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Tuesday, December 16, 2025
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Howell seals the deal at Toledo Bend

Brian Carter
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Howell seals the deal at Toledo Bend

Texas angler Bryan Howell has won the Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series at Toledo Bend presented by Native Watercraft with a two-day total of 179 inches.

Photo by Emily Giesecke/B.A.S.S.

Sept. 28, 2025

Howell seals the deal at Toledo Bend

HEMPHILL, Texas — With a newborn and a 3-year-old at home, Bryan Howell wasn’t totally sure he was going to be able to fish the Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series at Toledo Bend presented by Native Watercraft. 

He made it work and made the most of his limited practice time.

Howell earned the victory at Toledo Bend with a two-day total of 179 inches, earning the $7,600 first-place prize and a trip to the 2026 Bassmaster Kayak Series National Championship. The Dallas/Fort Worth area resident opened the tournament in the lead with 92.25 inches before adding 85.75 inches on the final day to take home the trophy. 

“I barely got any practice. I was lucky to be here honestly,” Howell said. “I knew I had to fish this one. It’s a Texas lake that has grass, and I’m pretty good on these types of lakes.”

Targeting submerged grass turned out to be the key to success for Howell on Day 1 with the majority of his bites coming between 4 and 8 feet of water. He used a multitude of presentations, including a buzzbait, walking topwater and a Z-Man JackHammer. 

During his limited practice, Howell caught plenty of smaller keepers, but one 20-incher keyed him in to his best area. 

“I liked the look of the area,” he said. “I started there first thing on Day 1 and right off the bat I started catching them.” 

Howell caught plenty of bass throughout Day 1, but the bite was much tougher to figure out on Day 2, but a strategy change turned his day around.

“I was struggling hard until the afternoon,” he explained. “I finally decided to go punch instead of the (moving bait) deal. I started getting into them pretty much immediately. I ended up catching a 19.75 out of there and a bunch of other good ones.”

Hailing from Franklin, Tenn., Joshua Sharp notched his second Top 15 of the 2025 season. He spent most of his time fishing backwater ponds and creeks, and settled on a starting area after landing two 20-inchers during practice on Wednesday. He landed 86.75 inches on Day 1 before catching 90 inches on the final day. 

“I caught them all day today,” Sharp said. 

A ChatterBait and a frog were his two best presentations while also adding a speed worm into the mix from time to time. 

Arkansas’ Geovanny Cazares finished third with 172.25 inches targeting schools of bass around wood and timber. After seeing several fish nipping at his minnow, he cut down his minnow so the bass had a better chance of getting the hook when they bit the bait.

Pennsylvania’s Abby Abbondanza finished fourth with 171 inches and Seth Taylor rounded out the Top 5 with 168.75 inches.

Florida’s Cristopher Blanco had arguably the most impressive performance of Day 2, landing a 101.25 inches on the day. That limit was anchored by a massive 26-inch largemouth that earned Big Bass of the Tournament honors. 

All anglers earned points towards the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year race, the results of which will be announced later this week. The Top 50 anglers in points will receive invites to the Kayak Series Championship to be held in conjunction with the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic at the Tennessee River presented by Under Armour in Knoxville, Tenn., in March. 

The final results of the Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series at Toledo Bend presented by Native Watercraft can be found here. 

This event was hosted by the Sabine County Chamber of Commerce. 





Berlinsky dominates Day 3 at Watauga Lake 

Brian Carter
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Berlinsky dominates Day 3 at Watauga Lake 

Tripp Berlinksy and Bryce Dimauro of the University of North Alabama will face off on Championship Monday of the Bassmaster College Classic Bracket at Watauga Lake presented by Lew’s.

Photo by Austin McCartney/B.A.S.S.

Sept. 28, 2025

Berlinsky dominates Day 3 at Watauga Lake 

CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. — Watauga Lake is quickly becoming Tripp Berlinsky’s favorite fishery in the country, and for good reason. 

Berlinsky had his best day yet during the semifinal round of the Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’s, landing 20 pounds, 10 ounces to win his head-to-head matchup against Lander University’s Garrett Smith, who caught just four bass for 9-14. 

“This is one of the most gorgeous lakes I’ve ever been to, if not the most beautiful,” he said. “If you don’t like catching smallmouth, I don’t know what you love.”

Joining Berlinsky in the final round is partner Bryce Dimauro, who landed 15-2 to advance past Stephen F. Austin’s Ben Burns (10-5), guaranteeing UNA’s first Bracket title in school history. Now, the duo that won the Overall Team of Year race will go head-to-head for a spot in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.

“Knowing we are both going fishing tomorrow is a really cool feeling,” Berlinsky said. “He’s a great fisherman.” 

After boat problems hampered him during practice, Berlinsky earned the No. 1 seed by landing limits weighing 19-14 and 15-15 during the opening rounds, capitalizing on the early morning bite window both days.

On Sunday, however, it took Berlinsky a little longer to get in a rhythm, landing some smaller keepers before losing a big smallmouth early in the day. He broke the ice with a 4 1/2-pound smallmouth followed by a 5-pound smallie. 

“(After losing the big one) I turned around and fished back down the same stretch and put two big ones in the boat. That got me fired up. I was able to go fish some similar stuff and catch some 3’s. I made a couple culls on stuff I haven’t fished at all yet.”

Berlinsky has dialed in a shallow-water pattern throughout his week in east Tennessee. With water temperatures still in the low to mid 70s, he has found the better-quality smallmouth are feeding on crawfish and bream in 10 feet of water or less. 

In his best area, the most activity has been around a clay bottom with rock mixed in and used that knowledge to find other promising areas on the lake.  

“It seems to be the right bottom that holds the crawfish,” Berlinsky said. “The rock has to be in the water. The smallmouth seem to be on the hunt looking for those crawfish.”

Two baits have caught most of his bass this week, a jighead minnow and a lighter reaction style bait. Even in the shallow water, Berlinsky is throwing his minnow on a 3/16-ounce head. He hasn’t been able to pick up the smallmouth on his forward-facing sonar until they are about 40 feet from his boat.

“It is heavier than most people would imagine, but these smallmouth are aggressive and they want to hunt something down,” he explained. “I’m in a little dirtier water, so I’m throwing a brighter-colored minnow so they can see it. Once they see it, I get it moving away from them and they come and hunt it down.”

