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Sunday, October 6, 2024
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How to Stay Calm During a Big Bass Fishing Tournament

Brian Carter
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How to Stay Calm During a Big Bass Fishing Tournament

As an avid tournament bass angler, I’ve faced my fair share of high-pressure situations. The adrenaline rush of competition can be exhilarating, but it can also wreak havoc on your nerves. Learning to stay calm during a big tournament bass fishing event is often the difference between landing that trophy bass and going home empty-handed. Let’s dive deeper into strategies that can help you maintain your composure when it matters most.

Master Your Mind: The Key to Tournament Bass Fishing Success

Embrace Mindfulness Techniques

One of the most powerful tools for staying calm during a big bass fishing tournament event is mindfulness. Here’s how to incorporate it into your routine:

  1. Practice meditation: Spend 10-15 minutes each morning focusing on your breath. This trains your mind to stay present.
  2. Use visualization: Picture yourself calmly and confidently catching bass throughout the tournament.
  3. Employ positive self-talk: Replace negative thoughts with encouraging ones. Instead of “I’m so nervous,” try “I’m excited and prepared for this challenge.”

Develop a Pre-Tournament Ritual

Creating a consistent pre-tournament routine can help settle your nerves:

  • Pack your gear the night before
  • Listen to calming music on the drive to the lake
  • Arrive early to give yourself plenty of time to prepare

Having a ritual gives you a sense of control and familiarity, which is crucial for staying calm during a big bass fishing event.

Fine-Tune Your Tournament Bass Fishing Strategy

Break Down the Day

Instead of getting overwhelmed by the entire tournament, break it into smaller, manageable chunks:

  • First hour: Focus on getting your first keeper
  • Mid-morning: Reassess and adjust your strategy if needed
  • Afternoon: Push for upgrades to your limit

This approach helps you stay calm during the bass tournament by giving you clear, achievable goals throughout the day.

Prepare for Multiple Scenarios

Being ready for various situations can boost your confidence:

  • Have rods rigged for different techniques (e.g., topwater, deep cranking, finesse)
  • Research seasonal patterns for the tournament lake
  • Prepare a “Plan B” and even a “Plan C” fishing spot

The more prepared you are, the calmer you’ll feel when facing unexpected challenges in tournament bass fishing.

Manage Your Physical State for Peak Performance

Optimize Your Nutrition

What you eat and drink can significantly impact your ability to stay calm during a big tournament bass fishing event:

  • Hydrate properly: Drink water consistently throughout the day, not just when you feel thirsty
  • Avoid excessive caffeine: While a morning coffee is fine, too much can increase anxiety
  • Pack nutrient-dense snacks: Nuts, fruits, and protein bars provide sustained energy without crashes

Practice Stress-Reduction Techniques on the Water

Incorporate these quick exercises during the tournament to stay centered:

  1. Box breathing: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. Repeat as needed.
  2. Progressive muscle relaxation: Tense and relax each muscle group, starting from your toes and working up to your head.
  3. Mindful casting: Focus entirely on the sensation of casting, treating each cast as a meditation in motion.

Learn from the Pros: Staying Calm in Tournament Bass Fishing

Many professional anglers have mastered the art of staying cool under pressure. Here are some insights from top pros:

  • Kevin VanDam emphasizes the importance of confidence: “Trust your instincts and the patterns you’ve identified. Doubt is the enemy of calmness.”
  • Mike Iaconelli swears by his “Never give up” mantra, which helps him stay focused and calm even when things aren’t going well.
  • Aaron Martens recommended staying busy: “The more you focus on the task at hand, the less time you have to be nervous.”

Reflect and Grow: Post-Tournament Analysis

After each event, take time to reflect on your mental game:

  • Journal about moments when you felt particularly calm or anxious
  • Identify triggers that disrupted your focus
  • Develop strategies to address these challenges in future tournaments

Remember, staying calm during a big tournament bass fishing event is a skill that improves with practice. Each tournament is an opportunity to refine your mental game.

By implementing these advanced strategies, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of staying calm under pressure. As you continue to compete, you’ll find that maintaining your composure becomes second nature, allowing you to focus on what really matters – catching those tournament-winning bass!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​



Anglers should see limits of healthy, heavy smallmouth in Bassmaster Open at St. Clair 

Brian Carter
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Anglers should see limits of healthy, heavy smallmouth in Bassmaster Open at St. Clair 

The 2024 St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Lake St. Clair presented by SEVIIN will be held July 11-13 in Macomb County, Mich. 

Photo by Andy Crawford/B.A.S.S.

