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Thursday, December 18, 2025
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Major League Fishing’s General Tire Team Series to Premiere Saturday on Outdoor Channel

Brian Carter
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Major League Fishing’s General Tire Team Series to Premiere Saturday on Outdoor Channel

BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 3, 2025) – The first episode of the 2024 General Tire Team Series – the B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup Presented by Toyota Elimination Match 1 – is set to premiere this Saturday, Jan. 4, at 2 p.m. ET on Outdoor Channel.

The 2024 Team Series is comprised of four Cup events, each featuring 12 two-man teams of Bass Pro Tour anglers competing from the same boat and working together to claim part of a season purse of more than $720,000. The B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup Presented by Toyota, filmed in the fall of 2024, showcased anglers competing in Erie, Pennsylvania. The event was hosted by VisitErie.

“This national exposure was an incredible opportunity for Erie,” said Mark Jeanneret, executive director of the Erie Sports Commission. “Having our waters featured on a platform like the Outdoor Channel reinforces Erie’s reputation as a top destination for anglers. We’re confident this tournament will encourage more fishing enthusiasts to visit and experience the exceptional fishing opportunities our region provides.”

In keeping with traditional MLF Cup protocols, Erie, Pennsylvania, was not revealed to Team Series anglers until 30 days prior to the start of the tournament. All fishable waters within 60 miles of Erie then went off limits to anglers, and the competitors discovered exactly where they were competing only after arriving at the boat ramp on the morning of competition.

The B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup Presented by Toyota in Erie is the first event of the four-event Team Series.

The complete premiere schedule for the General Tire Team Series on Outdoor Channel is:

– Jan. 4         B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup Presented by Toyota: Elimination Match 1 (Erie, Pa.)
– Jan. 11       B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup Presented by Toyota: Elimination Match 2 (Erie, Pa.)
– Jan. 18       B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup Presented by Toyota: Elimination Match 3 (Erie, Pa.)
– Jan. 25       B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup Presented by Toyota: Knockout Round Match 1 (Erie, Pa.)
– Feb. 1        B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup Presented by Toyota: Knockout Round Match 2 (Erie, Pa.)
– Feb. 8        B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup Presented by Toyota: Championship Round (Erie, Pa.)
– Feb. 15      Knighten Industries Heritage Cup Presented by Berkley: Elimination Match 1 (Neenah, Wis.)
– Feb. 22      Knighten Industries Heritage Cup Presented by Berkley: Elimination Match 2 (Neenah, Wis.)
– March 1    Knighten Industries Heritage Cup Presented by Berkley: Elimination Match 3 (Neenah, Wis.)
– March 8    Knighten Industries Heritage Cup Presented by Berkley: Knockout Round Match 1 (Neenah, Wis.)
– March 15  Knighten Industries Heritage Cup Presented by Berkley: Knockout Round Match 2 (Neenah, Wis.)
– March 22  Knighten Industries Heritage Cup Presented by Berkley: Championship Round (Neenah, Wis.)
– March 29  Folds of Honor Patriot Cup Presented by recteq: Elimination Match 1 (Early, Texas)
– April 5       Folds of Honor Patriot Cup Presented by recteq: Elimination Match 2 (Early, Texas)
– April 12    Folds of Honor Patriot Cup Presented by recteq: Elimination Match 3 (Early, Texas)
– April 19    Folds of Honor Patriot Cup Presented by recteq: Knockout Round Match 1 (Early, Texas)
– April 26    Folds of Honor Patriot Cup Presented by recteq: Knockout Round Match 2 (Early, Texas)
– May 3        Folds of Honor Patriot Cup Presented by recteq: Championship Round (Early, Texas)
– May 10      Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Elimination Match 1 (Vero Beach, Fla.)
– May 17      Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Elimination Match 2 (Vero Beach, Fla.)
– May 24      Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Elimination Match 3 (Vero Beach, Fla.)
– May 31      Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Knockout Round Match 1 (Vero Beach, Fla.)
– June 7        Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Knockout Round Match 2 (Vero Beach, Fla.)
– June 14     Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Championship Round (Vero Beach, Fla.)

Each episode will air as a two-hour broadcast, premiering each Saturday from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. ET. Repeats of each episode will air Sundays from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. and on Fridays from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Proud sponsors of the MLF General Tire Team Series include: 7 Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Barbasol, Bass Boat Technologies, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, Builders FirstSource, C-MAP, Coign, Epic Baits, Ferguson, Fishing Clash, General Tire, Knighten Industries, Kubota, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Nitro Boats, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala Baits, REDCON1, Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff, Star brite, Toyota, USAA, WIX Filters and YETI.

