimal movement. With the right jighead pairing, this variety allows you to fine-tune your approach for every scenario. Anglers can now choose jigheads with different hook sizes, line tie angles, and weed guards to match their fishing conditions. This means better control over how your bait moves, how it sits on the bottom, and how it handles around cover. Lighter jigheads create a slower fall and more natural action, which is crucial in shallow or calm water. In deeper water or windy situations, slightly heavier jigheads help maintain bottom contact without sacrificing finesse. This selection makes it easier than ever to build a Ned Rig setup that aligns perfectly with target depth, structure, and cover.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! |
| Using the right gear setup is essential to getting the most from a Ned Rig. Light or medium-light spinning tackle allows for accurate, long-distance casting with lightweight jigheads. Using a braided main line paired with a fluorocarbon leader enhances sensitivity and helps detect the light bites that often come with finesse fishing. This combination will also improve hooksets, especially when fishing deeper water or in windy conditions. Matching your rod, reel, and line to the rig ensures a more effective and enjoyable experience on the water. A fast-action rod tip adds extra sensitivity, helping you feel bottom contact and subtle changes in resistance that may signal a bite. The reel’s drag system should be smooth, as light lines require careful pressure during the fight to avoid break-offs. Line management is also important, braid helps reduce line twist and memory, which can hinder performance with small baits. Keeping your setup balanced makes the entire presentation more natural and less intrusive in clear or pressured waters. The right finesse gear helps maximize both your efficiency and your ability to detect and land more 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! |
| The Ned Rig stands out during tough fishing conditions when bass are less responsive to larger or faster-moving presentations. In extreme cold or heat, during high fishing pressure, or on calm, clear days, downsizing to a subtle soft plastic like a beetle or insect larva can make all the difference. The technique shines when worked slowly—dragged along the bottom or subtly hopped—to mimic small, easy prey. These quiet movements are often enough to trigger bites from inactive or cautious fish. It’s an excellent fallback when other methods fall short. Because it relies on finesse rather than flash or speed, the Ned Rig excels at fooling fish that have seen it all. It’s particularly effective during post-frontal conditions when bass often suspend near the bottom and become less aggressive. The compact profile of a Ned Rig also makes it a great choice for pressured public waters where bass are conditioned to avoid larger lures. It can be fished slowly and patiently, allowing anglers to thoroughly work an area without spooking nearby fish. When conditions are tough, this rig’s subtle approach can be the key to unlocking an otherwise frustrating day on the water.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, Electric Chicken Worm, and Goby Wan Worm colors. The high-grade non-salt plastic they’re made from provides positive buoyancy and it even floats underwater! We also released new 6-inch Worms including Charmeleon, Rainbow TRT, Bone, Chocolate Mint, and Fire TGR — 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. |
| Ned Rigs are especially productive around hard-bottom areas such as rocks, gravel, and points, where bass search for crayfish and other bottom-dwelling forage. They’re also effective near docks, bluff walls, and scattered wood, though care should be taken to avoid snags due to the exposed hook. While not ideal for heavy vegetation, they can be used along weed edges or isolated patches if you’re willing to occasionally clear off grass. The rig’s ability to stay in the strike zone and imitate natural prey makes it a top choice in open or semi-structured areas. Just be mindful of your surroundings and choose your casts wisely. Paying attention to bottom composition can dramatically improve your success with a Ned Rig, as these baits shine in areas where bass expect to find natural forage. Slowly dragging a soft plastic like a cray-styled bait or beetle along chunk rock or gravel creates a realistic presentation that can draw reaction bites. In open water, the rig can be used to target suspended or roaming bass by letting it fall naturally and maintaining bottom contact on long points or flats. Fishing it near vertical cover, like bluff walls or pilings, can also be highly effective when bass are hugging tight to structure. Always approach potential snag zones with precise casts and a slower retrieve to reduce hang-ups and keep your bait working longer.We have a wide variety of terminal tackle to choose from, but we’ve the Block Head Jig is perfect for pairing with compact baits like the HellaMite. Its mushroom-style head delivers a clean, natural presentation that stands up perfectly on the bottom and matches a wide variety of soft plastics. Built with a forged shank and an ultra-sharp Owner Super Needle Point Hook, it delivers excellent penetration and strength, making it a must-have for finesse anglers. The Offset Block Head Jig, offers the same proven shape but with a unique offset hook makes it the go-to choice for weedless Ned Rig applications in grass, rock, or brush. Its design allows you to fish finesse-style baits in heavy cover where traditional Ned Rigs would get snagged, unlocking access to fish-holding areas most anglers avoid. We also just release New Keep’em Fresh Bait Bags! These bags are the ultimate solution for anglers who need their gear to perform. Built like a tank, this bag is 20x stronger than regular zip bags and offers 100% waterproof protection with a rock-solid double zipper seal. Whether it’s for soft plastics, snacks, or your smartphone, this reusable and versatile bag keeps everything safe from the water, mud, and grime. Lightweight yet spacious, it fits snugly in your tackle box or backpack, making it perfect for your next trip. |
Rodney Thomas & Jason Thomas win CATT Tuckertown with 5 bass weighing 24.85 lbs!
