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Sunday, December 14, 2025
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Lucas Oil Extends Long-Term, Strategic Partnership with Major League Fishing for Ninth Year, Signifying Brand’s Dedication to Marine Community

Brian Carter
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Lucas Oil Extends Long-Term, Strategic Partnership with Major League Fishing for Ninth Year, Signifying Brand’s Dedication to Marine Community

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Jan. 23, 2024) – Lucas Oil Products is proud to announce the extension of its long-term strategic partnership with Major League Fishing in 2024 for a historic ninth season. The Lucas Oil brand will be featured as part of MLF’s 2024 Bass Pro Tour, General Tire Heavy Hitters and the General Tire Team Series. These events will be broadcast nationally on the CBS Network, Discovery Network and Outdoor Channel.

The continued support of Major League Fishing highlights Lucas Oil’s dedication to the boating and marine lifestyle. Lucas offers a wide selection of marine-specific products which include two- and four-cycle engine oils, fuel additives, fishing reel oil, transmission oils, greases, and several other additives, lubricants and appearance products for boats and personal watercraft.

“Major League Fishing is an incredible organization with a remarkable fanbase and it is our honor to continue our support and be a prominent part of the 2024 Bass Pro Tour,” said Melissa Wonser, Vice President of Marketing for Lucas Oil. “For the last eight years and beyond, we have seen the series continue to grow, becoming a great place to highlight our commitment to supporting the marine lifestyle. Lucas Oil is looking forward to being part of some exciting tournaments next year.”

The upcoming season will feature several pro anglers who are also Lucas Oil brand ambassadors. Bill McDonald, Stephen Johnson and Bryan Partak are all scheduled to build on their individual tournament success and compete for wins while proudly representing the Lucas Oil brand.

“The Lucas Oil line of marine products have been the preferred choice of boaters for decades, and our support to MLF helps underscore our commitment to continue making the best oils, additives, lubricants and appearance products available for the marine community,” said Jamie Devney, Vice President of Brand Development for Lucas Oil. “Boats and personal watercraft  have unique needs, and our specially-formulated products are designed to meet and exceed those needs in all conditions, which is something we take a lot of pride in here at Lucas Oil.”

“For the last eight years, Lucas Oil has been a tremendous partner of Major League Fishing, and we are thrilled to have them on board for the 2024 season,” said Jim Wilburn, President of Sales for Major League Fishing. “The Lucas Oil brand is legendary across the marine industry and professional fishing, and we are honored to help share their incredible story through our tournaments.”

Notes:

  • Lucas Oil begins its ninth year of partnering with MLF and will be a prominent part of the Bass Pro Tour circuit and its national broadcasts on CBS Network, Discovery Channel and Outdoor Channel
  • Long-term partnership supports Lucas Oil’s popular Marine and Outdoor product lines
  • Professional anglers and Lucas Oil ambassadors Bill McDonald, Stephen Johnson and Bryan Partak will participate in MLF tournaments in 2024

To schedule an interview with a Lucas Oil and Major League Fishing executive, contact [email protected].

For more information about the 2024 Major League Fishing season, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.

About Lucas Oil
Founded in 1989 by Forrest and Charlotte Lucas, Lucas Oil Products was created with the simple philosophy of producing the best lubricants and additives available anywhere. Lucas Oil offers the most diversified range of innovative engine oil, gear oil and additive products refined by years of specialized research, development and testing. The company’s high performance engine oils and gear oils are widely recognized as best-in-class in the automotive, powersports, marine, industrial, outdoor, and motorsports marketplaces. In total, Lucas Oil boasts more than 300 premium products, representing the largest variety of shelf products of any oil company in the United States with a distribution network across 48 different countries.

Lucas Oil’s commitment to motorsports includes long standing support for high profile regional and national racing series, and the distribution of exclusive motorsports content from across the globe via MAVTV, a Lucas Oil owned and operated television network. The company also serves as the exclusive oil and lubricant partner of Monster Jam®, The Dallas Cowboys, the Indianapolis Colts and Lucas Oil Stadium. For more information please visit www.LucasOil.com.



