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The Mindset of a Tournament Bass Angler: Passion, Perseverance, & the Thrill of the Chase ???

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August 22, 2023

The Mindset of a Tournament Bass Angler: Passion, Perseverance, & the Thrill of the Chase ???

Every year, thousands of dedicated anglers embark on a journey that takes them across the country, chasing their dreams of glory and the pursuit of that elusive trophy bass. These tournament bass anglers, with their unwavering passion and unrelenting dedication, showcase a unique mindset that sets them apart from the average angler. Traveling thousands of miles to fish in different lakes, these individuals embody a combination of determination, strategic thinking, and a hunger for success that fuels their pursuit.

The mindset of a tournament bass angler is shaped by their deep-rooted passion for fishing. It is a burning desire that drives them to leave the comfort of their homes, families, and jobs to compete in the high-stakes world of competitive angling. The thrill of the chase, the adrenaline rush that comes with each cast, and the anticipation of that sudden strike are all part of the addictive allure that keeps them coming back for more.

To succeed in tournament fishing, anglers must possess a strategic mindset. They meticulously research each lake, studying its structure, understanding its ecosystems, and identifying potential hotspots where the trophy bass might be hiding. They analyze weather patterns, water conditions, and the behavior of the fish to devise a game plan that maximizes their chances of success. This requires a keen eye for detail, an analytical approach, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances on the water.

However, it is not just the physical and mental aspects that define the mindset of a tournament bass angler. It is also their unwavering perseverance and tenacity that sets them apart. Tournament fishing is a rollercoaster of emotions, with highs and lows that can test even the most seasoned angler. There are days filled with frustration, when the fish seem elusive and the bites are scarce. But it is during these moments that a tournament bass angler’s true character shines through. They push through the setbacks, learn from their mistakes, and continuously strive to improve their skills.

The mindset of a tournament bass angler is not solely focused on winning. It is about personal growth, camaraderie, and the shared love for the sport. These anglers form a tight-knit community, supporting and encouraging one another, even in the face of fierce competition. They share secrets, exchange tips, and celebrate each other’s successes. It is this sense of camaraderie and the friendships forged along the way that make the journey as rewarding as the destination.

In conclusion, the mindset of a tournament bass angler is a unique blend of passion, perseverance, and strategic thinking. These individuals travel thousands of miles each year, fishing in different lakes, driven by their insatiable hunger for success and the pursuit of that trophy bass. Their dedication, resilience, and love for the sport are what make them true champions, both on and off the water. So, the next time you see a tournament bass angler with their boat in tow, remember the mindset that fuels their journey and the thrill of the chase that keeps them hooked.

Larry Thomas & Will James Win CATT East Roanoke River, NC Aug 19, 2023

Brian Carter

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August 22, 2023

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Larry Thomas & Will James Win CATT East Roanoke River, NC Aug 19, 2023

Next qualifier Saturday, September 16th at Plymouth on the mighty Roanoke. Don’t forget to get your raffle tickets from Lambert Garris or Tim Askew.

Results from qualifier #1 of the CATT East on the Roanoke in Plymouth NC.

1st Larry Thomas and Will James 20.62 lbs $550 and $367 1st side pot. Congratulations guy’s

2nd Kevin Jones and Tyler Jones 20.21 lbs $300 and $157 2nd side pot. They also had big fish 6.54 lbs $175. Congratulations guy’s

3rd Travis Mewborn and Tanner Beaman 19.84 lbs $200. They also had 2nd big fish 6.23 lbs $75. Congratulations guy’s