Dimauro, meanwhile, has rebounded nicely from a tough Day 1 that saw him catch 12-9. He reached the semifinal round by landing the biggest bag of Day 2, 18-1, and then putting together a solid limit in the head-to-head round. 

“Day 1 wasn’t very good,” he said. “I stuck with my area on Day 2 and it worked out. Even today was difficult. I missed a lot of big fish today too. The biggest thing was staying in it mentally.” 

The two anglers will launch tomorrow at 7 a.m. ET from Cove Ridge Marina and Resort and return for weigh-in at 3 p.m. The winner will advance to the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour in Knoxville and will earn entry into the 2026 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN with the use of a fully-rigged Nitro Boat and Toyota Tundra.

This event is being hosted by Carter County Tourism.

2025 Strike King Bassmaster College Series Presented by Bass Pro Shops/Lew’s – College Bracket 9/26-9/29
Watauga Lake, Carter County  TN.
(BOATER) Standings Day 3

    Angler                                       Club/School                       Pts

1.  Tripp Berlinsky –                            University of North Alabama           0
  Day 1: 5   19-14     Day 2: 5   15-15     Day 3: 5   20-10   Total:   5  20-10
2.  Bryce Dimauro –                              University of North Alabama           0
  Day 1: 5   12-09     Day 2: 5   18-01     Day 3: 5   15-02   Total:   5  15-02
3.  Ben Burns –                                  Stephen F Austin State Universit      0
  Day 1: 5   15-06     Day 2: 5   15-02     Day 3: 5   10-05   Total:   5  10-05
4.  Garrett Smith –                              Lander University                     0
  Day 1: 5   17-12     Day 2: 5   11-13     Day 3: 4   09-14   Total:   4  09-14
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
 1         7        37       112-07
 2         7        37       104-06
 3         3        19        55-15
———————————-
          17        93       272-12





Travis Fox Sneaks Up on Toyota Series Win at Lake of the Ozarks

Brian Carter
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Travis Fox Sneaks Up on Toyota Series Win at Lake of the Ozarks

OSAGE BEACH, Mo. (Sept. 28, 2025) – As usual, the final day of the Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Plains Division event on Lake of the Ozarks was a doozy. With increased boat traffic and the third consecutive day of fishing pressure taking a toll, weights are seldom predictable on the final day at the big lake. Travis Fox, however, didn’t let any of the uncertainly get to him.

The Arkansas pro tallied 17 pounds, 10 ounces on the final day to move up from fourth for the win with 49-10. Fox pockets just over $36,000 for his first MLF win above the Phoenix Bass Fishing League level after more than 150 events.

Finishing second, Michael Harlin was also very consistent, but faltered a little on the final day to finish with 47-12.
In the Fishing Clash Angler of the Year race, Roger Fitzpatrick came out ahead by 2 points, with Brad Jelinek finishing runner-up and Drew Gill finishing third. The top 25 pros and co-anglers have now locked in their qualifications to the Toyota Series Championship this fall on Grand Lake.

Fox got on the right program very fast, and then rode it out throughout the event, never biting off more than he could chew, and relying on a good zone and a few key docks to get the job done.

“I mixed it up: I fished out deep some, I fished shallow some, but I really was fishing the docks,” Fox said. “I was in Cancun in Mexico last week, and our flights got messed up on the way back and my practice got shortened. I caught three 4-pounders the first day of practice in a few hours, so I knew what area was doing good. I started focusing on that area, finding docks with brush. I knew a lot of people were fishing the backs of docks, and I’d mix in the VMC HD Swim Jig doing that. Whenever I got a bite doing that, it would be a dandy.”

Fox caught plenty of fish on Day 1, but after that, he needed to grind for every bite.

“The first day, I fished with (co-angler) Scott Parsons, and we absolutely wrecked ‘em,” he said. “We caught a lot of fish, both of us. The second day, I had just six keepers, and today I had seven or eight. The big fish, all but one of them came out of the same places every time.”

Fox relied on some standards for Lake of the Ozarks to catch his fish: a ½-ounce VMC HD Swim Jig in a shad pattern, a worm on a 5/16-ounce VMC Rugby Jig, and a green pumpkin Zoom Brush Hog with a ½-ounce VMC Tungsten Worm Weight. Across the board, he used 13 Fishing rods and reels, and Suffix line.

Fox was able to stay consistent every day, and landed just enough key bites to do it.

“I knew I couldn’t beat these locals with a giant bag, but I thought I could catch a 4-pounder or two a day, and in the fall that’s pretty strong,” he said.

Fox has a long history with MLF (much of it accumulated in the FLW era). Almost a winner quite a few times, Fox had a good run on the FLW Tour, and nearly won the Forrest Wood Cup in 2017. Winning a big one was probably overdue for Fox, and he got it done on a place near and dear to his heart.

“It feels pretty good,’ he said. “I’ve got a lot of history on this lake, it’s where I started cutting my teeth, fishing BFLs and pro-ams. So, it’s special to win on a lake that I grew up competing on. My mom and my aunt drove up every day and watched the weigh-in, so that’s pretty special too. I’ve got a lot of other friends here I met through life’s journeys, and a lot of them are here and rooting for me. It’s pretty cool.”

The top 10 pros at the Toyota Series at Lake of the Ozarks finished:

1st:        Travis Fox, Rogers, Ark., 15 bass, 49-10, $36,639
2nd:       Michael Harlin, Sunrise Beach, Mo., 15 bass, 47-12, $14,197
3rd:       Roger Fitzpatrick, Eldon, Mo., 15 bass, 47-2, $11,242
4th:        Shane Long, Willard, Mo., 15 bass, 46-8, $9,160
5th:        Tyler Weberg, Eugene, Mo., 15 bass, 46-3, $8,244
6th:        Andy Newcomb, Camdenton, Mo., 15 bass, 45-14, $8,328
7th:        Cole McFarland, Lake Ozark, Mo., 15 bass, 44-15, $6,412
8th:        Hayden O’Barr, Scottsboro, Ala., 15 bass, 44-9, $5,496
9th:        Corey Cook, Osage Beach, Mo., 15 bass, 44-0, $4,580
10th:     Cory Steckler, Rocky Mount, Mo., 15 bass, 43-13, $3,664

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Pro Charlie Weyer of Branson West, Missouri, earned Thursday’s $500 Berkley Big Bass Award with a bass weighing 5 pounds, 5 ounces, while pro Anthony Johnson of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, won Friday’s $500 Berkley Big Bass, weighing in a 5-pound, 10-ouncer to earn the $500 award.

