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Johnston claims second Bassmaster Elite Title with win at St. Lawrence River

August 18, 2024

Johnston claims second Bassmaster Elite Title with win at St. Lawrence River

Canada’s Cory Johnston wins the Humminbird Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River with a four-day total of 102-0.

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

Aug. 18, 2024

Johnston claims second Bassmaster Elite Title with win at St. Lawrence River

Elite_eventLogo_2024_StLawrenceRiver_Raster copy.jpg

WADDINGTON, N.Y. — On a day dimmed by clouds and rain, lightning struck a second time for Canadian superstar Cory Johnston.

After claiming his first blue trophy at the season’s fourth event at the St. Johns River, the pro from Otonabee, Canada, tallied 102 pounds and claimed the $100,000 top prize at the Humminbird Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River.

“It was a lot of hard work; I put a lot of time into this,” Johnston said. “I’ve said it 100 times, this is my favorite place to come, this is my favorite crowd with all my family and friends, all the Canadian support — and it’s a short drive home.”

After placing fourth on Day 1 with 25 pounds, Day 2 saw Johnston add 27-7 and tie rookie Robert Gee for second. On Semifinal Saturday, Johnston weighed 24-14 and slipped back to second, 13 ounces behind Gee.

With Championship Sunday delivering 24-11, Johnston surged to the top and edged Gee by 1-9. Enhancing his victory, Johnston earned his second entry into the Bassmaster Century Club, which recognizes an angler for catching 100 pounds or more with four days of five-bass limits.

Notably, Johnston was the first angler to earn a Bassmaster Century Club Belt with all smallmouth by weighing a tournament total of 100-5 during the 2022 Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River. He finished second to Wisconsin’s Jay Przekurat, but Johnston weighed in before Przekurat and wrote his name in the record book.

All week, Johnston made a big run into Lake Ontario and did most of his work on an 80-yard stretch of bottom in 33 feet that was loaded with big smallmouth. The first two days brought calm conditions and fairly easy fishing, but Days 3 and 4 saw big winds roil the lake and severely challenge boat control and presentations.

Confident with what lives on that spot, Johnston said he was committed to his game plan.

“I screwed up here last year and spent too much time in the river the first day and blew my chances at winning,” said Johnston, who placed sixth in the 2023 Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River. “I said, ‘I’ll never make a cast in this river again. I don’t care if there are 12-footers in the lake.’

“There weren’t 12s, but there were 8s and 10s. I didn’t have a lot of fishing time — about three hours a day — but I made it worth it.”

Catching his fish on a drop shot, Johnston used a 6th Sense Party Minnow and a prototype 6th Sense minnow. He rigged his drop shot with a 3/8-ounce weight in all conditions but adjusted his presentations accordingly.

“The first two days, I couldn’t move the drop shot; I’d have to cast it out and let it sit there and that was it,” Johnston said. “The last two days, I’d cast it past them and drag it through them.”

Coming into the season with a trio of second-place finishes, Johnston was yearning for an Elite win.

“It’s been five years, and I hadn’t won (an Elite event) until this year,” Johnston said. “I’ve been close a few times and I just had a feeling. I told (Bassmaster Emcee Dave Mercer), ‘Florida’s not going to be the only one.’”

Sweetening the experience, Johnston’s younger brother Chris (who finished fourth) won the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year title with 758 points. The first Canadian to win a Bassmaster Elite Series tournament — the 2020 event at the St. Lawrence River — Johnston also owns the distinction of being the first Canadian to win the Bassmaster AOY title.

“It’s unbelievable,” Johnston said. “What more can you ask for? It’s been an incredible week, for sure.”

Gee, who makes his home in Knoxville, Tenn., spent most of Day 1 in Lake Ontario and caught a limit of 25-12. The next three days saw him lock onto what’s largely a St. Lawrence River community hole between Carleton Island and the main channel.

Focusing on a point with scattered boulders and breaks, Gee fished a jighead minnow rig with a 1/4-ounce head and a 5-inch bait. He turned in weights of 26-11, 25-11 and a final-round limit of 22-5. Gee’s 100-7 total earned the event’s other Century Club entry.

“I gave it all I had out there up against the two greatest smallmouth fishermen in the world (the Johnstons),” Gee said. “The fish just didn’t bite that well for me. The wind changed direction, so I didn’t get to present my bait directly with the current.

“It was kind of at an angle and I think that kind of threw them off because it wasn’t swimming true with the current.”

Trey McKinney of Carbondale, Ill., finished third with 98-9. His daily weights were 23-10, 25-10, 24-2 and 25-3.

McKinney, who won the Dakota Lithium Elite Series Rookie of the Year title, spent most of his time in the river and caught his fish on a jighead minnow rig with a Strike King Z-Too.

“Today I was out there working as hard as I could to try and catch ‘em,” McKinney said. “I feel absolutely blessed. I never thought I’d stand up here and catch another 25-pound bag.

“It’s an unbelievable fishery. I’d love to live closer.”

McKinney earned the $1,000 Phoenix Boats Big Bass award for Day 4 with his 5-9.

Joey Cifuentes III won the $1,000 Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the tournament honors with his 6-15. He also won the $1,000 daily award on Day 1.

Reigning Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors champion Justin Hamner, who finished 61st, won the $10,000 Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Year award for the 11-pound, 7-ounce giant he caught at the 2024 AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork.

Chris Johnston won the $2,000 CrushCity Monster Bag of the Tournament award with his 29-5 Day 3 limit.

McKinney also took home an additional $3,000 for being the highest-placing entrant in the Toyota Bonus Bucks program, while Drew Benton earned $2,000 for being the second-highest placing entrant.

As part of the Yamaha Power Pay program, Gee earned an additional $4,000 while McKinney claimed an additional $1,500 for being the second-highest placing entrant.

The St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce hosted the tournament.

2024 Humminbird Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River 8/15-8/18
St. Lawrence River, Waddington NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 4

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$ 1. Cory Johnston Otonabee CANADA 20 102-00 103 $130,000.00
Day 1: 5 25-00 Day 2: 5 27-07 Day 3: 5 24-14 Day 4: 5 24-11
2. Robert Gee Knoxville, TN 20 100-07 102 $45,000.00
Day 1: 5 25-12 Day 2: 5 26-11 Day 3: 5 25-11 Day 4: 5 22-05
3. Trey McKinney Carbondale, IL 20 98-09 101 $76,000.00
Day 1: 5 23-10 Day 2: 5 25-10 Day 3: 5 24-02 Day 4: 5 25-03
4. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 20 96-02 100 $128,000.00
Day 1: 5 23-02 Day 2: 5 20-11 Day 3: 5 29-05 Day 4: 5 23-00
5. Jordan Lee Cullman, AL 20 93-00 99 $35,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-00 Day 2: 5 23-00 Day 3: 5 27-13 Day 4: 5 20-03
6. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 20 92-13 98 $25,000.00
Day 1: 5 24-13 Day 2: 5 25-12 Day 3: 5 20-06 Day 4: 5 21-14
7. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 20 91-12 97 $28,000.00
Day 1: 5 24-04 Day 2: 5 23-07 Day 3: 5 21-07 Day 4: 5 22-10
8. Patrick Walters Eutawville, SC 20 89-14 96 $27,000.00
Day 1: 5 24-12 Day 2: 5 24-03 Day 3: 5 20-07 Day 4: 5 20-08
9. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 20 87-03 95 $26,000.00
Day 1: 5 24-02 Day 2: 5 23-09 Day 3: 5 20-13 Day 4: 5 18-11
10. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TN AUSTRALIA 20 83-10 94 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-15 Day 2: 5 21-08 Day 3: 5 25-15 Day 4: 5 13-04
———————————————————————– PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 06-15 $1,000.00
2 Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 06-12 $1,000.00
3 Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA06-07 $1,000.00
4 Trey McKinney Carbondale, IL 05-09 $1,000.00 ———————————————————————–
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 06-15 $2,000.00
CRUSHCITY MONSTER BAG Chris Johnston Otonabee, 29-05 $2,000.00 ———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 96 491 2000-08
2 98 494 2015-09
3 48 248 1003-11
4 10 50 212-05
———————————-
252 1283 5232-01

Hot August Fishing:Finding the Right Spot by Bruce Callis Jr

Bruce Callis

August 18, 2024

How is it August already? July was a whirlwind of activity for me with some awesome fishing involved as well. ICAST was a blast! And I made it home with a bum knee that is finally starting to feel better. But lets talk about August fishing!

