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Blake Miles & Daniel Jenkins Win CATT James River July 15, 2023

Next James River CATT is August 12 at Hopewell!

Blake Miles & Daniel Jenkins took 1st Place with 5 bass weighing 22.75 lbs worth $2,670.00!

Tripp & Bent Mistr 2nd with 18.11 lbs!

Michael Brannon & Jacob Compton 3rd with 16.01 lbs!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Blake Miles – Daniel Jenkins0.0022.75$2,670.00110
Tripp Mistr – Brent Mistr0.0018.11$1,000.00109
Michael Brannon – Jacob Compton5.7016.01$899.00108
Marshall Johnson – Ryan Lockjet6.3115.17$1,551.00107
Mike Hicks – Keith Lupo0.0014.62$670.00106
Don Warren & Chuck Comer0.0014.48$350.00105
Bryan Keane – Carlos Gibson0.0014.07$310.00104
Tim Chaffin – Trey Goodman0.0013.99$250.00103
Howard Austin – Bo Boltz0.0013.67$215.00102
Greg Ball0.0013.52$175.00101
Greg Cooper & David Brins0.0013.44$150.00100
Matt Wood – Eddie Durr0.0013.20$140.0099
Grant Vest – Todd Panel0.0013.1798
Kelly Robinette – David Barlow4.0913.0897
Craig Ferguson – Clay Ferguson0.0013.0196
Cory Dunnavant – Kennon Ball0.0012.6595
Tom Owens – Rick Mistr0.0012.2594
Ryan Drewery – Wayne Drewery0.0012.1893
Brent Williams – Justin Dyson0.0011.9892
Jeff Valentin – Daryl Moody0.0011.7692
Jared Williams – Guy Fairweather0.0011.7690
David Pippins – Rich Pippins5.1211.7489
Tom Milton – Ed Milton0.0011.5688
Griffin Roberts – Nicholas Bodsford0.0011.4887
Francis Martin – William Clements0.0011.3686
Audie Murphy – Monte Aleman0.0011.3485
Ron Studer – Mark Adams0.0010.9484
Chris McDaniel – Matt Kite0.0010.8783
Brian Howard – David Ford0.0010.8583
Steve Colgin – Marilyn Gibson0.0010.8581
Scotty Melton – Shawn Smith0.0010.7480
Donnie Harper – Randy Johnson0.0010.7379
Wayne Tyler – Ed Jordan0.0010.5878
Zachery Whitt – Larry Whitt0.0010.4477
Mike Caul – Bill Petzold0.0010.3976
Donnie Meade – Travis Daniels0.0010.2175
Brian Brooks – Avery Powelson0.0010.1274
Billy Allen – Craig Cheek0.009.9173
Stacy Vasser – Mark Austin0.009.8472
Rob Uzzle – Jim Jarvis0.009.8271
Dwayne Hodge – Brad Colgin0.009.4470
Ron Woodfin – Chris Gammon0.009.4369
James Calhoun0.009.3868
James Whitehead – Lynn Hoeffer0.009.2767
Jacob Reid – Garland Reid0.009.1566
Joey Cooke – Justin Hall0.009.1265
Charles Ramer -Ernie Frevels0.008.8564
Dave Carney – John Dunn0.008.6763
Curtis Combs – CJ Combs0.008.8662
Ben Knapp – Jeff Reed0.008.8662
Bo Howland0.008.5260
Jason S. Bishop0.008.1259
Kevin Davis – Mellissa Davis0.007.8758
Jared Barger – Brad Branson0.007.4857
James Byrd0.007.3956
Brian Snipes – Chris Cockrell0.006.2355
Shawn Dunlap – Ken Kipler0.000.0045
Walter Woodel – Frank Woodel0.000.0045
Brian Bersik – Justin Faison0.000.0045
Joseph Carr – Bob Timberlake0.000.0045
Jesse Kidd – Jake Kidd0.000.0045
Tyler Meadows – Dave Thompson0.000.0045
Ty Pannill – Grant Vest0.000.0045
Wes Zabeyr0.000.0045
Total Entrys$7,560.00
BONUS $$1,400.00
CATT$50.00
Total Paid At Ramp$7,980.00
2023 James River Spring Final Fund$480.00
2023 CATT Championship Fund$50.00
2023 James River Spring Final Fund Total$2,295.00

Mastering Drop Shot Fishing: A Game-Changer for Bass Anglers

Introduction: Drop shot fishing has been making waves in the fishing community, especially
among bass anglers. This finesse technique has proven to be highly effective in enticing even the most stubborn bass to strike. In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of drop shot fishing, why it’s an excellent choice for bass fishing, the best setup for success, and how bass use their lateral line to detect vibrations and enhance the effectiveness of the drop shot technique. So, let’s dive in!

