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Chad Fara & Steven Lasher win CATT Old North Jordan Lake Qualifier with 5 bass weighing 21.45

Brian Carter

May 17, 2023

Chad Fara & Steven Lasher win CATT Old North Jordan Lake Qualifier with 5 bass weighing 21.45

Next up is the last 2023 Spring CATT Old North Qualifier at Falls Lake June 3rd! If you need 1 more Qualifier to make your 4 Qualifiers to be eligible to enter the Old North Final June 3rd at Falls is your last chance!

Old North Spring Final $8,000 1st Place GUARANTEED!
Must enter 4 Old North Spring Qualifiers to be eligible to enter the Old North Spring Final! To view the Old North Points go to the Old North Division page and scroll down to the bottom of the Division page!

We are a few days away from the 2023 CATT Academy Championship on Kerr Lake May 20-21! $10,000 GUARANTEED to 1st Place but your winnings can be a lot more! 2020 Winners took home $24,000.00! 2021 Winners took home $17,00.00! 2022 Winners took home $29,000.00! Tap on the link to view details!

2023 CATT Academy Championship – Carolina Anglers Team Trail (cattteamtrail.com)

Chad Fara & Steven Lasher win the Old North Jordan Lake Qualifier with 5 bass weighing 21.45 lbs! They took home $2,310.00!

Richard & Alec Lower 2nd with 19.36 lbs!

Lucas Lobaugh & Jeremy Moody 3rd with 18.42 lbs!

Dennis Reedy & Scott Smith 4th with 17.96 lbs and the 1st Academy BF at 7.25 lbs!

Mike Marchant and Braxton Marchant 5th with 16.76 lbs!

Keith Johnson & Jason Bowman 6th with 15.37 lbs!

Team	BF	Weight	Winnings	Points
Chad Fara – Steven Lasher	6.22	21.45	$2,310.00	110
Alec Lower – Richard Lower	5.01	19.36	$750.00	109
Lucas Lobaugh – Jeremy Moody	7.16	18.52	$1,108.00	108
Dennis Reedy – Scott Smith	7.25	17.96	$842.00	107
Mike Marchant – Bradley McLaurin	5.86	16.76	$250.00	106
Keith Johnson – Jason Bowman	0.00	15.37	$175.00	105
Daniel Dix – Andrew Stegal	0.00	14.94	$150.00	104
Rickey Parker – Brett Winborn	0.00	14.92		103
Clay Ausley- Ken McNeil	0.00	14.48		102
Rick Dunstan – Mike Ferrell	0.00	13.99		101
Jerry Marshburn – Chuck Byrd	0.00	13.71		100
Josh Hooks – Zach Holland	0.00	13.43		99
Mark Williams – Tim Goad	0.00	12.41		98
David Hall – Dane Sallinger	0.00	12.22		97
Terry Amen – Casey Johnson	0.00	11.17		96
Matthew Jones – Sonny Tindal	4.09	11.10		95
David Walton – Justin Young	0.00	11.09		94
Mike & Jonathan Rhew	5.04	11.04		93
Joe Osborne – John Piltcher	0.00	9.68		92
Tony Fofi – Mark Mohler	0.00	8.98		91
Eric Schell – Todd Smith	0.00	8.08		90
Mark Herndon – David Bullett	0.00	7.57		89
Matt Deese – Will White	0.00	6.98		88
Thomas Sheffer – Craig Leff	0.00	6.59		87
Bud Whitt – Brian Robinson	0.00	4.83		86
Roby Wyatt – Mike Prytula	0.00	3.87		85
Jeff Beasley – Park Beasley	0.00	2.29		84
Scott Woodson – Todd Staker	0.00	0.00		74
Johnny Howard – William Howard	0.00	0.00		74
Calton Hall – Jason Suggs	0.00	0.00		74
Scott Woodson – Todd Staker	0.00	0.00		74
James Wall – Michael Alverson	0.00	0.00		74
Johnny Wilder – Michael Harris	0.00	0.00		74
Owen Pinhollow – Tyler Goss	0.00	0.00		74
Todd Sumner – Rich Z	0.00	0.00		74
Dennis Allen – Keith Allen	0.00	0.00		74
Chad Craven – Ben Cannon	0.00	0.00		74
Tony Stanley – Chase Stanley	0.00	0.00		74
Total Entrys			$5,040.00
BONUS $			$1,500.00
Total Paid At Ramp			$5,585.00
Old North 2023 Spring Final Fund			$800.00
CATT			$50.00
2023 CATT Championship Fund			$50.00
2023 Old North Spring Final Fund Total			$5,520.00

Rodney & Danny Bowen Win 5 Alive Team Trail/Caswell Glass Heritage Trail Qualifier #5 May Lake

Brian Carter

May 17, 2023

Rodney & Danny Bowen Win 5 Alive Team Trail/Caswell Glass Heritage Trail Qualifier #5 May Lake

5 Alive Team Trail/Caswell Glass Heritage Trail Qualifier #5
Mayo Lake 5/13/2023

We had our 5th Qualifier last Saturday at the small but plentiful with bass Mayo Lake. The weather was perfect. Not to hot and not to cold. Wasn’t really sure how to react to that. We’re used to massive cold fronts coming in on the day of all of the 5 Alive tournaments.

We had 76 boats show up Saturday to try to take home the money. Lots of solid bags weighed in on Saturday but it seems the days of the 27 to 28 pound bags at Mayo are about gone. Them big fish are hard to come by. When the smoke cleared after the weigh in it was the always tough at Mayo Team of Rodney Bowen and Danny Bowen that topped the 76 boat feild. They had a winning 5 fish limit weighing 19.24 pounds. That earned them a total of $2255.00 with TWT. If you know the Bowen boys then you know they’re about as good of people as your ever going to meet and they’re ones to beat every time at Mayo. GOOD JOB GUYS!! Well deserved!!!
They were followed by our young guns team. These two young men’s age don’t even add up to my age combined.

