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Tuesday, December 16, 2025
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Sam Rayburn Reservoir Set to Host MLF Toyota Series Southwestern Division Opener

Brian Carter
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Sam Rayburn Reservoir Set to Host MLF Toyota Series Southwestern Division Opener

BROOKELAND, Texas (Feb. 13, 2024) – Fresh off of last week’s extremely successful Major League Fishing (MLF) Tackle Warehouse Invitational event last week, the MLF Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats is set to return to Brookeland, Texas, next week, Feb. 21-23, for the Southwestern Division opening event – the Toyota Series at Sam Rayburn Reservoir Presented by FX Custom Rods.

The three-day tournament, hosted by the Jasper – Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce, will feature a roster of the region’s best bass-fishing pros and Strike King co-anglers competing for a top prize of up to $100,000 in the pro division and a new Phoenix 518 Pro boat with a 115-horsepower outboard motor plus $5,000 in the co-angler division.

Local pro Jim Tutt of Longview, Texas, who has fished over 250 MLF tournaments in his career, said the event is setting up to be a really exciting tournament.

“This is the perfect time of year to fish Sam Rayburn,” said Tutt. “The bass are still in prespawn patterns but are getting close to spawning, so they’re eating really good. There are a lot of fish moving up shallow right now – due to the water being up a bit and the warmer temperatures – so there’s a lot of new stuff in the shallow grass line for fish to spawn on.”

Sam Rayburn Reservoir has a surface area of more than 114,000 acres, providing ample opportunities for anglers to fish the style that suits them, and Tutt said he expects to see an array of baits being thrown throughout the event.

“I think we’ll see guys throwing a lot of different baits this time of year, especially with the fish getting set up for spawning patterns,” said Tutt. “[Bill Lewis] Rat-L-Trap baits and ChatterBaits are going to be really strong for prespawn fish – that’s how some of the bigger fish will probably be caught. The Senko is always going to be one of the best lures for that fishery – get on some fish, slow down and throw a Senko on that inside grass line.

“Forward-facing sonar comes into play pretty much year-round now, but I think a guy could do really well in a multi-day event fishing shallow. Anywhere from 2 foot to 7 foot of water is a good depth on Rayburn right now.”

As for winning weights, Tutt said he expects to see big numbers coming out of this event.

“If a guy can catch around 23 to 25 pounds per day, he could probably win,” Tutt explained. “That sounds high, but the guy who’s catching a 10-pounder with some other good solid fish every day is going to be up around that mark, and that’s pretty likely to happen.”

While the current forecast is calling for sunny, blue-bird skies, Tutt cautions that weather could play into the numbers a bit.

“Now, if the weather doesn’t cooperate and we get a super windy day, guys might not be able to move around like they normally could and that could hinder them from covering more water,” Tutt said. “But I expect we’ll see some big ones, and there’s a big possibility that someone will bring in a Toyota ShareLunker fish during the event.”

While there are a lot of things in play on Sam Rayburn Reservoir during the tournament, Tutt said he believes the recent influx of hydrilla will be key.

“There’s a lot of grass all over the lake right now – probably the best hydrilla that the lake has had in the past 10 years,” Tutt explained. “So, it’s not limited to just a few areas like it has been in the past. You can go to pretty much any arm of the lake, and you’ll find hydrilla. It’s fishing really good, and really big.”

Anglers will launch at 7 a.m. CT each day from the Umphrey Family Pavilion, located at 5438 Sam Rayburn Parkway in Brookeland. Weigh-ins will also be held at the pavilion and will begin at 3 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend and encouraged to follow the event online through the “MLF Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

In Toyota Series regular-season competition, payouts are based on the number of participants competing in the event, scaling up for every 20 boats over 160 and scaling down for every boat below 160. With a 160-boat field, pros fish for a top prize of up to $75,000, if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard (valued at $33,500). With a 260-boat field, pros fish for a top award of up to $100,000, if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard plus $5,000 cash.

The 2024 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consists of six divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern, Southwestern and the Western Division Presented by Tackle Warehouse – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the six 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 2025. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard. The 2024 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 7-9 on Wheeler Lake in Huntsville, Alabama, and is hosted by the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Madison County Commission, and the Huntsville Sports Commission.

Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Toyota Series include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, FX Custom Rods, General Tire, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota and YETI.

For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Toyota Series updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.



Fishing Transition Banks For Bass In Winter!

