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Wednesday, December 17, 2025
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Enhancing the Efficiency & Performance of Your Bass Boat with Lean Principles

Brian Carter
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Enhancing the Efficiency & Performance of Your Bass Boat with Lean Principles

Introduction:
A bass boat is not just a means of transportation for anglers; it is a vessel that can be optimized for increased efficiency and performance. By applying Lean principles to your bass boat, you can enhance its overall functionality, reduce waste, and improve its agility on the water. In this document, we will explore various strategies and modifications that can help make your bass boat more lean.

I. Streamlining the Design:
✨ Optimal Weight Distribution:

  • Ensure that the weight distribution is well-balanced to maximize stability and maneuverability. A properly balanced boat will handle better and require less effort to control.
  • ? Place heavy items (e.g., batteries, anchors) closer to the boat’s center of gravity. This will help maintain the boat’s stability and prevent it from becoming top-heavy.
  • ? Avoid overloading the boat with unnecessary equipment or personal belongings. Excess weight can decrease fuel efficiency and reduce the boat’s performance.

✨ Aerodynamics:

  • Minimize wind resistance by reducing the height of non-essential components like trolling motor brackets or rod holders. Lowering these components will help the boat cut through the air more efficiently.
  • Consider installing a lower-profile windshield to decrease drag. Windshields that are too tall can create unnecessary wind resistance.
  • Avoid adding unnecessary accessories that may disrupt the boat’s aerodynamic shape. Each additional item added to the boat can create drag, impacting its overall performance.

✨ Material Selection:

  • Utilize lightweight, durable materials during repairs or modifications, such as fiberglass or carbon fiber. These materials are strong and lightweight, reducing the overall weight of the boat.
  • Opt for lighter weight seats, hatches, or storage compartments without compromising durability. There are various lightweight options available that can help reduce the boat’s weight without sacrificing functionality.

II. Efficient Equipment and Technology:
✨ Engine Optimization:

  • Regularly maintain the engine to ensure it operates at peak performance, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Regular servicing, including oil changes and spark plug replacements, can help maintain the engine’s efficiency.
  • Consider upgrading to a more fuel-efficient engine if your current one is outdated. Newer engines often offer improved fuel efficiency and performance.
  • Opt for a propeller that is specifically designed for your boat’s engine and its intended use. The right propeller can optimize performance and fuel efficiency.

✨ Energy-Efficient Electronics:

  • Choose energy-efficient electronics (e.g., fish finders, GPS systems) that consume less power. Energy-efficient devices can help conserve battery life and reduce the boat’s overall power consumption.
  • Turn off or lower the brightness of displays when not in use to conserve battery life. Dimming the displays can significantly extend the battery life during long fishing trips.

✨ Efficient Livewell System:

  • Optimize the livewell system by using recirculation pumps to minimize water consumption. Recirculating the water in the livewell instead of constantly refilling it can decrease water usage and conserve resources.
  • Install an automatic timer to keep the livewell running only when necessary, reducing energy waste. This will prevent the livewell from running continuously and consuming unnecessary power.

✨ Advanced Trolling Motor:

  • Upgrade to a high-efficiency trolling motor that consumes less power while delivering optimal thrust. Newer trolling motors often come with improved designs and technologies that maximize efficiency.
  • Consider models equipped with GPS technology, allowing for precise positioning and navigation. GPS-enabled trolling motors can help you maintain your desired course and save energy by minimizing the need for excessive steering.

III. Organization and Storage Optimization:
✨ Declutter and Reorganize:

  • Remove unnecessary items from the boat to minimize weight and clutter. Only carry the essential gear and equipment needed for your fishing trips.
  • Establish a designated storage system for fishing gear, ensuring quick and easy access to essential items. Organizing your gear will save time and energy while on the water.

✨ Weight Reduction:

  • Replace heavy metal storage containers with lightweight plastic or fabric alternatives. Lightweight storage containers can significantly reduce the overall weight of the boat.
  • Utilize collapsible or foldable storage solutions when possible to save space and reduce weight. These types of storage solutions can be easily folded and stored when not in use.

✨ Modular and Multi-Purpose Accessories:

  • Invest in modular accessories that can serve multiple purposes, reducing the need for separate items. Versatile accessories can help save space and weight on the boat.
  • Opt for adjustable rod holders or seats that can accommodate different fishing techniques or preferences. Adjustable accessories can adapt to different situations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized items.

IV. Safety and Environmental Considerations:
✨ Proper Maintenance:

  • Regularly inspect and maintain your boat to ensure it operates safely and efficiently. Routine maintenance



Brian Brooks & Avery Powelson Win CATT James River, VA Sept 16, 2023

Brian Carter
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Brian Brooks & Avery Powelson Win CATT James River, VA Sept 16, 2023

We’ve had a great year on the James River! We have 71 teams eligible to enter the James River Final Oct 28-29 at Rt 5 with a $5,000 1st Place Guarantee! Final – $160 Entry $170 at Ramp Optional Sidepot – $50. If we have at least 60 teams enter the total purse will be over $13,000 at the Final!

Ryan & Wyne Drewery win the 2023 James River Spring Points and will receive free entry to all 2024 James River Qualifier plus boat #1 position! Great job guys!

2nd Place Points – Clay Lewis & Greg Cooper   $500

3rd Place Points – Kelly Robinette & David Barlow  $250

4th Place Points – Tim Chaffin & Trey Goodman  $150

5th Place Points – Tripp Mistr & Brent Mistr  $100

Thanks to Woodel Bros for sponsoring out 2023 James River Points! Tap on the logo to visit their website!

Brian Brooks & Avery Powelson win the James River with 5 bass weighing 16.77 lbs! They collected $2,325.00! Congrats guys!

Greg Cooper & Clay Lewis took 2nd with 16.57 lbs worth $1,433.00!

3rd Place Joseph Carr & Bob Timberlake 15.87 lbs!

4th Place Sammy Yates & Marshall Johnson 15.79 lbs!

5th Place Garrett Gouge 13.954 lbs!

A nice un!

Guys there is a load of pictures on the James River CATT FB page!

