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Sunday, April 12, 2026
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Dylan Nutt Goes Back-to-Back in Central Division with Win at MLF Toyota Series at Lake Chickamauga

Brian Carter
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Dylan Nutt Goes Back-to-Back in Central Division with Win at MLF Toyota Series at Lake Chickamauga

DAYTON, Tenn. (March 21, 2025) – “Back-to-back winner” has a nice ring to it, no matter what game you’re playing. If you’re Tennessee pro Dylan Nutt, it actually has a handful of meanings. Nutt weighed in 18 pounds, 12 ounces on the final day Thursday at the Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats  Central Division tournament on  Lake Chickamauga to push his three-day total to 81-14, giving the 21-year-old University of North Alabama junior back-to-back wins in one of the most competitive circuits in tournament bass fishing.

Even more impressive, Nutt’s 81-14 performance signifies back-to-back 80-plus-pound Series events (he had 84-4 at Pickwick) and back-to-back entries in the list of all-time heaviest bags in MLF Series history (he’s now fourth and ninth, respectively).

Coupled with his Pickwick win, Nutt’s Chickamauga victory boosted his February/March winnings to just over $76,000, placed him in the catbird seat for Fishing Clash Angler of the Year honors for the division and boosted his MLF winning percentage to an outlandish 27% – he’s won four of the 15 MLF events he’s entered in a brief career dating back to Abu Garcia High School Fishing in 2021.

“It’s crazy to even think about (back-to-back wins) in this division,” Nutt said. “I don’t know how to describe this (streak). I think it’s just God telling me it’s my time. I’m fishing extremely confidently.”

Alabama pro Hayden O’Barr finished second with 79-0, followed by Ethan Fields (73-14), Carter Nutt (72-15) and  Dillon Falardeau (72-5)

Nutt entered the final day on Chickamauga with a hearty 8-4 lead over Falardeau and with a good shot at eclipsing Michael Yoder’s all-time Series mark of 93-8 from Falcon Lake in 2010. Nutt kicked off with what he called a “decent start” with a handful of 3-pounders and a 5-pounder, but plateaued for a good part of the day until connecting with a 4-pounder with 15 minutes left to push him over the 18-pound mark.

It was a far cry from the 31-pound bags Nutt had weighed the first two days of the event, but a drop that trended in the same direction as much of the final-day field (Top 10 weights averaged 3 pounds lower on Thursday then Tuesday). Nutt had made hay for two days with a TrueBass FF Minnow on a 1/4-ounce Scottsboro Tackle tungsten jighead, an orange  Berkley Frittside  and an unnamed jerkbait, fishing a hard-bottom staging area at the mouth of a spawning bay.

It was an area he located on the first day of the tournament, caught a personal-best 10-11 on his first cast on Day 2 and exploited for a hearty percentage of the 63-2 he weighed in the first two days.

“I’d caught an 8 and a couple of 6 1/2s and last a 10-pounder there the first day, and then caught the 10-11 on my first cast on Day 2 – that was a good spot,” Nutt said. “It dried up on me, I couldn’t get a bite there (the final day), maybe because of the dropping water – it dropped maybe 2 feet during the tournament. I had to fish around on new water, which wasn’t really working very good. I caught that 4-pounder right before I ran back in.”

Regardless of how the rest of Nutt’s 2025 season unfolds, the 21-year-old’s efforts in February and March alone represent one of the most impressive runs of tournament success in recent memory:

  • His 84-4 at the early February event at Pickwick was the heaviest three-day Series weight ever for Pickwick and the fourth-heaviest weight ever in Series competition.
  • His 81-14 this week is second only to Banks Shaw’s all-time Series Chick record of 82-12 in 2024.
  • Nutt’s two-day total from just Days 1 and 2 on Chickamauga (63-2) rank in the Top 100 in Series history.
  • Nutt’s three 30-pound days to date this season (30-0 on Day 3 at Pickwick; 31-13 and 31-5 on Days 1 and 2 at Chickamauga) place him in exclusive company: he’s one of only five MLF anglers in history with three or more 30-plus-pound career bags to their credit.

As noteworthy as Nutt’s tournament stats are, Chickamauga’s productivity in 2025 is equally impressive. This week produced four 30-plus-pound bags (two for Nutt, one apiece for Falardeau and O’Barr). The 59-mile-long Tennessee River impoundment kicked out 32-7 for Corey Neece in the Feb. 8 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Volunteer Division opener; a month later, Tripp Berlinsky  popped 32-9 to win the March 8 Choo Choo Division BFL event on Chickamauga.  
“Chickamauga is unbelievable, it has a lot of big fish in it,” Nutt said. “You have to come out here with the mindset that you’re going to catch big ones. Every time I’ve ever been here, there are always giants caught. This place is full of ‘em.”