Brian Carter
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Fishing Transition Banks For Bass In Winter!
Fishing for bass in the winter presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for anglers. As water temperatures drop, bass metabolism slows down, prompting them to seek more stable environments. Transition banks, where different types of structure or depth changes occur, become crucial areas to target. These locations can offer bass the stable conditions they need during the colder months. Anglers should focus on these areas, understanding that bass might not be as aggressive as in warmer seasons. The key is to adapt your strategies to match the bass’s winter behavior. This means employing slower, more deliberate techniques that can entice a bass to bite. Recognizing the importance of these transition areas is the first step in successfully following bass through the winter. By concentrating efforts on these key spots, anglers can increase their chances of connecting with bass. It requires patience, observation, and a willingness to adapt to the conditions presented by the winter season. Additionally, leveraging detailed knowledge of the local waterbody’s geography and bass habits can significantly enhance an angler’s ability to find perfect transition zones.Introducing the FreshBaitz Newest Mandingo Trick Worms – the ultimate game-changer in bass fishing! 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 7 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!
Soft plastics become an invaluable tool for winter bass fishing due to their versatility and ability to closely mimic the natural prey of bass. In the colder water, bass are less likely to exert energy chasing fast-moving baits, making soft plastics an ideal choice. Anglers should focus on presentations that are slow and subtle, such as slow dragging, dead sticking, or slight twitching. These techniques can be more effective in triggering strikes from lethargic bass. The selection of soft plastics should prioritize those that can perform well with minimal movement, maintaining a natural appearance and action even when moved slowly or paused. This approach mimics the reduced activity level of natural prey during cold conditions, making it more appealing to bass. Rigging methods that allow for a slow, natural descent and keep the bait in the strike zone longer can be particularly successful. The key is to present the soft plastics in a way that is both enticing and easy for the bass to catch, considering their slower metabolism. By understanding and leveraging the unique advantages of soft plastics in winter, anglers can significantly improve their chances of success. This requires not only the right selection of baits but also a strategic approach to how they are presented along transition banks.The newest FreshBaitz Lizard delivers a realistic profile that excels in both power and finesse techniques. Act fact, we just released a new 10w30 Syntheic Lizard color! 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. Each HellaMite is made from long-lasting durable high-grade non-salted plastic for total and maximum attention-grabbing action underwater.
Understanding the behavior of bass during the winter is crucial for effectively targeting them on transition banks. As temperatures drop, bass seek out deeper water where temperatures are more stable, but they will move to shallower areas to feed if conditions are right. This behavior highlights the importance of being observant and understanding the environmental factors that influence bass movements. Anglers should pay close attention to the sun’s position and its impact on water temperatures, as areas receiving more sunlight during the day may warm slightly, attracting bass. These subtle changes can dictate when and where bass will be most active, guiding anglers on where to focus their efforts. It’s also essential to recognize that bass may not feed as frequently in winter, making the timing of their feeding periods critical to success. By aligning fishing efforts with these feeding windows, anglers can increase their chances of encountering bass. Additionally, being mindful of the types of structure and depth changes that make up transition banks can help in locating these feeding bass. It involves a combination of patience, keen observation, and an understanding of bass behavior to effectively fish these areas in winter. Success in winter bass fishing on transition banks comes down to leveraging knowledge of bass habits and environmental cues to find and catch these elusive fish.We use our Fresh Scorpion because it closely imitates a crawfish. Our newest 10w30 Synthetic , Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink Scorpion colors work wonders in the winter. 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 from high-grade non-salt plastic to provide superior life-like action-triggering strikes!
Patience becomes a virtue when fishing for bass in the winter, especially on transition banks. The colder water temperatures mean that bass are less active and less likely to feed aggressively. This requires anglers to adopt a more patient approach, understanding that bites may be fewer and further between. However, the bass that are caught during the winter months are often of good size, making the wait worthwhile. Anglers should be prepared for a slower pace of fishing, taking the time to thoroughly work an area before moving on. This methodical approach can make a significant difference in success rates, as it gives bass more time to respond to the presented baits. Additionally, paying close attention to subtle changes in the environment and water conditions can provide clues to bass behavior and potential hot spots. It’s about making the most of the opportunities that arise, no matter how sparse they may seem. Keeping a positive attitude and a focused approach can lead to productive outings, even when the conditions are challenging. Winter bass fishing on transition banks is a test of patience and perseverance, but the rewards can be substantial for those willing to adapt.Each Fresh HellaMite is scented for complete and total attraction underwater along with being made in the USA by real fishermen just like you. Our newest 10w30 Synthetic HellaMite color is a must-have. We also just released new eye-catching colors 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 Red Bug, Purple Rain, Brown Bug, Electric Chicken, and Goby Wan colors for those who’ve been waiting. Take this time to stock up! 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 more clearly and is more likely to look like real food, increasing strikes.  
Adapting to the conditions is essential for winter bass fishing success on transition banks. As weather patterns shift, so too do the bass’s location and feeding habits. Anglers need to be flexible, ready to explore different depths and areas along the transition banks, adjusting their approach as necessary. This flexibility can mean the difference between a successful day on the water and a fruitless endeavor. Experimenting with different soft plastic presentations can also be key, as bass may respond differently to various techniques depending on the conditions. It’s important to not get locked into a single strategy but to be willing to change tactics as the situation demands. Being observant of the water conditions, such as clarity and temperature, can provide valuable insights into how bass might be behaving. Staying attuned to weather changes and how they affect the aquatic environment can guide anglers in choosing the most effective fishing spots and techniques. Success in winter bass fishing requires not only a deep understanding of bass behavior but also an adaptable mindset that is ready to embrace the challenges presented by the season. By remaining flexible and responsive to the conditions, anglers can enhance their ability to follow and catch bass on transition banks during the winter months.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!
Safety should never be overlooked when pursuing bass in the winter, especially when fishing transition banks. The colder conditions introduce additional risks, not only from the water itself but also from the environment. Proper preparation and gear, including personal flotation devices and appropriate clothing, are crucial to ensure a safe fishing experience. Anglers should also be mindful of the shorter daylight hours during winter, planning their trips accordingly to maximize safety and fishing time. Being aware of weather changes and understanding how to navigate the water safely under different conditions are essential skills. Furthermore, it’s important to communicate your fishing plans with someone else, providing details on your location and expected return time. This level of precaution can make a significant difference in safety, allowing anglers to focus on the fishing experience with peace of mind. Emphasizing safety in winter bass fishing not only protects the angler but also ensures that the pursuit of bass remains a pleasurable and responsible activity. Additionally, checking ice conditions thoroughly before venturing onto frozen bodies of water is critical to avoid dangerous situations, ensuring that every fishing trip is conducted under the safest possible weather conditions.Using a stick-styled worm is the most tried and true ways to catch fish. We have a wide variety of 5-inch Worms to choose from. You can experience our new wacky rigging kit while it’s ON SALE! The WACKY Pack offers our most popular colors and essential tools, featuring 24 high-quality worms in the popular Green Pumpkin, Watermelon Red, and Black & Blue, alongside four precision-crafted Owner Wacky Hooks 1/8oz. 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 our newest 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 just recently released new 6-inch Worms that catch some trophy bass. 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. Each Fresh Worm is scented for complete and total attraction underwater.
Lastly, by focusing on transition banks with a strategic approach to soft plastics, anglers can find success in the challenging conditions of winter bass fishing. This strategy involves understanding the subtle nuances of bass behavior during colder months, coupled with patience, adaptability, and a keen observation of environmental changes. The rewards of winter bass fishing can be significant, offering the chance to catch large bass that are less pressured by fishing activity. It’s a time when the water is quieter, and the landscape offers a different kind of beauty, adding to the overall experience. While the conditions may be more demanding, the satisfaction of successfully catching bass during this season is unmatched. Anglers willing to embrace the challenges of winter fishing, equipped with the right knowledge and approach, can enjoy the solitude and potential for memorable catches that this time of year offers. Winter bass fishing on transition banks is not just about the fish caught but also about the experience and growth as an angler in navigating and appreciating the complexities of nature. Furthermore, this approach encourages conservation-minded fishing practices, emphasizing the importance of sustaining fish populations for future generations to enjoy.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 Owner All Purpose Hook is built with an extra-wide gap and is made to accommodate a wide range of soft plastics. Mosquito Hooks work for drop-shotting and are perfectly designed to better accommodate a wide range of soft plastics. The Block Head Jig is perfect for ned rigging the HellaMite with its mushroom-style head that seamlessly matches a wide variety of soft plastics such as lizards and worms. 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. Covering a wide range of soft plastics including worms and other types of creatures.
 