Mike Mueller of Elkhorn, Nebraska, won the co-angler division Saturday at Lake of the Ozarks with a three-day total of 13 bass weighing 35 pounds, 4 ounces. Mueller earned the top co-angler prize package worth $33,500, including a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard motor.

The top 10 co-anglers at the Toyota Series at Lake of the Ozarks finished:

1st:        Mike Mueller, Elkhorn, Neb., 13 bass, 35-4, Phoenix 518 Pro boat w/115-hp Mercury outboard
2nd:       Scott Parsons, Rogers, Ark., 14 bass, 33-9, $4,623
3rd:       Noah Dickneite, Freeburg, Mo., 14 bass, 30-8, $3,699
4th:        Alan Bernicky, Dardanelle, Ark., 14 bass, 28-8, $3,336
5th:        Mark Cowart, Kearney, Mo., 12 bass, 27-13, $2,774
6th:        Yusuke Takahashi, Inahshiki, Japan, 12 bass, 27-7, $2,312
7th:        Joe Lee, Midlothian, Texas, 11 bass, 27-1, $1,849
8th:        Mason Chambers, Galena, Mo., 12 bass, 26-1, $1,618
9th:        Takaaki Kojima, Temecula, Calif., 10 bass, 25-6, $1,387
10th:     Jason Swanson, Waterloo, Iowa, 12 bass, 25-5, $1,1156

Co-angler Jonathan Hopper of Springdale, Arkansas, earned the first Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of the week on Thursday with a 5-pound, 12-ounce bass to earn the $150 prize, while Friday’s Day 2 $150 co-angler award went to Christopher Fierce of Dixon, Missouri, who weighed in a bass totaling 5 pounds, 13 ounces.  

The Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats at Lake of the Ozarks was hosted by the Tri-County Lodging Association. It was the third and final regular-season tournament for the Toyota Series Plains Division. The final event of the season for Toyota Series anglers will be the Toyota Series Championship, Nov. 6-8, at Grand Lake in Grove, Oklahoma. For a complete schedule of events, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The 2025 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consists of five divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern and the Southwestern – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the five divisions or the Wild Card division and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 and a qualification to REDCREST 2026. The winning co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard. The 2025 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 6-8 on Grand Lake in Grove, Oklahoma, and is hosted by the City of Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau.





Major League Fishing Announces Bass Pro Tour Payout Structure Enhancements for 2026

Brian Carter
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Major League Fishing Announces Bass Pro Tour Payout Structure Enhancements for 2026

BENTON, Ky. (Sept. 24, 2025) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced today significant enhancements to the payout structure of the Bass Pro Tour for the 2026 season. The adjustments, driven by angler feedback, mark another step in establishing the Bass Pro Tour as the most competitive and rewarding circuit in professional bass fishing.

Next season, the Bass Pro Tour roster will feature 51 anglers, creating the most exclusive and challenging field in the history of the sport. With the most accomplished lineup ever assembled, every cast, every fish and every decision will carry even greater weight.

For 2026, MLF is expanding the cut line at each event. Previously, the top 20 anglers advanced from the Qualifying Round to the Knockout Round and Championship Round, with the round winner advancing directly to the Championship Round. Beginning next season, the top 25 anglers will advance – the round winner continuing to advance directly to the Championship Round, while 24 advance to the Knockout Round.

The shift means that every angler who reaches the Knockout Round will also finish “in the money.”

Another notable change comes at the top and bottom of the payout scale. In 2025, event champions earned $150,000, with the last checks paying $10,000. For 2026, the anglers voted to adjust the distribution:

  • First place will pay $125,000 – still the sport’s most lucrative top prize.
  • The $25,000 difference has been redistributed to boost the “last checks.”
  • Anglers finishing 21st through 25th place will now earn $15,000 each – the highest minimum payouts ever awarded in pro bass fishing.

“This was an angler decision,” said MLF President and CEO Boyd Duckett. “The group wanted to make sure that if you make the cut, you’re rewarded in a meaningful way. The additional $5,000 to each spot at the bottom of the payout is unprecedented in our sport and shows the anglers’ commitment to sustainability and growth.”

MLF is also investing more directly into its anglers’ success. Beginning in 2026, MLF is adding an additional $250,000 to payouts for a total league contribution of more than $74,000 per angler, by far the sport’s largest, and a direct result of MLF’s strategic shift to a 50-angler field of the world’s top pros.

The full 2026 Bass Pro Tour roster will be announced in October. With the new structure in place, the circuit is positioned to continue the momentum from a tremendous 2025 season and deliver the toughest competition and most rewarding paydays in professional bass fishing history in 2026.





Canterbury Closes the Door at NPFL on Logan Martin

Brian Carter
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Canterbury Closes the Door at NPFL on Logan Martin

Scott Canterbury makes it two in 2025 with Patrick Walters taking home AOY.

Story by Justin Brouillard | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons

Alabama angler Scott Canterbury wins his second NPFL event of the season, capping off a stellar 2025 with a $100,000 payday in his home state, at a place he loves to fish, especially in the fall. What is meant to be will be, they say, and Canterbury proved it this week. After a decent Day One, he kicked off the event with 13-15, putting him in the top five.

He added his biggest bag of the event on Day Two, weighing 17-5, and moved into the lead going into Showdown Saturday. This morning, he left the docks as boat one, leading the field, and had his toughest day of the week. His 10-1 limit was enough to edge Tennessee angler Brandon Perkins by just 6 ounces, capping an emotional finish.

Canterbury also took home big bass honors with his Day Two lunker. The 6-4 came in the midst of running a stretch of deep spots, where Canterbury has a lot of history. “I used to fish that brush pile back in the day before technology, triangulating myself to fish it. I cast in, had no idea there was a fish there, had no idea he was looking at my bait, and when I set the hook I had no idea how big it was—just like I grew up fishing,” he said.

Canterbury Brings It Home

Under tough summer/fall conditions, a big bite is hard to come by, but his magical Day Two was the sealing moment of the week, moving the Alabama angler into the lead and putting him in position to win his second event of 2025.

After a tough practice, in which he sampled the entire lake, he landed on some deeper spots on the south end that ended up producing the majority of his weight. Knowing so much about Logan Martin, he learned quickly where it might go down—but he didn’t know it would be him.

