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Wednesday, December 17, 2025
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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

Calling All Anglers: NPFL Opens Applications for 2024 Season!

Brian Carter
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Calling All Anglers: NPFL Opens Applications for 2024 Season!

National Professional Fishing League Announces Opening of Angler Application for 2024 Season

WILKESVILLE, OH (Aug. 4, 2023) — The National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) is excited to announce the opening of its Angler Application for the 2024 season. Currently, the league has 100 anglers signed up for the upcoming season and is now looking to complete the field with 30 more talented anglers, capping the total at 130 participants.

The NPFL prides itself on providing a level playing field for all anglers, as each competitor fishes for all three days of competition without co-anglers for a $100,000 first place prize. The trailered weigh-ins ensure the convenience and accessibility for both anglers and fans, while the renowned Live production by PHYX-TV, hosted by Luke Dunkin and Fat Cat Newton, offers an immersive and thrilling viewing experience.

Regular Season Payout (with 130 boats)
1st – $100,000
2nd – $20,000
3rd – $15,000
4th – $14,000
5th – $13,500
6th – $13,000
7th – $12,500
8th – $12,000
9th – $11,500
10th – $11,000
11th through 15th – $10,200
16th through 20th – $9,200
21st through 25th – $8,200
26th through 30th – $8,000
31st through 35th – $7,200
36th through 41st – $7,000

One of the highlights of the NPFL format is the no entry fee championship at the end of the season, offering anglers yet another chance to compete for the $100,000 first place prize. Qualification for the championship is based on either winning a regular season event or finishing in the top 40 in the Progressive Angler of the Year standings. The Progressive Angler of the Year winner will not only receive $20,000 but also have their entry fees paid for the 2025 season, adding an extra incentive for top-performing anglers.

Championship Payout (with 130 boats)
1st – $100,000
2nd – $15,000
3rd – $12,000
4th – $10,000
5th – $10,500
6th through 15th – $5,000
16th through 20th – $3,500
21st through 25th – $2,500
26th through 40th – $1,500

“In 2023, we achieved extraordinary success by building strong relationships with venues, industry partners, and anglers nationwide,” said Brad Fuller, President of the NPFL. “The League’s growth exceeded expectations as a tournament trail and thriving business. As we approach the 2024 Season, we’re eager to forge partnerships with like-minded entities who share our passion for the great outdoors. Our remarkable growth is a testament to our commitment, and we’re here to stay, filled with optimism for the future.”

The NPFL is in the process of building the 2024 schedule, and while there is currently no set timeline on its release date, fans and aspiring anglers can anticipate another thrilling season packed with competitive action and top-notch fishing experiences.

For more information about the National Professional Fishing League and to access the Angler Application for the 2024 season, please visit thenationalprofessionalfishingleague.com or the Angler Application!

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About the National Professional Fishing League

The NPFL was designed to bring simplicity back to professional bass fishing – one lake, the full field fishing all three days, and the heaviest combined three-day weight winning. The goal of the NPFL is to put the anglers first and build a trail that gets back to what the founders of bass fishing intended it to be.

Media Contact:
Brad Fuller: [email protected]

Michigan’s Kevin VanDam Leads Top Ten to Championship Round at Minn Kota Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Presented by Suzuki

Brian Carter
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Michigan’s Kevin VanDam Leads Top Ten to Championship Round at Minn Kota Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Presented by Suzuki

VanDam Catches Five-Bass-Limit Weighing 21-8 to Lead Knockout Round, Final 10 Anglers Set for Championship Sunday in the Competition for $100,000

BAY CITY, Mich. (Aug. 5, 2023) – Kalamazoo, Michigan’s own Kevin VanDam – the all-time winningest angler in the history of professional bass fishing, announced his retirement earlier this year, but proved to the field today that he’s not interested in finishing the season as just a participant – he’s here to win. VanDam went on an early morning flurry, catching eight scorable bass Saturday – his best five weighing 21 pounds, 8 ounces – to lead the Knockout Round and advance with the final 10 anglers to the final day of competition at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour Minn Kota Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Presented by Suzuki.

