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Saturday, December 13, 2025
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What is the Tipping Point in Tournament Fishing?

Brian Carter
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What is the Tipping Point in Tournament Fishing?

What is the Tipping Point in Tournament Fishing

I competed in my first bass fishing tournament nearly a decade ago, the Mark’s Outdoors Open on Logan Martin Lake. I will never forget that day as it catapulted my love for the sport and opened a ton of doors for me in life. I always knew I loved to fish but there is something about fishing against others with the same passion that brings it to a new level. I have been contemplating taking the next jump and in 2026 I will be competing in the Bassmaster Opens, hunting an Elite Series birth. That said, I think it’s fair to take a look at the scope (no pun intended) of the sport as a whole right now. Bass tournament fishing in 2025 is more visible and technologically advanced than ever, but for many anglers, the financial reality is harsher than it was twenty years ago. Despite increased viewership, streaming coverage, and social media attention, tournament payouts have barely budged—while the cost of competing has skyrocketed.

In the early 2000s, the FLW Tour (now part of Major League Fishing) was in its prime, attracting national sponsors like Walmart, National Guard, and Kellogg’s. The Forrest Wood Cup paid $1 million to the winner, a life-changing payout that drew hundreds of aspiring pros from across the country. Today, no major bass tournament offers that kind of first-place check. The Bassmaster Classic and its Major League Fishing counterpart REDCREST only pay $300 thousand to the winner, a figure that hasn’t kept up with inflation, let alone the rising costs of competing.

Meanwhile, the cost to play the game has doubled, even tripled. Modern bass boats routinely crack six figures when fully rigged with forward-facing sonar, lithium batteries, and advanced trolling motors. Entry fees for the Bassmaster Opens surpass $2,000 per event, and pros often invest over $50,000 a season just to compete when factoring in fuel, lodging, maintenance, and travel. Yet, the payouts they’re fishing for are roughly the same as they were a decade ago. What makes this even more frustrating for anglers is the sport’s growth in visibility. Major League Fishing and Bassmaster now offer live-streaming coverage, drone shots, boat-mounted cameras, real-time scoreboards, and millions of online viewers throughout a tournament season. Social media has turned everyday anglers into influencers, and the fan base is bigger and more connected than ever. YouTube channels, TikTok reels, and Instagram highlight clips rack up millions of views. But despite the attention, new external money isn’t pouring into the sport like it once did from major non-endemic sponsors.

All this said, I believe we are on the verge of a turning point in our sport’s relatively young history. Anglers are becoming increasingly aware of our own struggles and searching hard for solutions. We recently saw Tucker Smith take home a $500 thousand dollar win in the Ultimate Angler Championship on Lake Guntersville. Sponsored largely by the State of Alabama, it showed a giant commitment to the tournament fishing and recognized its economic impact on local and state tourism bureaus. Payout aside, this event had a unique field made up of the top pros from all major organizations. It gives anglers the opportunity to prove themselves against the most talented field that could be assembled. I am glad to hear the event went well and am curious to see if other states take notice. If this independent event model proves to be sustainable, I’d be curious to see how it affects the already established organizations in the future. If I was Bassmaster or MLF, I would be watching this unfold with a close eye!





Texas Rig Tips for Fall Bass!

