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Tuesday, December 16, 2025
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Huff takes early lead at Bassmaster Elite Series event on Lake Champlain

Brian Carter
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Huff takes early lead at Bassmaster Elite Series event on Lake Champlain

Cody Huff of Ava, Mo., is leading after Day 1 of the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain with 23 pounds, 3 ounces.  

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

August 17, 2023

Huff takes early lead at Bassmaster Elite Series event on Lake Champlain

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — Cody Huff knew he had options, but the second-year pro from Ava, Mo., stuck with his strength and sacked up 23 pounds, 3 ounces to lead Day 1 of the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain.

Anchoring his bag with a 5-pound smallmouth, Huff leveraged his renowned forward-facing sonar skills to hunt down sizable bass in Champlain’s Inland Sea region.

“I would rather go out and use my electronics and spend my whole day throwing at fish, instead of just running the bank and casting,” Huff said. “I had an awesome day, but I didn’t expect that. I knew I was on some good ones, but whenever I got around, they got to biting.

“It’s kinda crazy here because there are so many fish, you don’t know if you’re going to catch a 3-pounder or a 5-pounder. They’re just all mixed together, but it’s a heck of a lot of fun.”

Huff said he worked an area of approximately one square mile with depths of 20 to 50 feet. The key, he said, was covering water and continuously hunting fish that were following bait schools.

“They’re really just moving a lot. They’re never on a waypoint,” Huff said. “They’re in an area swimming.”

Huff said his action started early and he was able to put himself in a good position within an hour of takeoff.

“I had 20 pounds by 8 o’clock and then I just picked off a few big ones throughout the day,” he said. “I caught a lot of bass and had a lot of fun.

“I caught a lot of them out of the same area. It’s a big area, but I really don’t know what (attracts them.) They’re just in there eating, and I hope they stay put.”

Doing most of his work with a finesse bait, Huff said that calling an audible was the key to his success.

“I actually caught all of my fish on a bait that I hadn’t really thrown that much in practice, but the conditions changed and the fish’s mood kind of changed,” he said. “I caught some big ones on it early and just rolled with it.

“I wanted to change my presentation because of the wind. The boat was moving a lot and the fish were moving a lot, so I was just trying to present the bait correctly to them.”

Huff spent his practice dialing in the area that delivered his Day 1 weight. The results, he said, fueled his optimism for the tournament’s potential.

“I knew I had a chance of doing good, but I didn’t know how good,” Huff said. “I caught a couple of 4- and 5-pounders and saw a bunch more on my (Garmin) LiveScope.

“I didn’t throw on them, so I really didn’t know if they were all big. It turned out a lot of them were pretty big.”

Alex Redwine of Blue Ash, Ohio, is in second place with 22-14. Noting that he caught most of his weight prior to 10 o’clock, Redwine attributes his success to getting his weight before the fish scattered.

“The reason I was able to capitalize on those bites was because I was able to catch what I caught before (the area) got too pressured,” he said. “There was a lot of boat pressure on them and those fish were definitely feeling it.

“I was able to catch my fish and get out of there with what I got in time.”

Redwine spent his day in the Inland Sea area, where he focused on covering as much water as possible to find the aggressive fish. This, he said, proved more challenging than it was during practice.

“It was a good one here, a good one there,” Redwine said. “It’s not the same as I saw in practice. The fish are not as grouped up; they’re a lot more scattered, and I think that’s because of the pressure they’ve been getting.”

Jay Przekurat of Stevens Point, Wis., is in third place with 22-11. Working broad areas with abundant bait schools, Przekurat caught all of his fish on one finesse rig with two different bait colors.

Przekurat, the 2022 Rookie of the Year, who claimed his first Elite Series win last year at the St. Lawrence River, said the second half of his day yielded his best results.

“I caught my biggest fish late, it was like 2:30 when I caught that one,” Przekurat said. “The fishing just picked up. The fish kept moving up and up in the water column and, finally, they just started reacting.

“Before that, I would have so many follows; I don’t know how many big ones would follow my stuff. Finally, I connected with that one, then I made another pass and caught another big one in the same exact spot.”

Przekurat claimed the day’s Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 5-4.

Brandon Cobb of Greenwood, S.C., leads the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings with 645 points. Przekurat is in second with 618, followed by Kyle Welcher of Opelika, Ala., with 617, Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C., with 613, and Drew Cook of Cairo, Ga., with 607.

Joey Cifuentes III of Clinton, Ark., leads the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Rookie of the Year standings with 607.

Friday’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 kicks off tournament coverage at 8 a.m. ET on Bassmaster.com, Tubi and the FOX Sports platforms. 

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

2023 Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain 8/17-8/20
Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh  NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1