Unleash Your Inner Angler: How the Strike King 10XD Can Triple Your Bass Catch This Season

Brian Carter
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Unleash Your Inner Angler: How the Strike King 10XD Can Triple Your Bass Catch This Season

KVD the King of Crankbaits

There’s something magical about the allure of the Strike King Pro Model Series 10XD, a deep-diving crankbait that has been steadily changing the game for anglers all over the world. This big old crankbait is opening up whole new dimensions of the underwater world to keen fishers armed with the right technique, knowledge, and patience. Let’s dive deeper into the world of bass fishing with this impressive lure.

First off, any angler familiar with crankbaits would be immediately drawn to one of the key features of the 10XD – its unique curved bill. This isn’t just for an aesthetic flair. The cleverly designed bill is there to serve a very specific purpose; it allows the 10XD to dive faster and deeper than traditional crankbaits. This addition isn’t cosmetic but rather forms the heart and soul of the lure. When properly harnessed, it can enable fishers to reach locations they could previously only dream of.

Of course, size matters, and the 10XD is no shrinking violet. Clocking in at around 6 inches and weighing just shy of 2 ounces, it’s quite the substantial lure. This is particularly important to note, as it means that you’ll need to gear up adequately before heading out. You wouldn’t want excessive arm and hand fatigue standing in the way of a rewarding fishing trip.

Then there’s the question of where to fish with the 10XD. The big profile and captivating wobbling action of the crankbait are a real hit for sizeable bass in the depths. Specifically, be on the lookout for deep structures – where the big bass find comfort in the seclusion. Submerged logs, rock piles, and other underwater features are the hot spots where you’re likely to encounter them.