For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the General Tire Team Series Presented by Bass Pro Shops, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X,  Instagram and  YouTube.



Justin Hamner and Tom Huynh’s Presentation To Be Streamed Live on NPAA Facebook

Brian Carter
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Justin Hamner and Tom Huynh’s Presentation To Be Streamed Live on NPAA Facebook
Justin Hamner and Tom Huynh’s Presentation To Be Streamed Live on NPAA Facebook  
“Can’t miss” Livestream focuses on Rising Above the Noise.

Forestville, WI (January 2nd, 2025) – It’s time to start off the new year right by watching the livestream of the NPAA Conference on January 4th starting at 3:10 PM Central Time on the NPAA Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NationalProfessionalAnglersAssociation . Anticipation rises for the National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) 2025 Annual Conference. The premier event for all sportfishing industry professionals ranging from tournament anglers and guides, to tackle shop staff, service crews, and industry representatives will commence on Friday, January 3rd, and runs through Saturday, January 4tth, at Chula Vista Resort and Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells, WI. 
NPAA past President, Pat Neu commented, “An NPAA Conference attendee can learn more about making a living in this industry in a weekend at this event than they can in 10 years on their own, just ask anyone who has attended a conference.” This year’s event will zero-in on how to “Rise Above the Noise” and be successful as a tournament angler or guide in the sportfishing industry. Speaking from years of experience Neu stated, “It’s a journey that’s a lot easier and faster if you put into practice what you are able to learn at our conferences each year.”   “Simply put, our focus will be on providing attendees with an understanding of the tools needed to be successful on a professional level in this industry,” stated Neu. Additionally, the early January timing is perfect for attendees to learn about the latest trends on and off the water prior to the beginning of the 2025 guiding and tournament seasons.
Justin Hamner at 2024 Bassmaster Classic
The 2025 Conference will include featured presentations that will be livestreamed starting at 3:10 PM from two young and talented professional anglers. Justin Hamner, the 2025 Bassmaster Classic champion will be sharing insights on how he is working to leverage his big win at the 2025 Classic to boost his professional angling career. Also presenting will be Tom Huynh, the 2024 National Walleye Tour champion, who also tied for the NWT Angler of the Year title. Tom has a unique business strategy for his angling business, and he is looking forward to sharing his strategy with the attendees.
Tom Huynh at 2024 NWT Championship   Our new format for the Conference will give our partners an opportunity to host breakout sessions on Saturday morning between 9:00 AM and Noon. Following the breakout sessions there will be a lunch sponsored by NPAA partner ATS Printing, followed by the NPAA Annual Business Meeting. All members and partners are invited to that meeting. The day concludes with the two featured speakers starting at 3:10 PM with those presentations streaming live on Facebook and the event concludes with the Getting Families Fishing and Boating Benefit Banquet that is presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats.   For more information on joining the NPAA and exploring the many benefits memberships provide, visit www.npaa.net.
About the National Professional Anglers Association: The National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) is dedicated to the sport of fishing and the professional anglers who take part in it. The NPAA provides resources, support, and advocacy to ensure the growth and sustainability of the fishing industry. For more information on joining the NPAA, and exploring the many benefits memberships and partnerships provide, visit www.npaa.net.



Bassmaster’s The CAST returns for second season on FOX Sports in 2025

Brian Carter
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Bassmaster’s The CAST returns for second season on FOX Sports in 2025

Jan. 2, 2025

Bassmaster’s The CAST returns for second season on FOX Sports in 2025

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — After a wildly popular first-season run, B.A.S.S. is proud to announce the return of The CAST presented by Bass Pro Shops for a second season in 2025. The show will premiere Jan. 4 on FS1 and will continue to give viewers even more insight into the personalities and stories of the meteoric rise of B.A.S.S. as the biggest stage in fishing.

“We’re happy to see The CAST come back for a second season so anglers and fans can experience more of what the initial run delivered,” said B.A.S.S. Chief Operating Officer Phillip Johnson. “The series features so much historical content about the sport and the legends who brought it to the forefront … it’s full of entertaining and nostalgic insight into how an idea transformed into what professional fishing is today.” 