St. Croix renews title sponsorship of Bassmaster Opens

Brian Carter
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St. Croix renews title sponsorship of Bassmaster Opens

St. Croix Rods has renewed its title sponsorship of the Bassmaster Opens for 2024. 

Photo by Steve Bowman/B.A.S.S.

January 23, 2024

St. Croix renews title sponsorship of Bassmaster Opens

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — St. Croix Rods has renewed its title sponsorship of the wildly popular Bassmaster Opens series for 2024, B.A.S.S. announced today. The organizations have partnered to enhance this series since 2022, and the upcoming St. Croix Bassmaster Opens will feature higher payouts and more coverage than ever before.

For 2024, live coverage from every Open will be streamed on Bassmaster.com, with expanded coverage on FS1. Also new, EQ anglers will now be competing for an Angler of the Year purse of $110,000, which includes an increased first-place cash prize of $45,000. The prize payouts for every event have also increased, as one in five competitors (the top 45) will receive a check. All in all, more than $3.1 million will be paid to competitors throughout the Opens season.

“After more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. continues to be the dominant voice in the bass-fishing world,” says St. Croix Vice President of Marketing, Jesse Simpkins, “and 2024 marks the third consecutive year St. Croix has extended the title sponsorship to the Bassmaster Opens Series. We’re on-site at every Opens event because each one is a unique, grass-roots opportunity to connect with passionate bass anglers at every level.”

Perhaps the biggest draw of the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens is that it remains the only path to Elite Series qualification and the simplest avenue to qualify for the biggest bass tournament on the planet, the Bassmaster Classic. Anglers who are looking to qualify for the Elite Series must fish all nine events (called the Elite Qualifiers division) and land in the top nine in points. For those anglers looking for a Classic berth, they must win an Opens event and compete in all three events in one of the three available Opens divisions.

“Just as the Opens are a critical pathway and proving ground for some of the world’s top bass anglers, this series is an essential component in our mission of staying connected to anglers as a whole,” says St. Croix Brand Manager, Ryan Teach. “We’re committed to innovating, designing and crafting rods that give Opens anglers the upper hand in the diverse and emerging presentations necessary to win on tour. When we do that, we know we can make bass anglers at every level happy. And that’s exactly what we’re doing with series like Bass X, Mojo Bass TRIGON, Victory, Legend Tournament Bass, Legend Xtreme and others under development. Elite anglers like Trey McKinney, Pat Schlapper, Bob Downey and Caleb Kuphall proved that they can consistently compete and win at the highest level by coming through the Opens, and we’re proud that our rods have been on their decks and in their hands every step of the way.”

Alongside the increased coverage and payouts, St. Croix will continue its contingency program, the St. Croix Rewards Program. Anglers who meet the contingency requirements (fishing St. Croix rods during competition days) and register at the tournament meeting prior to the start of the event will be eligible for even more money. If the winner of the event was registered for the contingency, St. Croix will pay them an additional $1,000. If the winner was not registered for the contingency prize, the next-highest-placing registered angler (in the Top 10) will receive $500. Through the same process, the winning co-angler will receive $500. If the winner wasn’t registered, the next-highest-placing co-angler (in the Top 10) will receive $250.

“We are so excited to continue our partnership with St. Croix through the Opens,” said Chase Anderson, CEO of B.A.S.S. “The popularity of this series has only been matched by the excitement of these events. Now, with increased coverage, fans will be able to watch even more dreams come true, whether it’s qualifying for the Elite Series or punching a ticket to the Bassmaster Classic. St. Croix has a passion for creating products that help anglers achieve these dreams, and B.A.S.S. has a passion to build the best possible platforms to make this possible.”

The St. Croix Bassmaster Opens will kick off Feb. 1-3 (Division 1) in Clewiston, Fla., on historic Lake Okeechobee. Division 2 launches Feb. 15-17 on Lake Ouachita out of Hot Springs, Ark. Division 3 will start with Lake St. Clair fishing out of Macomb County, Mich., July 11-13. For a complete schedule of the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens, visit Bassmaster.com.