Line choice is another variable to fine-tune. To maximize the 10XD’s diving power, it is recommended to use a 14-pound fluorocarbon line. This setup allows the 10XD to reach depths of up to 25 feet, thereby placing it within reach of those trophy fish you’ve been dreaming of.

The typical size and audible, resonating rattle of the 10XD can, however, sometimes become predictable to offshore bass. That’s when a neat, little modification can come in handy. If you fancy trying your hand at making it silent, drill a hole, apply some superglue, and finish it with a dab of epoxy. This can take the fish by surprise, often leading to more successful catches.

However, nothing beat a good dose of patience and persistence. Experiment with different retrieves, depths, and locations to make the most out of your fishing expeditions. Here’s to the Strike King Pro Model Series 10XD crankbait – your secret to game-changing bass fishing. Tight lines!

ORDER SOME TODAY



Tennessee’s Murphy Catches 31-6 Limit to Win Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Guntersville

Brian Carter
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Tennessee’s Murphy Catches 31-6 Limit to Win Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Guntersville
Boater winner Charlie Murphy of Columbia, Tennessee, and Strike-King co-angler winner Terry Holsapple of Greenup, Illinois.
Illinois’ Holsapple Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. (Feb. 12, 2024) – Boater Charlie Murphy of Columbia, Tennessee, caught a five-bass limit weighing 31 pounds, 6 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Guntersville . Hosted by the Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce, the tournament was the first event of the season for the BFL Choo Choo Division. Murphy earned $6,000 for his victory.

“The fish got active for me from 8 o’clock until 11,” Murphy said. “I was able to get to my spot and get a good limit, and I just kept upgrading from there.”

Murphy remained very tight-lipped about his technique but said he used a Garmin LiveScope to fish deep in Guntersville and caught about 30 bass during the day. He added that he tried fishing shallow toward the end of the day, but that tactic produced no quality bass.

“I underestimated my weight,” Murphy said. “I thought I had between 25 and 30 pounds, so I felt pretty good about it.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

                1st:        Charlie Murphy, Columbia, Tenn., five bass, 31-6, $6,000
                2nd:       Stephen McAvoy, Springville, Ala., five bass, 28-2, $4,000
                3rd:       Fisher Anaya, Eva, Ala., five bass, 26-1, $2,500 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
                4th:        Hayden Marbut, Birmingham, Ala., five bass, 25-11, $1,400
                5th:        Jacob Wall, New Hope, Ala., five bass, 24-11, $1,200
                6th:        Cole Logsdon, Brownsville, Ky., five bass, 24-3, $1,100
                7th:        Mickey Beck, Lebanon, Tenn., five bass, 23-2, $1,000
                8th:        Dan Ehmen, Rockford, Ill., five bass, 23-1, $900
                9th:        Matt O’Connell, Brooks, Ga., five bass, 23-0, $1,100
                10th:     David Steadman, Jr., Tullahoma, Tenn., five bass, 22-7, $700

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Stephen McAvoy of Springville, Alabama, caught a bass that weighed 8 pounds even and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $1,000.



Terry Holsapple of Greenup, Illinois, won the Strike King co-angler division and $3,000 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 21 pounds, 6 ounces.

The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:

                1st:        Terry Holsapple, Greenup, Ill., five bass, 21-6, $3,000
                2nd:       Todd Mowery, Madison, Ala., five bass, 18-7, $1,500
                3rd:       Cason Sanchez, Fayetteville, Tenn., five bass, 17-11, $1,000
                4th:        Chad Menard, Rogersville, Ala., five bass, 17-5, $700
                5th:        Josh McCool, Henegar, Ala., five bass, 17-1, $600
                6th:        Jose Serna, Albertville, Ala., five bass, 16-8, $550
                7th:        Ron Creasy, Florence, Ala., five bass, 16-7, $500
                8th:        Mike Swetland, Tamaroa, Ill., five bass, 16-0, $600
                9th:        Isaac Brown, Lexington, Ala., five bass, 15-14, $400
                10th:     Jacob Policka, Twin Lake, Mich., five bass, 15-8, $350

Brian Futch of Herrin, Illinois, and Dalynn Teeftaller of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, each caught a bass that weighed in at 6 pounds, 15 ounces to split the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $500.

The next event for BFL Choo Choo Division anglers will be held March 23, at Pickwick Lake in Florence, Alabama. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 17-19 BFL Regional tournament on Clarks Hill Lake in Appling, Georgia. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.

The 2024 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.

Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota and YETI.

For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.