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

1.  Cody Huff              Ava, MO                  5  23-03  104
  Day 1: 5   23-03   
2.  Alex Redwine           Blue Ash, OH             5  22-14  103
  Day 1: 5   22-14   
3.  Jay Przekurat          Stevens Point, WI        5  22-11  102   $1,000.00
  Day 1: 5   22-11   
4.  Justin Atkins          Florence, AL             5  22-06  101
  Day 1: 5   22-06   
5.  Bryant Smith           Roseville, CA            5  22-01  100
  Day 1: 5   22-01   
6.  Matty Wong             Honolulu, HI             5  21-10   99
  Day 1: 5   21-10   
7.  Gregory DiPalma        Millville, NJ            5  21-08   98
  Day 1: 5   21-08   
7.  Patrick Walters        Summerville, SC          5  21-08   98
  Day 1: 5   21-08   
9.  Jason Christie         Dry Creek, OK            5  21-07   96
  Day 1: 5   21-07   
10. Kyoya Fujita           Minamitsuru, Yamanashi   5  21-05   95
  Day 1: 5   21-05   
11. David Mullins          Mt Carmel, TN            5  20-13   94
  Day 1: 5   20-13   
12. Austin Felix           Eden Prairie, MN         5  20-10   93
  Day 1: 5   20-10   
13. Gary Clouse            Winchester, TN           5  20-09   92
  Day 1: 5   20-09   
14. Joey Cifuentes III     Clinton, AR              5  20-06   91
  Day 1: 5   20-06   
15. Bradley Hallman        Edmond, OK               5  20-05   90
  Day 1: 5   20-05   
16. Bryan Schmitt          Deale, MD                5  20-04   89
  Day 1: 5   20-04   
17. Matt Robertson         Kuttawa, KY              5  20-03   88
  Day 1: 5   20-03   
18. Cory Johnston          Cavan CANADA             5  19-14   87
  Day 1: 5   19-14   
18. Hunter Shryock         Ooltewah, TN             5  19-14   87
  Day 1: 5   19-14   
20. Jacob Foutz            Charleston, TN           5  19-12   85
  Day 1: 5   19-12   
21. Wes Logan              Springville, AL          5  19-11   84
  Day 1: 5   19-11   
22. Luke Palmer            Coalgate, OK             5  19-10   83
  Day 1: 5   19-10   
23. Stetson Blaylock       Benton, AR               5  19-09   82
  Day 1: 5   19-09   
23. Shane LeHew            Catawba, NC              5  19-09   82
  Day 1: 5   19-09   
23. Paul Mueller           Naugatuck, CT            5  19-09   82
  Day 1: 5   19-09   
26. Chris Johnston         Otonabee Ontario CANADA  5  19-07   79
  Day 1: 5   19-07   
27. Drew Cook              Cairo, GA                5  19-06   78
  Day 1: 5   19-06   
28. Chris Zaldain          Fort Worth, TX           5  19-05   77
  Day 1: 5   19-05   
29. Ed Loughran III        Richmond, VA             5  19-03   76
  Day 1: 5   19-03   
30. Matt Arey              Shelby, NC               5  19-02   75
  Day 1: 5   19-02   
31. Taku Ito               Chiba, JAPAN             5  19-01   74
  Day 1: 5   19-01   
32. Bill Lowen             Brookville, IN           5  19-00   73
  Day 1: 5   19-00   
33. Brandon Cobb           Greenwood, SC            5  18-15   72
  Day 1: 5   18-15   
33. Brock Mosley           Collinsville, MS         5  18-15   72
  Day 1: 5   18-15   
33. Cole Sands             Calhoun, TN              5  18-15   72
  Day 1: 5   18-15   
36. Scott Canterbury       Odenville, AL            5  18-13   69
  Day 1: 5   18-13   
37. Caleb Sumrall          New Iberia, LA           5  18-12   68
  Day 1: 5   18-12   
38. Justin Hamner          Northport, AL            5  18-11   67
  Day 1: 5   18-11   
38. Jonathan Kelley        Old Forge, PA            5  18-11   67
  Day 1: 5   18-11   
40. Drew Benton            Panama City, FL          5  18-09   65
  Day 1: 5   18-09   
41. Carl Jocumsen          Queensland AUSTRALIA     5  18-08   64
  Day 1: 5   18-08   
41. Lee Livesay            Longview, TX             5  18-08   64
  Day 1: 5   18-08   
43. Greg Hackney           Gonzales, LA             5  18-07   62
  Day 1: 5   18-07   
43. Logan Latuso           Gonzales, LA             5  18-07   62
  Day 1: 5   18-07   
45. Marc Frazier           Newnan, GA               5  18-07   60
  Day 1: 5   18-07   
46. Brandon Lester         Fayetteville, TN         5  18-03   59
  Day 1: 5   18-03   
46. Pat Schlapper          Eleva, WI                5  18-03   59
  Day 1: 5   18-03   
48. Caleb Kuphall          Mukwonago, WI            5  18-02   57
  Day 1: 5   18-02   
49. Gerald Swindle         Guntersville, AL         5  18-01   56
  Day 1: 5   18-01   
50. Hank Cherry Jr         Lincolnton, NC           5  18-00   55
  Day 1: 5   18-00   
50. Scott Martin           Clewiston, FL            5  18-00   55
  Day 1: 5   18-00   
52. Matt Herren            Ashville, AL             5  17-08   53
  Day 1: 5   17-08   
52. Jacob Powroznik        North Prince George, VA  5  17-08   53
  Day 1: 5   17-08   
54. Bryan New              Saluda, SC               5  17-07   51
  Day 1: 5   17-07   
54. Alex Wetherell         Middletown, CT           5  17-07   51
  Day 1: 5   17-07   
56. Cooper Gallant         Bowmanville Ontario CAN  5  17-03   49
  Day 1: 5   17-03   
57. David Williams         Newton, NC               5  16-13   48
  Day 1: 5   16-13   
58. Clent Davis            Montevallo, AL           5  16-12   47
  Day 1: 5   16-12   
59. John Cox               DeBary, FL               5  16-10   46
  Day 1: 5   16-10   
60. Kyle Welcher           Opelika, AL              5  16-09   45
  Day 1: 5   16-09   
61. Rick Clunn             Ava, MO                  5  16-08   44
  Day 1: 5   16-08   
62. Mike Huff              London, KY               5  16-07   43
  Day 1: 5   16-07   
63. Keith Combs            Huntington, TX           5  16-06   42
  Day 1: 5   16-06   
64. Bob Downey             Detroit Lakes, MN        5  16-03   41
  Day 1: 5   16-03   
64. Jamie Hartman          Newport, NY              5  16-03   41
  Day 1: 5   16-03   
66. Seth Feider            New Market, MN           5  16-02   39
  Day 1: 5   16-02   
67. Kenta Kimura           Osaka JAPAN              5  16-01   38
  Day 1: 5   16-01   
68. David Fritts           Lexington, NC            5  16-00   37
  Day 1: 5   16-00   
68. Skylar Hamilton        Jefferson, TN            5  16-00   37
  Day 1: 5   16-00   
70. Jeff Gustafson         Kenora, Ontario CANADA    5  15-13   35
  Day 1: 5   15-13   
71. Buddy Gross            Chattanooga, TN          5  15-10   34
  Day 1: 5   15-10   
72. Clifford Pirch         Payson, AZ               5  15-05   33
  Day 1: 5   15-05   
73. Brandon Card           Salisbury, NC            5  15-03   32
  Day 1: 5   15-03   
73. David Gaston           Sylacauga, AL            5  15-03   32
  Day 1: 5   15-03   
75. Darold Gleason         Many, LA                 5  15-01   30
  Day 1: 5   15-01   
76. Derek Hudnall          Zachary, LA              5  14-15   29
  Day 1: 5   14-15   
77. Koby Kreiger           Alva, FL                 5  14-13   28
  Day 1: 5   14-13   
77. Mark Menendez          Paducah, KY              5  14-13   28
  Day 1: 5   14-13   
79. John Crews Jr          Salem, VA                5  14-08   26
  Day 1: 5   14-08   
80. Chad Pipkens           DeWitt, MI               5  14-04   25
  Day 1: 5   14-04   
80. Cliff Prince           Palatka, FL              5  14-04   25
  Day 1: 5   14-04   
82. Keith Poche            Cecil, AL                5  14-03   23
  Day 1: 5   14-03   
83. Frank Talley           Temple, TX               5  14-01   22
  Day 1: 5   14-01   
84. Clark Wendlandt        Leander, TX              5  13-12   21
  Day 1: 5   13-12   
85. Todd Auten             Lake Wylie, SC           5  13-08   20
  Day 1: 5   13-08   
86. Kyle Norsetter         Cottage Grove, WI        5  13-07   19
  Day 1: 5   13-07   
87. Brandon Palaniuk       Rathdrum, ID             5  13-02   18
  Day 1: 5   13-02   
88. Jason Williamson       Aiken, SC                5  12-11   17
  Day 1: 5   12-11   
89. Tyler Rivet            Raceland, LA             5  12-08   16
  Day 1: 5   12-08   
90. Will Davis Jr          Sylacauga, AL            5  12-05   15
  Day 1: 5   12-05   
91. Jake Whitaker          Hendersonville, NC       4  11-14   14
  Day 1: 4   11-14   
92. John Soukup            Sapulpa, OK              5  11-10   13
  Day 1: 5   11-10   
93. Michael Iaconelli      Pittsgrove, NJ           5  11-05   12
  Day 1: 5   11-05   
94. KJ Queen               Conover, NC              5  11-04   11
  Day 1: 5   11-04   
95. Steve Kennedy          Auburn, AL               5  09-13   10
  Day 1: 5   09-13   
96. Larry Nixon            Bee Branch, AR           5  09-04    9
  Day 1: 5   09-04   
97. Masayuki Matsushita    Tokoname-Aichi, JAPAN    4  07-15    8
  Day 1: 4   07-15   
98. Brad Whatley           Bivins, TX               2  06-11    7
  Day 1: 2   06-11   
99. Joseph Webster         Hamilton, AL             3  06-02    6
  Day 1: 3   06-02   
100. Micah Frazier          Newnan, GA               2  06-01    5
  Day 1: 2   06-01   
101. Ray Hanselman Jr       Del Rio, TX              3  04-15    4
  Day 1: 3   04-15   
102. Josh Douglas           Isle, MN                 0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
———————————————————————–

PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS 
Day
 1   Jay Przekurat            Stevens Point, WI   05-04      $1,000.00

———————————————————————–
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
 1        95       493      1702-12
———————————-
          95       493      1702-12

Danny & Joey McLean Win CATT Waccamaw River, SC Summer Final August 12, 2023

Brian Carter
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0
Danny & Joey McLean Win CATT Waccamaw River, SC Summer Final August 12, 2023

To earn 15% of your Phantom order use PHANTOMCATT15  at check out! Tap on the Phantom caps to start shopping!

The 2023 Waccamaw River Fall Schedule is posted! Some big uns are being caught on the Waccamaw River CATT Trail! Come join us! Tap on the link to view the Fall schedule!

CATT Waccamaw River – Carolina Anglers Team Trail (cattteamtrail.com)

Danny & Joey McLean win the 2023 Waccamaw River Summer Final with 5 bass weighing 19.08 lbs and they weighed in the 1st Academy BF at 6.98 lbs! They took home $2,480.00!

Britt Brown & Danny Martin 2nd with 13.21 lbs worth $1,050.00!

Jess White finished 3rd with 13.20 lbs and earned $600.00!

Alan Richardson & Timmy Squires 4th Place with 12.51 lbs!

Ron Cannon took 5th with 11.84 lbs and 2nd BF at 6.52 lbs!

Charles Fryer & Noah Jones were our 2023 Waccamaw River Summer Point Champs!

Justin Carter with a 6 pounder!

Trey Cribb with a 5 pounder!

TeamBFWeightWinnings
Danny & Joey McLean6.9819.08$2,480.00
Danny Martin & Britt Brown4.0813.21$1,050.00
Jess White3.8613.20$600.00
Timmy Squires & Alan Richardson4.1112.51$300.00
Ron Cannon6.5211.84$230.00
Charles Fryer & Noah Jones3.2310.55
Justin Carter6.0010.50
Timmy & Wesley Williamson3.1810.03
John Proctor & Johnny Duarte2.989.67
Brian Howard & Richard McConnell2.369.61
Marion Humphries & Luke Russell2.648.20
Brayden Clay & Dalton Warren0.008.13
Trey Cribb4.987.86
Ed Owens & Chris Jones0.007.86
Tommy & Thomas Collins2.827.35
Robby Byrum & Eric Cox0.007.16
Keith & Rex Coker0.007.06
Garrett Howard & Cal Marsh0.006.83
Dana Rabon & Donnie Register0.006.11
Will Hendrix & Alex Hyarck0.005.71
Matthew Trussell0.001.41
Ryan Thom& Brian Meyers0.000.00
Nick Gant & Patrick Cook0.000.00
Jason Smith & Shane Thomas0.000.00
Casey & Mckenzie Warren0.000.00
John Miller0.000.00
Greg & Logan Benton0.000.00

Garrett Geouge Wins CATT James River, VA August 12, 2023

Brian Carter
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0
Garrett Geouge Wins CATT James River, VA August 12, 2023

Next & Last 2023 CATT James River Qualifier will be Sept 16th at Hopewell Marina! Check the James River Points at the bottom of the James River Division Page! If you need one more Qualifier to be eligible to enter the James River Final Sept 16th is your last chance!

Must fish 3 of 7 Qualifiers to Fish Final

2023 James River Point Winners Receive Free Entry into All 2024 James River Qualifiers Excluding the Final!
2nd In the James River Points $500
3rd In the James River Points $250
4th In the James River Points $150
5th In the James River Points $100

A polygraph was administered and all teams were good!

Garrett Geouge weighed in 5 bass at 20.24 lbs taking 1st Place and a check for the amount of $1,900.00!

John Koren & Johnnie Spencer claimed 2nd with 5 bass weighing in at 15.64 lbs worth $1,435.00!