City of Oxford Set to Host NPFL 2024 Season Opener on Logan Martin Lake

Brian Carter
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City of Oxford Set to Host NPFL 2024 Season Opener on Logan Martin Lake

WILKESVILLE, OH (JANUARY xx, 2024) — The National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) is gearing up for an exciting start to the 2024 season as the City of Oxford takes the stage to host the inaugural event on the pristine waters of Logan Martin Lake. This kickstarts a three-year partnership, showcasing Oxford’s commitment to top-notch angling competitions and showcasing Alabama’s premium bass fishing.

Logan Martin Lake, with its rich angling history hosting the 1993 Bassmaster Classic, sets the stage for the NPFL’s season opener in February 2024. Anglers such as David Fritts, Tommy Biffle, and Lendell Martin Jr. left their mark on this historic lake, with David Fritts emerging victorious.

Mayor Alton Craft expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Oxford is honored to host the National Professional Fishing League’s first competition of 2024 from Feb. 1 to Feb. 3. We’re excited to witness over 100 skilled anglers showcasing their talents on Logan Martin Lake in pursuit of a winning catch.”

Craft added, “We also appreciate the NPFL’s invitation to our local student anglers, providing them with an opportunity to gain insights and encouragement from these professionals in the sport they are deeply passionate about.”

The three-year partnership between NPFL and the City of Oxford underscores a joint commitment to the league’s success and the economic growth of Oxford and its surrounding communities.
Paul Benson, VP Partnerships at the NPFL, commended Oxford’s dedication, stating, “Oxford’s unwavering commitment to fostering future economic growth is truly commendable. The visionary leaders of the City of Oxford are leading the way, organizing exceptional events that significantly contribute to the economic prosperity of the entire region.”

Benson emphasized Oxford’s central location, opening doors to potential options for diverse locations and timings, showcasing the rich fisheries in proximity to Oxford. The NPFL looks forward to a fruitful partnership that not only enhances angling experiences but leaves a lasting impact on the economic landscape of the region.

“The League” is eagerly anticipating a successful Logan Martin event and the continuation of this promising partnership with the City of Oxford for years to come.

Join the Excitement! Attend the Daily Launch at Lincolns Landing in Lincoln, Alabama, with Weigh-Ins at the “A League of Our Own” Field, Oxford Civic Center.

Don’t miss out on the action! Be there every day from Feb. 1 to Feb. 3 to experience the thrill of the daily launch at Lincolns Landing in Lincoln, Alabama, followed by intense weigh-ins at the “A League of Our Own” field, located at Oxford Civic Center, 195 Recreation Dr, Oxford, AL 36203.

To learn more about the NPFL, visit https://thenationalprofessionalfishingleague.com/.
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About the National Professional Fishing League
The NPFL was designed to bring simplicity back to professional bass fishing – one lake, the full field fishing all three days, and the heaviest combined three-day weight winning. The goal of the NPFL is to put the anglers first and build a trail that gets back to what the founders of bass fishing intended it to be.



From Bass Battles to Personal Struggles: The Shocking Truth Behind Tournament Fishing’s Silent Epidemic!

Brian Carter
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From Bass Battles to Personal Struggles: The Shocking Truth Behind Tournament Fishing’s Silent Epidemic!

Title: “Casting Shadows: The Silent Struggle of Tournament Bass Fishing”

Hey fellow anglers, as the 2024 professional Bass fishing season unfolds, there’s a narrative beneath the surface that’s often left unspoken. Last year welcomed a surge of new anglers into the competitive realm, injecting fresh energy into the scene. Yet, as the season begins anew, it’s essential to shed light on a topic seldom discussed – the intersection of tournament Bass fishing and the haunting specter of depression.

The Lonely Road of Tournament Bass Fishing:

Tournament fishing is not just about casting lines and reeling in the biggest catch; it’s a demanding journey of sacrifice and solitude. Anglers find themselves traversing the country, facing unfamiliar waters, and battling not only with formidable bass but also with the silent struggles that come from being on the road alone.