Parrish’s Moneuse Posts First Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Toho

Brian Carter
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Parrish’s Moneuse Posts First Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Toho
Boater winner Max Moneuse of Parrish, Florida, and Strike-King co-angler winner Brandon Pabon of Deltona, Florida.
Deltona’s Pabon Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (Feb. 12, 2024) – Boater Max Moneuse of Parrish, Florida, caught a five-bass limit weighing 21 pounds, 9 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Toho. Hosted by Experience Kissimmee, the tournament was the second event of the season for the BFL Gator Division. Moneuse earned $4,729 for his victory.

“I made a long run to the south end of the chain of Kissimmee and decided to flip a Gambler Fat Ace Stick Worm around where fish could be spawning,” Moneuse said. “During practice, I was able to put the trolling motor in the water, put the batteries to the test, and cover ground. I fished an area that tends to be a spot that can be good when it has the early spawners.”

Moneuse said he rigged his stick worm with a 3/16-ounce Epic Baits Tungsten Worm Weight and a 6/0 BKK hook. His rig accounted for 20 fish – all keepers – during the tournament. He flipped the rig on a 7-foot, 5-inch medium-heavy plus TFO Taction Bass Series Casting Rod with fluorocarbon line.

Moneuse credited his Hewes flats boat with a 115-horsepower Yamaha outboard as being a key to his success, despite not being the ‘normal’ bass fishing rig.

“I always tell people when they ask why I fish in that boat is that it is better to be out there in what you have than to not go because you think your boat isn’t going to keep up with everyone else’s,” Moneuse said.

The long run paid off when Moneuse found quality fish, but he wasn’t confident heading into weigh-in.

“I honestly didn’t think I had a shot at winning until I got in and saw 16 pounds was leading,” Moneuse said. “The Kissimmee Chain has all those great anglers out there; It’s hard to imagine you’re going to win with a weight in the low 20s on that body of water.

“I told my co-angler I thought my weight was good enough for a top-5 finish and a piece of hardware, but I didn’t think low 20s would win it for me,” Moneuse added. “This is pretty awesome. I put a lot of work and time into preparation for any tournament, so getting the chance to win and hold up the big trophy is awesome.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

                1st:        Max Moneuse, Parrish, Fla., five bass, 21-9, $4,729
                2nd:       Raymond Trudeau, Saint Cloud, Fla., five bass, 17-13, $1,970
                2nd:       Paul Vanzant, Umatilla, Fla., five bass, 17-13, $1,970
                4th:        Tyler Woolcott, Port Orange, Fla., five bass, 16-9, $1,103
                5th:        Dillon McMillan, Vero Beach, Fla., five bass, 16-1, $946
                6th:        Steven Eastman, Eustis, Fla., five bass, 16-0, $867
                7th:        Brady Lunsmann, Citrus Springs, Fla., five bass, 15-6, $788
                8th:        Carson Kamien, Gainesville, Fla., five bass, 15-4, $709
                9th:        Tyler Sheppard, Yulee, Fla., five bass, 15-2, $1,336
                10th:     Dalton Hanger, Frostproof, Fla., five bass, 14-10, $552

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Tyler Sheppard of Yulee, Florida, caught a bass that weighed 8 pounds, 14 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $705.



Brandon Pabon of Deltona, Florida, won the Strike King co-angler division and $2,364 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 18 pounds, 5 ounces.

The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:

                1st:        Brandon Pabon, Deltona, Fla., five bass, 18-5, $2,364
                2nd:       Robert Linthout, Cape Coral, Fla., five bass, 15-2, $1,182
                3rd:       James Sponaugle, Auburndale, Fla., five bass, 14-1, $788
                4th:        Steven Obester, Palatka, Fla., five bass, 13-12, $702
                5th:        William Lewis, Jacksonville, Fla., five bass, 11-9, $473
                6th:        Evan Phillips, Rincon, Ga., five bass, 10-7, $433
                7th:        Sean Ripley, Lakeland, Fla., five bass, 10-5, $374
                7th:        Adam Sangster, Sanford, Fla., five bass, 10-5, $374
                9th:        Randy Paquette, Sarasota, Fla., five bass, 10-3, $315
                10th:     Manuel Gonzalez, Davenport, Fla., five bass, 10-2, $276

Richard Ralston of Saint Could, Florida, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $352, catching a bass that weighed in at 8 pounds, 8 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.

After two events, Tyler Sheppard of Yulee, Florida, leads the BFL Gator Division Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) boater race with 489 points, while Evrett Hunter of St. Augustine, Florida, leads the Strike King Co-Angler Division AOY race with 488 points.

The next event for BFL Gator Division anglers will be held March 2, at the Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Florida. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 10-12 BFL Regional tournament on Santee Cooper Lakes in Clarendon County, South Carolina. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.

The 2024 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.

Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota and YETI.

For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.