Wow what a crowd at Tuckertown Reservoir and the fish showed up as well! Chek out the 20 lb bags weighed!
Rodney Thomas & Jason Thomas win Tuckertown with 5 bass weighing 24.85 lbs! They also brought the BF to the scales weighing 7.58 lbs!
Devin Kennedy & Curt Lare took 2nd Place with 5 bass weighing 22.85 lbs!
3rd Place Justin Hill & Tanner Albright with a limit weighing 20.83 lbs!
Luke Bramhill & Jeff Lotierzo claimed 4th with 20.63 lbs!
5th Place Zach Scelsi – Kris Scelsi 20.37 lbs!
Last money spot with 18.93 lbs Mitch & Butch Drew!
| Team | BF | Weight | Winnings | Points |
| Rodney Thomas – Jason Thomas | 7.58 | 24.85 | $1,503.00 | 110 |
| Curt Lare – Devin Kennedy | 7.04 | 22.85 | $602.00 | 109 |
| Justin Hill – Tanner Albright | 6.76 | 20.83 | $280.00 | 108 |
| Luke Bramhill – Jeff Lotierzo | 6.46 | 20.63 | $175.00 | 107 |
| Zach Scelsi – Kris Scelsi | 0.00 | 20.37 | $115.00 | 106 |
| Mitch Drew – Butch Drew | 0.00 | 18.93 | $100.00 | 105 |
| Wyatt Hill – Bryce Burkhart | 0.00 | 18.47 | 104 | |
| Stephen Garner Sr – Charles Kingen | 0.00 | 17.23 | 103 | |
| Michael Swaringen – CJ Johnson | 5.15 | 15.72 | 102 | |
| Shawn Knight – Ron Wolfarfh | 0.00 | 15.56 | 101 | |
| Zac Ridenhour | 6.57 | 15.15 | 100 | |
| Blake White – Elliott White | 6.03 | 14.96 | 99 | |
| Marty Williams Matt McBee | 0.00 | 14.77 | 98 | |
| Doug Haney – Jesse Winsel | 0.00 | 14.00 | 97 | |
| Christopher Brown – Sam Cole | 0.00 | 12.15 | 96 | |
| Cobb Russell – Dustin Calloway | 3.75 | 11.96 | 95 | |
| Spencer Robinson – Michelle Myers | 4.76 | 7.53 | 94 | |
| Austin Garland | 0.00 | 0.00 | 84 | |
| Danny Nifong – Dean Robertson | 0.00 | 0.00 | 84 | |
| Calvin McCaskill – Jonathan Culp | 0.00 | 0.00 | 84 | |
| Donald Livengood – Susie Manholland | 0.00 | 0.00 | 84 | |
| Mike Ray & Orlando Giles | 0.00 | 0.00 | 84 | |
| Ryan Aaron – Robbie Moffitt | 0.00 | 0.00 | 84 | |
| Scott Harwood – Hunter Harwood | 0.00 | 0.00 | 84 | |
| Josh Hudson – Frankie Hudson | 0.00 | 0.00 | 84 | |
| David Eichorn | 0.00 | 0.00 | 84 | |
| Jarrad Pharr – Antwan Little | 0.00 | 0.00 | 84 | |
| Darrell Curl – Dustin Hodges | 0.00 | 0.00 | 84 | |
| Nick Bashford – Brian File | 0.00 | 0.00 | 84 | |
| Austin Lynthcum- Greg Broadway | 0.00 | 0.00 | 84 | |
| Curtis Dillon | 0.00 | 0.00 | 84 | |
| Dusty Taylor – Kolton Hawks | 0.00 | 0.00 | 84 | |
| Kevin Stowell Sr | 0.00 | 0.00 | 84 | |
| Total Entrys | $2,640.00 | |||
| BONUS $ | $675.00 | |||
| Total Paid At Ramp | $2,775.00 | |||
| CATT | $50.00 | |||
| 2025 Yadkin Spring Final Fund | $440.00 | |||
| 2025 CATT Championship Fund | $50.00 | |||
| 2025 Yadkin Spring Final Fund Total | $1,125.00 |
Garmin Expands Boater Warning Capabilities With New AIS Warning Messaging Feature
Garmin Expands Boater Warning Capabilities With New AIS Warning Messaging Feature
- By FTR Industry Wire
- April 4, 2025
Latest software update enables boaters to receive certain object detection alerts and notifications on Garmin chartplotters.