“It was pretty tough in practice,” he said. “On Day One, I fished down the lake shallow, and it wasn’t great. Day Two I went up the river, where I finished sixth in an open a handful of years back, and I did okay, but of the 32 fish I caught, nothing was over 2-6.”

On the final day of practice on Tuesday, he returned to the south end and checked some deep spots. His plan worked, and the few bites he got were better quality fish. On Day One, knowing what the game plan was, he fished a plethora of places he never touched in practice, and in his words, he “survived” and was in good position.

“On Day Two, it really was the day that won me the tournament,” he said. “I caught that 6-4, and I caught another 4-pound fish. Those are difference maker bites and they gave me the cushion I needed. Today, I fished a combination of shallow and deep. Aside from losing one nice fish on a swim jig this morning on a dock, I fished clean.”

Winning two major events in one season is a blessing, no matter how far an angler is into their career. Despite tough conditions and the fish being caught in between summer and fall transitions, Canterbury feels blessed.

“The good Lord blessed me for sure, and frankly this whole year and my whole life. When it is your turn, it really is just how it works. Fishing as a pro is tough, and you miss a lot of family time when your family is young. My daughter is older now, and to win some of these when she is older is special. Logan Martin is one of the reasons I signed up for the NPFL this year—it is my home water, and it is special to me. Douglas was a bonus, but this one was icing on the cake,” he concluded.

Perkins Climbs to Second

Perkins is no stranger to winning on the NPFL, and he was extremely close again this week. With just 6 ounces of margin behind, it was a dead fish issue that cost the Tennessee angler on the final day. Rallying with some nice fish to start the morning, Perkins put a one-pound spotted bass in his livewell, filling out his limit. A half-hour later, as he went to cull, he realized the bass had died and he was unable to cull the small fish – he knew he might be in trouble.

“The fish ended up being 0.87 pounds after the penalty, and it cost me,” he said. “At that point, I thought I was fishing for third or fourth place, but now looking back, it was a costly penalty, and I caught several bigger fish but was unable to cull. That cost me the win.”

Despite the issue, finishing the season in second place—and unofficially securing a spot in the Championship, giving him a chance to defend his 2024 victory—is still a strong outcome. Perkins is a dock fishing expert and fished very well under tough conditions. Rotating in some topwater and spinnerbaits early in the days, it was a magic dock that kept him near the top all week.

“I had one dock, at the mouth of a good creek, and I caught some of my best fish on it every day this week,” he said. “I never weighed in a four-pounder, but I fished it multiple times every day and caught some really nice fish. I hooked one first thing this morning and lost it, and I know it was another good one.”

With pressure on the lake and lots of anglers targeting docks, Perkins had to fish differently, like he generally does, and out fish other anglers in the same areas. Getting his jig into places others may not have, and focusing more on the retrieve, he was able to get bites around competitors.

“I had a fun week, and hopefully I will squeak into the Championship,” he said. “I knew coming in I needed a top five, and I did it. I always fish for the win and never fish safe. I was in the bag line with Scott this afternoon, and we got to talking. If I had known it was going to be so close, I may have done a few things differently.”

Walters Wins Progressive AOY

South Carolina angler Patrick Walters also finished in third place with a three-day total of 39-15, and more importantly, claimed the 2025 Progressive Angler of the Year title, coming from 7 points back to overtake last year’s AOY winner, Kyle Welcher, by just one point. Welcher, who had not finished an event worse than 16th all season, finished 11th this week with 36-3, capping off his second-place AOY campaign.

Top Ten:
Scott Canterbury 41-5
Brandon Perkins 40-15
Patrick Walters 39-15
Buddy Gross 39-12
Jesse Wise 39-6
Brandon Cobb 38-15
Jason Burroughs 37-12
JT Russell 37-11
Matt Herren 37-6
Hunter Baughman 36-3

FINAL LEADERBOARD





Howell utilizes his strengths to take Day 1 lead at Toledo Bend

Brian Carter
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Howell utilizes his strengths to take Day 1 lead at Toledo Bend

Texas angler Bryan Howell has taken the lead on Day 1 of the Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series at Toledo Bend presented by Native Watercraft with a total of 92.25 inches.

Photo by Emily Giesecke/B.A.S.S.

Sept. 27, 2025

Howell utilizes his strengths to take Day 1 lead at Toledo Bend

HEMPHILL, Texas — Texas angler Bryan Howell fished to his strengths on Day 1 of the Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series at Toledo Bend Reservoir presented by Native Watercraft, landing a five-bass limit measuring 92.25 inches that vaulted him into first place for the day. 

The Dallas-Fort Worth area resident anchored his bag with two 19.50-inch largemouth, helping him build a three-inch cushion over second place Barry Davis of South Carolina and Ohio’s Matt Ball. 

“I knew the potential was there,” Howell said. “I’m honestly shocked how tough it was. It was tough for me too. I didn’t expect only 92 inches to be leading it after Day 1. But it is a tough time of year.”

Known for its giant largemouth, Toledo Bend was a little on the stingy side for kayak anglers on Saturday. Howell was the only competitor to eclipse the 90-inch threshold while 29 kayakers caught 80 inches or better. 

Chalk it up to September in the south.

Howell has fished Toledo Bend several times before, each time ending with a disappointing result. Today, he fished in his comfort zone, focusing on an area of submerged grass in 4 to 8 feet of water where the bass were feeding on smaller shad. Six different presentations produced bites. 

To his surprise, only two of his fellow competitors were also fishing in his area and only a couple of bass boats joined from time to time. 

“I thought there were going to be 20 guys around,” he said. “I didn’t really move around much, just stuck around one area and rotated through different baits.”

It was a slow start to the morning, but Howell’s first bite was his first 19.5-inch largemouth. From there, he slowly added to his total and bookended the day with the second 19.5-incher. 

“Slowly but surely I started catching some fish,” he said. “It was fun. I was fishing grass and fishing the way I like to fish.”

Although slower than he expected, Howell knows there are plenty of big bass swimming around his area. 

“You could see them busting, fish that were big,” he said.

Davis finished the day in second with 89.25 inches, anchoring his bag with a 22.75-inch largemouth. Ball is third with 89 inches followed by Garrett Morgan in fourth with 87.75 inches and Jeremiah Smith in fifth with 87 inches. 