The team of Chris Glosson ( AKA Squirrel) and J.D. Talley rolled in with a bag weighing 19.17 pounds. That earned them a total of $ 1100.00 with TWT. They weren’t done tho. They also won the Caswell Glass Heritage Trail with that bag winning them other things. We will get to that! This is starting to become a trend. Our winners of the Heritage Trail at Jordan Lake also won the 5 Alive Team Trail Qualifier. Thought we might get to see it again. That young team has been solid all year and when you see the points posted you will see what I’m talking about. By the way did I mention they beat their Dad and their protégé Dan Glosson and Scottie Morris ? I may or may not be riding them guys for that!!

Big fish was won by the team of Bailey & Bailey with a 5.91 pound chunk worth $760.00
On to the Caswell Glass Heritage Trail. As I said earlier the young guns team came in on a mission and topped the feild with that 19.17 pound bag. That earned them two Favorite Fishing rods, plaques , two $50.00 Bass Pro Shops gift cards donated by Tarheel Flooring and two hats. I’d say all of that and a $1100.00 check for finishing 2nd in the 5 Alive Trail made for a pretty good day for them boys!

They were followed by a Grandfather and Grandson team that have fished every Heritage Trail event we have ever had. The team of Will Carver & JD Carver had a bag weighing 13.42 pounds. That earned them two $25.00 Bobcats Bait and Tackle Gift Cards. Glad to see them two get on the board this year!
Our NC Marine Sales Caymas Money was won by the team of Aiden & Fine worth $300.00.
Want to give a BIG CONGRATULATIONS to everyone that placed in the money! We also want to Thank everyone that came out to fish with us!

Our next and final Qualifier will be at Kerr Lake – Occoneechee Ramp on 6/3/2023. We will crown our 2023- 5 Alive Team Trail Points Champions
2023- Caswell Glass Heritage Trail Points Champions
2023 – Countryside Service Center FAT 5 Champions &
2023 – Big Bass of the year on that Day. It’s going to be a good one!!!

Yall come check us out!

RESULTS.
1st. Bowen & Bowen- 19.24 pounds- $2255.00 TWT
2nd. Glosson & Talley- 19.17 pounds- $1100.00 TWT
3rd. Bailey & Bailey- 19.11 pounds-$1370.00 Big Fish
4th. Keith Wray- 18.62 pounds-$685.00 TWT
5th. Strickland & Cook- 18.17 pounds-$330.00
6th. Woolard & Woolard- 18.01 pounds-$295.00
7th. Adam Bass – 17.89 pounds-$275.00
8th.Seate & Williams- 17.62 pounds-$195.00
9th. Mullins & Mullins- 17.57 pounds-$150.00
10th. Woody & Dillon- 17.44 pounds-$100.00

BIG Fish.
Bailey & Bailey- 5.91 pounds -$760.00

Ryan & Randy Broughman Win CATT Roanoke Rapids Lake, NC May 13, 2023

Brian Carter

May 17, 2023

Ryan & Randy Broughman Win CATT Roanoke Rapids Lake, NC May 13, 2023

Next Tidewater CATT Qualifier is May 27th on the Chowan River out of Shoups Ramp Rt 13!

The 2023 CATT Academy Championship on Kerr Lake is May 20-21! $10,000 GUARANTEED to 1st Place but your winnings can be a lot more! 2020 Winners took home $24,000.00! 2021 Winners took home $17,00.00! 2022 Winners took home $29,000.00! Tap on the link to view details! Only had to enter 2 CATT events since June 2022 to be eligible!

2023 CATT Academy Championship – Carolina Anglers Team Trail (cattteamtrail.com)

Ryan Broughman/Randy Broughman took 1st Place with 5 bass weighing 23.70 lbs worth $2,255.00!

Our fourth tournament of the year went down on the Pasquotank river today with 44 teams vying for a win on a river that has definitely been giving up some big fish this year! The weather definitely cooperated today with marginal winds that allowed teams to stretch out the outboards if they needed to. Well the river didn’t let us down today as 15 fish over 6lbs crossed the scales today Including two 8lbers led by a 8.29lb river monster caught by the team of Chris Banks/Zack Meads. The father son team of Randy Broughman and Ryan Broughman were able to put together a big old bag of river bass weighing 23.70 lbs anchored by a 7.45lb big fish to take home a victory and a $2255 payday. The team of Josh Powell and Eric Rountree made things interesting with a 21.30 lb limit for 2nd place that Included a 6.96 lb kicker. The following teams made up the the teams in the money.

3. Jeff Stoop/Mike Henson 20.61 lbs

4. Michael Evans/Brian Meadows 20.45 lbs

5. Mike Scott/JP Scott 18.86lbs

6. Nick Meek/Kyle Verkullen 18.56 lbs

7. Chris Banks/Zack Meads 18.10 lbs

8. Eugene Foushee/Brandon Johnson 18.06 lbs

Our last qualifier of the year will be May 27th on Chowan river out of Shoups landing.

