DAIWA’s new TATULA SV TW 150 features HYPERDRIVE DESIGN and SV technology to power your bass fishing while extending casting control and distance.
FOOTHILL RANCH, CA (August 21, 2024) – “The bigger brother of the new TATULA SV100, the new TATULA SV TW 150 is geared for the power-fishing crowd, introducing them to SV spool technology and HYPERDRIVE DESIGN in a mid-priced baitcaster,” said DAIWA Field Marketing Manager, Chris Martin. “They will appreciate how the upsized reel casts and controls bigger baits like swimbaits, deep crankbaits, bladebaits, and smaller A-rigs. The TATULA SV TW 150 is stud when the battle is on, too.”Energized by SV (Stress-Free, Versatile), the TATULA SV TW 150 yields the ultimate castability with a heavier line. “Bassers who spool 50- and 60-pound braid will notice the improved casting distance compared to their current reels,” said Martin. “The spool is sized to accommodate more and heavier line, too.” Users of monofilament and fluorocarbon will notice the significant line capacity as well.
Beyond providing a jolt to casting distance, SV technology virtually eliminates backlash. By design, spool speed is managed at the onset of a cast – where backlash is most common – and then allows the spool to accelerate as the bait continues its launch sequence. The precision combination of control and increased velocity yields longer casts that don’t start as a bird’s nest. The performance lends confidence to baitcaster-beginners and will knock the socks off veteran bassers. The TATULA SV TW 150’s second significant feature-set is HYPERDRIVE DESIGN. Once limited to more expensive models, DAIWA employed “trickle down technology,” bringing HYPERDRIVE DESIGN to the TATULA SV 150. HYPERDRIVE DESIGN consists of the HYPERDRIVE ARMED HOUSING, HYPERDRIVE DIGIGEAR, HYPERDRICE DOUBLE SUPPORT, and HYPERDRIVE TOUGH CLUTCH. Read more about each element below. In summary, DAIWA’s new TATULA SV TW 150 is a powerhouse baitcasting reel that minimizes backlash, casts for distance with control, and will be welcomed by new and experienced anglers alike.
TATULA SV TW 150 KEY FEATURES AND TECHNOLOGIES:SV TECHNOLOGYThe SV (Stress-free, Versatile) Spool was developed with one thing in mind: casting control. The design of the spool, as well as how the spool interacts with the braking system, gives maximum control on the cast while improving casting distance. No backlashes. Longer casts.HYPERDRIVE ARMED HOUSINGA distortion-proof aluminum frame steadfastly houses the gear unit within the reel body. The concept comprises a combination of different manufacturing techniques, which considerably improve the functioning and lifespan of the reel.HYPERDRIVE DIGIGEARA technology that makes gear teeth more efficient at transferring power, resulting in a smoother, more powerful gear set that also reduces gear noise. The gears are also strengthened by larger teeth in the traction wheel. And, the gearing has three points of contact – most gearing has only two – which keeps contact between the gear teeth, creating smoothness and longer gear life.HYPERDRIVE DOUBLE SUPPORT The pinion gear is mounted via a ball bearing at both sides, leading to a better and more even powered transmission from the handle. Also, the surface of the pinion gear is specially treated to prevent electrostatic corrosion.HYPERDRIVE TOUGH CLUTCH The clutch mechanics have been optimized to remain safely in position even on hard casts.
T-WING SYSTEM (TWS)An innovative “T” shaped mechanical aperture that the line passes through when casting and retrieving baits, which allows the line to flow freely, reducing friction and sharp angles that slow line flow. TWS is unique to DAIWA baitcasting reels.ULTIMATE TOURNAMENT DRAG (UTD)The sophisticated drag system uses carbon washers, alloy, stainless steel drag plates, and special lubricant to provide smooth performance. UTD prevents sticking when dragging starts and stable drag for the duration of fighting a fish.ZERO ADJUSTERThe spool tension knob comes ideally preset at the factory to match the model and reduce backlash when casting into the wind, skipping baits, or with lighter lures. However, anglers can fine tune the spool tension to their personal preferences.90mm SWEPT HANDLEThe handle is kept tight to the frame for added power and making it easy to quickly locate.MSRP $219.99
THE PERFECT PAIRINGThe new TATULA SV150 matches ideally with the TATULA Elite and TATULA Elite AGS rod series’, particularly Medium and Medium-Heavy baitcasting models.
