Search
Subscribe
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Home Blog Page 36

Carolina Rig vs. Texas Rig!

Brian Carter
-
0
Carolina Rig vs. Texas Rig!
The Carolina rig is one of the best tools for covering large areas of water and finding where bass are holding. Using a heavier sinker allows you to make long casts and keep your bait in constant contact with the bottom. This bottom contact is important because it helps you feel changes in such as the transition from sand to rock, or detect small pieces of cover, such as submerged wood or isolated weed clumps. By dragging the rig steadily, you can eliminate unproductive water and zero in on fish-holding spots. Slowing down your retrieve will help you thoroughly work the cover and catch more fish once you locate these areas. This makes the Carolina rig both an excellent search bait and a productive presentation once the fish are found. This rig’s ability to maintain bottom contact at long distances also makes it highly effective in deeper water, where other techniques may lose sensitivity. It’s especially useful for targeting bass that roam offshore structure or are suspended near the bottom in open areas. The leader between the weight and the bait allows your soft plastic to move freely and naturally, increasing its appeal. Since it excels at both locating and catching fish, the Carolina rig is a versatile tool every angler should master. With enough practice, it becomes a go-to method for quickly unlocking a lake’s underwater hotspots.Our Fresh HellaMite is designed to imitate a major aquatic food source, delivering a realistic profile of an insect larva that fish can’t resist. Each is scented for complete and total attraction underwater along with being made in the USA by real fishermen just like you. We’ve recently dropped a new HellaMite Pro Pack that is loaded with 60 total baits in all six proven colors, plus three Owner Block Head Ned Jigs and a handy storage bag. This kit has everything you need to stay rigged and ready year-round. Grab our newest Lil Bass, Hot Sauce, MidNight, Glow, 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink HellaMite colors. We’ve also restocked our Green Pumpkin and Smoke Purple HellaMite. The HellaMite’s solid body and hyperactive ribbed tail design produce a life-like quivering action with every twitch of the rod. Its unique flat underbelly detail enables this bait to be fished as a drop shot, Ned rig, neko rig, and even a small Carolina-rig, making it the ideal bait in any condition year-round. When the water is clear, the fish can see the bait and look like real food, causing strikes. Each cast becomes an opportunity for an exhilarating catch, thanks to its superior performance and versatility.
The Texas rig shines when you need to fish specific targets or penetrate thick cover. Its weedless design allows it to slide through grass, brush, and timber without snagging. Unlike the Carolina rig, the Texas rig can be fished in place, which is especially effective when bass are inactive and holding tight to cover. The ability to shake or hop the bait without moving it far often triggers strikes from otherwise unresponsive fish. It’s also a great choice for pinpoint casts to small openings in vegetation or between branches. When precision is required to reach hidden fish, the Texas rig is often the go-to setup. This rig also allows for a quiet entry into the water, which is important when targeting bass in shallow or pressured areas. You can easily control the fall rate by adjusting the weight size, making it adaptable to different depths and activity levels. Soft plastics such as lizards, insect larvae, cray-styled baits, beetles, and worms pair well with this rig to imitate a variety of forage. The Texas rig’s versatility makes it equally effective for slow, methodical presentations or aggressive hops and drags. Mastering this setup will give you a reliable way to pull big bass from thick cover and tough spots.We use our Fresh Scorpion because it closely imitates a crawfish. Our newest 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink Scorpion colors work wonders. The Scorpion is a revolutionary new look to soft plastics. Its intricate detailing and texture mimic the nuances of a real crawfish, making it hard for bass to resist. Of course, water clarity always plays a role in color selection but in any season, you can’t miss using colors such as Green Pumpkin Seed, Brown Bark, and the Magneto. This bait not only appears natural to fish but gives them something to become curious about. The Scorpion paired with a stand-up jig is deadly because the jig actually sits the bait upright in a defensive stance. The subtle color variations across the bait further enhance its appeal, mimicking the natural color shifts found in live prey. Each Fresh Scorpion has a unique and exclusive 3-axis tail design that is engineered like no other soft plastic bait. Our Scorpions are made by anglers from high-grade non-salt plastic to provide superior life-like action that triggers strikes!
When fishing steep banks, ledges, or pond dams, the Texas rig offers better control over your bait’s descent than a Carolina rig. The weight stays close to the bait, allowing you to crawl it slowly down the slope without it sliding too quickly to the bottom. This slow, methodical movement keeps your lure in the strike zone longer. Bass holding at different depths along steep structure are more likely to notice and bite when your presentation lingers in their area. The Texas rig also makes it easier to stop and work your bait at specific depth intervals. This precision is key when targeting bass positioned along drop-offs and other vertical features. It’s especially effective for tempting bass that are staged on ledges or suspended near the edge of deep cover because the bait can be worked so deliberately. Soft plastic baits such as worms, lizards, cray-styled baits, beetles, and insect larvae can be rigged to imitate natural prey slowly moving down a slope. Using lighter weights