VanDam quickly rose to the top of the leaderboard early in Period 1 and never looked back. His limit gives him a 2-pound, 13-ounce cushion over pro Dakota Ebare of Brookeland, Texas, who ended the day with a five-bass-limit weighing 18-11, good for second place. Harrison, Tennessee’s Jacob Wheeler – the reigning Bally Bet Angler of the Year (AOY) – sits in third place with a limit weighing 17-15, while General Tire pro Ott DeFoe finished the day in fourth with 17-14. Favorite Fishing pro Matt Becker also weighed in five bass totaling 17-14 to round out the top five.


Link to HD Video – Fish-Catch Highlights of Knockout Round on Saginaw Bay
Link to Photo Gallery of Knockout Round Afternoon Highlights on Saginaw Bay

The final 10 anglers are now set, and competition resumes Sunday morning with the Championship Round. In the Championship Round, weight carries over from the Knockout Round and the angler with the heaviest two-day total will win the top prize of $100,000.

“Really solid day today, for sure,” said VanDam. “I couldn’t have scripted it any better. Being in this position is everything you could ask for. I gave it everything I had, trying to catch as much as I could today, and it’s still going to be a shootout again tomorrow. There’s just no guarantee that we’ll get the same type of bites tomorrow, but I went out and accomplished everything I wanted to accomplish today and have had a blast having fun this week.

“This is my last regular-season pro level tournament, so I really wanted to fish every single day and I’m going to get to do that,” VanDam continued. “I just can’t put into words how much that means.”

The Michigan pro spent the majority of his time Saturday in the mid-section of the main lake, throwing a Strike King Thunder Cricket and he also added a keeper on a drop-shot rig.

Although VanDam caught a combination of largemouth and smallmouth during the Qualifying Round, where he finished in second place, he targeted strictly smallmouth during the Knockout Round – a move that certainly paid off for the eight-time Angler of the Year (AOY) winner.

“I feel so blessed and have had so much support from my family,” said an emotional VanDam. “Both of my sons are here – one of them flew in from Nashville just to be here this week – and it means a lot that they are here and I’m going to have a lot of family and friends around tomorrow as well.”

The Michigan native has collected just over $7 million in tournament winnings and 26 tournament wins in his storied career, and it seems he’s got his sights set on another tour-level trophy.

“It’s just so special to be in this position going into the final day of this event,” said VanDam. “I know the other nine guys are going to give it everything they’ve got to try to take home that trophy, but I can promise you this – so am I.

“This has been such a special week, all in all, and I had no expectations it would turn out like this, and I’m so thankful for all the support I’ve had over the years. I’ve gotten to know so many friends, and the people in this industry is really what makes this sport so special. I’m looking forward to getting back out there and we’re going to be swinging for the fences tomorrow. “

The top 10 pros from Saturday’s Knockout Round that now advance to Sunday’s Championship Round on Saginaw Bay are:

1st:          Kevin VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., five bass, 21-8
2nd:        Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas, five bass, 18-11
3rd:        Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., five bass, 17-15
4th:         Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., five bass, 17-14
5th:         Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn., five bass, 17-14
6th:         Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, five bass, 17-12
7th:         Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., five bass, 17-0
8th:         Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C., five bass, 16-14
9th:         Mark Daniels Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., five bass, 16-11
10th:      Cody Meyer, Star, Idaho, five bass, 16-7

Finishing in 11th through 40th place are:

11th:      Casey Ashley, Donalds, S.C., five bass, 16-7
12th:      Gerald Spohrer, Gonzales, La., five bass, 16-6
13th:      Jeremy Lawyer, Sarcoxie, Mo., five bass, 16-5
14th:      Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark., five bass, 16-2
15th:      Terry Scroggins, San Mateo, Fla., five bass, 16-1
16th:      Alton Jones Jr., Waco, Texas, five bass, 15-13
17th:      Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., five bass, 15-12
18th:      Russ Lane, Prattville, Ala., five bass, 15-2
19th:      Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark., five bass, 15-1
20th:      Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., five bass, 15-0
21st:        Ryan Salzman, Huntsville, Ala., five bass, 14-11
22nd:       David Walker, Sevierville, Tenn., five bass, 14-11
23rd:       Jeff Sprague, Point, Texas, five bass, 14-10
24th:        Mitch Crane, Columbus, Miss., five bass, 14-8
25th:        Greg Vinson, Wetumpka, Ala., five bass, 14-6
26th:        Britt Myers, Lake Wylie, S.C., five bass, 14-4
27th:        Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, five bass, 13-12
28th:        Bradley Roy, Lancaster, Ky., five bass, 13-10
29th:        Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., five bass, 13-8
30th:        Jordan Lee, Cullman, Ala., five bass, 13-6
31st:        Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C., five bass, 13-5
32nd:       Andy Morgan, Dayton, Tenn., five bass, 13-1
33rd:       Cliff Pace, Petal, Miss., five bass, 12-15
34th:        Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., five bass, 12-12
35th:        Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., five bass, 12-9
36th:        Brent Chapman, Lake Quivira, Kan., five bass, 12-3
37th:        Fred Roumbanis, Russellville, Ark., five bass, 12-1
38th:        Roy Hawk, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., five bass, 11-13
39th:        Randall Tharp, Port Saint Joe, Fla., four bass, 9-11
40th:        Edwin Evers, Talala, Okla., two bass, 7-5