Team	BF	Weight	Winnings	Points
Ryan Broughman/Randy Broughman	7.45	23.70	$2,255.00	110
Josh Powell/ Eric Rountree	6.96	21.30	$825.00	109
Jeff Stoop/ Mike Henson	7.76	20.61	$525.00	108
Michael Evans/ Brian Meadows	7.46	20.45	$400.00	107
Mike Scott/ JP Scott	6.41	18.86	$300.00	106
Nick Meek/ Kyle Verkullen	6.30	18.56	$225.00	105
Chris Banks/ Zachary Meads	8.29	18.10	$488.00	104
Eugene Fouschee/ Brandon Johnson	6.73	18.06	$140.00	103
Bubba Banks/Tommy Banks	7.41	17.87		102
Bobby Dunlow/ Dawson Dunlow	5.87	17.66		101
David Buchanan/ Brian Richardson	6.73	16.47		100
Alan Meads/Chris Meads	6.22	15.27		99
Kirk Nixon/ Trent Nixon	0.00	15.23		98
Jeff Freeman/ Rodney White	8.21	14.77	$132.00	97
Chris Pike/ Rick Plemons	6.06	14.68		96
Tommy Houlroyd/ Don Porter	0.00	14.21		95
Darren Saunders/ Dave Parker	0.00	13.98		94
Scott Rock/ Jaden Rock	7.25	13.76		93
Brandon Overton/Jason Tripp	0.00	13.31		92
Gary Debrito/Derek Goodman	0.00	12.47		91
Brian Jackson/ Billy Saunders	4.86	12.42		90
Brent Thomas/ Ethan Thomas	0.00	12.20		89
Wayne Hayes/ Andy Morath	5.29	12.06		88
David Shaffer/ Scott Shaffer	0.00	11.51		87
Jordan Sanderlin/ Andrew George	0.00	11.36		86
Jim Dick/ Greg Dick	0.00	10.86		85
Mark Moretz/ Ray Cobb	0.00	10.56		84
Bob Clarkson/ Mark Ingram	0.00	10.00		83
Jeff Hayden/ Derek Hayden	0.00	9.36		82
Kenneth Moore/ Joseph Eure	0.00	9.27		81
Michael Hoggard/David Freeman	0.00	8.62		80
Steve Brickhouse/James Williams	5.76	8.12		79
Mike Wenthe/ William Chappel	0.00	6.88		78
Ronnie Ketchum/ Benny Hendricks	0.00	6.56		77
Bob Gomez/ Eddie Tipton	0.00	6.48		76
Al Biagioni/ John LaRock	0.00	6.44		75
Quintin Chappell/ Chris Turner	0.00	5.31		74
Matt Anderson	0.00	4.62		73
Mike Knapp/ Ben Knapp	0.00	4.13		72
Tony Baker/ Edwin Johanees	0.00	3.46		71
Keith Jennings/ Hickman	0.00	0.00		61
Douglas Hewitt/William Heighter	0.00	0.00		61
Hunter Holloman/Bryan Hendricks	0.00	0.00		61
Stephen Caldwell/ Avery White	0.00	0.00		61
Total Entrys			$5,280.00
BONUS $			$575.00
Total Paid At Ramp			$5,290.00
CATT			$50.00
2023 Tidewater Final Fund			$465.00
2023 CATT Championship Fund			$50.00
2023 Tidewater Final Fund Total			$1,650.00

Help Save Lives with Free PSA’s

Brian Carter

May 17, 2023

Help Save Lives with Free PSA’s

The Future Angler Foundation has partnered with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Into the Outdoors Education Network to grow a safety-conscious community of boaters by empowering youth, and the adults around them, to think critically about the consequences of their actions.

Forestville, WI (May 17, 2023) – Many boating accidents are caused by human error and could have been prevented with proper boating knowledge and preparation. The following eight (8) Public Service Announcements reveal some of the most common causes of boating accidents and related deaths, and how viewers can prevent those accidents.To help your audiences and the messaging of your boating safety education programs, please feel free to use these open-source PSAs on your websites, networks, social media outlets, TV shows, videos and safety education campaigns.

It only takes a moment to download these free PSAs. Simply click on the linked titles below, then click on the “Download Video” to get the full HD 1920×1080 (h264) version.By all working together on educating the boating public, we can help prevent future accidents with proper boating safety knowledge.Also, explore, download and use these boating safety classroom educational videos and their related classroom lesson activities in your boating safety education programs. Like the PSA’s they are free open-source.

DOWNLOADS

Local Favorite Jacob Wall Takes Day 1 Lead at MLF Bass Pro Tour Toro Stage Four on Lake Guntersville

Brian Carter

May 17, 2023

Local Favorite Jacob Wall Takes Day 1 Lead at MLF Bass Pro Tour Toro Stage Four on Lake Guntersville

New Hope, Alabama Rookie Catches 26-8 To Lead Early for Group A, 40 Anglers in Group B to Begin Competition Tomorrow

GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. (May 16, 2023) – Bass Pro Tour Rookie Jacob Wall of New Hope, Alabama, boated 16 scorable bass Tuesday, with his best five weighing 26 pounds, 8 ounces, to take the early lead in Qualifying Group A on Day 1 of the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour Toro Stage Four at Lake Guntersville Presented by Bass Cat Boats.

Wall will bring a 2-pound, 12-ounce, lead into Thursday’s second day of competition for Group A. In second place on the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard is Addison, Alabama pro Jesse Wiggins, who caught five bass weighing 23-12. New Jersey pro Adrian Avena sits in third place, 3 pounds, 5 ounces back of Wall with five bass weighing 23-3.

Link to HD Video – Fish-Catch Highlights of Group A Qualifying Round Day 1 on Lake Guntersville
Link to Photo Gallery of Group A’s Day 1 Qualifying Round Afternoon Highlights

The six-day event, hosted by Marshall County Tourism & Sports, 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 will now have an off day from competition on Wednesday, while the 40 anglers competing in Group B will begin their first day of competition. Group A will resume competition on Thursday.