July 3, 2024

Anglers should see limits of healthy, heavy smallmouth in Bassmaster Open at St. Clair Opens_StCroix_Sevin_4C-RASTER.png

MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. — Warmer than average temperatures have spread across the northern section of the country thus far this summer, which means the Lake St. Clair smallmouth should be healthy and heavy for the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Lake St. Clair presented by SEVIIN according to Michigan native Bo Thomas.

“I think they will be in a full-fledged summer pattern, and I think the weights will be really, really good,” the Tackle Warehouse Elite Qualifier pro said. “It should be a fun one. 

“This is going to be a slugfest event. This isn’t going to be an event where everyone is going to struggle. Everyone is going to catch them.” 

The sixth stop of the Opens season is scheduled for July 11-13. Anglers will launch from the Harley Ensign Boat Launch beginning at 6 a.m. ET and return for weigh-in starting at 2 p.m. The full field will compete the first two days before the Top 10 anglers after Day 2 compete for the top prize the final day. 

Known for sheer numbers of quality smallmouth bass, Lake St. Clair is a favorite venue amongst anglers on the Bassmaster Tournament trail. Just look back to the 2023 Elite Series event won by Joey Cifuentes with 91 pounds, 8 ounces. The entire 102 boat field scored a limit during the first two days of the event. 

Thomas believes the Opens anglers will catch the same numbers of bass, but separating from the field will be much more difficult to do. 

“The X factor is going to be who can catch a 5- or 6-pounder each day,” Thomas said. “Whoever can get those two big bites that go along with three 4-pounders (is going to excel).” 

With warm temperatures across the region to start the summer and the mayfly hatch mostly finished, Thomas expects the smallmouth to be in their summer patterns when anglers begin practice. 

They will likely be targeting two different types of forage: perch and gobies. Several different types of vegetation will play a role, from cabbage to other thinner types of grass. That means Anchor Bay, which received a lot of attention during the Elite Series event in 2023, will be a popular destination for Opens anglers. 

“During the summer, it seems like the smallmouth tend to move into the grass a lot more. That will be a big player. I think Anchor Bay will put out a lot of the weight in this tournament. I’m sure a lot of the field will be focusing on that area. It seems like that’s the trend for big tournaments right now. A lot of the Southern guys can relate to the fishing there. It’s shallower and it has grass. You can power fish to catch them.”

Lake Erie and Lake Huron will also be in play for Opens anglers, both of which have more rock features, but how much time Thomas will dedicate to those two fisheries all depends on the wind. The Detroit River and St. Clair River will also be in play, adding yet another element to the mix.

“Those fish will be relating to current breaks and hard bottom (in the rivers),” Thomas said. “(Erie) doesn’t look good for practice. The wind will be blowing out of the south each day. It is blowing right up the chute. There might be one day where I could go check some stuff, but Erie is one of those places I focus on the wind. If it is flat and calm, I’ll go look. If not, I won’t mess with it.”

Several different techniques can come into play at St. Clair. A drop shot will be a popular choice as well as a tube and a Damiki-style presentation. Thomas also thinks a crankbait could be an important tool for some anglers in this event. 

Thomas believes an all-smallmouth total weighing around 65 pounds will likely win this event. While St. Clair is an impressive largemouth fishery in its own right, a green-fish pattern can be hard to replicate day-to-day. 

And while there are several popular areas that hold bass all the time, Thomas thinks an angler who can find a less pressured area will have the best chance at winning.

“It is going to be an event where being around a crowd isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but if you find something to yourself, it is going to play throughout the tournament,” he said.

Minnesota’s Easton Fothergill leads the Tackle Warehouse Elite Qualifier standings after five events with 878 points. Texas pro Dakota Ebare is second with 869 points, Canada’s Evan Kung is third with 853 points, Idaho’s Cody Meyer is fourth with 853 points and Alabama’s Matt Adams is fifth with 850 points. Ty Faber is sixth with 821 points, Tucker Smith is seventh with 808 points, Andrew Loberg is eighth with 808 points and Jack York is ninth with 799 points. 

Tournament coverage begins Saturday at 8 a.m. on FS1 and runs through 1 p.m. Bassmaster LIVE will be streaming on Bassmaster.com daily. All coverage times are ET.

The Detroit Sports Commission is hosting the tournament.



