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Tuesday, December 16, 2025
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University of Florida and University of Tennessee Go Head to Head at Inaugural Abu Garcia College Rivalry Tournament

Brian Carter
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University of Florida and University of Tennessee Go Head to Head at Inaugural Abu Garcia College Rivalry Tournament

Competition set for Monday, Oct. 7, livestreamed from 8:20 a.m. to 1:10 p.m. ET on MajorLeagueFishing.com

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 3, 2024) – The University of Florida’s collegiate bass fishing team will be traveling to Fort Loudoun Lake in Knoxville, Tennessee on October 7 to compete against the University of Tennessee in the first ever Abu Garcia College Rivalry Tournament. This one-of-a-kind event, scheduled during the week of the highly anticipated Tennessee vs. Florida college football matchup, will highlight the competitive nature of the universities’ fishing clubs in a live head-to-head matchup that will be livestreamed by Major League Fishing. The College Rivalry Tournament was created to drive home the Abu Garcia brand sentiment of ‘Fish to Win’ while promoting the future of fishing.

Florida versus Tennessee is one of college football’s most heated and exciting rivalries. What better way to kick off a great college football rivalry week than pitting the fishing teams against each other in a head-to-head bass fishing battle that is being live streamed for the world of sports to watch and enjoy? In this event, Abu Garcia, in partnership with the University of Tennessee Athletics, aims to elevate the experience for college anglers by celebrating them as athletes.

“We have been looking forward to this event for a very long time,” said Marc Kempter, Abu Garcia’s Vice President of Marketing Communications. “The Abu Garcia brand cares deeply about the future generation of fishing and has for a long time supported the high school and college fishing ranks. This event is another spectacle we are adding to the list of efforts to give back to student anglers. This should be a very exciting event for the teams competing, fans watching and for each school to get behind as they lead up to a fun college football rivalry game in Knoxville.”

By combining the excitement of college football with the thrill of competitive fishing, Abu Garcia seeks to promote the future of fishing to a broader audience. The unique collaboration between Abu Garcia, Major League Fishing, the University of Tennessee and the University of Florida ensures that the college anglers will be recognized as athletes, gaining the attention they deserve.

MLF pro Brandon Coulter of Knoxville, Tennessee, is a University of Tennessee alumni and has been involved with the university for the past 35 years.

“I’m really excited to be a part of this event and to donate my time and resources to make it the best it can be,” said Coulter. “Anglers being involved in fishing at this level is awesome and the University of Florida is one of our main rivals, so this is the perfect game to launch this rivalry event.

“We’re looking forward to giving these anglers the opportunity to be more widely recognized as collegiate athletes in their industry, and hope this is a catalyst to get more students involved,” Coulter continued. “Abu Garcia has put a lot of time and resources toward this event and our mission is to give these student athletes as close to the same ‘college game-day experience’ as their fellow college athletes have in other athletic programs.”  

Abu Garcia’s College Rivalry Tournament Details:

• Teams: Both universities will field two boats with two collegiate anglers per boat (4 boats, 8 anglers total)

• Format: Every Fish Counts – winner will be the team with the heaviest overall weight. Tournament day will consist of four quarters of competition with three 5-minute breaks in between.

• Event Schedule:
First Quarter: 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Second Quarter: 9:35 a.m. – 10:35 a.m.
Third Quarter: 10:50 a.m. – 11:50 p.m.
Fourth (Final) Quarter: 11:55 p.m. – 12:55 p.m.

• Prize: The victorious team will take home a $5,000 cash prize courtesy of Abu Garcia and claim bragging rights in this first-ever fishing showdown between the schools.

• Livestream: The event will be streamed live on MLFNOW! from 8:20 a.m. to 1:10 p.m. ET on MajorLeagueFishing.com.

In addition to the competition on the water, Abu Garcia is partnering with the University of Tennessee Athletics, the City of Knoxville, local radio stations and television outlets to promote this inaugural event. To enhance the pre-game excitement and draw in anglers and football fans alike, Abu Garcia has planned several high-profile activities to take place on Saturday, October 12 at Vol Village:

• Fan Experience: Abu Garcia will host a special Fan Zone in Vol Village featuring meet-and-greets with the collegiate bass anglers, pro tournament anglers, a showcase of the tournament trophy and an exciting Abu Garcia product display, complete with swag giveaways for visitors.