Episodes feature interviews and personal stories never heard before from some of fishing’s most iconic voices as well as episodes featuring the Bassmaster Classic as well as equipment and tackle of the pros.

“The season kicks off with a one-hour episode based around three special people … Johnny Morris, Forest Wood and Jerry McKinnis, who cut their teeth on the White River in North Arkansas and helped turn the bass fishing industry into what it is today,” said Mike McKinnis, VP media – content, JM Associates. “In addition, there will be superstar episodes highlighting Denny Brauer, Bryan Kerchal and Rick Clunn’s celebration of 50 years and 500 events with B.A.S.S.”

A longtime B.A.S.S. partner, Bass Pro Shops is also a premier sponsor for the Bassmaster Tournament Trail as well as title sponsor of the Bassmaster Team Championship and presenting sponsor of the Bassmaster College Series.

The CAST presented by Bass Pro Shops will begin airing in January on FS1 and lead  up to live Bassmaster Elite Series tournament coverage on FS1 and the FOX Sports platforms.

The CAST presented by Bass Pro Shops

Air DateStart TimeEpisode
Sat 1/4/2511 AMMagic of the White River
Sun 1/12/25NoonB.A.S.S. Superstar Rick Clunn
Sat 1/18/2511 AMB.A.S.S. Superstar Denny Brauer
Sun 1/26/2510:30 AMB.A.S.S. Superstar Bryan Kerchal
Sat 2/1/2511 AMThe Greatest Show in Bass Fishing – The Bassmaster Classic
Sun 2/9/258:30 AMEquipment

About Bass Pro Shops

Bass Pro Shops is North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company. Founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris began selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations and more. In 2017 Bass Pro Shops acquired Cabela’s to create a “best-of-the-best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations and outstanding customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors.



The $350,000 Dead Fish Conspiracy: Bass Fishing’s Darkest Tournament Scandal

Brian Carter
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The $350,000 Dead Fish Conspiracy: Bass Fishing’s Darkest Tournament Scandal

In the competitive world of bass fishing, where tournament purses can reach six figures, the temptation to cheat has always lurked beneath the surface. But no case better illustrates the deadly consequences of greed than the 1983-1984 Texas tournament scandal that shook the sport to its core.

The Mastermind’s Method

Elro McNeel wasn’t just another tournament angler – he was an architect of deception. His scheme began with a seemingly simple idea: why catch bass when you could buy them? But the execution required sophisticated planning:

  • He established a supply chain from Florida, known for its trophy-sized largemouth bass
  • Modified his truck with a custom air raider system for transporting live fish across state lines
  • Developed a network of co-conspirators willing to risk their reputations for a share of the winnings
  • Created a complex money-pooling system to share the fraudulent proceeds

The Inner Circle

The scandal involved a carefully selected group of conspirators:

  1. Tommy Davis – A 33-year-old angler with a troubled past
  2. Terry Isa – McNeel’s primary co-conspirator
  3. Mr. Patterson – Won $105,000 using supplied fish
  4. Mr. Pucket and Mr. Harmon – Secured second and third place finishes
  5. Several other anglers who participated in smaller roles

The Tournament Trail of Deception

The group’s success was staggering:

  • Multiple first-place finishes netting over $100,000 each
  • Strategic placement of co-conspirators in second and third positions
  • Total fraudulent winnings approaching $350,000 (equivalent to over $900,000 in 2024 dollars)
  • Successful manipulation of multiple tournaments on the Texas Bass Tournament circuit

The Perfect Crime Unravels

Several factors contributed to the scheme’s eventual exposure:

Suspicious Patterns

  • Tournament officials began noticing similarities in the winning fish
  • Questions arose about an 8.7-pound bass submitted by Davis
  • Six other fish from related anglers came under scrutiny
  • Pattern of suspicious wins across multiple tournaments

The Polygraph Problem

  • While some conspirators passed polygraph tests using Quaaludes
  • Davis repeatedly failed his tests
  • His explanations about nerve damage from a prior accident raised more red flags
  • The inconsistencies in stories began to mount

The Human Cost

The case of Tommy Davis illustrates the tragic human element:

  • Four failed marriages by age 33
  • Severe workplace accident leaving him with nerve damage and scarring
  • Mounting pressure from investigators
  • Fear of retaliation from co-conspirators
  • Found dead from a shotgun wound the day before his scheduled testimony