Brian Carter
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Texas Rig Tips for Fall Bass!
Fall is one of the most challenging times to pattern bass because their movements often seem erratic compared to other seasons. As temperatures cool, baitfish and other forage move into shallower water where oxygen levels are higher, and bass instinctively follow. Despite being more visible and active, these fish can be extremely selective about when and where they bite. Many anglers make the mistake of assuming shallow bass are always aggressive, when in reality they often feed in short bursts between long inactive periods. To stay productive, it’s important to read environmental cues such as the wind, shade, and light penetrations that influence where bass hold. Understanding this seasonal shift is the foundation for targeting fish effectively during the unpredictable fall transition. As the days shorten, bass behavior becomes heavily dependent on temperature swings between night and day. Sudden cold fronts or extended periods of calm, sunny weather can completely alter feeding activity and positioning overnight. Bass will push shallow in the morning when baitfish are active and retreat deeper by midday as light increases. Paying attention to how quickly the surface cools or warms can reveal patterns that repeat over several days. Adapting to these changes instead of forcing one approach helps anglers stay in tune with the rhythm of fall bass movement.Our Fresh HellaMite is designed to imitate a major aquatic food source, delivering a realistic profile of an insect larva that fish can’t resist. Each is scented for complete and total attraction underwater, along with being made in the USA by real fishermen. We recently restocked the HellaMite Pro Pack, which is loaded with 60 baits in all six proven colors, plus three Owner Block Head Ned Jigs and a handy storage bag. This kit has everything you need to stay rigged and ready year-round. Grab our newest Lil Bass, Hot Sauce, MidNight, Glow, 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink HellaMite colors. We’ve also restocked our Green Pumpkin and Smoke Purple HellaMite. The HellaMite’s solid body and hyperactive ribbed tail design produce a life-like quivering action with every twitch of the rod. Its unique flat underbelly detail enables this bait to be fished as a drop shot, Ned rig, neko rig, and even a small Carolina-rig, making it the ideal bait in any condition year-round. When the water is clear, the fish can see the bait and look like real food, causing strikes. Each cast becomes an opportunity for an exhilarating catch, thanks to its superior performance and versatility.
In the fall, success often depends on finding small, high-percentage spots rather than covering entire stretches of shoreline. Bass group up on a smaller structure like a single stump, rock, or brush pile, which can reveal where they’re feeding. Once you identify a promising area, it’s better to slow down and thoroughly fish that target from multiple angles. Sometimes one or two casts will produce nothing, but a small change in presentation direction can make all the difference. This method helps pinpoint exact feeding zones and maximizes your chances at multiple bites from the same location. The key is to balance exploration with patience by moving quickly to find areas holding fish, then work it to trigger strikes once you locate them. Many anglers make the mistake of spending too long in unproductive water simply because it looks promising. Instead, focus on whether a stretch of bank or cover doesn’t produce within several casts, move on, and search for active fish. The fall season rewards those who can identify repeating patterns between locations, such as similar depth, structure type, or water clarity. Once that pattern becomes clear, it’s often possible to replicate success across multiple spots throughout the lake or river.We use our Fresh Scorpion because it closely imitates a crawfish. Our newest 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink Scorpion colors work wonders. The Scorpion is a revolutionary new look to soft plastics. Its intricate detailing and texture mimic the nuances of a real crawfish, making it hard for bass to resist. Of course, water clarity always plays a role in color selection but in any season, you can’t miss using colors such as Green Pumpkin Seed, Brown Bark, and the Magneto. This bait not only appears natural to fish but gives them something to become curious about. The Scorpion paired with a stand-up jig is deadly because the jig actually sits the bait upright in a defensive stance. The subtle color variations across the bait further enhance its appeal, mimicking the natural color shifts found in live prey. Each Fresh Scorpion has a unique and exclusive 3-axis tail design that is engineered like no other soft plastic bait. Our Scorpions are made by anglers from high-grade non-salt plastic to provide superior life-like action that triggers strikes!
When bass get finicky in the fall, soft plastic baits like worms, craw-styled baits, beetles, lizards, or insect larvae excel at drawing reaction strikes. Their natural action and lifelike fall make them ideal for covering different types of structures such as rocks, docks, laydowns, and grass. A simple Texas-rigged soft plastic remains one of the most reliable options because it can be presented slowly and precisely in tight cover. The goal is to create a realistic movement that looks effortless yet tempting to inactive bass. Unlike fast-moving lures, soft plastics maintain their appeal in both clear and stained water conditions. Their versatility allows anglers to adapt seamlessly as fish transition between shallow, mid-depth, and deeper zones throughout the day. One of the biggest advantages of soft plastics is how customizable they are for different conditions. By adjusting weight size, hook style, or bait profile, you can easily fine-tune how quickly the bait falls and how much action it gives off. A lighter weight offers a slower fall for suspended fish, while a heavier setup can punch through dense cover to reach bottom-dwelling bass. Changing the tail or appendage design can also shift the bait’s vibration and silhouette to match local forage. Soft plastics can imitate nearly any prey item. They serve as a year-round confidence bait that consistently puts fish in the boat, especially during the unpredictable fall transition.The new FreshBaitz Lizards deliver a realistic profile that excels in both power and finesse techniques. Act fast, we’ve recently just released new Hot Sauce, MidNight, Ghost, and 10w30 Synthetic Lizard designs! The unique forward-facing leg design creates drag that holds it in the strike zone longer or produces wild flapping action with every pull of the rod. Additionally, its slightly ribbed solid body and large head hold your hook in place and provide much better weedless performance making it the ideal bait to use in any condition. Water clarity always plays a super big role in color selection but in any season year-round, you can’t miss when using colors such as Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, or Green Pumpkin. Its flexible tail design ensures added movement, tempting even the most cautious fish. The superior 5.5-inch profile stretches to a whole 7 inches which is perfect for predatory fish including bass year round. Made from long-lasting durable high-grade non-salted plastic for total and maximum attention-grabbing action underwater.
Fall bass can be sensitive to the angle at which a bait approaches their strike zone. After catching a fish from a piece of cover, try repositioning the boat and casting from a different direction to see if others will respond. Bass react to a bait’s entry or movement along a particular side of the structure rather than the bait itself. Making repeated casts to the same spot may seem repetitive, but it’s often the secret to coaxing additional bites. Adjusting line entry, retrieve speed, or fall rate can also alter how the bait behaves and appears to fish below. By treating each target like a puzzle and testing various presentations, anglers can uncover hidden fish that others overlook. Small differences in current direction or light angle influence how bass sit themselves around cover. Casting with or against the wind can change how naturally your soft plastic drifts and falls, making it more or less appealing. Sometimes, even a foot of difference in where your bait lands can trigger a strike that previous casts missed. The more you experiment with approach angles, the better you’ll understand how bass interact with their environment. Developing this attention to detail helps transform average fishing spots into consistent producers, especially during the unpredictable feeding patterns of fall.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!