“What a great way to start the tournament. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to fish for Stage 4,” Wall said in his post-game interview. “Today was just a super fun day. I live about 25 minutes from where I’m sitting in the boat, and I had some of my best friends following me around this morning, and they got to witness me catch right up to 24¾ pounds, which was super cool. It was just one of those days where every decision that I made was the right one.”

Wall spent his morning targeting bass out deep with a Nichols Lures Magnum Spoon. In the afternoon he caught a couple of upgrades on a big glide bait.

“Those last 2 or 3 big ones I caught, I ran to a community hole – a spot that every local, and every pro in this tournament probably knows about it because it’s so obvious – and figured I would experiment with some baits and try some different stuff out,” Wall said. “I picked up a big swimbait and I couldn’t believe it. I caught a 5-something, and then an almost-5, and then another good one on it. And then I didn’t make another cast in there. I didn’t want to educate those fish any more than I already had with those three casts. I only made about five or six casts total with that swimbait and they acted like they had never seen it before.

“Those fish that I caught late this afternoon were 15 to 20 miles away from where I caught my fish this morning, so it was just one of those days,” Wall went on to say. “I’m looking forward to getting back out here in two days to hopefully catch enough to make the Knockout round, so then I can go out there and crush on them again and make the Championship Round. That’s ultimately the goal – to be fishing that final day and have a shot at the title this week on Lake Guntersville.”

The standings for the 40 pros in Group A after Day 1 on Lake Guntersville are:

1st:        Jacob Wall, New Hope, Ala., five bass, 26-8
2nd:       Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., five bass, 23-12
3rd:       Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J., five bass, 23-3
4th:        Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., five bass, 21-7
5th:        Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., five bass, 21-0
6th:        Takahiro Omori, Tokyo, Japan, five bass, 19-12
7th:        Russ Lane, Prattville, Ala., five bass, 19-6
8th:        Cody Meyer, Star, Idaho, five bass, 19-5
9th:        Timmy Horton, Muscle Shoals, Ala., five bass, 18-13
10th:     Greg Vinson, Wetumpka, Ala., five bass, 18-5
11th:     Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., five bass, 18-1
12th:     Kelly Jordon, Flint, Texas, five bass, 18-1
13th:     Cliff Crochet, Pierre Part, La., five bass, 17-12
14th:     Luke Clausen, Spokane, Wash., five bass, 17-3
15th:     Chris Lane, Guntersville, Ala., five bass, 16-15
16th:     Alton Jones, Jr., Waco, Texas, five bass, 16-13
17th:     Ryan Salzman, Huntsville, Ala., five bass, 16-12
18th:     Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn., five bass, 16-5
19th:     Cliff Pace, Petal, Miss., five bass, 16-4
20th:     Randall Tharp, Port Saint Joe, Fla., five bass, 16-2
21st:      Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas, five bass, 15-14
22nd:    Stephen Browning, Hot Springs, Ark., five bass, 15-8
23rd:     Fletcher Shryock, Guntersville, Ala., five bass, 15-4
24th:     Randy Howell, Guntersville, Ala., five bass, 14-15
25th:     Josh Bertrand, Queen Creek, Ariz., five bass, 14-14
26th:     James Watson, Lampe, Mo., five bass, 14-3
27th:     Skeet Reese, Auburn, Calif., five bass, 14-1
28th:     Josh Butler, Hayden, Ala., five bass, 14-0
29th:     Dean Rojas, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., five bass, 14-0
30th:     Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., five bass, 13-14
31st:      Edwin Evers, Talala, Okla., five bass, 13-7
32nd:    Kevin VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., five bass, 13-5
33rd:     Mark Davis, Mount Ida, Ark., five bass, 13-4
34th:     Terry Scroggins, San Mateo, Fla., five bass, 12-7
35th:     Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark., five bass, 11-13
36th:     Andy Morgan, Dayton, Tenn., five bass, 11-4
37th:     Dave Lefebre, Erie, Pa., five bass, 11-0
38th:     Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., four bass, 10-12
39th:     Nick Lebrun, Bossier City, La., four bass, 10-11
40th:     Roy Hawk, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., three bass, 7-0

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

Overall, there were 351 scorable bass weighing 1,018 pounds, 11 ounces caught by the 40 pros Tuesday, which included eight 5-pounders and two 6-pounders.

Berkley pro Adrian Avena earned the daily $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award Tuesday with a 6-pound, 3-ounce largemouth bass that bit in Period 2. 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 40 Anglers in Group A compete in their two-day qualifying round on Tuesday and Thursday – the 40 anglers in Group B on Wednesday and Friday. After 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. CT each day from the Guntersville Civitan Park, located at 1130 Sunset Drive in Guntersville. Each day’s General Tire Takeout will be held at the launch locations, 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 MLF NOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

As part of the event, on Saturday, May 20 and Sunday, May 21 the MLF Fan Experience will be taking place at Civitan Park in Guntersville from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF will welcome fans of all ages to celebrate fishing and the outdoors with concerts in the park, hosted by Explore Lake Guntersville, featuring JUICE on Saturday and Jackson Chase on Sunday. Food and drinks will be available from local food trucks and fans can check out the latest gear and offerings from MLF and MLF sponsors including Toyota, Favorite Fishing, Kubota, U.S. Air Force, and The Fallen Outdoors. On Sunday, fans can hang out and watch the pros live on the MLF NOW! big screen during the MLF Watch Party. 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.

The Toro Stage Four at Lake Guntersville Presented by Bass Cat Boats will feature pros 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 MLF NOW!® 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. CT. MLF NOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.