For Daiwa’s latest color catalog and/or information on Daiwa dealers in your area, call Daiwa’s Customer Service Department at 562-375-6800 or e-mail inquiries to: CSR@Daiwa.com. The URL for Daiwa’s web site is daiwa.us
Top Techniques for Targeting Bass in Warm, Shallow Waters This August
Wondering how to catch bass in warm, shallow waters this August? You’re in luck! August is a prime time for targeting bass in these conditions, and I’ve got some top techniques to help you land those big catches.
1. Understand Bass Behavior in August
In August, bass often stay in shallow waters due to better oxygen levels and abundant food sources like bluegill and crawfish. These shallow areas, often less than three feet deep, provide the perfect environment for bass during the hot summer months. Understanding this behavior is crucial for successful fishing.
2. Choose the Right Lures
Selecting the right lures is essential for targeting bass in warm, shallow waters:
Buzzbaits: A 1/4-ounce buzzbait, like the War Eagle Buzzbait, can be effective. Choose black for dirty water or low-light conditions and white for clear water
. Swim Jigs: Use a 1/2-ounce swim jig with a green pumpkin trailer. This setup mimics bluegill and is subtle enough for skittish bass. Crankbaits: A Megabass S Crank 1.5, especially in colors like Secret Gill or Biwako See Through Chart, works well in shallow waters without creating too much disturbance
.Crankbaits: A Megabass S Crank 1.5, especially in colors like Secret Gill or Biwako See Through Chart, works well in shallow waters without creating too much disturbance
3. Focus on Isolated Cover
Bass love isolated cover in shallow waters. Look for areas with stumps, grass, boat docks, or overhanging trees. These spots provide shade and shelter, making them ideal for bass. When you find isolated cover, you can often predict where the bites will come from, leading to more successful fishing trips.
4. Adjust Your Approach for Weather Conditions
Weather plays a significant role in bass behavior. A little wind or cloud cover can make bass more active and less wary of your line. On sunny days, bass may be tightly positioned in shaded areas, making them easier to catch. Adjust your approach based on the weather to increase your chances of success.
5. Be Quiet and Stealthy
Bass in shallow waters can be easily spooked. To avoid this, cut off your outboard motor well before reaching your fishing spot, use your trolling motor on a lower speed, and make extra-long casts. Keeping noise to a minimum will help you get closer to the fish without scaring them away.
6. Cover Water Efficiently
In shallow waters, it’s essential to cover as much ground as possible. Use lures that allow you to fish quickly and efficiently, and don’t be afraid to explore different areas. This approach helps you find where the bass are concentrated, especially in August when they might be scattered
.
Conclusion
Targeting bass in warm, shallow waters this August can be incredibly rewarding if you use the right techniques. By understanding bass behavior, choosing the appropriate lures, focusing on isolated cover, and adjusting for weather conditions, you’ll be well on your way to a successful fishing trip. Happy fishing, and may you land the bass of your dreams this August!
Lake Champlain is a legendary smallmouth fishery, and in this era of forward-facing sonar technology, it would not be surprising to hear that the Champlain BFL event was won scoping smallmouths with a jighead-minnow.
Of course, with all the focus on that approach, it leaves other opportunities open. And that’s exactly what Lavictoire exploited to get the W.
He said he “went solely for largemouth.”
“Largemouth have been ignored and have replenished, and if you get five of those you’re in good shape,” he said.
High winds challenged the field on Saturday, with 6- to 8-foot waves in some areas. Thankfully for Lavictoire, he had plenty of big-fish spots pegged up north. Though he had to run through some gnarly waves, he was mostly protected once he got to his areas.
“I fished from the ramp in Plattsburgh to Missisquoi Bay and back,” he said. “I mainly fished a jig all day. I fished a lot of rock and grass and a lot of boat docks, pilings, drop-offs, ledges – anything that I’ve fished in the past and caught big ones off of.”
Lavictoire ran a milk run of about 25 spots, mostly tossing a homemade jig (made by a buddy) that resembles a perch or bluegill. He thinks the biggest key was sticking to his game plan of avoiding chasing numbers of fish and targeting big bites.