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

Overall, there were 481 scorable bass weighing 1,185 pounds, 15 ounces caught by the 40 pros Saturday, which included 73 3-pounders, 22 4-pounders and three 5-pounders.

VanDam tied with San Mateo, Florida’s Terry Scroggins for Saturday’s Berkley Big Bass Award, each weighing in a bass totaling 5 pounds, 2 ounces, to claim a share of the daily award. 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.

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.

The 40 Anglers in Group A competed in their two-day qualifying round on Tuesday and Thursday – the 40 anglers in Group B on Wednesday and Friday. After the two-day qualifying round, the top 20 anglers from each group advanced to Saturday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round, weights were zeroed, and the remaining 40 anglers competed to finish in the top 10 to advance to the Championship Round. In Sunday’s final day Championship Round, weight carries over from the Knockout Round and the angler with the heaviest two-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.

The final 10 anglers will launch Sunday at 7:30 a.m. ET from the Golson Boat Launch, located at 1598 N. Johnson St. in Bay City. The General Tire Takeout will be held at the launch location, beginning at 4 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com .

As part of the event, on Sun., Aug. 6, the MLF Fan Experience will be taking place at Wenonah Park in Bay City from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF will welcome fans of all ages to celebrate fishing and the outdoors with free giveaways, local vendors, photo opportunities with pro anglers and PAW Patrol characters and the opportunity for fans to hang out and watch the pros live on the MLFNOW! ® big screen during the MLF Watch Party. The first 100 kids onsite will get a free rod and reel combo, and fans can also check out the latest gear and offerings from MLF and MLF sponsors including Toyota, Suzuki, the U.S. Air Force, Humminbird, Minn Kota and Kubota.

The final 10 Championship Round Bass Pro Tour anglers will also be on hand at the trophy celebration to meet and greet fans, sign autographs and take selfies on Sunday, including Knockout Round leader and Kalamazoo’s own Kevin VanDam, celebrating his final regular-season professional tournament with fans.

The Minn Kota Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Presented by Suzuki features 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 strive 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 2023 MLF Bass Pro Tour features 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.  

The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee, Marty Stone and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on Championship Sunday  from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. MLFNOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.

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.

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.

Sprague Wins Group B Qualifying Round at Minn Kota Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Presented by Suzuki via Tiebreaker Over Myers

Brian Carter
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Sprague Wins Group B Qualifying Round at Minn Kota Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Presented by Suzuki via Tiebreaker Over Myers

Texas Pro Catches Two-Day Smallmouth Total of 33-10 To Win Group B Qualifying Round, Field of 40 Set for Saturday’s Knockout Round

BAY CITY, Mich. (Aug. 4, 2023) – As time expired on the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard, Friday, there was a tie atop the leaderboard. Day 1 leader, pro Britt Myers of Lake Wylie, South Carolina, and pro Jeff Sprague of Point, Texas , both had caught 33 pounds, 10 ounces, over the two-day Group B Qualifying Round and were tied for first. Sprague, however, had a 4-pound, 12-ounce smallmouth in his limit on Friday. Myer’s biggest bass was a 4-3, so Sprague earned the Qualifying Round win via tiebreaker for Group B at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour Minn Kota Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Presented by Suzuki.

Link to HD Video – Fish-Catch Highlights of Group B Qualifying Round Day 2 on Saginaw Bay
Link to Photo Gallery of Group B’s Day 2 Qualifying Round Afternoon Highlights on Saginaw Bay

After Sprague and Myers, pro Randall Tharp of Port Saint Joe, Florida, had the most weight of the day, catching a five-bass limit weighing 19 pounds, 1 ounce to vault into third place with a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 33-2. Pro Brent Ehrler of Redlands, California , finished the round in fourth place with a two-day total of 10 bass for 32-10. Rounding out the top five was Jasper, Texas, pro Todd Faircloth, who caught a two-day total of 10 bass for 31-15 to advance in fifth place.