• Celebrity Appearance: Fans can expect an appearance from Tennessee alum and current NFL quarterback Josh Dobbs, adding an extra layer of excitement to the weekend’s festivities.

To learn more about Abu Garcia rods and reels, click here.

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



Ready For Snow? Here’s When We First Usually See It

Brian Carter
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Ready For Snow? Here’s When We First Usually See It

Month of the average first accumulating (0.1 inches or greater) snowfall of the season, according to 30-year average statistics.

WEATHER

Month of the average first accumulating (0.1 inches or greater) snowfall of the season, according to 30-year average statistics.
With parts of the country roasting under disturbingly hot temperatures, it’s hard to believe that the season’s first accumulating snow will arrive in some places this month. But October marks a seasonal shift toward the average first accumulating snow of the season in parts of the nation. Check out senior meteorologist Christopher Dolce’s deep dive, complete with regional breakdowns so you can know what is usual for your region here. After the heat of this summer, I know that many of us will really be looking forward to that first snowfall.



MLF Shifts BFL Regional Tournament to Tennessee’s Watts Bar Lake

Brian Carter
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MLF Shifts BFL Regional Tournament to Tennessee’s Watts Bar Lake

WHAT:
The Major League Fishing (MLF) Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine Regional Tournament on Clarks Hill Lake, set for Oct. 17-19, has been moved to Watts Bar Lake due to recent storm damage.

WHEN:
Oct. 17-19

WHERE:
Spring City Boat Ramp
417 Toestring Valley Road
Spring City, Tenn. 37321

NOTES:
Hosted by the Rhea County Department of Tourism – Fish Spring City, the three-day regional tournament will feature the top 45 boaters and co-anglers plus tournament winners from the BFL Choo Choo, Music City, Piedmont and Volunteer divisions, competing for a top prize of $60,000, including a Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, along with lucrative contingency awards, including up to an additional $7,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus. Strike King co-anglers will compete for a top prize of $50,000, including a Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard. Winners will be determined by the heaviest three-day catch.

The top six finishers will qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the 42nd annual BFL All-American. The highest finishing boater from each division will also receive a $1,000 bonus and the highest finishing co-angler from each division will receive a $500 bonus.

The 2024 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the 2025 BFL All-American. The 2025 BFL All-American will take place May 29-31, 2025, at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is hosted by hosted by Visit Hot Springs and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.

Proud sponsors of the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, PowerStop Brakes, REDCON1, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.

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



MLF Announces Schedule, Rules for 2025 Abu Garcia College Fishing and High School Fishing Circuits

Brian Carter
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MLF Announces Schedule, Rules for 2025 Abu Garcia College Fishing and High School Fishing Circuits
BENTON, Ky. (Oct. 2, 2024) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today the 2025 schedules and rules for the Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI and the Abu Garcia High School Fishing Presented by Tackle Warehouse seasons. Both circuits offer prizes, scholarships and advancement opportunities to the 2025 Toyota Series Championship for qualified teams, and for college anglers, a shot to compete against the world’s best pros for a $300,000 top prize at REDCREST 2026.

“This is always one of the most exciting days of the year for MLF – when we get to roll out our College Fishing and High School Fishing schedules for the coming year,” said Kevin Hunt, MLF Senior Director of Tournament Operations for College and High School Fishing. “Our 2025 schedule is one of the best we’ve ever offered and we’re really looking forward to making a return to some great, historical fisheries next season. Kentucky-Barkley Lakes, for example: After a successful Tackle Warehouse Invitational event there this year, we’re extremely excited to bring our college and high school fishing teams back to our ‘home’ waters in Kentucky next March. 

“These tournaments provide excellent platforms for high school and collegiate anglers to demonstrate their skills and passion for the sport and showcase their talent on a national stage. We’re anticipating a memorable, diverse season and can’t wait to see what our young anglers can do on these fisheries.”

The 2025 MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing schedule consists of six qualifying tournaments around the country, culminating in the Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship Presented by Lowrance on Wheeler Lake in Decatur, Alabama.  The top 15% of teams from each event will advance to the 2026 College Fishing National Championship.

The 2025 MLF Abu Garcia High School Fishing circuit will feature teams competing in five Opens, held in conjunction with Abu Garcia College Fishing events to allow students and parents to network with prospective college representatives during the event. Abu Garcia High School Fishing Opens are two-person (team) events for students in grades 7-12, and open to any Student Angler Federation (SAF)-affiliated high school club in the United States. The top 10% of teams in each tournament advance to the High School Fishing National Championship.