Television coverage of the Toro Stage Four at Lake Guntersville Presented by Bass Cat Boats will air as two, two-hour episodes starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Oct. 7 and Saturday, Oct. 14 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 + 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.

Lance Whitaker and Jeremy Briscoe win ABT Pickwick with 21.48

Brian Carter

May 16, 2023

Lance Whitaker and Jeremy Briscoe win ABT Pickwick with 21.48

By Jason Duran

225 teams converged on Pickwick Lake for the fourth stop for the Alabama Bass Trail North Division. Teams reported a difficult practice due to rain and storms during the week. On tournament Saturday, the weather broke and provided a great day for fishing. All teams are looking to win this event and do well in the AOY points race to make the ABT Championship. The team of Lance Whitaker and Jeremy Briscoe brought a solid bag of 21.48 pounds to win a very tough event on Pickwick Lake.

The first-place team of Lance Whitaker and Jeremy Briscoe weighed in 21.48. “The plan for us this morning was to head downriver to fish a spot we found that was about 100 yards long. We were expecting to catch about 17 pounds in this area based on our practice. However, when we started catching them, we ended up spending the whole day on this one spot. The keys in the area we found were scattered rocks on a point that were in 17-23 feet of water. We got behind the rock pile and threw up past it. To catch these fish, we used a NetBait T-Mac worm in green pumpkin on a Shakey and let the bait bounce down through there. We also used a Zman Ned rig to do some things, and we also used a Keitech Swimbait. We fished the swimbait a little higher in the water column where the bait fish were located.” Lance and Jeremy are no strangers to the winner’s stage with their most recent win coming in 2021 at Wheeler Lake in May. The team is looking forward to getting back there for the final stop of the ABT North Division. For this win, they collected a $10,000 check and automatically qualified for the ABT Championship.

The second-place team of Tony Keef and Bryan Gregory enjoy fishing the Tennessee River and have had some success in the past with a 5^th place finish here three years ago- a win they were hoping to capitalize on this year. “We had a terrible practice starting on Wednesday and had to leave the lake at 10 o’clock because of all the storms.” Like many teams in this event, they “located a shad spawn down in the 7-mile island area and quickly caught a limit by 7:15 of about 15 pounds.” After the shad spawn, they made the move even further south to fish a shaded bank where they hoped the shad spawn would still be going on. When they arrived, the shad spawn was over. “We spent some time fishing for a few bed fish we had located and decided we need to get out of there, so we moved towards the Bear Creek area to fish out deep using a Swim Bait. There we caught a 4-pound and a 5-pound fish” to upgrade their limit a little more. They made one more move headed back towards take off and decided to stop and fish another area. “We doubled up and had to quickly release the smaller fish so that we could legally bring the second fish in the boat which was about a 5-pound smallmouth.” This upgraded their limit to the final weight of 20.78 pounds. Their key baits included a Booyah Spinnerbait in White and chartreuse with a gold blade. They also used a Strike King Shadalicious Swimbait. With their second place finish, they earned a $5,000 payday.

The Team of Mitch Mitchell and Candler McCollum finished in third place. Practice for us “was tough with all the storms; we only practiced a little last weekend and in the rain all day on Friday. We found a little shad spawn and got lucky today that it still was there.” They located this spot down in the Trace bridge area. They quickly went to work and “caught one first cast to put together a limit in ten minutes. By 7:30 we had around 19-pounds.” The key baits to fish the shad spawn were a Zoom swimmer and a Zara Spook. Once they filled the limit, they knew they needed to find a bigger bite to help move them up the leader board. “We knew we needed the bigger bite and running shallow stuff would not help us, so we moved out deeper and ran all over the lake searching for them. We bounced around checking different areas and moved down the lake towards Tennessee. This area has deeper ledges with a less grass and more shell beds that the fish tend to like. When we moved out deeper, we culled a couple of 3-pound fish by catching a 4-pound and a 4.30-pound fish” for a final weight of 20.79. “We gave it our best and came up short which is a little disappointing today because we really wanted to win this one.” Their third place finish was worth $4,000.

With one more event left in the North Division the points race is very tight and all eyes will be watching on the next event at Wheeler Lake.

TOP 10 AOY Points Standings after 4 events:

PLACE ANGLERS POINTS

1 John Kellett/Zeke Gossett 804

2 Roman Calvert/Shannon Calvert 803

3 Damien Willis/Tyler Kiker 801

4 Michael Wooley/Joe Wooley 796

5 Wesley Sams/Jordan Wiggins 790

6 Justin Bussey/Ben Webb 780

7 Shane Meers/James Meers 770

8 Bryan Johnson/Brandon Groce 766

9 Greg Tomlin/Jeremy Tomlin 760

10 Mark Mccaig/Tim Hurst 757

The top five standings are below for a complete list of standings please visit:

Results

Download and listen to the ABT Podcast on your favorite Podcast app by searching for “Alabama Bass Trail Podcast.” The Podcast is released each week on Tuesday.

For Live coverage from this event and others visit https://www.youtube.com/@alabamabasstrailtv

The sponsors of the 2023 Alabama Bass Trail include: Phoenix Boats, Academy Sports, Alabama Power, America’s First Federal Credit Union, American Trailer Rental Group, BAJIO, Big Bite Baits, Bill Penney Automotive, Black Rifle Coffee Company, Anheuser – Bush, Inc., E3 Sports Apparel, Fish Neely Henry Lake.com, Garmin, Jack’s, Lew’s, Mtn Dew, Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, Power-Pole, Strike King, Sweet Home Alabama, T-H Marine, Yamaha, YETI Coolers.

Dedicated to the Independents

Brian Carter

May 16, 2023

Dedicated to the Independents

DAIWA’s premium KAGE rods and reels are exclusively available at independent dealers.