4th Tracey King and Jackson King 19.47 lbs $110. Congratulations guy’s

5th Matthew Oakley 17.55 lbs $100. Congratulations

Team	BF	Weight	Winnings	Points
Larry Thomas – Will James	6.19	20.62	$917.00	110
Kevin Jones – Tyler Jones	6.34	20.21	$632.00	109
Travis Mewborn – Tanner Beaman	0.00	19.84	$275.00	108
Tracey King – Jackson King	5.60	19.47	$110.00	107
Matthew Oakley	0.00	17.55	$100.00	106
Charles Anderson – Adam Haithcott	6.17	15.41		105
Jason Tripp – Adam Baldwin	0.00	15.34		104
Holden Northcott – Austin Hughes	0.00	15.33		103
Jason White – Mike Hinson	0.00	15.26		102
Jason Samson	0.00	14.67		101
JA Williford – Michael Chlomoudis	0.00	14.60		100
Matthew Langley – Darryl Poole	5.38	14.08		99
Brandon Johnson – Wilbur johnson	0.00	12.91		98
Wayne Stallings – Zeb West	0.00	12.84		97
Mike White – Dana Moore	4.00	12.76		96
Danny Flynn – Brad Elks	0.00	12.37		95
Luke Farley – Ronald Jones	0.00	11.25		94
Bobby Barrett – John Clark	0.00	11.02		93
Walt Goff – Eric Murphy	5.33	10.49		92
Donald Luther – Mike Kannan	0.00	8.93		91
Mark Simpson	0.00	6.79		90
Chris McDuffie – Greg Creech	0.00	5.07		89
Craig Simpson – Mark	0.00	0.00		79
Scott Rock – Bob Gomez	6.23	0.00		79
Jamie Lancaster – Jesse Lancaster	0.00	0.00		79
Total Entrys			$2,000.00
BONUS $			$525.00
Total Paid At Ramp			$2,035.00
CATT			$50.00
East 2023 Fall Final Fund			$390.00
2023 CATT Championship Fund			$50.00
2023 East Spring Fall Fund Total			$390.00

Next Generation EXCELER by DAIWA

Brian Carter

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August 21, 2023

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Next Generation EXCELER

DAIWA introduces improved, stylistic, & high-performing spinning reels at an attractive price.

FOOTHILL RANCH, CA (August 21, 2023) – DAIWA is extremely proud to introduce significant improvements to its ultra-popular EXCELER family—reels that offer striking good looks, smooth performance, confident drag, and more for around $100—in sizes from 1000 to 6000.“We kind of went back to the drawing board with the EXCELER,” says DAIWA Senior Marketing Manager, Marc Mills. “First, we upgraded to a carbon fiber body—ZAION V—so the new version is lighter than current EXCELER models for comparable sizes.”Mills continues: “We also went to an AIRDRIVE ROTOR, so rather than an air rotor, AIRDRIVE ROTORS are much lighter. We also changed the bail to a thinner, lighter (yet solid) AIRDRIVE BAIL. We selected a solid bail wire for its rigidity and resistance to bending during normal use; the thinner, smaller wire is also lighter, which reduces the weight of the rotation, thus reducing the weight of the reel.”

Countless anglers spanning the globe have proved it: The original EXCELER LT is a smartly-priced reel that can match the performance of many more expensive models. While the previous generation featured Carbon Light Material—the next generation sports a ZAION V body for lighter weight and greater rigidity. Its machined aluminum handle is a comfortable, strong connection to the main gear of the spinning reel. And the retooled EXCELER is extremely smooth utilizing 5 ball bearings and 1 roller bearing to maximize performance.

DAIWA EXCELER Features NEW! ZAION V Body (3%-5% lighter than current model) NEW! AIRDRIVE ROTOR NEW! SOLID AIRDRIVE BAIL TOUGH DIGIGEAR® Machined aluminum screw-in handle Ball Bearing-Supported Advanced Tournament Drag (ATD™) Gear ratios between 5.2:1 and 6.2:1 Line-Per-Turn: 25.5-inches (1000 size) to 36.2-inches (6000 size) MSRP $99.99-$119.99In a world of you get what you pay for, the re-designed EXCELER spinning reel family gives you more design technology and concept than reels twice the price. AVAILABLE FALL 2023

For Daiwa’s latest color catalog and/or information on Daiwa dealers in your area, call Daiwa’s Customer Service Department at 562-375-6800 or e-mail inquiries to: [email protected]. The URL for Daiwa’s web site is daiwa.us

Rookie sensation Fujita wins Bassmaster Elite Series event on Lake Champlain

Brian Carter

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August 21, 2023

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Rookie sensation Fujita wins Bassmaster Elite Series event on Lake Champlain

Kyoya Fujita of Minamitsuru, Japan, has won the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain with a four-day total of 86 pounds, 12 ounces.

Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.

August 21, 2023

Rookie sensation Fujita wins Bassmaster Elite Series event on Lake Champlain

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — The big bites mostly eluded Kyoya Fujita, but the Elite rookie’s diligence delivered the coveted blue trophy, as the Japanese superstar amassed the winning total of 86 pounds, 12 ounces in the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain.

“This feels great!” Fujita said. “My dream (has been) to win an Elite Series tournament. My dream came true.”

After placing 10th on Day 1 with 21-5, Fujita added 23-14 — the VMC Monster Bag of the event — and took over the Day 2 lead. Fujita held onto the top spot with a Semifinal Sunday limit of 22-9 and closed the deal with his Championship Monday bag that weighed 19 pounds.