Rays Against Sunrays

Brian Carter
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Rays Against Sunrays
Rays Against Sunrays
Whitewater Fishing’s new Rays Performance Hoodie keeps sunrays and perspiration out, while delivering unmatched performance and comfort on the water. 
MUSKEGON, Mich. (July 3, 2024) – Research and diagnoses continue to reveal that the sun is an enemy of anglers and boaters. At times, the warmth feels good on the skin, but prolonged exposure – especially when tabulated in years – can lead to skin cancer. Frequent targets are the oft exposed face and hands, as well as the entire torso for those choosing to fish shirtless.Anglers are wising up, however, many wearing long sleeve and hooded shirts with built-in sun protection. To that point, the new technologically advanced Rays Performance Hoodie from Whitewater Fishing offers UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) 50+ sun defense. That means it blocks 98% of the sun’s harmful rays.  But that’s only the beginning of what makes the Rays Performance Hoodie the best of the best…
OPEN WATER GREY
BLUE BELL
That same fabric is lavish, too, extremely comfortable against the skin. Moreover, the premium handpicked fabric offers exceptional stretch to promote range of motion, and its engineered with cutting-edge Touch-Activated cooling fabric technology that keeps you comfortable when temps rise. Lastly, Whitewater added an antimicrobial to the Rays Performance Hoodie to thwart unwanted smells that can accumulate with use.Beyond the fabric itself is intelligent design. Whitewater – applying its 100 years of combined apparel design experience – cut and sewed the material to fit the human form and articulate with every move. Additionally, all fabric panels are double stitched for strength.Drumroll please, as we move onto the Rays Performance Hoodie’s most significant physical features: the custom hood and built-in neck and face gaiter. Unlike your ordinary fishing hoodie, the Rays Performance Hoodie features a three-paneled design, better fitting over your head and staying in place. To that, Whitewater cleverly added a quick snap to the front of the hood to hold it in place under your chin, which is especially pertinent as you’re racing across the water or in heavy wind. 
The cleverness continues… The Rays Performance Hoodie includes a breathable neck and face gaiter sewn inside the back of the neck. To deploy, simply slide your head through the gaiter while putting on the hoodie – it’s in place. Pull it all the way over your face, just cover your neck, or tuck it down underneath your chin. The gaiter is that versatile.Behold the anatomy of the finest fishing hoodie and make the Whitewater Rays Performance Hoodie your next don’t-leave-home-without-it piece of fishing and boating gear.
Rays Performance Hoodie FEATURES: Lightweight, breathable polyester for incredible stretch UPF 50+ sun protection Anti-microbial, moisture-wicking, & cooling treated to keep you fresh & cool when your body temp rises Ergonomic 3-panel hood with a snap to keep it in place on the water Built-in neck gaiter for sun protection and laser-cut holes for breathing MSRP $79.99
 



MLF ‘Century Club’ Commemorative Coins Start Hitting Mailboxes

Brian Carter
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MLF ‘Century Club’ Commemorative Coins Start Hitting Mailboxes
BENTON, Ky. (July 3, 2024) – Last week, the first round of MLF Century Club coins headed out to anglers who have fished 100 or more events with MLF or its predecessors, FLW and Operation Bass. It’s a mailing list that includes Bass Pro Tour stalwarts like Jacob Wheeler and Andy Morgan  as well as hundreds of regional anglers — and quite possibly someone you know.

“We have over 1,200 anglers that have fished 100 or more tournaments with us since 1994, when we started digital records retention,” said Kathy Fennel, MLF Executive Vice President and General Manager. “That number undoubtedly climbs even higher going back to our very first tournament season in 1980, and our team is working to honor those early participants as well as we comb through paper archives. These anglers have shaped the history of our sport, and we are proud to honor them.” 

Anyone with 100 or more tournaments to their name on the boater or co-angler side should receive a coin, which will certainly stoke some fond memories. As everyone knows, tournament fishing tends to turn into a lifestyle, and the trophies and paychecks are only a small part of the experience – the people you meet along the way can be just as special. 

With more than 388 tournaments to his credit, Jim Tutt  has competed with MLF and its predecessors more than anyone else. Tutt’s career started in the paper record days and is ongoing, and it’s one folks might remember for any number of reasons. Part of the Kellogg’s team for a long time on the FLW Tour, you could recall Tutt sporting the Rice Krispies wrap or have one of his various high finishes at Sam Rayburn locked into your mind. Or, perhaps you know him as one of the most personable and friendly anglers you could find.

“I’m so blessed to have been able to fish so much,” Tutt said. “I was able to fish for a long, long time and not have to work very much. I did the opposite of what most people do — I fished for a long time, and now I work a little bit. Most people work their whole lives and then retire and fish, but I got it backwards. Hopefully I can continue on for a lot more years.”

Even now, after shelving a national fishing career, Tutt is still running the circuit back home — he’s sixth in the points in the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Cowboy Division this year. Over the years, Tutt has been fortunate to have his life align so he could be on the water a lot. 

“One thing that allowed me to fish so many was that I was fortunate enough early in my career to win several tournaments, so I had a good starting spot with money,” Tutt said. “When I was with Kellogg’s for so long, that was also a great basis financially to go out and be able to do all that.

