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Schultz to miss final two Bassmaster Elite events

Brian Carter
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Schultz to miss final two Bassmaster Elite events

August 9, 2023

Schultz to miss final two Bassmaster Elite events

Schultz_Bernie.jpg

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Bernie Schultz of Gainesville, Fla., is taking a medical hardship and will be unable to fish the final two Elite Series events of the 2023 season. While moving a large-screen television, the Elite Series veteran suffered a complete tear of his bicep, which will require season-ending surgery.

While Schultz initially hoped to tough it out through the final two events, his orthopedic surgeon suggested that waiting three weeks would drastically decrease the likelihood of a successful surgery.

“It hit hard when I got the news,” Schultz said. “I was really looking forward to the New York swing of the season, which makes this a huge disappointment in itself. I truly felt like I could improve my standing in the AOY points.

“When you sign up to fish the Elite Series it’s a full-on commitment, and missing these last two events makes me feel like I’ve let down my sponsors, the fans and my fellow Elite Series anglers.”

Schultz’s current 50th-place position in the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year race would have given him a good chance of qualifying for the 2024 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota — especially considering his successful history in the state of New York.

Schultz is set to have surgery on the first day of practice of the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain. After surgery, the nine-time Classic qualifier will begin his road to recovery and already has his sights set on the 2024 season.

“It’s tough, but I’ll get through it,” he said. “It’s going to take about four months of physical therapy and recovery, then hopefully everything turns out the way we plan and I get back full mobility and strength in that arm. I’m already looking forward to getting to that point and prepping for next year.”

After the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at Lake St. Clair, Schultz drove his boat over to New York rather than drive it all the way back to his home state of Florida. He plans to fly back to New York during the Minn Kota Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River to retrieve his boat and also join Bassmaster LIVE to share his insight on a body of water in which he has an abundance of knowledge.

Full coverage of the final two Elite Series events can be found on Bassmaster.com. 

Reeling in Success: The Power of LinkedIn for Anglers & Business Owners!

Brian Carter
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0
Reeling in Success: The Power of LinkedIn for Anglers & Business Owners!

Once upon a time, in a small lakeside town, there existed a close-knit community of passionate bass fishing anglers and ambitious business owners. These two groups, seemingly different, soon discovered a powerful tool that brought them together – LinkedIn!

? For the Bass Fishing Anglers:

  • Networking Opportunity: With LinkedIn, anglers could connect with fellow fishing enthusiasts, professionals in the fishing industry, and even renowned anglers for valuable insights and tips.
  • Global Reach: From local fishing tournaments to international events, LinkedIn allowed them to expand their reach and build a strong online presence.
  • Showcasing Achievements: They could proudly display their tournament wins, conservation efforts, and fishing-related businesses, attracting sponsors and fellow anglers alike.
  • Targeted Sponsorship: By connecting with fishing tackle manufacturers, outdoor gear companies, and fishing boat builders, they opened doors to potential sponsorships.

? For the Business Owners:

  • Talent Acquisition: Business owners soon realized that the bass fishing community was filled with talented individuals. They could now scout for potential employees who possessed skills like perseverance, patience, and strategic thinking.
  • Industry Insights: LinkedIn provided them with valuable market trends, industry news, and competitor analysis, helping them make informed business decisions.
  • Partnerships & Collaborations: Through LinkedIn, they could identify potential collaborators in the fishing industry, leading to exciting joint ventures and cross-promotional opportunities.
  • Marketing & Branding: By engaging with the bass fishing community, business owners could showcase their products, host giveaways, and create brand awareness through engaging content.

? The Magic of LinkedIn: ?

LinkedIn offered a bridge that connected the world of bass fishing with the business realm, fostering a mutual understanding and appreciation for each other’s passions. Together, they embarked on new ventures, organized charity events, and promoted sustainable fishing practices to preserve their beloved lakes and rivers for generations to come.

And so, the tale of the Bass Fishing Anglers & Business Owners on LinkedIn spread far and wide, inspiring many others to create their own accounts and join the adventure!

Massena Readies for MLF Toyota Series at St. Lawrence River Presented by Rabid Baits

Brian Carter
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Massena Readies for MLF Toyota Series at St. Lawrence River Presented by Rabid Baits

MASSENA, N.Y. (Aug. 7, 2023) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats is set to visit Massena, New York, and the St. Lawrence River this week, Aug. 10-12, for the second event in the Toyota Series Northern Division Presented by Rabid Baits – the Toyota Series at the St. Lawrence River Presented by Rabid Baits.