The week brought a diverse meteorological mix, which included a storm system that postponed Day 2 from Friday to Saturday. Days 1 and 3 brought mostly sunny conditions, while the even number days saw dimmer, cloudy skies. Wind was a constant challenge.

Heavily geared toward sight feeding, smallmouth like sunshine, so Championship Monday’s dreary conditions, plus a week’s worth of heavy fishing pressure, seemed to be curbing the fish’s aggression. After three days with multiple 4-pounders, Fujita had only one fish over 4 Monday and fell short of the 20-pound mark for the first time.

“It was a struggle today,” Fujita said. “I got on a school of fish (later in the day) and they wouldn’t bite. I kept dropping on them and finally a big one bit my bait on the way down.”

A multiple-event winner and four-time Angler of the Year on the Japanese professional bass scene, Fujita edged third-year pro Justin Atkins by 1-6. For his efforts, Fujita won the $100,000 top prize plus a $2,000 bonus for catching the VMC Monster Bag.

Making his fourth Top 10 for the 2023 Elite season, Fujita spent his entire event in the Inland Sea, where he used Garmin LiveScope to target smallmouth bass that were following schools of baitfish. Mostly targeting the east side of Dameas and Knight islands, Fujita worked in depths of 12 to 30 feet.

“I found a big-fish area in practice,” Fujita said. “I found the bass first, then I found the bait.”

Fujita caught his fish on a drop shot with a 4.5-inch Jackall Yammy stickworm cut down to approximately 3 inches and a Damiki-style rig with a 5.2-inch Jackall Revoltage RV-Drift Fry on a 1/8-ounce ball-head jig.

Notably, Fujita’s tournament got off to a rocky start, as a mechanical issue limited his fishing time. He made up ground on Day 2 and continued expanding on his area for the next three days.

Day 4 saw Fujita briefly departing his main waters, as he visited the west side of the Inland Sea and fished the City Reef area. Fujita caught fish there, but none of them contributed to his final weight.

After summarizing his day, Fujita closed with a crowd-charming farewell: “Thank you Daiwa and Jackall and the many Japanese and the American (sponsors) and the Bassmaster crew.”

Finishing second with 85-6, Atkins kept himself near the top all week. He placed fourth on Day 1 with 22-6, then slipped to sixth after weighing 21-6. Atkins’ Day 3 bag of 21-3 lifted him to third. His final-round limit weighed 20-7.

Hailing from Florence, Ala., Atkins caught all of his fish on a 1/4-ounce underspin with a Berkley MaxScent Flatworm. He fished a dark-colored bait during dim conditions, while a white bait excelled during sunny times. His darker bait carried a gold willow-leaf blade, while the white version had a silver blade.

“I caught a few on the dark color this morning when it was cloudy and when the sun came out, I caught them on the light color again,” Atkins said. “I didn’t catch quite enough weight on it, but it was a good program.”

Atkins fished the Inland Sea and focused on an area where deep water swung close to a water cabbage edge. This, he said, was the zone where he found his biggest bass chasing bait in practice.

Cody Huff of Ava, Mo., finished third with 85-5. His daily limits weighed 23-3, 20-10, 21-2 and 20-6.

Fishing the Inland Sea, Huff committed to a straightforward game plan based on his dual prowess with forward-facing sonar and the Damiki rig. His rig comprised a 1/8- to 1/2-ounce VMC Sleek Jighead with a 5-inch Strike King 3X Z-Too. The larger profile seemed to trigger the bigger fish.

“The key was just to keep moving, throw at as many fish as you could throw at and the aggressive ones would get it,” Huff said. “Normally, if you get a calm day, you cast to them out there at 60 to 80 feet and you catch a lot more of them.

“When it was windy, there was a lot of noise from waves slapping the boat, so a lot of them were coming really close.”

Jacob Foutz of Charleston, Tenn., took home the Day 4 Phoenix Boats Big Bass and an additional $1,000 for his 4-13. Jay Przekurat of Stevens Point, Wis., and Mark Menendez of Paducah, Ky., shared the $2,000 prize for the overall Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the tournament. Each angler weighed a 5-4. Jason Christie still has a firm grip on the $10,000 check for Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the year with his 9-4 Lay Lake largemouth.

Huff took home an additional $3,000 for being the highest-placing entrant in the Toyota Bonus Bucks program while Ohio angler Alex Redwine, who made his first Top 10 this week, earned $2,000 for being the second-highest placing entrant.

As part of the Yamaha Power Pay program, Atkins earned an additional $2,500 as the highest-placing entrant and Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C., claimed an additional $1,500 for being the second-highest placing entrant.