(1) James River CATT | Facebook

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Brian Brooks – Avery Powelson5.9216.77$2,325.00110
Clay Lewis & Greg Cooper5.9916.57$1,433.00109
Joseph Carr – Bob Timberlake4.9215.87$600.00108
Sammy Yates – Marshall Johnson5.7815.79$640.00107
Garrett Gouge0.0013.94$350.00106
Zack Whitt – Larry Whitt4.3013.82$270.00105
Griffin Roberts – Nicholas Bodsford5.3413.76$200.00104
Jacob Reid – Garland Reid6.0313.56$527.00103
Ron Studer – Mark Adams5.0113.54$150.00102
Wesley Farmer – Baker5.5613.42$130.00101
Tim Chaffin – Trey Goodman0.0013.13100
Greg Fernandez – Jake Kidd0.0012.9599
Ed Jordon – Wayne Tyler0.0012.7198
Kelly Robinette – David Barlow0.0012.5997
Donnie Meade – Travis Daniels0.0011.8696
Chris Bryant – Matt Dunnigan0.0011.8195
Billy Allen – Craig Cheek0.0011.7694
Luke Carson – Logan Carson0.0011.6693
Howard Austin – Mickey Anderson0.0011.5792
Keith Smith – Jeff Marin0.0011.4292
Ryan Drewery – Wayne Drewery0.0011.4190
Justin Dyson – Brent Williams0.0011.0689
Tom Owens – Rick Mistr2.7410.5088
Christopher Wingfield – Benny Wingfield0.0010.3187
Jeff Valentin – Daryl Moody0.0010.2486
Don Warren/ Chuck Comer0.0010.1285
Cory Dunnavant – Kennon Ball0.009.9384
Jamie Nealy – Greg Ball0.009.8283
Stacy Vasser3.259.5183
Joe Krevonick – Sure Reynolds0.009.4781
Tripp Mistr – Brent Mistr0.008.9280
Kyle McCann0.008.7879
Francis Martin – William Clements0.008.5978
Dave Carney – John Dunn0.008.5377
James Tilley0.008.4376
Michael Coleman – Lynn Hoeffer0.008.2475
Charles & John James0.008.2174
Mark Austin – Rocky Sylvester0.007.7973
James Mcdowell3.666.8972
Brian Snipes – Chris Cockrell0.006.7371
Jason S. Bishop0.006.0470
James Byrd0.006.0369
Walter Woodel – Frank Woodel0.005.7868
Joey Cooke – Justin Hall0.003.9967
Kevin Davis – Trevor Davis0.002.2066
Curtis Combs – CJ Combs0.000.0056
Harvey Reese – Bobby Harris0.000.0056
Craig Ferguson – Clay Ferguson0.000.0056
Steve Colgin – Julie Colgin0.000.0056
John & John Coren0.000.0056
Cody Herndon – Shannon Spradlin0.000.0056
Aaron Lucy – Reid Clay0.000.0056
Total Entrys$6,240.00
BONUS $$1,000.00
CATT$50.00
Total Paid At Ramp$6,625.00
2023 James River Spring Final Fund$400.00
2023 CATT Championship Fund$50.00
2023 James River Spring Final Fund Total$3,150.00