Jacob Lavergne caught the Big Bass of the Day, a 23-inch largemouth.

The full field of anglers will compete again tomorrow. Lines-in is scheduled for 6:30 a.m. CT and anglers will have until 2:30 p.m. to fish. The top finishers will be recognized at the awards banquet at 5 p.m. at Pendleton Park in Hemphill, Texas. 

The Top 5 finishers will earn a spot in the 2026 Kayak Series National Championship held in conjunction with the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour in Knoxville and all anglers earned points towards the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Kayak Angler of the Year race. 

This event is being hosted by the Sabine County Chamber of Commerce. 





Berlinsky cruises to No. 1 seed at College Bracket 

Brian Carter
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0
Berlinsky cruises to No. 1 seed at College Bracket 

Tripp Berlinksy of the University of North Alabama maintains the lead on Day 2 of the Bassmaster College Classic Bracket at Watauga Lake presented by Lew’s with a total of 35 pounds, 13 ounces.

Photo by Austin McCartney/B.A.S.S.

Sept. 27, 2025

Berlinsky cruises to No. 1 seed at College Bracket 

CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. — So far, the Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’s couldn’t have worked out any better for Tripp Berlinsky. 

The University of North Alabama sophomore claimed the No. 1 seed in the head-to-head portion of the tournament with a two-day total of 35 pounds, 13 ounces, adding 15-15 to his stellar 19-14 Day 1 performance. He caught his Day 2 total without catching many bass in his primary areas, instead using Saturday’s second round as another practice day largely.

“I didn’t get a full practice, so being able to recover and spend a couple days practicing during the tournament was huge for me,” Berlinsky said. “It worked out great for me. I think I found one or two more areas that I could be able to catch them out of the rest of the tournament. A couple 4-pounders goes a long way on a fishery like this.” 

Joining Berlinsky in the Semifinals are his UNA teammate Bryce Dimauro, Stephen F. Austin’s Ben Burns and Lander’s Garrett Smith. 

Lander’s Andrew Blanton, Carson Newman’s 2 and Blake Wheat as well as SFA’s Grant Pursifull fell below the cutline and will not advance.

Similarly to Day 1, Berlinsky opened the morning by landing a 3-pounder on his first cast and quickly filled a quality limit before spending the rest of the day searching for new bass. He finished the day with four smallmouth and a largemouth in his bag, a trend he thinks will continue into the final days of the event.

“Smallmouth are going to be big for me,” he said. “I’ve keyed in on their forage and where they are getting it. I have a pound of crawfish sitting in my livewells. They are fat and healthy. There’s a lot of fish coming into that area. 

“Right now, the bass are living on the bank. From what I’ve heard around the weigh-in, the locals are pretty impressed with the size of fish we are catching this week.”

While he wasn’t focusing as much on catching fish, Berlinsky did notice the bass were acting more finicky on Saturday.

“There was a little storm front moving in and the pressure was messed up. I think they were in a little bit of a whack today. I saw more big bass today actually, I was having trouble getting them to bite with the way they were set up.” 

Watching Dimauro make a huge comeback was among the highlights for Berlinsky. Dimauro found himself below the cutline with 12-9 on Friday, but made a big rally on Day 2, landing 18-1 to claim the No. 2 seed with 30-10. 

“I got back to the ramp 30 minutes early, but was the last one to get in the bag line,” Berlinsky said. “I walked up and Bryce gave me a little nod and looked like he was feeling confident. He hammered down on them today and I’m super happy and proud of him.”

Berlinsky will go head-to-head with Smith, one half of the back-to-back National Championship winning duo while Dimauro will clash with Burns. Competition will begin at 7 a.m. ET and conclude at 3 p.m. 

The winner of the head-to-head matchups will advance to Championship Monday and battle for a spot in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour as well as paid entry into the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN with use of a fully-rigged Nitro Boat and Toyota Tundra. 

Bassmaster LIVE will be available on Bassmaster.com and the Roku Sports Channel on Sunday and Monday from 8 a.m. ET  to 11 a.m. and again from Noon to 3 p.m. 

This event is being hosted by Carter County Tourism.

2025 Strike King Bassmaster College Series Presented by Bass Pro Shops/Lew’s – College Bracket 9/26-9/29
Watauga Lake, Carter County  TN.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2

    Angler                                       Club/School                       Pts

1.  Tripp Berlinsky –                            University of North Alabama           0
  Day 1: 5   19-14     Day 2: 5   15-15   Total:  10  35-13
2.  Bryce Dimauro –                              University of North Alabama           0
  Day 1: 5   12-09     Day 2: 5   18-01   Total:  10  30-10
3.  Ben Burns –                                  Stephen F Austin State Universit      0
  Day 1: 5   15-06     Day 2: 5   15-02   Total:  10  30-08
4.  Garrett Smith –                              Lander University                     0
  Day 1: 5   17-12     Day 2: 5   11-13   Total:  10  29-09
5.  Andrew Blanton –                             Lander University                     0
  Day 1: 5   15-03     Day 2: 5   13-14   Total:  10  29-01
6.  Zach Helton –                                Carson-Newman University              0
  Day 1: 5   14-09     Day 2: 5   13-15   Total:  10  28-08
7.  Blake Wheat –                                Carson-Newman University              0
  Day 1: 5   13-14     Day 2: 5   11-11   Total:  10  25-09
8.  Grant Pursifull –                            Stephen F Austin State Universit      0
  Day 1: 2   03-04     Day 2: 2   03-15   Total:   4  07-03
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
 1         7        37       112-07
 2         7        37       104-06
———————————-
          14        74       216-13





Canterbury Moves into Logan Martin Lead

Brian Carter
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Canterbury Moves into Logan Martin Lead

Local knowledge moves Canterbury into the lead going into Showdown Saturday.

Story by Justin Brouillard | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons

After two days, Logan Martin is feeling the pressure, but the anglers who have remained consistent have moved to the top—and adding a big bite doesn’t hurt. That’s exactly what Alabama angler Scott Canterbury did to move several spots from fifth into the lead, with a two-day total weight of 31-4, over two pounds ahead of South Carolina angler Brandon Cobb.

Canterbury started Day One with 13-15, and he was on track for a similar weight today until it happened. Adding the event’s biggest bass of the tournament, 6-4, definitely helped, and his 17-4 Day Two limit is proof. Both Canterbury and Brandon Cobb have figured out how to catch a quality average fish, but one big bite changes the game.