Oologah’s Roberts Lands His ‘Fish Trophy’ With Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Grand Lake

Brian Carter
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Oologah’s Roberts Lands His ‘Fish Trophy’ With Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Grand Lake
Boater winner Dillon Roberts of Oohlogah, Oklahoma, and Strike-King co-angler winner Mark Sloan of Harrison, Arkansas.
Arkansas’ Sloan Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division

GROVE, Okla. (Feb. 12, 2024) – Boater Dillon Roberts of Oologah, Oklahoma, caught a five-bass limit weighing 23 pounds, 3 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Grand Lake. Hosted by the City of Grove, the tournament was the first event of the season for the BFL Okie Division. Roberts earned $5,607 for his victory.

“I pulled into a mid-lake area that was producing some bigger fish at a little greater depth for me,” said Roberts, who said he grew up on Grand Lake and spends most of his time on the water there now. “I fished 20 to 25 feet deep with an Alabama rig all day. The fish were staging at the mouths of creek arms waiting for the water to warm up so they could move up shallow.”

Roberts said he relied on his Lowrance ActiveTarget to allow him to put his Alabama rig in the strike zone for bass, and the approach paid off with 11 keeper bites during the day.

“I had my final weight at about 1 o’clock,” Roberts said. “This time of year, its still winter fishing, and I thought I would need 24 to 25 pounds to win. I had just culled a 2½-pounder, and when I got to 23 pounds, I knew I had a solid shot.”

Roberts also caught a bass that weighed 6 pounds, 5 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $735.

“I casted to that fish probably 20 to 25 times before I got her to commit,” Roberts said. “It was a cat-and-mouse game, but I finally got her to eat. Then, three casts later, I caught my second-largest fish.

“This win is a dream come true,” Roberts added. “My dad has a fish trophy. I’ve been after a fish trophy since I finished college fishing, and three years later I finally got it.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

                1st:        Dillon Roberts, Oologah, Okla., five bass, 23-3, $5,607
                2nd:       Billy Lemon, Sand Springs, Okla., five bass, 21-1, $2,936 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
                3rd:       Austin Lowrey, Webb City, Mo., five bass, 18-15, $1,623
                4th:        Shawn Mote, Ardmore, Okla., five bass, 18-11, $1,137
                5th:        Stephen Whitesell, Grove, Okla., five bass, 18-19, $974
                6th:        Rodney Copeland, Sallisaw, Okla., five bass, 18-5, $893
                7th:        T.J. Martin, Claremore, Okla., five bass, 18-4, $812
                8th:        Garett Jacobson, Wagoner, Okla., five bass, 16-13, $731
                9th:        David Rice, Galena, Mo., five bass, 16-4, $650
                10th:     Blake Capps, Muskogee, Okla., four bass, 15-2, $568

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.



Mark Sloan of Harrison, Arkansas, won the Strike King co-angler division and $2,403 Saturday, after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 11 pounds, 3 ounces.

The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:

                1st:        Mark Sloan, Harrison, Ark., three bass, 11-3, $2,403
                2nd:       Jacob Cooper, Eldorado, Kan., four bass, 11-1, $1,201
                3rd:       Ryan Doel, Springfield, Mo., three bass, 9-12, $1,168
                4th:        Colton Foster, Wagoner, Okla., four bass, 9-3, $561
                5th:        Jeff Moss, Oronogo, Mo., three bass, 9-0, $831
                6th:        James West, Spiro, Okla., five bass, 8-3, $441
                7th:        Melvin Camp, Talihina, Okla., three bass, 7-15, $400
                8th:        Theron Asbery, Republic, Mo., two bass, 7-10, $360
                9th:        Randy Peoples, Prairie Grove, Ark., three bass, 7-3, $320
                10th:     Austin Morris, Broken Arrow, Okla., three bass, 6-13, $280

Ryan Doel of Springfield, Missouri, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $362, catching a bass that weighed in at 5 pounds, 2 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.

The next event for BFL Okie Division anglers will be held March 16, at Lake Eufaula in Eufaula, Oklahoma. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 17-19 BFL Regional tournament on Wright Patman Lake in Texarkana, Texas. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.

The 2024 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.

Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota and YETI.

For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.



Cal Lane and the Legacy: The Strike King 10XD Bait Story

Brian Carter
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Cal Lane and the Legacy: The Strike King 10XD Bait Story

Photo Taken by Jody White of MLF

As I kick back in my living room, engrossed with the MLF Tackle Warehouse event transpiring on Sam Rayburn Lake, I can’t help but marvel, “Dang, those are some mammoth Bass!”. Enthusiastic young professional anglers like Cal Lane are making quite the splash, as they reel in the biggies, one after another. There’s a secret, though – beneath each monstrous catch, there lies a crucial partner in the triumph – a bait that has stood the test of time – the Strike King Pro-Model Series 10XD. Let’s sink beneath the surface to explore the inception and importance of this legendary lure, and understand why it belongs in every passionate angler’s tackle box.

The tale whisks us back to 2012, the stage being Strike King, renowned for their inventive lures. At its helm was Phil Marks, an architect for countless groundbreaking lures. Daring to dive deeper, Marks brought forth the 10XD, an oversized crankbait with a unique curved bill. Unlike traditional deep-diving crankbaits, the 10XD plunged deeper and surged faster – altering the deep-running crankbait landscape for good.