The top 10 pros at the Toyota Series at Lake Chickamauga finished:

1st:        Dylan Nutt, Nashville, Tenn., 15 bass, 81-14, $36,067
2nd:       Hayden O’Barr, Scottsboro, Ala., 15 bass, 79-0, $13,782
3rd:       Ethan Fields, Breese, Ill., 15 bass, 73-14, $10,670
4th:        Carter Nutt, Nashville, Tenn., 15 bass, 72-15, $8,892
5th:        Dillon Falardeau, Hixson, Tenn., 15 bass, 72-5, $8,003
6th:        Lake Johnson, Trinity, Ala., 15 bass, 67-14, $7,113
7th:        Fisher Anaya, Eva, Ala., 15 bass, 66-4, $6,724
8th:        Banks Shaw, Harrison, Tenn., 15 bass, 66-4, $6,335 (includes $1,000 Phoenix Bonus)
9th:        Logan Dyar, Cleveland, Ala., 15 bass, 64-11, $4,446
10th:     Preston Kolisek, Loretto, Tenn., 15 bass, 64-6, $3,557

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Pro Fisher Anaya earned Tuesday’s Day 1 $500 Berkley Big Bass Award with a bass weighing 10 pounds, 6 ounces, while tournament-winner Nutt earned the $500 Berkley Big Bass on Wednesday with a 10-pound, 11-ounce lunker to earn the $500 prize.

Brian Brecka of Alma, Wisconsin, won the co-angler division Thursday with a three-day total of 14 bass weighing 43 pounds, 1 ounce. Brecka earned the top co-angler prize package worth $33,500, including a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard motor.

The top 10 co-anglers at the Toyota Series at Lake Chickamauga finished:

1st:        Brian Brecka, Alma, Wis., 14 bass, 43-1, Phoenix 518 Pro boat w/115-hp Mercury outboard
2nd:       David Ramirez, Sugar Hill, Ga., 12 bass, 39-14, $4,506
3rd:       Chuck Higgins, Englewood, Ohio, 13 bass, 39-14, $3,605
4th:        Kris McCarter, Pheba, Miss., 11 bass, 33-15, $3,154
5th:        James Cobbs, Vinemont, Ala., 11 bass, 32-2, $2,704
6th:        Joseph Chilcott, Williamson, Ga., 10 bass, 29-15, $2,253
7th:        Joshua Paul, Oliver Springs, Tenn., 12 bass, 29-15, $1,802
8th:        Cason Sanchez, Fayetteville, Tenn., eight bass, 28-7, $1,577
9th:        Pop Catalin, Cookeville, Tenn., 12 bass, 28-6, $1,352
10th:     Kevin Henderson, Honea Path, S.C., 10 bass, 28-4, $1,127

Co-angler Alex Moore of Chester, Illinois, earned Tuesday’s Berkley Big Bass co-angler award after bringing an 8-pound, 3-ounce bass to the scale to win the $150 prize, while Wednesday’s Day 2 $150 co-angler award went to John White of Corryton, Tennessee, who weighed in a 7-pound, 6-ounce largemouth.

The Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats at Lake Chickamauga was hosted by the Rhea County Department of Tourism – Fish Dayton. It was the second of three regular-season tournament for the Toyota Series Central Division. The third and final event for the Toyota Series Southwestern Division regular season will be May 14-16 – The Toyota Series at Lake Guntersville Presented by Suzuki Marine in Scottsboro, Alabama. For a complete schedule of events, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The 2025 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consists of five divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern and the Southwestern – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the five divisions or the Wild Card division and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 and a qualification to REDCREST 2026. The winning co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard. The 2025 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 6-8 on Grand Lake in Grove, Oklahoma, and is hosted by the City of Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau.

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

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





2025 Spring Classic Sale

Brian Carter
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2025 Spring Classic Sale

Let the Bass Cast help you rake in the savings and buy more, tackle with these discounts.

