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Wednesday, December 17, 2025
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Dustin Connell Rockets to Early Lead at Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour U.S. Air Force Stage Five at Chowan River 

Brian Carter
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Dustin Connell Rockets to Early Lead at Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour U.S. Air Force Stage Five at Chowan River 

Reigning REDCREST Champion weighs in 47 pounds, 8 ounces to lead after Day 1 for Group A – Group B begins competition Wednesday

EDENTON, N.C. (June 4, 2024) – Like the rest of the Bass Pro Tour field, Rapala pro Dustin Connell of Clanton, Alabama, arrived at the Chowan River with no idea what to expect during the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour U.S. Air Force Stage Five at the Chowan River Presented by WIX Filters . Turns out, as is the case just about everywhere, he didn’t need much time to find a healthy population of bass in the coastal river.

Connell, already a winner at Stage One on Toledo Bend and REDCREST on Lay Lake this year, boated 19 scorable bass totaling 47 pounds, 8 ounces during the first day of qualifying. That gives him a 16-pound, 5-ounce cushion over Mark Daniels Jr. of Tuskegee, Alabama , atop the leaderboard in Group A. Behind Connell, the standings are much more tightly bunched, with second through fifth place separated by 3-11.

Overall, the debut day of national tournament competition on the Chowan River yielded plenty of scorable bass – 24 of the 39 anglers in Group A totaled at least 10 pounds – plus a few big ones. Six largemouth over 5 pounds hit the scales, headlined by pro Martin Villa’s 7-7, which earned him the $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Bonus.

The six-day tournament, hosted by the Town of Edenton , the Chowan County Tourism Development Authority and Harbor Towns Cruises, showcases 79 of the top professional anglers in the world, competing for a purse of $659,000, including a top payout of $100,000 and valuable Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) points in hopes of qualifying for the General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2025, the Bass Pro Tour championship.

Link to Photo Gallery of Group A’s Day 1 Qualifying Round Afternoon Highlights on Chowan River

The 39 anglers in Group A will now have an off day from competition Wednesday, while the 39 anglers competing in Group B will begin their first day of competition. Group A will resume competition on Thursday.

While Connell had never visited the Chowan River prior to official practice for Stage Five, he entered Tuesday with a lofty goal: stack enough weight on SCORETRACKER® that he could devote the second day of qualifying entirely to practice.

Mission accomplished.

With more than 30 pounds of cushion over 10th place, Connell’s spot in the Knockout Round should be secure. That’s key for two reasons: Every additional chance to scout new water on the vast, cover-rich Chowan River is especially valuable given the field’s lack of history on the fishery, and the wind is forecast to blow hard out of the southwest on Thursday. With wind being the primary driver of current and water level on the Albemarle Sound tributary, that could drop the water and change the bite.

“I really wanted to catch them good today just because I know that we’ve got a lot of wind coming in on Thursday, on our (Group A’s) second day,” Connell explained. “And I didn’t want to put myself in a bind on Thursday trying to fight the wind. It may blow right down the chute. The wind tide changes a lot of things. So that was what I really wanted to do today is just go ahead and make this cut and be done with it.”

While the Chowan doesn’t have a strong natural current, Connell used the moving-water knowledge he honed growing up on the Coosa River in Alabama to identify a few likely locations during practice based on the wind current. It didn’t take long for those areas to produce Tuesday, as Connell landed five scorable bass for 12-11 in the first hour.

“I love fishing current, so I understand what current does to fish; I know how they act,” Connell said. “Coming here, I’ve never seen the place before. I had three days of practice, and I just kind of found me an area that I liked and then I just went from there.”

As the day progressed, Connell successfully expanded his pattern elsewhere. His most frenetic flurry came shortly after noon, when he added 11-7 to his total with five bass in just 13 minutes. By the end of the day, he had returned to practice mode, running new water.

While Connell didn’t want to reveal any details about how he’s catching his fish, he did say he’s optimistic he can continue to replicate his success in more areas. Don’t expect SCORETRACKER® to reflect that when he returns to the water Thursday, though.

“I don’t plan on catching any,” Connell said. “I’m just going to go practice and see what I can muster up.”

Overall, Connell likes what he’s seen from the Chowan River during its first few days hosting a field of touring pros.

“This place is incredible,” he said. “It’s full of bass, and it’s a very unique place just because of the salt content and the way these fish move. They’ll eat crabs, they’ll eat shad, it just depends on what section of the river you’re in. But it’s a very, very healthy fishery.” 