The remaining 40 anglers – the top 20 from each group – now advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round, where weights are zeroed, and the anglers compete to finish in the top 10 to advance to the Championship Round on Sunday. Weights will carry over from the Knockout Round into the Championship Round, which will feature the final 10 anglers competing for the heaviest two-day cumulative total and the top prize of $100,000. 

“Today was an awesome day. We didn’t catch a whole lot of fish, but the ones we did catch today were the right ones,” said Sprague, who was the only angler inside the top 20 to weigh in all smallmouth bass. “Those fish are just a bigger class of fish out there, and I do feel like those are the fish that you have to be around to win this event. So, I laid off of them pretty quick, today, hopefully saving those them for the Knockout Round.”

Sprague said he has been catching his fish this week with a drop-shot rig, throwing three different baits. He said that if his smallmouth don’t cooperate over the weekend, he also has a largemouth area as a backup.

“There are a lot of fish where I’m fishing, but I don’t know if anyone else from Group A has also found that water and I’ll be sharing it or not, so we’ll find out tomorrow,” Sprague said. “If I’m not sharing it, then I feel really good about this area.

“If they don’t fire, I’ve got some really good largemouth that if I have to run to them, I can do that too,” Sprague continued. “I’d really rather catch those brown ones, though – they’re bigger. And there are a ton of them there – I’m seeing way more than I’m catching on my (Lowrance) Active Target. It’s just a matter of getting them to bite.”

Sprague said that he has two goal weights in mind for Saturday, which vary based on the conditions.

“If it’s calm, I think you’ll need at least 17 pounds to advance, and if it’s windy again, I think 16 will get you in the Championship Round,” he went on to say.

The top 20 pros from Group B that now advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round on Saginaw Bay are:

1st:          Jeff Sprague, Point, Texas, 10 bass, 33-10
2nd:        Britt Myers, Lake Wylie, S.C., 10 bass, 33-10
3rd:        Randall Tharp, Port Saint Joe, Fla., 10 bass, 33-2
4th:         Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., 10 bass, 32-10
5th:         Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, 10 bass, 31-15
6th:         Mark Daniels, Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., 10 bass, 31-9
7th:         Alton Jones, Jr., Waco, Texas, 10 bass, 30-10
8th:         Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., 10 bass, 30-9
9th:         Casey Ashley, Donalds, S.C., 10 bass, 29-13
10th:      Jeremy Lawyer, Sarcoxie, Mo., 10 bass, 29-9
11th:      Cody Meyer, Star, Idaho, 10 bass, 29-5
12th:      Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark., 10 bass, 29-4
13th:      Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., 10 bass, 29-2
14th:      Jordan Lee, Cullman, Ala., 10 bass, 28-15
15th:      Cliff Pace, Petal, Miss., 10 bass, 28-9
16th:      Mitch Crane, Columbus, Miss., 10 bass, 28-6
17th:      Gerald Spohrer, Gonzales, La., 10 bass, 28-4
18th:      Terry Scroggins, San Mateo, Fla., 10 bass, 28-3
19th:      Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn., 10 bass, 27-15
20th:      Brent Chapman, Lake Quivira, Kan., 10 bass, 27-5

Eliminated from competition are:

21st:      Kelly Jordon, Flint, Texas, 10 bass, 27-5
22nd:     James Elam, Tulsa, Okla., 10 bass, 27-3
23rd:     Cliff Crochet, Pierre Part, La., 10 bass, 27-1
24th:      Stephen Browning, Hot Springs, Ark., 10 bass, 26-11
25th:      Alton Jones, Sr., Lorena, Texas, 10 bass, 26-11
26th:      Jacob Wall, New Hope, Ala., 10 bass, 26-0
27th:      Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn., 10 bass, 25-11
28th:      Luke Clausen, Spokane, Wash., 10 bass, 25-4
29th:      Dylan Hays, Hot Springs, Ark., 10 bass, 25-1
30th:      John Hunter, Shelbyville, Ky., 10 bass, 24-15
31st:      Josh Butler, Hayden, Ala., 10 bass, 24-14
32nd:     Jared Lintner, Covington, Ga., 10 bass, 24-1
33rd:     Shin Fukae, Osaka, Japan, 10 bass, 23-6
34th:      Timmy Horton, Muscle Shoals, Ala., 10 bass, 23-0
35th:      Scott Suggs, Alexander, Ark., 10 bass, 21-4
36th:      Jeff Kriet, Ardmore, Okla., 10 bass, 20-11
37th:      Boyd Duckett, Guntersville, Ala., 10 bass, 19-8
38th:      David Dudley, Lynchburg, Va., eight bass, 17-11
39th:      Jonathon VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., eight bass, 16-1
40th:      Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J., four bass, 8-3