Austin Felix of Eden Prairie, Minn., won the $1,000 BassTrakk Contingency award for the most accurate weight reporting.

Kyle Welcher of Opelika, Ala., leads the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings with 652 points. Brandon Cobb of Greenwood, S.C., is in second with 646, followed by Drew Cook of Cairo, Ga., with 622, Przekurat with 616 and Walters with 613.

Joey Cifuentes III of Clinton, Ark., leads the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Rookie of the Year standings with 610 points. Fujita is in second with 595.

The tournament was hosted by the City of Plattsburgh and Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau.

2023 Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain 8/17-8/21
Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 4

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$

1. Kyoya Fujita Minamitsuru, Yamanashi 20 86-12 104 $102,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-05 Day 2: 5 23-14 Day 3: 5 22-09 Day 4: 5 19-00
2. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 20 85-06 103 $35,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-06 Day 2: 5 21-06 Day 3: 5 21-03 Day 4: 5 20-07
3. Cody Huff Ava, MO 20 85-05 102 $30,000.00
Day 1: 5 23-03 Day 2: 5 20-10 Day 3: 5 21-02 Day 4: 5 20-06
4. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 20 83-01 101 $25,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-01 Day 2: 5 22-00 Day 3: 5 19-13 Day 4: 5 19-03
5. Jay Przekurat Stevens Point, WI 20 83-00 100 $22,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-11 Day 2: 5 21-01 Day 3: 5 20-11 Day 4: 5 18-09
6. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 20 82-02 99 $19,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-14 Day 2: 5 21-14 Day 3: 5 19-14 Day 4: 5 17-08
7. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 20 81-12 98 $18,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-08 Day 2: 5 21-01 Day 3: 5 19-06 Day 4: 5 19-13
8. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 20 81-07 97 $18,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-12 Day 2: 5 21-07 Day 3: 5 19-10 Day 4: 5 20-10
9. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 20 80-06 96 $17,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-10 Day 2: 5 19-14 Day 3: 5 21-10 Day 4: 5 18-04
10. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 20 80-02 95 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-03 Day 2: 5 21-03 Day 3: 5 20-00 Day 4: 5 18-12
———————————————————————–

PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Jay Przekurat Stevens Point, WI 05-04 $1,000.00
2 Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 05-04 $1,000.00
3 Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 05-01 $1,000.00
4 Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 04-13 $1,000.00

———————————————————————–
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 05-04 $1,000.00
Jay Przekurat Stevens Point, WI 05-04 $1,000.00
VMC MONSTER BAG
Kyoya Fujita Minamitsuru, Yamanashi, 23-14 $2,000.00

———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 95 493 1702-12
2 98 502 1798-10
3 49 245 898-15
4 10 50 192-08
———————————-
252 1290 4592-13

Iowa’s Mohn Claims Victory at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event on Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien

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Brian Carter

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August 21, 2023

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Iowa’s Mohn Claims Victory at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event on Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien

Boater Dan Mohn of Lansing, Iowa and Strike-King co-angler Blake Miller of Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Steven Costa & Jesse Dalton Win HillCity Bassmasters Neighbors Helping Neighbors Benefit Tournament at Leesville Lake

Brian Carter

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August 21, 2023

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Steven Costa & Jesse Dalton Win HillCity Bassmasters Neighbors Helping Neighbors Benefit Tournament at Leesville Lake

We want to start by thanking everyone that was able to come out for the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Benefit Tournament at Leesville Lake this weekend. The money that was raised this weekend is for a great cause that is very dear to our hearts and we appreciate our Anglers support! The 3 Fish Limit Tournament Results are as follows:

First Place AND Big Fish: Steven Costa and Jesse Dalton with 3 fish weighing 9.43 lbs; and a Big Fish weighing 3.93 lbs.

Second Place: Don Wheeler and Caleb Wheeler with 3 fish weighing 5.92 lbs.

Third Place: Kevin Fitzgerald and Bert Fitzgerald with 3 fish weighing 4.83 lbs.

Our next tournament will be at Banister Lake on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 7:00 a.m. This is an OPEN tournament and we look forward to seeing you all.

‘Fishing Karma’ Helps Victor’s Smith Post Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Cayuga Lake

Brian Carter

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August 21, 2023

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‘Fishing Karma’ Helps Victor’s Smith Post Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Cayuga Lake

Boater Casey Smith of Victor, New York and Strike-King co-angler Aaron Wilkie of North Bennington, Vermont.