The Legal Aftermath

The justice system’s response revealed the serious nature of the crimes:

  • Five participants entered guilty pleas
  • Maximum sentences of 5 years in prison
  • Fines up to $10,000 each
  • One conspirator turned state’s witness for a reduced sentence

Legacy and Modern Context

This scandal’s impact continues to resonate:

  • Established the need for stronger tournament verification procedures
  • Highlighted the vulnerability of cash-prize fishing events
  • Set precedents for how fishing tournaments handle cheating allegations
  • Draws parallels to modern scandals like the recent walleye tournament controversy

Industry Changes Post-Scandal

The bass fishing tournament industry implemented several reforms:

  • Enhanced fish verification procedures
  • More sophisticated polygraph testing
  • Stricter transportation regulations
  • Increased scrutiny of past winners
  • Better documentation requirements

Lessons for Today

This historical scandal offers valuable insights for modern tournament fishing:

  • The importance of robust verification systems
  • The need for multiple layers of security
  • The human cost of competitive pressure
  • The potential for sophisticated cheating operations
  • The lasting impact on sport credibility

The 1983-1984 Texas bass tournament scandal remains a cautionary tale about the destructive power of greed in competitive sports. While modern tournaments have implemented stricter controls, the fundamental lessons about integrity, pressure, and the human cost of cheating remain relevant today.

This case serves as a dark chapter in fishing history – one that reminds us that beneath the surface of any sport, the potential for corruption exists where significant money is at stake. The true tragedy lies not just in the fraudulent wins or the stolen prizes, but in the lives destroyed and the trust broken within the fishing community.



Chelsea Swain & Billy Paderick Win CATT Neuse River, NC Fall Final Dec 28, 2024

Brian Carter
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Chelsea Swain & Billy Paderick Win CATT Neuse River, NC Fall Final Dec 28, 2024

Thanks for fishing with us guys!

Remember by entering only 2 CATT events Fall of 2024 and Spring of 2025 (combined) you are eligible to enter the 2025 Academy CATT Championship on Kerr Lake May 17-18, 2025! 1st Place is guaranteed a minimum of $10,000! Tap here for more info!

  2025 CATT Academy Championship – Carolina Anglers Team Trail

The 2025 Neuse River Spring CATT Trail schedule is posted! Tap on this link to view!
CATT Neuse River – Carolina Anglers Team Trail

Chelsea Swain & Billy Paderick win the Neuse River Fall Final with 5 bass weighing 15.43 lbs! They earned $1,915.00! Great job!

2nd Place and our Fall Neuse River Point Winners Jim Hipkiss & Dennis Boykin!

3rd Place Bob & Josh Farley!

Paul King & Buddy Weatherington took 4th Place!

Bradley Stain & Robert Richardson weighed in the BF at 4.56 lbs!

Thats a wrap for 2024! hope to see you guys in the 2025 fishing the CATT Trail!

TeamBFWeightWinnings
Billy Paderick – Chelsea Swain0.0015.43$1,915.00
Jim Hipkiss – Dennis Boykin3.4814.49$1,010.00
Bob Farley Josh Farley0.0013.53$400.00
Paul king – Buddy Weatherington2.9012.97$250.00
Derek Wynkoop0.0011.59
Bradley Stain – Robert Richardson4.5611.03$200.00
Chad Oberhauser -Tony Crabb3.2010.98
Vincent Bradley0.0010.57
Jeffery Farmer – Roger Griffith0.0010.28
Tom Tripp – Matthew Smith0.009.52
Antwan Moore Jr – Antwan Moore Sr0.009.04
D’Alan Cotton0.008.46
Steven Brown – Kerry Gibson4.448.10
Ronald Vaughn Tom Warner0.007.70
Christopher Campbell – Zach Simmons0.000.00
Benjamin Dillahunt – John Brookshire0.000.00
Nathaniel Drayton0.000.00
Matt Mainhart0.000.00
Rob Ramsey0.000.00
Jesse Tyndall Cody Tyndall0.000.00



Lucas Murphy Wins CATT BassKings Lake Murray, SC Dec 28, 2024

Brian Carter
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Lucas Murphy Wins CATT BassKings Lake Murray, SC Dec 28, 2024

This was the 1st BassKings Qualifier and even with the less-than-ideal weather we had 28 angler’s tuff it out! Tap on the link below to view the full schedule and info on the BassKings Solo Series! The payout is outstanding with the Final on Lake Murray May 3rd guaranteeing a minimum of $5,000 to the winner!