How the Global DAIWA Bass Team Dominated

Brian Carter
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How the Global DAIWA Bass Team Dominated
Patrick Walters (Photo courtesy of B.A.S.S.)
How the Global DAIWA Bass Team Dominated
U.S.A.’s Patrick Walters takes tops (105 lbs.) at the St. Lawrence River B.A.S.S. Elite; Canada’s Chris Johnston finishes second (103-12); Japan’s Kyoya Fujita places third (102-5) – a DAIWA Bass Pro trifecta win.
FOOTHILL RANCH, CA (September 19, 2023) – I there’s one thing anglers have learned in professional bass fishing over the past decade or so, it’s that the ability to catch smallmouth bass can pay huge dividends. Yes, long gone are the days of cashing big checks solely with the time-proven formula of power fishing, structure flipping, and running shorelines/docks. With a very diverse roadmap of tournament locations across the United States, B.A.S.S. has chosen numerous bodies of waters with healthy smallmouth bass populations. Thus, today’s well-rounded pro bass angler cannot only pull green fish from junk and shallow waters, they must dial in deeper, offshore brown (and green) fish bites. Case in point: Gussy’s Classic win. Such was the case at the recent B.A.S.S. Elite event on the St. Lawrence River where DAIWA pros representing the U.S., Canada, and Japan finished first, second, and third, respectively, all with 100-plus-pound bags of giant Great Lakes bronzebacks. The three DAIWA bass pros earned Century Club belts, an outstanding achievement, especially with 100% smallmouth bass weighed. 
Patrick Walters (Photo courtesy of B.A.S.S.)
On Patrick Walters’ Win29-year-old Eutawville, South Carolina native and DAIWA bass pro, Patrick Walters, says for the longest time he couldn’t catch smallmouths to save his life. “I used to pull up on a bunch of two-pounders and catch ‘em for an hour or two and think I was doing good. After all, that would be a good day for us down south. But that’s not how you play the game competing on big smallmouth waters with competitors like the Johnston brothers, Gussy, and the other Northern guys who really know how to catch big smallmouths,” relays Walters. “Growing up in South Carolina, we don’t have access to smallmouth fishing on big water. We caught some, sure, but they were smaller fish from river streams. I just didn’t grow up fishing smallies at the level it takes to compete now. We don’t fish ‘em like that in the south. I had to learn from other guys on tour.”  Walters says it’s hard to believe just how good the Johnston brothers and Gussy are at catching big smallmouth bass. “I love fishing with them and against them because it makes all the anglers better as a whole, because they are going to catch them, and competition drives success. Bass fishing is just like college football. If Alabama plays a small school they might not bring out their best. But if they’re playing LSU, everybody shows up and plays. Same for fishing: you play toward your competition and competition drives success. You must up your game fishing against the best smallmouth bass anglers in the world. It took me three seasons on the Elite Series to go from zero smallmouth skills to where I’m at today. I had no idea how to target big smallies on large bodies of water. I listened to what these guys had to say and learned to be better from the absolute best in the game.” 
“The new Tatula MQ LT spinning reel is the best reel on the market—and that comes from someone who also owns more expensive models. For $200, you just can’t go wrong. Absolutely tournament-grade. And no-fail. The drag is so smooth the fish almost fight longer because they don’t feel anything. It’s not jerky, it’s super smooth,” remarks Walters. 
Specifically, what did you learn from these guys about catching smallies on big waters? “First, If you’re not catching them, you’re not around them. That’s probably the biggest thing. They group up by size. However, you must find ‘em, so you have to cover a lot of water—and find out what kind of structure they’re relating to and what forage they’re eating. That’s the biggest thing,” shares Walters.Walters says he also learned to keep moving until he finds aggressive fish.“Dave Mercer helped me a lot because he was like, ‘Patrick, you’re gonna be really good at smallmouth someday’ and he recommended I go out and fish like I normally fish and avoid overthinking it. So, fishing big-water smallies has become fun for me. It’s almost like saltwater fishing. Once you find the bait and you find the right structure, the fish are there every single time. So just move until you find the aggressive fish.”Walters, an alum of the University of South Carolina bass fishing team, won the 2015 National Championship (Lake Murray), and his progression onto the national B.A.S.S. tour and Elite Series since 2019 has been outstanding from the get-go. Still, and again admittedly, he had trouble catching the caliber of smallmouths needed to compete at some events.  “I have a history of struggling on the St. Lawrence,” divulges Walters. “But I learned a lot over time from the guys who are good at catching big smallies, like fellow DAIWA pro, Chris Johnston. So, to capitalize on what was a real deficiency in my game feels good now—even better that I weighed over 100 pounds at this Elite and earned my third Century Belt.”Not only did Walters surpass the 100 pound mark, he did it with a surplus of five pounders for an even 105 pounds weight, the heaviest finish with all smallmouth bass in B.A.S.S. Elite tournament history.“I told my wife afterwards, ‘I’ve got no complaints on the win whatsoever, but why can’t we win a typical 80-pound tournament?’”
Photo courtesy of B.A.S.S.
Pre-Fishing the St. Lawrence/Lake OntarioTurns out Walters only had two-and-a-half days of practice prior to the recent St. Lawrence Elite event. “I caught a good one the first day, but ran 138 miles around Lake Ontario looking for the right fish. But I didn’t dial anything in. And the wind steadily picked up, so I decided to play it safe and find fish in the St. Lawrence river,” says Walters. “Honestly, I don’t like fishing the river. It’s a good fishery, but the lake is one of my top three favorite fisheries in the world. And both fish completely different. So, I did what I do and that’s fish to the conditions and not history. By 1 pm the first day I had 17 pounds, and it was really windy. I wanted to get out and hunker down on the lake but just didn’t do it. I was nervous at 1 pm. I was shooting for 20 pounds. So, I moved to another spot. I was fishing down a shoal and could see fish, but they wouldn’t bite. Then all of a sudden a big one followed my bait to the boat and that got my hopes up. I dropped straight down, and it weighed 6-1. I was like ‘here we go, we got us a big fish!’ I had a 2-10 and a 3-5 in the livewell so all I needed was two more good fish.Walters decided to run farther upriver to a hump he’d marked on his map during pre-fishing—and caught fish on a couple years prior. One of his first few casts he was rewarded with a 4-12, leaving him in need of one more big fish. With about 30 minutes to weigh-in he kept casting, knowing the ride back to the launch would take him 15 minutes. He proceeded to catch four 12-inch fish and was almost ready to call it quits when something told him to drop his bait down again quick. Good thing. Walters hoisted a 5-1. “It was like everything was just meant to be. So, I pulled up to the next hump with just minutes to fish and caught three right away, including a 4-14. I pulled up the trolling motor and told my marshal, a French-Canadian named Pierre, that we were heading in and all he could do was cheer. It was pretty cool. So, we went from 17 to 24 pounds in 45 minutes. That’s just how it goes sometimes.”Walters ran back out to the spot on Day 2, but it was vacant of any activity until he pulled right on top of the hump and caught a 3-pounder. “So, I Spot-Locked and caught four fish in a row right on top, bringing my weight to 17-19. Then all I needed was a five-pounder. Then by 10:30 – in two and a half hours – I had 27 pounds. On Day 1 I had 24 and tied for ninth, then caught 27 on Day 2. So, I felt like we reached our goal weight. So, I spent the rest of day just pre-fishing around,” recalls Walters. 
Patrick Walters (Photo courtesy of B.A.S.S.)
On Day 3, Walters returned to the spot, but it was no longer loaded.“Thinking about it now, I could have caught more on Day 2 if I had leaned into them, but smallies move around and you just don’t know what they’re going to do. Still, on Day 3, I caught 24 or 25 pounds off the spot and thought that was pretty good. Then, every time I’d pull up to a new spot, I’d catch a 5-pounder, ending up at 28-5 on Day 3. I mean, I culled a 5-2 and a 5-3; you just don’t do that. I was triple-checking weights. It was nerve-racking. But it was magical. I was literally giggling,” recounts Walters.Walters returned to the weigh-in an hour early and we knew we were sitting good. “You don’t really cull after you catch 28-5 in smallmouths,” says Walters.He says the fourth day was pretty touch with an east wind and something possibly going on with barometric pressure and currents changing.“I went to my main area right away because I knew I needed 20 pounds to break the Century mark and a possible win. One of my first spots had a ton of 4-and-a-half pounders on it. I caught a couple and ended up hitting 20 pounds by 10:30. Then I hit 21 by 1 pm and finished the day on a point where Chris Johnston and Fujita both set up on, too, probably 50 to 100 yards from me. Then Corey Johnston pulls up and there are four of us all working the same point. Then, with 45 minutes remaining I hit 23 pounds.Then Chris caught a 5-4 right in front of me. I could hear his heavy breaking and hollered at him to quiet down. That’s how close we were. I was just giving him a hard time; really respect those guys a lot. So, I turned the corner of the point and caught another good one that put me on top. Again, it was just magical. It’s hard to explain how everything went; it was almost like it was meant to be. Everything just lined up perfectly.” 
Chris Johnston
Forage, Techniques, and TackleWhile there are many different forage types available to fish on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, Walters thinks the fish he was targeting were feeding primarily on round gobies. That said, bottom-baits were in order: Ned Rigs, tubes, and in Walters’ case, shorter leader drop-shot rigs.“Without a doubt, the drop-shot is the number one smallmouth tournament presentation out there. It’s just super-efficient. In later fall you might want to throw a bladebait or Rattle Trap but for me, the drop-shot was key.”Walters had eight rod & reel combos on deck during the event: two drop-shots on reserve and two that he alternated between while casting.Walters’ Main Drop-Shot Rod, Reel, Line, & Tackle: DAIWA 7’ Tatula Elite AGS Medium-Light Power Cody Meyers “Finesse” Drop Shot Spinning Rod (BLXSG6101LFS); DAIWA Tatula MQ LT 4000; 8-lb. Sufix 832 braid (blue color) to 8-lb. Sufix Advance fluorocarbon; VMC Finesse Neko Hook; VMC 3/8-ounce tungsten tear drop drop-shot weight; various minnow- and creature-style soft plastics.“The new Tatula MQ LT spinning reel is the best reel on the market—and that comes from someone who also owns more expensive models. For $200, you just can’t go wrong. Absolutely tournament-grade. And no-fail. The drag is so smooth the fish almost fight longer because they don’t feel anything. It’s not jerky, it’s super smooth,” remarks Walters.Walters’ Finesse Drop-Shot Rod, Reel, Line, & Tackle: DAIWA 6’10” BLX Light Power, Fast Action Spinning Rod (BLXSG6101LFS); DAIWA Tatula MQ LT 4000; 6-lb. Sufix 832 braid (blue color) to 6-lb. Sufix Advance fluorocarbon; VMC Finesse Neko Hook; VMC 3/8-ounce tungsten tear drop drop-shot weight; various small minnow- and creature-style soft plastics.“The 6’10” BLX Light Action Power Spinning Rod is the same stick the Johnston brothers use,” divulges Walters. “While its power is rated light, it’s super light. I use it to catch bream and shad at home in South Carolina. Anyway, they got me hooked on it about two years ago. While it’s a light power rod, you can hook fish and never lose one. And I use the same Tatula MQ LT 4000 reel with it. I like the larger spool for farther casts, the fact that its size also prevents fluoro from coiling, and overall, it just balances with the rod better. I come from the saltwater school, so I’ve always loved bigger reels. With this rig I’ll nose-hook smaller baits when smallies are finicky. It’s the perfect set-up for that.”
Kyoya Fujita (Photo courtesy of B.A.S.S.)
Advice To Young, Aspiring Bass ProsAlthough there was no high school bass fishing team at the time of Walters primary schooling, he did sign up for the University of South Carolina bass fishing team on his first day of college. Still a young man himself at 27 years old, Walters has some words of wisdom for up-and-coming young bass anglers.“The first thing is fish and enjoy it. Get your education and don’t be too worried about trying to make it professionally, getting sponsors, and all of that. Just have fun. If you’re good at it, bass fishing will take you where you need to be. But make your education top priority,” advises Walters.“But never miss a tournament. I always operated on the notion that you can always retake a class, but you can’t ever retake a tournament. And if a teacher won’t let you out of class, I’d tell them you’ll see them next semester. At least for me, I wasn’t going to miss a single tournament. That’s just how it was,” continues Walters.