Cypress, CA (May 16, 2023) – In Japanese, KAGE means “in the shadows”. The English translation is “the shadow that is created by the light.” To DAIWA, KAGE means an exclusive series of premium rods and reels that are available from independent retailers only, and not sold online. “Independent dealers are core to DAIWA’s business,” said DAIWA marketing director Marc Mills. “These shops offer that hands-on, local and regional service that’s the backbone of fishing. So, DAIWA wanted to do something special for them by developing high-quality products that are only available at these specialty stores.”And during these challenging economic times, the smaller guys can be the most vulnerable. Having DAIWA KAGE rods and reels in-stock, however, gives them that little competitive edge. And their loyal customers benefit from buying brilliant products at fair prices.DAIWA’S KAGE roster includes two spinning reels, three freshwater rods series, and even an ice fishing rod lineup.Let’s learn more about DAIWA’s unique KAGE products:

KAGE MQ LT
Behold the standard in crossover saltwater and freshwater spinning reels, DAIWA’s superbly designed KAGE LT MQ. The KAGE LT MQ embodies rich features, which start with its one-piece MONOCOQUE Zaion body. This design framework yields more space for larger gears, therefore promoting increased torque and power from the get-go. The inventive Zaion MONOCOQUE body also offers 360 degrees of stability and improved waterproofing over standard spinning reels with conventional, screw-in side plates. 360 degrees of stability means the larger gearing is held firmly and in precise alignment; the less gears shift side to side, the less binding and wear take place, and longer your new reel will feel fresh out-of-the-box. KAGE MQ LT employs a proprietary system of waterproofing protection called Magseal. Magsealing uses a special magnetic bushing in conjunction with a magnetic weld to create an airtight and watertight oil seal, virtually eliminating the travel of contaminants or water down the main shaft and into the gear set or roller bearing.

A7075 aircraft-grade aluminum DIGIGEAR® technology is another hallmark of the KAGE LT MQ. The especially hard and lightweight aluminum is precision machined and digitally cut, making it considerably more resistant to wear than traditional gear materials on the market.Anglers fishing KAGE LT MQ reels will appreciate DAIWA’s superb Advanced Tournament Drag (ATD™) when setting the hook and fighting fish. The smart system applies an increased, instantaneous, and calculated resistance during the hookset. After the hook drives home and the fish starts pulling, ATD automatically returns to the selected drag setting.Sizes range from 1000 to 4000. MSRP’s $329.99 – $359.99

KAGE LT
DAIWA’s KAGE LT embraces Light /Tough Concept and is lighter by weight yet strong and rigid. The body is constructed from Zaion, a “high density” carbon strain material that is 20 percent stronger and 50 percent lighter than traditional nylon and aluminum. The true carbon body is reduced in size and weight yet provides a rigid framework for powerful gearing. The design incorporates the Air Bail and Air Rotor systems that reduce weight by another 15 percent but don’t sacrifice strength and rigidity.The Aluminum Digigear set is precision cut for a smooth, powerful performance with less weight. A unique premium cork handle knob looks smart and provides a solid grip. The smooth and powerful Advanced Tournament Drag (ATD) system will stop the largest gamefish. Available in sizes from 1000 to 2500, the advanced spinning reel can be utilized for a variety of freshwater and light saltwater applications.MSRP $219.99

KAGE Premium Bass Rods
The clean designs and state of the art construction of KAGE Bass Rods will impress everyday anglers and tournament competitors alike. The fit and finish is impeccable, its matte black look and fine wrapping evoking quality. KAGE’s high tech Fuji Alconite Guides are handsome yet smooth as silk, braid friendly, tangle proof, and rod-locker tough. The cork handles are contoured to provide hours of comfort. With flawless construction, beautiful cosmetics and practical task specific designs, any serious bass angler would be proud to put a rod of this quality on the deck.14 technique-specific models available, covering casting and spinning. MSRP’s $179.99 to $199.99

KAGE Ultralight Rods
Exclusive to independent dealers, perfect for many ultra-light techniques, these perfectly constructed blanks are designed using DAIWA’s X-45 Bias Carbon Construction to keep the blank strong while avoiding blank twist. Built using our Megatop Technology, the tip features a solid blank construction for extra strength, durability, and sensitivity.A tough and rigid SVF Carbon Technology blank gives greater strength and sensitivity. Complete with quality Fuji Alconite Rings in Fuji Tangle-Free Guides, a Fuji VSS Reel Seat, premium cork handles and a matte black finish.If you are looking for a line of rods well suited for Trout or Panfish around the country, then look to your local dealer and test drive one of the 11 unique models.MSRP’s $189.99 to $209.99

KAGE Walleye Rods
Also exclusive to independent dealers, and designed for the dedicated walleye angler, these perfectly constructed blanks utilize X-45 Bias Carbon Construction to keep the blank strong while avoiding blank twist. Ten walleye-specific spinning rod actions will suit all your technique specific needs. A tough and rigid SVF Carbon Technology blank gives greater strength and sensitivity. Complete with quality Fuji Alconite Rings in Fuji Tangle-Free Guides, a Fuji VSS Reel Seat, premium cork handles and a matte black finish.MSRP $199.99.