allows the bait to drift more naturally, while heavier weights help maintain bottom contact in wind or current. This flexibility lets you adjust to changing conditions and bass activity levels throughout the day. By mastering this technique, you can effectively target fish that many anglers overlook when working steep terrain.The new FreshBaitz Lizards deliver a realistic profile that excels in both power and finesse techniques. Act fast, we’ve recently just released new Hot Sauce, MidNight, Ghost, and 10w30 Synthetic Lizard designs! The unique forward-facing leg design creates drag that holds it in the strike zone longer or produces wild flapping action with every pull of the rod. Additionally, its slightly ribbed solid body and large head hold your hook in place and provide much better weedless performance making it the ideal bait to use in any condition. Water clarity always plays a super big role in color selection but in any season year-round, you can’t miss when using colors such as Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, or Green Pumpkin. Its flexible tail design ensures added movement, tempting even the most cautious fish. The superior 5.5-inch profile stretches to a whole 7 inches which is perfect for predatory fish including bass year round. Made from long-lasting durable high-grade non-salted plastic for total and maximum attention-grabbing action underwater.
The weight you choose for either rig affects both how it feels and how it performs. Heavier weights are great for fishing deeper water, cutting through wind, and triggering reaction bites with a faster fall. They also provide better sensitivity, allowing you to detect subtle changes in bottom texture. On the other hand, lighter weights create a slower fall that can tempt finicky fish to bite when they aren’t actively feeding. Matching your weight size to the conditions will make a big difference in how effective your presentation is. A good approach is to start heavier for efficiency, then downsize if bass seem reluctant to commit. Heavier tungsten or lead weights also allow you to maintain better bottom contact in current or choppy conditions, ensuring your bait stays in the strike zone. On the other hand, using lighter weights with soft plastics like lizards, insect larvae, cray-styled baits, beetles, or worms can produce a more natural presentation. Adjusting your weight size also changes how your bait behaves around cover. Lighter weights slip more slowly into tight spots, while heavier ones punch through vegetation quickly. The ability to fine-tune your weight based on water depth, wind, and fish mood can turn an average day into a productive one. Successful anglers constantly experiment until they find the perfect balance for the conditions at hand.Our Fresh Beetle delivers ultimate versatility in a soft plastic bait. Its slim yet wide body design and four claws are engineered to naturally glide and wobble as it moves through the water. This design ensures they remain enticingly active longer than conventional baits. Its unique texture also provides a realistic feel, making bass hold on longer once they bite. Water clarity plays a big role in color selection but year-round you can’t miss when using go-to colors such as Chocolate Mint, Ox Blood, or 10w30 Synthetic beetles. The hyper-active swimming claws are designed thin with long-lasting durable non-salt plastic to make them come alive with the slightest movement. The Fresh Beetle offers an enticing 4-inch profile and is scented for complete and total attraction! You can rig these Beetles as a Jig/ Chatter Trailer, Flippin/ Punching, Texas Rig, Swing Jig, and Carolina Rig. Making the beetle beyond perfect in any weather condition year-round!
The profile and action of your soft plastic play a big role in how your rig performs. Bulky baits create more resistance in the water, which slows the fall and produces more movement. These are ideal for aggressive bass and situations where you want to move the bait with a more noticeable action. Smaller profiles offer a calm presentation that can get bites from pressured or inactive fish. Choosing between bulky and streamlined baits should be based on how active the bass are and the type of cover or structure you’re fishing in. The right profile can make the difference between getting short strikes and consistent hook-ups. Matching the bait’s action to the mood of the fish also increases your efficiency, as you’ll spend more time with a presentation they’re willing to eat. In clearer water, streamlined baits with subtle movement often produce better results, while in stained water, bulkier profiles with more vibration help bass locate the bait. The forage available in the area should also influence your choice. Imitating the size and shape of local prey can greatly improve success. Switching profiles throughout the day allows you to adapt to changing feeding patterns and light conditions. By experimenting and observing how bass respond, you can refine your bait selection for maximum effectiveness.Using a stick-styled worm is the most tried and true ways to catch fish. We have a variety of 5-inch Worms to choose from but we just added MidNight, Glow, and Ghost Worms! Our popular Watermelon Red Worms have been restocked as well. You can also experience our new wacky rigging kit while it’s ON SALE! The WACKY Pack offers our most popular colors and essential tools for wacky rigging. If you’re fast enough you might be able to grab the limited-release Pumpkin Spice Worm before it’s completely sold out along with some of our newest colors including the Brown Worm, Electric Chicken Worm, and Goby Wan Worm colors. The high-grade non-salt plastic they’re made from provides positive buoyancy and it even floats underwater! We also released new 6-inch Worms including Charmeleon, Rainbow TRT, Bone, Chocolate Mint, and Fire TGR — all available in 5 and 6-inch. We’ve also recently released new 8-count packs of worms available in Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, and Green Pumpkin. We also offer worms that have the unique ability to shift from one color to another. Scented for total attraction underwater.