It has been a good month so far with some nice bass caught. I had to get back into the swing, but setting the hook gets everything right again. And so far, that feels so good. It is still hot and you need to plan for it. Safety first always!

August is frog month! Honestly, if they will bite topwater I’m throwing my frog. But with the hot days, bass love to find cover or go deep. I’m looking for those cover seeking big bass with my frog. Lily pads and laydowns are those areas bass love to seek cover. I use a SPRO Bronzeye 65 as my go to bait. And I like to use 65 pound Seaguar Smackdown braid so I can haul them out of anything.

Working over the laydowns can bring out some big girls. And start with the outside edges of the lily pads for those patrolling them for easy prey. Then work into the pads themselves, paying attention to the pads around your frog as it works through them. Look for that bass moving the pads to crash your frog! I also like to work the edges of the grass mats before working into them. Bass love the cooler water and protection they provide.

And flipping is one of those things that go right with those cover seeking bass. For this I use two different types of baits. I like a Missile Baits Mini Flip Jig or a Texas rigged worm or creature bait. Each has it’s unique purpose, but can be interchanged a lot of times. Or even worked together as a 1-2 presentation.
For me, a Missile Baits D Bomb is my go to creature bait. Depending on where I am flipping it as to the line I am using. For the most part, I use Seaguar AbrazX fluorocarbon in either 17 or 20 pound test. It gives me the sensitivity to feel those little taps and the strength to get them out. If I am going into some really nasty laydowns or thick grass mats, I prefer Seaguar Smackdown braid. And for this I prefer 65 pound braid so I can really hoss on them.

As to weights, I prefer my WOO Tungsten flipping weights. Depending on the bass, I will drop down to 1/8 ounce to slow the fall of my bait or 3/8 to speed it up, but in general, a 3/16 is my general go to size. But don’t be afraid to go up to a 1/2 ounce to get that bait down fast for a reaction strike. And for grass mats, you need to have enough weight to punch through the mat, depending on the thickness. I always peg my weight and use a 4/0 Gamakatsu EWG worm hook.

I like using a jig at times, working around the laydown and edge of the lily pads. I will rig a D Bomb on as a trailer or a Chunky D if I want more action. While I prefer a 3/8 ounce jig, I will go 1/4 at times to slow the fall or a 1/2 ounce to speed it up. Your trailer will also have an effect on the fall rate. A D Bomb adds bulk but while the claws will move as it falls, it won’t slow down your bait much. While a Chunky D with it’s claws action will slow the fall down some. Let the bass tell you what they want.

August is hot and so is the water. Most people believe that bass always go deep, but they really go to where the best oxygen levels will be. The thermocline is the dividing line between oxygen rich water and the dead zone per say. But sometimes the best oxygen can be found along the shores in the shallow water. That is why we seek out the shade, just like the bass are doing. Now go keep cool and land some hawgs!

Johnston takes Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year title with big rally

Brian Carter

August 17, 2024

Johnston takes Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year title with big rally

Canada’s Chris Johnston takes the 2024 Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year title at the Humminbird Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River.

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

Aug. 17, 2024

Johnston takes Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year title with big rally

WADDINGTON, N.Y. — After finishing in 31^st place Friday, his second-straight frustrating day on the St. Lawrence River, Chris Johnston still managed a smile.

“I might have one trick up my sleeve still,” Johnston said. “I haven’t practiced it. I’m just going to wing it. I have nothing to lose now. I can fish with no pressure. I know there’s big ones that live there. I hope the wind makes them bite a little better.”

Man, did he ever wing it, rallying with 29 pounds, 5 ounces – the biggest five-bass limit of the tournament so far – and clinched the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year title in the process.

“You have no idea how much stress I was under the last couple of days,” said the 35-year-old Johnston, who is from Otonabee, Ontario. “Everything that could have gone wrong did. A couple of nights I didn’t get to sleep until like one in the morning.

“I got a lot of gray hairs these last three days. I think when I started this year, I didn’t have one. But they’re coming in thick now.”

Johnston was in unfamiliar territory after the first two days of this tournament. In five previous Elite Series events here – 20 competition days – he’d finished in the Top 10 every day and was in the Top 3 on 15 of those 20 days. He became the first Canadian to win an Elite Series tournament in 2020 when he won on the St. Lawrence.

So, when he fell from 16^th place on Day 1 to 31^st place on Day 2, Thursday and Friday, Johnston was in unfamiliar territory. The trick he had up his sleeve was going to a couple of places near the mouth of the St. Lawrence River, where he’d had much success in the past.

“I got spun out the last couple of days,” Johnston said. “I had too much going through my mind, thinking about where I needed to go to catch the 27 or 28 pounds that live out here. Today, I just said, ‘You know what? It’s too rough on the lake, and I know two spots in the river that have the potential to get the 25 or 30 pounds that I need.’”

Coming into this tournament Justin Hamner, the 2024 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors champion, was leading the AOY standings by 13 points over Johnston and 19 points over Jacob Foutz, the third-year pro from Charleston, Tenn. Hamner, who is from Northport, Ala., fell out of the running when he finished 61^st on Friday and missed the Day 2/Top 50 cut.

Foutz finished Friday in ninth place but was only 3½ pounds ahead of Johnston in the tightly packed standings. Saturday’s rough water on Lake Ontario kept Foutz from repeating his success of the previous two days. One year ago, he was on the edge of failing to requalify for the Elite Series.

“It’s been an incredible year just have a chance at AOY the last few days of the year,” said Foutz, who weighed only 14-9 Saturday and fell to 35^th place. “This time last year I didn’t know if I was going to be back on this stage. Just to turn it around is awesome.

“I feel like I’ve just scratched the surface of this whole deal. It’s been a heck of a year. I have no complaints.”

Gee takes slim lead on Day 3 at Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River

Brian Carter

August 17, 2024

Gee takes slim lead on Day 3 at Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River

Tennessee’s Robert Gee takes the Day 3 lead at the Humminbird Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River with 15 bass weighing 78 pounds, 2 ounces.

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

Aug. 17, 2024

Gee takes slim lead on Day 3 at Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River

WADDINGTON, N.Y. — Rookie standout Robert Gee distanced himself from seasoned veteran Cory Johnston geographically and, more importantly, statistically to tally a 3-day total of 78 pounds, 2 ounces and take over the Day 3 lead at the Humminbird Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River.

Day 2 found Gee and Johnston tied for the top spot with 52-7 each. Now, the young angler from Knoxville, Tenn., heads into Championship Sunday with a 13-ounce lead over Johnston.

“It’s been a blessing; everything’s just going right, and I can’t do anything wrong,” Gee said. “I’m going to keep riding this train as far as it will take me and just give God the glory.”

Chris Johnston, Cory’s younger brother, won the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year title with 758 points. The first Canadian to win a Bassmaster Elite Series tournament — the 2020 event at the St. Lawrence River — Johnston also owns the distinction of being the first Canadian to win the Bassmaster AOY title. For this honor, he claimed a top prize of $100,000.

“I couldn’t have done it in a better place,” Johnston said. “Waddington has been great to me.”

Making his home in Otonabee, Ontario, Johnston posted a Day 1 weight of 23-2 and landed in a three-way tie for 15th place with Keith Combs and Jake Whitaker. Johnston added 20-11 on Day 2 and slipped to 31st.