The top 20 pros in Group A after Day 1 on Chowan River are:

1st:        Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 19 bass, 47-8
2nd:       Mark Daniels Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., 12 bass, 31-3
3rd:        Martin Villa, Charlottesville, Va., 13 bass, 29-14
4th:        Stephen Browning, Hot Springs, Ark., 13 bass, 28-12
5th:        Dylan Hays, Hot Springs, Ark., 12 bass, 27-8
6th:        Fred Roumbanis, Russellville, Ark., 12 bass, 25-2
7th:        Alton Jones Jr., Waco, Texas, nine bass, 24-7
8th:        John Hunter, Shelbyville, Ky., 11 bass, 23-9
9th:        James Elam, Tulsa, Okla., seven bass, 17-9
10th:      Mark Davis, Mount Ida, Ark., eight bass, 17-7
11th:      Nick LeBrun, Bossier City, La., seven bass, 17-6
12th:      Marty Robinson, Lyman, S.C., seven bass, 16-2
13th:      Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., six bass, 14-12
14th:      Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C., seven bass, 14-12
15th:      Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn., seven bass, 14-1
16th:      Gary Klein, Mingus, Texas, six bass, 14-1
17th:      Jacob Wall, New Hope, Ala., seven bass, 13-14
18th:      Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark., six bass, 13-6
19th:      Chris Lane, Guntersville, Ala., six bass, 13-2
20th:      Colby Schrumpf, Highland, Ill., eight bass, 13-2

A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Overall, there were 242 scorable bass weighing 547 pounds, 10 ounces caught by 38 pros Thursday, which included one 7-pounder, one 6-pounder, four 5-pounders, 10 4-pounders and 20 3-pounders.

One of the few things Connell hasn’t accomplished during his Major League Fishing career is claiming an Angler of the Year crown. Arriving at the Chowan River in third place of this year’s Fishing Clash Angler of the Year race , he looks like he’ll have a legitimate shot down the stretch.

Connell entered Stage Five 25.5 points behind leader Jacob Wheeler and 13.5 behind Alton Jones Jr. While Wheeler is competing in Group B this week, Jones is also positioned to make the Knockout Round, although he still has a bit of work to do Thursday to secure his spot among the Top 10. Jones finished the day in seventh place with 24-7.

Martin Villa of Charlottesville, Virginia, earned Tuesday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award after a 7-pound, 7-ounce largemouth bit his wacky rig in Period 1. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day, and another $3,000 bonus to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass of the tournament.

The 39 Anglers in Group A compete in their two-day Qualifying Round on Tuesday and Thursday – the 39 anglers in Group B on Wednesday and Friday. After each two-day Qualifying Round is complete, the anglers that finish first through 10th from both groups advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the remaining 20 anglers compete to finish in the top 10 to advance to Sunday’s Championship Round. In the final-day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.

Anglers will launch at 7:30 a.m. ET each day from Pembroke Creek Park, located at 716 W. Queen Street in Edenton. Each day’s General Tire Takeout will be held at the park, beginning at 4 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at  MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on the final four days of competition from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. MLFNOW!®  will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com  and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.

On Saturday and Sunday, June 8-9, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF welcomes fans of all ages to visit Colonial Waterfront Park, located at 510 S. Broad St. in Edenton, for the MLF Watch Party and Kids Fishing Derby. Fans can watch the pros live on the MLFNOW! big screen, enjoy free food, enter to win hourly giveaways and cheer on their favorite pros. The first 50 kids 14 and under will receive a free rod and reel from Pure Fishing each day. Additional fishing gear will be provided onsite for the fishing derby or kids can bring their own. The final 10 Championship Round Bass Pro Tour anglers will be on hand at the trophy celebration on Championship Sunday to meet and greet fans, sign autographs and take selfies.

The U.S. Air Force Stage Five at Chowan River Presented by WIX Filters features the MLF catch, weigh, immediate-release format, in which anglers catch as much weight as they can each day, while also feeling the pressure and intensity of the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard. The tournament features anglers competing with a 1-pound, 8-ounce minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. The MLF Fisheries Management Division determines minimum weights for each body of water that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.

The Bass Pro Tour features a field of 79 of the top professional anglers in the world, competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and the REDCREST 2025 championship.

Fishing Clash, an interactive 3D fishing simulation game that’s played by more than 80 million people worldwide, is the official AOY sponsor of the Bass Pro Tour, Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, Toyota Series and Phoenix Bass Fishing League. You can download Fishing Clash for free in the App Store and on Google Play or log on to www.fishingclash.game for more information.

Television coverage of the U.S. Air Force Stage Five at Lake Eufaula Presented by WIX Filters Knockout Round will air as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Oct. 26 on Discovery, with the Championship Round premiering on Nov. 2. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on Outdoor Channel.

Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Bass Pro Tour include: Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Garmin, General Tire, Humminbird, Lowrance, Mercury, MillerTech, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak Fishing, NITRO, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, Rapala, REDCON1, Star brite, Suzuki, Toyota, U.S. Air Force and WIX Filters.

For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Bass Pro Tour, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X,  Instagram and YouTube.



