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.
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.
“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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
Ito, who won the 2021 St. Lawrence Elite event — also run out of Waddington — and claimed his second blue trophy June 30 at Smith Lake, heads into Day 2 with a 6-ounce margin over rookie Robert Gee.
One of the highlight reel moments from Ito’s first Elite win was his crowd-pleasing tale of finding a brown-fish-laden spot he named “Smallmouth Disneyland.” The Lake Ontario goldmine that yielded a 26-pound Championship Sunday limit held so many fish that Ito claimed he got downright picky about only targeting the bigger fish on his screen.
Flash forward three years and Ito said he saw fewer fish, but the ones he saw were the ones he needed.
“The fish were alone today; I couldn’t find (schools) of bass,” said Ito, who makes his home in Chiba, Japan. “I only caught six or seven bass. It was so hard, but they were big ones.
“I think the 3-pounders and 2-pounders are schooling, but the 5- and 6-pounders are always alone.”
Making the 80-plus-mile run to Lake Ontario, Ito fished in 15 to 35 feet of water and looked for scattered rock bottom throughout a 2-mile area. This habitat, he said, holds lots of crawfish, which he believes attracts the bigger fish.
“I used the trolling motor a lot and went everywhere shallow to deep,” Ito said. “When I’d finally find a fish, it was very simple: Cast, hold, shake, bite; easy.
“My area is not perfect. There are (fresher) areas somewhere, but I like the crawfish-eaters. They are swimming very close to the bottom.”
Anchoring his bag with a 6-pounder, Ito said he made a few casts with a Neko rig but ended up catching the majority of his fish on a drop shot. Using a 1/2-ounce weight, Ito tied his drop shot with an 18-inch leader — a detail he believes made a strategic difference in his presentations.
“With a short leader, casting accuracy is good, but a longer leader makes a softer fall and that’s (more stealthy),” Ito said. “When I cast, the fish find the bait (higher in the water column) and with a soft fall, I’ll get a bite.”
With Day 1 bringing mostly calm conditions and Friday’s forecast showing a similar complexion, Ito’s hoping to stack his numbers ahead of what’s expected to become a rougher weekend.
“For my fish, calm weather is good, because they’re swimming close to the bottom,” Ito said. “But in big waves I can’t see them.
“I have a couple of areas that I didn’t check today, so I will find some spots if (the weekend brings rough weather). I’m in a big area, so I’m always looking around.”
Hailing from Knoxville, Tenn., Gee is in second place with 25-12. Doing most of his work in the lake with a drop shot, Gee ended his day by fishing areas close to takeoff. All of his weight came from Lake Ontario.
“I stayed on one spot (in the lake) all day long, caught what I caught by noon and then ran back and threw a spinnerbait around Waddington,” he said.
Gee said he matched his drop shot baits to the gobies and crawfish he believes the big fish are eating.
Notably, Gee finished second to Ito at Smith Lake. Suffice to say, he’s planning to even the score, but he knows that doing so will require a crafty plan.
“The fish are very, very smart here now,” Gee said. “The first time I came here in 2019 for a college tournament, they would meet your drop shot halfway before it got to the bottom and catch it. Now, they’ve been fished for so much, it’s really tough to get them to bite.”
Kyoya Fujita of Yamanishi, Japan, is in third place with 25-8. Fujita, who won the season opener at Toledo Bend Reservoir, fished the mouth of Lake Ontario and caught his fish on a drop shot.
Speaking through a translator, Ito said he fished clean and did not lose any bass. Fujita also noted that he’s optimistic about his position and his potential.
“I’m only 10 ounces behind the leader, and there is a big chance that I can catch 30 pounds (on Day 2),” he said. “It can happen. I just have to have the big fish bite tomorrow and I’m going to go for it.”
Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. ET at Whittaker 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 all four days.