Iowa’s Mohn Records Back-to-Back Wins With Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Tournament on Mississippi River at La Crosse Presented by FVP

Brian Carter
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Iowa’s Mohn Records Back-to-Back Wins With Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Tournament on Mississippi River at La Crosse Presented by FVP
Boater Dan Mohn of Lansing, Iowa, and Strike-King co-angler Justin Oppegard of Eagen, Minnesota.
Minnesota’s Oppegard Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division

LA CROSSE, Wis. (Sept. 18, 2023) – Boater Dan Mohn of Lansing, Iowa, caught 10 bass weighing 37 pounds, 4 ounces, to win the two-day MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on the Mississippi River at La Crosse Presented by FVP in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The tournament, hosted by Explore La Crosse, was the fifth and final regular-season event for the Bass Fishing League Great Lakes Division. Mohn earned $7,534 for his victory.

Mohn has been hot as of late, and his Super Tournament win comes on the heels of a BFL win on the Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien on Aug. 19.

“The fish are starting to move into the current a little more, into more of a fall-transition period,” Mohn said. “I was looking for a mix of grass and rock, and if it had some wood nearby, that was even better. The big thing was that what I was fishing just needed some bait around it. It was a typical fall, find-the-bait, find-the-fish type of thing.”

Although he fished in both Pool 8 and Pool 9, Mohn said his bigger fish came out of Pool 8 both days. He employed a variety of baits during the tournament, including a SPRO topwater walking bait, a jig tipped with a Big Bite Baits College Craw trailer, a SPRO Essential Series Aruku Shad Lipless Crankbait , a SPRO Mike McClelland McStick 115 Jerkbait, and a Missile Baits D Bomb Creature Bait. His tactics produced a mixed bag, composed of primarily largemouth.

“The fall pattern really plays to my strengths,” Mohn said. “I’ve had a really great run coming off my last BFL win. I’ve had a couple of other wins in some other events recently. My confidence is sky-high right now. I got a new boat after the last BFL win, and it’s been treating me well so far.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:

1st:          Dan Mohn, Lansing, Iowa, 10 bass, 37-4, $7,534
2nd:        Jeff Ritter, Prairie du Chien, Wis., 10 bass, 33-0, $3,102
3rd:        Fernando Lobato, Sparta, Wis., 10 bass, 31-5, $2,404 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
4th:         Cade Laufenberg, Onalaska, Wis., 10 bass, 30-14, $1,331
5th:         Chris Aswegan, Tiffin, Iowa, 10 bass, 29-10, $1,141
6th:         Brandon Gann, Sparta, Wis., 10 bass, 29-9, $1,046
7th:         Kyle Seubert, Chaseburg, Wis., 10 bass, 29-1, $951
8th:         Severin Tubbin, Viroqua, Wis., 10 bass, 28-14, $856
9th:         Brandyn Baum, La Crosse, Wis., 10 bass, 28-1, $1,139
10th:      Casey Goode, La Crosse, Wis., 10 bass, 27-9, $665Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Mike Brueggen and Brandyn Baum, both of La Crosse, Wisconsin, both had bass that weighed 4 pounds, 11 ounces that were the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division. Each angler earned a Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $378.



Justin Oppegard of Eagen, Minnesota, won the Strike King Co-angler Division and $2,852 Sunday after catching a two-day total of eight bass weighing 19 pounds, 13 ounces.