During the fall, bass frequently travel in small groups known as wolfpacks that patrol shallow banks searching for forage. These fish are highly mobile but pause briefly on isolated cover, such as a single dock post, stump, or rock, especially when shade provides a break from bright conditions. Anglers who visualize these can anticipate where wolfpack bass are likely to hold. Presenting a soft plastic bait naturally in these spots can tempt quality fish that might otherwise cruise past without striking. Because these bass are often the biggest in the system, patience and precision become essential. Casting into shaded pockets and allowing the bait to sit motionless before subtle movements often produces the most rewarding results. When fishing for wolfpack bass, timing plays a major role in success. These groups often follow the movement of baitfish, so key windows like early morning, late afternoon, or overcast periods tend to trigger short feeding frenzies. Watching for surface disturbances, nervous bait, or flashes near cover can reveal when a wolfpack is nearby. Once they move through, it’s best to wait a few minutes and make repeated casts to the same area, as stragglers or returning fish may still strike. By reading the environment, anglers can intercept these roaming giants during their most active feeding windows and turn brief cast into memorable catches.Using a stick-styled worm is the most tried and true ways to catch fish. We have a variety of 5-inch Worms to choose from but we just added MidNight, Glow, and Ghost Worms! Our popular Watermelon Red Worms have been restocked as well. You can also experience our new wacky rigging kit while it’s ON SALE! The WACKY Pack offers our most popular colors and essential tools for wacky rigging. If you’re fast enough you might be able to grab the limited-release Pumpkin Spice Worm before it’s completely sold out, along with some of our newest colors, including the Brown Worm, Electric Chicken Worm, and Goby Wan Worm colors. The high-grade non-salt plastic they’re made from provides positive buoyancy and it even floats underwater! We also Restocked 6-inch Worms, including Watermelon Red, Green Pumpkin, Black & Blue, Fire TGR, Wild Berries, Bone, 10w30 Synthetic, Zombie Blood, and Chocolate MNT! — all available in 5 and 6-inch. We’ve also recently released new 8-count packs of worms available in Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, and Green Pumpkin. We also offer worms that have the unique ability to shift from one color to another. Scented for total attraction underwater.
When bass transition from offshore areas back toward the shallows, many temporarily suspend along the outer limbs of deep laydowns or brush piles. These suspended fish can be difficult to reach with standard bottom-contact techniques. To effectively target them, let a soft plastic bait like a worm or craw slowly fall through the limbs and pause mid-depth. Small shakes or lifts can keep it in the strike zone longer, mimicking vulnerable prey moving between cover. The first few casts will reveal whether fish are positioned higher in the structure or closer to the bottom. Maintaining control and contact with your line during the descent helps detect smaller bites that occur while the bait is hovering near suspended bass. Because suspended bass can move vertically depending on light and temperature, it’s key to adjust your presentation depth throughout the day. Cloud cover or wind can push these fish slightly deeper, while bright, calm conditions often make them rise higher in the cover. Using a slower fall rate with lighter weights can increase the amount of time your bait spends in the strike zone, resulting in more bites. Once you hook one, it’s common for others in the same group to react, so be ready for follow-up casts immediately. Mastering this suspended presentation not only improves your fall results but also sharpens your ability to catch finicky bass.Introducing the Newest 8-Inch MagDingo Worms! These are the ultimate game-changer in bass fishing! Engineered for anglers who know SIZE does matter, this lure is designed to attract only the BIGGEST bass with a fixation for the larger bait. The MagDingo Worm boasts a solid 8-inch body enhanced with a hyperactive ribbed design, ensuring irresistible mouth-watering action for those trophy bass. The 10-count packs are now available in a variety of 6 crucial colors, including the 10w30 Synthetic, Black & Blue, Zombie Blood, Green Pumpkin, Wild Cherry, and Watermelon Red. Each worm is made in the USA from durable, high-grade Non-Salted plastic for lifelike action and unparalleled durability. Perfectly balanced for a variety of rigging options and scented for maximum attraction, the 8-inch MagDingo Worm promises year-round effectiveness in lakes, rivers, and streams. Whether you’re rigging it on a Shakey Head, Drop Shot, Texas Rig, or Carolina Rig, these worms are your ticket to landing trophy-sized smallmouth and largemouth bass.
Clear water is common in the fall, so matching the natural tones of the environment is crucial for fooling wary fish. Try to use Green pumpkin, watermelon, and translucent shad or craw shades to create realistic profiles that blend with the surroundings. Overcomplicating color selection or rig setup often does more harm than good because bass rely heavily on sight in these conditions. Keeping your bait choice simple allows you to focus on presentation and precision instead of constant lure changes. Fall bass are opportunistic and will strike a convincing imitation of any forage, whether that’s a crawfish, bluegill, or insect. By sticking with natural soft plastics and emphasizing realism, anglers can consistently convert hesitant followers into committed bites. The lighter presentation adjustments often make the biggest difference in clear water conditions. Slightly downsizing your bait or using lighter line can help create a more lifelike action that appeals to pressured fish. Controlled movements are usually more effective than aggressive twitches or hops because they appear less intrusive. Pay attention to how your bait looks in the water and make minor tweaks to achieve a natural fall rate and profile. When everything appears seamless, even the most cautious bass are far more likely to commit, proving that simplicity and precision often outperform complexity.
We have a wide variety of terminal tackle to choose from, but we’ve released new Nako Tungsten Tear Drop Shot Weights, crafted from 97% eco-friendly tungsten for stealth, durability, and vibration, with easy-to-read size stamps and a crimped swivel for quick changes. Owner Mosquito Hooks work for dropshotting and perfectly accommodates a wide range of soft plastics. The new Haymaker EWG Worm Hooks are also now available, featuring an extra-wide gap for various soft plastics, a Z-lock shoulder bend for secure bait placement, and an angled-up super needle point for fast, powerful hooksets. The popular All Purpose Hooks are built with an extra-wide gap and are made to accommodate a wide range of soft plastics. For creature-styled baits, a more popular choice to use is the Stand-Up Jig because it sits the bait up-right in a defensive stance! The WEEDLESS Block Head Jig features high-quality construction that helps increase your hook-up ratios and keep your bait clean from snagging rocks or vegetation. The Block Head Jig is perfect for ned rigging the HellaMite with its mushroom-style head that seamlessly matches a wide variety of soft plastics. The Offset Block Head Jig, offers the same mushroom-style head with a unique offset hook, making it a go-to for weedless Ned Rig applications. The Shakey Ultrahead can permanently secure baits by inserting the pin in the center and screwing the twist lock coil spring for perfect rigging every time! The Ultrahead Wacky Jig features precise weight positioning and hook orientation for the ultimate wacky presentations. For fast Texas rigging, we use the Bullet-Type Rig which has an attached weight saving you precious time when fishing cover. The 4x Jungle Flippin Hook is designed for big fish and the toughest conditions. The Range Roller Jig Head is crafted for precision with its high center axis design, perfect for hover-strolling and mid to bottom strolling with forward facing sonar, ensuring an enticing rolling action that triggers bites. We also just released Keep’em Fresh Bait Bags! These bags are the ultimate solution for anglers who need their gear to perform. Built like a tank, this bag is 20x stronger than regular zip bags and offers 100% waterproof protection with a rock-solid double zipper seal. Whether it’s for soft plastics, snacks, or your smartphone, this reusable and versatile bag keeps everything safe from water, mud, and grime. It’s lightweight yet spacious, it fits snugly in your tackle box or backpack, making it perfect for your next adventure.