“I think (the key was) mostly just putting myself in productive areas, ignoring the wind, ignoring the forward-facing sonar thing that everybody does and sticking with my game plan – the idea that if I get five big largemouth I can beat those smallmouth,” he said.
And, in case you were wondering, as exciting as it is to watch fish chase your lure on sonar, it’s also a pretty darn good time catching them by dragging or pitching a jig.
“It’s so much fun,” Lavictoire added. “So much fun.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Thomas Lavictoire Jr., West Rutland, Vt., five bass, 22-3, $3,377 2nd: Jason Stoddard, St. Albans, Vt., five bass, 22-0, $1,689 3rd: Jim Sweeney, West Dover, Vt., five bass, 19-4, $1,128 4th: Ed Casey, Whiteford, Md., five bass, 19-0, $731 4th: Jason Shipton, Muncy, Pa., five bass, 19-0, $731 6th: Josh Kauffman, Marysville, Pa., five bass, 18-14, $1,091 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus) 6th: Jared Phillips, Addison, N.Y., five bass, 18-14, $591 8th: Stephen Draghi, Sparrow Bush, N.Y., five bass, 18-12, $507 9th: Preston Vargo, Port Henry, N.Y., five bass, 18-10, $450 10th: Christopher Sanno, Landisburg, Pa., five bass, 18-7, $809
Christopher Sanno of Landisburg, Pennsylvania, caught a bass that weighed 6 pounds, 1 ounce, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $415.
Randall Given of Laurel, Delaware, won the Strike King co-angler division and $1,648 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 17 pounds, 5 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Randall Given, Laurel, Del., five bass, 17-5, $1,648 2nd: Eric Reynolds, Bloomingburg, N.Y., five bass, 16-8, $824 3rd: Scott Minch, Feasterville, Pa., five bass, 16-4, $549 4th: Matthew Belmore, Indian Lake, N.Y., five bass, 15-15, $385 5th: Michael Bell, Ogdensburg, N.Y., five bass, 15-13, $480 6th: Michael Bahnweg, Union Dale, Pa., 15 – 11 (5) $302 7th: Shawn Minch, Feasterville, Pa., five bass, 15-3, $477 8th: Melvin Smitson, Baltimore, Md., five bass, 15-2, $247 9th: Brent Navari, Colchester, Vt., five bass, 15-1, $220 10th: Hunter Navari, Colchester, Vt., five bass, 14-5, $192
Shawn Minch of Feasterville, Pennsylvania, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $202, catching a bass that weighed in at 4 pounds, 12 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After three events, Christopher Sanno of Landisburg, Pennsylvania, leads the Fishing Clash Northeast Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 712 points, while Lenny Baird of Stafford, Virginia, leads the Fishing Clash Northeast Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 722 points.
The next event for BFL Northeast Division anglers was planned for Aug. 18 on Lake Champlain. That event was a makeup tournament for a previous event that was postponed. However, forecasts for high winds and unsafe conditions forced the Aug. 18 event to also be postponed. It will now be held Sept. 14 at the Potomac River in Marbury, Maryland. The next day, on Sept. 15, the BFL Northeast Division Super Tournament will also held on the Potomac River in Marbury. This will now be a one-day Super Tournament event. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
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 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 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.
Boater winner Matt O’Connell of Brooks, Georgia, and Strike-King co-angler winner Chris Wilson of Easley, South Carolina.
Easley’s Wilson Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
ANDERSON, S.C. (Aug. 19, 2024) – Boater Matt O’Connell of Brooks, Georgia, won the MLF Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine two-day Super Tournament on Lake Hartwell Presented by Suzuki Marine on Sunday with a cumulative total of 10 bass weighing 30 pounds, 7 ounces. His daily weights were 14 pounds, 6 ounces on Saturday and 16 pounds, 1 ounce on Sunday. Hosted by the Anderson Convention & Visitors Bureau, the tournament was the fifth and final event of the season for the BFL Savannah River Division. O’Connell earned $7,776, including the lucrative $2,500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus, for his victory.
Though O’Connell said Hartwell is fishing a little weird right now, his winning pattern involved a mix of pretty typical summertime baits and tactics for a blueback herring lake.