Starting in 2025, all boats across all MLF circuits will be limited to the use of two forward-facing or 360-degree sonar transducers in any combination. Additionally, no bow-mounted screen may extend vertically more than 18 inches off the surface of the front deck at its highest point when the boat is on plane, and no screen mounted at the console may extend vertically more than 25 inches off the surface of the driver’s seat. 

To create a more level playing field for up-and-coming student anglers and reinforce the learning of traditional bass-fishing techniques, use of forward-facing and 360-degree sonar will not be allowed in Abu Garcia High School Fishing competition. Its use will not, however, be restricted during practice.

2025 MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI Schedule:

Feb. 14                   Lake Seminole                                                                    Bainbridge, Ga.
March 7                Grand Lake                                                                          Grove, Okla.
March 28              Kentucky-Barkley Lake                                                      Gilbertsville, Ky.
April 9-11              NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP at Wheeler Lake               Decatur, Ala.                        
Sept. 14                  Potomac River                                                                     Marbury, Md.
Sept. 19                  Lake of the Ozarks                                                              Osage Beach, Mo.
Oct. 24                   Lake Hartwell                                                                      Anderson, S.C.
2025 MLF Abu Garcia High School Fishing Opens Presented by Tackle Warehouse Schedule:

Feb. 15                 Lake Seminole                                                                      Bainbridge, Ga.
March 8               Grand Lake                                                                            Grove, Okla.
March 29             Kentucky-Barkley Lake                                                         Gilbertsville, Ky.               
June 25-28           NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP at Grand Lake                    Grove, Okla.
Sept. 20                Lake of the Ozarks                                                                Osage Beach, Mo.
Oct.  25                Lake Hartwell                                                                        Anderson, S.C.

For complete rules and details for the 2025 Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI circuit, click here. For complete rules and details for the 2025 Abu Garcia High School Fishing Presented by Tackle Warehouse circuit, click here. 

Entries for both circuits will be accepted starting December 9. Students can enter online at MajorLeagueFishing.com or by calling 270.252.1000.

For regular College and High School Fishing updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube .



How to Spot a Caged Bass: Signs of Captivity in Tournament Fish

Brian Carter
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How to Spot a Caged Bass: Signs of Captivity in Tournament Fish

As an avid bass angler, I’ve learned to spot the telltale signs that a bass has been kept in a cage or livewell for a while. Whether you’re participating in a catch-and-release tournament or just curious about fish behavior, knowing these indicators can be incredibly useful. Let me share some insights I’ve gained over years of tournament fishing.

Physical Appearance Changes

When bass are confined for extended periods, their appearance can change noticeably. The most obvious sign is often a faded coloration. Bass kept in cages or livewells may lose their vibrant hues, appearing duller or paler than their free-swimming counterparts. This color change is usually temporary but can be quite pronounced.

Fin Damage and Abrasions

One of the clearest indicators of captivity is damage to the fish’s fins. Caged bass often show signs of wear on their fins, especially the tail fin. You might notice fraying or even small tears along the edges. Additionally, look for abrasions on the fish’s body, particularly around the mouth and sides. These marks can occur from rubbing against the cage or other fish in close quarters.

Behavioral Changes

Bass that have been caged for a while often exhibit altered behavior when released. They might:

  • Swim erratically or appear disoriented
  • Take longer to regain their equilibrium
  • Show reduced aggression or feeding response

These behavioral changes are usually temporary but can be quite noticeable immediately after release.

Weight Loss

If a bass has been kept in captivity for an extended period without adequate food, you might notice some weight loss. The fish may appear slightly thinner, especially around the belly area. This is why proper care and feeding during tournaments is crucial for the health of the fish.

Stress Indicators

Stress can manifest in various ways in caged bass:

  • Increased respiration rate
  • Darker stress lines along the body
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes

These signs often indicate that the fish has been under stress, possibly from confinement.

Conclusion

Recognizing these signs not only helps in tournament situations but also promotes better fish care practices. As responsible anglers, it’s our duty to minimize stress on the fish we catch and release. By understanding how captivity affects bass, we can work towards more ethical and sustainable fishing practices. Remember, while these signs can indicate captivity, they’re not definitive proof. Many factors can affect a fish’s appearance and behavior. Always handle fish with care and respect, regardless of their history.