Next BassKing Solo Series Qualifier is Feb 8th on Lake Wateree launching out of Clearwater Cove Marina!

To view the points, go to the BassKing Lake Murray Division page and scroll all the way down!

FOR THIS SERIES ONLY – Must enter 3 BassKing Qualifiers to be eligible for the Lake Murray Final!
FOR THIS SERIES ONLY – You may pay for 1 event and not be present and it will count toward Final Qualification!

Lucas Murphy weighed in 5 bass at 21.74 lbs good for the win at the BassKing Solo Series on Lake Murray! Lucas collected $2,895.00! Great Job!

Phillip Anderson weighed a limit totaling up to 21.53 lbs taking 2nd place along with weighing in the Lews/Strike King Big Fish of the event at 6.25 lbs! Phillip took home $1,940.00!

3rd Place went to James Gibbons with a limit weighing 20.92 lbs worth $650.00!

Brock Taylor claimed 4th with a limit weighing 18.00 lbs and earned $350.00!

**Some winnings include side pot money

BassKingBFWeightWinningsPoints
Lucas Murphy0.0021.74$2,895110
Phillip Anderson6.2521.53$1,940109
James Gibbons5.0220.92$650108
Brock Taylor4.1218.00$350107
Chris Epting4.7217.76106
Coery Casey0.0016.80105
Wesley Sandifer4.2916.42104
Tyson Alvanos0.0015.72103
Mark Richardson0.0015.18102
Sean Anderson0.0015.02101
Scott Farmer4.1014.63100
Jonathan Crossland0.0013.1399
Ben Lee3.5213.1198
Pat Whaley0.0011.3097
Brandon Jeffcoat4.059.2196
Rusty Bullard0.000.0086
Michael Murphy0.000.0086
Jody Wright0.000.0086
Jason Dew0.000.0086
Wade Amick0.000.0086
Alex Cooke0.000.0086
Skeeter Crosby0.000.0086
John Ray0.000.0086
Lonnie Jones0.000.0086
Darrell Shull0.000.0086
CJ Freeman0.000.0086
Robbie Mills0.000.0086
Steve Wicker0.000.0086
Championship$280
Points$280



Landon & Toby Stacy Win CATT SC upstate Lake Hartwell, SC Dec 21, 2024

Brian Carter
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Landon & Toby Stacy Win CATT SC upstate Lake Hartwell, SC Dec 21, 2024

Next SC Upstate Qualifier is Jan 4 at Broyles on Lake Hartwell!  This will be the last qualifier and remember you only have to enter 1 qualifier to be eligible to enter the Final! So far, we have 24 teams eligible to enter the Final!

Landon Stacy & Toby Stacy win Lake Hartwell with 5 bass weighing 18.14 lbs and they brought in the BF at 4.76 lbs!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Landon Stacy – Toby Stacy4.7618.14$1,150.00110
Derrick Lehtonen – Cody Lehtonen4.4817.46$275.00109
Justin Raines – Bradley Day4.4016.72$125.00108
Dusty Greer – Clay Greer4.4416.66$100.00107
Mitchell Robinson – Alex Bradley0.0016.02106
Jimmy Blackwell – Chance Griffith0.0015.10105
Scott Allgood – Caleb Allgood0.0015.06104
Caleb Wyatt0.0012.56103
Peyton Sorrow – Luke Davis0.0012.32102
Tab Anderson – Bill Francis0.0012.08101
Mark Meadows0.0011.84100
Jordan Peeples – Dalton Dukes0.0011.2299
Greg Abercrombie0.0011.1698
Brian Anthony0.0010.2697
Caleb Gordon – Bust Gordon0.009.6296
Robert Morris – Robert Owens0.007.8495
John Bloomfield0.000.0085
TJ Souther0.000.0085
Josh King – Andrew Cheek0.000.0085
Grayson Brewster – Blake Burdette0.000.0085
Total Entrys$1,600.00
BONUS $$450.00
Total Paid At Ramp$1,650.00
2024 SC Upstate Fall Final Fund$300.00
CATT$50.00
2025 CATT Championship$50.00
2024 SC Upstate Fall Fund Total$850.00



Lucas Murphy Wins CATT Lake Murray, SC Fall Final Dec 21, 2024

Brian Carter
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0
Lucas Murphy Wins CATT Lake Murray, SC Fall Final Dec 21, 2024

We wrapped up the 2024 Lake Murray Fall Trail this past Saturday and moving on fast to the start of 2025!