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

Overall, there were 456 scorable bass weighing 1,072 pounds, 9 ounces caught by the 40 pros Friday, which included 48 3-pounders, 12 4-pounders and one 5-pounder.

Friday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award was awarded to pro Alton Jones, Jr., of Waco, Texas, who weighed in a 5-pound largemouth which bit his bladed swimjig early in Period 1. 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.

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.

The 40 Anglers in Group A competed in their two-day qualifying round on Tuesday and Thursday – the 40 anglers in Group B on Wednesday and Friday. Now that each two-day qualifying round is complete, the top 20 anglers from each group advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the remaining 40 anglers compete to finish in the top 10 to advance to the Championship Round. In Sunday’s final day Championship Round, weight carries over from the Knockout Round and the angler with the heaviest two-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.

Anglers will launch each day at 7:30 a.m. ET from the Golson Boat Launch, located at 1598 N. Johnson St. in Bay City. Each day’s General Tire Takeout will be held at the launch location, beginning at 4 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com .

As part of the event, on Sat., Aug. 5 and Sun., Aug. 6, the MLF Fan Experience will be taking place at Wenonah Park in Bay City from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF will welcome fans of all ages to celebrate fishing and the outdoors with free giveaways, local vendors, photo opportunities with pro anglers and PAW Patrol characters and the opportunity for fans to hang out and watch the pros live on the MLFNOW! ®  big screen during the MLF Watch Party. The first 100 kids onsite each day will get a free rod and reel combo, and fans can also check out the latest gear and offerings from MLF and MLF sponsors including Toyota, Suzuki, the U.S. Air Force, Humminbird, Minn Kota and Kubota.

On Sunday, the final 10 Championship Round Bass Pro Tour anglers will be on hand at the trophy celebration to meet and greet fans, sign autographs, and take selfies. Kalamazoo’s own Kevin VanDam will be onsite throughout the weekend to celebrate his final regular-season professional tournament with fans.

The Minn Kota Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Presented by Suzuki features 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 strive 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 2023 MLF Bass Pro Tour features 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.  

The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee, Marty Stone and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on all six days of competition from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. MLFNOW!®  will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.

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.

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.

Summertime showdown on tap for Bassmaster College Series National Championship

Brian Carter
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Summertime showdown on tap for Bassmaster College Series National Championship

The country’s best college fishing teams will compete in Counce, Tenn., August 10-12 for a national title at the 2023 Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship at Pickwick Lake presented by Bass Pro Shops. 

Photos by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S.

August 4, 2023

CollegeSeries_StrikeKing_BPSjm_4C.png

Summertime showdown on tap for Bassmaster College Series National Championship

Counce, Tenn. — More than 130 teams from 54 different universities will compete in a summertime showdown in Counce, Tenn., during the 2023 Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship at Pickwick Lake presented by Bass Pro Shops.

And while Sam George — one of the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens pros fishing the Opens Elite Qualifiers Division — knows the lake can be stingy during the dog days, any stop on the lake can produce the quality of bass needed to take home the prestigious trophy. 

Tournament days are scheduled for Aug. 10-12 out of Pickwick Landing State Park. The Top 3 teams will qualify for the College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’s, joining Bassmaster College Team of the Year Easton Fothergill and Nick Dumke of Alabama’s University of Montevallo in an individual, head-to-head style tournament that sends the winner to the 2024 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota in Tulsa, Okla. 

Over the past decade, Pickwick Lake has become one of the most popular tournament destinations in the country. The Bassmaster Elite Series has visited the Tennessee River reservoir two of the past three seasons, with Bill Lowen and Brandon Lester both claiming their first career blue trophies.