Depression: A Stealthy Adversary:

In the world of tournament Bass fishing, where the spotlight often shines on victories and trophies, the darkness of depression can cast a long shadow. The pressure to perform at peak levels, the isolation of hotel rooms, and the constant uncertainty of new locations create a breeding ground for mental health challenges.

Navigating the Depths: Strategies for Anglers:

  1. Establish a Tournament Routine: Just as routine is crucial in daily life, creating a tournament routine can provide stability on the road. From pre-tournament rituals to post-event wind-downs, having a set structure helps combat the chaos.
  2. Build a Support Network: While tournament fishing can be a solitary pursuit, building a support network within the fishing community is vital. Fellow anglers understand the unique challenges, and sharing experiences can alleviate the sense of isolation.
  3. Mental Health Awareness in Competitions: Tournament organizers and the Bass fishing community at large must prioritize mental health awareness. Offering counseling services, creating open dialogue spaces, and normalizing discussions around mental well-being can make a significant impact.
  4. Connect with Fellow Competitors: Reach out to other anglers who may be experiencing similar emotions. Shared experiences create bonds that go beyond competition and can be a source of strength during challenging times.
  5. Balance Competition with Self-Care: Acknowledge that tournaments are not just battles against other anglers but also battles within oneself. Balancing the competitive spirit with self-care is crucial. Taking breaks, enjoying downtime, and focusing on mental well-being should be integral parts of the tournament routine.

The Weight of Expectations:

Depression in tournament Bass fishing can stem from various sources. The pressure to maintain a consistent performance, the fear of failure, and the constant scrutiny can take a toll on an angler’s mental health. It’s crucial to redefine success beyond trophies and rankings, emphasizing the significance of personal well-being.

In Conclusion:

As the 2024 Bass fishing season kicks into high gear, let’s cast a compassionate eye on the anglers beneath the surface. Beyond the cheers for victories and the excitement of tournaments, there are individuals navigating the depths of their own struggles. By fostering a culture of understanding, support, and mental health awareness, the tournament Bass fishing community can become a beacon of resilience, ensuring that no angler fights their battles alone. Stay strong, stay connected, and may the waters be not only filled with bass but also with shared camaraderie and well-being.



Strickland Edges Field by One Ounce to Win Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Harris Chain of Lakes

Brian Carter
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Strickland Edges Field by One Ounce to Win Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Harris Chain of Lakes
Boater winner Laramy Strickland of Bushnell, Florida, and Strike-King co-angler winner James Brooks of Inverness, Florida.
Inverness’ Brooks Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division

LEESBURG, Fla. (Jan. 22, 2024) – Boater Laramy Strickland of Bushnell, Florida, caught a five-bass limit weighing 20 pounds, 1 ounce, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on the Harris Chain of Lakes. Hosted by Discover Lake County Florida, the tournament was the first event of the season for the BFL Gator Division. Strickland earned $4,806 for his victory.

The weather in the Leesburg area had been consistently rainy and cold for weeks before the event, and Strickland said he keyed in on a pattern he had noticed for the event.

“I think those fish are pre-spawn, and they were just ganging up on a spot wanting to spawn and not being able to,” Strickland said.

“I had three specific clumps of hydrilla I had located some nicer quality fish on,” added Strickland, who said he lives 30 minutes from the lake but hadn’t fished there since 2022. “I kept my head down and grinded a 50-yard stretch all day long.”

Strickland said he relied exclusively on a ½-ounce Z-Man Evergreen ChatterBait Jack Hammer to fill his limit during the tournament. He said he caught around 30 bass – all keepers – during the day.

Strickland said he did make one run about a mile away from his hydrilla spots, and his first cast there resulted in a 5-pounder, but he soon returned to the hydrilla where he would cull fish for the rest of the day.