Donnie Meade & Travis Daniles 3rd with 14.68 lbs!

Francis Martin claimed 4th with 14.18 lbs!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Garrett Geouge5.8420.24$1,900.00110
John Koren – Johnnie Spencer5.9415.64$1,435.00109
Donnie Meade – Travis Daniels0.0014.38$630.00108
Francis Martin0.0014.18$530.00107
Billy Allen – Craig Cheek0.0013.91$720.00106
Joseph Carr – Bob Timberlake0.0013.65$300.00105
Aaron Lucy – Reid Clay0.0013.49$355.00104
Tommy Little – Robert Bruguiere0.0013.48$190.00103
Rodney Manson – Robert Lewis5.9713.44$343.00102
Eric Picucci – Micah Mitten0.0013.39$145.00101
Blake Miles – Daniel Jenkins0.0013.03$125.00100
Luke Carson – Hayden Coyner6.8813.02$392.0099
Griffin Roberts – Nicholas Bodsford0.0012.9198
Tim Chaffin – Trey Goodman0.0012.7097
Ed & Ed Jordan0.0012.6396
James Tilley0.0012.6395
Cory Dunnavant – Kennon Ball0.0012.4694
Howard Austin – Mickey Anderson0.0012.3993
Greg Cooper – Dave Bivins0.0012.3892
Kelly Robinette – David Barlow0.0012.2992
Wesley Farmer – Noah Adkins3.0612.0490
Ryan Drewery – Wayne Drewery0.0011.7489
Brian Brooks – Avery Powelson0.0011.7288
Jeff Valentin – Daryl Moody0.0011.5787
Scottie Melton – Shawn Smith3.0311.4286
Bobby Baker – Chip Martin0.0011.2685
Audie Murphy – Monte Aleman0.0010.4884
Mike Caul – Bill Petzold0.0010.3983
Tom Owens – Rick Mistr0.0010.1183
Tripp Mistr – Brent Mistr0.0010.0881
Jason S. Bishop2.8010.0880
Charles James – John James0.0010.0379
Joey Cooke – Justin Hall0.009.5578
Jamie Nealy – Greg Ball0.009.5377
Dave Carney – John Dunn0.009.4376
Marshall Johnson – Sammy Yates0.009.4075
Brandon Cross – Robert Malcom0.009.3674
Ron Struder – Mark Adams0.009.2873
Donnie Harper – Randy Johnson0.009.2572
Charles Ramer – Ernest Revels0.008.5071
Stacy Vasser0.008.0670
Curtis Combs – CJ Combs0.007.9469
James Whitehead III – Lynn Hoeffer0.007.1368
Brian Snipes – Chris Cockrell0.007.0467
James Byrd0.006.6666
Kevin Davis – Melissa Davis0.006.2665
Chuck Comer – Don Warren0.005.9764
Harvey Reese – Bobby Harris0.000.0054
Duane Hodge – Brad Colgin0.000.0054
Zack Whitt – Larry Whitt0.000.0054
Craig Ferguson – Clay Ferguson0.000.0054
Michael Brannon – Jacob Compton0.000.0054
Rick Rodriguez – Dick Powers0.000.0054
Bryce Henley – Hunter Pitts0.000.0054
Wez Zabeyr – Mike Elswick0.000.0054
Mathew Kite – Brandon Palmer0.000.0054
Jake Kidd – Jesse Kidd0.000.0054
Total Entrys$6,720.00
BONUS $$900.00
CATT$50.00
Total Paid At Ramp$7,065.00
2023 James River Spring Final Fund$455.00
2023 CATT Championship Fund$50.00
2023 James River Spring Final Fund Total$2,750.00

SECURE YOUR FISHING BOAT AND GEAR WITH BOLT LOCKS

Brian Carter
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SECURE YOUR FISHING BOAT AND GEAR WITH BOLT LOCKS

SECURE YOUR FISHING BOAT AND GEAR WITH BOLT LOCKS

MILWAUKEE – Bass fishers are known to carry and haul a lot of gear when fishing. Rods, reels, tackle, bait, weight scale, pliers and other more smaller items that can be stored in a truck bed or tackle box. The boat itself can be hauled by a trailer which is then attached to the tow vehicle. But hauling and carrying that much equipment, which can potentially total thousands of dollars, can feel risky to fishermen because of the threat of theft. An obvious answer is to lock the gear up with various locks, but that can become a hassle in and of itself due to the small keys, not knowing which key operates which lock and the resulting key ring clutter. Visible locks that are easy to use and feature patented technology are the best solution, and those important features are all found in the BOLT® Lock product line.


By using specially crafted tumblers that memorize a vehicle’s ignition key, BOLT Locks reduce key clutter and programs every lock used by bass fishermen to the one key they’re sure to need: their truck key. After the first insertion and rotation of the ignition key into the specialized tumblers, the lock is permanently programmed. Every lock a fisherman could need for trailers, hitches, boats, tool boxes, tackle boxes, generators, dock boxes and more is available from BOLT Lock.


“As a professional bass fisher, I have a lot of money invested into my equipment so securing everything I need for fishing is a high priority. I use seven BOLT locks total so I’m not worried about my gear when I’m competing. BOLT locks are the easiest way to secure everything and changing over from traditional locks to BOLT was life-changing,” said Major League Fishing angler Justin Lucas.

The stainless steel pin of the Coupler Pin Lock fits couplers from ½-inch to 3 3/8-inches in 1/8-inch increments, providing a snug fit. BOLT’s coupler pin lock secures the locking lever from any movement and serves dual purposes: locking a trailer ball when hitched to a vehicle or making the coupler unusable when off of the vehicle. When the trailer is not hitched to a vehicle, the coupler pin lock secures the locking lever so that it cannot be moved in order for a new vehicle to attach a ball mount to the trailer.


BOLT Lock’s Receiver Lock is the other dual purpose lock for towing. Designed to lock the ball mount receiver onto the hitch of the vehicle, the Receiver Lock comes in two sizes: ½-inch and 5/8-inches. BOLT Locks’ ½-inch Receiver Lock fits Class 1 and 2 hitches while the 5/8-inch Receiver Lock fits Class 3, 4 and 5 hitches. The receiver locks work by locking the ball mount to the receiver. When the ball mount is attached to the receiver hitch of the vehicle, the receiver lock is inserted and locked into place. This specific lock can be used whether or not a trailer is hitched to the vehicle. The receiver lock prevents the ball mount from being stolen off of the vehicle as well as preventing the trailer itself being stolen with the ball mount receiver.