2024 Humminbird Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River 8/15-8/18 St. Lawrence River, Waddington NY. (PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Taku Ito Dalton GA JAPAN 5 26-02 103 Day 1: 5 26-02 2. Robert Gee Knoxville, TN 5 25-12 102 Day 1: 5 25-12 3. Kyoya Fujita Yamanashi CA JAPAN 5 25-08 101 Day 1: 5 25-08 4. Cory Johnston Otonabee CANADA 5 25-00 100 Day 1: 5 25-00 5. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 5 24-13 99 Day 1: 5 24-13 6. Patrick Walters Eutawville, SC 5 24-12 98 Day 1: 5 24-12 7. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 5 24-07 97 Day 1: 5 24-07 8. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 5 24-04 96 Day 1: 5 24-04 9. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 5 24-02 95 Day 1: 5 24-02 10. Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 5 24-01 94 $1,000.00 Day 1: 5 24-01 11. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 5 23-12 93 Day 1: 5 23-12 12. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 5 23-11 92 Day 1: 5 23-11 13. Trey McKinney Carbondale, IL 5 23-10 91 Day 1: 5 23-10 14. Wesley Gore Clanton, AL 5 23-04 90 Day 1: 5 23-04 15. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 5 23-02 89 Day 1: 5 23-02 15. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 5 23-02 89 Day 1: 5 23-02 15. Jake Whitaker Hendersonville, NC 5 23-02 89 Day 1: 5 23-02 18. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TN AUSTRALIA 5 22-15 86 Day 1: 5 22-15 19. Jeff Gustafson Kenora, ON Ontario CANA 5 22-09 85 Day 1: 5 22-09 19. Bryan New Leesville, SC 5 22-09 85 Day 1: 5 22-09 21. Kyle Norsetter Cottage Grove, WI 5 22-08 83 Day 1: 5 22-08 22. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 5 22-08 82 Day 1: 5 22-08 23. Jonathan Kelley Old Forge, PA 5 22-07 81 Day 1: 5 22-07 24. Timothy Dube Nashua , NH 5 22-06 80 Day 1: 5 22-06 24. Logan Parks Auburn, AL 5 22-06 80 Day 1: 5 22-06 26. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 5 22-05 78 Day 1: 5 22-05 27. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 5 22-03 77 Day 1: 5 22-03 28. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 5 22-02 76 Day 1: 5 22-02 29. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 5 22-01 75 Day 1: 5 22-01 29. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 5 22-01 75 Day 1: 5 22-01 31. Jordan Lee Cullman, AL 5 22-00 73 Day 1: 5 22-00 32. Tyler Williams Belgrade, ME 5 21-14 72 Day 1: 5 21-14 33. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 5 21-13 71 Day 1: 5 21-13 33. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 5 21-13 71 Day 1: 5 21-13 35. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 5 21-13 69 Day 1: 5 21-13 36. John Garrett Union City, TN 5 21-12 68 Day 1: 5 21-12 37. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 5 21-11 67 Day 1: 5 21-11 38. Cole Sands Calhoun , TN 5 21-10 66 Day 1: 5 21-10 39. Cody Huff Ava, MO 5 21-09 65 Day 1: 5 21-09 40. Ben Milliken New Caney, TX 5 21-08 64 Day 1: 5 21-08 40. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 5 21-08 64 Day 1: 5 21-08 42. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 5 21-07 62 Day 1: 5 21-07 43. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 5 21-06 61 Day 1: 5 21-06 44. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 21-05 60 Day 1: 5 21-05 45. Kenta Kimura Osaka OK JAPAN 5 21-01 59 Day 1: 5 21-01 45. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 5 21-01 59 Day 1: 5 21-01 47. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 5 21-00 57 Day 1: 5 21-00 48. Seth Feider New Market, MN 5 20-14 56 Day 1: 5 20-14 49. Logan Latuso Gonzales, LA 5 20-13 55 Day 1: 5 20-13 50. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 5 20-12 54 Day 1: 5 20-12 51. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 20-10 53 Day 1: 5 20-10 52. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 5 20-09 52 Day 1: 5 20-09 53. Will Davis Jr Sylacauga, AL 5 20-07 51 Day 1: 5 20-07 53. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 5 20-07 51 Day 1: 5 20-07 53. Mike Huff London, KY 5 20-07 51 Day 1: 5 20-07 56. Jay Przekurat Plover, WI 5 20-04 48 Day 1: 5 20-04 57. John Soukup Sapulpa, OK 5 20-02 47 Day 1: 5 20-02 58. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 5 20-00 46 Day 1: 5 20-00 59. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 5 19-15 45 Day 1: 5 19-15 60. Kyle Patrick Cooperstown, NY 5 19-12 44 Day 1: 5 19-12 60. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 5 19-12 44 Day 1: 5 19-12 62. Kyle Welcher Valley, AL 5 19-11 42 Day 1: 5 19-11 63. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 5 19-10 41 Day 1: 5 19-10 63. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 5 19-10 41 Day 1: 5 19-10 65. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 5 19-08 39 Day 1: 5 19-08 65. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 5 19-08 0 Day 1: 5 19-08 67. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 5 19-05 37 Day 1: 5 19-05 68. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 5 19-03 36 Day 1: 5 19-03 69. Frank Talley Belton, TX 5 19-02 35 Day 1: 5 19-02 70. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 5 18-15 34 Day 1: 5 18-15 71. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 5 18-14 33 Day 1: 5 18-14 71. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 5 18-14 33 Day 1: 5 18-14 73. Todd Auten Clover, SC 5 18-12 31 Day 1: 5 18-12 74. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 18-11 30 Day 1: 5 18-11 75. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 18-10 29 Day 1: 5 18-10 76. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 5 18-10 28 Day 1: 5 18-10 77. Koby Kreiger Alva, FL 5 18-08 27 Day 1: 5 18-08 78. John Cox Debary, FL 5 18-05 26 Day 1: 5 18-05 79. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 18-04 25 Day 1: 5 18-04 80. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 5 18-03 24 Day 1: 5 18-03 81. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 5 18-01 23 Day 1: 5 18-01 82. Joseph Webster Hamilton, AL 5 18-00 22 Day 1: 5 18-00 83. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 5 17-11 21 Day 1: 5 17-11 84. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 5 17-09 20 Day 1: 5 17-09 85. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 17-07 19 Day 1: 5 17-07 86. Wes Logan Springville, AL 5 17-06 18 Day 1: 5 17-06 87. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 5 17-05 17 Day 1: 5 17-05 88. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 5 16-11 16 Day 1: 5 16-11 89. Bob Downey Detroit Lakes, MN 5 16-11 15 Day 1: 5 16-11 90. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 5 16-07 14 Day 1: 5 16-07 91. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 5 16-03 13 Day 1: 5 16-03 92. Matty Wong Honolulu, HI 5 15-12 12 Day 1: 5 15-12 93. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 5 15-05 11 Day 1: 5 15-05 94. Jason Christie Dry Creek, OK 4 14-06 10 Day 1: 4 14-06 95. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 5 14-05 9 Day 1: 5 14-05 96. Buddy Gross Chattanooga, TN 5 12-13 8 Day 1: 5 12-13 97. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 4 12-02 7 Day 1: 4 12-02 98. Cooper Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CAN 5 11-13 6 Day 1: 5 11-13 99. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 5 11-01 5 Day 1: 5 11-01 100. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 3 10-04 4 Day 1: 3 10-04 101. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 0 00-00 0 Day 1: 0 00-00 ———————————————————————–
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS Day 1 Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 06-15 $1,000.00
The country’s best college fishing teams will compete in Anderson, S.C., Aug. 22-24 for a national title at the 2024 Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship at Lake Hartwell presented by Bass Pro Shops.
Photo by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S.
August 15, 2024
Shallow bite could be key to success at Bassmaster College National Championship
“There’s going to be fish on the bank, offshore and everywhere in between,” the Seneca, S.C., native said. “It is going to be really interesting. It could be anyone’s ball game.”
Tournament dates are scheduled for Aug. 22-24, with daily takeoffs and weigh-ins scheduled to happen at Green Pond Landing each day. The full field will compete the first two days before the Top 12 anglers advance to the championship round.
Teams will not only be competing for the first-place prize, but also a coveted spot in the Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’s, a head-to-head style competition that will send the winner to the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail has seen many different faces of Lake Hartwell over the years, from freezing-cold spring Classics to the late-fall feed. Will Davis Jr. won the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship on Hartwell last October with a three-day total of 45 pounds, 6 ounces.
Clayton expects the three-day winning weight to be about the same, but he thinks it could be more if a team can unlock a shallow largemouth bite around docks and laydowns. Those largemouth will be feeding on bluegill and will fall for wacky-rigged worms, a variety of topwaters and a frog.
“If someone finds them shallow, they are going to blow them out because a lot of people are going to be offshore and those bass are going to be pressured,” Clayton said. “So, if someone can unlock the code to the shallow bite that will be the team to watch.”
While plenty of big largemouth swim in Hartwell, the growing population and size of the spotted bass get much of the attention. Those spotted bass, along with some largemouth, will chase blueback herring over cane piles, clay points and standing timber.
Topwater baits and Flukes will be some of the best options for the offshore bass.
“Offshore, it is all about the herring,” Clayton said. “We’ve been catching them offshore like that for months now. But they will still bite.”
With either strategy, Hartwell provides a giant playing field and teams should be able to find plenty of real estate to fish.
“Generally speaking, if it is won offshore, it is won below Sadlers Creek toward the dam,” Clayton said. “If it is won shallow, it is won up either the Seneca or the Tugaloo.”
Minnesota’s Easton Fothergill leads the Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers race going into the 2024 St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Leech Lake presented by SEVIIN Aug. 22-24 in Walker, Minn.
Photo by Andy Crawford/B.A.S.S.
August 15, 2024
Anglers eagerly eye diverse waters as Bassmaster Opens head to Leech Lake for the first time
WALKER, Minn. — Leech Lake might not be the final frontier, but it’s certainly the first time B.A.S.S. has visited the remote fishery in northern Minnesota.