Righting the ship, Johnston caught a Semi-Final Saturday limit of 29-5 and tied California pro Bryant Smith for the largest limit of smallmouth caught in a B.A.S.S. event. Smith set his mark at last year’s St. Lawrence event.

“I remembered how to catch bass today and man, did it ever feel good,” said Johnston, who sits in fourth place with 73-02. “I got spun out the past two days with just too much going through my mind. I was thinking about where I need to run to catch 27 to 28 pounds.

“Today I said, ‘It’s too rough on the lake and I know two spots in the river that have the potential to get the 25 to 30 pounds I need. I put my head down and just went fishing. It’s amazing what happens when you just go grinding.”

Gee, who has notched three Top 10s in his first Elite season (second at Smith Lake, third last week at Champlain and fourth at the season-opener at Toledo Bend), spent most of his first day in Lake Ontario and caught a second-place limit of 25-12.

Shifting gears, he did all of his second-round work just inside the river, where he targeted isolated boulders and shelves along a point running out from Carleton Island. This spot yielded 26-11 — Gee’s personal best smallmouth limit.

Returning to his river deal, Gee added a third-round limit of 25-11.

“I’m on probably the best spot in the river,” Gee said. “I’m going to sit there all day and hopefully I can catch five, because they’re all big.”

Noting that his spot has been loaded with hefty fish, Gee attributes the mix of quality and quantity to a vibrant habitat.

“There’s a lot of life on that spot; there’s a lot of drum, there’s a lot of carp and there’s a lot of bait,” Gee said. “There’s a lot of gobies, too, because I’ve seen them rise up off the bottom and come check out my bait.

“It’s the first main big point facing into the current at the mouth of the lake. It’s just a money hole.”

Gee said he has been rotating through about seven waypoints in the general area. He’s catching his fish on a jighead minnow rig with a 5-inch bait that mimics the gobies.

“They sit on those rocks and shelves, and I just go down and go back, go down and go back,” Gee said. “I have to keep the bait above the fish for them to bite it.”

Also hailing from Otonabee, Ontario, Cory Johnston braved the huge waves of a wind-whipped Lake Ontario to sack up a third-round limit of 24-14. Along with his first two days’ limits of 25-0 and 27-7, Johnston sits in second with 77-5.

“It was as big as I’ve ever seen it out there,” Johnston said of the lake’s turbulence. “There were definitely some 10-foot (waves); lots of 8s and lots of 6s. It made things really difficult, but we managed to catch five of the right ones.

“I’m going to go out there tomorrow and do it again. I came back probably 40 minutes early, so I’m going to have an extra 40 minutes tomorrow. We’ll see if we can go catch five great big ones.”

Johnston, who won the year’s fourth Elite at the St. Johns River, has been targeting an 80-yard stretch of bottom in about 40 feet. He’s rotating through four different baits and has caught fish on each.

Trey McKinney of Carbondale, Ill., is in third with 73-6. Turning in daily weights of 23-10, 25-10 and 24-2, McKinney stayed in the St. Lawrence and caught his fish on drop shots and a jighead minnow rig with a Strike King Baby Z Too in Tennessee Shad.

With this performance, McKinney secured the Dakota Lithium Elite Series Rookie of the Year title with 734 points and collected the $10,000 award.

After becoming the youngest angler to win an Elite title in the season’s second event at Lake Fork, the 19-year-old McKinney was disqualified from the Smith Lake Elite tournament for a rules violation. Taking his year’s totality into consideration, McKinney said he considers it all a learning experience.

“To see the highs and lows this year, this (award) means so much,” McKinney said. “This rookie class is so good, it’s an absolute honor.”

Chris Johnston earned the $1,000 Phoenix Boats Big Bass award for Day 3 with his 6-7.

Joey Cifuentes III is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the tournament honors with his 6-15.

Chris Johnston leads the CrushCity Monster Bag of the Tournament standings with his 29-5.

The Top 10 anglers advance to Championship Sunday. In addition to the $100,000 top prize, the winner earns an invitation to fish the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors March 21-23 on Lake Ray Roberts in Fort Worth, Texas.

Sunday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. ET at Whitaker Park. The weigh-in will be held at the park at 3 p.m.

Coverage of the Humminbird Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River will air on FS1 on Sunday on FS2 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET. Bassmaster LIVE will be streaming on Bassmaster.com.

2024 Humminbird Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River 8/15-8/18
St. Lawrence River, Waddington NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 3

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$

1. Robert Gee Knoxville, TN 15 78-02 103
Day 1: 5 25-12 Day 2: 5 26-11 Day 3: 5 25-11
2. Cory Johnston Otonabee CANADA 15 77-05 102
Day 1: 5 25-00 Day 2: 5 27-07 Day 3: 5 24-14
3. Trey McKinney Carbondale, IL 15 73-06 101
Day 1: 5 23-10 Day 2: 5 25-10 Day 3: 5 24-02
4. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 15 73-02 100 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 23-02 Day 2: 5 20-11 Day 3: 5 29-05
5. Jordan Lee Cullman, AL 15 72-13 99
Day 1: 5 22-00 Day 2: 5 23-00 Day 3: 5 27-13
6. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 15 70-15 98 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 24-13 Day 2: 5 25-12 Day 3: 5 20-06
7. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TN AUSTRALIA 15 70-06 97
Day 1: 5 22-15 Day 2: 5 21-08 Day 3: 5 25-15
8. Patrick Walters Eutawville, SC 15 69-06 96
Day 1: 5 24-12 Day 2: 5 24-03 Day 3: 5 20-07
9. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 15 69-02 95
Day 1: 5 24-04 Day 2: 5 23-07 Day 3: 5 21-07
10. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 15 68-08 94
Day 1: 5 24-02 Day 2: 5 23-09 Day 3: 5 20-13
11. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 15 67-12 93 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-13 Day 2: 5 22-10 Day 3: 5 23-05
12. Tyler Williams Belgrade, ME 15 67-08 92 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-14 Day 2: 5 22-07 Day 3: 5 23-03
13. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 15 66-14 91 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-05 Day 2: 5 21-01 Day 3: 5 24-08
14. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 15 66-05 90 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 23-02 Day 2: 5 21-10 Day 3: 5 21-09
15. Jeff Gustafson Kenora, ON Ontario CANA 15 66-01 89 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-09 Day 2: 5 23-03 Day 3: 5 20-05
16. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 15 65-15 88 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 23-12 Day 2: 5 20-14 Day 3: 5 21-05
17. Logan Parks Auburn, AL 15 65-12 87 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-06 Day 2: 5 21-13 Day 3: 5 21-09
18. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 15 65-07 86 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-12 Day 2: 5 21-09 Day 3: 5 23-02
19. Kyoya Fujita Yamanashi CA JAPAN 15 65-06 85 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 25-08 Day 2: 5 18-15 Day 3: 5 20-15
20. Cole Sands Calhoun , TN 15 65-06 84 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-10 Day 2: 5 22-02 Day 3: 5 21-10
21. Will Davis Jr Sylacauga, AL 15 65-01 83 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-07 Day 2: 5 22-10 Day 3: 5 22-00
22. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 15 65-01 82 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-05 Day 2: 5 22-01 Day 3: 5 20-11
23. Bryan New Leesville, SC 15 65-00 81 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-09 Day 2: 5 23-15 Day 3: 5 18-08
24. Kenta Kimura Osaka OK JAPAN 15 64-01 80 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-01 Day 2: 5 19-13 Day 3: 5 23-03
25. John Garrett Union City, TN 15 63-15 79 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-12 Day 2: 5 22-12 Day 3: 5 19-07
26. Cody Huff Ava, MO 15 63-12 78 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-09 Day 2: 5 22-15 Day 3: 5 19-04
27. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 15 63-08 77 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-13 Day 2: 5 22-15 Day 3: 5 18-12
28. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 15 63-08 76 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-01 Day 2: 5 18-15 Day 3: 5 22-08
29. Ben Milliken New Caney, TX 15 63-06 75 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-08 Day 2: 5 19-12 Day 3: 5 22-02
30. Wesley Gore Clanton, AL 15 63-01 74 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 23-04 Day 2: 5 23-08 Day 3: 5 16-05
31. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 15 63-00 73 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-12 Day 2: 5 25-15 Day 3: 5 17-05
32. Jay Przekurat Plover, WI 15 62-10 72 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-04 Day 2: 5 26-09 Day 3: 5 15-13
33. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 15 62-01 71 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-02 Day 2: 5 21-12 Day 3: 5 18-03
34. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 15 61-15 70 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-07 Day 2: 5 22-08 Day 3: 5 18-00
35. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 15 61-13 69 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 24-07 Day 2: 5 22-14 Day 3: 5 14-08
36. Taku Ito Dalton GA JAPAN 15 61-07 68 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 26-02 Day 2: 5 24-04 Day 3: 5 11-01
37. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 14 61-06 67 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-01 Day 2: 5 22-14 Day 3: 4 17-07
38. Kyle Norsetter Cottage Grove, WI 15 61-02 66 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-08 Day 2: 5 20-12 Day 3: 5 17-14
39. Mike Huff London, KY 15 60-15 65 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-07 Day 2: 5 22-01 Day 3: 5 18-07
40. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 15 60-11 64 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 23-11 Day 2: 5 22-08 Day 3: 5 14-08
41. Jonathan Kelley Old Forge, PA 15 60-10 63 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-07 Day 2: 5 18-10 Day 3: 5 19-09
42. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 15 60-07 62 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-08 Day 2: 5 20-07 Day 3: 5 18-08
43. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 15 60-03 61 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 5 23-02 Day 3: 5 19-00
44. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 15 59-10 60 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-03 Day 2: 5 19-02 Day 3: 5 18-05
45. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 15 59-07 59 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-11 Day 2: 5 19-07 Day 3: 5 18-05
46. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 15 59-04 58 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-10 Day 2: 5 20-11 Day 3: 5 17-15
47. John Soukup Sapulpa, OK 15 58-13 57 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-02 Day 2: 5 21-05 Day 3: 5 17-06
48. Seth Feider New Market, MN 15 58-13 56 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-14 Day 2: 5 20-09 Day 3: 5 17-06
49. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 15 58-08 55 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-14 Day 2: 5 23-05 Day 3: 5 16-05
50. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 14 54-14 54 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-08 Day 2: 5 19-08 Day 3: 4 12-14
———————————————————————–

PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 06-15 $1,000.00
2 Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 06-12 $1,000.00
3 Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA06-07 $1,000.00

———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 96 491 2000-08
2 98 494 2015-09
3 48 248 1003-11
———————————-
242 1233 5019-12

BFL Tournament Scheduled for Sunday on Lake Champlain Postponed

Brian Carter

August 17, 2024

BFL Tournament Scheduled for Sunday on Lake Champlain Postponed

WHAT:
The Major League Fishing (MLF) Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine tournament scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 18 has been postponed due to the wind forecast provided by the National Weather Service.

The event, set to be the fourth of the season for the BFL Northeast Division, has been rescheduled to Sept. 14 on the Potomac River. The Northeast Division one-day Super-Tournament will take place on Sept. 15, also on the Potomac River.

WHEN:
Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 14-15
Takeoff: 7 a.m. ET
Weigh-in: 3 p.m. ET

WHERE:
Smallwood State Park, 2750 Sweden Point Road, Marbury, Md.

NOTES:
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 3-5 BFL Regional tournament on Kerr Lake in Henderson, North Carolina. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.

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.

Johnston, Gee tie for Day 2 lead at Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River

Brian Carter

August 16, 2024

Johnston, Gee tie for Day 2 lead at Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River

Canada’s Cory Johnston, left, and Tennessee’s Robert Gee tie for the Day 2 lead at the Humminbird Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River with 10 bass weighing 52 pounds, 7 ounces.

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

Aug. 16, 2024

Johnston, Gee tie for Day 2 lead at Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River

WADDINGTON, N.Y. — He knows where the giants live, and that hard-earned insight rewarded Cory Johnston in a big way.

Sacking up a 27-pound, 7-ounce limit, the Canadian superstar from Otonabee, Ontario, matched rookie Robert Gee with a two-day total of 52-7 to tie for the lead on Day 2 of the Humminbird Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River.

“I had one big pod of fish that I could catch one off of every once in a while, and I’d have to leave it alone and go back to it,” Johnston said. “It could’ve been one of those special days; I had a 6-pounder in my hand, and it got off.”

Johnston, who claimed his first blue trophy by dominating the season’s fourth Elite Series event at the St. Johns River, placed fourth on Day 1 with 25-0 and has been fishing in open water and targeting an 80-yard stretch of bottom in about 40 feet. The spot holds a smattering of giant smallmouth, but they’re extremely sensitive.

“I’ll catch one and then they shut down,” Johnston said.

When this happens, time and distance seem to be the best remedy.

“I’m making a big run away from the spot (between catches),” Johnston said of his dual-purpose strategy. “I don’t want to be seen on this spot. There were locals out there fishing all around me. It’s frustrating, but there’s nothing you can do about it.”

Johnston said he’s using a four-bait rotation. All have produced quality fish. As Johnston explained, picky smallmouth have required a diverse and strategic approach.

“This place just gets the hell beat out of it,” Johnston said of how the smallmouth have shown a marked response to increasing pressure. “It’s like night and day from even two years ago.”

Holding his cards low, Johnston said he believes he found the formula for smallmouth success: “I figured out something today on how to catch them. It has to do with rigging and presentation.”

After two days of pleasant, relatively calm weather, Semi-final Saturday’s forecast calls for big south winds that promise to roil Lake Ontario. Johnston, who has been making a big run into the lake, said he’s expecting waves as big as 8 feet and, while he’s fished the rough stuff many times, he’s keenly aware of the limitations.

“Tomorrow is going to be nasty windy, but that’s part of this game,” Johnston said. “I’ll be able to get to my spot, but the problem is going to be efficiency. I don’t know if I’ll be able to track them down good enough on (Garmin) Livescope to make the perfect cast, but we have to give it a shot and see what happens.”

As Gee stated, you know you’ve had a special day when a 5-pounder does not help your cause. That’s the largest fish the angler from Knoxville, Tenn., released during his banner day, which he paired with a Day 1 weight of 25-12.

“It was a great day; that was probably the best day of smallmouth fishing I’ve ever had,” Gee said. “There are plenty there, from what I saw, but I don’t feel like I was burning through them.

“A lot of them swerved me, so I’m really hopeful there’s still a bunch down there. I’ll give a full send tomorrow and try to catch another 25 pounds.”

After catching his opening-round weight in Lake Ontario, Gee did all of his Day 2 work inside the St. Lawrence River. Targeting an underwater point stretching from Carleton Island toward the main shipping channel, he quickly found success — and a lot of it.

“The first four I caught were over 5 pounds,” Gee said. “That calmed me down. It was a breath of fresh air.

“I knew if I just sat there, I could catch another 5-pounder. The smallest one I caught on that spot was 3 3/4. I was smiling from ear to ear.”

Rotating through about 20 different spots, mostly boulders, Gee caught his fish on the jighead minnow rig. He used a 1/4-ounce jig with a 5-inch minnow to imitate the hefty gobies the big smallmouth prefer.

Shane LeHew of Catawba, N.C., placed fifth on Day 1 with a limit of 24-13 and moved into third with a second-round limit of 25-12. Tallying a two-day total of 50-9, LeHew reflected on the day-maker that actually started his day.

“I put my trolling motor down and two big fish were swimming under the boat,” said LeHew, who made the run into Lake Ontario. “I dropped down and caught a 6-12 on my first cast. I had a feeling it was going to be a pretty decent day.

“I was a little outside the Bassmaster Classic cut coming into this event, so we’re gonna have to catch them again tomorrow. I’m a little afraid of the conditions, but we still may send it.”