Is Drop Shot Good for Bass Fishing?
Absolutely! Drop shot fishing is a game-changer for bass anglers, particularly in situations
where traditional casting and retrieving methods fall short. This technique excels in
targeting bass in deep waters, around structures, or during colder months when bass
become lethargic. The subtle presentation of the drop shot rig triggers the curiosity of bass, enticing them to bite, even in challenging conditions. What is the Best Setup for Drop Shot
Fishing? To maximize your success with drop shot fishing, the right setup is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

  1. Rod and Reel: For drop shot fishing, a medium-light to medium spinning rod between
    6’6″ to 7’2″ in length works best. Paired with a high-quality spinning reel with a smooth drag
    system, this setup ensures better control and sensitivity.
  2. Main Line: Use a low-stretch, high-sensitivity braided line with a test strength of 8 to
    10 pounds as your main line. The lack of stretch enhances your ability to detect subtle
    strikes.
  3. Leader Line: Connect a fluorocarbon leader with a length of 6 to 12 feet to the main
    line. I recommend Gamma Edge fluorocarbon, it is virtually invisible underwater, ensuring
    that bass won’t be spooked by the line.
  4. Drop Shot Weight: Opt for rattling drop shot weights by Drop Zone Tackle
    These innovative weights come in various sizes so anglers can adapt to conditions and select their desired fall rate and also emit enticing sound and vibrations that attracts curious bass.
  5. Drop Shot Hook: Use a size 1 to 1/0 drop shot hook. This hook size allows you to
    present a variety of soft plastic baits while keeping a natural appearance.
    How Do You Fish with a Drop Shot?
    Fishing with a drop shot requires finesse and patience. Follow these steps for an effective
    drop shot technique:
  6. Select Your Soft Plastic Bait: Popular choices include finesse worms, minnow
    imitations, and creature baits. Choose a color that matches the prevailing water conditions
    for the best results.
  7. Tie the Drop Shot Rig: Attach the drop shot hook to the end of the leader line using a
    Palomar knot. Leave a tag end of about 10 to 12 inches for the drop shot weight.
  8. Attach the Drop Shot Weight: Slide the rattling drop shot weight onto the tag end of
    the leader line. The distance between the hook and weight will determine how far off the
    bottom your bait will hover.
  9. Presentation: Cast your drop shot rig near structures, drop-offs, or potential bass
    hideouts. Allow the weight to sink to the bottom while keeping the bait suspended above
    the bottom. Gently twitch the rod tip to impart subtle movements to the bait.
  10. Detect Strikes and Set the Hook: Keep a close eye on your line for any sudden
    twitches or movements. Since drop shot fishing involves minimal resistance, strikes may feel
    like slight taps. When you sense a strike, resist the urge to jerk the rod. Instead, reel down
    and gently lift the rod to set the hook.

How Bass Use Their Lateral Line to Detect Vibration:

Bass possess a remarkable sensory system, and one of their most critical tools is the lateral line. The lateral line is a series of sensory organs that run along both sides of a bass’s body. These organs are sensitive to vibrations and water movement, allowing bass to detect the presence and location of prey, even in low-visibility conditions. When you fish with a drop shot rig, the rattling drop shot weight plays a vital role in triggering the bass’s lateral line. As the weight hits the lake or riverbed, it creates subtle vibrations that travel through the water, signaling potential prey activity. Bass, with their lateral line acuity, can pick up these vibrations from a considerable distance, honing in on the drop shot rig’s soft plastic bait. Do Drop Shots Catch Big Bass? Without a doubt! Despite its finesse approach, drop shot fishing has proven to be incredibly effective in landing big bass. The lifelike presentation and slow, tantalizing movements of the soft plastic bait are hard for bass to resist. Moreover, using the rattling drop shot weights by Drop Zone Tackle you will appeal to more of the bass’ senses adding an extra element of attraction, enticing even trophy-sized bass to strike. Conclusion: In conclusion, drop shot fishing is a powerful tool in the arsenal of any bass angler. Its finesse approach, combined with the use of rattling drop shot weights and an understanding of how bass use their lateral line to detect vibrations, can make a significant difference in your catch rate. Remember to experiment with different soft plastic baits and colors, and always maintain a patient and gentle approach.