Leech is far from the great unknown, however, at least to bass anglers here on the fringe of America’s Midwest. To hear them talk, it’s been a destination lake of sorts for several decades now, despite the fact that it’s closer to Canada’s southern border than it is to the state capital of St. Paul (sister city of Minneapolis about 3½ hours southeast).
Competitors from around North America and beyond will get an up close and personal look at the place Aug. 22-24 for the 2024 St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Leech Lake presented by SEVIIN. It’s the second Division 3 Bassmaster Open of the season, and as many as 225 competitors are expected to battle for some career-defining accolades.
The winner’s bounty includes a berth in the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors when it’s held March 21-23 at Lake Ray Roberts in Fort Worth, Texas. There will be as much as $332,550 in prize money split between the top participants at Leech and some, who are fishing each of this year’s nine Bassmaster Opens, will be vying for crucial points in the Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers (EQ) standings. The top nine anglers who fish in each of the nine Opens in 2024 will qualify for the Bassmaster Elite Series, which opens a world of opportunity to pro anglers.
But before anyone can start focusing on those spoils, they’ll have to conquer Leech, which area pros say provides competitors a buffet of choices to whet a bass angler’s appetite.
“Leech is one of our bigger lakes,” said Minnesota pro Josh Douglas, who is no stranger to the upper echelon of the sport, having fished the Bassmaster Opens since 2012 and two Elite Series seasons in 2022 and 2023. “It’s different from Mille Lacs (which is about an hour south of Leech) in that it’s broken up more. There’s the main basin, and it filters off into backwaters and bog water. It’s filled with wild rice, milfoil – just all the vegetation you could want. And like Mille Lacs, it’s a glacial lake, so there’s plenty of rock ledges and rockpiles to fish.”
Those backwaters, however, might look familiar to a number of anglers whether or not they’re new to the area.
“Leech is a traditional smallmouth lake that looks like (Lake) Okeechobee in some spots,” the 44-year-old Isle, Minn., resident said. “The guys from Florida should feel at home, really,” he added, with a laugh.
Douglas said Leech Lake, which at 112,000 acres is the third-largest lake in a state with some 12,000 of them, was primarily known as a largemouth fishery when he was growing up in the ’80s and ’90s.
“And it was a really good one, too,” he said. “And then somewhat recently, maybe five years or so ago, it started getting a name for smallmouth fishing and people started exploiting that. I’m sure the smallies have been there all along, but only just recently people have started to fish more for them there.”
That duality gives anglers of any persuasion a chance to fish to their strengths, said Douglas, who is entered at the Open on Leech. It’ll be only the third time he’s competed on the lake, however, so he’s not nearly as familiar with this fishery as he is his home waters of Mille Lacs.
Still, he knows the layout plenty well enough to know what’s likely to transpire on Leech.
“You have this big body of water with some wave activity, and that’s all smallmouth area if that’s your thing,” he said. “But if you get off into the bogs, you’re in more shallow water (and are) flipping jigs (or) throwing a frog. It’s two distinctly different things at Leech.”
The sloughs off the main lake contain thick layers of aquatic reeds, cattails, lily pads and the like — all familiar to the bevy of Southern anglers who frequent most tournaments. The open water at Leech is filled with wild rice, which Douglas says “lays down like Kissimmee grass, thick on the water.
“The fish love it. Ducks love it. The Native Americans in the area will be harvesting it pretty hard while we’re there, so there will be some challenges as to where we can go, what water is navigable. But there’s plenty of space for anyone to find something they like … August would be what we consider the dog days of summer here in Minnesota, and it’s been hot most days, getting around 90 degrees. So, I think it’ll be a challenging tournament, but if you can get 15 (smallmouths over three days) you can expect to do well.”
How well remains to be seen, of course.
“I think a good five-fish limit for smallmouth will be about 22 pounds a day,” Douglas said. “If you’re fishing largemouth, I’d say 20 pounds a day is a good day. There are some 5- and 6-pounders in those backwaters. It could be a grind for some, but at the end of the day, it’s northern Minnesota. The fish are gamers. They want to bite.”
Douglas expects traditional lures (tubes, Ned rigs, drop shots) to be best bets on the main body, while anything from topwater baits to flipping Texas-rigged worms and even buzzbaits could be staples in the backwaters.
“My guess is the majority of checks that week will come from people catching largemouth,” he added.
Daily takeoffs begin at 6:30 a.m. CT from the Walker (MN) Public Dock at 310 5th St. in Walker. Weigh-ins on each of the three days are scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
Coverage of the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Leech Lake presented by SEVIIN will air on FS1 on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET. Bassmaster LIVE will be streaming on Bassmaster.com all three days.