The top 10 Strike King co-anglers were: 1st:          Justin Oppegard, Eagen, Minn., eight bass, 19-13, $2,852
2nd:        Will Ahnen, Fennimore, Wis., eight bass, 19-6, $1,576
3rd:        Logan Sullivan, Waunakee, Wis., eight bass, 18-15, $950
4th:         Jason Swanson, Waterloo, Iowa, nine bass, 18-9, $666
5th:         Chris Stelter, Chisago, Minn., eight bass, 18-8, $570
6th:         Richard Conrad, Arcadia, Wis., nine bass, 18-5, $923
7th:         Thad Vettrus, Chippewa Falls, Wis., eight bass, 16-13, $475
8th:         Brian Brecka, Alma, Wis., eight bass, 16-9, $428
9th:         Brad Juen, La Crosse, Wis., eight bass, 16-2, $380
10th:      Shane Kuehn, Bennington, Neb., seven bass, 14-10, $333Austin Frye of Ontario, Wisconsin, caught the largest bass in the Strike King Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 3 pounds, 15 ounces. The catch earned him the Berkley Big Bass Co-angler award of $379.

With the regular season now complete, boater Jeff Ritter of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, won the 2023 Bass Fishing League Great Lakes Division Boater Angler of the Year (AOY) race with a five-event total of 1,349 points to earn the $1,000 boater AOY award. Hertz Skaer of Holmen, Wisconsin, won the 2023 Strike King Co-Angler Great Lakes Division AOY race with 1,322 points and earned the $500 Strike King Co-angler of the Year award.

Now, the top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will advance to compete in the Oct. 19-21 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Lake of the Ozarks in Osage Beach, Missouri. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury 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 outboard.

The 2023 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.

The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the MLF Toyota Series, the pathway to the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.

Proud sponsors of the 2023 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, General Tire, Grundéns, Gill, Lew’s, Lowrance, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Wiley X 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.



Versailles’ Lawson Hibdon Scrambles, Secures ‘Surprise’ Victory at Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Tournament on Lake of the Ozarks

Brian Carter
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Versailles’ Lawson Hibdon Scrambles, Secures ‘Surprise’ Victory at Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Tournament on Lake of the Ozarks
Boater Lawson Hibdon of Versailles, Missouri, and Strike-King co-angler Jeremy Greil of Imperial, Missouri.
Imperial’s Greil Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division

OSAGE BEACH, Mo. (Sept. 18, 2023) – Boater Lawson Hibdon of Versailles, Missouri, caught 10 bass weighing 32 pounds, 12 ounces, to win the two-day MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on Lake of the Ozarks in Osage Beach, Missouri. The tournament, hosted by the Tri-County Loding Association, was the fifth and final regular-season event for the Bass Fishing League Ozark Division. Hibdon earned $7,695 for his victory.

The tournament was noted as a family affair for the Hibdon family – in addition to Lawson’s victory, father Dion finished the event in fourth place, while brother Payden ended the tournament in 10th. 

“On Saturday, I caught 18 pounds in the first hour and a half,” Hibdon said. “Most of the day I shook them off because I knew that I’d be fishing on the second day. I shook off maybe 15 or so that I thought were good bites.

“I went back through that stuff on the second day and didn’t even get a bite; It was miserable,” Hibdon went on to say. “I was excited because the sun was supposed to come out and put the fish under the boat docks, like it’s supposed to do. But it wasn’t like that.”

Hibdon said he kept a 9/16-ounce Hibdon Hammer jig in his hand almost the entire tournament and admitted he threw a buzzbait “way too much.” He also relied on a 7-inch Bojangles Trickster worm on a shaky-head rig to catch bass.

“I didn’t get to practice at all, so when I got out there and saw how good it was, I was pretty excited,” Hibdon said. “I burned a full tank of gas the first day trying to figure out where I could catch them, and a full tank the second day trying to relocate them.”

Hibdon said he fished about three miles outside of the Grand Glaize area Sunday, then ran 45 miles into the Osage River.

“I had shaken a bunch off there the day before, and that’s where I really like to fish, and I got back there, and bites were non-existent,” Hibdon said. “I bailed and came back down the lake.


“I was just scrambling around trying to figure something out because I knew somebody was going to really catch them,” Hibdon said. “Somebody will always catch them here. This win was definitely a surprise. But it all turned out, and that’s all that matters.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
1st:          Lawson Hibdon, Versailles, Mo., 10 bass, 32-12, $7,695
2nd:        Michael Harlin, Sunrise Beach, Mo., 10 bass, 31-15, $3,848
3rd:        Brandon Ackerson, Afton, Okla., 10 bass, 30-10, $3,065 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
4th:         Dion Hibdon, Versailles, Mo., 10 bass, 30-6, $1,796
5th:         Jeremy Medina, Louisburg, Mo., 10 bass, 29-9, $1,539
6th:         Nick Ault, Gravois Mills, Mo., 10 bass, 27-11, $1,411
7th:         James Lewis, Osage Beach, Mo., 10 bass, 27-6, $1,283
8th:         Ben Verhoef, Osage Beach, Mo., 10 bass, 26-15, $1,154
9th:         Corey Cook, Lebanon, Mo., 10 bass, 26-14, $1,026
10th:      Payden Hibdon, Versailles, Mo., 10 bass, 26-12, $898Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Darrell Ivey, Jr., of Lebanon, Missouri, caught a bass weighing 6 pounds, 4 ounces that was the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division to earn the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $1,200.


Jeremy Greil of Imperial, Missouri, won the Strike King Co-angler Division and $3,848 Sunday after catching a two-day total of eight bass weighing 21 pounds, 14 ounces.

The top 10 Strike King co-anglers were:
1st:          Jeremy Greil, Imperial, Mo., eight bass, 21-14, $3,848
2nd:        Trenton White, Tipton, Mo., eight bass, 18-8, $1,924
3rd:        Austin Chandler, Ketchum, Okla., nine bass, 16-3, $1,281
4th:         Kevin Mahlke, Wentzville, Mo., six bass, 16-3, $898
5th:         Christopher Fierce, Dixon, Mo., six bass, 15-8, $770
6th:         Chris McClellan, Desoto, Mo., 10 bass, 15-2, $905
7th:         Craig Rose, Olathe, Kansas, six bass, 14-15, $641
8th:         Koby Murrell, Lebanon, Mo., seven bass, 14-2, $577
9th:         Justin Layton, Kirbyville, Mo., seven bass, 14-0, $513
10th:      Gary St. Clair, Hamilton, Mo., seven bass, 13-13, $449Matthew Morton of Wichita, Kansas, caught the largest bass in the Strike King Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 4 pounds, 15 ounces. The catch earned him the Berkley Big Bass Co-angler award of $600.