The three-day tournament, hosted by the Town of Massena, will feature a roster of the region’s best bass-fishing pros and Strike King co-anglers competing for a top prize of up to $100,000 in the pro division and a new Phoenix 518 Pro boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard motor in the co-angler division.

This event marks the seventh time in eight years that the Toyota Series Northern Division has visited the St. Lawrence River, so most competitors should be pretty familiar with the world-class fishery. The river has been fishing very good, lately, and weights are expected to be strong for this tournament – most anglers are predicting five-bass limits weighing 20 to 24 pounds a day to be a good target.

Drop-shot rigs are expected to be the main tactic, with anglers’ electronics being a crucial element to locating the bountiful smallmouth. Other smallmouth staples like Ned rigs, tubes, jerkbaits, swimbaits and hair jigs will be strong players as well.  

Anglers will launch at 6 a.m. ET each day from the Massena Intake Boat Launch, located at 1415 State Highway 131 in Massena. Weigh-ins will also be held at the Marina and will begin at 2 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend and encouraged to follow the event online through the “MLF Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

In Toyota Series regular-season competition, payouts are based on the number of participants competing in the event, scaling up for every 20 boats over 160 and scaling down for every boat below 160. With a 160-boat field, pros fish for a top prize of $40,000, plus an extra $35,000 if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard (valued at $33,500). With a 260-boat field, pros fish for a top award of $65,000, plus an extra $35,000 if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard (valued at $33,500) plus $5,000 cash.

The 2023 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consists of six divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern, Southwestern and the Western Division Presented by Tackle Warehouse – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the six divisions or the Wild Card division and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 and a qualification to REDCREST 2024. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard. The 2023 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 2-4 on Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri, and is hosted by ExploreBranson.com.

Proud sponsors of the 2023 MLF Toyota Series include: 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Black Rifle Coffee Company, E3, Favorite Fishing, Fox Rent a Car, General Tire, Gill, Grundéns, Lew’s, Lowrance, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Next Gen Lithium, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Wiley X and YETI.

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

Ohio’s Fricke ‘Finally’ Records Elusive Victory at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at the Ohio River in Maysville

Brian Carter
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Ohio’s Fricke ‘Finally’ Records Elusive Victory at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at the Ohio River in Maysville
Boater Dave Fricke of Hamilton, Ohio, and Strike-King co-angler Jordan Smith of Middleton, Ohio.
Middletown, Ohio’s Smith Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division

MAYSVILLE, Ky. (Aug. 7, 2023) – Boater Dave Fricke of Hamilton, Ohio, caught a five-bass limit weighing 11 pounds, 13 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on the Ohio River in Maysville presented by Rabid Baits . The tournament was the fourth event of the season for the BFL Buckeye Presented by Rabid Baits Division. Fricke earned $3,963 for his victory.

“I found some fish in practice,” said Fricke, who said he concentrated his efforts near the Manchester Islands east of Maysville. “I went in today and caught four of them pretty much right away.

“The fish were shallow – 1 to 3 feet – on flats and blowing up on bait,” Fricke continued. “I went through a series of baits and found they would hit the drop shot. After I had the fourth fish, I thought I had a good shot of doing well, because they were decent fish.”

Fricke said he relocated to check some main river spots but returned to his primary area and caught two more quality fish. Fricke caught eight fish during the tournament, including six keepers. Although he had posted six BFL 10-top finishes prior to Saturday’s tournament, a BFL win had remained elusive.

“I’m still shocked,” Fricke said. “Finally! I’ve waited a long time for this. Three out of four I should have won. I had the winning fish on. I saw the fish. It was really haunting me.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

                1st:        Dave Fricke, Hamilton, Ohio, five bass, 11-13, $3,963
                2nd:       Kenneth Pincombe, Hamilton, Ohio, five bass, 9-0, $1,981
                3rd:       Bob Robinson, Lebanon, Ohio, four bass, 7-5, $1,822 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
                4th:        Scott Manson, Covington, Ohio, four bass, 7-0, $925
                5th:        David Hoheisel, Westerville, Ohio, two bass, 6-7, $1,328
                6th:        William Redmond, Sciotoville, Ohio, five bass, 5-15, $693
                6th:        Clayton England, Germantown, Ky., five bass, 5-15, $693
                8th:        Doug Ruster, New Palestine, Ind., five bass, 5-14, $1,111
                8th:        Tim Adams, Burlington, Ky., three bass, 5-14, $561
                10th:     Christopher Helfer, Baltimore, Ohio, three bass, 5-11, $462

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

David Hoheisel of Westerville, Ohio, caught a bass that weighed 4 pounds, 7 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $535.