Nominations now open for 2024 class of Bassmaster High School All-Americans

Brian Carter
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Nominations now open for 2024 class of Bassmaster High School All-Americans

June 4, 2024

Nominations now open for 2024 class of Bassmaster High School All-Americans

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. is taking nominations for the best and brightest high school bass anglers in the country for the annual Bassmaster High School All-American Fishing Team.

B.A.S.S. is celebrating the 10th year of the selection of the team, which recognizes the 12 most outstanding high school anglers in the nation. The program is designed to reward young athletes for their performance in tournaments, leadership in their communities and involvement in conservation efforts.

Applications for the team will be accepted today through September 3.

To be considered, a student must be nominated by a parent, coach, teacher or other school official. Students currently enrolled in grades 10 through 12 with a current grade point average of 2.5 or higher are eligible.

Judges will select up to two student anglers in each state. These All-State Fishing Team members will become semifinalists in the selection of the 12-member Bassmaster High School All-American Fishing Team. Criteria include success in high school fishing tournaments and involvement in conservation efforts and other community service activities.

“I am super-excited to share this platform with the best high school anglers in the country,” said Glenn Cale, B.A.S.S. tournament manager of the College, High School and Junior series. “Balancing school and fishing is key and hard work.”

All nominees for the All-American team must be B.A.S.S. members. The online membership form provides options of one-year, five-year and lifetime memberships.

Notices have been sent to youth fishing directors of the B.A.S.S. Nation and other organizations, as well as leaders of state high school fishing programs. Adults can nominate students by filling out an online form here. Nominations must be submitted before midnight on September 3. Please send all questions to [email protected].



Mercury Marine Launches the Avator™ 75e and 110e Outboards, Expanding the Range of its Award-Winning Electric Propulsion Series to Power Bigger Sustainable Adventures on the Water

Brian Carter
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Mercury Marine Launches the Avator™ 75e and 110e Outboards, Expanding the Range of its Award-Winning Electric Propulsion Series to Power Bigger Sustainable Adventures on the Water

FOND DU LAC, Wis. (June 4, 2024) – Following successful previews earlier this year at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas and the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), today officially launched the Avator™ 75e and 110e electric outboards. These new models are the latest to join Mercury’s all-electric propulsion lineup, which also includes the Avator 7.5e, 20e and 35e outboards.

Since its launch in 2023, Mercury’s Avator electric propulsion series has won multiple design and innovation awards in both the marine and electronics industries. Most recently, the Avator 20e and 35e received 2024 CES Innovation Awards in the Sustainability, Eco-Design and Smart Energy category as well as 2024 Boating Industry Top Products Awards. 

“We are proud of all the recognition we have received for our Avator electric outboards to date, and we are excited to introduce our most powerful new models yet,” said John Buelow, Mercury Marine president. “The 75e and 110e electric outboards are well-suited for powering a variety of vessels, including pontoons, runabouts, skiffs and RIBs, providing more people with a user-friendly, sustainable boating experience.”

Powerful performance

Featuring Avator’s industry-first transverse flux motor technology, which delivers instant torque and reliable, efficient power, the new 75e generates 7500 watts at the prop shaft, which converts to 10 horsepower. The 110e generates 11000 watts at the prop shaft, which converts to 15 horsepower.

Both models are available with digital remote controls for boats with console steering. The 75e is also available with a multi-function tiller handle. The standard power tilt system also makes it easy to raise or lower the outboard for maximum efficiency or to operate in shallow water.

Batteries and charging

The new outboards connect to an Avator 5400 Power Center, which facilitates seamless battery integration, offering the flexibility of connecting up to four rugged, weather-sealed Avator 5400Wh lithium-ion batteries for extended range and runtime. A Mercury Authorized Dealer can help customers select the right number of batteries and configure the Avator electric propulsion system to fit their boat.

The Power Center delivers convenient, single-point charging for multiple batteries simultaneously. Boaters can choose their own charging time: The portable 520W Avator charger will recharge two depleted 5400Wh batteries in approximately 20 hours, while the 1050W charger can cut charge time by more than 50 percent (requires an AC-compliant inlet and breaker).

All Avator models come with a standard intelligent digital display that enables operators to monitor speed, range in terms of time or distance remaining, battery level, power output, and alerts on a full-color screen optimized for readability in all light conditions. There are two mounting options for the digital display on the 75e and 110e remote console configurations: flush-mount or pedestal mount. On the 75e tiller model, the display is integrated into the outboard for quick and easy viewing.

Connectivity

The Avator 75e and 110e come with a pre-installed Mercury SmartCraft® Connect module that connects the outboard wirelessly to the Mercury Marine app on a smart device. The app can monitor range, battery state of charge and other performance data. It provides a GPS map with visualized range estimates for planning trips. Users can customize the app to send them alerts and descriptive text notifications. Boaters can track their reduced carbon footprint based on estimated emissions avoided while boating with the Avator electric outboard.