So, the next time you head out to the water, give drop shot fishing a try, and you might be pleasantly surprised by the results it delivers!

Does It Really Mean Anything to Be “Best of Show” Winners at ICAST?

Does It Really Mean Anything to Be “Best of Show” Winners at ICAST?

ICAST, the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, is an annual event where fishing industry professionals gather to showcase their latest products and innovations. One of the most coveted accolades at ICAST is the “Best of Show” award, given to the most outstanding product in various categories. However, the question arises: does it truly mean anything to be a “Best of Show” winner at ICAST? This opinion-based piece will explore the significance and potential limitations of this recognition.

The Industry’s Recognition:

Being recognized as the “Best of Show” winner at ICAST undoubtedly brings prestige and acknowledgment within the fishing industry. It serves as a validation of the product’s innovation, quality, and market potential. Winning such an award can boost a company’s reputation, increase sales, and attract new customers. Companies invest significant time, effort, and resources into developing their entries, making the “Best of Show” win a well-deserved moment of celebration and recognition.

Consumer Influence:

While the ICAST “Best of Show” award holds weight within the industry, its influence on the average consumer may be limited. Most fishing enthusiasts do not base their purchasing decisions solely on these accolades. Consumers often prioritize personal preferences, word-of-mouth recommendations, and their own research when selecting fishing gear. They may consider factors such as price, durability, user reviews, and brand reputation over an industry award.

Subjectivity and Bias:

Like any competition, the ICAST “Best of Show” award is subjective and subject to potential bias. The judging process relies on a panel of experts who evaluate products based on predetermined criteria. However, personal preferences, individual experiences, and even commercial interests can influence these judgments. Different judges may have varying opinions, and the final selection may not always reflect the preferences of the wider consumer base.

Limited Categories and Competition:

The “Best of Show” award at ICAST is divided into numerous categories, which means that many exceptional products may go unrecognized. Smaller companies or niche products might not have the same visibility or opportunities to compete against larger, well-established brands. Consequently, the award may not always represent the full spectrum of innovation and excellence within the fishing industry.

Conclusion:

While winning the ICAST “Best of Show” award undoubtedly holds significance within the fishing industry, its impact on the average consumer may be limited. While the recognition brings prestige and validation for companies, consumers often prioritize other factors when making purchasing decisions. Additionally, the subjective judging process and the limited categories may not always capture the full breadth of innovation and quality present in the market. Ultimately, while being a “Best of Show” winner at ICAST is an accomplishment, it should not be the sole determiner of a product’s worth or success.

Ohio’s Copley Notches Second Career BFL Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at the Detroit Rive

Boater Jeff Copley of Marengo, Ohio and Strike-King co-angler Dan O’Neil of Canton, Michigan.
Canton’s O’Neil Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division

TRENTON, Mich. (July 24, 2023) – Boater Jeff Copley of Marengo, Ohio, caught a five-bass limit weighing 25 pounds even Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on the Detroit River . The tournament was the second event of the season for the BFL Michigan Division. Copley earned $7,410, including a $2,500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus, for his victory.

“We started the morning out on some small fish,” said Copley, who made a run to Lake St. Clair to target smallmouth for the event. “I put about 15 pounds in the boat and got keyed in on a soft plastic bite. Then I went to a different area and ended up culling most of those out.”

Copley said he caught around 20 keeper bass during the tournament on a drop-shot rig, as well as a Ned rig, around clumps of grass in 18 feet of water. Copley said he had a good feeling about the day and mentioned that things went smoothly for him during the event.

“I lost a fish, but one bigger than the one I lost had followed the bait in,” said Copley, who posted a BFL win in 2022 on Lake St. Clair. “I cast back out at the big one and it ate it. That’s the way it goes sometimes.