“There is a typical blueback pattern going on where the fish are out on bait or on shoals and humps,” he said. “And there’s some schooling going on kind of intermittently throughout the day. I actually probably saw more schooling in the afternoon both days, but it was super tough to catch the schoolers.
“I essentially just got big bites both afternoons. I had 9 pounds at about noon each day and managed to catch about a 4-pounder yesterday (Saturday) out deep over timber. And that pretty much kicked my bag up with a bunch of 2 1/2-pounders. And then today (Sunday) I had probably 9 pounds at noon, and from probably 12:30 ’til 2:30, in about a two-hour period, I caught a 4-pound spot and 5-pound largemouth on the CAST The OG (Floater). It’s a big topwater.”
A couple factors flipped the switch in the afternoons. Part of it was the wind picking up, especially on day two, which made the fish more active. The other factor was timing. O’Connell located some fish during afternoon hours in practice and noticed they just weren’t on those spots in the mornings during the tournament. But come afternoon, they repositioned on brush or on areas where he could be target them more easily, versus roaming like they were in the mornings.
“Day two, I just started running more of the shallow stuff because it was windy,” he said. “Shallow being relative –25 feet or less. The conditions and the fish just combined to give me an opportunity. The fish were being much more aggressive in the afternoon at least.”
O’Connell relied on forward-facing sonar throughout the tournament to “scope” a mix of structure and cover, including brush piles, the ends of points and deep timber. In addition to the OG topwater, he fished a CAST Fishing Co. Echo soft jerkbait on an under-spin as well as a soft jerkbait without the jighead.
“I probably fished 60 spots today,” he added. “That’s pretty normal for the blueback herring deal. There was one area I spent probably an hour fishing that was over timber around bait, but that was the only time I settled in anywhere.”
Lucas Black of Saint Simons Island, Georgia, caught a bass that weighed 5 pounds, 12 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $525.
Chris Wilson of Easley, South Carolina, won the Strike King co-angler division and $2,500 Sunday, after bringing a two-day total of eight bass to the scale for 13 pounds, 3 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Chris Wilson, Easley, S.C., eight bass, 13-3, $2,500 2nd: Corey Veal, Royston, Ga., seven bass, 12-11, $1,119 3rd: Colby Elliott, Blairsville, Ga., seven bass, 12-1, $748 4th: Mark Garrett, Walhalla, S.C., eight bass, 9-14, $622 5th: Mark Yarborough, Salem, S.C., eight bass, 9-10, $448 6th: Russell Woodson, Jonesville, S.C., six bass, 8-14, $410 7th: Chris Worley, Eastanollee, Ga., five bass, 7-13, $373 8th: Scott Gerbers, Blackstock, S.C., four bass, 7-9, $336 9th: Brian Heredos, Simpsonville, S.C., five bass, 6-15, $298 10th: David Allen, Mableton, Ga., four bass, 6-3, $261
Wilson also earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $262, catching a bass that weighed in at 3 pounds, 15 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
With the qualifying season now concluded, Joe Anders of Easley, South Carolina, is the 2024 Fishing Clash Savannah River Division Angler of the Year (AOY) with 1,325 points and earned the $1,000 prize, while Todd Huntley of Inman, South Carolina, won the 2024 Fishing Clash Savannah River Division Co-angler of the Year title with 1,285 points and the $500 prize.
Next up for the Savannah River Division, the top 45 boaters and co-anglers based on season point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will compete in the Oct. 3-5 BFL Regional tournament on Pickwick Lake in Counce, Tennessee. 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 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 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.
Boater winner Jeff Ritter of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, and Strike-King co-angler winner Kenneth McLemore of Antioch, Illinois.
Illinois’ McLemore Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, Wis. (Aug. 19, 2024) – Boater Jeff Ritter of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, caught a five-bass limit weighing 17 pounds, 14 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on the Mississippi River in Prairie du Chien. The tournament was the fourth event of the season for the BFL Great Lakes Division. Ritter earned $4,247 for his victory.
According to Ritter, heavy rains and prolonged high water on the Mississippi River earlier this summer led to some serious changes in the shallow-water cover that bass anglers are used to fishing.
“It happened right when our grass and pads should’ve been growing,” he said about the flood. “It was muddy, high water that lasted about a month, and it didn’t allow anything to grow well. It kinda stunk, but I like it now.”