“Number one, I have great support from my wife,” he continued. “That’s No. 1 – she didn’t have a problem with me fishing. Number 2, no kids, that’s another thing. My dad traveled with me for a time; my family as a whole, I had good support from them. Truthfully, I didn’t realize it was that many (events), but the bottom line is I just love competing. Not always against the other fishermen, but the fish. I love fishing, but I love the competition of figuring it out on a given day.”

Tutt has some treasured memories from over the years, including a 2002 EverStart Series win at home on Sam Rayburn. But, one of the best memories is of his first FLW Tour event – in 1999 at Lake Okeechobee.

“The reason that stands out for me is I didn’t have any information about the lake, I had never been there before, I didn’t know anybody,” he said. “I just went fishing, I found the fish on my own, caught ‘em on my own, and at that point, I thought, ‘Man, this is pretty dang cool.’ I was proud. I didn’t have any help, no prior knowledge, I just showed up and went fishing.”

Rolling into Florida to fish a giant bowl of vegetation must have been daunting, but it didn’t stop him. Finishing third in the event, Tutt cashed $20,000, which kicked off a 24-year run on the FLW Tour and Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit.

Still, for Tutt, it’s the people as much as anything that have made bass fishing so special for him.

“I’m sure I’ll forget someone, but there’s a short list of people I’m really fortunate to have met,” said Tutt. “Rick Lilegard, Joel Richardson, Troy Morrow, Mark Mowery, Jody White and Rick Taylor come to mind. These are guys I’ve met, fished against, roomed with and traveled with over the last 30 years, and they’ve become longtime close friends. Those guys really stand out, but holy smokes, I could go on and on. The best friends I’ve got, I’ve made through fishing.”

At MLF, we’re genuinely grateful for every angler who decides to trust us with their weekend on the water. The Century Club program is just getting off the ground, and if you haven’t received a coin yet and should have, please reach out. Going forward, we’ll run the numbers at the end of every season, so if you’re in the 90s now and shooting for a coin, stay by the mailbox this fall. Additionally, anglers who fished Operation Bass tournaments from 1980 through 1993 are encouraged to contact MLF at info@majorleaguefishing.com to help verify participation for inclusion in the Century Club.

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



Plattsburgh Set to Host MLF Toyota Series at Lake Champlain Presented by Suzuki Marine

Brian Carter
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Plattsburgh Set to Host MLF Toyota Series at Lake Champlain Presented by Suzuki Marine
Local pro Alec Morrison of Peru, New York, will be among the 160+ anglers competing in next week’s Major League Fishing Toyota Series at Lake Champlain Presented by Suzuki Marine.

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (July 2, 2024) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats is set to continue its season in Plattsburgh next week, July 11-13, for the second event of the Northern Division – the Toyota Series at Lake Champlain Presented by Suzuki Marine.

The three-day tournament, hosted by the City of Plattsburgh and the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau, will feature the northeastern United States’ best bass-fishing pros and Strike King co-anglers competing for a top prize of up to $105,000 in the pro division and a new Phoenix 518 Pro boat with a 115-horsepower outboard motor in the co-angler division.

“The fish are biting good and expect to see some good weights in this one – even a little bit bigger than the (Tackle Warehouse) Invitational that was here a couple of weeks ago,” said pro Alec Morrison of Peru, New York, who has seven top-10 finishes on Lake Champlain in MLF competition. “The fish are going to be a little further ahead in their cycle – more into their summertime patterns. There are a lot of fish still mid-range, but the majority are moving out deep.

“I think the smallmouth will reign supreme, as usual,” Morrison continued. “But there have been some big largemouth weighed recently, not only in the Invitational but also in some local tournaments as well. I think we’ll see quite a few big largemouth in this one – more so than the Toyota Series event we had last year.”

Morrison said that he doesn’t think that anglers would be able to target and catch big largemouth for three days in a row, but that an angler could absolutely bring a limit of green bass to the scale.

“I think the angler who potentially can catch a good bag of smallmouth early – around 20 pounds – and then hunt for a big largemouth the rest of the day will likely be leading on the first day,” Morrison said.   

Morrison predicts the standard smallmouth tactics to be strong, with a lot of drop-shot and jigging minnow presentations to be popular tactics. He mentioned that he would mix in a topwater and jerkbait for some shallow-water fish. For largemouth, Morrison said that he expects it to be a game of flipping grass, and maybe throwing a glide bait or a jig around docks.

“As a competitor, you have to go into a tournament at Champlain knowing that you’ll always need at least 20 pounds a day in order to be there at the end,” Morrison went on to say. “I think for this one it’ll take upwards of 63 pounds over three days to win. The top end weights will be similar to the Invitationals. But I expect the cutline weight to be a little higher for this one – maybe even a pound more.”