Commitment to sustainability
The Avator program continues Mercury’s commitment across all product lines to redefine marine propulsion in ways that leave a positive impact on the environment. Avator outboards transform the boating experience by making boating possible with no exhaust fumes and zero direct emissions. Each electric outboard is also crafted with many components that are recyclable or reusable.  

For more information about Avator electric outboards, visit mercurymarine.com/Avator



Go Back to the Basics of Bass Fishing

Brian Carter
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Go Back to the Basics of Bass Fishing
Bass fishing is a sport of endless opportunity, where anglers can choose to engage with either the simplest or the most sophisticated methods available. At its core, bass fishing connects you to the elemental joy of the outdoors, whether you’re casting from a humble bank or navigating a high-tech bass boat. Despite the allure of the latest fishing gear and techniques, often the most memorable experiences stem from the simplest approaches. For those either new to the sport or looking to rediscover its essence, stripping back to basics can be incredibly rewarding. Let’s further explore the various foundational strategies that can help simplify your approach to bass fishing, making it more enjoyable and effective. These include leveraging the versatility of bank fishing soft plastics, building confidence in familiar spots and baits, exploring new waters, and fishing with your friends. Each element offers a unique perspective on how to enhance your fishing experience and reconnect with the main reasons why you fell in love with bass fishing in the first place.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!
Bank fishing for bass is not only a fantastic way to enter the sport, but it’s also incredibly effective, especially when leveraging soft plastics during the month of June. As you embrace this simple and rewarding approach, remember that less can indeed be more. A couple of versatile rods and a well-organized tackle bag are sufficient for a successful outing. The advantage of shore fishing lies in its convenience and accessibility. You can enjoy productive fishing without the need for a boat, saving time on preparation and allowing for spontaneous trips. When choosing your location, focus on areas with easy shore access and plenty of structure where bass tend to congregate, such as points, coves, and shaded spots. While boat ramps, marinas, and bridges offer prime fishing spots due to their structural complexity, don’t overlook less obvious areas that might also hold fish. To maximize your efficiency, streamline your tackle selection with a focus on soft plastics. These lures are versatile and can be rigged in multiple ways to suit different conditions.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.
Techniques like Texas rigging or using a weighted jig head can be particularly effective. The subtlety and lifelike movement of soft plastics make them irresistible to bass, especially in pressured waters where finesse is key. In bass fishing, developing confidence in both your bait selection and fishing spots can significantly enhance your success on the water. When it comes to soft plastics, relying on tried-and-true favorites rather than constantly experimenting with the newest lures or techniques can often lead to more consistent catches. This principle of sticking to what you know best isn’t just about simplicity; it’s about harnessing the effectiveness of a proven approach. Selecting soft plastics that you’re familiar with and have had success with allows you to focus more on refining your technique and understanding the subtle nuances of how these baits work under different conditions. Whether you’re working a drop shot rig in deep water or flipping a Texas-rigged worm into cover, confidence in your choice allows you to fish much more intuitively.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!
Equally important is choosing the right spots. While it might be tempting to always seek out new and untested waters, there’s a reason seasoned anglers return to well-known community holes. These areas continue to attract fish year after year and offer a reliable option, especially when other strategies fall short. Such spots often have the right combination of food, cover, and access that make them perennial favorites among both fish and fishermen. Venturing into new waters can be a revitalizing way to engage with bass fishing, particularly when you pair this exploration with the versatility of soft plastics. Each new lake or river presents a unique challenge and an opportunity to hone your fishing skills, making every outing an exciting puzzle to solve. When you approach unfamiliar terrain, the possibilities are limitless, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the essence of angling while adapting and learning in real-time. Soft plastics are the ideal companion for these types of explorations. Our Fresh HellaMite is 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, and 10w30 Synthetic HellaMite colors. We also just released new colors designs including the Slimer Green and Barbie Pink HellaMite. Act fast, these colors won’t stay in stock for long. If you’re fast enough you can also grab our seasonal limited-release Pumpkin Spice HellaMite along with the Money HellaMite. 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. When the water is clear, the fish can see the bait and look like real food, causing strikes. 
Their adaptability allows you to experiment with various techniques like rigging, jigging, or even surface action, depending on what the new environment demands. This could be probing the deep structures in a large reservoir or navigating the weedy shallows of a small pond. Each scenario requires a different strategy, and soft plastics provide the flexibility needed to switch tactics effectively. Make a deliberate effort to fish only new sections of your local waters or take that weekend trip to a distant lake you’ve never visited. This not only refreshes your experience but also broadens your understanding of diverse water bodies and how bass react under different conditions. Exploring new areas isn’t just about catching fish it’s about expanding your angling repertoire and potentially discovering your next favorite fishing spot. Such adventures can significantly enrich your fishing life, bringing new insights and unexpected successes that you can carry into future excursions. 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!
Inviting your friend to join you for a day of bass fishing can be a transformative experience, offering fresh perspectives and insights, especially when your focus is on big bass. Whether it’s a seasoned angler or a beginner, each person brings their unique approach to the water, from their casting techniques to how they manipulate their lures. Soft plastics, in particular, serve as an excellent medium for this exchange of ideas. These versatile lures can be rigged and retrieved in numerous ways, and observing how someone else utilizes them can open up new strategies for your own fishing repertoire. Perhaps your friend has a method for rigging a worm that you haven’t considered, or they employ a retrieval technique that makes the lure behave in an enticingly different way these are lessons that can only enrich your skills. Beyond the technical aspects, fishing with someone else strengthens your appreciation for the sport. It reconnects you with the fundamental joys of fishing. That sense of companionship and the shared thrill of each catch.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.
Embracing bank fishing with soft plastics is an excellent way to enjoy bass fishing with minimal equipment. This method not only saves time and effort by eliminating the need for a boat but also allows you to focus on the nuances of using versatile lures in varied environments. Optimal spots often include areas with structural complexity where bass congregate, enhancing your chances of success. Building confidence through familiarity with your baits and preferred spots can drastically improve your fishing effectiveness. Using well-loved soft plastics and returning to productive community holes allows for a deeper understanding of your techniques and the behaviors of bass in these locations. The thrill of exploring new waters brings a fresh set of challenges and learnings. With soft plastics in hand, these adventures force you to adapt your strategies to unknown conditions, broadening your skill set and potentially uncovering new favorite fishing spots. Inviting your friends to your fishing trips can infuse the experience with fresh ideas and tactics. We have a wide variety of terminal tackle to choose from. For Scorpions, we love to use the Stand-Up Jig because it sits your bait up-right in a defensive stance! The popular All Purpose Hooks are built with an extra-wide gap and are made to accommodate a wide range of soft plastics. The Mosquito Hooks work for drop-shotting and perfectly accommodates 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 for soft plastics.
 