As a result of the change, Ritter and others have had to scramble to either find grass and pads that did make it through, or adjust to fish other types of structure and cover. In the BFL, Ritter ran to a couple of large, shallow mud flats along the main slough in Pool 10. These were areas he fished the prior weekend in a team tournament without much luck. Things certainly turned around in the BFL, which Ritter credits to a couple variables.
First, the water had started dropping compared to last week’s tournament, when it had shot up about 8 inches due to storms. Second, the wind and overcast skies had the fish more active. Ritter also thinks the conditions prevented carp from sliding up to sun themselves in the shallow mud, which kept the carp from muddying the waters.
“They’re flats that normally would’ve had grass on them,” Ritter added. “But there’s not much grass. I caught a lot of fish on mud flats without much eye appeal. I don’t think many people got on it at all. I had everything I wanted to fish pretty much to myself.
“In all honesty, I was shocked to find the fish where I found them because of lack of cover. But as long as they eat, I don’t care.”
Ritter’s fish were scattered out and mostly relating to the edge of the flats, where there was a small drop. These areas were loaded with baitfish and swept with “pretty heavy current,” Ritter said.
“I was fishing anywhere from the boat being stuck to the bottom of the mud out to maybe in 2 feet of water,” he added. “They were really shallow.”
Covering water was key for Ritter, who used “a little bit of everything” to get bit, including a buzz bait, frog and Heddon Super Spook topwater.
The top 12 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Jeff Ritter, Prairie du Chien, Wis., five bass, 17-14, $4,247 2nd: Rob Leidholdt, Milton, Wis., five bass, 17-4, $1,668 3rd: Mike Brueggen, La Crosse, Wis., five bass, 16-12, $1,112 4th: James Keller, Cuba City, Wis., five bass, 16-10, $779 5th: Joseph Johnson, Maquoketa, Iowa, five bass, 16-8, $639 5th: Marcus Livingston, Augusta, Wis., five bass, 16-8, $639 7th: Tony Puelz, Garnavillo, Iowa, five bass, 16-7, $556 8th: Justin Shepard, Lansing, Iowa, five bass, 16-6, $501 9th: Mark Myers, Cedar Falls, Iowa, five bass, 16-3, $445 10th: Tyler Fitch, Fall River, Wis., five bass, 15-15, $354 10th: Austin Brimeyer, Dubuque, Iowa, five bass, 15-15, $354 10th: Devon Dvorak, Keystone, Iowa, five bass, 15-15, $354
Ritter caught a bass that weighed 4 pounds, 13 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $410.
Kenneth McLemore of Antioch, Illinois, won the Strike King co-angler division and $1,668 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 15 pounds, 15 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Kenneth McLemore, Antioch, Ill., five bass, 15-15, $1,668 2nd: Christopher Morgan, Greendale, Wis., five bass, 14-15, $696 2nd: Lance Olson, Necedah, Wis., five bass, 14-15, $696 4th: Tim Himsl, Moline, Ill., five bass, 14-9, $389 5th: Terry Williams, Cedar Falls, Iowa, five bass, 14-1, $320 5th: Jason Swanson, Waterloo, Iowa, five bass, 14-1, $320 7th: Will Ahnen, Fennimore, Wis., five bass, 14-0, $428 8th: Brian Brecka, Alma, Wis., five bass, 13-13, $455 9th: Ma Xiong, Menomonee Falls, Wis., five bass, 13-6, $222 10th: Matthew Vang, Milwaukee, Wis., five bass, 13-4, $195
Brian Brecka of Alma, Wisconsin, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $205, catching a bass that weighed in at 4 pounds, 3 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
In addition to getting the tournament win, Jeff Ritter also leads the Fishing Clash Great Lakes Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 948 points after four events, while Jason Olson of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, leads the Fishing Clash Great Lakes Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 953 points.
The next event for BFL Great Lakes Division anglers will be held Sept. 21-22, at the Mississippi River out of La Crosse, Wisconsin. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
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. 10-12 BFL Regional tournament on Pools 13-17 of the Mississippi River in Quad Cities, Illinois. 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 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 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.
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
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.
“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.
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.
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!
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 31st 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 16th place on Day 1 to 31st 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 61st 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 35th 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.”
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.
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.
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