The College Series last visited Pickwick in 2018, a springtime event that took 58 pounds, 11 ounces to win.

Much of the hype that surrounds Pickwick is all about the offshore ledge bite, and George expects that to get a lot of attention in this event, particularly with anglers launching from the northwest side of the fishery.

“With it still being August and Pickwick being one of the most famous ledge lakes in the country, I still expect those deep fish will play a factor for sure,” the Athens, Ala., native said. “They get beat on from mid-May until late summer.”

Much like any other Tennessee River event, George believes productivity will come down to how much water is moving through the system. Generally, at the beginning of August, the strength of the current is at its lowest point, which makes for a scattered offshore bite. It will also limit the Wilson tailrace productivity, and that means smallmouth will not come into play nearly as much.

Finesse tactics like drop shots, shaky heads and magnum shaky heads will come into play, as well as deeper-diving crankbaits and spoons.

“The problem with this time of year is, and it seems to get worse every year, the Tennessee Valley Authority doesn’t seem to run water like you want to set those bass up to be catchable,” he said. “More often than not, it can be pretty tough and it is a grinder deal out there. You aren’t typically going to pull up and catch 40 or 50. You will pull up and catch one here and there. You have to grind your way to a limit.”

During a normal year, bass living offshore are difficult to catch due to pressure and current flow. With several factors hampering the deep bite potentially, the shallow bite tends to pick up.

“That time of year, you can kind of get back on the bank a little and just fish,” George said. “There are residential fish that are trying to get away from the thermocline stuff you start to get. It will spread people out a little bit.”

While he hasn’t been to Pickwick this year, George said all indications point to an increase in hydrilla and eelgrass. He added that when you are targeting grass, not all of it is good, and finding the right stretches with the most life is imperative.

“It is starting to get a lot of grass back in it. A few years ago, the grass was really good before all (of) that flooding in the Elite event. I’ve talked to a few people who have said the grass is coming back, and I expect that to be a player as well. If you find the right stuff and the grass is truly coming back, I could easily see flipping and frogging coming into play.”

Flipping and pitching will work for grass anglers, as well as ChatterBaits, swim jigs and topwaters. If the grass is topped out, the frog bite could be really good as well, George said.

The field will take off from Pickwick Landing State Park each day at 6:00 a.m. CT and return at 1:45 p.m. for weigh-in. Full coverage will be available on Bassmaster.com.

The tournament is being hosted by Tour Hardin County.