Anglers will launch at 6 a.m. ET each day from the Plattsburgh City Marina, located at 5 Dock Street in Plattsburgh. Weigh-ins will also be held at the marina and will begin at 2 p.m. each day. 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 up to $75,000, 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 or Suzuki outboard (valued at $33,500). With a 260-boat field, pros fish for a top award of up to $100,000, 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 or Suzuki outboard plus $5,000 cash.

The 2024 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 2025. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard. The 2024 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 7-9 on Wheeler Lake in Huntsville, Alabama, and is hosted by the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Madison County Commission, and the Huntsville Sports Commission.

Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Toyota Series include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, FX Custom Rods, General Tire, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, PowerStop Brakes, REDCON1, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters, 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.



Sixth Season of Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour Set to Premiere Saturday on Discovery Channel

Brian Carter
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Sixth Season of Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour Set to Premiere Saturday on Discovery Channel

REDCREST 2024 to kick off sixth season of MLF Bass Pro Tour on Discovery Channel, new episodes premiere at 7 a.m. ET every Saturday through mid-November

BENTON, Ky. (July 2, 2024) – The sixth season of the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour is set to premiere this Saturday, July 6, at 7 a.m. ET with a two-hour episode on the Discovery Channel.

The 2024 MLF Bass Pro Tour features a field 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 2025, the Bass Pro Tour championship, April 2-6, 2025, on Lake Guntersville in Huntsville, Alabama.  

The first two-hour episode of Major League Fishing premiering Saturday will feature the Knockout Round from REDCREST 2024 Powered by OPTIMA Lithium at Alabama’s Lay Lake, the Bass Pro Tour Championship. Each week a new episode will premiere on Discovery Channel, through mid-November.

The complete air schedule for the 2024 Bass Pro Tour on Discovery Channel is:

– July 6          Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2024 at Lay Lake Powered by OPTIMA Lithium Knockout Round
– July 13        NO EPISODE – DISCOVERY CHANNEL SHARK WEEK
– July 20        Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2024 at Lay Lake Powered by OPTIMA Lithium Championship Round
– July 27        B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One at Toledo Bend Presented by Power-Pole Knockout Round
– Aug. 3         B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One at Toledo Bend Presented by Power-Pole Championship Round
– Aug. 10       General Tire Heavy Hitters at Kissimmee Chain Presented by Bass Pro Shops, Qualifying Round Group A – Day 1
– Aug. 17       General Tire Heavy Hitters at Kissimmee Chain Presented by Bass Pro Shops, Qualifying Round Group B – Day 1
– Aug. 24       General Tire Heavy Hitters at Kissimmee Chain Presented by Bass Pro Shops, Qualifying Round Group A – Day 2
– Aug. 31       General Tire Heavy Hitters at Kissimmee Chain Presented by Bass Pro Shops, Qualifying Round Group B – Day 2
– Sept. 7         General Tire Heavy Hitters at Kissimmee Chain Presented by Bass Pro Shops, Knockout Round
– Sept. 14       General Tire Heavy Hitters at Kissimmee Chain Presented by Bass Pro Shops, Championship Round
– Sept. 21       Suzuki Stage Two at Santee Cooper Lakes Presented by Fenwick Knockout Round
– Sept. 28       Suzuki Stage Two at Santee Cooper Lakes Presented by Fenwick Championship Round
– Oct. 5          PowerStop Brakes Stage Three at Dale Hollow Lake Presented by Mercury Knockout Round
– Oct. 6          PowerStop Brakes Stage Three at Dale Hollow Lake Presented by Mercury Championship Round
– Oct. 12        MillerTech Stage Four at Lake Eufaula Presented by REDCON1 Knockout Round
– Oct. 19        MillerTech Stage Four at Lake Eufaula Presented by REDCON1 Championship Round
– Oct. 26        U.S. Air Force Stage Five at Chowan River Presented by WIX Filters Knockout Round
– Nov. 2         U.S. Air Force Stage Five at Chowan River Presented by WIX Filters Championship Round
– Nov. 9         General Tire Stage Six at James River Presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts Championship Round
– Nov. 16       Minn Kota Stage Seven at St. Lawrence River Presented by Humminbird Championship Round

The full television schedule can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Bass Pro Tour include: Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Garmin, General Tire, Humminbird, Lowrance, Mercury, MillerTech, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak Fishing, NITRO, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, PowerStop Brakes, Rapala, REDCON1, Star brite, Suzuki, Toyota, U.S. Air Force and WIX Filters.

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, X, Instagram and YouTube.




What’s the Best Way to Practice for a Bass Fishing Tournament?