CLICK HERE TO BEGIN





Safely Sinking by DAIWA

Brian Carter
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Safely Sinking by DAIWA
Safely Sinking
NOW AVAILABLE, XBRAID’s new Sinking SS112 braid reduces live bait fatigue, keeps rigs on the bottom, cranks with authority, advances FFS techniques, and lets you explore the entire water column with authority.
FOOTHILL RANCH, CA (March 21, 2025) – The influence line selection has on performance is substantial. A perfectly paired rod and reel spooled with the wrong line massively affects the state of play. For example, if you fish 25-lb. monofilament on a rod rated for 8- to 12-lb., casts will be short and clunky and there’s but a scarce chance of feeling a bite.At the opposite end of the spectrum, spooling with a premium specialty line that matches your exact techniques and or conditions, and the results are splendid. This is the baseline thinking behind XBRAID’s new Sinking SS112 fishing line – the SS standing for “slow sinking”.  Before delving into the specific merits of Sinking SS112, it’s prudent to showcase Japan’s XBRAID family and what makes these lines so groundbreaking.Let’s begin at the beginning. For years, braided lines woven with Dyneema® were considered the most progressive, but that’s changing as IZANAS® takes the lead. The ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene material has the highest strength and modulus of any manmade fiber. How strong? Try nearly 8 times stronger than piano wire of the same weight.“Beyond IZANAS being an unrivaled base material, it’s how individual weights of the entire XBRAID family are manufactured that makes it far superior to the competition,” said DAIWA Field Marketing Manager, Chris Martin. “Other companies take a single base material and stretch it to achieve the desired diameter and weight. This creates inconsistencies, which can lead to weak spots.”
Uniquely, each diameter and weight of XBRAID is produced from a dedicated spool. So, for example, if 10-pound XBRAID is the desired final weight, the base material fiber is 10-pound. No stretching. No irregularities.Martin goes on to underscore the weaving process employed for all XBRAID lines. “The actual weaving machines are proprietary and built in-house to create the WX Weave. In traditional weaving processes used by other brands the line comes off multiple bobbins. That means an in an 8 strand weave there are 8 bobbins spitting out line. That results in line twist and inconsistencies.”With XBRAID’s “top secret” WX Weave, the strands come together uniformly to yield exceptional consistency. Moreover, the XBRAID process produces a denser weave – 1.5 X the competition – with more material in the finished product. That tighter weave results in a smoother, more abrasion resistant, and exceptionally sensitive fishing line. The meticulous process also takes twice as long as the competition, and anglers are the beneficiaries of the patient production.The WX Weave also generates a rounder and slightly stiffer line. This modest amount of stiffness makes it much easier to handle and tie, nearer how monofilament feels. This manageability translates into fewer bird’s nests on the cast, too. But if you happen to snarl, the micro stiffness makes it much easier to untangle the knot.    
MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS FOR XBRAID SINKING SS112A higher sink rate clearly improves efficacy for certain fishing techniques. For starters, XBRAID Sinking SS112 offers a massive advantage in saltwater environs. We’ve all seen live bait exhaust while struggling against buoyant line – and most braids float. But spool up with XBRAID Sinking SS112, and your bait is driven down, reducing fatigue on mullet, sardine, pilcher, or whatever your baitfish of choice.“XBRAID Sinking SS112 also keeps your bait pinned to the bottom,” said Martin. “That’s crucial for so many bass fishing applications, like dropshotting, Ned rigging, Neko rigging, and Wacky Rigging, as well as jigging a vertical spoon or keeping a shaky head on the bottom.”Sinking line is beneficial, too, when exploring a sizable section of the water column, say with a spybait, lipless crankbait, or hair jig. Add to that crankbait fishing, as sinking line reduces line bow and maximizes a bait’s running depth.Forward-facing sonar (FFS) enthusiasts also have a friend in XBRAID Sinking SS112. Getting a lure down rapidly to detected fish is crucial, as they mightn’t be there long. Sinking line accelerates the operation.
Spool up with XBRAID Sinking SS-112, and your bait is driven down, reducing fatigue on mullet, sardine, pilcher, or whatever your baitfish of choice.
How does XBRAID Sinking SS112 achieve such depths? It’s all in the materials and manufacturing. Martin talked about the materials: “It’s an 8-strand carrier like the other XBRAID models, but what makes Sinking SS112 different is the equal parts blend of IZANAS® and ester (polyester). Ester has less stretch than monofilament and fluorocarbon – which is used by other brands – and is higher density than water, so it sinks.It’s in the weaving, too. “The IZANAS and ester are interwoven for greater density and consistency,” said Martin.” Other brands typically wrap braid material around fluorocarbon, which promotes bunching and irregularities.”XBRAID Sinking SS112 comes in a high visibility yellow for maximum management. To that, the line is UV activated for lowlight fishing conditions. 
XBRAID Sinking SS112 FEATURES:Balanced blend of IZANAS® polyethylene and ester to strands to promote sinking8-carrier braidProprietary WX Weave processHigh visibility yellow with UV activationPerfectly roundHigh breaking strengthAbrasion resistant165-yard spoonAvailable in 8-lb to 30-lb weightsMSRP $25.99
For Daiwa’s latest color catalog and/or information on Daiwa dealers in your area, call Daiwa’s Customer Service Department at 562-375-6800 or e-mail inquiries to: [email protected]. The URL for Daiwa’s web site is daiwa.us





Minn Kota® Introduces Kayak Terrova: Effortless, Reliable Control For Your Kayak

Brian Carter
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Minn Kota® Introduces Kayak Terrova: Effortless, Reliable Control For Your Kayak
  • By FTR Industry Wire
  • March 20, 2025

Minn Kota expands its legacy of boat control with the all-new Kayak Terrova, built for precision and performance.

Racine, WI – Minn Kota®, a leader in trolling motor innovation for over 90 years, is bringing its proven technology to kayak anglers with the all-new Minn Kota Kayak Terrova. Designed to make boat control effortless and reliable, this motor puts advanced GPS navigation right at anglers’ fingertips—so they can focus on fishing, not fighting the conditions.