The turning point for this bait, however, was the FLW Tour Open on Sam Rayburn Lake in that very year. Armed with the 10XD, Marks crowned himself champion, netting a whopping $125,000 grand prize. This feat propelled the 10XD into the limelight, fast becoming an indispensable asset amongst fervent anglers.

Within the Strike King arsenal, the XD series holds a distinguished rank. Tailored to navigate depths unheard of, the 10XD outshines the rest, executing a further cast and a tighter wiggle, principles that have struck a winning chord with anglers globally. To top it, it wields an impressive palette of colors, each hue meticulously crafted to mimic prey and beguile even the most finicky fish.

Reflecting upon the saga of Strike King, one has to credit the inception of the original ‘Strike King’ bass lure to Bill McEwen back in the early ’60s. Charles Spence took the reins later, nurturing the company into a behemoth near the Memphis airport. Pioneering product development strategies and fostering coveted alliances with angling idols like Bill Dance ensured the company’s enduring success.

As we revel in the thrilling spectacle of Cal Lane and his peers hauling in the giants at the MLF Tackle Warehouse event, let’s rejoice in the timeless bait that’s doing its part beneath the waves – the Strike King Pro-Model Series 10XD. With a lineage dating back to Bill McEwen, a track record of tournament victories, and a vibrant selection of colors, the 10XD serves as a potent ally to reel in the big ones. Beef up your tackle box with this revolutionary bait. After all, as they say, you never know – the next cast could be the catch of your life!

ORDER SOME TODAY



MLF Bass Pro Tour Set to Visit Clarendon County, SC for Suzuki Stage Two at Santee Cooper Lakes

Brian Carter
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MLF Bass Pro Tour Set to Visit Clarendon County, SC for Suzuki Stage Two at Santee Cooper Lakes

CLARENDON COUNTY, S.C. (Feb. 12, 2024) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour is set to visit Clarendon County in South Carolina next week, Feb. 20-25, for the second event of the 2024 season – the Suzuki Stage Two at Santee Cooper Lakes.

The six-day tournament, hosted by the Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce, will feature a field of 80 professional anglers, including superstars like Ott DeFoe, Jacob Wheeler, REDCREST 2023 Champion  Bryan Thrift and South Carolina pros Casey Ashley of Donalds, Anthony Gagliardi of Prosperity, Andy Montgomery of Blacksburg, Britt Myers of Lake Wylie, Marty Robinson of Lyman, and his son, Bass Pro Tour rookie Marshall Robinson of Landrum. They’ll be competing for a season-long purse of $3.9 million – including a top prize of $100,000 at Santee Cooper – 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.

“As one of the five counties that border the Santee Cooper lakes, Clarendon County has historically done a great job of leaning into the world of bass fishing and providing a place for anglers and organizations to visit and showcase. The Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour is another prime example of that, and it will join a long list of nationally recognized professional fishing trails that have made their way to our area,” said Jesse Surette, Director of Tourism for the Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce. “From a tourism perspective, bass fishing is one of the best returns on investment to the host community. Tournaments of this size can bring hundreds of thousands of dollars into the community immediately through lodging, dining, fuel and shopping with local retailers.

“Additionally, the long-term impact from national media exposure helps put the Santee Cooper Lakes on the minds of millions across the country,” Surette continued. “We are excited to welcome some of the biggest names in bass fishing to one of the best fisheries in the nation.”

The tournament will feature 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 is being filmed for broadcast later this year on Discovery. Although the fishery has hosted numerous MLF bass tournaments over the years, this event will mark the first time that the MLF’s top level, the Bass Pro Tour, has visited Santee Cooper Lakes.

“This one is going to be a really fun tournament. It’s going to be a grinder, but there are massive bass that live at Santee Cooper and I’m excited,” said pro Anthony Gagliardi, who has more than $2.5 million in career earnings. “There is a lot more grass there, recently, than in years past. I don’t know how or if that will play in the tournament, but it definitely can’t hurt. It’ll still be cold, so we’ll see a lot of prespawn fishing. And it’ll be interesting to see how the event shakes out with forward-facing sonar. I’m sure some guys will use it – if I had a tournament in my backyard someone would be using it and trying to find them in my lawn – but the water clarity is stained, and I don’t think we’ll see guys finding big schools of fish.”

Fellow South Carolina pro Andy Montgomery agrees that the forward-facing sonar is an x-factor in this event.

“I don’t know that LiveScoping is something that the locals do a whole lot of, but it has certainly changed a lot of things in regard to how we approach these lakes,” Montgomery said. “We’ve had a ton of rain, lately, so the lake is flooded and muddy. We’ll definitely be watching the weather, as it will have a big effect on the event – if parts of the lake get blown out, and how much fishable water we have.”