Market demand for a lock to protect unattended trailers led to the design and creation of the company’s new hardened steel, red powder-coated Trailer Coupler Lock. Featuring bold red BOLT coloring, the robust device is a visible theft deterrent which is placed on the trailer’s coupler and locked to prevent being secured to another vehicle.

BOLT also offers cable locks and padlocks. The cable lock can secure kayaks to a roof rack of a vehicle, bikes to the back of a vehicle, generators to trailers, spare tires under the bed of the truck and any other item which needs to be protected during transport or storage. The multipurpose cable lock features a six foot long ¼-inch black vinyl coated coiled cable.


BOLT Locks’ padlock can also be used in multiple ways: to lock a cargo trailer door, secure a storage shed, lock a toolbox or tackle box and more. No matter what needs secured, BOLT provides a convenient lock that opens with the vehicle’s ignition key in order to protect it.
For more information on how BOLT technology works, visit https://www.boltlock.com/how-it-works.
About BOLT (Breakthrough One-Key Lock Technology)
BOLT Locks come with a limited lifetime warranty. Find a BOLT retailer by using the zip code finder at www.boltlock.com/retail-finder. BOLT Locks are also available at O’Reilly’s, NAPA, Quadratec and SummitRacing.com. For more information, visit www.boltlock.com or call 844.972.7547. Follow BOLT: Facebook.com/BOLTLock, Instagram: @BOLTLock or Twitter: @BOLTLock.

SRD20 Vinyl Protectant Gets It Right

Brian Carter
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SRD20 Vinyl Protectant Gets It Right
SRD20 Vinyl Protectant Gets It Right
Easy to apply lotion restores, enhances, and protects vinyl seat covers and more.
Lafayette, LA (August 16, 2023) – Considering the investments in their on-water platforms, it’s no wonder boaters and anglers tend to be serious when it comes to keeping their vessels spic and span. The one spot where many fall short, however, is tackling vinyl, plastic and rubber surfaces after they’ve cleaned, restored and protected their hulls. It’s for exactly that reason more and more boat owners are turning to SRD20’s new wave Vinyl Protectant to finish the job. It provides the perfect accent to a great hull shine and proves the axiom “little things mean a lot.”
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again,” states Stewart Delcambre, the company’s founder. “Cleaning your boat shouldn’t be that hard. Still, you might as well go ahead and finish the job right. There’s no way to better compliment that nice, clean hull finish than by refreshing your vinyl seating, cushions, hoses and rub rails – especially if you’ve already given yourself a great start with our SRD20 Pink Soap for Boats, SRD20 Graphene Ceramic Spray Coating and Protectant, and/or SRD20 Waterless Wash and Wax.”As opposed to most vinyl cleaners, SRD20 Vinyl Protectant is a lotion, not a spray. Sold in an 8-ounce bottle, it relies on a unique blend of polymer protectants to guard against cracking and fading due to the harmful impacts of UV rays while restoring and protecting vinyl, plastic and rubber. In keeping with SRD20’s entire product line it’s incredibly easy to use – and a little goes a long way. Simply apply a small amount to the surface of interest and spread it around for full coverage using an applicator pad, folded microfiber cloth or soft bristle brush. Allow the lotion to dwell and penetrate for several minutes before wiping off any access.
“As a lotion,” notes Delcambre, “this product really gets absorbed by the surface, providing superior protection, appearance enhancement, and a natural luster that looks great without overstating itself. Its restorative effects also significantly outlast most sprayable formulas.”SRD20 offers easy-to-apply, easy-to-remove, long-lasting and highly effective boat cleaning and protectant products. Infused with cutting-edge nanotechnology that works at a micro level to provide superior results, they make boat cleaning and maintenance a snap. In addition to its SRD20 Vinyl Protectant, the company’s all-star line-up includes its popular SRD20 Graphene Ceramic Spray Coating and Protectant, SRD20 Waterless Wash and Wax, and SRD20 Pink Soap for Boats. All SRD20 products are made in the USA and available at Amazon.com and SRD20.com.
 

Kevin VanDam: A Fishing Legend Settling the Debate of Future Greatness

Brian Carter
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Kevin VanDam: A Fishing Legend Settling the Debate of Future Greatness

In the realm of professional bass fishing, one name stands above all others: Kevin VanDam. With a career spanning decades, VanDam has etched his name into the annals of angling history as one of the sport’s true icons. As we marvel at his achievements, a question emerges: Will there ever be an angler better or as good as Kevin VanDam?

VanDam’s career is a tapestry woven with unparalleled success. His four Bassmaster Classic championships, seven Angler of the Year titles, and countless tournament wins have solidified his status as a legend. His uncanny ability to locate and entice bass in even the most challenging conditions sets him apart from his peers. Yet, as fans and enthusiasts ponder the future, it’s important to acknowledge the dynamic nature of sports and the potential for rising stars to rival even the greatest.

VanDam’s success can be attributed to a combination of skill, dedication, and an unyielding passion for fishing. His mastery of various techniques, from finesse to power fishing, has allowed him to adapt to ever-changing conditions and maintain a competitive edge. This adaptability is a hallmark of his greatness, a quality that any aspiring angler would do well to emulate.

While it’s tempting to believe that Kevin VanDam is an irreplaceable force in the angling world, the reality is that every generation produces its own share of prodigious talent. History is replete with examples of dominant figures whose feats were eventually surpassed or matched by their successors. Just as VanDam inherited the legacy of anglers before him, so too will future generations stand on his shoulders and strive to reach new heights.

Consider the meteoric rise of young anglers who are already making waves in the sport. Names like Jordan Lee, Jacob Wheeler, and Matt Becker have shown remarkable promise, racking up wins and accolades at an astonishing pace. These anglers represent the next generation of fishing excellence, displaying the same hunger for victory and mastery of the craft that defined VanDam’s career.

What sets Kevin VanDam apart, beyond his impressive list of accomplishments, is his enduring influence on the sport. VanDam’s dedication to education and mentorship has helped shape the angling community, fostering an environment of shared knowledge and camaraderie. He has paved the way for a new era of anglers who have the potential to match his greatness while adding their unique contributions to the tapestry of the sport.