Membership Has Its Privileges

Brian Carter
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Membership Has Its Privileges
Membership Has Its Privileges
2024 & 2023 Bassmaster Classic Champs Hamner & Gustafson Talk About the NPAA
Forestville, WI (June 4, 2024) – Ask any serious angler about the National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) and you still might get some head-scratching, despite the fact that top finishers in the last two Bassmaster Classics – and the past two champions – are members of the organization.What is the NPAA?The NPAA organization helps tournament anglers, guides, charter captains, fishing industry folks, and other aspiring anglers turn their “Passion into Profession.”The NPAA also provides resources, conferences, networking opportunities, and frequent member-only media content that helps members grow in their careers to exemplify NPAA’s core tenets of determination, commitment to the sport, focus on professionalism, and ethics.Lastly – in this world of rampant inflation – NPAA members have access to discounts on key fishing/marine manufacturers’ products, with or without official sponsorship. The cost of membership starts at a mere $50 a year for Student Anglers, with Pro Members shelling out just $100 annually. The money you can potentially save on fishing necessities is worth the price alone. Why wouldn’t you join? 
Justin Hamner, 2024 Bassmaster Classic Champ On His Recent Win and NPAAFormer cement worker and landscaper, Justin Hamner, paid his dues—literally—the hard way to become the 2024 Bassmaster Classic Champ. The Tuscaloosa, Alabama native obviously knows how to catch fish, and says his recent onboarding with NPAA will be invaluable for furthering his career and giving him the knowledge needed to turn his passion into a profession. “I was sleeping in a tent and eating peanut butter sandwiches to make ends meet and follow my dream. Fishing professionally isn’t cheap. Amounts to about $65,000 to $70,000 a year in expenses and sponsors don’t cover everything. I’ve been paying out of pocket, too, and cutting grass and working concrete made it hard, but the NPAA helped me learn how to work with sponsors, plus a whole lot more about making this thing a business,” says Hamner.“Rookie—‘big eyes’ I call him—Kyle Patrick, told me I had to join NPAA and was really excited about the organization. I took his advice and it really helped a lot. For me, the biggest thing is NPAA helps you build relationships with industry people. And NPAA really has your back in everything fishing. My big thing is what they’re doing with state and federal government, too. I’m a big conservation guy. I wish I had known about NPAA sooner,” continues Hamner.Back to relationships, Hamner has support from American Baitworks (Halo Rods, Net Bait, BaitFuel); The Bait Tank; Yo-Zuri; and runs a Falcon boat with Yamaha outboard. 
Gussy Reflects on Hamner’s Classic win and Rasmussen’s Runner Up Finish “It’s great to see that 1st and 2nd place at the Classic this year are fellow NPAA guys,” says 2023 Bassmaster Classic Champion, Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson. “We all believe in what the group is doing. As far as winning, for Hamner, it’s going to be life changing. It’s the tournament you want to win in this sport.”“And for Adam Rasmussen, to come out of nowhere and make a great run at it was impressive. It just goes to show the talent that is out there in the Opens. I’m sure we’ll see Adam fishing the Elite Series sooner or later.”
Image courtesy of B.A.S.S.
Gussy Talks Membership PrivilegesGussy says the first thing prospective members need to consider is just how hard NPAA staff works to offer real-world resources to aspiring tournament anglers, guides, and other serious fishing enthusiasts.“Pat Neu, our NPAA President, works his tail off, and we all appreciate that. The whole crew does,” states Gussy. “They do a lot to help organization members turn their passions into a sustainable job in fishing.”Gustafson was 40 when he won the 2023 Bassmaster Classic, and had made friends with many fishing industry folks since beginning to fish as a youth, but he says NPAA was crucial in not only strengthening ties to others making a living fishing, but also introducing him to new industry contacts, many of which have become close friends. “As far as the NPAA network goes, you get access to a vast network of people in the fishing community all in one place, which is great, from the advice of other pros to contacts with potential sponsors. And, as far as the fishing companies go, membership gets you some good deals on just about every bit of equipment you could ever need. If there’s something that you’re looking to get a deal on, you