The speed at which your bait falls through the water is a powerful trigger for bass. A fast fall often causes reaction strikes, especially in warmer water when bass are more active. Heavy weights paired with streamlined baits can achieve this, getting the lure to the strike zone quickly. Conversely, a slow fall gives bass more time to inspect and decide to bite, which is useful when they’re sluggish or highly pressured. Bulky baits naturally slow the fall, while lighter weights further enhance this effect. Understanding and controlling your fall rate is a key factor in matching your presentation to the fish’s mood. The angle of the fall can also influence strikes. Vertical drops work well around deep cover, while gliding or diagonal falls can be more appealing in open water. Water clarity plays a role too, as bass in clear water often react differently to fall speed than those in stained conditions. Adjusting your retrieve style, such as pausing between hops or letting the bait pendulum down a slope, can fine-tune how your bait sinks. The right fall rate with the right lure profile creates a more natural and enticing presentation. By experimenting with weight, bait style, and retrieve, you can trigger more bites under a variety of conditions.Introducing the Newest 8-Inch MagDingo Worms! These are the ultimate game-changer in bass fishing! Engineered for anglers who know SIZE does matter, this lure is designed to attract only the BIGGEST bass with a fixation for the larger bait. The MagDingo Worm boasts a solid 8-inch body enhanced with a hyperactive ribbed design, ensuring irresistible mouth-watering action for those trophy bass. The 10-count packs are now available in a variety of 6 crucial colors, including the 10w30 Synthetic, Black & Blue, Zombie Blood, Green Pumpkin, Wild Cherry, and Watermelon Red. Each worm is made in the USA from durable, high-grade Non-Salted plastic for lifelike action and unparalleled durability. Perfectly balanced for a variety of rigging options and scented for maximum attraction, the 8-inch MagDingo Worm promises year-round effectiveness in lakes, rivers, and streams. Whether you’re rigging it on a Shakey Head, Drop Shot, Texas Rig, or Carolina Rig, these worms are your ticket to landing trophy-sized smallmouth and largemouth bass.
While these guidelines are helpful, bass fishing always requires adapting to the conditions at hand. The same spot that demands a Carolina rig one day might be better for a Texas rig the next. Water clarity, temperature, bass activity level, and available cover all influence which setup will be most effective. Successful anglers experiment and adjust based on what the fish are telling them. Paying attention to small clues, such as where bites occur, how the fish are positioned, and what retrieves work best. These hints will guide your rig choice. Flexibility and observation are just as important as technique in consistently catching bass. The seasonal patterns also play a major role, as bass behavior can change dramatically between spring, summer, fall, and winter. Even the time of day can influence your decision, with morning, midday, and evening often favoring different presentations. Keeping a mental or written record of what works in specific conditions can help you make quicker, more effective choices in the future. The most successful anglers remain open-minded, willing to change rigs, weights, or bait profiles as needed. By treating each day on the water as a fresh puzzle to solve, you’ll stay ahead of shifting conditions.We have a wide variety of terminal tackle to choose from, but we’ve released new Nako Tungsten Tear Drop Shot Weights, crafted from 97% eco-friendly tungsten for stealth, durability, and vibration, with easy-to-read size stamps and a crimped swivel for quick changes. Owner Mosquito Hooks work for dropshotting and perfectly accommodates a wide range of soft plastics. The new Haymaker EWG Worm Hooks are also now available, featuring an extra-wide gap for various soft plastics, a Z-lock shoulder bend for secure bait placement, and an angled-up super needle point for fast, powerful hooksets. The popular All Purpose Hooks are built with an extra-wide gap and are made to accommodate a wide range of soft plastics. For creature-styled baits, a more popular choice to use is the Stand-Up Jig because it sits the bait up-right in a defensive stance! The Block Head Jig is perfect for ned rigging the HellaMite with its mushroom-style head that seamlessly matches a wide variety of soft plastics. The Offset Block Head Jig, offers the same mushroom-style head with a unique offset hook, making it a go-to for weedless Ned Rig applications. The Shakey Ultrahead can permanently secure baits by inserting the pin in the center and screwing the twist lock coil spring for perfect rigging every time! The Ultrahead Wacky Jig features precise weight positioning and hook orientation for the ultimate wacky presentations. For fast Texas rigging, we use the Bullet-Type Rig which has an attached weight saving you precious time when fishing cover. The 4x Jungle Flippin Hook is designed for big fish and the toughest conditions. The Range Roller Jig Head is crafted for precision with its high center axis design, perfect for hover-strolling and mid to bottom strolling with forward facing sonar, ensuring an enticing rolling action that triggers bites. We also just released Keep’em Fresh Bait Bags! These bags are the ultimate solution for anglers who need their gear to perform. Built like a tank, this bag is 20x stronger than regular zip bags and offers 100% waterproof protection with a rock-solid double zipper seal. Whether it’s for soft plastics, snacks, or your smartphone, this reusable and versatile bag keeps everything safe from water, mud, and grime. It’s lightweight yet spacious, it fits snugly in your tackle box or backpack, making it perfect for your next adventure.