KAGE Ice Fishing Rods
The Innovative lightweight and slim design is achieved through several proprietary DAIWA rod building technologies, allowing for a blank that maintains the strength and durability of a much larger diameter rod. The Super Volume Fiber (SVF) blank manufacturing process utilizes concentrated fiber for more strength, allowing for smaller volume of resin. This results in a lighter, slimmer blank that is sensitive and strong.The unique Megatop rod tip is ultra-sensitive yet strong and durable, ideal for light bites. Fuji Tangle Free Guides with Alconite Inserts are built tough and assure a trouble-free drop. Its crafted cork handle transitions seamlessly with a hand shaped reel seat.Seven models in the series. MSRP $119.99

For Daiwa’s latest color catalog and/or information on Daiwa dealers in your area, call Daiwa’s Customer Service Department at 562-375-6800 or e-mail inquiries to: [email protected]. The URL for Daiwa’s web site is daiwa.us.

Money Where Its Mouth Is

Brian Carter

May 16, 2023

Money Where Its Mouth Is

NPAA President participates in ASA’s Government Affairs spring meeting to sound off in support of recreational sportfishing.

Forestville, WI (May 16, 2023) – What does an NPAA membership mean? Simple. Having a voice. A voice in decisions – big and small – that affect the health and welfare of recreational fishing and your access to public waters.NPAA puts their money where their mouth is, too. For example, NPAA President Pat Neu recently traveled to Washington, DC to join the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) Government Affairs Committee for its spring meeting. The group is built of opinion leaders and professionals in the recreational fishing industry, and it’s their influence and actions that serve to protect our sport.Neu, who has been involved with the ASA Government Affairs Committee for a decade, talks history, this year’s discussions, and “hot button” items. “When I first got involved, the sportfishing industry was just getting a seat at the table with Congress. Interests like commercial fishing, offshore wind and oil, and environmental groups were influencing policy that affected sportfishing, but the everyday angler wasn’t being forcefully represented.”“Highly funded environmental organizations wield a lot of power. And, sometimes, they’re like wolves in sheep’s clothing. They’re really preservationists, not wanting anyone to utilize certain public natural resources. To be frank, they think of people as invasive species.”“Sometimes, they actually lobby against anglers and hunters, which is ironic, because it’s the fishing license fees and excise taxes we pay on equipment that actually funds a lot of the federal and state investments in natural resources.”

The Good GuysThere is an enormous difference between “environmentalism” and “conservationism”. The organizations NPAA aligns with are based on conservation, groups promoting the judicious use of our natural resources and investment in habitat improvement – land, air, and water. Neu identifies some of the good guys: “Organizations like the Coastal Conservation Association, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Center for Sportfishing Policy, and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership also have seats at the table, giving voice to the concerns of anglers and hunters.”

Hot Button IssuesThe ASA Government Affairs Committee placed particular focus on current and looming topics that are having or will have a direct impact on recreational boaters and anglers. “The right whale situation off the Atlantic coast is one of those front-and-center topics,” said Neu. “NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) is proposing 10 knot speed restrictions out to 100 miles off the coast to include smaller vessels. That would absolutely cripple recreational anglers, charters, and guides, not to mention smaller commercial fishing outfits.”“It’s not that we’re against protecting right whales, but currently, science doesn’t support the proposed restriction. It’s reactionary. Ironically, but not surprisingly, we’re not hearing much about how offshore windfarms might be adversely affecting the navigational abilities of right whales. The evidence is out there. It needs to part of the discussion.”Sharks were also on the ASA Government Affairs Committee’s agenda. Not JAWS or nurse sharks, but the explosion of shark populations along coastal waters. Shark numbers are growing exponentially, and they continue ranging shallower. Ask any saltwater angler or beach lifeguard. Yet, at present, there’s been no action to address growing conflicts between sharks and recreational fishing, including the issue of “depredation” where a shark eats part or whole of an angler’s catch before it’s landed.“All ASA is asking for is the commencement of a study,” said Neu. “Let science lead to a strategy and then begin managing the situation. No different than timber wolf management in the north or protecting sea turtle nesting sites along the Gulf coast.”“We just can’t ignore the shark problem.”A third major subject was taxation – the excise taxes and tariffs companies pay for importing goods. The up-and-up manufacturing members of ASA pay their fair share. Then what’s the beef? Go on Amazon and search “fishing rods,” for example. Plenty of familiar brands. But you’ll also find scores of obscure brands you’ll never find at retail. They’re selling direct through ecommerce. Who is collecting the tariffs and excise taxes? Likely, no one. And who suffers? You do. Because a large portion of the excise taxes paid by legitimate manufacturers goes toward our woods and waters. If you don’t recognize the brand, there’s a reason why. Cheap stuff. No taxes collected. Circumvention of laws. Bad deal for recreational anglers.Want one more? Okay. The threatening cloud of bans on lead tackle. It’s happening fast in Europe, and not necessarily supported by science. “We’ve all heard the stories about loons eating sinkers and dying,” said Neu. “Really? Where’s the science? Ask about any freshwater angler if they’re seeing more or less loons over the last decade. I’m going with more. Why? Habitat improvement, especially shoreline nesting areas and more forage for the loons due to sound fisheries management.”“Again, let’s see the entire scientific story before reactionary policy is made.”

Talk…and then ActionPoliticians are famous for being all talk and no action. All hat and no cattle, as southerners quip. ASA, however, gets to doing. For example, an ASA staff member is assigned to the legislative side of all the above topics. They track, report, advise, and ultimately the organization lobbies for policy that benefits and protects recreational anglers. Circling back to where we started. What does an NPAA membership mean? Simple. Having a voice. A voice in decisions – big and small – that affect the health and welfare of recreational fishing and your access to public waters.

JOIN NPAA!

West Columbia’s Murphy Claims Victory at Phoenix Bass Fishing League at Lake Murray Presented by Cadence Petroleum

Brian Carter

May 15, 2023

West Columbia’s Murphy Claims Victory at Phoenix Bass Fishing League at Lake Murray Presented by Cadence Petroleum

Boater Lucas Murphy of West Columbia, South Carolina, and Strike-King co-angler Wesley Trotter of Monroe, North Carolina.