Jordan Smith of Middletown, Ohio, won the Strike King co-angler division and a total of $1,963 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 5 pounds, 12 ounces.

The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:

                1st:        Jordan Smith, Middletown, Ohio, five bass, 5-12, $1,963
                2nd:       Jeff Campbell, Fairfield, Ohio, two bass, 4-9, $981
                3rd:       Brian Zelinskas, Beavercreek, Ohio, two bass, 3-14, $655
                4th:        Matt Fisher, Glouster, Ohio, three bass, 3-12, $1,008
                5th:        Chris Malas, Cincinnati, Ohio, two bass, 3-8, $393
                6th:        Josh Whitehead, Kent, Ohio, two bass, 3-5, $360
                7th:        Walter Hammond, Lees Summitt, Mo., two bass, 3-2, $294
                7th:        Kevin Pierce, Eldorado, Ohio, three bass, 3-2, $294
                7th:        Sam Scroggins, Owenton, Ky., three bass, 3-2, $294
                10th:     Jordan Garrett, Portsmouth, Ohio, three bass, 3-1, $229

Adam Radovic of Brecksville, Ohio, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $265, catching a bass that weighed in at 2 pounds, 12 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.

After four events, Chris Martinkovic of Hamilton, Ohio, leads the BFL Buckeye Presented by Rabid Baits Division Boater Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 951 points, while Steve Sorrell of Beavercreek, Ohio, leads the Strike King Co-Angler Division AOY race with 939 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. 5-7 BFL Regional tournament on the Potomac River in Marbury, Maryland. 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.

August 2023 Kerr Lake Fishing Report by Captain Rick Morris

Brian Carter
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August 2023 Kerr Lake Fishing Report by Captain Rick Morris

For instructional fishing trips, on Kerr Lake or Lake Gaston please contact me through www.RickMorrisfishing.com. 

August is always one of the toughest times for finding and catching bass. The water is hot and the bass are stressed. Some schools a bass are following the hearing others are scattered on long points near brush piles in 15 to 25 foot a few might be on the bottom and several may be suspended nearby. Keep in mind they’re scattered, they are slow to bite most of the time and can be sensitive to any forward shooting sonar like my active target. A variety of baits need to be on hand small swim baits underspins small spoons, bladed, baits and drop shot, top water baits like the Zara spook or a Ware Eagle Buzz Bait should always be on hand for the early bite and schoolers. Don’t forget to try some top water in pockets for the bream Bed bite. Stay hydrated. Good luck Capt. Rick. @RickMorrisFishing.Com, @MercuryMarine.com, #Goboldly, #Power-Pole, #GammaFishing, #Lowrance, #FalconBassBoats, #WarEagleLures, #Costa, #LewsFishing, #RPMCustomRods.

Streamlining Your Kayak Bass Fishing Gear

Brian Carter
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Streamlining Your Kayak Bass Fishing Gear

For kayak bass anglers, efficiency and conservation of space are paramount. Navigating compact spaces with limited gear while meeting diverse fishing needs is essential for an enjoyable and successful experience. In this article, we will explore the reasons why kayak bass anglers should opt for limited and specific gear to conserve space and maximize utility, and suggest some items you might find helpful.

1. Space Optimization:

Kayaks come with limited storage capacity, making it essential to choose gear wisely. By selecting specific items tailored to your fishing needs, you can optimize every inch of available space. Lightweight, multipurpose gear will ensure that you carry only what is necessary, reducing clutter and improving maneuverability. Consider purchasing a kayak seat with built-in storage compartments. It provides comfort during long fishing sessions and offers extra space for storing small gear items like tackle, snacks, or personal items.

2. Enhanced Mobility:

Kayak fishing often involves moving through tight spots and narrow waterways. With limited gear, your kayak will be lighter and easier to paddle, increasing your mobility and maneuverability. This advantage allows you to reach remote fishing spots that are inaccessible to larger boats, increasing your chances of landing that elusive bass. Consider choosing a landing net that floats, making it easier to retrieve your catch and providing an added safety measure in case it accidentally goes overboard.