“This really feels great,” Strickland said. “I feel blessed to have had a really great day on the water. I’m looking forward to fishing the rest of the events in the Gator Division.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

                1st:        Laramy Strickland, Bushnell, Fla., five bass, 20-1, $4,806
                2nd:       Sean Wieda, Alexandria, Ky., five bass, 20-0, $2,403
                3rd:       Parker Stalvey, Green Cove Springs, Fla., five bass, 19-0, $1,605
                4th:        Tyler Sheppard, Yulee, Fla, five bass, 18-9, $1,846
                5th:        Lee Stalvey, Palatka, Fla., five bass, 18-3, $961
                6th:        Brady Lunsmann, Citrus Springs, Fla., five bass, 17-13, $881
                7th:        Jakson Little, Leesburg, Fla., five bass, 14-7, $801
                8th:        Corey Smith, Clermont, Fla, five bass, 14-2, $721
                9th:        Stephen Williams, Green Cove Springs, Fla., five bass, 13-14, $601
                9th:        Gage Foster, St. Cloud, Fla., five bass, 13-14, $601

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Tyler Sheppard of Yulee, Florida, caught a bass that weighed 9 pounds, 4 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $725.


James Brooks of Inverness, Florida, won the Strike King co-angler division and $2,403 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 15 pounds, 15 ounces.

The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:

                1st:        James Brooks, Inverness, Fla., five bass, 15-15, $2,403
                2nd:       Brad Moore, Cape Coral, Fla., five bass, 14-5, $1,382
                3rd:       Evrett Hunter, Saint Augustine, Fla., five bass, 13-7, $806
                4th:        J.P. Sims, Port St. Lucie, Fla., five bass, 12-7, $561
                5th:        Randy Paquette, Sarasota, Fla., five bass, 11-12, $481
                6th:        Ron Weisenburger, Cloverdale, Ohio, five bass, 11-6, $441
                7th:        Andrew Grosswald, Deltona, Fla., five bass, 11-3, $400
                8th:        Leroy Fryson, Tallahassee, Fla., three bass, 10-9, $360
                9th:        Steve Cornell, Crestview, Fla., five bass, 10-4, $320
                10th:     Conner Herring, Old Town, Fla., four bass, 9-12, $280

Tyler Nekolny of Coral Springs, Florida, and Brad Moore of Cape Coral, Florida, both caught bass weighing in at 7 pounds, 7 ounces – the largest co-angler catches of the day – to split the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $362.

The next event for BFL Gator Division anglers will be held Feb. 10, at Lake Toho in Kissimmee, 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 division 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, 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.



2024 WON Bass Open Series Kicks Off at Lake Shasta January 31, 2024

Brian Carter
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2024 WON Bass Open Series Kicks Off at Lake Shasta January 31, 2024

2024 WON Bass Open Series Kicks Off at Lake Shasta January 31, 2024

Lake is fishing strong and Spotted bass set to dominate 2024 Season Opener

San Clemente, Calif. – January 17, 2024 –– The much-anticipated season opening event of the 2024 WON Bass Open Series is just around the corner, and northern California’s Lake Shasta is set to be the stage to set off the largest Pro-Am tour season since the heydays of the format in the 1990’s. 

The season opener will conclude on February 3, 2024, by awarding the first Ranger Boats / Mercury Motor prize boat of the season, award the first automatic qualifiers to the 2025 Bassmaster BASS Nation National Championship to the top five Pro and AAA anglers and begin the season long competition to see who will receive guaranteed slots into the 2025 Bassmaster Opens Elite Qualifiers.

While it may seem to be a little early in the year to kick off a tournament trail, WON Bass realized that opening on a lake that is dominated by spotted bass, the anglers might be faced with cool conditions, but the fishing would most certainly be strong.  As evidence of that fact, a recent Pro-Am event on Lake Shasta produced a two-day winning weight of 28.81pounds – an average of 14.5 pounds per day – with the middle of the pack producing nearly 12 pounds a day for the event.

Alex Klein, a veteran pro angler out of Oroville, Calif. has a history of performing well throughout the West, but with roots based in spotted bass, he is a threat any time they are the primary target.  Klein said that anglers competing in the WON Bass event should be pleasantly surprised.  “Shasta is fishing better than usual right now,” said Klein.  “12 pounds a day is very competitive most years, but it will likely take 13 to 15 a day to win that event; it’s really fishing good.”