Connell & Wheeler Cruise to Championship Round Victory at Folds of Honor Patriot Cup

Brian Carter
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Connell & Wheeler Cruise to Championship Round Victory at Folds of Honor Patriot Cup

Team O’Reilly Auto Parts (Connell/Wheeler) catches 46 bass weighing 70-10 in final-day shootout to earn Patriot Cup win

OXFORD, Ala. (Oct. 27, 2025) – Team O’Reilly Auto Parts – Alabama pro Dustin Connell and Tennessee’s Jacob Wheeler – capped off an unforgettable week on the Alabama pros home waters with a dominant performance Monday, cruising to a win at the Folds of Honor Patriot Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches on Logan Martin Lake.

The powerhouse duo combined for 70 pounds, 10 ounces on 46 scorable bass – the first 70-pound day recorded in this week’s event – to secure a comfortable victory in the Championship Round of the Major League Fishing (MLF) Fishing Clash Team Series Presented by Bass Pro Shops.

Link to HD Video Clip of Patriot Cup Championship Round Highlights
Link to Morning Photo Gallery: Team O’Reilly Auto Parts takes early lead at Patriot Cup Championship Round
Link to Afternoon Photo Gallery: Logan Martin Lake delivers for Patriot Cup Championship Round

For Connell, the win carried special meaning – his first Team Series title, earned on his home waters of the Coosa River. For Wheeler, it marked his second straight Team Series championship win following last month’s Heritage Cup victory with Mark Daniels Jr. in Wisconsin.

“I love these Team Series, man,” Connell said. “I really enjoy getting in the boat with my buddy. We fish together a lot – anytime we have free time. For us to get together and win one of these, this means a lot. I’m not going to lie.”

Connell admitted that local knowledge didn’t necessarily make things easy.

“It didn’t really happen the way I expected,” he said. “It was cloudy and rainy, and I thought that might hurt us. But Jacob called the shot. He said, ‘Hey, let’s go try this little pocket here,’ and I said, ‘Heck yeah, this feels good.’ That’s where it all came together.”

Both pros relied on forward-facing sonar and finesse presentations, catching the majority of their bass on the Rapala CrushCity Mooch Minnow paired with VMC Redline Series Tungsten Swimbait Jigheads.

“Man, here on Lake Logan Martin, it was about a bait that has won a lot of money between the two of us,” Wheeler said. “The conditions were perfect for that Mooch Minnow bite – cloudy with just enough wind to keep the fish up. We fished the main lake, ran upriver and just bebopped around until we found the right zone.”

“We threw the albino shad and gizzard shad colors, mostly on 3/8-ounce jigheads, but we mixed in some ¼-ounce for fish that were higher in the water column,” added Connell. “You need several different weights for this technique because the fish are constantly moving up and down – that’s why you’ll see us changing rods all the time.”

“We caught about 60 bass today counting the non-scorables,” Wheeler agreed. “It was insane. Once we settled into that area and the groups started to show up, it was on.”

But the day wasn’t without drama. Midway through the second period, the duo briefly lost momentum after a fish-landing violation erased a scorable bass from their total. But instead of rattling them, the penalty lit a fire.

“Oh, man. That’s about as mad as I get,” Wheeler said with a laugh. “Right after that, we just put the hammer down. We started stacking them up, and from there, it never slowed down.”

For both anglers, the win reflected more than just a productive pattern – it was a celebration of friendship, teamwork and execution.

“Cool tournament,” Connell said. “Glad to win it with my boy. We got it done.”

Wheeler summed it up simply.

“It was an insane week here in Alabama,” he said in his post-game interview. “DC got to fish two lakes he’d never been on before, and we got to finish it right here on his home river. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

Team Knighten Industries – Alton Jones Jr. and Jake Lawrence – gave Team O’Reilly Auto Parts an early scare, ending the first period just one pound behind the leaders. True to form, the forward-facing sonar specialists relied on precision and patience, stacking up 45-13 by day’s end to finish the day in second.

Team Ferguson’s Takahiro Omori and Dean Rojas finished in third place after making key adjustments late in the day. The veteran duo abandoned the main river in favor of a flat pocket loaded with baitfish and used a vibrating jig and shallow-running squarebill crankbait to climb from fourth to third with 32-4.

Rounding out the top four, Team Fishing Clash’s Bradley Roy and Greg Vinson leaned heavily on forward-facing sonar and jighead minnows in their first-ever Championship Round appearance. Vinson mixed in a spoon to trigger a few key bites, but their 28-4 total fell short, and they ended the day in fourth place.

The final four teams at the Folds of Honor Patriot Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches finished:

1st:         Team O’Reilly Auto Parts: 46 bass, 70-10
                Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 28 bass, 41-8
                Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., 18 bass, 29-2

2nd:       Team Knighten: 33 bass, 45-13
               Jake Lawrence, Paris, Tenn., 17 bass, 22-8
               Alton Jones Jr., Waco, Texas, 16 bass, 23-5

3rd:        Team Ferguson: 17 bass, 32-4
               Takahiro Omori, Tokyo, Japan, 10 bass, 21-2
               Dean Rojas, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., seven bass, 11-2

4th:        Team Fishing Clash: 19 bass, 28-4
               Bradley Roy, Lancaster, Ky., 13 bass, 18-9
               Greg Vinson, Wetumpka, Ala., six bass, 9-11

Complete results from throughout the week can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Overall, there were 115 bass weighing 176 pounds, 15 ounces caught by the four teams competing in the Championship Round Monday on Logan Martin Lake. Team Ferguson pro Takahiro Omori caught the Berkley Big Bass of the day – a 4-pound, 2-ounce largemouth bass. 

The Folds of Honor Patriot Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches, the third of four Fishing Clash Team Series Presented by Bass Pro Shops events of the 2025 season, was hosted by the City of Oxford and took place over six days in Oxford, Alabama. The competition water for each day was top secret and only revealed to the anglers when they arrived at the boat ramp each morning.