Allen Hayes & Danny Bishop win ABT Wheeler Lake with 23.23

Brian Carter

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August 21, 2023

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Allen Hayes & Danny Bishop win ABT Wheeler Lake with 23.23

By Jason Duran

The final stop of the ABT 2023 regular season was held at Wheeler Lake in Decatur. 225 teams from the north division competed for the top prize of $10,000. In this final event, numerous factors were at stake including the AOY points race where the top 9 teams qualified to fish the BASS Team Championship and the top 75 move on to fish the ABT Championship. Teams reported tough fishing in practice, but the team of Allen Hayes and Danny Bishop caught 23.23 for the win lapping field by over two pounds to win $10,000.

Allen and Danny blasted off as boat number 216. Due to the high boat number, they were “hoping that no one would be in our area when we got there.” When they showed up to their area, they were surprised no one else was there, so they quickly went to work. On their second cast, they both caught a fish; one weighed 2-pounds, and the other was over 4-pounds. They were able to spend all their fishing time in that area. They described the area as a “river channel ledge that was holding fish because of a hard spot.” They found the area using side scan in practice and noticed there was an abundance of bait in the area. Other fishermen came to the area throughout the day, however, they were there first and were able to hold their ground and protect the area. They started out early with a topwater and crankbait, but quickly realized they needed to make a bait change because it seemed like the fish “didn’t really want to chase the bait.” They made a change to Texas rigged large worms and creature baits in June bug and green pumpkin color. Once they made the change, they were able to fill out their limit and upgrade it to 23.23- pounds. Once they reached that weight, they decided to head back and do their best to protect their fish. They arrived back at the landing 4.5 hours early and waited for the scales to open at 1:30. They weighed in as the first team and lead wire to wire over a very tough ABT field. With this win, they collected the $10,000 payday and automatically qualified for the ABT Championship.

The second-place team of Walker Brown and Sloan Pennington caught 20.65. The team shared, “we caught several small ones in practice, and if we stayed in and around Decatur and the grass, we could get bit. We just never caught any big ones. We spent two and half days looking around for hard spots that should be holding big fish this time of year. On tournament day, we knew we were going to stay in the grass all day.” The first cast of the day they used a “Zoom Ol Monster worm. We cast it all over the Decatur Flats. The goal was to spend time covering lots of water with the trolling motor. We only cranked the big motor twice, but we probably covered three miles on the trolling motor today. We also used a Buck Eye Mop Jig. We never could find the kicker fish; our biggest was 4.25. We were looking for one over 5 pounds. We tried to fish our own water and fish for fish that had not seen as many baits hopefully. We have struggled some this year, so this second place feels good.” With this finish, they collected $5,000 and moved in to 58^th place in AOY which qualifies them to fish the ABT Championship.

The third-place team of Bryan Dowdy and Kyle Lewellen caught 18.65. “We put a lot practice time into this event. This lake has been our nemesis; we have never cashed a check here, so we put in the time to find some fish. We put together three patterns. We found some deep fish, some creek fish and some dirt shallow fish. Today we weighed in half our bag from deep and half from dirt shallow. We started out this morning on a deeper spot using a worm and spinnerbait. We really had to wait this morning for the fish to bite, but when they did, we caught a 3-pounder, a 4 –pounder, and 3.80 on back-to-back casts. The first six fish we caught gave us 17-pounds. From there, we went dirt shallow targeting wood and lily pads using a frog and a Jig.“ This finish moves them into 6^th place in the AOY standing and qualifies them to fish the BASS Team Championship and the ABT Championship. They collected a $3,000 ABT check, a $500 Garmin bonus, and a $2,500 Phoenix Boats payday.

The top ten standings are below for a complete list of standings please visit: https://www.alabamabasstrail.org/wheeler-lake/results/

John Kellett and Zeke Gossett claim the title of Anglers of the Year for the North Division and also qualify with the other top 9 teams to fish the BASS Team Championship:

PLACE ANGLERS POINTS

1 John Kellett/Zeke Gossett 1021

2 Michael Wooley/Joe Wooley 992

3 Mark Mccaig/Tim Hurst 979

4 Shane Meers/James Meers 975

5 Wesley Sams/Jordan Wiggins 969

6 Bryan Dowdy/Kyle Lewellen 968

7 Damien Willis/Tyler Kiker 967

8 Justin Bussey/Ben Webb 960

9 Craig Daniel /Jackie Flack 940

Download and listen to the ABT Podcast on your favorite Podcast app by searching for “Alabama Bass Trail Podcast.” The Podcast is released each week on Tuesday.