“This win feels great, and I feel blessed to be in this position, that’s for sure,” Copley added. “The second win, I think, is the hardest. It validates the first win and tells me it’s not a fluke.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st:          Jeff Copley, Marengo, Ohio, five bass, 25-0, $7,410 (includes $2,500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
2nd:        Nicholas Seitz, Maumee, Ohio, five bass, 23-2, $2,305
3rd:        Heath Wagner, Angola, Ind., five bass, 22-14, $1,536
4th:         Mike Trombly, Belleville, Mich., five bass, 22-9, $1,076
5th:         Brayden Federer, Adrian, Mich., five bass, 22-6, $922
6th:         Scott Dobson, Clarkston, Mich., five bass, 21-14, $1,065
7th:         Patrick Goodman, Sturgis, Mich., five bass, 21-10, $768
8th:         David Horstman, Adrian, Mich., five bass, 21-9, $1,361
9th:         Jonathon Dewey, Fort Gratiot, Mich., five bass, 21-8, $615
10th:      Jared Rhode, Port Clinton, Ohio, five bass, 21-6, $538Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

David Horstman of Adrian, Michigan, caught a bass that weighed 5 pounds, 13 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $670.



Dan O’Neil of Canton, Michigan, won the Strike King co-angler division and a total of $2,288 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 20 pounds, 4 ounces.

The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st:          Dan O’Neil, Canton, Mich., five bass, 20-4, $2,288
2nd:        Robert Hernandez, Canton, Mich., five bass, 19-2, $1,153
2nd:        Rodney Soles, Dublin, Ga., five bass, 19-2, $953
4th:         Jeffrey Thomson, Birmingham, Mich., five bass, 19-0, $684
5th:         Hunter Ingle, Fort Wayne, Ind., five bass, 18-14, $458
6th:         Michael Hrynewycz, Goshen, Ind., five bass, 18-11, $419
7th:         Ryan Legg, Parma, Ohio, five bass, 18-9, $381
8th:         Aaron Stahley, Batavia, Ohio, five bass, 18-7, $343
9th:         Greg Owens, Clinton Township, Mich., five bass, 18-6, $305
10th:      Jason Cook, Edwardsburg, Mich., five bass, 18-4, $267James Scott Powers of Toledo, Ohio, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $332, catching a bass that weighed in at 5 pounds, 7 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.

After two events, Mike Trombly of Belleville, Michigan, leads the BFL Michigan Division Boater Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 494 points, while Robert Hernandez of Canton, Michigan, leads the Strike King Co-Angler Division AOY race with 489 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.

Poche not fishing Bassmaster Elite at Lake St. Clair

July 24, 2023

Poche not fishing Bassmaster Elite at Lake St. Clair

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Elite Series pro Keith Poche of Cecil, Ala., will not be fishing the upcoming AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at Lake St. Clair

Poche fished tournament waters on Michigan’s Lake St. Clair on June 27, which put him on competition waters inside the Elite Series off-limits period and rendered him ineligible to compete. Poche let B.A.S.S. officials know about the conflict with fishing another tournament and that he would be forfeiting the Elite event. 

Bassmaster Elite Rule C3. I for Practice and Competition states: “Off-limits for Elite events begins on the Monday closest to 28 days prior to the first practice day.”

Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Summertime Fishing:Preparing for the Adventure by Bruce Callis Jr

Summertime Fishing:
Preparing for the Adventure
by Bruce Callis Jr

Summer is here and so is the heat and thunderstorms. And with it comes the sweating and rain gear. And we still want to get out there and do what we love. But what do we do to beat the heat? And hopefully avoid getting drowned in the rain? What to do when you have the fever?


Let’s tackle the worse one first, rain and thunderstorms. The first thing is to keep a close eye on the weather. With the cell phone, we can keep a close eye on the weather and any approaching storms. Granted, if we are fishing a tournament, we know we may have to fish in the rain. But it is those thunderstorms that we need to watch for and be prepared to seek shelter. Lightning is a real threat as while on the water, we are the tallest object and it is more likely to seek us out.


As to staying dry in the rain, you get what you pay for, so make sure to get a quality rain suit. The jacket is only part of it. You need a good pair of pants and depending on you, maybe some type of shoe. I personally prefer a pair of bibs under my jacket instead of pants. If I bend over to land a fish, I know my jacket may ride up over the waistband of pants, but bibs won’t allow this to happen. It is up to you as to what works for you, but make sure to have a quality pair that will keep you dry. Some like to wear flip flops while fishing, some go barefoot, and some like a good deck shoe. If you don’t mind your feet getting wet, then you are good. But if you want to keep them dry, get a good pair of rubber boots you can slide on. But don’t get something cheap that will be uncomfortable or not work too good.


Now, the heat. We know it will get hot so we need to prepare for it. Clothing is the first thing we need to think about and how it will keep us cool and at the same time protect us from the sun. Let’s start with the head. A hat is a must! I like a cap to help block the sun from my eyes, and it works great. But what about the areas it doesn’t cover. We can always switch to a wide brimmed hat to help protect our face, ears and neck areas. But still, make sure to wear sunscreen just to be safe.