Yadkinville’s Haire Edges Field for Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Kerr Lake

Brian Carter

May 15, 2023

Yadkinville’s Haire Edges Field for Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Kerr Lake

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Chad Fara & Steven Lasher win CATT Old North Jordan Lake Qualifier with 5 bass weighing 21.45

Next up is the last 2023 Spring CATT Old North Qualifier at Falls Lake June 3rd! If you need 1 more Qualifier to make your 4 Qualifiers to be eligible to enter the Old North Final June 3rd at Falls is your last chance!

Old North Spring Final $8,000 1st Place GUARANTEED!
Must enter 4 Old North Spring Qualifiers to be eligible to enter the Old North Spring Final! To view the Old North Points go to the Old North Division page and scroll down to the bottom of the Division page!

We are a few days away from the 2023 CATT Academy Championship on Kerr Lake May 20-21! $10,000 GUARANTEED to 1st Place but your winnings can be a lot more! 2020 Winners took home $24,000.00! 2021 Winners took home $17,00.00! 2022 Winners took home $29,000.00! Tap on the link to view details!

Chad Fara & Steven Lasher win the Old North Jordan Lake Qualifier with 5 bass weighing 21.45 lbs! They took home $2,310.00!

Richard & Alec Lower 2nd with 19.36 lbs!

Lucas Lobaugh & Jeremy Moody 3rd with 18.42 lbs!

Dennis Reedy & Scott Smith 4th with 17.96 lbs and the 1st Academy BF at 7.25 lbs!

Mike Marchant and Braxton Marchant 5th with 16.76 lbs!

Keith Johnson & Jason Bowman 6th with 15.37 lbs!

Rodney & Danny Bowen Win 5 Alive Team Trail/Caswell Glass Heritage Trail Qualifier #5 May Lake

Ryan & Randy Broughman Win CATT Roanoke Rapids Lake, NC May 13, 2023

Next Tidewater CATT Qualifier is May 27th on the Chowan River out of Shoups Ramp Rt 13!

Ryan Broughman/Randy Broughman took 1st Place with 5 bass weighing 23.70 lbs worth $2,255.00!

3. Jeff Stoop/Mike Henson 20.61 lbs

4. Michael Evans/Brian Meadows 20.45 lbs

5. Mike Scott/JP Scott 18.86lbs

6. Nick Meek/Kyle Verkullen 18.56 lbs

7. Chris Banks/Zack Meads 18.10 lbs

8. Eugene Foushee/Brandon Johnson 18.06 lbs

Our last qualifier of the year will be May 27th on Chowan river out of Shoups landing.

Help Save Lives with Free PSA’s

Local Favorite Jacob Wall Takes Day 1 Lead at MLF Bass Pro Tour Toro Stage Four on Lake Guntersville

Lance Whitaker and Jeremy Briscoe win ABT Pickwick with 21.48

Dedicated to the Independents

Money Where Its Mouth Is

West Columbia’s Murphy Claims Victory at Phoenix Bass Fishing League at Lake Murray Presented by Cadence Petroleum

Yadkinville’s Haire Edges Field for Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Kerr Lake

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

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

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

basscastPRO

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The Bass CastYour Tourney News Headquarters

The Bass CastPRO

Next up is the last 2023 Spring CATT Old North Qualifier at Falls Lake June 3rd! If you need 1 more Qualifier to make your 4 Qualifiers to be eligible to enter the Old North Final June 3rd at Falls is your last chance!

Old North Spring Final $8,000 1st Place GUARANTEED!Must enter 4 Old North Spring Qualifiers to be eligible to enter the Old North Spring Final! To view the Old North Points go to the Old North Division page and scroll down to the bottom of the Division page!

We are a few days away from the 2023 CATT Academy Championship on Kerr Lake May 20-21! $10,000 GUARANTEED to 1st Place but your winnings can be a lot more! 2020 Winners took home $24,000.00! 2021 Winners took home $17,00.00! 2022 Winners took home $29,000.00! Tap on the link to view details!

Chad Fara & Steven Lasher win the Old North Jordan Lake Qualifier with 5 bass weighing 21.45 lbs! They took home $2,310.00!

Richard & Alec Lower 2nd with 19.36 lbs!

Lucas Lobaugh & Jeremy Moody 3rd with 18.42 lbs!

Dennis Reedy & Scott Smith 4th with 17.96 lbs and the 1st Academy BF at 7.25 lbs!

Mike Marchant and Braxton Marchant 5th with 16.76 lbs!

Keith Johnson & Jason Bowman 6th with 15.37 lbs!

Next Tidewater CATT Qualifier is May 27th on the Chowan River out of Shoups Ramp Rt 13!

Ryan Broughman/Randy Broughman took 1st Place with 5 bass weighing 23.70 lbs worth $2,255.00!

3. Jeff Stoop/Mike Henson 20.61 lbs

4. Michael Evans/Brian Meadows 20.45 lbs

5. Mike Scott/JP Scott 18.86lbs

6. Nick Meek/Kyle Verkullen 18.56 lbs

7. Chris Banks/Zack Meads 18.10 lbs

8. Eugene Foushee/Brandon Johnson 18.06 lbs

Our last qualifier of the year will be May 27th on Chowan river out of Shoups landing.

The Bass CastPRO

Follow Us

The latest

Old North Spring Final $8,000 1st Place GUARANTEED!
Must enter 4 Old North Spring Qualifiers to be eligible to enter the Old North Spring Final! To view the Old North Points go to the Old North Division page and scroll down to the bottom of the Division page!