Predicting the future of angling is a task fraught with uncertainty. While it’s tempting to speculate about the emergence of an angler who could rival or surpass Kevin VanDam, it’s equally important to appreciate the impact he has had on the sport. VanDam’s legacy is not only defined by his records and victories, but by his role as a catalyst for growth and innovation in fishing.

In the end, the question of whether there will ever be an angler better or as good as Kevin VanDam is less about comparison and more about celebration. As the sport of professional bass fishing evolves, new champions will rise to the challenge, each leaving their mark on the sport’s history. Kevin VanDam’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations to reach for greatness, forging their own paths while honoring the foundations he helped lay.

In the ever-changing world of angling, one constant remains: the pursuit of excellence. Whether a future angler reaches the pinnacle of success comparable to Kevin VanDam is uncertain, but what is certain is that the spirit of competition and the drive to achieve greatness will continue to shape the landscape of professional bass fishing for generations to come.



Top 8 college anglers battle for Classic berth at Bassmaster College Bracket on Milford Lake

Brian Carter
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Top 8 college anglers battle for Classic berth at Bassmaster College Bracket on Milford Lake

Auburn University’s Tucker Smith and Hayden Marbut will be among the eight anglers competing at the Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’s in Junction City, Kan., for a spot in the 2024 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota.

Photo by Chase Sansom/B.A.S.S.

August 15, 2023

Top 8 college anglers battle for Classic berth at Bassmaster College Bracket on Milford Lake

CollegeBracket_Lews_logo.png

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — Eight of the country’s best college anglers will launch on Milford Lake from Junction City, Kan., Sept. 29-Oct. 2 during the Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’s, fishing for a berth in the 2024 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota.

The 2023 Bassmaster College Team of the Year — Easton Fothergill and Nick Dumke from the University of Montevallo — automatically punched their ticket to the College Classic Bracket to compete alongside the Top 3 teams from last week’s Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops in this individual, elimination-style tournament.

Joining Fothergill and Dumke, who finished fifth at the National Championship, will be national champions Hayden Marbut and Tucker Smith from Auburn University, Levi Mullins and Matthew Cummings from Bethel University and a second Montevallo team, Brody Robison and Jack Alexander.

This is the second trip to the College Classic Bracket for Smith, who finished second by just 3 ounces in 2021.

“The last time I was there, it really hurt my feelings,” Smith said of the narrow loss. “It will be good to be back and get another chance at it.”

Located several miles northwest of Junction City, Milford Lake is home to the Kansas state-record smallmouth, a 6-pound, 14-ounce fish caught in early April 2010. The lake has hosted a couple of Bassmaster tournaments through the years, including the 2018 College Classic Bracket and the 2021 TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Central Regional.

On Day 1 of the event, all eight anglers will compete individually to determine seeding — based on weighing in the biggest bag — and set the bracket for head-to-head competition. Morning action on Days 2 and 3, the first two elimination days in the tournament, will be broadcast on FS1 beginning at 8 a.m. CT on Saturday and 7 a.m. on Sunday. The final day of competition will be streamed on Bassmaster.com.

In addition to a spot in the Bassmaster Classic, the College Classic Bracket champion will also earn paid entry into the 2024 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens and the use of a Toyota Tundra and a Nitro Boat.

For full coverage of the tournament, visit Bassmaster.com.

The event is being hosted by the Geary County, Kansas Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The Passion: Living the Good Life by Bruce Callis Jr

Bruce Callis
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The Passion: Living the Good Life by Bruce Callis Jr

The Passion

Living the Good Life

by Bruce Callis Jr

Passion, the dictionary defines it as any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling, a strong affection: love, or a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for anything. And when it comes to fishing, it is so true for everyone of us who enjoy being out on the water or the bank from sun up to sunset. Soaking a worm on a hook under a bobber or casting out our favorite artificial lure in hopes of a large fish biting.

For it’s the tug that is the drug. To feel the largemouth bass pick up our lure and to set the hook, when it slams our moving bait so hard it almost rips the road out of our hand, or to watch it devour our topwater bait as it comes over the water, it is what drives us to keep going and trying. It is more than just a passion, it is a way of life. We aren’t happy if we aren’t out there.

You know you have it bad when you are driving down the road and you pass any body of water and your first thoughts are of what bait you would throw first and where. And 99% of the time, you have the gear with you to make it happen. That’s passion and you are hooked.

I remember growing up. My first memory is of going to my grandparent’s house on the farm and riding over to the mill pond there with my grandfather and dad. Using a cane pole with worms we dug up on the farm, we fished for whatever would bite standing on the bank. Watching that bobber, waiting for the bite, watching it start to pop up and down, producing ripples that flowed out until finally it went under and lifting the pole up to set the hook. They were mostly bluegills and crappie with an occasional small largemouth, but it didn’t matter, as it was such a thrill. The days of summer and being a kid!

That thrill lead to even more. Granted, we didn’t do as much freshwater fishing, but fishing was a part of life. We would go over to the same area where my mom had me out on the dock of the fish house as an infant. We would fish off the piers there, mostly for white perch and catfish. Of course, sometimes we would be greeted with a nice yellow perch as well. My grandfather would roll up his pants legs and hop over and use a net to get some grass shrimp for us to fish with along with the peelers we had gotten. If we went across the road, there we empty warehouses that had a dock and mom would use a hand-line and fish for catfish. She always said that she had better feel for the bite on that green cotton line.

But since we lived in the city now, we spent the summer at a campground that had a small pond on it. It also had an in ground sand bottom swimming pool. Many a day was spent at the pond. My favorite lure was an inline spinnerbait, much like a Mepps, but was usually bought at Western Auto or a local marine center. I can even remember that they were usually 2 for a whole dollar or 59 cents a piece. Caught my first chain pickerel in that pond on a yellow one. Somewhere there is a picture of it.

And during the school year, we would be down on most weekends. Boy Scouts was also a great adventure. I remember that our Boy Scout Troop also had some tournament anglers come out and talk with us about fishing. We even formed a Junior Bass Angler Club. We learned a lot from them, even about a Texas rigged worm. And the toothpick trick to peg our weights. We even had a tournament. I remember I didn’t do great, but I had an awesome time. Further fueling that passion.