can probably find it on that NPAA sponsor list,” continues Gussy.Gussy is emphatic that emerging anglers fishing on high school and college teams need to look closely at the NPAA to develop their future careers in the sport. “NPAA gives you access to years and years of experience that can get you on the right track. Personally, I’ve been able to ask a lot of successful anglers’ questions through my ties to NPAA, without these ties I might not have known how to contact and interact with the right people. That’s invaluable to young anglers.”Lastly, Gussy says the NPAA is good about sending out relevant, important information through newsletters he “actually reads” – and from an educational standpoint he says “you get access to a lot of great content.” 
Rasmussen On NPAA-Driven SuccessA fishing guide since high school, 2nd Place Classic finisher this year, Adam Rasmussen, knew early on he wanted to make a living in the fishing industry, working as both a guide and charter captain, as well as tournament walleye fishing early in his career. Today Adam continues to guide and chase his cream of fishing the Elites by competing in the Bassmaster EQ Series.  Regarding his second-place finish, he says he was biting his fingernails, hoping for the pole position. Still, he’s happy for Hamner winning the event. “Justin was nervous as we sat and waited ‘til the end to weigh in. He rode to my boat and said, ‘I gotta know, what did you get today?’ I told him what I had, and we both knew how it was going to go down at the end. Neither one of us could handle the stress of waiting.”2024 Bassmaster Classic champ, Justin Hamner, interjects (and laughs): “All I could think of when Adam told me what he caught was ‘Please don’t let this guy be a liar. I knew I had about six pounds on him, so I was good.” Rasmussen continues: “I really wish it was me up there, but when it’s your time, it’s your time. Obviously, it was Justin’s time. Now I patiently wait for my time.” With regards to the impact NPAA has had on his career, Rasmussen concludes: “The NPAA has been there with its network of people who’ve helped me along the way. That’s what it’s there for—to help anglers. It’s amazing that it happened to me in such a short period of time—qualifying to fish a Classic. I received a lot of good advice from some of the top anglers in the country through the NPAA and I gained access to a lot of other information. The NPAA can also help aspiring or veteran guides or tournament anglers be successful.” 
Image courtesy of B.A.S.S.
NPAA Director on Recent NPAA Top Finishes“We couldn’t be prouder that Gussy took top honors in the 2023 Classic; and that 2024 Classic Winner, Justin Hamner, has now joined our ranks; add to that five of the other top 12 2024 Classic finishers are all NPAA members,” stated NPAA President, Pat Neu.  “This says a lot about our organization and our member-anglers who are reaching the top of their strong game because they’ve learned how to treat angling as a business. Just what are the odds that among 60- to 70,000 tournament anglers in this country who would have loved to fish the 2024 Bassmaster Classic, seven NPAA members qualified and four finished in the Top 10 – now 5 with Justin Hamner joining our ranks,” continued Neu. “This is just an example of how NPAA member anglers take angling seriously; this success gives us great motivation to continue to grow the organization and its resources to assist other aspiring professional anglers meet their goals on and off the water. Any angler serious about creating a career out of their passion for angling should look at the successes of our members and take a step toward solidifying their success as an angling professional by joining NPAA today!” concludes Neu.  
JOIN NPAA!



Mastering Crankbait Tuning for More June Bass

Brian Carter
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Mastering Crankbait Tuning for More June Bass

Mastering Crankbait Tuning for More June Bass

As waters warm up in June, bass become more active and aggressive feeders. This is prime time to break out your crankbaits and trigger their predatory instincts. But don’t just tie on any old crankbait – the little details in mechanics and tuning can be the difference between a productive day on the water and getting skunked.

To be successful with crankbaits in June, you need to understand how their geometry, weighting systems, and interaction with the environment all come into play. Different crankbait shapes like flat-sided or round-bodied models have distinct wobbling actions designed for cooler or warmer waters respectively. High-end crankbaits may have internal ball bearings or rattles that impact casting distance and fish-attracting vibrations.