The next thing to think about are your eyes. The glare from the sun beating up off the water can be dangerous for our eyes. We really need to make sure we have a good pair of sunglasses to protect our eyes from the sun. And it will also help with the eye strain during the day. Today, they don’t have to be expensive to be good. It use to be that only the high dollar ones worked the best. Today we can get a pair for less than 50 dollars and they will still perform the same. Of course, if you wear glasses, you will need to think about getting a prescription pair of sunglasses or a pair that will fit over your normal glasses.


With today’s performance shirts, staying cool has gotten a lot better. And most are also infused with sun protection. This makes it so much easier to protect your skin even on cloudy days. I personally love having a custom designed jersey from Wildwear America. Not because it has my name on it, but because it is so soft and comfortable plus I can design it myself. This way I don’t look like everyone else. A plus is if you get one with a hood, as you can pull it up to help you see better why protecting you too.
Now we have to think about our lower body. I’m a pants guy, as I burn so easily. But I do love shorts. No matter which you choose, make sure they offer some protection. Just like performance shirts, they make shorts and pants to help keep us cool and protected. Just make sure to put sunscreen on any areas that the sun hits. And apply it often.


And we can’t forget the hands. They are constantly exposed to the deadly sun and take a real beating. I personally use Fish Monkey Gloves as I like their fit and the added palm grip when in the rain. Depending on my mood I will use the Stubby or the Guide series that have a longer cuff to go up the arm some. You can’t be too careful.


The main thing is that f we want to have fun, we need to think about protecting our bodies at the same time. We only have the one and nobody wants to have to go through the dreaded cancer treatments. As Mark Davis of BigWater Adventures says, “apply your sunscreen often and liberally.” Be smart, have fun, and live to fish another day!

Dennis Bradley & Allen Mitchell Win CATT Roanoke Rapids Lake, NC Spring Final July 15, 2023

We saw some great bags weighed in at the Roanoke Rapids Lake CATT Spring Final this past spring and Saturdays Final was no different!

Dennis Bradley & Allen Mitchell took 1st Place with 5 bass weighing 18.02 lbs and took home $1,270.00!

TeamBFWeightWinnings
Dennis Bradley Allen Mitchell0.0018.02$1,270.00
Ryan Harrell0.0016.74$700.00
Doug Larson Chris Napier3.9216.37$100.00
Bryan Edwards Kent Edwards4.2615.90
Cory Byrum Jesse Medlin4.3615.55$50.00
Jake Murdock John Murdock0.0014.99
Caleb Horn Parish Malone4.5413.06$100.00
Ryan Hobbs Jake Taylor0.003.04
Robby Butler Michael Midgett0.000.00

Padgett & Smith Win Castaway Anglers Night Tournament on Smith Mountain Lake

Castaway Anglers had our open night tournament for Smith Mountain Lake last night with a 3 fish limit because of raise in water temperature over last couple of weeks 

1st place – Padgett and Smith 11.80 And big small mouth for 2.90 # 

  2nd place – Millner and Millner 11.65 and big largemouth of 6.30 #

Congratulations to all and thanks for fishing with us.

Kermit Crowder Win’s BFL Piedmont Division on the James River, Wood & Rustin Win Co-Angler Division

We would like to thank Bruce Callis for spending a beautiful Saturday covering this VA BFL Piedmont division event up on the James River. We hope you enjoy the photos as well as the great interview with the winners.

CLICK HERE TO SEE FINAL RESULTS

Palmer Earns First NPFL Victory at Saginaw Bay

Georgia pro Trent Palmer slams the door shut on Showdown Saturday with the biggest bag of the tournament earning his first NPFL victory.

Story by Justin Brouillard | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons

Catching the biggest bag of the tournament on the final day, Trent Palmer slams the door shut to earn his first NPFL victory with a three-day total weight of 62-pounds, 12 ounces. Surviving the first day with a limit weighing 18 pounds, 8 ounces, he added 21 pounds and 10 ounces on day two, and a final day showing of 22 pounds, 10 ounces giving him the victory.

At the end of the day, Palmer knew his motor was on his last leg and called the tournament director to confirm he could call on his roommate for a tow back in if needed. When he got ahold of Walters, they made the long run back together and got back in time.

“I was praying my motor would hold together and once I got to my last spot, I knew I could make it,” said Palmer. “A big thanks to Patrick for automatically coming over to help me out as soon as I called.”