Brian Carter
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What’s the Best Way to Practice for a Bass Fishing Tournament?

What’s the Best Way to Practice for a Bass Fishing Competition?

Hey there, fellow bass enthusiasts! Ever wondered how to up your game for that next big bass fishing competition? Well, you’re in the right place. As someone who’s been through the wringer of tournament bass fishing, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips to share on the best ways to practice for a bass fishing competition.

Simulate Real Bass Fishing Competition Conditions

Let’s kick things off with a story. I remember my first major bass fishing competition like it was yesterday. I thought I was ready, but boy, was I in for a surprise! The pressure, the time constraints, the unfamiliar water – it was a whole different ballgame. That’s when I learned the importance of simulating real competition conditions during practice.Here’s how you can do it:

  • Set a time limit for your practice sessions
  • Use only the gear you’ll have in the competition
  • Practice catch-and-release quickly and efficiently

Master Various Bass Fishing Techniques for Competitions

In a bass fishing competition, versatility is key. You never know what conditions you’ll face, so it’s crucial to have a range of techniques up your sleeve. Here’s what I focus on:

  1. Flipping and pitching: Great for targeting bass in cover
  2. Topwater fishing: Perfect for those early morning bites
  3. Deep water tactics: Essential for when the bass are holding deep
  4. Finesse techniques: For those tough days when the bite is slow

Study the Water for Bass Fishing Competition Success

One of the best ways to practice for a bass fishing competition is to really get to know the water you’ll be fishing. I can’t tell you how many times this has given me an edge. Here’s what to look for:

  • Structure and cover: Where are the likely bass hideouts?
  • Depth changes: Look for those sweet spots where depth changes quickly
  • Water clarity: This can affect your lure choice and presentation

Fine-tune Your Bass Fishing Competition Gear

Nothing throws off your game like equipment issues during a bass fishing competition. That’s why a big part of my practice routine involves gear maintenance and familiarization. Here’s my checklist:

  • Rods and reels: Clean, lubricate, and test
  • Lines: Check for wear and replace if needed
  • Lures: Ensure hooks are sharp and split rings are solid
  • Electronics: Practice using your fish finder efficiently

Mental Preparation for Bass Fishing Competitions

Now, here’s something many anglers overlook when practicing for a bass fishing competition – mental prep. I learned this the hard way after choking in a few tournaments. Here’s how I train my mind now:

  • Visualize success in the competition
  • Practice staying focused for long periods
  • Develop a positive self-talk routine

Time Management in Bass Fishing Competition Practice

In a bass fishing competition, time is your most precious resource. That’s why I always include time management in my practice sessions. Try this:

  • Set an alarm for when you should move to a new spot
  • Practice quickly setting up and breaking down your gear
  • Learn to make decisions quickly about when to stay or move

Learn from Every Bass Fishing Competition Practice Session

After each practice session, I take some time to reflect. What worked? What didn’t? This analysis is crucial for improving your performance in actual bass fishing competitions. Keep a journal if it helps!Remember, the best way to practice for a bass fishing competition is to make your practice as realistic as possible. Simulate the pressure, hone your skills, and always keep learning. With these strategies, you’ll be well-prepared for your next bass fishing competition. Now, get out there and show those bass who’s boss!



Bonnie’s Brookman Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Rend Lake

Brian Carter
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Bonnie’s Brookman Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Rend Lake
Boater winner Adam Brookman of Bonnie, Illinois, and Strike-King co-angler winners David Adams of Bloomington, Illinois and Chase Johnson of Quicy, Illinois.
Adams and Johnson Tie for Win in Strike King Co-Angler Division

SESSER, Ill. (July 1, 2024) – Boater Adam Brookman of Bonnie, Illinois, caught a five-bass limit weighing 14 pounds, 8 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Rend Lake. The tournament was the second event of the season for the BFL Illini Division. Brookman earned $6,726, including the lucrative $3,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus, for his victory.

The Rend Lake tournament was a classic “grind” for Brookman. To compete against the best local sticks on a small lake, he kept it simple, kept his head down and toughed it out, getting just five keeper bites all day long.

“I targeted main-lake rock points and riprap stretches with a jig, a Jig Shack shaky head and a crankbait. Pretty basic,” he said. “I practiced a few evenings this week and just stumbled upon some fish and just kind of grinded it out.”

Brookman said four of his keepers came on rocks and one came from a laydown.

“I was running six or eight spots,” he added. “I usually do a lot of running around, but I actually did less than what I typically do. I was just kind of rotating through some proven areas that usually pan out.”

Brookman thanked his partners at Rend Lake Sporting Goods for their support. This is his first BFL win on the boater side, to go with a previous co-angler win. To earn the win on Rend Lake was extra special for Brookman.