Built for kayak anglers who seek an improved on-water experience, the Kayak Terrova features Minn Kota’s most trusted GPS trolling system with Spot-Lock®, Autopilot™, Drift Mode, and much more—making boat positioning a breeze. The One-Boat Network® integration seamlessly links with Humminbird fish finders for real-time control, while the Digital Maximizer™ extends battery life so you can stay on the water longer. With an Extremely Durable Composite 36” Shaft, and a weedless prop, this motor is built to handle whatever the day throws at you.

“The Kayak Terrova brings Minn Kota’s trusted innovation to the kayak fishing world, giving anglers an intuitive, easy way to stay on fish,” said Hannah O’Connor, Brand Manager, Minn Kota. “Whether you’re locking onto a spot, drifting with precision, or navigating hands-free, this motor is designed to help you fish smarter—not harder.”

Key Features & Benefits:

  • Rugged 12V, 55 lb Thrust Motor with 36″ Shaft – Powerful, reliable performance designed for optimal kayak control.
  • Advanced GPS Trolling System – Spot-Lock GPS Anchor, Autopilot, Drift Mode, and more for precise boat control.
  • Effortless Stow & Deploy – Smooth operation with a simple lever and Auto Park.
  • One-Boat Network Integration – Syncs with Humminbird fish finders for full system control.
  • Digital Maximizer™ – Extends battery life for up to five times longer run time.
  • Weedless Wedge™ 2 Prop – Cuts through vegetation efficiently.
  • Extremely Durable Composite Shaft – Built to last, guaranteed for life

MSRP: $1,499.99

Available: March 20, 2025

With a simple stow-and-deploy lever, a rugged 12V, 55 lb thrust motor, and an array of smart features, the Kayak Terrova gives anglers complete control. Whether using the Micro Remote, the One-Boat Network App, or a connected Humminbird® fish finder, anglers can adjust their position from anywhere on the kayak. Plus, with a 2-year warranty, confidence on the water comes standard.

For kayak anglers looking to take control of their time on the water, the Kayak Terrova delivers Minn Kota’s proven performance in a compact, easy-to-use system.

See the Minn Kota Kayak Terrova Trolling Motor in action and learn more.

About Johnson Outdoors

JOHNSON OUTDOORS FISHING is comprised of the Humminbird®, Minn Kota® and Cannon® brands. Humminbird is a leading global innovator and manufacturer of marine electronics products including fish finders, multifunction displays, autopilots, ice flashers, and premium cartography products. Minn Kota is the world’s leading manufacturer of electric trolling motors, as well as a complete line of shallow water anchors, battery chargers and marine accessories. Cannon is the leader in controlled-depth fishing and includes a full line of downrigger products and accessories.

Visit Humminbird at www.humminbird.com

Visit Minn Kota at www.minnkotamotors.com

Visit Cannon at www.cannondownriggers.com

JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global outdoor recreation company that inspires more people to experience the awe of the great outdoors with innovative, top-quality products. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft, Fishing, Diving and Camping.

Visit Johnson Outdoors at www.johnsonoutdoors.com





Shimano Expands Suspended Jerkbait Lineup with New Colorways

Brian Carter
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Shimano Expands Suspended Jerkbait Lineup with New Colorways

Shimano Expands Suspended Jerkbait Lineup with New Colorways

  • March 20, 2025

Providing an edge for anglers targeting freshwater gamefish across North America.

Charleston, SC – Shimano North America Fishing introduces five new colorways across three of its premium suspended jerkbaits: the World Minnow 115SP, Zumverno 95SP, and Zumverno 115SP MR. The new colorways combine Shimano’s proven BOOST CONCEPT lure technologies with an ultra-natural finish to trigger more strikes from wary gamefish. All three suspended jerkbait offerings now feature the highly anticipated Matte Perch color pattern, designed to replicate young-of-the-year perch, a primary forage base in top northern fisheries.

“Shimano is excited to introduce new color options to our celebrated jerkbait lineup,” says Bob Mahoney, Shimano Marketing Manager. “By combining proprietary technologies like FLASH BOOST, JET BOOST, and SCALE BOOST with a variety of baitfish-imitating patterns, anglers are now equipped to handle any conditions they encounter on the water.”

CLICK TO FINISH





Hobie® Eyewear Celebrates Global Recycling Day with New Style Hull Float

Brian Carter
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Hobie® Eyewear Celebrates Global Recycling Day with New Style Hull Float

Hobie® Eyewear Celebrates Global Recycling Day with New Style Hull Float

  • By FTR Industry Wire
  • March 19, 2025

In honor of Global Recycling Day, Hobie® Eyewear is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability with its’ new style Hull Float, a groundbreaking fusion of eco conscious design and high performance technology.

OCEANSIDE, CA – To mark the occasion, Hobie® Eyewear has released a new video featuring professional anglers Carl Jocumsen and Kristine Fischer, who share their thoughts on sustainability, performance, and how Hull Float is shaping the future of responsible fishing.