LeHew caught all of his fish on a drop shot with a Berkley MaxScent Flatnose Minnow. His big fish earned the $1,000 Phoenix Boats Big Bass award for Day 2.

Joey Cifuentes III is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the tournament honors with his 6-15.

Johnston leads the CrushCity Monster Bag of the Tournament standings with his 27-7.

The Top 50 anglers advance to Semi-Final Saturday, with the Top 10 moving on to Championship Sunday. In addition to the $100,000 top prize, the winner earns an invitation to fish the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors March 21-23 on Lake Ray Roberts.

Jacob Foutz of Charleston, Tenn., leads the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings with 747 points. Cory Johnston is in second with 733, followed by Trey McKinney of Carbondale, Ill., with 732, Chris Johnston of Otonabee, Ontario, with 731, and Jay Przekurat of Plover, Wis., With 727.

McKinney leads the Dakota Lithium Elite Series Rookie of the Year standings with 732 points.

Saturday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. ET at Whitaker Park. The weigh-in will be held at the park at 3 p.m.

Coverage of the Humminbird Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River will air on FS1 on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET and Sunday on FS2 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Bassmaster LIVE will be streaming on Bassmaster.com.

2024 Humminbird Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River 8/15-8/18
St. Lawrence River, Waddington NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$ 1. Cory Johnston Otonabee CANADA 10 52-07 103
Day 1: 5 25-00 Day 2: 5 27-07
1. Robert Gee Knoxville, TN 10 52-07 103
Day 1: 5 25-12 Day 2: 5 26-11
3. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 10 50-09 101 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 24-13 Day 2: 5 25-12
4. Taku Ito Dalton GA JAPAN 10 50-06 100
Day 1: 5 26-02 Day 2: 5 24-04
5. Trey McKinney Carbondale, IL 10 49-04 99
Day 1: 5 23-10 Day 2: 5 25-10
6. Patrick Walters Eutawville, SC 10 48-15 98
Day 1: 5 24-12 Day 2: 5 24-03
7. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 10 47-11 97
Day 1: 5 24-04 Day 2: 5 23-07
8. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 10 47-11 96
Day 1: 5 24-02 Day 2: 5 23-09
9. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 10 47-05 95
Day 1: 5 24-07 Day 2: 5 22-14
10. Jay Przekurat Plover, WI 10 46-13 94
Day 1: 5 20-04 Day 2: 5 26-09
11. Wesley Gore Clanton, AL 10 46-12 93
Day 1: 5 23-04 Day 2: 5 23-08
12. Bryan New Leesville, SC 10 46-08 92
Day 1: 5 22-09 Day 2: 5 23-15
13. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 10 46-03 91
Day 1: 5 23-11 Day 2: 5 22-08
14. Jeff Gustafson Kenora, ON Ontario CANA 10 45-12 90
Day 1: 5 22-09 Day 2: 5 23-03
15. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 10 45-11 89
Day 1: 5 19-12 Day 2: 5 25-15
16. Jordan Lee Cullman, AL 10 45-00 88
Day 1: 5 22-00 Day 2: 5 23-00
17. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 10 44-12 87
Day 1: 5 23-02 Day 2: 5 21-10
18. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 10 44-12 86
Day 1: 5 21-13 Day 2: 5 22-15
19. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 10 44-10 85
Day 1: 5 23-12 Day 2: 5 20-14
20. Cody Huff Ava, MO 10 44-08 84
Day 1: 5 21-09 Day 2: 5 22-15
21. John Garrett Union City, TN 10 44-08 83
Day 1: 5 21-12 Day 2: 5 22-12
22. Kyoya Fujita Yamanashi CA JAPAN 10 44-07 82
Day 1: 5 25-08 Day 2: 5 18-15
23. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TN AUSTRALIA 10 44-07 81
Day 1: 5 22-15 Day 2: 5 21-08
24. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 10 44-07 80
Day 1: 5 21-13 Day 2: 5 22-10
25. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 10 44-06 79
Day 1: 5 22-05 Day 2: 5 22-01
26. Tyler Williams Belgrade, ME 10 44-05 78
Day 1: 5 21-14 Day 2: 5 22-07
27. Logan Parks Auburn, AL 10 44-03 77
Day 1: 5 22-06 Day 2: 5 21-13
28. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 10 43-15 76
Day 1: 5 21-01 Day 2: 5 22-14
29. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 10 43-15 75
Day 1: 5 21-07 Day 2: 5 22-08
30. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 10 43-14 74
Day 1: 5 22-02 Day 2: 5 21-12
31. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 10 43-13 73
Day 1: 5 23-02 Day 2: 5 20-11
32. Cole Sands Calhoun , TN 10 43-12 72
Day 1: 5 21-10 Day 2: 5 22-02
33. Kyle Norsetter Cottage Grove, WI 10 43-04 71
Day 1: 5 22-08 Day 2: 5 20-12
34. Will Davis Jr Sylacauga, AL 10 43-01 70
Day 1: 5 20-07 Day 2: 5 22-10
35. Mike Huff London, KY 10 42-08 69
Day 1: 5 20-07 Day 2: 5 22-01
36. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 10 42-06 68
Day 1: 5 21-05 Day 2: 5 21-01
37. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 10 42-05 67
Day 1: 5 20-12 Day 2: 5 21-09
38. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 10 42-03 66
Day 1: 5 18-14 Day 2: 5 23-05
39. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 10 42-00 65
Day 1: 5 22-08 Day 2: 5 19-08
40. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 10 41-15 64
Day 1: 5 21-08 Day 2: 5 20-07
41. John Soukup Sapulpa, OK 10 41-07 63
Day 1: 5 20-02 Day 2: 5 21-05
42. Seth Feider New Market, MN 10 41-07 62
Day 1: 5 20-14 Day 2: 5 20-09
43. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 10 41-05 61
Day 1: 5 22-03 Day 2: 5 19-02
44. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 10 41-05 60
Day 1: 5 20-10 Day 2: 5 20-11
45. Ben Milliken New Caney, TX 10 41-04 59
Day 1: 5 21-08 Day 2: 5 19-12
46. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 10 41-03 58
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 5 23-02
47. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 10 41-02 57
Day 1: 5 21-11 Day 2: 5 19-07
48. Jonathan Kelley Old Forge, PA 10 41-01 56
Day 1: 5 22-07 Day 2: 5 18-10
49. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 10 41-00 55
Day 1: 5 22-01 Day 2: 5 18-15
50. Kenta Kimura Osaka OK JAPAN 10 40-14 54
Day 1: 5 21-01 Day 2: 5 19-13
51. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 10 40-11 53 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 20-07 Day 2: 5 20-04
52. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 10 40-09 52 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-11 Day 2: 5 22-14
53. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 10 40-08 51 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 21-00 Day 2: 5 19-08
54. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 10 40-06 50 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-11 Day 2: 5 23-11
55. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 10 40-04 49 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-05 Day 2: 5 22-15
56. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 10 40-04 48 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 21-13 Day 2: 5 18-07
57. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 10 40-04 0 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 19-08 Day 2: 5 20-12
58. Jake Whitaker Hendersonville, NC 10 40-01 46 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 23-02 Day 2: 5 16-15
59. Timothy Dube Nashua , NH 10 40-00 45 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 22-06 Day 2: 5 17-10
60. John Cox Debary, FL 10 39-14 44 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 21-09
61. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 10 39-12 43 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 22-01 Day 2: 5 17-11
62. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 10 39-11 42 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 20-06
63. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 10 39-07 41 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 20-00 Day 2: 5 19-07
64. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 10 39-04 40 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 20-09 Day 2: 5 18-11
65. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 10 38-15 39 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 19-10 Day 2: 5 19-05
66. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 10 38-12 38 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 19-10 Day 2: 5 19-02
67. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 10 38-05 37 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 19-15 Day 2: 5 18-06
68. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 10 38-04 36 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 19-08 Day 2: 5 18-12
69. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 10 38-01 35 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-11 Day 2: 5 19-06
70. Wes Logan Springville, AL 10 37-13 34 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 20-07
71. Kyle Patrick Cooperstown, NY 10 37-12 33 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 19-12 Day 2: 5 18-00
72. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 10 37-06 32
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 19-03
73. Matty Wong Honolulu, HI 10 37-04 31
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 5 21-08
74. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 10 36-13 30
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 19-04
75. Kyle Welcher Valley, AL 10 36-12 29
Day 1: 5 19-11 Day 2: 5 17-01
76. Logan Latuso Gonzales, LA 10 36-10 28
Day 1: 5 20-13 Day 2: 5 15-13
77. Todd Auten Clover, SC 10 36-09 27
Day 1: 5 18-12 Day 2: 5 17-13
78. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 10 36-06 26
Day 1: 5 18-10 Day 2: 5 17-12
79. Bob Downey Detroit Lakes, MN 10 36-04 25
Day 1: 5 16-11 Day 2: 5 19-09
80. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 10 36-03 24
Day 1: 5 19-03 Day 2: 5 17-00
81. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 10 36-02 23
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 17-03
82. Koby Kreiger Alva, FL 10 36-00 22
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 17-08
83. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 10 35-00 21
Day 1: 5 15-05 Day 2: 5 19-11
84. Cooper Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CAN 10 34-14 20
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 23-01
85. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 10 34-10 19
Day 1: 5 18-10 Day 2: 5 16-00
86. Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 10 34-09 18 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 24-01 Day 2: 5 10-08
87. Joseph Webster Hamilton, AL 10 34-05 17
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 16-05
88. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 10 34-05 16
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 5 17-14
89. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 10 34-01 15
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 19-12
90. Frank Talley Belton, TX 10 33-12 14
Day 1: 5 19-02 Day 2: 5 14-10
91. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 10 33-10 13
Day 1: 5 18-14 Day 2: 5 14-12
92. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 10 32-08 12
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 5 21-07
93. Jason Christie Dry Creek, OK 9 31-07 11
Day 1: 4 14-06 Day 2: 5 17-01
94. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 9 31-06 10
Day 1: 5 18-04 Day 2: 4 13-02
95. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 8 31-05 9
Day 1: 3 10-04 Day 2: 5 21-01
96. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 10 28-08 8
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 12-05
97. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 9 28-02 7
Day 1: 4 12-02 Day 2: 5 16-00
98. Buddy Gross Chattanooga, TN 10 27-03 6
Day 1: 5 12-13 Day 2: 5 14-06
99. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 5 18-05 5
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 18-05
100. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 17-07 4
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
101. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
———————————————————————– PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 06-15 $1,000.00
2 Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 06-12 $1,000.00 ———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 96 491 2000-08
2 98 494 2015-09
———————————-
194 985 4016-01