“It’s kind of cool because my dad used to take me to weigh-ins when I was 8 or 10 years old whenever the BFL would come to Rend Lake or some of the local lakes,” he said. “I always thought it would be kind of a cool deal to get to walk across the stage. I just kind of got lucky and pulled it off. It was kind of neat to see it come full circle.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

1st:        Adam Brookman, Bonnie, Ill., five bass, 14-8, $6,726 (includes $3,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
2nd:       Mark O’Brien, Marion, Ill., five bass, 14-3, $1,713
3rd:       Riley Walk, Neoga, Ill., five bass, 13-13, $1,141
4th:        Greg Mullins, Mount Vernon, Ill., four bass, 11-4, $799
5th:        Ethan Fields, Breese, Ill., five bass, 11-2, $685
6th:        Curt Erpenbach, Anderson, Ind., four bass, 11-1, $628
7th:        Toby Corn, Paducah, Ky., four bass, 10-11, $571
8th:        Gary Schild, Mundelein, Ill., three bass, 10-10, $639
9th:        William Walker, Mulkeytown, Ill., five bass, 9-6, $457
10th:     Terry Holsapple, Greenup, Ill., three bass, 8-11, $400

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Jeffrey Lee of Olney, Illinois, caught a bass that weighed 5 pounds, 7 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $430.


David Adams of Bloomington, Illinois, and Chase Johnson of Quincy, Illinois, tied for the win in the Strike King co-angler division Saturday with 10 pounds, 4 ounces. Adams brought four bass to the scale, while Johnson weighed a five-bass limit. They each took home $1,284.

The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:

1st:        David Adams, Bloomington, Ill., four bass, 10-4, $1,284
1st:        Chase Johnson, Quincy, Ill., five bass, 10-4, $1,284
3rd:       Troy Boley, Mahomet, Ill., three bass, 9-3, $571
4th:        Caleb Peck, Charleston, Ill., three bass, 8-0, $400
5th:        Elmo Rogers, Albion, Ill., four bass, 7-10, $343
6th:        Kim Sapetti, Chatham, Ill., two bass, 6-12, $314
7th:        Zach Brookman, Opdyke, Ill., two bass, 5-14, $285
8th:        Peyton Keathley, Ashland, Mo., two bass, 5-2, $257
9th:        Ryan Murphy, Paris, Ill., two bass, 4-15, $228
10th:     Jay Fields, Breese, Ill., one bass, 4-12, $415

Jay Fields of Breese, Illinois, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $215, catching a bass that weighed in at 4 pounds, 12 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.

After two events, Riley Walk of Neoga, Illinois, leads the Fishing Clash Illini Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 495 points, while Chase Johnson of Quincy, Illinois, leads the Fishing Clash Illini Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 494 points.

The next event for BFL Illini Division anglers will be held July 13, at the Ohio River in Paducah, Kentucky. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.

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. 10-12 BFL Regional tournament on the Mississippi River Pools 13-17 in Quad Cities, Illinois. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki 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 or Suzuki outboard.

The 2024 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 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, PowerStop Brakes, REDCON1, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters 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.



Eric & Rusty Brown Win CATT Neuse River, NC Spring Final June 29, 2024

Brian Carter
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0
Eric & Rusty Brown Win CATT Neuse River, NC Spring Final June 29, 2024

We had a great Spring on the Neuse River! The Fall schedule will be posted this coming week so check back by! If you’ve fished with us, you will receive an email with the schedule!

**The money recap is listed at the bottom of all CATT results! We hold back a portion of each Neuse River Qualifier that goes into the Neuse River Final Fund! ALL of this is listed! At the Neuse River Final the Final Fund is added to the Neuse River Final entry fees and 100% is paid back at the Final!

By entering any 2 – 2024 Fall CATT events or 2 – 2025 Spring CATT events you will qualify to enter the 2025 CATT Championship on Kerr May 17-18! $10,000 1st Place!

Eric & Rusty Brown with the 2024 Neuse River Spring Final with 5 bass weighing 20.36 lbs!