Crafted from 100% upcycled Hobie® Kayak scrap plastic, Hull Float sunglasses minimize waste while maximizing durability and performance. Each frame is made from repurposed kayak hatch cutouts, transformed through an innovative grinding and injection molding process. This sustainable approach gives new life to excess materials while maintaining the premium quality and durability that Hobie® Eyewear is known.

“I can’t say enough about how much the Hobie® Eyewear Hull Float sunglasses mean to me. They’re everything I’ve ever wanted in eyewear, and collaborating with such an iconic brand like Hobie® has been an incredible experience,” said Bassmaster Elite Series pro Carl Jocumsen. “These shades are priced right but feel and fit like a high-end pair, with uncompromising lens quality—exactly what I need to compete against the best in the world. And to top it all off, they’re made from upcycled materials, and they float, so you can feel good about protecting the environment while you’re out on the water. Huge thanks to Hobie® Eyewear for making it happen!”Hull Float is equipped with bio based polarized nylon lenses made from castor oil, reducing carbon emissions by over 50% compared to traditional lenses. These lenses deliver superior clarity, glare reduction, and 100% UV protection, ensuring an optimal visual experience on the water. The ultralight floating frame allows for easy retrieval if dropped, while the HydroClean™ 360° coating repels water, oil, and dust for crystal clear vision in all conditions. Built to withstand the harshest elements, Hull Float is heat resistant, durable, and adventure ready.

CLICK LINK TO FINISH





Crawford, Wagner get last laugh with win at Bassmaster Classic Celebrity Pro-Am

Brian Carter
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Crawford, Wagner get last laugh with win at Bassmaster Classic Celebrity Pro-Am


Comedian and actor Lavell Crawford, left, and Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series rookie Emil Wagner, right, won the Progressive Bassmaster Classic Celebrity Pro-Am driven by Yokohama Tire.

Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.

March 19, 2025

Crawford, Wagner get last laugh with win at Bassmaster Classic Celebrity Pro-Am

FORT WORTH, Texas — Comedian and actor Lavell Crawford and Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series rookie Emil Wagner teamed up to win the 2nd annual Progressive Bassmaster Classic Celebrity Pro-Am driven by Yokohama Tire to kick off the extravaganza of activities that surround the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour in Fort Worth, Texas.

“I called (the win) … I called it,” Crawford said. “You got to think things into existence if you want it. I had a great time. It was so fun. Emil’s a great kid and we had a good time out there on the water.

“They said I didn’t catch anything, but hey, man, I put in work. I would have caught them if they had bit my line, that’s all I can say,” Crawford laughed.

The team won a set of Yokohama tires and a $2,500 Bass Pro Shops gift card. 

The Pro-Am boasted a wide variety of celebrity guests, ranging from NFL, NASCAR, WWE and Olympic athletes to musicians, actors, comedians and other celebrities. The star-studded field teamed with a host of pro anglers, including pros from the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series and the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN, in kicking off Classic week events.

The Pro-Am celebrates the meteoric rise of competitive fishing in pop culture and featured teams of celebrities matched with some of the world’s best anglers.

The celebrity guests featured included:

  • Social media influencer and reigning Bassmaster Classic Pro-Am champion Hood Fishing Entertainment
  • Barstool Sports talent/host Sydnie Wells
  • Tennessee Titans defensive linebacker Jeffery Simmons
  • Baltimore Ravens guard Ben Cleveland
  • Three-time Olympic gold medalist for shot put and discus Ryan Crouser
  • NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain
  • Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen
  • Social media personality Justin Chiasson (Stalekracker) 
  • Comedian and actor Lavell Crawford
  • U.S Marine Veteran & Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer
  • BlacktipH content creator/designer Jake Jorgensen
  • Bluegrass music artist Billy Strings
  • Southern Methodist University Head Football Coach Rhett Lashlee
  • Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Kevin Dotson
  • 8-year NFL veteran Barkevious Mingo
  • WWE Superstar Bron Breakker
  • WWE Superstar Tony D’Angelo
  • TV personality Heavy D (Diesel Brothers)
  • TV personality Diesel Dave (Diesel Brothers)
  • Canadian TV personality Pat Roach (Trailer Park Boys)
  • Dallas Cowboys linebacker Damone Clark
  • 12-year NFL veteran Trent Cole

Celebrities in the Pro-Am were paired with some of the biggest names in bass fishing, including:

  • 50-year Bassmaster pro and four-time Bassmaster Classic champion Rick Clunn
  • 30-year Bassmaster pro and Bassmaster Classic champion Mike Iaconelli
  • Two-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year and 20-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier Gerald Swindle
  • Bassmaster Elite Series rookie Andrew Loberg
  • Two-time Bassmaster Elite Series champion and Bassmaster Rookie of the Year Joey Cifuentes
  • Two-time Bassmaster High School All-American Tucker Smith
  • Sixteen-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier and Bassmaster Classic champion Randy Howell
  • 2021 B.A.S.S. Nation champion Matty Wong
  • Two-time Bassmaster Opens champion and Bassmaster Team Championship champion Matt Robertson
  • 2021 Bassmaster Northern Opens Angler of the Year Jonathan Kelley
  • Three-time Elite Series champion Steve Kennedy
  • Bassmaster Elite Series rookie Emil Wagner
  • Two-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year and six-time Bassmaster Elite Series champion Brandon Palaniuk
  • Bassmaster Elite Series champion Luke Palmer
  • Two-time Bassmaster Elite Series champion Bill Lowen
  • Three-time Bassmaster Opens champion Stephen Browning
  • Bassmaster Opens champion Cliff Crochet
  • Bassmaster Elite Series rookie and Bassmaster College Series champion Beau Browning
  • Bassmaster Elite Series rookie Paul Marks
  • Bassmaster Elite Series newcomer and seven-year professional angler Dakota Ebare
  • Bassmaster Opens champion and Bassmaster College Classic Bracket champion Tristan McCormick
  • Bassmaster Opens pro and BassmastHER ambassador Anastasia Patterson

The pairings for the 2025 Bassmaster Classic Progressive Celebrity Pro-Am driven by Yokohama Tire were:

  • Dakota Ebare and Hood Fishing Entertainment
  • Joey Cifuentes and Ben Cleveland
  • Tucker Smith and Sydnie Wells
  • Rick Clunn and Ross Chastain
  • Gerald Swindle and Dakota Meyer
  • Mike Iaconelli and Billy Strings
  • Matty Wong and Diesel Dave (Diesel Brothers)
  • Matt Robertson and Tony D’Angelo
  • Jonathan Kelley and Jake Jorgensen
  • Steve Kennedy and Rhett Lashlee
  • Brandon Palaniuk and Heavy D (Diesel Brothers)
  • Luke Palmer and Pat Roach (Trailer Park Boys)
  • Bill Lowen and Bron Breakker
  • Cliff Crochet and Justin Chiasson (Stalekracker)
  • Beau Browning and Ryan Crouser
  • Emil Wagner and Lavell Crawford
  • Paul Marks and Kevin Dotson
  • Andrew Loberg and Barkevious Mingo
  • Randy Howell and Jeffery Simmons
  • Stephen Browning and Trent Cole
  • Tristan McCormick and Patrick Queen
  • Anastasia Patterson and Damone Clark

Coverage of the 2025 Bassmaster Classic Progressive Celebrity Pro-Am driven by Yokohama Tire will be presented on The Roku Channel on April 5.

2025 Bassmaster Classic Progressive Celebrity Pro-Am Driven by Yokohama 3/19-3/19
Eagle Mountain Lake , Fort Worth  TX.
 

    Team                                                                         

1.  Emil Wagner – Lavell Crawford                                                      
  Day 1: 2   12-09   Total:   2  12-09
2.  Brandon Palaniuk – Heavy D                                                         
  Day 1: 1   10-12   Total:   1  10-12
3.  Beau Browning – Ryan Crouser                                                       
  Day 1: 4   09-15   Total:   4  09-15
4.  Steve Kennedy – Rhett Lashlee                                                      
  Day 1: 2   09-15   Total:   2  09-15
5.  Joey Cifuentes III – Ben Cleveland                                                 
  Day 1: 3   08-10   Total:   3  08-10
6.  Rick Clunn – Ross Chastain                                                         
  Day 1: 4   06-09   Total:   4  06-09
7.  Jonathan Kelley – Jake Jorgensen                                                   
  Day 1: 2   06-00   Total:   2  06-00
8.  Randy Howell – Jeffrey Simmons                                                     
  Day 1: 2   05-01   Total:   2  05-01
9.  Dakota Ebare – Hood Fishing Entertainment                                          
  Day 1: 2   05-00   Total:   2  05-00
10. Cliff Crochet – Stalekracker                                                       
  Day 1: 1   04-08   Total:   1  04-08
11. Matty Wong – Diesel Dave                    
  Day 1: 2   03-15   Total:   2  03-15
12. Paul Marks – Kevin Dotson                  
  Day 1: 2   03-14   Total:   2  03-14
13. Tucker Smith – Sydnie Wells                 
  Day 1: 1   03-09   Total:   1  03-09
14. Stephen Browning – Trent Cole                                                      
  Day 1: 1   03-00   Total:   1  03-00
14. Michael Iaconelli – Billy Strings                                                  
  Day 1: 1   03-00   Total:   1  03-00
16. Andrew Loberg – Barkevious Mingo            
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
16. Bill Lowen – Bronson Steiner                                                       
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
16. Tristan McCormick – Patrick Queen                                                  
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
16. Luke Palmer – Pat Roach                                                            
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
16. Anastasia Patterson – Damone Clark                                                 
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
16. Matt Robertson – Tony D’Angelo                                                     
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
16. Gerald Swindle – Dakota Meyer                                                      
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
 1         0        30        96-05
———————————-
           0        30        96-05





Todd Langford and Thomas Harden Win Fishers of Men VA West on SML

Brian Carter
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0
Todd Langford and Thomas Harden Win Fishers of Men VA West on SML

We had a great tournament yesterday with a great meeting Friday at Palestine Baptist Church.
Thanks to Paul Menschner State Farm we had 100% payback!