With the regular season now complete, boater Brandon Ackerson of Afton, Oklahoma, won the 2023 Bass Fishing League Ozark Division Boater Angler of the Year (AOY) race with a five-event total of 1,265 points to earn the $1,000 boater AOY award. Adler Odle of Willow Springs, Missouri, won the 2023 Strike King Co-Angler Ozark Division AOY race with 1,245 points and earned the $500 Strike King Co-angler of the Year award.

Now, the top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will advance to compete in the Oct. 5-7 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Lake Eufaula in Eufaula, Oklahoma. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury 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 outboard.

The 2023 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.

The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the MLF Toyota Series, the pathway to the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.

Proud sponsors of the 2023 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, General Tire, Grundéns, Gill, Lew’s, Lowrance, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Wiley X 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.



Important Bass Cast Tournament News

Brian Carter
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Important Bass Cast Tournament News

Just a quick Reminder there is no Bass Cast event this month. See You all October 21st on SML Crazy Horse Marina at 7am Blast off is at 8am.

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL SCHEDULE



Palatka’s Stalvey Probes Home-Waters to Win at Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Tournament on the St. Johns River

Brian Carter
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Palatka’s Stalvey Probes Home-Waters to Win at Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Tournament on the St. Johns River
Boater Lee Stalvey of Palatka, Florida, and Strike-King co-angler David White of Winter Garden, Florida.
Winter Garden’s White Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division

PALATKA, Fla. (Sept. 18, 2023) – Boater Lee Stalvey of Palatka, Florida, caught 10 bass weighing 43 pounds, 6 ounces, to win the two-day MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on the St. Johns River in Palatka, Florida. The tournament, hosted by the Putnam County Tourist Development Council, was the fifth and final regular-season event for the Bass Fishing League Gator Division. Stalvey earned $6,362 for his victory.

“I went south the first day,” Stalvey said. “It went good, but it didn’t pan out like I’d planned. I had a big group of fish found, but I only caught one fish out of it. So, I didn’t feel really confident about going back to them.

“So, I went north this morning and stayed close to the ramp, but went to a ton of places,” Stalvey continued. “I was just checking different shell beds, docks and seawalls. I’ve fished this place for 35 years, so there’s tons of places I know. I ended up getting a couple of lucky big bites.”

Stalvey said he fished a variety of baits and techniques, including topwater in the morning, crankbaits, a Carolina rig, and a big worm. Stalvey said he hooked a large bass, an 8-pound, 3-ounce largemouth, that changed his outlook on the event.

“That fish really changed the ballgame,” Stalvey said. “I was rolling down the river and said, ‘You know what, I had some fish here in practice.’ There had been boats all over the spot Saturday, and then on Sunday nobody was there. I saw fish on the spot, and they were good ones. It hit my third cast with a ChatterBait. It was the only bite I got on a ChatterBait.”

Stalvey’s son, Parker, finished third in the tournament, and Stalvey said that fact made the win even more special for him.

“I’d been saying all along I’d love for him to win and for me to finish second,” Stalvey said.

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
1st:          Lee Stalvey, Palatka, Fla., 10 bass, 43-6, $6,362
2nd:        Lonnie Cercy, Middleburg, Fla., 10 bass, 39-14, $3,181
3rd:        Parker Stalvey, Green Cove Springs, Fla., 10 bass, 39-8, $2,122
4th:         Austin Black, East Palatka, Fla., 10 bass, 39-4, $1,485
5th:         Tracen Phillips, Lake Placid, Fla., 10 bass, 33-11, $1,272
6th:         Ryan Crowley, Fleming Island, Fla., 10 bass, 31-8, $1,166
7th:         Joey Bloom, Winter Springs, Fla., 10 bass, 31-2, $1,560 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
8th:         Aaron Yavorsky, Palm Harbor, Fla., 10 bass, 28-13, $954
9th:         Cliff Prince, Palatka, Fla., 10 bass, 28-13, $848
10th:      Allen Hopper, San Mateo, Fla., 10 bass, 28-13, $742Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Earl Garcia of Tampa, Florida, had a bass that weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces that was the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $900.



David White of Winter Garden, Florida, won the Strike King Co-angler Division and $3,631 Sunday after catching a two-day total of seven bass weighing 24 pounds, 1 ounce.

The top 10 Strike King co-anglers were:
1st:          David White, Winter Garden, Fla., seven bass, 24-1, $3,631
2nd:        Garrett Gomes, Dunnellon, Fla., eight bass, 23-3, $1,591
3rd:        Pat Herolt, Citrus Springs, Fla., 10 bass, 22-7, $1,061
4th:         Tyler Lewis, Geneva, Fla., six bass, 17-2, $742
5th:         Rodney Yavorsky, Palm Harbor, Fla., 10 bass, 16-11, $636
6th:         Luke Cocke, Valdosta, Ga., six bass, 16-5, $783
7th:         Dean Haughey, Babson Park, Fla., seven bass, 16-1, $530
8th:         Doug Back, Monticello, Fla., eight bass, 13-5, $627
9th:         Ben Arnold, LaFollette, Tenn., seven bass, 13-2, $424
10th:      Chris Westhelle, Sanford, Fla., eight bass, 13-0, $371White also caught the largest bass in the Strike King Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 8 pounds even. The catch earned him the Berkley Big Bass Co-angler award of $450.

With the regular season now complete, boater Brandon Medlock of Lake Placid, Florida, won the 2023 Bass Fishing League Gator Division Boater Angler of the Year (AOY) race with a five-event total of 1,254 points to earn the $1,000 boater AOY award. Tyler Nekolny of Coral Springs, Florida, won the 2023 Strike King Co-Angler Gator Division AOY race with 1,305 points and earned the $500 Strike King Co-angler of the Year award.

Now, the top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will advance to compete in the Oct. 12-14 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Lake Eufaula in Eufaula, Alabama. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury 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 outboard.

The 2023 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.