Vote for Your Favorite August Bass Fish Photo

Brian Carter

August 16, 2024

Vote for Your Favorite August Bass Fish Photo

Master Bass Fishing with Proven Strategies!

Brian Carter

August 16, 2024

Master Bass Fishing with Proven Strategies!

Bass feeding patterns can vary significantly based on environmental conditions and seasonal changes. During warmer months, bass are more likely to be aggressive and target larger, more active prey. Soft plastic lizards and worm baits are excellent choices during these periods as they mimic the movements and appearance of common prey. Conversely, in cooler conditions or when bass are less active, smaller creature-styled baits like insect larva or beetles can be more effective. By tailoring your bait choice to these patterns, you can enhance your chances of attracting and catching bass. In addition to temperature, the clarity of the water can influence bass behavior. Clear water often requires more subtle presentations, while murky water allows for bolder and more visible baits. Understanding the specific conditions of your fishing environment, such as water temperature and visibility, can further refine your bait selection. Observing local bass activity and adjusting your baiting strategy accordingly can provide a more tailored approach. Ultimately, being adaptable and responsive to real-time changes in your fishing environment can lead to even greater success. The new FreshBaitz Lizards deliver a realistic profile that excels in both power and finesse techniques. Act fact, we just released new Hot Sauce, MidNight, Ghost and 10w30 Syntheic Lizard designs! The unique forward-facing leg design creates drag that holds it in the strike zone longer or produces wild flapping action with every pull of the rod. Additionally, its slightly ribbed solid body and large head hold your hook in place and provide much better weedless performance making it the ideal bait to use in any condition. Water clarity always plays a super big role in color selection but in any season year-round, you can’t miss when using colors such as Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, or Green Pumpkin. Its flexible tail design ensures added movement, tempting even the most cautious fish. The superior 5.5-inch profile stretches to a whole 7 inches which is perfect for predatory fish including bass year round. Made from long-lasting durable high-grade non-salted plastic for total and maximum attention-grabbing action underwater.

Soft plastic lures, such as lizards and worms, are incredibly versatile and can be used in various fishing techniques. These baits provide a natural, lifelike movement in the water that can entice bass to strike. They are particularly effective in areas with heavy cover or structure, where the bait’s soft texture and realistic action can provoke more aggressive bites. Experimenting with different colors and sizes can help match the bait to the specific conditions and preferences of the bass. Incorporating soft plastics into your fishing arsenal can lead to more successful and enjoyable fishing experiences. Soft plastic lures can be rigged in various ways, including Texas rigs, Carolina rigs, or weightless presentations, allowing for adaptability in different fishing scenarios. This adaptability makes them suitable for fishing in diverse environments, from shallow weedy areas to deep, open waters. The durability of soft plastics means they can withstand multiple strikes, making them a cost-effective choice. As you gain experience, you’ll develop a better sense of which rigging techniques and lure styles work best in various situations and enhance your ability to catch bass.We use our Fresh Scorpion because it closely imitates a crawfish. Our newest 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink Scorpion colors work wonders. The Scorpion is a revolutionary new look to soft plastics. Its intricate detailing and texture mimic the nuances of a real crawfish, making it hard for bass to resist. Of course, water clarity always plays a role in color selection but in any season, you can’t miss using colors such as Green Pumpkin Seed, Brown Bark, Magneto. This bait not only appears natural to fish but gives them something to become curious about. The Scorpion paired with a stand-up jig is deadly because the jig actually sits the bait upright in a defensive stance. The subtle color variations across the bait further enhance its appeal, mimicking the natural color shifts found in live prey. Each Fresh Scorpion has a unique and exclusive 3-axis tail design that is engineered like no other soft plastic bait. Our Scorpions are made by anglers from high-grade non-salt plastic to provide superior life-like action-triggering strikes!

Insect-larva baits are a highly effective option for bass fishing, especially when targeting bass in weedy or muddy waters. These baits mimic the appearance and movement of natural prey that bass often forage for in their habitat. The subtle, natural action of insect larva can be particularly enticing to bass, making them a great choice for slow presentations and finesse techniques. Incorporating these baits into your fishing strategy can be beneficial, especially when other bait options seem to be less effective. Understanding the specific conditions where insect-larva baits excel can significantly improve your catch rate. In addition to their effectiveness in murky waters, insect-larva baits are often productive in early spring and late fall when bass are less aggressive. Their small size and delicate movement make them ideal for targeting more finicky bass that may be less inclined to chase after larger or more aggressive baits. Adjusting the presentation speed and depth based on water temperature and clarity can also enhance their effectiveness. Combining insect-larva baits with other techniques, such as slow dragging or subtle twitching, can increase your chances.Our Fresh HellaMite is designed to imitate a major aquatic food source, delivering a realistic profile of an insect larva that fish can’t resist. Scented for complete and total attraction underwater along with being made in the USA by real fishermen just like you. Grab our newest Hot Sauce, MidNight, Glow, 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink HellaMite colors. Act quickly, these new colors won’t stay in stock for long. We also recently restocked our Ghost, Red Bug, Purple Rain, Brown Bug, Electric Chicken, and Goby Wan colors. The HellaMite’s solid body and hyperactive ribbed tail design produce a life-like quivering action with every twitch of the rod. Additionally, its unique flat underbelly detail enables this bait to be fished as a drop shot, Ned rig, neko rig, and even a small Carolina-rig, making it the ideal bait in any condition year-round. When the water is clear, the fish can see the bait and look like real food, causing strikes. Each cast becomes an opportunity for an exhilarating catch, thanks to the HellaMite’s superior performance and versatility