The team of Todd Langford and Thomas Harden finished first with 18.21. They also won a $500 gift card from RockOutdoor!. In second was the team of Jared Sowers and Kevin Allison with 17.2.
In 3rd was the team of Bobby Pauley and Steven Deisher with 15.79. In 4th was the team of Daniel Mcclure and Ray Scroggins with 15.6. Tied for 5th were the team of Matt Foster and Matt Atkins and the team of Taft William Durr and Jon Simmons both with 13.96. Winning a pair of new Varitas rods were Jody Thompson and Tony Allgeier.


Our next tournament is at Claytor on 4/12/2025
All information is at fomntt.com





What Is Ours to Protect?: Serving Our Needs into the Future

Bruce Callis
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What Is Ours to Protect?: Serving Our Needs into the Future

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Things are getting crazy! The weather keeps changing, cold fronts keep messing with the fishing, and the government faces another shutdown. All of it affects how we do what we love.
The state runs our local Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. They are in charge of our local DWR-run ponds and lakes. They benefit from our fishing licenses and other resources to do the work they do. They are responsible for the management of inland fisheries, wildlife, and recreational boating in Virginia. They also operate nine fish cultural stations around the state, four warm water and five cold water, that hatch and rear fish for annual fish stocking.

The other big agency for land management in Virginia is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It is a bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior. They oversee lands that are part of the Refuge System and help oversee lands that are put into conservation easements. They work with the state and counties to help in the management and protection of fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the American people.

The refuge system has seen its budget cut every year and staffing positions go unfilled for years. These positions are crucial to the mission of the refugees. These refugees run on a skeleton crew as is and rely on part time positions to help them every year. Some positions that are empty go unfilled because of the budget cuts. We aren’t talking about fluff positions either. One refuge I personally help with through a Friends Group has seen the maintenance position go unfilled when the employee retired.

That means that the upkeep of the equipment, the things we take for granted like mowing the grass, keeping the roads passable, and other jobs don’t get done. The maintenance position is not a single unit job, but oversees all the properties within a refuge system. While for us, the Friends group is helping do a lot of the jobs, not every refuge is so lucky. It takes a lot of volunteers and not all Refuges have them.

While some people think the refuge system is about taking away the land, it is actually working to save it for future generations. They use educational resources to help groups and schools. The local refuge system here works with the local schools to offer field days tailored to fit the needs of the students. They also offer a free kids fishing day every year to get kids into the outdoors. They offer them the tools to continue this beyond the one day. They are given baits and tackle that will help them grow and become stewards of nature while fishing.

A lot of the refuge units offer fishing opportunities, both fresh and saltwater free to the public. We can always enjoy them. But with budget cuts and possible government shutdowns, the future is uncertain. The last time we had a shutdown, the units remained open, but the employees were laid off until the budget was restored. And with everything happening, we are not sure if units will be closed in the near future. That means that land that “we the people” own may be shut off from our use. For some areas, that may be the only free public fishing water available.
It is up to each of us to do our part and help protect our property. That means letting our state and congressional representatives know how important this department is and how we need to keep them fully staffed for us. We can even let our president know that we need to protect these areas.

And we all need to see about volunteering at the local refuge. You can call and see if they have a Friend’s Group locally. Volunteering doesn’t mean you have to do anything big, just give a little of your time. They can always use your money to help the refuge, but, it can’t fill positions. Like to garden, there are opportunities. Bird watching, there are opportunities. Fishing, there are opportunities? That’s how I got involved. A couple of hours or a lot, you decide. But let’s all get involved to help protect what is ours!





Z-Man Fishing Announces The Baby Jack

Brian Carter
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0
Z-Man Fishing Announces The Baby Jack

Z-Man Fishing Announces The Baby Jack

  • By FTR Industry Wire
  • March 18, 2025

Z-Man®/Evergreen International alliance delivers new ChatterBait® JackHammer™ Baby Jack™.

Ladson, SC – Three years ago, the idea was conceived. Realizing most great anglers were throwing ChatterBait JackHammers at every derby and on every bass lake in America and beyond, Brett Hite and Japanese bass wizard Morizo Shimizu quietly returned to the lure lab.

From the jump, the goal was to create an even more refined bladed jig that chattered to bass on a slightly altered octave; to deliver a familiar sound and vibration, yet one with subtle revisions to its underwater frequency, action and profile.

Today, Z-Man and Evergreen celebrate their power-packed third bladed jig collaboration, codename Baby Jack™.