As for techniques, he reported that anglers should be ready for a variety of things depending on the weather conditions at the time.  “I’ll put it to you this way, I’m going to have several St. Croix Elite rods on my deck that are capable of handling everything from swimbaits to drop shots, and everything in between; it could be won on anything and everything.

“As a rule of thumb, If I’m living in my Buck ‘n Bass raingear all day, then horizontal presentations will be key, but if it’s shirtsleeve weather, then the bottom will play more; we’ll just have to wait and see.”

As for the long-range weather forecast from weather.com, it appears that Lake Shasta will have relatively stable conditions throughout the remainder of the month with low temperatures in the mid 40’s and highs between the 50’s and 60’s.  There appears to be some rainy days and wind in the forecast, so the fishing should continue to be strong.  At time of press, Lake Shasta’s water level sits at slightly above 1015 feet elevation and should continue to rise with incoming rain.

With all of that to look forward to, WON Bass Tournament Director Bill Egan said anticipation is growing amongst the team.  “With the new partnerships and opportunities for the field, we were already looking forward to kicking off the year, but we are getting more excited now as we get closer,” he said.  “2024 will be a big year for WON Bass, our anglers and our partners, and seeing great conditions ahead only amplifies the feelings, we can’t wait to get started.”

There are currently more than 150 pro anglers and more than 120 AAA partners signed up for the Lake Shasta event.  WON Bass is seeking more AAA anglers to balance the field – signups remain open until January 26, 2024.

Pro anglers looking to enter will now be required to sign up with a AAA partner  not currently registered for the event to guarantee their entry, and there is of course more room for additional AAA anglers to register currently.  The 2024 WON Bass Western Opens Series of events Consisting of five events in California, Arizona and Nevada, will culminate with the 2024 WON Bass U.S. Open at Lake Mohave in October. 

The five event dates are as follows:

Jan. 31–Feb. 2, Lake Shasta

April 17-19, Clear Lake

May 15-17, Lake Havasu

Sept. 18-20, Lake Mead

Oct. 14-16, U.S. Open at Lake Mohave

For complete details or to register, look to wonbassevents.com and WONews.com to hear the latest news about the 2024 season and beyond and follow along at Facebook.com/WONBassTournaments.

The 2024 WON Bass Northern California Lake Shasta Open is brought to you by Bass Pro Shops, Ranger Boats, Mercury Marine, Nitro Boats, Triton Boats, Bridgford Foods, Phenix Rods, Yamamoto Baits, Bill Lewis Lures, Buckeye Lures, Steel Shad, SOG Knives, Cold Steel Knives, Gamma Line, Power Pole, Lowrance, Daiwa, AFTCO, Costa, Berkley, Abu Garcia, Anderson Toyota, A&M Graphics, Phil’s Propellers, Redding Tourism, Anglers Marine and Signature Gates.



The Virginia Anglers That Made Waves in 23

Brian Carter
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The Virginia Anglers That Made Waves in 23

As always this list was created by the team at the Bass Cast & is the opinion of the team. This list is not in any order.

Congratulations to everyone that made the list.

Dennis Stump
Martin Villa
Todd Lankford
Ryan Powrowsnik
Frank Porier
Cody Pike
Terry Olinger
Thomas Wooten
Jeremy Southerly
Derik Hudson
Wayne Vaughn
Zachary Stoupa
Todd Langford
Chris Brummett
Rick Tilley
Eric Johnson
MIke Nichols
Tyler Trent
Jack Dice
Dennis Burdette
Jeff & Clay Ross
Chad & Elliot Pilson
Chad Green & Johnny
Kermit Crowder
Dennis Burdett



Anglers Disqualified in Lake Okeechobee Solo ABA Fishing Tournament – Unbelievable Rule Violation Shakes Tournament!

Brian Carter
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Anglers Disqualified in Lake Okeechobee Solo ABA Fishing Tournament – Unbelievable Rule Violation Shakes Tournament!