The Patriot Cup featured 12 two-man teams divided into three groups as they entered the one-day Elimination Round matches. Each of the three Elimination Round matches featured four new teams, with the top two teams from each match of the Elimination Round advancing to the Knockout Round on Days 4 & 5. In the Knockout Rounds, three teams competed each day, with the top two teams from each Knockout Round match moving on to the Championship Round on Day 6. In Monday’s Day 6 Championship Round, the final four teams competed in a one-day shootout to determine which team was the winner of the 2025 Folds of Honor Patriot Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches.

The MLF Fishing Clash Team Series Presented by Bass Pro Shops features four Cup events in 2025 – the Challenge, Heritage, Patriot, and Summit Cups – with 12 two-man teams of Bass Pro Tour anglers competing for a share of  $560,000 in prize money. The fourth and final event for Team Series anglers will be the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup, scheduled for Nov. 16-21, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Television coverage of the MLF Fishing Clash Team Series Folds of Honor Patriot Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches will premiere on Outdoor Channel as six two-hour original episodes each Saturday afternoon starting March 28, 2026. The complete television schedule for the Fishing Clash Team Series on Outdoor Channel will be posted at MajorLeagueFishing.com.


For complete details and updated information on the MLF Fishing Clash Team Series, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook,  X, Instagram and  YouTube.





Travelers Rest Devildog Anglers Win MLF Abu Garcia High School Fishing Open on Lake Hartwell

Brian Carter
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Travelers Rest Devildog Anglers Win MLF Abu Garcia High School Fishing Open on Lake Hartwell

ANDERSON, S.C. (Oct. 27, 2025) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) High School Fishing team of Justin Gilpin and Dalton Green, representing the Devildog Anglers from Travelers Rest, South Carolina, brought five bass to the scale Saturday weighing 12 pounds, 14 ounces to win the MLF Abu Garcia High School Fishing Presented by Tackle Warehouse Open on Lake Hartwell Presented by Columbia PFG in Anderson, South Carolina.

A field of 65 teams competed in the no-entry fee tournament, which was hosted by Visit Anderson. In MLF High School Fishing competition, the top 10% of teams competing advance to the High School Fishing National Championship.

The six teams that advance to the 2026 High School Fishing National Championship are:

1st:          Devildog Anglers, Travelers Rest, S.C. – Justin Gilpin and Dalton Green, five bass, 12-14               
2nd:        Gaffney High School, Gaffney, S.C. – Cole Hicks and Scott Varner, five bass, 12-9  
3rd:        Laurens District 55 High School, West Laurens, S.C. – James Pinson and Owen Satterwhite, five bass, 11-3
4th:         Triangle Bass Club, N.C. – Nathan McCoy and Levi Stanley, five bass, 10-15          
5th:         Cartersville High Fishing Team, Cartersville, Ga. – Britton Alery and Owen Wiggins, five bass, 10-10         
6th:         Central High School, Carrollton, Ga. – Wyatt Harmon and Jonah Yates, five bass, 10-8                                

Rounding out the Top 10 teams were:

7th:         Central High School, Carrollton, Ga. – Hunter Dickinson and Case Payton, five bass, 10-7                 
8th:         Greenbrier High School Bass Club, Evans, Ga. – Evan Beard and Tyler Wilson, five bass, 10-5  
9th:         Devildog Anglers, Travelers Rest, S.C. – Ben Buczkowski and Holt Gonzales, five bass, 9-10               
10th:      Chapman High School, Inman, S.C. – Matthew Bicknell and Carson Harrell, five bass, 9-9

Complete results from the event can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

MLF Abu Garcia High School Fishing presented by Tackle Warehouse tournaments are free, two-person (team) events for students in grades 7-12 and are open to any MLF and TBF Student Angler Federation-affiliated high school club. The top 10% of teams at each Open event, along with the TBF High School Fishing state championships, advance to the High School Fishing National Championship.

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





Lander University’s Last-Minute Kicker Seals Win at MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Tournament on Lake Hartwell

Brian Carter
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Lander University’s Last-Minute Kicker Seals Win at MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Tournament on Lake Hartwell

ANDERSON, S.C. (Oct. 27, 2025) – The Lander University duo of Andrew Blanton of Chesnee, South Carolina, and Garrett Smith of Mount Holly, North Carolina, won the MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI event on Lake Hartwell Presented by Columbia PFG Friday with a five-bass limit weighing 19 pounds, 13 ounces. The victory earned the Bearcats’ bass club $2,000 and a qualification into the 2026 MLF College Fishing National Championship.

Blanton said the Bearcats team focused on an area on the upper end of Anderson Island, about a mile from Green Pond Landing. Sunny skies and calm waters presented a challenging bite for the team.

“We started out on an area that we knew was good, and we caught 13½ pounds pretty quickly – by about 9:30,” Blanton said. “Then we struggled all day to cull up from there. It was a really good area, but we were having a really hard time getting the fish to bite.”

Blanton said the team focused on rocky banks in 15 to 20 feet of water with a shaky-head rig and a jig.

“At 3:30 we rolled up into an area – we had about 30 minutes until we had to check in,” Blanton said. “We knew there were some big ones in there. After about 10 minutes we caught an 8¼-pounder – a Lake Hartwell giant.”

Blanton said the kicker fish fell for the shaky head, while the jig accounted for the rest of the team’s bites.

“It was crazy the way it all happened,” Blanton said. “This tournament proved it’s a game of ups and downs.

“I was disappointed with the way our day was going. I was disappointed with our execution and that we had lost a few fish. To pull up and get a win with just one fish catch is just unbelievable. It just goes to show you that you’re never out of it,” Blanton went on to say.