Both anglers agreed that traditionally at this time of the year, prespawn tactics are likely to be the predominant patterns.

“Both lakes are full of cypress trees,” Montgomery said. “I don’t expect we’ll see any spawning fish, yet. But LiveScoping baits and normal prespawn stuff – spinnerbaits, (Strike King) Thunder Crickets – will be strong. We’ll definitely see guys flipping jigs, too.”

“I’ll have a few (Z-Man) ChatterBaits and lipless and shallow-running crankbaits tied on,” Gagliardi added. “I think we’ll see quite a few bass caught out of the trees, and in prespawn staging areas.”

Anglers will launch at 7:30 a.m. ET each day from the John C. Land III Landing, located at 4404 Greenall Road in Summerton. 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 .

On Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 24-25, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF welcomes fans of all ages to visit the John C. Land III landing for the MLF Watch Party. 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. 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 Suzuki Stage Two at Santee Cooper Lakes will feature 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 80 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.

The 40 Anglers in Group A compete in their two-day Qualifying Round on Tuesday and Thursday – the 40 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.

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.

Television coverage of the Suzuki Stage Two at Santee Cooper Lakes will premiere as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Sept. 21 on Discovery, with the Championship Round premiering the following Saturday on Sept. 28. 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, StarBrite, Suzuki, Toyota and U.S. Air Force.

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.




Angler Rights Activism

Brian Carter
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Angler Rights Activism
Angler Rights Activism
Those who would nix your right to fish in an instant are active and organized – recreational anglers need to be equally vigilant.  
Forestville, WI (February 12, 2024) – Nearly half of Australia’s fishable waters are now off limits. Some European countries ban catch and release, claiming it hurts the fish. Think it can’t happen here. Think again…The good news is that American angler interests are backed by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the nation’s largest trade association for the recreational sportfishing industry. The bad news is that they can’t completely protect your rights alone…and that’s where you come in.Recently, ASA VP of Government Affairs Mike Leonard spoke at the annual NPAA conference in Fort Myers, Florida on the topic of advocacy, what ASA is doing on your behalf, and what you can do as an individual to protect your fishing interests. 
Leonard’s engaging presentation highlighted three key themes: DO NOT take fishing for granted. DO NOT sit on the sidelines. Stop with the infighting. He went on to talk about knowing the issues in your area, joining fishing organizations that work to protect sportfishing like the NPAA and the ASA, and keeping up with the issues that could affect your ability to access the vast amount of aquatic resources available in this country at asafishing.org.If you care about the future of recreational fishing, you’re not too busy to watch Leonard’s presentation…
For more information on joining the NPAA and exploring the many benefits membership provides, visit www.npaa.net.
JOIN NPAA!



Brett Collins & Daniel Cook Win CATT Lake Wateree, SC Open Feb 10, 2024

Brian Carter
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Brett Collins & Daniel Cook Win CATT Lake Wateree, SC Open Feb 10, 2024

Next Wateree Open is Feb 24th at Molly Creek! New this year we added a few $60 entry opens! To view the schedule tap on Divisions then South Carolina!

Open Tournaments – $100 Entry, $25 Side Pot
Open Tournaments – $60 Entry, $25 Side Pot
Final Tournament – $130 Entry, $50 Side Pot
NO PAY ONLINE FOR THE $60 ENTRYS
Paying 1 BF
Must enter 6 Opens to be eligible to enter the Open Final
Fishing an Open solo will count for your teams Final Qualification
Must fish Wateree Open Final with your partner or a sub your team used
NO NEW SUBS AT FINAL & NO PAIRING UP AT FINAL WITH ANOTHER MEMBER
Safe Daylight – Weigh in Determined at Ramp
$100 Entry Optional $25 side pot at each event!

Plaques awarded to Point Winners & Final Winners
1st Place Points – Receive free entry to all 2025 Wateree Open Events
2nd Points -$500
3rd Points – $350
4th Points – $250
5th Points – $200
6th Points – $150

Brett Collins & Daniel Cook win Wateree with 5 bass weighing 20.60 lbs with a BF at 5.80 lbs!

Jeff Robinson & Cole Jackson took 2nd with a limit weighing 18.32 lbs!

Scott Floyd with a 4.91 lb bass!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Brett Collins & Daniel Cook5.8020.60$700.00110
Cole Jackson & Jeff Robinson4.1518.32$175.00109
Ray Dowey & Chanon Dowey3.6313.06108
Jonathan Dailey & Dylan Locklear3.5711.60107
Butch Williams & Sonny Beam2.758.67106
Darrell Fenton3.976.95105
Robert Jackson & Curtis Jackson0.006.47104
Paul Wells & Craig Haven3.305.84103
Steven Walker & Paul Galloway0.005.81102
Scott Floyd4.914.91101
Chad Gainey & Mack Kitchens0.000.0091
2024 Wateree Open Points$100.00
2024 Wateree Open Final$125.00



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