3. Focus on Essential Tools:

By choosing limited gear, anglers are encouraged to prioritize essential tools and equipment. A streamlined approach forces you to evaluate what is truly necessary for successful fishing trips. This heightened focus on the essentials will improve your overall fishing skills and decision-making process. Consider purchasing a hands-free LED headlamp. This is essential for early morning or late evening fishing trips, and it can also serve as a backup light source in case of emergencies.

4. Quick Setup and Takedown:

With limited gear, setting up and packing up become swift processes. Gone are the days of spending excessive time preparing your equipment. By selecting specific, versatile items, you can quickly transition from transport to fishing mode, maximizing your time on the water. Consider adding a quick-drying microfiber towel or chamois to your gear. It can serve multiple purposes, such as wiping hands, cleaning gear, or soaking up water in the kayak.

  1. Organizational Ease:

Limited gear allows for better organization within your kayak. A clutter-free environment enhances safety and prevents accidents that may arise from disorganized equipment. Easily locating your gear will save time and keep your focus on the primary objective: catching bass. Consider investing in a durable and waterproof dry bag that can keep your essential items dry and safe. It can double as a storage bag for food, clothing, and electronics, while also serving as a floatation device in emergencies.

  1. Versatility and Adaptability:

Specific gear selected for various fishing scenarios ensures versatility and adaptability. Multipurpose items can serve different functions, eliminating the need to carry redundant gear for different fishing conditions. This adaptability is especially valuable when confronted with unexpected weather changes or fishing opportunities. Consider purchasing a high-quality multitool with various functions like pliers, scissors, knife, and screwdrivers. This can be incredibly handy for various tasks on the water, including rigging, cutting lines, and minor repairs

Conclusion:

Kayak bass anglers can significantly enhance their fishing experience by embracing a limited and specific gear approach. By conserving space in their kayaks, they can optimize mobility, focus on essential tools, and increase their versatility. A streamlined approach will not only lead to more efficient fishing trips but also foster a deeper appreciation for the art of bass angling. So, next time you hit the water, pack wisely, and let your limited gear maximize your fishing potential. Remember to prioritize durability and quality when purchasing multipurpose items. Investing in reliable gear ensures that these items will withstand the rigors of kayak fishing and serve you well on multiple outings.

Rookie Matt Becker Clinches First MLF Bass Pro Tour Win and Angler of the Year at Minn Kota Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Presented by Suzuki

Brian Carter
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Rookie Matt Becker Clinches First MLF Bass Pro Tour Win and Angler of the Year at Minn Kota Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Presented by Suzuki

Tennessee Pro Catches a Five-Bass-Limit Weighing 22-11 on Final Day to Earn Top Award of $100,000 – Takes Home an Additional $100,000 for 2023 Bally Bet Angler of the Year

BAY CITY, Mich. (Aug. 6, 2023) – Despite inclement weather and a stacked field on Championship Sunday, Favorite Fishing pro Matt Becker of Ten Mile, Tennessee weighed a five-bass limit totaling 22 pounds, 11 ounces to earn his first Bass Pro Tour win and the top award of $100,000 at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour Minn Kota Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Presented by Suzuki. Becker’s two-day total of 10 bass weighing 40-9 earned him the win by a whopping 5-pound, 1-ounce margin over the winningest angler of all time, Bass Pro Shops pro Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Michigan , who was competing in his last Bass Pro Tour event before retirement, , and finished in second with a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 35-8.

Coming into the final event of the season at Saginaw Bay, Becker, Jacob Wheeler and Ott DeFoe were separated by only three points in the Bass Pro Tour Bally Bet Angler of the Year (AOY) race, and while all three pros were still in contention late into the final day, it was Becker who moved up from fourth place to clinch the AOY title and take home an additional $100,000.

“I’ve always wanted to win an Angler of the Year trophy, so that was my ultimate goal coming into this event,” said an emotional Becker. “I’m just a poor kid from Pittsburgh, but this was my dream, and I just can’t believe we did it. Anything is possible through Christ, I’ll tell you guys that. If I can do it, anybody can.”

Link to HD Video – Fish-Catch Highlights of Championship Round on Saginaw Bay
Link to Photo Gallery of Matt Becker Trophy Presentation
Link to Photo Gallery of Championship Round On-The-Water Highlights on Saginaw Bay

“This whole day has been such a blur, it’s just unbelievable,” said Becker. “We went out this morning with a slim chance at winning AOY, but that’s what has been on my mind all week. I hadn’t really even thought about winning the tournament, I was just super focused on winning AOY. To me, that is the pinnacle of the season. The best, over seven tournaments, all across the country.