The top 10 teams finished:

1st: Lander University – Andrew Blanton, Chesnee, S.C., and Garrett Smith, Mount Holly, N.C., five bass, 19-13, $2,000
2nd: Emmanuel University – Logan Fisher, Commerce, Ga., and John Micheal Ortman, Douglas, Ga., five bass, 19-3, $1,000
3rd: Emmanuel University – Stephen Brooks, Comer, Ga., and Xander Patton, Hartwell, Ga., five bass, 18-11, $700
4th: Murray State University – Mark Bixler, Murray, Ky., and Nathan Kallstrand, Naperville, Ill., five bass, 17-15, $600
5th: Lander University – Anderson Jones, Greenville, S.C., five bass, 17-14, $500
6th: Emmanuel University – Will Hart, Danielsville, Ga., and Max Heaton, Hartwell, Ga., five bass, 17-12
7th: Carson-Newman University – Hayden Barnett, Kingston, Tenn., and Hunter Owens, Knoxville, Tenn., five bass, 17-4          
8th: Erskine College –Tallis Morrison, Royston, Ga., five bass, 16-15    
9th: Lander University – Will Hammond, Huntersville, N.C., and John Such, Simpsonville, S.C., five bass, 16-13               
10th: Lander University – Wyatt Gabehart, Scott Depot, W.V., and Riley Hendricks, Hurricane, W.V., five bass, 16-7               

The full list of National Championship Qualifiers and complete results for the entire field can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI event on Lake Hartwell Presented by Columbia PFG was hosted by Visit Anderson. It was the final Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI event of the 2025 season. The next event for College Fishing anglers will be the 2026 Abu Garcia College Fishing National championship, Feb. 12-14, on Lake Murray in Columbia, South Carolina.

The 2025 MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI season featured college teams from across the country competing in six regular-season open tournaments. The top 15% of teams from each regular-season tournament advance to the 2026 Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship.





Jones Jr./Lawrence and Roy/Vinson Final Two Teams to Advance to Championship Round at Folds of Honor Patriot Cup

Brian Carter
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Jones Jr./Lawrence and Roy/Vinson Final Two Teams to Advance to Championship Round at Folds of Honor Patriot Cup

Team Knighten Industries (Jones Jr./ Lawrence) goes wire-to-wire to pace final Knockout Round match, final four teams set for Monday’s Championship Round

OXFORD, Ala. (Oct. 26, 2025) – Alabama’s Weiss Lake served up another day of shallow-water fireworks Sunday as Team Knighten Industries – Alton Jones Jr. and Jake Lawrence – dominated from start to finish to win Knockout Round Match 2 and advance to the Championship Round at the Folds of Honor Patriot Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches.

Fishing a classic fall pattern on the 30,000-acre Coosa River impoundment, Jones Jr. and Lawrence relied on steady, power-fishing instincts and a simple approach – crank the rocks, wind the docks and never stop moving. The duo stacked up 20 scorable bass for 37-2 throughout the day by targeting the riprap causeways surrounding Weiss Lake bridges, then capped their victory with a late-day flurry on docks in the backs of creeks.

Link to HD Video Clip of Patriot Cup Knockout Round Match 2 Highlights
Link to Photo Gallery: Three new teams hit Weiss Lake for Patriot Cup Knockout Round

“We caught them several different ways, but the one thing all our fish had in common was winding,” said Jones Jr. “We covered a lot of water. Most of our fish came on a small, shad-pattern Rapala DT-4 or DT-6 squarebill, but we also picked up a few late on a white Z-Man ChatterBait with a Geecrack Bellows Shad around docks. If it had rock, we were cranking it. If it had a dock, we were skipping it.”

Lawrence agreed, adding that adaptability was key.

“Covering water was our absolute key to success today,” he said. “We kept an open mind, didn’t get stuck in a rut, and when the bite slowed down, we adjusted. We made good decisions, got back on track and stayed ahead of the cut line.”

The pair’s game plan to “pick the low-hanging fruit” – the obvious causeways that many anglers passed by – paid off in a big way. The move produced multiple scorable bass early and allowed them to fish comfortably from the top of SCORETRACKER® all afternoon.

“I think the big thing today was getting in the right zone,” Jones Jr. added. “We fished a lot of stuff that looked the same, but most of it wasn’t any good. Once we got into the right stretch, we made quick decisions and didn’t hunker down. We just kept winding.”

The win gives Jones Jr. a shot at his second Fishing Clash Team Series trophy of the year after previously claiming victory at the Challenge Cup alongside his father, Alton Jones Sr., in Michigan earlier this fall.

“It’s been a lot of fun this week,” Lawrence said. “Obviously, we have no idea where we’re going tomorrow for the Championship Round, but I feel really good about our chances. Alton and I fish so well together and we complement each other’s styles perfectly.”

Team 7Brew Coffee (Jesse Wiggins and Edwin Evers) staged a furious rally with six scorable bass in the final period to end the day with 14-14, but their late charge fell short of the Lucas Oil Cut Line. Meanwhile, Team Fishing Clash ( Bradley Roy and Greg Vinson) survived a tense final hour as their bite faded, finishing the day with 11 scoreable bass weighing 17-3, and hanging on to claim the final Championship Round berth.

The top two teams from Knockout Round Match 2 at the Folds of Honor Patriot Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches that now advance to Monday’s Championship Round are:

1st:         Team Knighten, 20 bass, 37-2
               Jake Lawrence, Paris, Tenn., seven bass, 11-7
               Alton Jones Jr., Waco, Texas, 13 bass, 25-11
2nd:        Team Fishing Clash, 11 bass, 17-3
               Bradley Roy, Lancaster, Ky., nine bass, 14-14
               Greg Vinson, Wetumpka, Ala., two bass, 2-5

Eliminated from competition are:

3rd:        Team 7Brew Coffee, nine bass, 14-14
               Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., seven bass, 11-6
               Edwin Evers, Talala, Okla., two bass, 3-8

Complete results from throughout the week can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Overall, there were 40 bass weighing 69 pounds, 3 ounces caught by the three teams in Knockout Round Match 2 Sunday on Lake Weiss. Team Knighten pro Alton Jones Jr. caught the Berkley Big Bass of the day – a 4-pound, 5-ounce largemouth bass. 