Water clarity, temperature, and other environmental factors are key considerations when dialing in your crankbait presentation. Murky water often calls for more aggressive actions created by modifying the lip for a bigger wobble or adding rattles. In cooler water, a tight subtle wobble can be deadly.

Once you understand the basics, it’s time to start tweaking and tuning:

  • Micro tune the eyelet to correct tracking and refine action
  • Adjust the lip material to change the swimming motion by slightly bending up or down
  • Redistribute weight to control buoyancy and diving angle

Test your tuned crankbaits in controlled environments like pools or aquariums first. Then take them to varied fishing spots, observing closely how tweaks impact the action and fish-catching ability in different conditions.

The science behind getting crankbaits just right relates to the physics of motion. The lip angle influences hydrodynamic forces that make crankbaits dive and deflect. The wobbling body creates vortices that mimic struggling prey. And the flashes, vibrations and colors play on bass’ lateral lines and vision to trigger strikes.

With precision tuning aligned to the seasonal conditions, you can transform stock crankbaits into finely-tuned bass catching weapons for June. It takes study, experimentation and a deep understanding of gear design and fish behavior. But mastering these advanced mechanics is a worthy pursuit for any crankbait aficionado.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​



Scott Suggs Out at Bass Pro Tour U.S. Air Force Stage Five at Chowan River Presented by WIX Filters

Brian Carter
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Scott Suggs Out at Bass Pro Tour U.S. Air Force Stage Five at Chowan River Presented by WIX Filters

WHAT:
Bass Pro Tour competitor Scott Suggs of Alexander, Arkansas, has withdrawn from this week’s U.S. Air Force Stage Five at the Chowan River Presented by WIX Filters due to a medical issue.

WHEN:
Tuesday-Sunday, June 4-9
Takeoff: 7:30 a.m. ET
General Tire Takeout: 4 p.m. ET

WHERE:
Pembroke Creek Park, 716 W. Queen St., Edenton, N.C.

NOTES:
Major League Fishing (MLF) and the Bass Pro Tour, are visiting Edenton, North Carolina, and the Chowan River this week, June 4-9, for the fifth regular-season event of the 2024 Bass Pro Tour season – the U.S. Air Force Stage Five at the Chowan River Presented by WIX Filters.

The six-day tournament, hosted by the Town of Edenton, the Chowan County Tourism Development Authority and Harbor Towns Cruises, will feature a field of 78 professional anglers competing for a purse of $659,000, including a top payout of $100,000 and valuable Angler of the Year (AOY) points in hopes of qualifying for the General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2025, the Bass Pro Tour championship.

The 39 Anglers in Group A will compete in their two-day Qualifying Round on Tuesday and Thursday – the 39 anglers in Group B on Wednesday and Friday. After each two-day Qualifying Round is complete, the anglers that finish first through 10th from both groups advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the remaining 20 anglers compete to finish in the top 10 to advance to Sunday’s Championship Round. In the final-day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.

For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Bass Pro Tour, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X ,  Instagram and YouTube.



The Bass Cast Weekend Update for June 2nd 2024

Brian Carter
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The Bass Cast Weekend Update for June 2nd 2024
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Welcome to our Weekend Update! If this is your first time tuning in, we’re glad to have you with us. In this episode, we dive into some exciting updates about our podcast show that you won’t want to miss. We also highlight why you should definitely subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter—it’s packed with exclusive content, updates, and special offers! And, of course, the moment you’ve all been waiting for: we announce the lucky winner of our May giveaway. Don’t miss out on these great announcements and more. See you all soon, and catch you in our next video!

By the way guess what we are giving away this month, its all on the hat.



Hunter Holloman & Tommy Houlroyd Win CATT Tidewater Spring Final Chowan River, NC June 1, 2024

Brian Carter
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Hunter Holloman & Tommy Houlroyd Win CATT Tidewater Spring Final Chowan River, NC June 1, 2024

The CATT Tidewater division championship anglers were served up with ideal tournament weather conditions this morning on the mighty albemarle sound! A warm day with light winds put the entire sound and rivers in play for the anglers for a change. The only challenge was finding a kicker to go with all the 5 fish limits brought to the scales. The team of Tommy Houlroyd and Hunter Holloman not only managed to catch one kicker but were able to bring three fish over 5 lbs to the scales in a bag totaling 22.87 lbs to secure the win and a $3775 payday! The always formidable team of Kevin and Tyler Jones kept it close with a 22.41 sack to wrap up second place and a $1500 check. Rounding out the top three were Andy Morath and Wayne Hayes with 20.85 lbs that included the lunker for the day weighing 7.49 lbs!

The following teams finished in check range.