Eleventh Hour Bronzebacks

Brian Carter
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Eleventh Hour Bronzebacks
Eleventh Hour Bronzebacks
Tackle selection for river-ranging smallmouth bass as autumn progresses toward winter. 
By Jay Anglin
MUSKEGON, Mich. (October 1, 2024) – Pound for pound, smallmouth bass are undeniably one of the hardest fighting freshwater fish in North America. Words like ‘belligerent’ and ‘chippy’ come to mind when describing their demeanor when hooked, hence their popularity with anglers.While in many regions of the country smallies maintain their position as a top attraction throughout the summer months, an unfortunate number of anglers lose interest once other fall attractions kick in. Besides hunting seasons, muskie, walleye, salmon, steelhead and even stripers, redfish and tuna steal a lot of the thunder after Labor Day.However, some of the best smallmouth fishing of the year takes place as water temps begin to slink, triggering a heavy feeding period that may only last a few weeks. This is when a lot of trophy sized fish shed their hard-earned reputation for being difficult to catch. 
While big smallmouth can be caught in countless lakes during fall using a variety of techniques, they’re also perfectly content to spend their entire life in flowing waters as massive as the Mississippi and St. Lawrence rivers, to small creeks, and everything in between. Boat handling and setup are key elements for successfully targeting river smallmouth and understanding how river fish relate to currents is also very important. River smallies have an exceptionally diverse choice of forage to feed on, and that’s one reason fishing for them this time of year is so intriguing from an angling perspective. River smallies will move up and down river systems, but as cooler weather progresses, schools gather in deeper holes associated with cover such as downed trees, but it’s not unusual for larger individuals to go rogue and defy the rules by stretching summer feeding patterns well into fall. Smallmouth bass are naturally curious, and their generalized feeding behavior lends well to starting with some basic techniques and presentations. 
The DAIWA HMKL Minnow is an awesome jerkbait for fall bass.
Surefire Conventional and Fly Options for Fall SmalliesThe Baitfish BlitzLike many species, smallmouth gorge on big baitfish during late summer and fall. While active river smallies will hold near cover and ambush prey, this time of year you will also find them cruising flats or deeper stretches of river searching for schools of baitfish, and it’s not uncommon for them to blitz bait on the surface. This usually occurs midday when water temps warm slightly. You even see some skinny water activity as aggressive fish push bait into the shallows. Aggressive smallmouth will hammer minnow imitations fished at medium speed with abandon. Jerkbaits, swimbaits, spinnerbaits, or streamer flies are all great options, while inline spinners are extremely undervalued in this situation and a great problem solver. Depending on water temp and mood, the value of fishing jerkbaits or streamers over the other options is the capability to adjust presentations from the classic jerk and strip/pause style retrieve, to more of a finesse style, including long pauses that mimic a wounded or lethargic baitfish. This is not a case of curiosity and takes are often spectacular kill shots. 
The Ever Green WH-8 is a lights-out crayfish imitator.
Old Reliable CrayfishSmallmouth bass are crayfish junkies and will rarely pass up the chance to eat a fleeing one (crankbait, crayfish streamer) or a slow moving one off the bottom (tube jig, etc.) When in crayfish mode, fish will scour the bottom especially where medium to large rocks and boulders are found. In streams with limited rocky substrate, smallies will often stay up in the water column searching vertical hard structures such as seawalls, rip rap, and natural cliffs that extend into the water – pretty much anything hard that will hold crayfish. A crack in a sagging seawall, for example, is very likely to hold crayfish and will regularly draw the attention of foraging smallmouth bass. Unlike smallmouth cruising a flat for food, these fish may be hyper focused as they search “the wall”, and it is common for them to orient perpendicular to the current by finding small protrusions that afford some relief from current. Don’t just randomly cast toward these spots, though, because your lure or fly may not fall or drift where the fish is focused. Consequently, these fish may ignore your offering or miss seeing it entirely. It’s extremely important to make meaningful, accurate casts as close to the structure as possible to increase the odds of being seen.  Passive, inactive fish typically can be found loafing in softer pools near cover – especially overhead, or near the bottom in deeper water, much the way trout often do when avoiding predators. This is a great spot for a finesse presentation with a tube jig or similar lure. Drop it in and let it descend while being vigilant for line movement or hard stops that occur before your lure hits the bottom. Snipers are quick, so you must be attentive.  
Ever Green’s SB-125 is big profile topwater perfect for big autumn smallmouth.
The Surface Bite…WHAT!Smallmouth often behave like big trout, including their feeding behavior. River smallies are very prone to “look up” and lock into surface activity just like a trout feeding on mayflies. Insects, frogs, and minnows skimming the surface are still in play, especially during stretches of warm, dry weather.Smallmouth bass are generalists and curious by nature, regularly taking advantage of their diverse feeding strategies. Any given day a smallmouth may gaze at the surface and go for a conventional/fly popper, frog imitation, twitched stickbait, and the like. These are hot options during summer months, so why not try them in the fall? Fish them slowly, only popping or twitching every 5 seconds or so – the key is patience. Some of the best eats of the year are when a big burly smallmouth rises slowly from the depths and zaps a motionless popper off the surface. 
Finer PointsAutumn is a great time to use stout fluorocarbon that disappears in clear water and high sun. Consider leaning on 10- and 12-pound tests. Braids with fluoro leaders also works fine. The truth is it’s really a matter of personal preference. Conventional gear is also a matter of preference but lean heavier on the actions this time of year as these fish fight hard. A little extra length never hurts, either – a fast 6- to 7-foot medium to medium-heavy action spinning rod is very versatile. Fly anglers should use a faster action, 7- or 8-weight with 10- or 12-pound fluorocarbon tippet. Leader length varies for each scenario, but it’s a lot easier to pick up, cast and control bulky streamers with shorter leaders and a clear tip intermediate fly line. Of course, poppers etc. require a floating line and ideally, longer leaders. 
Whitewater’s Wool Fingerless Glove affords warmth and comfort on cold autumn days.
Location, Location, LocationIt’s unlikely you’ll find fall smallmouth in rapid stretches of river, at least in good numbers. Focus on large pools with a mix of cover such as logs/stumps and boulders either off the main river flow or in slower stretches of river. Depending on the water level, this can eliminate a heckuva lot of water, which makes finding fish easier. Structures such as wingdams, bridge abutments, deadfall sweepers, and random boulder piles are big magnets for smallies, as well as other predatory species.During autumn’s bluebird days, your best plan might be “tripping over your rods” on the way to the gun locker. 
SUGGESTED GEAR COLD WEATHER GEAR
Wool Fingerless Glove FEATURES: Performance fit Durable Naturally antimicrobial for odor prevention Naturally regulates body temperature Silicone print on palm for grip Hand: 50% Lambswool/49% Nylon/1% Spandex Cuff: 49% Lambswool/48% Nylon/3% Rubber MSRP $29.99
Knit Logo Beanie FEATURES: Premium knit construction Snug and comfortable fit Extends over the head and ears Maintains its shape Embroidered Whitewater logo One size fits most MSRP $19.99
 