The final four teams that will compete in Monday’s final-day Championship Round at the Folds of Honor Patriot Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches are:

Team Ferguson:
Takahiro Omori, Tokyo, Japan
Dean Rojas, Lake Havasu City, Ariz.

Team Fishing Clash:
Bradley Roy, Lancaster, Ky.
Greg Vinson, Wetumpka, Ala.

Team Knighten:
Jake Lawrence, Paris, Tenn.
Alton Jones Jr., Waco, Texas

Team O’Reilly Auto Parts:
Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn.
Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala.

The Folds of Honor Patriot Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches is hosted by the City of Oxford and takes place over six days in Oxford, Alabama. The competition water for each day is top secret and is only revealed to the anglers when they arrive at the boat ramp each morning. Anglers are driven directly to the day’s competition area launch ramp by their officials. Competition begins on the water at 9:15 a.m.

The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on Championship Monday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT. MLFNOW!® is livestreamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MLF and MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) apps, RFD-TV Now, Game & Fish TV and Rumble. The final period of every day of competition of the 2025 Fishing Clash Team Series is broadcast live on RFD-TV, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. CT.

The Patriot Cup features 12 two-man teams divided into three groups as they entered the one-day Elimination Round matches. Each of the three Elimination Round matches featured four new teams, with the top two teams from each match of the Elimination Round advancing to the Knockout Round on Days 4 & 5. In the Knockout Rounds, three teams competed each day, with the top two teams from each Knockout Round match now moving on to the Championship Round on Day 6. In Monday’s Day 6 Championship Round, the final four teams will compete in a one-day shootout to determine which team will win the 2025 Folds of Honor Patriot Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches.

The MLF Fishing Clash Team Series Presented by Bass Pro Shops features four Cup events in 2025 – the Challenge, Heritage, Patriot, and Summit Cups – with 12 two-man teams of Bass Pro Tour anglers competing for a share of  $560,000 in prize money. Teams were formed through a selection process, where 48 team captains – based on Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) standings throughout the 2025 Bass Pro Tour season – selected a teammate. Teams will compete throughout the fall of 2025.

The MLF Fishing Clash Team Series Folds of Honor Patriot Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches will also air on Outdoor Channel as six two-hour original episodes each Saturday afternoon starting March 28, 2026. The complete television schedule for the Fishing Clash Team Series on Outdoor Channel will be posted at MajorLeagueFishing.com.


For complete details and updated information on the MLF Fishing Clash Team Series, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook,  X, Instagram and  YouTube.





Kelly Robinette-Dave Barlow Win CATT James River

Brian Carter
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Kelly Robinette-Dave Barlow Win CATT James River

2025 Fall CATT Trail on the James River 2nd Qualifier is this weekend Oct 26th at Rt 5!

Tap on the link for more info!

We had 42 teams come out this weekend with 25 entering the $50 Side Pot. The weather day one started out chilly but slowly warmed up. Most teams reported the higher water made things tougher as the day went on. Day 2 started out with warmer temps and mild winds that slowly progressed and got heavier as the day carried on. My apologies to the teams coming from the James. It was rough!!!


CONGRATULATIONS TO Kelly Robinette and David Barlow!!!!! Day 1 they weighed in 15.40lbs and on day 2 they backed it up with a 14.61lbs bag anchored by a 4.42lbs stud to secure the 30.01lbs winning the event!!! They also secured 1st in the optional $50 Side Pot!!! Solid performance guys, extremely happy for you both!!!!


2nd place went to our 2025 Points Champions Ryan Drewery and Wayne Drewery!! Day 1 they weighed in 15.91lbs anchored by a 4.25lbs stud and day 2 they weighed in 13.82lbs giving them a total of 29.73lbs!! They also took home 2nd place in the $50 Side Pot!! Congratulations guys and again solid year!!!


3rd place went to Michael Mccrickard and Paul Harris!! Day one they brought 13.35lbs and backed it up day 2 with 16.37lbs anchored by a 6.00lbs tank giving them a total of 29.72lbs!! They also took home 3rd place in the $50 dollar Side Pot, congratulations gentlemen!!!


4th place went to our 2024 Points Champions Tim Chaffin and Trey Goodman!! Day 1 they brought in 11.63lbs and on day 2 they backed it up with 15.76lbs anchored by a 4.75lbs stud giving them a total of 27.39lbs!! Congratulations fellas!!!


5th place went to Jamie Nealy and Greg Ball! On day 1 they weighed in 9.21lbs but day 2 they railed back weighing in 16.33lbs anchored by a 4.49lbs stud giving them a total of 25.54lbs!!! Heck of a comeback gentleman!!!


6th place went to Howard Austin! On day 1 pops weighed in 12.39lbs and backed it day 2 with 12.60lbs anchored by a 4.35lbs stud giving him a total of 24.99lbs! Strong work pops!! 💪


7th place went to Tom Owens and Rick Mistr! Day 1 they weighed in 11.43lbs anchored by a 3.87lbs stud and backed it up day 2 with 12.09lbs giving them a total of 23.25lbs!! Congratulations guys!!


8th place went to Rick Barnhardt and Danny Sage! Day 1 they weighed in 10.59lbs and backed it up with 12.00lbs on day 2 giving them a total of 22.59lbs! Congratulations gentleman!!


The events Big Fish Honors went to Stacy Vassar and KL Davis who weighed in a 6.95lbs monster!!! Congratulations fellas and beautiful bass!