The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the MLF Toyota Series, the pathway to the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.

Proud sponsors of the 2023 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, General Tire, Grundéns, Gill, Lew’s, Lowrance, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Wiley X 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.



Bass Boat Technologies Signs on for multiple years as the Title Sponsor for Bass Angler Magazine Tournament Trail

Brian Carter
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0
Bass Boat Technologies Signs on for multiple years as the Title Sponsor for Bass Angler Magazine Tournament Trail

Bass Boat Technologies, the leading innovator in custom graph mounts designed for avid anglers, has proudly announced its partnership with Bass Angler Magazine as a multi-year title sponsor for the upcoming Bass Angler Magazine Tournament Trail.

“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting partnership with Bass Angler Magazine and to support a tournament trail that has grown to be a premier competition among west coast angling enthusiasts,” said Van Foster, CEO of Bass Boat Technologies. “Our commitment to enhancing the angling experience aligns perfectly with the values and goals of the BAMTT, making this an ideal collaboration.”

“The BAMTT is all about elevating the sport of bass fishing, offering a professional platform for anglers to grow and challenge themselves,” said Mark Lassagne, Founder of Bass Angler Magazine. “We are excited to welcome Bass Boat Technologies as the perfect fit for our title sponsor and are confident that their involvement will enrich the experience for all involved.”

About Bass Boat Technologies

Bass Boat Technologies, founded in 2011, was the very first to build mounts for externally mounted sonar units for the boats’ driver consoles and bow. Bass Boat Technologies is at the forefront in enhancing angling experiences through innovative advanced technological solutions.

 Van Foster, “After fishing the FLW Tour for four years as a co-angler and last year as a professional, riding in most every make and model boat and water conditions, I noticed all the anglers had the same problem, keeping their GPS/Sonar units from moving all over the place at high speeds and in rough water or they were stuck looking through their steering wheel to see their in-dash units. My goal was to create a new mounting system that was user friendly, rugged, and looked factory professional.”

Anglers can now look at console mounted GPS/Sonar units from a totally different mindset than in the past.

With Van Foster at the helm Bass Boat Technologies has created custom professional mounts for most every make bass boat on the market and continues each day striving to improve mounting solutions with a full proof easy to install mounting system that not only protects your expensive Sonar/GPS, but also gives you a clear view of your units while driving. 

About Bass Angler Magazine Tournament Trail (BAMTT)

Bass Angler Magazine Tournament Trail (BAM TT) is an exclusive west coast pro level tournament circuit. BAM TT delivers multiple opportunities to showcase the talents of western anglers on several professional platforms.

As BAMTT continues to provide and refine a platform of elite events for competitive anglers, it simultaneously creates a logical avenue for sponsors to have direct contact with our west coast customers. BAM TT is dedicated to creating a complete package of advertising opportunities including on-site activation,internet/social media, and a YouTube series that reaches a large number of viewers each day.

For more information, please visit Bass Boat Technologies at bassboattech.com Website and Bass Angler Magazine at bassanglermag.com

 Press Contacts:

– Bass Boat Technologies: Van Foster, www.bassboattech.com

– Bass Angler Magazine Tournament Trail: Mark Lassagne, [email protected] 925-362-3190



The Transition: Shifting Your Fishing Habits

Bruce Callis
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The Transition: Shifting Your Fishing Habits

The Transition:

Shifting Your Fishing Habits

by Bruce Callis Jr

Let’s talk fishing! Fall is right around the corner, and it might be here sooner than we think. The leaves are already starting to fall off the trees. And with the change in the weather, there is also a change in the activity of bass. We need to be aware of it and prepare to make changes.

But lets talk about a different type of change and bass fishing. We know what it’s like to fish out of a bass boat or a jonboat, but let’s talk kayak fishing. Fishing is fishing after-all, but just jumping into a kayak isn’t as simple as it seems.

First off, I am no pro when it comes to kayak fishing. I don’t have the celebrity status of some of those top anglers, like Kristine Fischer, Chad Hoover, Gene Jensen, or Jacob Stephens, but I have learned a lot and it wasn’t an easy start. I started off with one of those cheap kayaks that you sit inside of. Let’s just say, it wasn’t for me and I couldn’t really fish out of it. I was lucky and got to use Snookie Risch’s Vibe sit-on Seaghost 110. A world of difference. I was able to make casts and feel comfortable. That is the first thing you need to learn, to be comfortable. If the kayak is comfortable, then you will be too.

The next thing I had to learn was that not every life jacket is the same. Every time I get in the kayak, I know that it could be the day I accidentally fall in. You need to remember that even the best can fall in. So always be prepared for it to happen. And because of this, make sure you have the best life jacket you can. While the inflatable life jacket is very comfortable, it isn’t the best for a kayaker. Once you fall in, they are pretty much done. Get one that fits you and is comfortable to wear. Mine isn’t the exact model I wanted, they were out of stock, but it fits great and I wear it all day while on the kayak.

One thing is for sure, you can’t take everything from the boat and put it in the kayak. I’ve tried, and it became a real hassle trying to get it all straight and secured. And then I was really worried about tipping over and loosing all that gear. You need to cut back and streamline what you bring and have it secure. I have leashes on everything I can. But one piece of gear that I did bring from the boat to the kayak is my net. I like the Line Cutterz Pro Fish Gear Lunker Snatcher floating net because of two reason. The first is that it is compact and easy to handle, a plus when on a kayak. The 2nd is that it floats. Fishing tournament from a kayak means that you must take pictures of the bass on a measuring board. I use a TackeWorkz Donkey Leash in conjunction with my net. Double insurance or overkill, I fall on the insurance side of it. I can take my pictures, put it in the net and then check the pictures for any problems.

And speaking about pictures, you really need to secure your phone. While we are talking kayaks, it is a great idea even in a boat. Too many phones are on the bottom of the ponds, lakes, and rivers. The best I have found so far is the Robohawk Talon Universal phone harness and tether system. It fits basically any phone and secures it safely to you or anything else. It has a truly heavy duty swivel to help keep it from tangling. I love it and use it every time in the kayak.

Casting from a kayak is also something that I had to get use to. You watch the videos of those top anglers and they make it look so easy. But let you tell you, I had to learn not to dip so much. Those double dipping only messes up everything. Now if you have a good balance and nimble enough to stand, it makes a big difference. But until you learn that skill, it gets tricky. I have plenty of broken baits and birds nest to prove that.