Team  BFWeightWinnings
Eric Brown – Rusty Brown4.8620.36$1,680.00
Cody Aman – Austin King4.5817.37$920.00
Brady Mohiser – Garrett Brown6.1416.64$445.00
Tom Warner – Ronald Vaughn0.0011.64
Benjamin Dillahunt3.6811.04
Bubba Barnett – Tripp Grimsley0.0011.02
Brody Bown0.0010.00
Nick Arnold3.149.47
Chad Oberhauser – Tony Crabb2.178.64
Tom Tripp0.007.37
Gabe Griffith – Richard Dominic2.657.04
Dave Grantham – Mark Game0.006.80
Greg Milligan0.006.76
Antwan D Moore Jr – Antwan L Moore Sr0.000.00
Ryan killinger – Dickie Killinger0.000.00
Dwight Scholer – Jerry Padgett0.000.00



Harrison Township’s Mandel Posts First Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Detroit River

Brian Carter
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0
Harrison Township’s Mandel Posts First Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Detroit River
Boater winner Nolan Mandel of Harrison Township, Michigan, and Strike-King co-angler winner Kade Oliver of Muncie, Indiana.
Indiana’s Oliver Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division

TRENTON, Mich. (July 1, 2024) – Boater Nolan Mandel of Harrison Township, Michigan, caught a five-fish limit of smallmouth bass weighing 24 pounds, 11 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on the Detroit River . The tournament was the first event of the season for the BFL Michigan Division. Mandel earned $10,964, including the lucrative $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus, for his victory.

Mandel spent his tournament fishing the Canadian waters of Lake St. Clair.

“The fish are really spread out still,” he said. “It got warm early this year, and there’s still fish shallow with the mayfly hatch. Covering a lot of water was really the key. I caught them on a drop-shot with a (Berkley PowerBait) MaxScent Flat Worm.”

On St. Clair, covering water doesn’t necessarily mean running and gunning. Mandel kept his trolling motor in the water most of the day, only pulling it up five or six times to move. Instead of running, he eased around on the trolling motor, throwing at isolated patches of grass. He says he was focusing on “getting away from the people and finding the little sneaky places off of the famous areas.”

The area that Mandel fished is one where he felt he could consistently catch 4-pound-class fish, but he tried to focus on keeping an open mind and not getting too “locked into” any waypoints.

“I kind of knew spots to let it unfold in the tournament,” he said. “I basically practiced in the tournament. I’ve been shooting myself in the foot getting locked into areas. I really just wanted to let it drift and expect the big bites to come. There were times I’d go 45 minutes without catching a fish and then catch 10 within 10 minutes. It was kind of like that all day.”

In addition to the drop-shot, Mandel caught a few fish on a Ned rig. He also caught one of his final five keepers on a swimbait.

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

1st:        Nolan Mandel, Harrison Township, Mich., five bass, 24-11, $10,964 (includes $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
2nd:       Heath Wagner, Angola, Ind., five bass, 24-5, $1,757
3rd:       Brayden Federer, Adrian, Mich., five bass, 22-2, $1,172
4th:        Dan Mittlestat, Woodhaven, Mich., five bass, 21-3, $1,120
5th:        Charlie Land, Coatesville, Ind., five bass, 20-5, $703
6th:        Cody Kelley, Plainwell, Mich., five bass, 19-4, $615
6th:        Drake van Dike, Livonia, Mich., five bass, 19-4, $615
8th:        Noah Stauffer, Gowen, Mich., five bass, 18-14, $527
9th:        Jonathon Dewey, Fort Gratiot, Mich., five bass, 18-13, $469
10th:     Rob Kelley, Rockwood, Mich., five bass, 17-14, $410

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Mandel caught a bass that weighed 6 pounds, 1 ounce, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $450.



Kade Oliver of Muncie, Indiana, won the Strike King co-angler division and $1,757 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 21 pounds, 3 ounces.

The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:

1st:        Kade Oliver, Muncie, Ind., five bass, 21-3, $1,757
2nd:       Gabriel Fishlock, Cincinnati, Ohio, five bass, 19-13, $1,104
3rd:       Craig Fanning, Elwood, Ill., five bass, 17-5, $585
4th:        Terry Bucciarelli, Ypsilanti, Mich., five bass, 17-3, $660
5th:        Tommy Pritchard, Bargersville, Ind., five bass, 16-12, $351
6th:        Grant Hatfield, Wadsworth, Ohio, five bass, 16-9, $322
7th:        Scott Davis, Morenci, Mich., five bass, 16-6, $278
7th:        Nicholas Yeung, Simcoe, Ontario, five bass, 16-6, $278
9th:        Sage Uhes, Farmington Hills, Mich., five bass, 16-4, $234
10th:     Doug Bradley, Syracuse, Ind., five bass, 16-1, $205

Gabriel Fishlock of Cincinnati, Ohio, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $225, catching a bass that weighed in at 5 pounds, 12 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.

The next event for BFL Michigan Division anglers will be held July 13, at Detroit River in Trenton, Michigan. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.

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. 10-12 BFL Regional tournament on the Mississippi River Pools 13-17 in Quad Cities, Illinois. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki 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 or Suzuki outboard.

The 2024 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 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, PowerStop Brakes, REDCON1, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.

For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.



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