Palmer got off to a fast start this morning despite thinking the opposite. When he got to his first spot, the fish were biting and he went to work with his electronics and caught his weight.

“I don’t have a ton of experience here and I thought they would be slow first thing, but they were hammering until about noon,” added Palmer. “I had my weight by 11 AM and it was definitely a lot faster than I expected today.”

Owning Sonar Pros, Palmer does his own installs and had access and experience with the best technology and cleanest installs in the industry. The combination of all the major brands gives him an edge on new water and allows him to break things down quicker.

“My boat is completely dialed with all the best technology installed by my company Sonar Pros,” he added. “I have two Lowrance in the console, and all three brands – Humminbird, Lowrance, and Garmin – in the front. That combo, powered by X2 Power batteries, allows me to break down water extremely fast and fish extremely efficiently during the tournament.”   

Patrick Walters

Patrick Walters weighed in 15 smallmouth bass to narrowly miss his second consecutive NPFL victory at Saginaw Bay with a total weight of 62 pounds, 10 ounces. Adding 20 pounds, 6 ounces on the final day to his day one limit of 12 pounds, 4 ounces, and day two bag of 22 pounds even, Walters finished just two ounces behind his good friend and roommate.

His goal coming into the event was to earn some redemption from 2022 and put 15 quality smallmouth in the boat. After struggling on day two in the previous year, Walters spent some time in practice to locate some shallow largemouth just in case. On day two, he got going with three keepers before ultimately culling them all out with smallmouth as the wind slacked off mid-morning.

With the final day the calmest of them all, the smallmouth were easier to catch for Walters but the quality went away.

“My first spot this morning had some quality bass but that bite died at 10 AM,” said Walters. “I ran out further to another spot that had some bigger fish earlier in the week and that was mostly small fish too. I don’t know what happened today, but I had a tough practice and got redemption at this place.”

After a tough practice, he was happy to have a good finish and was thrilled his roommates all finished 1-2-3. 

“I struggled in practice and made the best of that,” he added. “I got redemption, Trent got his redemption and we all fished how we wanted to fish.”

Mike Corbishley

Putting five smallmouth bass in the boat on day three, Mike Corbishley finished in the third-place spot with a total weight of 52 pounds, 1 ounce. He started the event with 18 pounds, 8 ounces on day one, added 15 pounds, 9 ounces on day two, and caught a final day weight of 18 pounds. With the weather finally cooperating for the offshore anglers, Corbishley was able to get to his fish and effectively catch fish throughout the entire day.

“It was glass today, and you could actually keep the motor in the water,” joked Corbishley. “I wanted to make sure I got back in time so I had to leave them biting but overall, it was a great day.”

Getting off to a fast start this morning, he caught his first keeper within 15 minutes and it set the tone for Showdown Saturday.

“I caught that one and it got me in a groove and a good mood early,” he added. “I did lose one good one, but in the end, it wouldn’t have helped. My goal based on last year was to catch 17 pounds per day and I accomplished that, but the house going 1-2-3 was unreal; we always joke about it but it actually happened.”

Fishing in the big water is not for everyone, and having the best equipment on the market was key to his success this week.

“I was making long runs in the Phoenix 920 and it handled amazing,” he added. “Even with the beating, my Boat Logix mounts, Lowrance graphs, and trolling motor worked flawlessly all week; it made a huge difference in this tournament. Those mounts do not move and my electronics were how I caught all my bass.”

Stu Martel

Stu Martel finished in the fourth-place spot as Saginaw Bay with a three-day total of 49 pounds, 8 ounces. With mixed bags of 18 pounds, 3 ounces, and 28-14 on the first two days, Martel struggled on the final day with a limit of 12 pounds, 7 ounces but is happy with his event.

Martel fished an offshore area throughout the event and caught both smallmouth and largemouth rotating between tubes and drop shot baits. 

Barron Adams

Barron Adams focused solely on largemouth bass to finish the event in the fifth-place spot. His day one weight of 16 pounds, 11 ounces, and day two weight of 15 pounds, 5 ounces combined with a final round weight of 16 pounds, 4 ounces gave him a three-day total weight of 48 pounds, 4 ounces. 

Rest of the Best:
Todd Goade 47-2
Will Harkins 47-1
Louis Fernandes 46-4
Sheldon Collings 45-8 
Hunter Baughman 44-15

FINAL LEADERBOARD