Beetle baits are another effective choice for bass fishing, offering a unique appearance and action that can attract fish. Their hard, durable body and erratic movement in the water can simulate the motion of beetles and other small insects that bass feed on. Beetles are particularly useful when fishing in areas with high insect activity or around vegetation where beetles are commonly found. By using beetle baits, you can capitalize on the bass’s natural feeding instincts and increase your chances of a successful catch. Experimenting with different colors and sizes can help you find the most effective beetle bait for your fishing conditions. Moreover, beetle baits are versatile enough to be used in various fishing techniques, including flipping, pitching, and topwater presentations. Their buoyancy and realistic movement can make them highly effective in shallow, weedy areas where bass are actively hunting for insects. Adjusting the retrieval speed and adding occasional pauses can enhance the bait’s action and make it more enticing to bass. Beetle baits also work well in combination with other lures, providing a broader range of options for adapting to different bass feeding patterns. Our Fresh Beetle delivers ultimate versatility in a soft plastic bait. Its slim yet wide body design and four claws are engineered to naturally glide and wobble as it moves through the water. This design ensures they remain enticingly active longer than conventional baits. Its unique texture also provides a realistic feel, making bass hold on longer once they bite. Water clarity plays a big role in color selection but year-round you can’t miss when using go-to colors such as Chocolate Mint, Ox Blood, or 10w30 Synthetic beetles. The hyper-active swimming claws are designed thin with long-lasting durable non-salt plastic to make them come alive with the slightest movement. The Fresh Beetle offers an enticing 4-inch profile and is scented for complete and total attraction! You can rig these Beetles as a Jig/ Chatter Trailer, Flippin/ Punching, Texas Rig, Swing Jig, and Carolina Rig. Making the beetle beyond perfect in any weather condition year-round!

Creature-styled baits, such as scorpions and other multi-limbed designs, offer a distinctive action and appearance that can be very appealing to bass. These baits often mimic the movement of various aquatic creatures that bass prey on, providing a realistic presentation. The added appendages and unique shape of creature baits can create a more dynamic and enticing action in the water, which can provoke more aggressive strikes. Using creature-styled baits can be particularly effective in areas with heavy cover or when targeting larger bass. Incorporating these baits into your fishing strategy can diversify your approach and enhance your overall success. Additionally, creature baits can be highly effective in mimicking the natural disturbances in the water caused by prey trying to escape, which can trigger a bass’s predatory instincts. Their bulkier profiles and appendages often create a more pronounced splash and vibration, making them easier for bass to detect, especially in murky or stained water. Experimenting with different creature bait designs and colors can help match the local forage and improve your chances of attracting bass and tricking them into biting. Using a stick-styled worm is the most tried and true ways to catch fish. We have a variety of 5-inch Worms to choose from but we just added new MidNight, Glow, and Ghost Worms! You can also experience our new wacky rigging kit while it’s ON SALE! The WACKY Pack offers our most popular colors and essential tools for wacky rigging. If you’re fast enough you might be able to grab the limited-release Pumpkin Spice Worm before it’s completely sold out along with some of our newest colors including the Brown Worm, Electic Chicken Worm, and Goby Wan Worm colors. The high-grade non-salt plastic they’re made from provides positive buoyancy and it even floats underwater! We also released new 6-inch Worms including Charmeleon, Rainbow TRT, Bone, Chocolate Mint, and Fire TGR are all available in 5 and 6-inch. We’ve also recently released new 8-count packs of worms available in Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, and Green Pumpkin. We also offer worms that have the unique ability to shift from one color to another. Scented for total attraction underwater.

Matching the size of your bait to the size of the bass you are targeting is crucial for optimizing your fishing success. Larger baits, such as big soft plastic lizards or large creature-styled baits, can attract larger bass that are capable of handling bigger prey. Smaller baits like insect larva or small worms are better suited for catching smaller bass or when fishing in conditions where bass are feeding on smaller prey. By selecting the appropriate bait size, you can increase your chances of attracting and catching the bass you are targeting. Adjusting your bait size based on the bass’s feeding behavior and size preferences can lead to more effective fishing. In addition, understanding the local forage base and the typical size of prey in the water can guide your choice of bait size. For instance, if you notice bass feeding on small baitfish or insects, opting for smaller baits can yield better results. Conversely, if you observe that larger prey is prevalent in the area, using bigger baits can be more effective. Monitoring seasonal changes and shifts in bass feeding habits can also inform your bait size selection, as bass may alter their preferences throughout the year during any of the seasons. Our newest FreshBaitz Mandingo Trick Worm is the ultimate game-changer for anglers with a passion! Engineered for the angler who knows SIZE does matter, this lure is designed to attract only the BIGGEST bass with a penchant for the larger bait. The Mandingo Trick Worm boasts a solid 7-inch body enhanced with a hyperactive ribbed design, ensuring irresistible mouth-watering action for those trophy bass. Officially available in a vibrant array of 8 colors. Each worm is made from durable, high-grade Non-Salted plastic for lifelike action and unparalleled durability. Perfectly balanced for a variety of rigging options and scented for total and maximum attraction, the Mandingo Trick Worm promises year-round effectiveness in lakes, rivers, and streams. Whether you’re rigging it on a Shakey Head, Drop Shot, Texas Rig, or Carolina Rig, these worms are your ticket to landing the big ones. Proudly made in the USA by real anglers to help elevate your fishing experience and catch more bass year-round!

Bass behavior and feeding patterns can change with the seasons, making it essential to adapt your bait choices accordingly. During the warmer months, bass are often more active and may respond better to larger, more aggressive baits like soft plastic lizards or creature-styled baits. In cooler months, bass might be less active and prefer smaller, more subtle baits such as insect larva or worms. By adjusting your bait selection to match the seasonal conditions and bass behavior, you can improve your chances of a successful catch. Understanding how seasonal changes impact bass feeding can help you make more informed decisions and enhance your fishing strategy. Seasonal changes can affect where bass are located, influencing the effectiveness of your bait. For example, in the spring, bass may move towards shallower waters for spawning, making it a good time to use baits that mimic smaller prey or offer a natural presentation. In the fall, bass might feed aggressively to prepare for winter, making larger, more dynamic baits a better choice. Adapting your fishing tactics to these seasonal patterns ensures that your bait presentation remains relevant and more appealing.We have a wide variety of terminal tackle to choose. For creature baits, we love to use the Stand-Up Jig because it sits your bait up-right in a defensive stance! Mosquito Hooks work for drop-shotting and perfectly accommodates a wide range of soft plastics. The popular All Purpose Hooks are built with an extra-wide gap and are made to accommodate a wide range of soft plastics. The Block Head Jig is perfect for ned rigging the HellaMite with its mushroom-style head that seamlessly matches a wide variety of soft plastics. The Offset Block Head Jig, offers the same mushroom-style head with a unique offset hook, making it a go-to for weedless Ned Rig applications. The Shakey Ultrahead can permanently secure baits by inserting the pin in the center and screwing the twist lock coil spring for perfect rigging every time! The Ultrahead Wacky Jig features precise weight positioning and hook orientation for the ultimate wacky presentations. For fast Texas rigging, we use the Bullet-Type Rig which has an attached weight saving you pressure time when fishing cover. The 4x Jungle Flippin Hook is designed for big fish and the toughest conditions. The Range Roller Jig Head is crafted for precision with its high center axis design, perfect for hover-strolling and mid to bottom strolling with forward facing sonar, ensuring an enticing rolling action.