4th Randy and Ryan Broughman 19.04 lbs

5th Tommy and Bubba Banks 17.06lbs

6th Kenneth Moore and Joesph Eure 16.56lbs

7th JA Williford and Mike Layton 15.2lbs

8th Chris Banks and Zach Meads 14.91lbs

9th Austin Hughes and Holden Northcott 14.55lbs

We want to thank each and every team that chose to come out and fish with us this year.

TeamBFWeightWinnings
Hunter Holloman Tommy Houlroyd6.3522.87$3,775.00
Kevin Jones Tyler Jones5.2522.41$1,500.00
Andy Morath Wayne Hayes7.4920.85$1,470.00
Randy Broughman Ryan Broughman5.1919.04$2,000.00
Tommy Banks Bubba Banks5.3017.06$400.00
Kenneth Moore Joseph Eure5.4616.56$300.00
JA Williford Mike Layton0.0015.21$200.00
Chris Banks Zachery Meads0.0014.91$150.00
Austin Hughes Holden Northcott0.0014.55$125.00
Christian Bland Ronnie Bland0.0014.37
Joe Glazebrook Tyler Glazebrook4.5414.20
Bob Clarkson Mark Ingram0.0014.08
Tim Fallon Richard Griswold0.0013.85
Andrew George Jordan Sanderlin3.3813.43
Chris Turner Quinton Chappell0.0013.21
Rick Plemmons Chris Pike3.2912.39
Russell Gammon5.0612.35
Keith Jennings Scott Hickman4.7612.28
Mike Evans Brian Meadows0.0012.11$750.00
Kirk Nixon Trent Nixon0.0011.60
Clayton Boyette Derek Whittemore0.0011.33
Mike Scott JP Scott2.9211.29
Ben Knapp Mike Knapp0.0011.05
Jason Parker David Freeman0.0010.99
Brian Cooper Heath Parker0.0010.80$400.00
Jim Dick Greg Dick0.0010.59
Daryl Peele Red Ligon0.0010.05
Eugene Fouschee Aaron Herschberger0.0010.04
Mark Moretz Ray Cobb0.009.64
Jeff Freeman Rodney White7.309.20
Steve Brickhouse Bud Elkins0.009.17
Michael Hoggard David Freeman0.007.75
Ken Kipler Shawn Dunlap0.005.18
Al Biagioni John LaRock0.004.80
Matt Anderson0.004.75
David Shaffer Scott Shaffer0.003.16
Douglas Hewitt William Heighter0.000.00
DNF0.000.00
Gary Debrito0.000.00
Jeff Hayden Benny Cannon0.000.00
Ricky Hodges Matt Greschak0.000.00
Brent Thomas0.000.00
Lloyd Sanderlin John Sanderlin0.000.00
Ricky Mize0.000.00
Nick Meek Kyle Verkuillen0.000.00
Ronnie Ketchum Larry Barefoot0.000.00
Jamie Phelps JR Mulligan0.000.00
Jeff Stoop Mike Henson0.000.00



June Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Report by Captain Chad Green

Brian Carter
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June Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Report by Captain Chad Green

SMITH MOUNTIAN LAKE FISHING REPORT
By: Captain Chad Green
www.lastcastguideservicesml.com


June is here and has been still a on the below average side for temps will settle in next week. Look for temps to rise this month and fish to start moving deeper.

                         Visit https://missilebaits.store/and check out all they have to offer. 
     Special Thanks to Brian Carter at the https://thebasscast.com/

Check out Smith Mountain Boat and Tackle Penhook for your boating needs
https://www.smboats.com,
Visit Indian Point Marina as Captain Dewayne Lamb has moved locations. Go by and check his new place and there food truck that will be opening soon.
Check out Rod and Grill for some good food at Indian Point Marina as well
PRACTICE CATCH AND RELEASE ON CITATION SIZE FISH

Largemouth Bass/Smallmouth Bass
The bass have started to move out a little deeper depending on the weather. The shad spawn is still happening late hours at night. A lot of fish are around docks and points as they start to move in to their summer patterns. Schooling fish are present in areas also and can be fast and furious as they chase schools of baitfish. Topwater in the morning can be good through June as well as Drop shot, shake head and small swimbaits, Carolina rigs, Texas rigs. Rocky points will start become a factor this month also as the bass start to gravitate towards eating crawfish. Night fishing is still in full swing and can be caught on topwater and crankbaits while they are on the bank.


Striped Bass
Stripers are spreading out all over the lake as they have finished up their travels to try an spawn even though its unsuccessful on Smith Mountain. Pulling bait in mouths of larger creeks and pockets will be productive and jigging will start to pick up more this month also. Look for fish in the 20-40 ft range traveling mostly in smaller schools but some larger schools with be found and start to show this month as temps climb up in the 80’s.


Crappie
Crappie will be found around larger docks and deep laydowns as they move in to their summer patterns. Try small jigs and minnows.


Tournaments
Tues night and Friday night tournaments at Indian point marina
Sat night Tournaments at Foxport Marina



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