For Live coverage from this event and others visit https://www.youtube.com/@alabamabasstrailtv

The sponsors of the 2023 Alabama Bass Trail include: Phoenix Boats, Academy Sports, Alabama Power, America’s First Federal Credit Union, American Trailer Rental Group, BAJIO, Big Bite Baits, Bill Penney Automotive, Black Rifle Coffee Company, Anheuser – Bush, Inc., E3 Sports Apparel, Fish Neely Henry Lake.com, Garmin, Jack’s, Lew’s, Mtn Dew, Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, Power-Pole, Strike King, Sweet Home Alabama, T-H Marine, Yamaha, YETI Coolers.

Fujita extends lead at Bassmaster Elite Series event on Lake Champlain

Brian Carter

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August 20, 2023

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Fujita extends lead at Bassmaster Elite Series event on Lake Champlain

Kyoya Fujita of Minamitsuru, Japan, is leading after Day 3 of the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain with a three-day total of 67 pounds, 12 ounces.

Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.

August 20, 2023

Fujita extends lead at Bassmaster Elite Series event on Lake Champlain

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — Matching the day’s bright complexion, Japanese superstar Kyoya Fujita again outshined the field and maintained his lead at the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain with a three-day total of 67 pounds, 12 ounces.

Following a dim and drizzly Day 2, Semifinal Sunday’s morning clouds quickly yielded to mostly sunny conditions, which clearly cracked the whip on Champlain’s smallmouth bass. Capitalizing on the favorable conditions, the rookie Elite from Minamitsuru, Yamanashi, Japan, who led Day 2, complemented his first two limits of 21-5 and 23-14 with a Day 3 bag that weighed 22-9.

Fujita started the day with a 7-ounce lead over Alex Redwine of Blue Ash, Ohio. After Sunday’s performance, he heads into Championship Monday leading Missouri pro Cody Huff by 2-13.

“Today was very tough,” Fujita admitted. “Short bite, short bite, short bite — miss, miss, miss. I had no big fish in the morning. But in the afternoon, I had two big fish.”

Making his fourth Top 10 for the 2023 Elite season, Fujita has camped in one main area of the Inland Sea, at Champlain’s upper end. He’s basically hunting down active smallmouth that are following schools of baitfish.

Fujita said his main baits are a drop shot with a 4.5-inch Jackall Yammy stick worm cut down to 3 inches and a Damiki-style rig with a 5.2-inch Jackall Revoltage RV-Drift Fry on a 1/8-ounce ball-head jig.

The vast Inland Sea has hosted several of the event’s top performers, but Fujita seems to have dialed in the sweetest spot.

“In practice, I looked through a lot of places, but the area I’m fishing has the most big fish,” Fujita said with the help of an interpreter.

Forward-facing sonar has dramatically improved the way anglers search broad areas and, with three graphs on his bow, Fujita has kept a keen eye on his targets. Although he declined to share specifics, he noted the distance at which he sets his Garmin LiveScope has played a key role in his success.

“I’m looking at fish on the bottom and suspended fish,” Fujita said. “Both were non-active today. I was really struggling.”

Fujita said he responded to this challenge with mobility.

“I moved around more today,” he said. “I caught fish in five different spots. I was able to go back to some of these spots multiple times and catch fish.”

After catching approximately 50 bass on Day 2, Fujita boated 15 today. Noting that he’s sticking with that same game plan, Fujita said he knows he has to step on the gas in the final round.

“Nothing has changed from the beginning of the tournament; it’s just getting tougher and tougher every day,” Fujita said. “I need a big fish tomorrow.

“I know it’s going to be tough, but there will be fewer people. I’m going to keep doing the same thing and catch every fish I see.”

Huff, who led Day 1, holds the second-place spot with 64-15. His daily limits went 23-3, 20-10 and 21-2.

Also fishing the Inland Sea, Huff spent his day hunting bass on forward-facing sonar. He threw a Damiki rig with a Strike King 3X Z-Too and a Baby Z-Too.

“I would like to tell you a really cool story on how you go and find ‘em, but it’s just covering a ton of water until you see them,” Huff said. “They’re not everywhere, but when you get into an area that’s got them, it’s like there’s a big school.

“Sometimes, that school’s together; sometimes, it’s spread out. Sometimes, I’m picking off singles, doubles and triples. Other times, they’re in groups of 20 to 30 fish.”

Huff said the sun helped him find more fish and the ones he found seemed more aggressive.

Justin Atkins of Florence, Ala., is in third place with 64-15. Turning in a consistent performance, Atkins has weighed bags of 22-6, 21-6 and 21-3.