BassKings Solo Series kicks off this Saturday at Dreher Island State Park! The Final will be May 3, 2025, on Lake Murray and 1st Place is guaranteed a minimum of $5,000.00! Tap on the link below for more info on the BassKings Solo Series!
2024 CATT BassKings – Carolina Anglers Team Trail

The 2025 CATT Lake Murray Spring Trail will kicks off February 9, 2025, at Dreher Island State Park! Tap on the link to view the schedule!

Lucas Murphy weighed in 5 bass with a total weight of 23.23 lb taking 1st Place at the Lake Murray Fall Final!

2nd Place went to Neil & Tom Huffstetler with 5 bass weighing 22.24 lbs!

Michael & Lucas Murphy earned 3rd with 21.35 lbs and the weighed in the BF at 7.10 lbs!

TeamBFWeightWinnings
Lucas Murphy0.0023.23$1,625.00
Tim Huffstetler – Neil Huffstetler0.0022.24$500.00
Michael Murphy – Lucas Murphy7.1021.35$120.00
Jody Wright – Chris Marshall0.0017.53
Johnny Mayer – Chris Epting0.0017.41
Steve Wicker – Andy Wicker6.6117.23
Jason Ries- Roger McGee0.0016.52
Steve Pizzino – Keith Nesheim0.0012.79
Justin Morrison – Andre Morrison0.000.00
Kaleb Taylor0.000.00
Daryl Redfern – Johnny Williams0.000.00
George Berry0.000.00



Looking Back to Go Forward:Letting the Kid Live

Bruce Callis
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Looking Back to Go Forward:Letting the Kid Live

Looking Back to Go Forward:
Letting the Kid Live

As we come to the close of 2024, we can’t help but look back over the past year. Can we look back to the beginning and remember what our New Year Resolutions were? I know I had some great ones, but the one that glares at me the most was to go fishing more and get better at what I was weak at. And the most important, personally, was to finally get serious about my fishing.


I tried that, getting serious and found out I had always been serious about it. I was told that I didn’t because I loved to have fun. I would joke around, act foolish, and make an adventure of everything. People would see it as not being serious. But I decided to get serious and found that my fishing declined. That sounds odd, but the truth was I stopped doing what I loved. I started to overthink everything. And then it hit me! I love fishing because it is fun! I put the fun back into it and my fishing got better. I was always serious, just I let the fun disappear. I let what others thought enter into my thinking.


And I remember I said get better at what I do. That lead to a lot of frustrating days. Why? Because I would lock on rod into my hand. One rod, one technique and the determination to learn to do it better. It took time, but I learned a lot about myself and my fishing abilities. I fished jigs, but I didn’t understand them like I should have. I studied the head design, the hook, the weedguard, the skirt, and the trailer. I learned what each did and how to make them a part of me. And how to use them to feel the bottom. And as I learned, I got better. Am I the best jig angler ever now? No, but it is a weapon I am able to use very good now. I achieved the goal.

I fished more, but it wasn’t always easy. The heat wasn’t brutal at times. And I payed the price for it. In the end, years of being in the sun without full protection gave me a small amount of basal skin cancer. I had it taken care of, but also have learned to not forget the basics I let slide this year. Sunscreen! Especially on the areas we least want to put it on, the face. I wear sun shirts to protect my arms. I wear gloves to protect my hands. I always wear a hat to protect the head. And I wear long pants to protect the legs. But the face and ears are always exposed. I like sun shirts with a hood so I can pull it over my ears. But I forget to use it a lot of times. That is something I will need to work on.


And I need to think about either making sure to always apply the sunscreen or change my hat style. I love my baseball cap, but I think I am going to try a wide brimmed hat like Randy Howell and Rick Clunn wear. Finding the right one might take a little looking, but I think it will be worth it in the long run.
Looking back at 2024, I think it was a great year. I had a lot of fun. I learned a lot about myself. I met a lot of great people and made a lot of new friends. I learned that you can’t take the fun out of fishing. We all got into fishing because we loved it and had fun at it. It allows that little kid in each of us to live! The kid that keeps us going back to catch another fish, no matter the size. Here is to a 2025 filled with being that kid still!



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