Erie to Host First General Tire Team Series B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup Presented by Toyota Next Week

Brian Carter

August 16, 2024

Erie to Host First General Tire Team Series B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup Presented by Toyota Next Week

Two-man teams will compete on unknown fishery for first event of season, all six days of competition livestreamed on MLFNOW! and filmed for broadcast on Outdoor Channel

ERIE, Pa. (Aug. 16, 2024) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today the details for the 2024 General Tire Team Series Presented by Bass Pro Shops, which kicks off August 25-30, and local fishing fans will be excited to see that Erie, Pennsylvania, is the host of the first event – the B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup Presented by Toyota.
“We are extremely excited and honored to be selected as a Challenge Cup location for Major League Fishing’s General Tire Team Series,” said Mark Jeanneret, Executive Director of the Erie Sports Commission. “We are confident that the world’s best professional anglers will find success during the Challenge Cup, while at the same time introduce our world-class bass fisheries to thousands of fishing enthusiasts across the country.”

For the first time ever, the General Tire Team Series will be livestreamed daily, meaning every cast and every catch will be covered live and fans can watch teammates work together to break down a brand new body of water in real time. The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live all six days of competition at the Challenge Cup from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET. MLFNOW!® is livestreamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MLF and MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) apps and on Rumble.

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 will discover exactly where they’re competing only after arriving at the boat ramp on the morning of competition. Fans watching the MLFNOW! livestream will find out the fishery right along with the anglers and watch all the action unfold live as teams work together and share their knowledge to break down each fishery in real time.

The 2024 General Tire Team Series revives the highly successful MLF Cup events of prior years, while adding a team-style twist. The 2024 Team Series season is comprised of four Cup events, featuring two-man teams of Bass Pro Tour pros 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 in Erie is the first of the four-event series.

“After a successful transition from the extremely popular MLF Cup events to the General Tire Team Series in 2022, it has been exciting to watch our Bass Pro Tour anglers strategize and work together to find and catch the winning bass,” said Kathy Fennell, MLF Executive Vice President and General Manager. “With the dynamic of two-man teams fishing from the same boat, and livestream coverage of every moment, we’re thrilled to offer fans a never-before-seen front row seat to the action and drama that the General Tire Team Series creates.”

Fans will have an inside look as teammates like 2022 Team Series Champion Jacob Wheeler and two-time REDCREST Champion Dustin Connell join forces on Team Kubota to compete against Team Star Tron, comprised of pro Jacob Wall and 2022 REDCREST Champion Bobby Lane, or Team Knighten Industries, made up of pros Wesley Strader and Scott Suggs – two-thirds of the winning team from the 2023 Team Series.

“This type of team event is the most relatable way to fish,” Wheeler said of the new format. “Team tournaments are literally what got me started in bass fishing, just those weeknight tournaments with your buddies. That’s some of the most fun fishing.

“Out of everyone in the field, I’ve had the most experience fishing with Dustin, so we’re looking forward to working together,” Wheeler continued. “There will definitely be some shenanigans, but it’s going to be a lot of fun and I’m beyond excited.”

The 12 teams that will compete in the General Tire Team Series B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup Presented by Toyota in Erie, Pennsylvania are:

Team 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee:
Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J.
Mark Daniels Jr., Tuskegee, Ala.

Team B&W Trailer Hitches:
Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn.
Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark.

Team Builders FirstSource:
Dean Rojas, Lake Havasu City, Ariz.
Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn.

Team Coign:
Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill.
Matt Stefan, Junction City, Wis.

Team Ferguson:
Nick Lebrun, Bossier City, La.
Gerald Spohrer, Gonzales, La.

Team Knighten Industries:
Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn.
Scott Suggs, Alexander, Ark.

Team Kubota:
Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn.
Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala.

Team REDCON1:
Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio
Andy Morgan, Dayton, Tenn.

Team Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff & Pouches:
Luke Clausen, Spokane, Wash.
John Hunter, Shelbyville, Ky.

Team Star Tron:
Jacob Wall, New Hope, Ala.
Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla.

Team U.S. Air Force:
Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C.
Stephen Browning, Hot Springs, Ark.

Team WIX Filters:
Ron Nelson, Berrien Springs, Mich.
Keith Carson, DeBary, Fla.

The MLF General Tire Team Series B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup Presented by Toyota will also air on Outdoor Channel as six two-hour original episodes each Saturday afternoon starting January 4, 2025, airing from 2 to 4 p.m. EDT. The complete television schedule for the 2024 General Tire Team Series on Outdoor Channel will be posted at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Proud sponsors of the MLF General Tire Team Series include: 7 Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Barbasol, Bass Boat Technologies, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA Scales, Builders FirstSource, 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, REDCON1, Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff, Star brite, Toyota, U.S. Air Force, WIX Filters and YETI.

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

6 Tips for Removing a Backlash from Your Fishing Reel

Brian Carter

August 16, 2024

Tips for Removing a Backlash from Your Fishing Reel

Ever had a backlash ruin your perfect cast? You’re not alone! Many anglers, especially those new to baitcasting reels, face this frustrating issue. But don’t worry, removing a backlash from your fishing reel doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Here are some practical tips to help you get back to fishing in no time.

Understanding Backlash

Before diving into the tips, let’s quickly understand what backlash is. Backlash, also known as a bird’s nest, happens when the spool of your baitcasting reel spins faster than the line is leaving the reel. This causes the line to bunch up and tangle.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first step in dealing with a backlash is to stay calm. Panicking can make the situation worse. Take a deep breath and assess the tangle. Sometimes, it might look worse than it actually is.

2. Tighten the Drag and Pull Out the Line

Tighten your reel’s drag to prevent more line from coming off the spool. Then, gently pull on the line to see if you can remove the tangle. If the line starts to come out smoothly, continue pulling until the backlash is gone.

3. Use Your Thumb to Apply Pressure

While pulling the line, use your thumb to apply slight pressure on the spool. This can help in controlling the line and preventing further tangles. It’s a simple trick but can be very effective.

4. Pick Out the Loops

If the tangle is more severe, you might need to pick out the loops. Use a small tool like a needle or a hook to carefully lift and remove the loops. Be patient and avoid yanking the line, as this can cause knots.

5. Reel Back and Forth

Sometimes, reeling the line back and forth can help in loosening the tangle. Engage the reel and slowly turn the handle backward and forward. This motion can help in untangling the line without causing more knots.

6. Cut and Retie if Necessary

In extreme cases, you might need to cut the line. If the backlash is too severe and none of the above methods work, cutting the line and retying it might be the best option. Always carry extra line and tools for such emergencies.

Preventing Future Backlashes

While knowing how to remove a backlash is essential, preventing it in the first place is even better. Here are some tips to avoid backlashes:

Adjust the Brakes and Tension Knob: Properly adjusting the brakes and tension knob on your baitcasting reel can prevent backlashes. Start with a tighter setting and gradually loosen it as you get more comfortable.
Practice Your Casting Technique: Smooth and controlled casting can significantly reduce the chances of a backlash. Practice in an open area to perfect your technique.
Use the Right Line: Thicker lines are less prone to backlashes. If you’re new to baitcasting reels, consider using a thicker line until you get the hang of it.

Conclusion

Removing a backlash from your fishing reel can be a hassle, but with these tips, you’ll be back to casting in no time. Remember to stay calm, be patient, and practice your technique to prevent future backlashes. Happy fishing!

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Master Bass Fishing with Proven Strategies!

6 Tips for Removing a Backlash from Your Fishing Reel

Tips for Removing a Backlash from Your Fishing Reel

Understanding Backlash

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

2. Tighten the Drag and Pull Out the Line

3. Use Your Thumb to Apply Pressure

4. Pick Out the Loops

5. Reel Back and Forth

6. Cut and Retie if Necessary

Preventing Future Backlashes

Conclusion

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