Thank you, Mike Hicks of H & H Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. Walter Woodel of Woodel Roof Systems Inc and Howard Austin, for covering the food for our event this weekend. Also thank you Scooter Lempke for squeezing us into your schedule. The food was amazing; you really are the fishing community’s chef buds ❤️
Thank you everyone who came out and competed this weekend. I love it when everyone’s together talking and sharing stories. That’s what this is all about. Fellowship, competition, and laughs. I love you all a ton and I hope you all enjoyed this season and I hope to see you all next year!!!!
Lew’s
Strike King Lure Company
Woodel Roof Systems Inc
H&H Hearing and Air Conditioning Inc
Academy Sports + Outdoors
Waypoint Marine Technologies
Phantom Outdoors – Tournament Grade Fishing Apparel
The BASS CAST.com
Big John’s Reel Service
Lawson Enterprises

Coming to the James River! CATT BassKings Solo Series!

Kelly Robinette-Dave Barlow0.0015.404.4214.6130.01$5,600.00
Ryan-Wayne Drewery4.2515.910.0013.8229.73$2,460.00
Mike McCrickard-Paul Harris0.0013.356.0016.3729.72$1,190.00
Tim Chaffin-Trey Goodman0.0011.634.7515.7627.39$850.00
Jamie Nealy- Greg Ball0.009.214.4916.3325.54$500.00
Howard Austin0.0012.394.3512.6024.99$300.00
Tom Owens-Rick Mistr3.8711.430.0012.0923.25$225.00
Rick Barnhardt-Danny Sage0.0010.590.0012.0022.59$200.00
Jared Williams-Guy Fairweather0.0011.380.0010.4921.87$500.00
Bo Boltz-Mickey Anderson4.0414.110.007.2421.35
Harvey Reese-Anthony Weithers0.008.890.0012.0220.91
Donnie Meade-Travis Daniels0.0010.410.0010.1020.51
Charles Ramer-Mason Weakly4.1212.270.008.1320.40
Dennis Adams-Steve Webb6.6515.480.004.6320.11
R. Rodriguez-Chuck Rackley0.0012.500.007.5720.07
Tripp-Morgan Mistr2.7512.970.006.8119.78
Jay Griffin-Dustin Burkett0.0011.320.008.0019.32
Ed-Ed Jordan4.1010.220.008.5318.75
Mark Austin-Alex Crosby3.4510.260.008.2218.48
Jeff Valentin-Moose Wells0.008.150.0010.2118.36
Mike Hicks-Keith Lupo0.0011.640.006.5318.17
Stacy Vassar-Kevin Davis0.008.226.959.9218.14$420.00
Bryan Keane-Anothony Rustin0.009.050.008.9718.02
James Byrd-Michael Kyle4.219.970.007.8617.83
James-Jimmy Condrey0.008.780.008.8517.63
Ryan-Danny Grattan0.005.090.0011.9117.00
Jacob-Joesph Kupselaitis0.008.010.008.4416.45
Wes Zabdyr-Mike Elswick0.004.105.9212.3416.44
Travis Heath-Jamie Hendrick0.007.120.007.7914.91
Sam Pollock-Richard Williams0.006.140.008.7014.84
Jake Lewis-Roger Rhodes0.006.130.008.6714.80
Brian Brooks-Avery Powelson0.0013.510.000.0013.51$150.00
Chuck Comer-Don Warren0.007.030.006.0413.07
Curtis-Cj Combs0.006.015.036.6512.66
Watler Woodel-Layne Puryear0.005.600.005.5011.10
Jake-Jesse Kidd0.0010.590.000.0010.59
Rich Businelle0.007.560.002.9910.55
Ben Knapp-Jeff Reed0.003.500.000.003.50
Ralph Taylor-Bill Bulter0.003.120.000.003.12
Eric Picucci-Micah Mitten0.000.000.000.000.00
Jacob-Garland Reid0.000.000.000.000.00
Barry Brandt0.000.000.000.000.00





Scott Griffin & Jay Allen weighed in 5 bass at 14.62 lbs to take 1st Place at CATT Lake Gaston!

Brian Carter
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0
Scott Griffin & Jay Allen weighed in 5 bass at 14.62 lbs to take 1st Place at CATT Lake Gaston!

Next Lake Gaston Fall Qualifier is Nov 2nd!

Tap on the Phantom Logo above to buy some great outdoor Apparel at Phantom Outdoors!! Use PHANTOMCATT15 at checkout and earn 15% off your order!

Scott Griffin & Jay Allen weighed in 5 bass at 14.62 lbs to take 1st Place at Lake Gaston!

Shawn Hammack & Flash Butts finished 2nd with 5 bass weighing 14.30 lbs!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Scott Griffin Jay Allen3.9214.62$1,125.00110
Flash Butts Shawn Hammack0.0014.30$335.00109
Michael Garner Billy Shelton0.0012.60$220.00108
Doug Stallings Jay Fogleman0.009.88107
Shane Doughtie Evan White0.009.82106
Jake Murdock John Murdock0.009.32105
Michael Pembleton3.528.60104
Tyler Garner Brandon Coaker0.006.88103
Wesley Bennett Jamie Shelburn3.985.90102
Joey Scott Michael Bryant0.000.0092
Buck Ellis0.000.0092
Hunter Kendrick Johnny Kendrick0.000.0092
Mike Henderson Bobby Henderson0.000.0092
Todd Smith Eric Schell0.000.0092
Total Entries$1,560.00
BONUS $$550.00
Total Paid At Ramp$1,550.00
2025 Gaston Fall Final$330.00
CATT$50.00
2026 CATT Championship Fund$50.00
2025 Gaston Fall Final Total$1,275.00





Dennis Inscoe 7.84 holds up all 3 days to take the Fall Big Bass Tour event on SML

Brian Carter
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Dennis Inscoe 7.84 holds up all 3 days to take the Fall Big Bass Tour event on SML

How would you like to fish for 48 hours & wonder if my bass would hold up the entire three days of the fall Big Bass Tour event & net Dennis $30,000. Take a list from his own words on what it was like & how he won it all with no FFS & in an old tracker boat.

CLICK TO SEE FINAL RESULTS





Marty Warren Wins CATT Basskings SML/Buggs

Brian Carter
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Marty Warren Wins CATT Basskings SML/Buggs





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