“About half-way through the second period, I realized we could win this tournament and AOY, and I still can’t believe it actually happened,” said Becker. “I expanded to a different area yesterday during the Knockout Round where I’d only had one bite during practice. I went out there at the end of the first period yesterday and started getting a couple bites and caught a decent bag that put me in fifth place and advanced me to the Championship Round.”

Becker spent most of Championship Sunday in the mid-section of Saginaw Bay, around Charity Island.

“This morning I started out a little close to the ramp, but about halfway through the first period I moved out to Charity Island,” said Becker. “I’d found a stretch out there during the Knockout Round, and it didn’t take long for me to find this magic sweet spot. It wasn’t very big, but it had one little school of only about 10 to 15 smallmouth– but they were all 4 to 5 pounds.

“I still don’t know why they were there or what they were doing, but I just happened to stumble onto them and ended up catching 22 pounds pretty quick,” continued Becker. “It was just incredible.”

Becker was using a 7-foot, 2-inch medium-heavy Favorite Fishing Hex Rod, throwing a drop-shot rig with a Yamamoto Shad Shake worm with 15-pound Seaguar Smackdown braid and a 10-pound Seaguar Tatsu Fluorocarbon leader.

“I typically throw the natural shad color, but with the water being a little bit dirty and especially with it being so cloudy and dark today, I went with Becker’s Magic Juice,” said Becker. “That’s a color I designed specifically for tournaments like this, so to win the tournament and AOY on the bait that I designed is just incredible.

“This is the best field of professional anglers in the game, no doubt,” Becker continued. “This field is stacked and that’s exactly why I wanted to be on the Bass Pro Tour – I wanted to fish against the best anglers in the world and see if I could prove myself and compete with them.

“Showing up to the first event this year, I really wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d never really fished much against Wheeler or VanDam or any of the greats in the sport, so I was kind of curious how I would be able to compete against this field.

“I had an average finish at the first event in Florida, but it’s really just been uphill ever since,” said Becker. “I’ve finished with four top 10’s in the last six tournaments, so that’s been a really good way to end the season.”

The top 10 pros from the Minn Kota Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Presented by Suzuki finished:

1st:          Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn., 10 bass, 40-9, $100,000
2nd:          Kevin VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., 10 bass, 35-8, $45,000
3rd:          Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., 10 bass, 34-7, $38,000
4th:           Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, 10 bass, 32-9, $32,000
5th:         Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas, 10 bass, 32-9, $30,000
6th:           Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., 10 bass, 31-14, $26,000
7th:         Mark Daniels Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., 10 bass, 31-9, $23,000
8th:           Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., 10 bass, 31-8, $21,000
9th:           Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C., 10 bass, 30-9, $19,000
10th:        Cody Meyer, Star, Idaho, 10 bass, 29-5, $16,000

A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Overall, there were 124 scorable bass weighing 301 pounds, 14 ounces caught by the 10 pros Sunday, which included 20 3-pounders, 7 4-pounders and one 5-pounder.

Becker also won Championship Sunday’s Berkley Big Bass Award, with a smallmouth totaling 5 pounds, 5 ounces, in the third period. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day, and a $3,000 bonus to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass of the tournament. Spencer Shuffield of Hot Springs, Arkansas earned the $3,000 Berkley Big Bass award for the overall largest bass of the event with his 5-pound, 11-ounce largemouth that was weighed on Day 3 of competition.

The Minn Kota Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Presented by Suzuki featured anglers competing using the MLF catch, weigh, immediate-release format, with each angler’s five (5) heaviest bass per day tallied as their day’s weight. Anglers worked to catch their heaviest five fish each day, while also feeling the pressure and intensity of the live scoring SCORETRACKER® leaderboard. Minimum weights are determined individually for each competition waters that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.

The six-day bass-fishing event showcases 80 of the top professional anglers in the world, competing for a purse of more than $805,000, including a top payout of $100,000 and valuable Angler of the Year (AOY) points in hopes of qualifying for the General Tire Heavy Hitters All-Star event and REDCREST 2024, the Bass Pro Tour championship.

Television coverage of the Minn Kota Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Presented by Suzuki will air with a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, November 11, on the Discovery Channel. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on the Outdoor Channel.