And once I got a drivers license, I remember going to the James River and attempting to wade out during the summer and fish. It was a learning experience as I walked through water, sometimes up to my waist trying to find a bass. A few times I remember finding a deep hole and going under, losing my sunglasses, but holding tight to my fishing gear. A dollar pair of sunglasses could be replaced easily, but not the fishing gear.

The passion was strong, and the chances we would take to get to the spot we would want to fish made it fun. We were young and foolish, and we did some crazy things that we didn’t think were as dangerous as they were. Walking across the Z Dam on the James River over to Williams Island didn’t seem dangerous, but now we know better. It was all about finding a bass.

Family came, but the desire to fish never left. Once I had kids, it was about passing on the passion. I remember taking my kids fishing when I lived in Florida. Something about watching them catch their first fish. Reminded me about my first. I even fished some tournaments with my brother David while down there. We won some and we lost some, but we were having fun!

Today, that passion is still so very strong. I fish more tournaments now, even fishing some BFLs. I’ve traveled out to Smith Mountain Lake to fish in the Big Bass Bash and Lake Anna to fish a few tournaments. My passion lead to something that I never thought I would ever do, writing about fishing. It all started with a lady, the editor of the local newspaper who knew I fished, asking me to write a weekly column. It took her almost a year to convince me to give it a try. Now I can’t see me not doing it.

Bank fishing has lead to volunteering with the Friends Group of the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The lady who was the president of the group wanted me to help out with the Free Kids Fishing Day they were having. Unlike writing, this one I said yes to right away. Now, it is one of those highlights I look forward to every year.

And back in 2014, I started to write for Brian Carter and The BassCast.com. I stepped further out and let my passion for fishing tell the stories. Through my passion I have had the privilege of meeting some amazing people. Through my writing I got to meet Jacob Stephens, John Crews, Gerald Swindle, KVD, and so many other great people. I have also been able to attend many Bassmaster Classics because of Brian. And the local fishing shows have taken on new meanings!  The future holds many more adventures.

And through Facebook, I also got to meet Snookie Risch. The group I belonged to did a monthly online tournament, much like the kayak anglers do. We would summit pictures on a measuring board. We would also hold an in-person tournament twice a year, spring and fall. Snookie wanted to fish one of those fall tournaments in honor of her grandfather and they paired her up with me. We fished hard all day and we have been fishing together every since. Who would have thought fishing would lead to finding a great friend and bestie.

We all have that passion, that is why we are here and why we don’t stop. But that passion has to be given to us by others. My parents and grandparents introduced it to me, and life made it grow stronger. We need to pass it on, to our children and to anyone that is will. The kids are our future and it’s up to us to do everything we can to give them the opportunity to find that passion. Who will be the next Bassmaster Classic Champion? Will it be some kid that we helped fuel their passion? Time will tell.

Moore’s Tingen ‘Glides’ to Win at Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Tournament on Lake Keowee

Brian Carter
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Moore’s Tingen ‘Glides’ to Win at Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Tournament on Lake Keowee
Boater Justin Tingen of Moore, South Carolina, and Strike-King co-angler Stacy Backman of Walhalla, South Carolina
Walhalla’s Backman Claims Victory in Strike King Co-Angler Division

SENECA, S.C. (Aug. 14, 2022) – Boater Justin Tingen of Moore, South Carolina, weighed in six bass over two days totaling 21 pounds, 2 ounces, to win the two-day MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Tournament Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Keowee in Seneca, South Carolina. The tournament, hosted by Visit Oconee, was the fifth and final regular-season event for the Bass Fishing League Savannah River Division. Tingen earned $4,943 for his victory.

“On Friday I started out fishing a buzzbait and a frog, and within 30 minutes I had a 3½-pounder blow my buzzbait out of the water,” said Tingen, who notched his second career BFL win – both two-day Super Tournaments. “I jerked it a little too quickly and missed him. Usually, when they do that, they don’t come back and eat it again. So, I reeled up as quickly as I could, fired the frog out there, and he ate it that time. That was a good number one fish to help settle me down.”

Tingen said he followed that fish with a few 1½- to 2-pounders, but knew that wasn’t going to help him win, so at 2 p.m. he approached a bream bed he had found the prior week. He threw a worm and a frog on the bed and attracted interest from bass, but no bites.

“Then I made the best decision that I made all weekend, and it won me the tournament,” Tingen said. “I told my co-angler, ‘When fish won’t eat anything, they’ll eat a glide bait.’ So I reached in my rod box, grabbed the glide bait, made a perfect cast up underneath a walkway on a dock and I see a 4-13 coming out from underneath the dock. It came up and just annihilated the glide bait.”

Tingen’s baits included a bream-colored finesse buzzbait, a black Zoom Horny Toad a gizzard shad-colored SPRO KGB Chad Shad 180 Glide Bait, and he ended the first day of competition in fifth place. He said he knew he needed to change up his approach, so he made a plan to run new water in the mid-lake area on Day 2.

Tingen’s plan for Saturday didn’t start out like he hoped, and he had only one 3-pound spotted bass and two “little rats” at 11 a.m. He went into a pocket he had never been in, saw a bream bed and found a large bass. He cast a worm, the fish bit, and Tingen set the hook on nothing. The fish moved away, and Tingen threw a Zoom Horny Toad at it. The fish swam away again. He then tried the glide bait, threw it right to the fish, twitched it a few times, and the bass bit.

“That was the game-winning decision,” Tingen said. “The glide bait did it when nothing else would work.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:

                1st:        Justin Tingen, Moore, S.C., six bass, 21-2, $4,943
                2nd:       Bo Price, Seneca, S.C., six bass, 20-5, $2,471
                3rd:       Brandon Addis, Seneca, S.C., six bass, 19-11, $1,648
                4th:        Lane Clark, Anderson, S.C., six bass, 19-6, $1,153
                5th:        Roger Gosnell, Inman, S.C., six bass, 18-14, $989
                6th:        Sean Clayton, Seneca, S.C., six bass, 18-11, $906
                7th:        Tyler Thompson, Liberty, S.C., six bass, 18-4, $1,124
                8th:        Brent Willey, Anderson, S.C., six bass, 18-0, $1,241 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF5 contingency bonus)
                9th:        Joe Anders, Easley, S.C., six bass, 17-9, $909
                10th:     Tim Watson, Martin, Ga., six bass, 17-8, $577

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Matthew O’Connell of Brooks, Georgia, caught a bass that weighed 5 pounds, 3 ounces that was the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $607.