Cultivated to combat the toughest bass fisheries in America, Japan and beyond, the JackHammer Baby Jack wields numerous tournament-grade accoutrements, leading with a cultivated, downsized stainless steel ChatterBlade®. Sharing the JackHammer’s acclaimed instant-start vibration, the Baby Jack leans on its direct blade-to-jighead connection to deflect cover, produce relentless blade/jighead collisions and generate vibrant ChatterBait music—albeit on a slightly higher vibrational frequency.

“Japanese fisheries are notoriously tough, and the Baby Jack has been tested in Japan with impressive results,” states Evergreen’s Morizo, perhaps the preeminent bladed jig practitioner across the Pacific. “That was the driving force behind the Baby: tough conditions and heavily pressured playing fields where just a few more big bites can make all the difference.”

Downsized Blade Schematics
For Hite and Morizo, tricking tough bass meant, foremost, building a bait with a wider range of retrieve speeds, from super slow roll to speed demon. To achieve perfection, both bladed jig artists vetted numerous blade sizes before punching out a thumbnail-sized hexagon, mere clicks smaller than original.

“On the ChatterBait performance spectrum, the Baby Jack moves with a tighter vibration and a more restrained flash than the original JackHammer, but still noticeably stronger than the StealthBlade™,” notes Morizo. “Similar to the original, the Baby Jack hunts freely, too, especially when you give the lure little pops with the rod.

Additionally, Morizo says the smaller blade and its reduced water resistance enable faster retrieves in the same water column. “When the water’s warmer or you just need to cover more territory or to trigger a quick reaction under tougher conditions, the Baby Jack is the ultimate adjustment that will entice extra bites.”

Hite adds: “Even with the smaller blade, the Baby Jack still has a good thump to it. You can really feel it and read what’s happening. You know right away if it’s fouled a blade of grass, and you can rip free. Or when a bass quietly inhales the lure and swims toward you . . . the blade goes dead and signals a rapid-fire hookset. Those are key details that made the JackHammer into an all-time great—and the Baby Jack is all that and a little more.

As Morizo also suggests, “The Baby’s reduced size means its more aerodynamic and casts like a bullet, even in wind. And for fishing across shallow grass or super skinny water, you can really burn this lure, while the blade stays down and doesn’t blow out.”

For these specific scenarios, Morizo wanted a new 1/4-ounce variant (in addition to 3/8- and 1/2-ounce sizes) for rocketing cleanly across the skinniest water and the gnarliest cover.

Weight-Balanced Jighead 
To further ensure the Baby Jack stays down in the water column and swims with a balanced, natural horizontal posture, Hite and Morizo devised an astute alteration to the jighead. “We shrunk the size of the head itself, while shifting more weight—including an enlarged, restructured collar—further back down the spine,” says Hite.

“Besides moving more fluidly through the water, this reconfigured jighead also lets the lure skip super far and easy, and with minimal commotion.” 

The Ultimate Hook & Trailer Keeper Combo
Shifting focus toward the business end, a custom fitted 3/0 medium wire Decoy hook offers the perfect compromise, fitting standard soft plastic trailers like the 4.5-inch Z-Man ChatterSpike™ or more compact options like the 3.5-inch ChatterShad™.

To click ElaZtech® and other ChatterBait trailers tightly into place, the Baby Jack shares the same reliable split-grip wire trailer keeper as the OG.

“Another primary consideration in choosing this hook was giving anglers the choice to use a range of lines, from 12-pound fluorocarbon for fishing deeper in clear, open water to traditional 25-pound test for slashing through grass and other cover,” Hite explains.

“I’ve always preferred a wider gap O’Shaughnessy bend hook for the best bladed jig performance, including maxed hookset ratios. The 3/0 custom Japanese Decoy hook is a rockstar, lighter in gauge, wicked sharp and strong as an oak.”

Final Refinements
Providing a solid, trustworthy line-tie, the Baby Jack is equipped with a Japanese Decoy Egg Snap, slightly scaled down from the original. To combat skirt wear and increase longevity, each JackHammer Baby Jack employs wire-wrapped pro-grade silicone skirts.

Sharing the same spirit of mega tournament wins and personal best big bass, Z-Man is set to launch the new JackHammer Baby Jack at the 2025 Classic Expo (March 21 to 23), headquartered in downtown Fort Worth, Texas. The Baby Jack is available now in three sizes (1/4-, 3/8- and ½-ounce) and ten pro-selected color patterns, MSRP $15.99. 

About Z-Man Fishing Products

A dynamic Charleston, South Carolina based company, Z-Man Fishing Products has melded leading edge fishing tackle with technology for nearly three decades. Z-Man has long been among the industry’s largest suppliers of silicone skirt material used in jigs, spinnerbaits and other lures. Creator of the Original ChatterBait®, Z-Man is also the renowned innovators of 10X Tough ElaZtech softbaits, fast becoming the most coveted baits in fresh- and saltwater. Z-Man is one of the fastest-growing lure brands worldwide.





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