Steven Costa Wins BigMouth Bassmasters Leesville Lake with 18.49lbs

Brian Carter
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Steven Costa Wins BigMouth Bassmasters Leesville Lake with 18.49lbs

? Leesville Lake Fishing Tournament Results! ?

Despite the recent heavy rains and low, stained water conditions, our anglers put up an impressive showing this weekend! Here are our top finishers:

? 1st Place: Steven Costa
5 fish weighing 18.49 lbs

? 2nd Place: Bo Grovesnor & Don Wheeler
5 fish weighing 8.70 lbs

? 3rd Place: Dennis Stump
5 fish weighing 8.48 lbs

? Biggest Fish: Steven Costa with a whopper weighing 5.65 lbs!

Congratulations to all our participants for braving the challenging conditions. Looking forward to the next tournament!



Quad Cities Ready to Host Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Tournament on Mississippi River

Brian Carter
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Quad Cities Ready to Host Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Tournament on Mississippi River

200 Boaters and Strike King Co-anglers from Four BFL Divisions Qualify for Event to Compete for Spot in 2025 BFL All-American, Top Prize of $60,000

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. (Oct. 1, 2024) – The Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine’s Great Lakes, Hoosier, Illini and Michigan divisions will close out the 2024 season next week, Oct. 10-12, in the Quad Cities with the Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine Regional Tournament on the Mississippi River.