Stacy Backman of Walhalla, South Carolina, won the Strike King Co-angler Division and $2,441 Sunday after catching a two-day total of six bass weighing 14 pounds, 10 ounces.

The top 10 Strike King co-anglers were:

                1st:        Stacy Backman, Walhalla, S.C., six bass, 14-10, $2,441
                2nd:       Chris Lind, Anderson, S.C., six bass, 14-10, $1,220
                3rd:       Logan Brown, Fletcher, N.C., five bass, 14-5, $1,514
                4th:        Nicholas Gurkin, Simpsonville, S.C., six bass, 13-3, $570
                5th:        Johnny Hancox, West Union, S.C., six bass, 12-14, $488
                6th:        Harold Addison II, Columbia, S.C., six bass, 11-7, $597
                7th:        Chris Wilson, Easley, S.C., six bass, 10-10, $407
                8th:        Corey Veal, Royston, Ga., five bass, 10-9, $366
                9th:        Mark Garrett, Walhalla, S.C., five bass, 10-4, $325
                10th:     Robert Thomas, Travelers Rest, S.C., six bass, 10-4, $285

Logan Brown of Fletcher, North Carolina, caught the largest bass in the Strike King Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 4 pounds, 13 ounces. The catch earned him the Berkley Big Bass Co-angler award of $300.

With the regular season now complete, boater Paul Marks of Cumming, Georgia, won the 2023 Bass Fishing League Savannah River Division Boater Angler of the Year (AOY) race with a five-event total of 1,346 points to earn the $1,000 boater AOY award. William Bensel of Abbeville, South Carolina, won the 2023 Strike King Co-Angler Savannah River Division AOY race with 1,287 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 Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six Regional Championships 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 Phoenix Bass Fishing League 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.

Illinois’ Jezek Casts Ned Rig to Victory at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at the Ohio River at Paducah Presented by FVP 

Brian Carter
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Illinois’ Jezek Casts Ned Rig to Victory at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at the Ohio River at Paducah Presented by FVP 
Boater Cole Jezek of Salem, Illinois, and Strike-King co-angler Amanda Black of Toledo, Illinois
Illinois’ Amanda Black Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division

PADUCAH, Ky. (Aug. 14, 2023) – Boater Cole Jezek of Salem, Illinois, caught a five-bass limit weighing 12 pounds, 7 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on the Ohio River at Paducah Presented by FVP . The tournament was the fourth event of the season for the BFL Illini Division. Jezek earned $10,296, including the lucrative $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus, for his victory.

“I had checked some stuff out the day before, so I headed up the Tennessee River,” said Jezek. “I had won this event there previously, in 2014, so I had a gut feeling with the amount of current that was running that I knew where I wanted to start.”

Jezek began his day with a bang, and his Ned rig produced a limit by 7:20.

“I had the weight just perfect to where I was just ticking the rock, and when it got by the right rock the smallmouth were just sitting there,” Jezek said. “We went to work on them pretty quick.”

Jezek said he relocated near the dam, but the crowded conditions didn’t produce any quality bass for him. He returned to his starting spot and culled two more times. Jezek said he caught a total of eight bass – all keepers – during the tournament.

“Every fish I caught … they just kept getting bigger,” Jezek said. “At one point I had a 3.54-pound fish sitting in the livewell, and that river is tough, so I knew I was sitting in a pretty good position to have a chance to win.

“This win feels really good,” Jezek added. “My dad was there at weigh-in to share the win with me. That was his first time to be there to experience the weigh-in ceremony, so this is really special to me.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

                1st:        Cole Jezek, Salem, Ill., five bass, 12-7, $10,296 (includes $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
                2nd:       Bryan Godwin, Marion, Ky., five bass, 11-11, $1,648
                3rd:       James Williams, Charleston, Ill., four bass, 10-10, $1,399
                4th:        Jerry Waters, Hampton, Ky., five bass, 10-6, $769
                5th:        Jeremy Mull, Pawnee, Ill., five bass, 9-10, $659
                6th:        Justin Berger, Murray, Ky., five bass, 9-1, $604
                7th:        Daniel Hodge, Fort Knox, Ky., five bass, 8-15, $549
                8th:        Riley Walk, Neoga, Ill., five bass, 8-14, $694
                9th:        Coty Fowler, Brookport, Ill., five bass, 8-7, $439
                10th:     James Jarvis, West Frankfort, Ill., four bass, 7-15, $385

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Scott Neighbors of Makanda, Illinois, caught a bass that weighed 4 pounds, 12 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $405.



Amanda Black of Toledo, Illinois, won the Strike King co-angler division and a total of $1,648 Saturday, after bringing four bass to the scale that totaled 11 pounds, 7 ounces.

The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:

                1st:        Amanda Black, Toledo, Ill., four bass, 11-7, $1,648
                2nd:       Earl Ross, Jr., Soddy-Daisy, Tenn., five bass, 9-8, $824
                3rd:       Richard Skiff, Edwardsville, Ill., four bass, 7-15, $549
                4th:        Carlton Maddox, Seymour, Ill., three bass, 7-2, $385
                5th:        Hayden Swain, Tamaroa, Ill., five bass, 6-14, $330
                6th:        Kim Sapetti, Chatham, Ill., three bass, 6-13, $302
                7th:        Nate Stephens, Metropolis, Ill., three bass, 6-5, $275
                8th:        Lucas Tanner, West Frankfort, Ill., four bass, 5-12, $247
                9th:        Ryan Murphy, Paris, Ill., three bass, 5-10, $420
                10th:     Dale Renth, Mascoutah, Ill., four bass, 5-9, $192

Truman Ross of Whitwell, Tennessee, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $202, catching a bass that weighed in at 4 pounds, 1 ounce – the largest co-angler catch of the day.

After four events, Garrett McDowell of Windsor, Illinois, leads the BFL Illini Division Boater Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 973 points, while Aaron Arning of Walnut Hill, Illinois, leads the Strike King Co-Angler Division AOY race with 936 points.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 12-14 BFL Regional tournament on Dale Hollow Lake in Byrdstown, Tennessee. 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.

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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