The 2023 MLF Bass Pro Tour featured a field of 80 of the top professional anglers in the world competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, fishing for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2024, the Bass Pro Tour championship, held March 13-17, 2024, on Lay Lake in Birmingham, Alabama.  

Proud sponsors of the 2023 MLF Bass Pro Tour include: 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, Ark Fishing, ATG by Wrangler, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bally Bet, Bass Cat Boats, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, Daiwa, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, Ferguson, Fox Rent A Car, General Tire, Grundéns, Humminbird, Lowrance, Minn Kota, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Power-Pole, Rapala, Star tron, T-H Marine, TORO, Toyota, U.S. Air Force, Yellowstone Bourbon, Yo-Zuri and Zoom Baits.

For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Bass Pro Tour, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Steve Crist & Dennis Stump Win Leesville Lake Tourney Series with 19.27lbs

Brian Carter
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Steve Crist & Dennis Stump Win Leesville Lake Tourney Series with 19.27lbs

Glad to see everyone that showed up. Fishing was hard but we had a good turn out and fun while we did. Thanks again next fishing tournament Sept. 10, 2023 at Smith mountain lake (Penhook boat ramp from 6am to 2pm.

Paul Craighead & Paul Southern Win Vampire Classic on Claytor Lake

Brian Carter
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Paul Craighead & Paul Southern Win Vampire Classic on Claytor Lake

We had 56 boats in this year’s Vampires Classic presented by Reece’s Building Supply at Claytor lake winners was Paul Craighead and Paul Southern  with a total of 14.77lb 2nd was Travis Cox and Brendan Howard with total of 13.77lb 3rd was Seth Comer and Kevin Allison with 12.15 you can find complete results on fb at Friday Night Shootout! 

Tournament Directors Fishing Their Tourneys? No Way!

Brian Carter
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Tournament Directors Fishing Their Tourneys? No Way!

Tournament Directors Fishing Their Tourneys? No Way!

Dear Editor,

I wanted to discuss a concerning issue that’s been troubling the bass fishing community – the participation of tournament directors in their own tournaments. As an avid bass angler and a supporter of fair play, I strongly believe that we should uphold the principles of integrity and transparency to maintain the true essence of competitive fishing.

Bass fishing tournaments are not just about showcasing skills; they also provide an opportunity for anglers to bond and enjoy the sport together. However, when the tournament director chooses to fish in their own event, it raises ethical questions and compromises the fairness of the competition.

One of the main reasons why tournament directors should refrain from participating is the potential for conflicts of interest. They have insider knowledge and could use it to gain an advantage over other contestants. This undermines the spirit of sportsmanship and erodes trust in the tournament’s credibility.

Moreover, their involvement in the competition may lead to biased decision-making and questionable judgment calls. When disputes arise, the director’s impartiality could be in doubt, causing disagreements and discontent among participants. Such incidents can tarnish the reputation of the sport and discourage others from joining future tournaments.

To ensure transparency and build trust within the bass fishing community, I propose that tournament directors focus solely on their administrative responsibilities. By dedicating their efforts to organizing a well-run, unbiased event, they can guarantee a level playing field for all participants. Additionally, they could consider appointing independent judges or establishing a committee to oversee the competition, ensuring that decisions are made without any biases.

Promoting fairness in bass fishing tournaments will encourage more anglers to participate and enhance the sport’s reputation. It will foster a sense of unity among competitors and strengthen the pride of being part of such an esteemed community.

In conclusion, I kindly urge tournament organizers and bass fishing clubs to adopt a policy that prevents directors from fishing in their own tournaments. Emphasizing the values of integrity, fairness, and transparency will not only safeguard the future of competitive bass fishing but also create an enjoyable and inclusive experience for all enthusiasts involved. I hope that we can all work together make bass fishing tournaments even more enjoyable and fair for everyone.

Sincerely,

A Concerned Angler

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Mark Cannon & David Wright Win CATT Yadkin on High Rock Lake! 27.86 lbs with a BF at 6.50 lbs!

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Another great year on the Yadkin Chain come to...

Britt Myers Win the CATT Lake Wylie Fall Final! 17.85 lbs & BF at 4.65 lbs!

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The 2026 Lake Wylie Spring schedule is posted! Tap...

Mike Stephens Wins CATT Lake Wylie! 5 Bass weighing gup at 16.05 lbs!

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Up next is the Lake Wylie Fall Final on...

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