Hosted by Visit Quad Cities, the three-day regional tournament will feature the top 45 boaters and co-anglers plus tournament winners from all four divisions, battling it out on Pools 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 for a top prize of $60,000, including a Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, along with lucrative contingency awards, including up to an additional $7,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus. Strike King co-anglers will compete for a top prize of $50,000, including a Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard. Winners will be determined by the heaviest three-day catch.

The top six finishers in each regional will qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the 42nd annual BFL All-American. The highest finishing boater from each division will also receive a $1,000 bonus and the highest finishing co-angler from each division will receive a $500 bonus.

“This is going to be an interesting tournament,” said Great Lakes boater division Angler of the Year (AOY) Jeff Ritter of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. “Pool 13 fishes very similar to up north – lots of grass and lily pads and stuff, but the rest of the pools are basically, from what I can see, hard-cover, current-based rock voids and wing dams. And I think the sandbars will come into play. It’s a lot different than what we’re used to fishing on the upper pools.”

Ritter said that he thinks the key to finishing well in this tournament will be moving around to find the ‘off-the-wall’ areas.

“I think being able to cover a lot of water and finding something that isn’t super obvious – the sneaky little spots,” Ritter said. “Maybe some underwater rock, or some way out of the way timber up in a slough where nobody else is fishing – finding those fish is going to be the key. And having enough areas to find fresh fish each day.”

Ritter doesn’t expect forward-facing sonar to play much of a role in this tournament, as he says that he thinks most of the fish will be caught shallow in this event.

“On this part of the Mississippi, everything is going to fish relatively shallow,” Ritter said. “I’m thinking we’ll see a (Z-Man) ChatterBaits, spinnerbaits and some good old-fashioned flipping jigs tied on a lot of rods next week.

“If a guy can have three days of 14 to 15 pounds a day for three days, they’ll be right there at the end,” Ritter went on to say. “That might even be a little bit on the high side, from what I’ve seen. But I think if you can bring 45 pounds to the scale, you’ll definitely be taking home that trophy.”

Anglers will launch at 7 a.m. CT each morning from the Sunset Park Public Boat Ramp, located at 10 31st Ave. in Rock Island, Illinois. Weigh-ins will also be held at the boat ramp and will begin at 3 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend the event or follow the action online through the “MLF Live” weigh-in broadcasts at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The 2024 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2025 BFL All-American will take place May 29-31, 2025, at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is hosted by hosted by Visit Hot Springs and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.

The top boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division also earn priority entry into the Toyota Series, the pathway to the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals and ultimately the Bass Pro Tour.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, PowerStop Brakes, REDCON1, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.

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




NPFL Application Process Now Open!

Brian Carter
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NPFL Application Process Now Open!

WILKESVILLE, Ohio, October 1, 2024—The National Professional Fishing League is now accepting applications for the 2025 season. Anglers who wish to be part of the 130-angler field can now complete the application form. Anglers currently on the NPFL roster do not need to reapply, but they must notify the NPFL in writing of their intention to participate in 2025. The application and notification periods end on October 31, 2024.

“We have one more event in the 2024 season,” says league president Brad Fuller, “but we’re already excited about 2025. We look forward to assembling a talented field of 130 anglers and to visiting a variety of diverse fisheries over half a dozen states covering spring, summer, and fall. It’s going to be a true test of the best for the men and women who believe they’re up to the challenge and ready to join the fastest-growing top-level tournament circuit out there.”

The 2025 season will feature six regular season tournaments plus the 2025 NPFL Championship. Each event will challenge and showcase the skills of every angler. The NPFL’s dedication to maintaining a level playing field ensures that all participants — from seasoned pros to emerging talents — have an equal opportunity to succeed.

The full 2025 schedule will be announced before the application period closes.

The NPFL made news in September when it became the first major tour to restrict the use of real-time imaging units (commonly referred to as “forward-facing sonar”). Beginning with the 2025 season, such technology is prohibited in NPFL competition. This prohibition does not apply to the 2025 NPFL Championship, for which anglers are currently qualifying under previously established rules.

“We want to work with the anglers who are ready to test themselves under the very highest standards of tournament competition, tradition, and integrity,” Fuller adds. “We’re looking forward to the return of many anglers who have fished with us and become like family, and we’re excited to add new anglers that will help us grow even better and stronger.”

Applicants must commit to a locked field and agree to participate in all six regular-season events. This ensures a committed group of anglers for the entire season. Choosing the right anglers for the field is critical to the NPFL’s mission.