In a surprising twist down in Florida, the American Bass Anglers event on Lake Okeechobee faced a major hiccup during practice days. Some anglers, including the well-known Scenko Stix owner and Gambler pro-staffer, Alex Terescenko, got disqualified for not wearing life jackets when their motors were on. Even when going super slow in no-wake zones & that is what took place here. This was a new rule that was implemented in 2025 by ABA.

I have attached the rule that was violated.

“12.1   Competitors must always observe safe boating conduct and speed limits. During official practice and competition, competitors must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved chest-type life preserver, which must always be worn and must have a kill switch attached while the combustion engine is in gear. This life preserver must also be strapped, snapped, or zippered securely and maintained in that condition until the combustion engine is no longer in gear. Violation of this rule shall be a reason for disqualification. “Fanny Pack” preservers are not allowed. In the event a boat is being towed, all anglers in the towed boat must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved chest-type life preserver.”

It seems many local pros missed the memo, and their excitement to get ready for the competition led to some big mistakes. Alex Terescenko, usually a pro on the water, found himself out of the running due to this oversight.

The rule, which requires wearing life jackets whenever the big motors are running, caught several anglers off guard. The tournament organizers, focused on making sure everyone stays safe, stuck to their decision to disqualify those who broke the rule.

This wasn’t just about one angler – it affected many local pros who had their eyes set on a great tournament. The folks in charge stressed how important it is for every angler to read and follow the rules closely.

Despite the disappointment, anglers are taking this as a lesson. Instead of dwelling on the disqualifications, they’re coming together and focusing on learning from the experience. There’s a hope that everyone can move forward from this mistake and have an awesome time fishing for the rest of 2024. It’s turning into a year of challenges, but the anglers are showing they can handle whatever comes their way as they explore new waters.

Click Here to Learn more about the event



Japanese Innovation: Bayruf BR Head – Your New Secret Weapon for Bass Fishing!

Brian Carter
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Japanese Innovation: Bayruf BR Head – Your New Secret Weapon for Bass Fishing!

Unveiling the dynamic new techniques from Japan that will take your Bass game to the next level in 2024!

Great Bass anglers are always in search of an edge – that one defining factor that propels them beyond the pack. The pursuit for innovation is ceaseless, whether it’s in the form of a pioneering approach, an unconventional bait, or something as apparently minor as a new type of head. This year, cast your sights towards the far east, where we’ve discovered one such game-changing strategy.

A nation known for its advanced fishing technologies, Japan, has once again delivered a trend that’s setting the Bass fishing world ablaze – the Bayruf BR Head. This ingenious piece of equipment might be your ticket to reeling in more massive Bass in 2024 than ever before.

Allow us to guide you through the intricacies of the BR Head and how it promises to enhance your Bass fishing experience.

The Magic Behind the Head

At first glance, it may resemble an ordinary Darter head. However, unlike a Darter head’s signature spiral casting behavior, the BR Head carries a unique trick up its sleeve – Winding. This technique, though relatively easy to master, has the potential to be a game-changer, providing radical transformation to traditional lure motions.

The BR Head comes equipped with two attachment points – “glider fins” – which grant it flight like no other. When deployed with a series of calculated line snaps, the head makes the lure roll then glide in a side-to-side fashion, generating rhythmic motion that drives Bass’ wild.

Versatility at its Finest

A staggering component of the BR Head is its ability to adapt to an array of lures. Pair the head with a straight tail “shad” style bait, such as the BR Fish, and you’ve got a recipe for Bass-catching success. The lure not only mimics the erratic movements of a wounded baitfish astonishingly well, but its subtle vibrations add an extra layer of realism that’s hard for any Bass to resist.

Another tactic involves flipping the bait upside down, making the BR Fish perform akin to a soft jerk bait – a rather tempting spectacle for any lurking Bass.

A Vision for the Future of Fishing

In the evolving world of Bass fishing, adapting to new trends and growing with innovation is crucial. The Bayruf BR Head represents a wave of refinement breaking from Japan. Whether you’re a seasoned angler seeking fresh challenge or a novice yearning to familiarize yourself with Bass fishing’s evolution, it’s go-time to test the waters with this promising trend from Japan.