Derrik Wynkoop & Brandon Gardner Win CATT Lake Gaston, NC Aug 17, 2025 with 18.48 lbs

Brian Carter
-
0
Derrik Wynkoop & Brandon Gardner Win CATT Lake Gaston, NC Aug 17, 2025 with 18.48 lbs

Derrik Wynkoop & Brandon Gardner win Gaston with 5 bass weighing 18.48 lbs! They also weighed in the BF at 6.18 lbs!

Evan White & Shane Doughtie took 2nd with 5 bass weighing 16.26 lbs!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Derrik Wynkoop Brandon Gardner6.1818.48$720.00110
Shane Doughtie Evan White3.9416.26$540.00109
James Joyner Chris McDaniel0.0013.02$160.00108
Jeff Bradley Allen White0.0012.98107
Jake Murdock John Murdock0.0011.64106
Dennis Bradley Allen Mitchell3.7611.31105
John Edwards Jr Land Weaver0.009.05104
Phillip Gibson Joseph Gurganus0.008.18103
Joey Scott Michael Bryant2.927.64102
Wesley Bennett Jamie Shelburn0.005.40101
Michael Hobbs0.000.0091
Dennis Bennett Devin Bennett0.000.0091
Kendall Morris Adam Wright0.000.0091
Total Entries$1,440.00
BONUS $$400.00
Total Paid At Ramp$1,420.00
2025 Gaston Fall Final$320.00
CATT$50.00
2026 CATT Championship Fund$50.00
2025 Gaston Fall Final Total$320.00





Kuphall claims narrow Day 1 lead in Bassmaster Elite at Mississippi River

Brian Carter
-
0
Kuphall claims narrow Day 1 lead in Bassmaster Elite at Mississippi River

Wisconsin’s Caleb Kuphall has taken lead on Day 1 of the Pro-Guide Batteries Bassmaster Elite at Upper Mississippi River with a total of 18 pounds, 15 ounces.

Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.

Aug. 21, 2025

Kuphall claims narrow Day 1 lead in Bassmaster Elite at Mississippi River

LA CROSSE, Wis. — Four years ago, when Caleb Kuphall claimed his first Bassmaster Elite trophy at Lake Guntersville, the Wisconsin pro leveraged his deep knowledge of northern grass fishing to pull the winning fish out of Alabama milfoil.

Today, Kuphall intentionally avoided the typically prominent local game to find the 18-pound, 15-ounce limit that leads Day 1 of the Pro-Guide Batteries Bassmaster Elite at Upper Mississippi River.

Topping a tight leaderboard with only a pound and 14 ounces separating first and 10th, Kuphall leads second-place KJ Queen by an ounce. Third-place Brandon Card sits 5 ounces off the lead.

“I’m actually not fishing any grass at all,” Kuphall said. “I’m just fishing the way I like to fish up here. I mostly fish grass back home (in Mukwonago, Wis.), but I kinda avoid the grass here.