“We take our selection process very seriously,” Fuller says. “We interview each angler before they’re selected. No one is automatically accepted into the league just because they have an impressive tournament résumé or a lot of sponsors. The sooner an angler applies, the sooner we can complete our vetting process. We’re not just looking for excellent anglers. We want excellent people who are passionate about the sport — people who share our commitment and vision.”

About the National Professional Fishing League
The National Professional Fishing League was founded to bring competitive fishing to a broader audience and offer anglers a platform to compete at the highest level. The NPFL is committed to fostering integrity, competition, and innovation in the sport, providing anglers and fans alike with an exciting and unique experience.

For more information, visit our website.



Santee Cooper Lakes Set to Host Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Tournament

Brian Carter
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Santee Cooper Lakes Set to Host Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Tournament

Clarendon County to Host 200 Boaters and Co-anglers from Four BFL Divisions Competing for Spot in 2025 BFL All-American, Top Prize of $60,000

CLARENDON COUNTY, S.C. (Oct. 1, 2024) – The Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine’s Bama, Bulldog, Gator and North Carolina divisions will wrap up their 2024 season in Clarendon County, South Carolina, next week, Oct. 10-12 with the Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine Regional Event at Santee Cooper Lakes.

Hosted by the Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce, the three-day regional tournament will feature the top 45 boaters and co-anglers plus tournament winners from all four divisions, battling it out for a top prize of $60,000, including a Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, along with lucrative contingency awards, including up to an additional $7,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus. Strike King co-anglers will compete for a top prize of $50,000, including a Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard. Winners will be determined by the heaviest three-day catch.

The top six finishers in each regional will qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix BFL All-American. The highest finishing boater from each division will also receive a $1,000 bonus and the highest finishing co-angler from each division will receive a $500 bonus.

Bass Pro Tour angler Bryan Thrift of Shelby, North Carolina, said he expects to see some really good fishing during the event, especially if the weather stays stable.

“Santee was fishing a little tough when I was there for the Toyota Series in September, but we were still in that late summer transition pattern,” said Thrift. “The fishery is moving into fall patterns, and I look for it to be really good as we move into October.”

With the southeast portion of the country currently reeling from the effects of Hurricane Helene, Thrift said the changing water conditions will be the biggest wild card during the tournament.

“I’m sure they’ve dropped the water level to prepare for that influx of water coming from upstate North and South Carolina, and that’s going to affect the fishery,” said Thrift. “There are going to be a lot of things at play there and I expect there to be a lot of color in the water. Santee has a lot of grass in it right now and the fish seem to be grouped up. If you can find them, there’s usually more than one around.

“It’s all going to depend on the effects of the hurricane runoff and how much of the upper lake is in play,” Thrift continued. “With that much water coming down through the river system and coming into the upper end of Lake Marion, you could have a good portion of Lake Marion that’s essentially unfishable.”

While the weather may influence water conditions on the fishery, Thrift said fans and anglers can expect to see some fun, fall power-fishing throughout the event.

“With the rain, I expect a ChatterBait to play big time – maybe the Z-Man Big Blade ChatterBait or the new Z-Man Tungsten ChatterBait Elite EVO ,” said Thrift. “I expect we’ll also see guys flipping a jig and throwing topwater baits. I feel like that will be the concentration for most guys, throwing topwater or ChatterBaits around that grass and trying to capitalize on a couple big bites each day. You’re not going to get a lot of bites every day at Santee, but if you can figure out how to get 8 to 10 bites per day, you’re going to do very well and have some big bags.”

Thrift said he expects it will take an average of 20 to 25 pounds per day to take home the win.

“You could see someone with a big 27- to 30-pound bag one day and a couple lower 20-pound days, but it’s definitely going to take at least a 20-pound average to win,” Thrift finished.

Anglers will launch at 7:30 a.m. ET each morning from John C. Land III Landing, located at 4404 Greenall Road, in Summerton, South Carolina. Weigh-ins will also be held at the landing and will begin at 3:30 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend the event or follow the action online through the “MLF Live” weigh-in broadcasts at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine consisted of 24-divisions devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season and five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, advance to one of six Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regionals. The 2025 BFL All-American will be held May 29-31 at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is hosted by Visit Hot Springs and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.

The top boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the Toyota Series, the pathway to the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals and ultimately the Bass Pro Tour.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, PowerStop Brakes, REDCON1, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.

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



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