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Bassmaster College Series anglers have the potential to land big bags at Lake Murray

Brian Carter
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Bassmaster College Series anglers have the potential to land big bags at Lake Murray

South Carolina’s Lake Murray will kick off the 2024 Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops season January 26-27. 

Photo by Craig Lamb/B.A.S.S.

January 19, 2024

Bassmaster College Series anglers have the potential to land big bags at Lake Murray

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — The 2024 Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops will begin its season in the heart of South Carolina at the fishery that ranked No. 4 overall last year on Bassmaster Magazine’s 2023 100 Best Bass Lakes list, Lake Murray.

Competition days will be Jan. 26-27 with takeoffs each day from Dreher Island State Park at 7:10 a.m. ET and weigh-ins back at the park at 3:10 p.m.

With winter coming to a close in the Southeast — highs are expected to be in the low 70s each day of the event — St. Croix Bassmaster Opens angler Dalton Dowdy believes the potential for big bags is very high.

“It will be a great tournament,” the Newberry, S.C., native said. “It will take 20 pounds a day to win it, and it wouldn’t surprise me if it takes mid-20s to win. This time of year, it isn’t uncommon to see a high 20s bag. It is one of the best lakes in the country, there is no doubt about it.”

This event will kick off a new format for the College Series in 2024. There are now two divisions — the Legends Trail and the Lunkers Trail — comprising three tournaments each. The Lake Murray event is the first event on the Legends Trail.

In each tournament, teams will have the opportunity to earn points toward the Team of the Year race as well as punch their tickets to the 2024 College Series Championship, details of which will be announced at a later date.

Over the past several years, Lake Murray has proven to be a powerhouse lake that features impressive numbers of 3- to 5-pound largemouth. That was on full display during the 2023 Elite Series stop last April. Multiple patterns unfolded across the lake, but it was Florida pro Drew Benton who won with 87-0 by catching mostly spawning bass.

While the bass likely won’t be thinking about spawning just yet, they will be in a feeding mode, which will create interesting opportunities for anglers, Dowdy said. The entire lake could play, he added, but the highest population of big bass live in the midlake area down to the dam.

“I think it will be won midlake down, but that’s not to say you can’t catch a good bag up the river,” Dowdy said. “I just feel like the biggest fish live from the State Park area down to the dam. Bear Creek will be a big player. It always seems like the guys who win in the winter fish in the clearer water.”

There is some grass in Lake Murray, but Dowdy expects bass to be related more to rock and hard cover this time of the year. He expects anglers will be able to catch fish in both shallow and deep water.

“There will be an awesome shallow crankbait bite going on,” he explained. “A Strike King 1.5 and 2.5 squarebill and a new (Strike King) Gravel Dawg will be a dominant player. Something that runs in that 6- to 10-foot range. People will catch them off of docks with jigs and stuff like that. If there is any wind blowing, I would foresee it being won up shallow.”

In shallow water, Murray is known for a good winter crankbait bite around rocks and boat ramps. If the wind blows and/or the lake has a little color to it, Dowdy expects that bite to be even better.

Out deep, teams will be able to target rockpiles and brushpiles in 15 to 20 feet of water. Forward-facing sonar will likely play a big role in those scenarios.

“A football jig could play, as well as a shaky head and drop shot. All of that stuff will play,” he said.  

Blueback herring populate the lower sections of the lake, but in January Dowdy said the herring don’t factor into the equation quite as much.

“There could be a ditch bite going on in the back of the creeks,” Dowdy said. “First thing in the morning the herring get back there, but it usually isn’t a way to win a tournament. It is a way to catch 14 to 15 pounds.”

Daily weigh-ins for the event will be carried out live on Bassmaster.com.

This event is being hosted by Visit Lake Murray County.

2024 Bassmaster College Series Title Sponsor: Strike King

2024 Bassmaster College Series Presenting Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops

2024 Bassmaster College Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2024 Bassmaster College Series Premier Sponsors: Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2024 Bassmaster College Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew’s, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC

2024 Bassmaster College Series Youth Sponsors: Seaguar, Shimano



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