OLATHE, Kan. — Garmin (NYSE: GRMN), the world’s largest marine electronics manufacturer1, today announced a software update for select GPSMAP® and ECHOMAP™ chartplotters that includes a new AIS (Automatic Identification System) warning messaging feature designed to increase situational awareness and help reduce the risk of collisions on the water.
AIS is primarily used in recreational boating to provide real-time information about the position, speed and heading of other AIS-equipped vessels in a boater’s vicinity. When connected to a Garmin chartplotter, AIS targets can be displayed as a layer on top of the live chart or radar display allowing captains to clearly see the movements of each other’s vessels.
Thanks to this free software update, Garmin chartplotters will now also display addressed and broadcast warning messages (AIS Message types 12 and 14) from a connected AIS-capable device, in addition to collision avoidance alerts. These messages are generated and used by third-party licensed AIS broadcasters to send text messages that will appear onscreen to alert boaters who are within range of potential safety hazards, including certain floating objects, as well as when nearing or entering North Atlantic right whale seasonal and dynamic management areas.
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Double G Wins 1st BAM Trail Super 60
LA GRANGE, Calif. – Bass fishing fans know Greg “Double G” Gutierrez of Red Bluff, Calif., as the first-ever BAM Tournament Trail Pro/Am champion, following his February 2024 win on Lake Shasta. This weekend, Gutierrez once again made history as an inaugural champion, fishing his way to victory with the heaviest single-day five-fish limit of 18.72 pounds at Lake Don Pedro.
The season-opening event of the BAM Tournament Trail’s Super 60 was presented by Bass Boat Technologies, Lake Don Pedro, Chicken Ranch Casino Resort, and Tackle Warehouse, with Fisherman’s Warehouse as Conservation Sponsor. The win brought Gutierrez a $50,000 grand prize, plus an additional $8,500 in contingency bonuses — $500 from Costaand $500 from Bass Boat Technologies and $7500 fromBass Cat Boats— for a $58,500 payday.
By Jody Only
Championship Sunday Decision-Making
Gutierrez originally planned to change his approach for the final day.
“It was one of those things I gambled on,” he said. “I didn’t plan on fishing the same. I was going to throw a swimbait in the wind and see if I could just get the big bites; but I realized if I just made a stop and put a nice easy limit in the boat, I might be more comfortable. So, I started fishing, went through my area, and hooked a big one — and went hmmm. I hooked another one the very next cast.”
That was enough to convince Gutierrez to stick with his original game plan. The result? An estimated 30 fish caught on the final day, including the winning five.
Wind and Fish Behavior Became Factors
Anglers were met with heavy gusts on Don Pedro, forcing changes in presentation. But Gutierrez noted a major shift in bass behavior that played in his favor.
“It made the fish position differently,” he explained. “Before, there were a lot of little fish in my area. We caught a lot of them, and every once in a while, a big one. I knew those big ones were coming in, and I could see them down there; but I think all the boat pressure and traffic pushed them deeper and deeper — to where they were unreachable. On Sunday, without anyone else out there, it was just me. They came up into five or six feet of water and would eat right away. It was amazing.”
The Right Gear for the Job
Gutierrez credited his equipment as a critical component to his win. He fished down baits on a Frenzy Nail and a homemade, custom dart head — each paired with a Tube bait in two specific colors (Pumpkin and Watermelon Candy).
“It was the thing,” he said regarding his IROD Quercus and Sevin Reel setup that was spooled with Gamma 6- and 8-pound line. “I was getting’ my line tore up on some of the bridge pilings. The fish would make long hard runs and the smooth drag, coupled with the sensitivity of the rod and the strength of the line – in a nutshell, that was the key components. Equipment was the ticket.”
What’s Next
As a long-time veteran and decorated angler, Gutierrez is now making space for another BAM trophy and gearing up for the next BAM Super 60 event at Lake Mohave, May 2–4. Anglers and fans can learn more about the Mohave event at bamtrail.com.