“The place I caught the big one today, I mean maybe not 6-4, but I have caught a handful of 5-pounders in my life there,” he said. “And that’s part of it. I’m confident that every place I put my boat, it’s just a matter of putting the bait in front of one.”

In third, 2024 NPFL Championship winner Brandon Perkins added 14-7 to his Day One weight of 13-6, keeping consistent over two days. Behind Perkins, Hunter Baughman added 14-8 on Day Two to jump into fourth. Day One leader Ron Farrow had a slower day, but his 9-2 limit is still enough to keep him in contention, rounding out the top five.

Canterbury Cruises to First

With his best day on Day Two, Canterbury feels right at home on Logan Martin. He is making good decisions, and his time on the water gives him confidence to fish how he wants—using a few different baits, but most importantly, a Dirty Jigs jig.

“It’s fall out here, but not quite all the way,” he said. “I may catch one on a shallow dock and then catch one on an 18-foot drop-off—it’s junk fishing 101. Local knowledge is paying off for sure. Sometimes it all comes together, and it worked out today.”

Despite a big day, the morning was tough. By 11 AM, it was a struggle, but the afternoon bite paid off. Canterbury culled twice at the end of the day close by the launch ramp. It can happen anywhere on the lake, but it’s hard to repeat, and that’s why he never caught a bass in the same areas on Day One.

“In a few weeks, you’d be able to run around on walls and such and catch them day over day, but there aren’t many up there now,” he added. “If you catch one shallow, you may as well not even go back. There are a ton of bass in this lake, and the longer day tomorrow is going to help too. I’m excited for Showdown Saturday.”

Cobb Slides to Second

Without a true big bite, it’s hard to do well on Logan Martin multiple days in a row. We saw Canterbury climb to the lead with a 6-pound bite, but for Cobb, it’s been about finding better-quality average fish. His Day One weight of 15-6 got things moving in the right direction, and on Day Two, he found fish in a completely different area of the lake. His ability to adapt kept him in the hunt, and his 13-4 bag moved him up the leaderboard. His two-day weight of 28-10 has him 2-10 back from Canterbury going into the final day.

“I think more than anything, Logan Martin just sets up for me to find fish,” he said. “Similar to a lake back home (in SC), if I’m not catching them, I’m likely going to find them. Today I only caught one fish where I caught them yesterday, and most of everything else came from new places.”

As seen on Live Coverage, Cobb’s main focus was on boat docks, and he credits his years of dock fishing experience to knowing which ones to target. The biggest spotted bass relate to a certain type of dock, and Cobb is confident he can run around and find them.

“More of it, I think, the type of dock is more important than the location on these spotted bass lakes,” he said. “Whether it’s 10-foot or in the mud, these big spotted bass will get on them. The other thing that hurt me a little today is that I checked in a little earlier. Yesterday I caught my two biggest ones after 3 PM.”

Over two days, he has weighed in only two largemouth—but not for a lack of trying. In practice, he spent time learning how to find the bigger green fish and just didn’t feel comfortable fishing for them when he could catch quality spots. As for baits, Cobb is keeping it simple, fishing a jig and a few new Zoom baits.

“In the morning, I’m getting some on a Greenfish Tackle Toad Toter Buzz with a Zoom Toad, and then it’s a new Neko worm by Zoom, the Thick Trick, and I’m mixing in a 3/8-ounce jig with a Zoom Z-Craw Jr.”

Quick AOY Update

With Kyle Welcher and Patrick Walters tied after two days in ninth place, Welcher maintains a narrow lead. Coming in, Welcher held a 7-point lead, and so far, it remains the same.

Top Ten:
Scott Canterbury 31-4
Brandon Cobb 28-10
Brandon Perkins 27-13
Hunter Baughman 26-13
Ron Farrow 26-12
Matt Herren 26-7
Buddy Gross 25-6
Jesse Wise 25-6
Patrick Walters 25-2
Kyle Welcher 25-2

DAY TWO LEADERBOARD





Productive morning leads Berlinsky to the top on Day 1 at Watauga Lake

Brian Carter
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Productive morning leads Berlinsky to the top on Day 1 at Watauga Lake

Tripp Berlinksy of the University of North Alabama has taken the lead on Day 1 of the Bassmaster College Classic Bracket at Watauga Lake presented by Lew’s with a total of 19 pounds, 14 ounces.

Photo by Austin McCartney/B.A.S.S.

Sept. 26, 2025

Productive morning leads Berlinsky to the top on Day 1 at Watauga Lake

CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. — Tripp Berlinksy opened the 2025 Bassmaster College Classic Bracket at Watauga Lake presented by Lew’s with a bang, landing a mixed bag of primarily smallmouth weighing 19 pounds, 14 ounces to pace the eight-angler field on Day 1. 

Anchoring his bag with a 4 1/2-pound bronze-back, the University of North Alabama sophomore holds a 2-2 advantage over Lander’s Garrett Smith. More importantly at this juncture, he holds a more than 5-pound advantage over fifth-place Zach Helton, the first man out of the cut if the tournament ended today. 

At the end of tomorrow’s second round, the Top 4 anglers will advance to the Bracket, where they will go head-to-head for a spot in Monday’s Championship round. 

The timing of his day couldn’t have worked out any better. Berlinsky was hampered by battery issues in his boat during his practice for the 2025 Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’s, so much so that his parents made a trip to east Tennessee with new batteries. 

His first cast landed over a dock cable, but it also resulted in his first keeper of the day. Berlinsky proceeded to fill out most of his limit in the first two hours of the day, allowing him to spend the next six hours practicing for the next three days. The last several minutes of the afternoon yielded a quality largemouth that made the trip back to weigh-in.

“I only got an hour and a half of practice the second day of practice,” he said. “Being able to go and practice today was huge for me. I was able to get out there and explore instead of only worrying about catching them.”

Using his forward-facing sonar, Berlinsky has identified a specific bottom composition the bass are utilizing as well as areas of the lake where the forage is gathering. Two baits trigger all his bites on Day 1. 

Although his Day 1 tally wouldn’t show it, Berlinsky noticed the abundant sunshine seemed to hurt his bite as the day went along. 

“I don’t think anyone else is doing it, so I think that is part of the reason I’m having success with it,” he said. “They are anywhere from 2 feet of water to 10 feet of water.”