Pro Solves Power Issues, Now Runs Days On A Single Charge

Brian Carter
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Pro Solves Power Issues, Now Runs Days On A Single Charge
Pro Solves Power Issues, Now Runs Days On A Single Charge
NORSK Lithium Pro Staff Welcomes 2022 MLF Redcrest Champion, Bobby Lane, Into the Fold
New Hope, Minn. (August 4, 2023) – Competing at the top of the professional B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing circuits not only takes talent but a huge level of commitment to the sport. For starters, competitors spend days criss-crossing the country like over-the-road truckers—and then there’s the constant upkeep of equipment to eliminate failure from the equation. Given the amount of money on the line, and constant work to do, sleep don’t come easy. Power failure is the last thing any top-level tournament angler wants to experience. Drained or dead trolling motor and/or electronics/house batteries are simply not acceptable. Reliability is a huge factor in everything pro tournament anglers choose to operate, from their pick-up trucks, to their boats, to their rods, reels, line, and hooks. Nothing can fail at this level of the game. And yet it does. Given the sheer number of hours spent on the water—from pre-fish through final day tournament weigh-in—pro anglers continue to experience power issues given the amp draw of today’s hi-tech trolling motors and electronics. As fish-finder screens get brighter, larger, and have more sophisticated processors, the amp draw only grows.  
Lakeland, Florida-based winning bass pro Bobby Lane has won nearly $3 million in his career, and is one of only three anglers to have won both a Bassmaster Elite Series event and a MLF REDCREST Championship. Following his 2022 REDCREST Championship win on Oklahoma’s Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, Lane decided to leave the MLF and get back into the trenches with B.A.S.S., fishing all nine Open events in all three divisions in hopes of qualifying for the 2024 Bassmaster Classic.“I’ve been on the road traveling the entire U.S. again, which is exciting,” says Lane. “I have two goals: the first is to make the top nine and the Elite Series; and second, to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic.”“It’s been a long, long road. I’ve given each of these sides 11 years, and I was ready to get back in the Bassmaster Elite Series to qualify for the Classic. That’s a trophy I’ve longed for my entire life, but I just haven’t had that opportunity,” adds Lane. “What I love about the EQ and the nine tournaments in three divisions is it spreads competition from waters in Florida, to New York, to Oklahoma, and gives the anglers exactly what they need to become a pro. For new guys, it’s an opportunity to learn a lot, like how to spend money on the road with gas, food, and lodging. It’s a great intro to becoming a professional angler.”
Bobby Lane Talks JuiceLane has been running various lithium batteries in his Phoenix over the past three or four years but experienced a lot of issues.  “I found myself stranded numerous times in both practice and tournaments, which caused me a lot of headaches and precious time on the water. So I went back to gel batteries at the start of this year, but ran into problems with them, too,” shares Lane. As luck would have it, the NORSK Lithium team heard about Lane’s power issues through the grapevine and reached out to him. “NORSK Lithium’s James Holst and I started chatting and he spelled out exactly how NORSK Lithium could solve the problems I’d been experiencing. Granted, I was a little apprehensive at first, having tried most of the lithium batteries on the market. But the more we talked and I learned about their product, the more confident I became in what they had to offer. Their technology seemed unlike anything that’s currently available,” offers Lane. “But from the get-go, I told James that if I was ever going to run lithium again, I wanted two 36V batteries for my Power-Pole Move trolling motor and Power-Pole onboard charging system. Might seem like overkill, but I’ve been dead-on-the-water too many times. I told NORSK I needed a second 36 volt battery on a switch that would guarantee power even if I drained one battery. If one battery dies, I’m still in good shape to fish. I can hit my switch and my trolling motor will draw off that second 36V that’s fully charged,” adds Lane. 
“When they told me their batteries only drop about 2% a month when not being actively used, I was amazed. My experience with lead acid batteries is they’ll lose 25% of their capacity or more in a month which means that type of battery really requires constant upkeep. Now, because I’m running Norsk Lithium, this means that the second battery, my back-up battery, could potentially sit there in the battery compartment of my boat, idle for an entire 6 month tournament season and still have nearly 90% capacity remaining at the end of the season with absolutely no maintenance or monitoring on my part required. Norsk kept telling me one 36 V 60Ah battery was going to be more than enough power but I’ve been snake bit more than a few times by battery issues so what I was really looking for was peace of mind. So that’s how I ended up with a pair of Norsk 36V 60Ah batteries in my Phoenix when I likely only needed one!”Lane adds: “I’ve been using the NORSK Lithium Guardian app for real-time monitoring of my batteries when I’m pre-fishing and on tournament days. Combined with my Power-Pole app, it’s absolutely amazing. I probably have more power than I really need, but I wanted that security after countless days on the water ruined with other batteries.”In fact, Lane confides that he didn’t really think he’d go back to lithium after the problems he’d experienced over the past four years. “I was dealing with fishing in a lot of current at the recent St. Lawrence event. The combination of NORSK Lithium and the Power-Pole Move trolling motor was completely unlike any other boat, trolling motor, and battery combo I’ve ever run. I could never have done what I just did in New York with that current. I swear, I didn’t even have to crank up my big motor to go up current and make another drift. I put my trolling motor on anchor lock and it would sit absolutely perfect, even in the current. Finally, with NORSK Lithium I can go all day. And the beautiful thing is, I can see on the Guardian app how many hours my trolling motor will last given the speed it’s on. So, I know if I need to charge or not charge—or slow down or speed up. Having two 36 Volt batteries in the back of my boat is the fail-safe I’d spent years looking for, which gives me an entirely new level of confidence to fish how I need to. I can max out my motor all day and not have to worry about any power issues. That’s pretty cool.”  
60AH 36V Lithium Battery – LIFEPO4 – Guardian
Next Generation PowerBobby Lane’s son, Bobby Lane III, fishes a lot with his dad and is starting to compete in his own right. “I’m trying to teach my son the importance of boat maintenance. He needs to know what to do if he has power failure on the water. With NORSK Lithium, that preparation is about as easy as it gets. All my son will ever have to do is go to the back of the boat and flick the switch to run the trolling motor off the second battery. Sure beats the trials to get to where I’m currently at running NORSK. Now he’ll get to benefit from that, too. At least talking power, he gets to skip all the hard knocks.” 
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