Comfort is a big deal when kayaking. Being able to stretch, and not to mention, get the blood moving in the butt, are big. Standing helps with all of it. And it starts with the seat. No two seats are the same! Some sit higher than others, so make sure to take that into account when purchasing your kayak. The higher the seat, the easier it is to stand. And at the same time, it also makes it easier to tip the kayak. There are lots of tips for making the seat more comfortable. Different items you can us for your back and for sitting on. The Kayak Cushion is made just for this reason. I have not bought one yet, but it is on my list to buy. I have only heard glowing reviews about it.

Bass fishing in a kayak is one way to explore areas you have never been able to access. Those areas too skinny for a boat to get into or just too tight for the boat itself. There are plenty of reason why a kayak is a prime choice for fishing. You can add so many options to a kayak to fish the way you want. A trolling motor, Power Pole, graphs, lighting, just about whatever you want to help you fish the way you want. But the basics are all you need to get started. A kayak, a paddle, a life jacket, and a willingness to learn a new skill set. Where will in take you? To the top of the kayak fishing community or just to a lot of adventure with your friends. Only you can decide that!



Virginia’s Stoupa ‘Stays Put’, Wins Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Tournament on the Potomac River

Brian Carter
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0
Virginia’s Stoupa ‘Stays Put’, Wins Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Tournament on the Potomac River
Boater Zachary Stoupa of Prince George, Virginia, and Strike-King co-angler Larry Freeman Jr. of La Crosse, Virginia.
Prince George Angler Also Earns Season-Long Angler of the Year Title

MARBURY, Md. (Sept. 18, 2023) – Boater Zachary Stoupa of Prince George, Virginia, caught 10 bass weighing 29 pounds, 1 ounce, to win the two-day MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on the Potomac River in Marbury, Maryland. The tournament, hosted by the Charles County Board of Commissioners, was the fifth and final regular-season event for the Bass Fishing League Shenandoah Division. Stoupa earned $5,575 for his victory. Stoupa also secured the 2023 Bass Fishing League Shenandoah Division Boater Angler of the Year (AOY) race Sunday.

“Going into this event, I had a good lead in the Angler of the Year race, so my plan was to try and fish kind of close, so I didn’t have to make a long run anywhere,” Stoupa said. “I did a lot of damage in Mattawoman Creek, and that really worked out in my favor. I didn’t have to run very long to secure Angler of the Year and picked up a win in the process.”

Stoupa said he focused his efforts on grass where he had gotten bites in practice. Stoupa’s bait of choice for his mid-river fish was a vibrating jig. He said the key was “staying put and not running around” and sticking to where he knew he had located fish.

“I didn’t boat my first fish until about 11 o’clock,” Stoupa said. “It took off from there. I never really got nervous, though, because I knew I had locked up the Angler of the Year title, and that was my main goal this week. Making the second day of the tournament I knew I couldn’t finish worse than 19th, so that was a bonus.

“It’s been a great season,” Stoupa went on to say. “I can’t even find words for it. My worst finish was at Smith Mountain Lake, where I finished 14th, and I’ve had four top-10s. It’s just been a great year.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
1st:          Zachary Stoupa, Prince George, Va., 10 bass, 29-1, $5,575
2nd:        Myles Paugh, Aurora, W.V., 10 bass, 28-0, $2,787
3rd:        Robert Henderson, King George, Va., 10 bass, 27-10, $1,860
4th:         Adam Harkness, Hebron, Md., 10 bass, 27-4, $1,301
5th:        Nathan Grose, Morgantown, W.V., 10 bass, 25-2, $1,615 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
6th:         Frank Poirer, North Prince George, Va., 10 bass, 24-11, $1,022
7th:         Nolan Gaskin, Broussard, La., 10 bass, 24-1, $929
8th:         Fred Chandler, Mount Airy, Md., 10 bass, 23-10, $1,166
9th:         Ron Ruosseau, Raleigh, N.C., 10 bass, 22-10, $743
10th:      Chris Brummett, Lynch Station, Va., nine bass, 22-8, $1,150

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Mike Keyser of Elkridge, Maryland, caught a bass weighing 4 pounds, 15 ounces that was the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division to earn the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $727.



Larry Freeman, Jr., of La Crosse, Virginia, won the Strike King Co-angler Division and $2,788 Sunday after catching a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 24 pounds, 2 ounces.

The top 10 Strike King co-anglers were:
1st:          Larry Freeman, Jr., La Crosse, Va., 10 bass, 24-2, $2,788
2nd:        Richard Williams, Sutherland, Va., nine bass, 22-3, $1,394
3rd:        David Lewis, Abingdon, Md., seven bass, 19-10, $1,293
4th:         Ted Kephart, Phillipsburg, Pa., nine bass, 19-4, $650
5th:         Jeff Turner, Morris, Ill., nine bass, 19-0, $758
6th:         Roland Gittings, Perryville, Md., eight bass, 18-3, $711
7th:         Joseph Beckler, Great Mills, Md., nine bass, 18-1, $465
8th:         Sean Lane, Culpeper, Va., 10 bass, 17-9, $418
9th:         Todd Hurst, Copper Hill, Va., eight bass, 17-0, $372
10th:      Robert Wedding, Welcome, Md., seven bass, 14-9, $325David Lewis of Abingdon, Maryland, caught the largest bass in the Strike King Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 4 pounds, 10 ounces. The catch earned him the Berkley Big Bass Co-angler award of $364.

With the regular season now complete, boater Zachary Stoupa of Prince George, Virginia, won the 2023 Bass Fishing League Shenandoah Division Boater Angler of the Year (AOY) race with a five-event total of 1,345 points to earn the $1,000 boater AOY award. David Deciucis of Chester, Virginia, won the 2023 Strike King Co-Angler Shenandoah Division AOY race with 1,324 points and earned the $500 Strike King Co-angler of the Year award.

Now, the top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will advance to compete in the Oct. 19-21 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Lake Norman in Huntersville, North Carolina. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury 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 outboard.

The 2023 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.

The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the MLF Toyota Series, the pathway to the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.

Proud sponsors of the 2023 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, General Tire, Grundéns, Gill, Lew’s, Lowrance, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Wiley X 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.



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