Bucking the trend of Damiki rigs and drop shots, Atkins has been catching his bass on a 1/4-ounce underspin with a Berkley MaxScent Flat Worm. In the dim conditions of Day 2, he found that going to an all-black bait/trailer package worked best, but Day 3 required an adjustment.

“I had to go back to the (white) bait I caught them on when it was sunny the first day,” Atkins said. “Yesterday, I couldn’t get them to bite the lighter-colored bait. Today, they started eating it right off the bat.”

Bryan Schmitt of Deale, Md., who won the 2021 Elite at Champlain, earned the $1,000 Phoenix Boats Big Bass award for the day with his 5-1.

Jay Przekurat of Stevens Point, Wis., and Mark Menendez of Paducah, Ky., share the overall lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Week honors, each with a 5-4.

Fujita is currently in the lead for the VMC Monster Bag award with his Day 2 limit of 23-14.

Kyle Welcher of Opelika, Ala., leads the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings with 652 points. Brandon Cobb of Greenwood, S.C., is in second with 646, followed by Drew Cook of Cairo, Ga., with 622, Przekurat with 616 and Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C., with 612.

Joey Cifuentes III of Clinton, Ark., leads the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Rookie of the Year standings with 610 points. Fujita is in second with 595.

Monday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. ET at Plattsburgh City Marina. The weigh-in will be held at the marina at 3 p.m. Bassmaster LIVE will stream beginning at 8 a.m. on Bassmaster.com.

The tournament is being hosted by the City of Plattsburgh and Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau.

2023 Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain 8/17-8/21
Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 3

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$

1. Kyoya Fujita Minamitsuru, Yamanashi 15 67-12 104
Day 1: 5 21-05 Day 2: 5 23-14 Day 3: 5 22-09
2. Cody Huff Ava, MO 15 64-15 103
Day 1: 5 23-03 Day 2: 5 20-10 Day 3: 5 21-02
3. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 15 64-15 102
Day 1: 5 22-06 Day 2: 5 21-06 Day 3: 5 21-03
4. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 15 64-10 101
Day 1: 5 22-14 Day 2: 5 21-14 Day 3: 5 19-14
5. Jay Przekurat Stevens Point, WI 15 64-07 100 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-11 Day 2: 5 21-01 Day 3: 5 20-11
6. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 15 63-14 99
Day 1: 5 22-01 Day 2: 5 22-00 Day 3: 5 19-13
7. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 15 62-02 98
Day 1: 5 20-10 Day 2: 5 19-14 Day 3: 5 21-10
8. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC   15 61-15 97
Day 1: 5 21-08 Day 2: 5 21-01 Day 3: 5 19-06
9. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 15 61-06 96
Day 1: 5 20-03 Day 2: 5 21-03 Day 3: 5 20-00
10. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 15 60-13 95
Day 1: 5 19-12 Day 2: 5 21-07 Day 3: 5 19-10
11. Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 15 60-09 94 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-06 Day 2: 5 18-09 Day 3: 5 21-10
12. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 15 59-13 93 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-06 Day 2: 5 20-07 Day 3: 5 20-00
13. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 15 59-13 92 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-10 Day 2: 5 20-06 Day 3: 5 19-13
14. Cory Johnston Cavan CANADA 15 59-04 91 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-14 Day 2: 5 19-03 Day 3: 5 20-03
15. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 15 59-02 90 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-09 Day 2: 5 18-14 Day 3: 5 20-11
16. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 15 59-00 89 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-13 Day 2: 5 19-09 Day 3: 5 18-10
17. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 15 59-00 88 $11,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-04 Day 2: 5 19-01 Day 3: 5 19-11
18. Cooper Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CAN 15 58-13 87 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 21-04 Day 3: 5 20-06
19. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 15 58-09 86 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-12 Day 2: 5 20-11 Day 3: 5 19-02
20. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 15 58-02 85 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 20-14 Day 3: 5 19-01
21. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 15 58-02 84 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-11 Day 2: 5 20-00 Day 3: 5 19-07
22. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 15 58-00 83 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-09 Day 2: 5 20-04 Day 3: 5 18-03
23. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 15 57-14 82 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-07 Day 2: 5 19-10 Day 3: 5 18-13
24. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 15 57-13 81 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-08 Day 2: 5 19-04 Day 3: 5 17-01
25. Kyle Welcher Opelika, AL 15 57-11 80 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 21-00 Day 3: 5 20-02
26. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 15 57-08 79 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 19-04 Day 3: 5 19-05
27. Carl Jocumsen Queensland AUSTRALIA 15 57-03 78 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 19-14 Day 3: 5 18-13
28. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 15 57-01 77 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 17-11 Day 3: 5 20-01
29. Wes Logan Springville, AL 15 56-08 76 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-11 Day 2: 5 17-15 Day 3: 5 18-14
30. Taku Ito Chiba JAPAN 15 56-06 75 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 17-14 Day 3: 5 19-07
31. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 15 56-01 74 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-13 Day 2: 5 18-04 Day 3: 5 19-00
32. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 15 55-14 73 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 20-07 Day 3: 5 16-08
33. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 15 55-14 72 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 19-15 Day 3: 5 17-15
34. Jason Christie Dry Creek, OK 15 55-06 71 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-07 Day 2: 5 15-12 Day 3: 5 18-03
35. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 15 55-00 70 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-03 Day 2: 5 18-04 Day 3: 5 17-09
36. Bryan New Saluda, SC 15 54-10 69 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 18-08 Day 3: 5 18-11
37. Gary Clouse Winchester, TN 15 54-02 68 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-09 Day 2: 5 17-13 Day 3: 5 15-12
38. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 15 54-01 67 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-09 Day 2: 5 18-01 Day 3: 5 16-07
39. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 15 53-13 66 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 18-07 Day 3: 5 16-13
40. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 15 53-13 65 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 5 18-07 Day 3: 5 17-05
41. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 15 53-04 64 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 20-00 Day 3: 5 15-12
42. Matty Wong Honolulu, HI 15 53-02 63 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-10 Day 2: 5 18-12 Day 3: 5 12-12
43. Bradley Hallman Edmond, OK 15 52-13 62 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-05 Day 2: 5 17-02 Day 3: 5 15-06
44. Logan Latuso Gonzales, LA 15 52-05 61 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 19-07 Day 3: 5 14-07
45. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 15 51-08 60 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 18-03 Day 3: 5 14-13
46. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 15 51-08 59 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 17-10 Day 3: 5 15-07
47. Cole Sands Calhoun, TN 15 51-04 58 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 17-15 Day 3: 5 14-06
48. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 15 51-02 57 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-02 Day 2: 5 16-14 Day 3: 5 15-02
49. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 15 47-14 56 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 18-06 Day 3: 5 11-08
50. Bob Downey Detroit Lakes, MN 10 36-05 55 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 20-02 Day 3: 0 00-00
———————————————————————–

PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Jay Przekurat Stevens Point, WI 05-04 $1,000.00
2 Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 05-04 $1,000.00
3 Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 05-01 $1,000.00

———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 95 493 1702-12
2 98 502 1798-10
3 49 245 898-15
———————————-
242 1240 4400-05

Reflecting on the Battle Against Cheating in Bass Fishing

Letters to the Editor

Brian Carter

-

August 20, 2023

0

Reflecting on the Battle Against Cheating in Bass Fishing

Dear Editor

I wanted to share some thoughts that have been on my mind lately, specifically regarding the issue of cheating in the world of bass fishing. As an avid angler who holds a deep passion for the sport, I find myself pondering the question: Can we ever truly put an end to cheating in bass fishing?

Bass fishing is not just a hobby; it’s a cherished pursuit that demands patience, skill, and a profound connection with nature. It’s a realm that unites individuals from all walks of life, drawn together by a mutual love for the water and the thrill of the catch. However, the unfortunate reality is that the specter of cheating can cast a shadow over the integrity of our beloved sport.

The prospect of completely eradicating cheating is a complex challenge. While it can be disheartening to witness instances of dishonesty within our community, I believe it’s crucial that we confront this issue openly. Just as a fisherman navigates the waters with precision and determination, we must address the challenge of preserving honesty in our sport.

In moments of contemplation, I often turn to my faith for guidance. The Bible offers wisdom that resonates deeply with the challenges we face. One verse that particularly resonates is Proverbs 11:1: “The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.” This verse serves as a poignant reminder that our commitment to integrity in bass fishing aligns with a higher principle of fairness and truth.

Although the complete elimination of cheating may appear as an ambitious goal, there are measures we can take to cultivate an environment that upholds the values we hold dear. Through education, mentorship, and fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among fellow anglers, we can shape the attitudes of the next generation. By nurturing a culture of fairness, we can work towards a future where cheating finds no place in our cherished sport.

In closing, I firmly believe that by uniting our efforts, remaining vigilant, and waveringly adhering to our shared values, we can make strides in combating cheating in bass fishing. Let us remember that we are not alone in this endeavor; together as a community, we can ensure that the essence of our sport remains untainted. Thank you for your time and for providing a platform for discussions that resonate deeply within our angling community.

basscastPRO

basscastPRO

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