With a significant lead over the fourth and fifth place anglers, Berlinsky is afforded quite a bit of wiggle room on Day 2 and hopes to take advantage of the cushion he has built. 

“My plan is to put together 14 or 15 pounds tomorrow to make sure I make it to the third day,” he said. “You are never safe, but I want to catch a decent limit and hopefully find some bigger bass.”

Smith is second with 17-12 followed by Stephen F. Austin’s Ben Burns in third with 15-6 and Lander’s Andrew Blanton in fourth with 15-3. Helton is currently the first man out with 14-9 followed by Carson-Newman’s Blake Wheat in sixth with 13-14, UNA’s Bryce Dimauro in seventh with 12-9 and SFA’s Grant Pursiful in eighth with 3-4. 

All eight competitors will return to the water starting at 7 a.m. ET at Cove Ridge Marina and Resort. Weigh-in will begin at approximately 3 p.m. The Top 4 anglers at the conclusion of Day 2 will advance to Semifinal Sunday, which will be a bracket style tournament. The No. 1 seeded angler will go head-to-head against the No. 4 seeded angler while No. 2 will compete against No. 3.

The winners of those head-to-head matches will face off in the finals and the winner will advance to the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour and will earn entry into the 2026 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN with the use of a fully-rigged Nitro Boat and Toyota Tundra.

This event is being hosted by Carter County Tourism.

2025 Strike King Bassmaster College Series Presented by Bass Pro Shops/Lew’s – College Bracket 9/26-9/29
Watauga Lake, Carter County  TN.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1

    Angler                                       Club/School                       Pts

1.  Tripp Berlinsky –                            University of North Alabama           0
  Day 1: 5   19-14   Total:   5  19-14
2.  Garrett Smith –                              Lander University                     0
  Day 1: 5   17-12   Total:   5  17-12
3.  Ben Burns –                                  Stephen F Austin State Universit      0
  Day 1: 5   15-06   Total:   5  15-06
4.  Andrew Blanton –                             Lander University                     0
  Day 1: 5   15-03   Total:   5  15-03
5.  Zach Helton –                                Carson-Newman University              0
  Day 1: 5   14-09   Total:   5  14-09
6.  Blake Wheat –                                Carson-Newman University              0
  Day 1: 5   13-14   Total:   5  13-14
7.  Bryce Dimauro –                              University of North Alabama           0
  Day 1: 5   12-09   Total:   5  12-09
8.  Grant Pursifull –                            Stephen F Austin State Universit      0
  Day 1: 2   03-04   Total:   2  03-04
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
 1         7        37       112-07
———————————-
           7        37       112-07





Bass Fishing Tips for September!

Brian Carter
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Bass Fishing Tips for September!
In September, bass often key in on baitfish as their main food source. Look for surface signs such as birds diving or bass breaking the water as they chase schools of forage. Even in lakes without shad, young bluegill, perch, or crappie often fill this role. Watching for these movements helps you determine where bass are likely feeding. Electronics can also help you spot bait balls below the surface, showing you where predators may be lurking. The more you understand baitfish behavior, the easier it becomes to find bass in shifting early fall conditions. Pay attention to wind direction, because baitfish are frequently pushed toward windblown banks, where bass lie in wait. Shady coves or creek arms can also concentrate forage when water temperatures start to cool. Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times to observe baitfish activity along calm shorelines. If you see occasional swirls or flashes in the shallows, bass may be feeding just out of sight. Keeping track of these small clues will help you narrow down productive water and stay one step ahead of roaming fish. By patiently studying how forage moves throughout the day, you can anticipate where bass will position and increase your odds of steady action.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. Each is scented for complete and total attraction underwater, along with being made in the USA by real fishermen. We recently restocked the HellaMite Pro Pack, which is loaded with 60 baits in all six proven colors, plus three Owner Block Head Ned Jigs and a handy storage bag. This kit has everything you need to stay rigged and ready year-round. Grab our newest Lil Bass, Hot Sauce, MidNight, Glow, 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink HellaMite colors. We’ve also restocked our Green Pumpkin and Smoke Purple HellaMite. The HellaMite’s solid body and hyperactive ribbed tail design produce a life-like quivering action with every twitch of the rod. 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 its superior performance and versatility.
Once you’ve located baitfish, the next step is presenting a lure that resembles what bass are eating. Soft plastics such as lizards, insect larvae, craw-styled baits, beetles, and worms can mimic small forage when rigged or worked at different depths. Use natural colors to resemble baitfish or panfish in your waters. Downsizing to smaller profiles can help when bass are keyed in on tiny prey. Rigging techniques like weightless presentations or light jig heads allow a subtle, lifelike fall that entices strikes. Matching size, color, and action gives you an edge in tempting fish that are feeding selectively. Experiment with different retrieve speeds until you find one that mimics how the forage is moving that day. A gentle twitch or pause in your presentation can trigger a reaction strike from otherwise hesitant bass. If the water is clear, keep your colors light and translucent, while stained water may call for darker or more solid tones. Pay attention to how bass react, short strikes or follows often mean you need to refine your approach. Developing confidence in a few versatile soft plastics helps you stay efficient when bass feeding patterns change throughout early fall in September.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, and the 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 that triggers strikes!
Bass in September often separate into deep and shallow groups, creating two extreme scenarios. Some stay near summer haunts like reefs, points, and steep breaks where they can quickly move between depths. Others will push shallow, using grass, docks, or brush for shade and feeding opportunities. Successful anglers sample both areas until a productive depth or pattern emerges. Keeping an open mind about location ensures you don’t overlook fish concentrated in either zone. Adjusting quickly between deep and shallow water gives you more opportunities to connect with bass during this transitional month. Pay attention to water clarity, as bass may choose deeper zones on bright, calm days but venture shallower under low light or wind. Seasonal fronts can also influence where fish hold, often pushing them toward cover or staging spots just off the main channels. Observing how baitfish behave, whether they are suspended over a structure or tightly against the bank, provides clues about where predators will set up. A systematic approach, alternating between offshore and shoreline targets, helps you cover water efficiently. Flexibility and observation are key to unlocking where bass prefer to feed as summer fades to fall.The new FreshBaitz Lizards deliver a realistic profile that excels in both power and finesse techniques. Act fast, we’ve recently just released new Hot Sauce, MidNight, Ghost, and 10w30 Synthetic 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.
When targeting deep fish, focus on structure that attracts both forage and ambushing predators. Offshore humps, ledges, and rocky points are excellent places to start. Use soft plastics such as worms, craw-styled baits, or insect larvae on drop-shot or Carolina-rig setups for a controlled, natural presentation. Slow, steady retrieves along the bottom help you cover water while feeling for subtle bites. Pay close attention to where you get strikes, as depth and cover type often repeat across a lake. Fishing patiently in deeper zones rewards you with steady action once you locate a school. Vary your angles when working a piece of structure, as bass may only respond when a lure approaches from a particular direction. Make note of the exact depth or contour where bites occur, since bass often gather along a precise break or ledge. Light changes, such as an overcast sky or setting sun, can cause deeper fish to rise and feed more aggressively. Keep an eye on your electronics for small clusters of marks near bottom features, as these often reveal hidden schools. Consistency and attention to detail in deep water often lead to some of the most rewarding catches of the season.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!
Shallow cover comes alive in early fall as bass move in to feed on panfish and other prey. Vegetation mats provide shade and shelter for both bass and forage, making them prime targets. Pitching or punching a heavy-rigged soft plastic like a lizard, beetle, or craw-styled presentation through the grass can draw aggressive strikes. Around docks or laydowns, lighter presentations such as insect larvae or worms can tempt fish holding tight to cover. Early and late in the day, bass often patrol the edges of weeds or wood, where subtle surface twitches can attract bites. Mastering these shallow options gives you access to quality fish even on tough days. Look for small openings or thinner patches in thick vegetation, as these spots often serve as ambush points for feeding bass. Slight changes in depth, such as a depression or ditch leading into shallow cover, can also concentrate fish. If wind is blowing into a shallow flat or mat, bass frequently position on the upwind side where the food gets pushed in. Overhanging trees or shaded banks give bass a sense of security and are worth probing with a quiet presentation. Working methodically through each piece of visible cover helps you uncover hidden fish others may overlook.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 MidNight, Glow, and Ghost Worms! Our popular Watermelon Red Worms have been restocked as well. 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, Electric 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 Restocked 6-inch Worms, including Watermelon Red, Green Pumpkin, Black & Blue, Fire TGR, Wild Berries, Bone, 10w30 Synthetic, Zombie Blood, and Chocolate MNT! — 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.
Because the September bass shift often, flexibility is essential for success. Start with faster presentations to cover water and identify active areas. Once you find a concentration of fish, slow down with soft plastics such as worms or craws to bring additional bites. Don’t be afraid to leave unproductive water quickly. Sometimes a short move can make all the difference. Vary retrieves, depths, and angles until you pinpoint what the bass prefer that day. A willingness to adapt separates consistent catches from empty livewells during this transitional season. Keep track of weather changes, as a sudden breeze, cloud cover, or drop in temperature can quickly reposition bass. Experiment with both vertical and horizontal presentations to see which triggers more strikes. Pay close attention to how long it takes before bites occur because sometimes a long pause is more effective than constant movement. If you fish a spot thoroughly without results, return later in the day as conditions may have shifted in your favor. The more approaches you test, the greater your chances of staying on active fish throughout the month.Introducing the Newest 8-Inch MagDingo Worms! These are the ultimate game-changer in bass fishing! Engineered for anglers who know SIZE does matter, this lure is designed to attract only the BIGGEST bass with a fixation for the larger bait. The MagDingo Worm boasts a solid 8-inch body enhanced with a hyperactive ribbed design, ensuring irresistible mouth-watering action for those trophy bass. The 10-count packs are now available in a variety of 6 crucial colors, including the 10w30 Synthetic, Black & Blue, Zombie Blood, Green Pumpkin, Wild Cherry, and Watermelon Red. Each worm is made in the USA from durable, high-grade Non-Salted plastic for lifelike action and unparalleled durability. Perfectly balanced for a variety of rigging options and scented for maximum attraction, the 8-inch MagDingo 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 trophy-sized smallmouth and largemouth bass.
Patterns are powerful tools when bass behavior seems scattered. When you discover baitfish activity at a certain depth or along a specific type of bank, search for similar setups elsewhere. Conditions like water temperature, clarity, and available cover often repeat across different areas of a lake. Apply what you learn about depth, cover, and lure choice to duplicate productive spots. Soft plastics in proven shapes like lizards, beetles, or insect larvae. These can then be used with confidence in new locations. Turning just one success into a repeatable plan is the key to steady catches all month long. Keep mental or written notes about where and when bites happen, noting details such as time of day and wind direction. Over time, these observations reveal seasonal patterns that shorten your search on future trips. Pay close attention to subtle environmental cues, like shade lines or small points, that might connect several productive areas. When conditions change, revisit places that once held fish, as patterns often cycle back during the same day. Building a library of repeatable situations helps you fish smarter rather than harder, increasing your odds of consistent success.We have a wide variety of terminal tackle to choose from, but we’ve released new Nako Tungsten Tear Drop Shot Weights, crafted from 97% eco-friendly tungsten for stealth, durability, and vibration, with easy-to-read size stamps and a crimped swivel for quick changes. Owner Mosquito Hooks work for dropshotting and perfectly accommodates a wide range of soft plastics. The new Haymaker EWG Worm Hooks are also now available, featuring an extra-wide gap for various soft plastics, a Z-lock shoulder bend for secure bait placement, and an angled-up super needle point for fast, powerful hooksets. The popular All Purpose Hooks are built with an extra-wide gap and are made to accommodate a wide range of soft plastics. For creature-styled baits, a more popular choice to use is the Stand-Up Jig because it sits the bait up-right in a defensive stance! The WEEDLESS Block Head Jig features high-quality construction that helps increase your hook-up ratios and keep your bait clean from snagging rocks or vegetation. 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 precious 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 that triggers bites. We also just released Keep’em Fresh Bait Bags! These bags are the ultimate solution for anglers who need their gear to perform. Built like a tank, this bag is 20x stronger than regular zip bags and offers 100% waterproof protection with a rock-solid double zipper seal. Whether it’s for soft plastics, snacks, or your smartphone, this reusable and versatile bag keeps everything safe from water, mud, and grime. It’s lightweight yet spacious, it fits snugly in your tackle box or backpack, making it perfect for your next adventure.





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