“We’ve had a major influx of eelgrass in this (area of the river) in probably the last five years. There used to be more milfoil, but most of that is gone now.”

Drawing on his solid river history, Kuphall said he did all of his work around a particular type of current break. He kept his specifics thin, but he noted that the way he’s fishing is the way he’s fished for two decades.

“I think I have something better figured out,” Kuphall said. “My first tournaments were here, way back in the early 2000s and I kinda learned this style of fishing and a particular technique throughout the years.

“This is a really consistent pattern. I caught two 4 1/2-pounders — you just don’t catch those here.”

Kuphall said all of his bites came in less than 3 feet of water. He caught all of his fish on a single reaction bait.

Kuphall ended up catching fish throughout his day, but the action required a little upfront patience.

“I didn’t catch anything on my first spot, but my first fish on my second spot was a high-3, so that kinda got me going,” Kuphall said. “My third spot, which I was really looking forward to fishing was blown out (by recent muddy runoff) and I never caught anything in there.

“The rest of the day was pretty consistent. I was catching them one here, one there and just keeping it going. The 4 1/2-pounders were in different sections of the river. The first one bit around 10 o’clock and the other one was 11:30.”

As Kuphall explained, his choice of tactics had short-term and long-term objectives. Adding another blue trophy to his mantle ranks high in his motivations, but so does the sport’s premier invitational event.

“I’m right on the bubble for the (the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, March 13–15 at the Tennessee River) and I thought to myself, if I can be consistent and weigh in a couple decent bags, it’ll get me there,” Kuphall said. “Today went way better than I thought it would.”

Kuphall said his extensive experience on the Upper Mississippi gives him an advantage in identifying the most productive stretches. That being said, he’s keenly aware of the dynamics impacting a tournament that follows a major rain event like the one anglers experienced during practice.

“I don’t think I can do it again tomorrow, but you never know,” he said. “I’m around some good ones.”

Hailing from Catawba, N.C., Queen is in second place with 18-14. Celebrating his 29th birthday, he made a long run and focused on areas with blended vegetation.

“It seemed that if I could find a mix of eelgrass and peppergrass, that was better than just one type of grass,” Queen said. “If I could find a little bit of coontail and a little bit of pads mixed in, that was even better.

“I have a couple holes in the vegetation that the fish are sitting in. The bait is around the vegetation and the fish are sitting in the holes. It’s just a matter of covering a lot of water until you find where they’re at and then trying to slow down and pick it apart.”

Queen said he fished three main areas and caught his fish on a selection of finesse baits.

Card, who makes his home in Salisbury, N.C., is in third place with 18-10. Card said he’s targeting grassy habitat with a reaction bait.

“I was just looking for good, clean grass,” Card said. “There are some area where it’s kinda slimy and the fish don’t like that.

“I just got in an area where I had a few bites in practice and really slowed down and the big ones just showed up,” Card said. “Today was better than I thought and I was able to expand on my area.”

Jonathan Kelley of Old Forge, Pa., is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 5-9.

Jay Przekurat of Plover, Wis., leads the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings with 743 points. Chris Johnston of Otonabee, Canada is in second with 740, followed by Trey McKinney of Carbondale, Ill., with 737, Kyoya Fujita of Yamanashi, Japan with 732, and Will Davis Jr. of Sylacauga, Ala., with 685.

Tucker Smith of Birmingham, Ala., leads the Dakota Lithium Rookie of the Year standings with 618 points.

Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. CT at Loggers Stadium. The weigh-in will be held at the stadium at 3 p.m.

2025 Pro-Guide Batteries Bassmaster Elite Series Mississippi River 8/21-8/24
Mississippi River, LaCrosse  WI.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1

   Angler                   Hometown              No./lbs-oz  Pts   Total $$$

1.  Caleb Kuphall          Mukwonago, WI            5  18-15  104
  Day 1: 5   18-15   
2.  KJ Queen               Catawba, NC              5  18-14  103
  Day 1: 5   18-14   
3.  Brandon Card           Salisbury, NC            5  18-10  102
  Day 1: 5   18-10   
4.  Pat Schlapper          Eleva, WI                5  18-08  101
  Day 1: 5   18-08   
5.  Andrew Loberg          Guntersville, AL         5  17-12  100
  Day 1: 5   17-12   
6.  Cory Johnston          Otonabee CANADA          5  17-07   99
  Day 1: 5   17-07   
7.  Jason Christie         Dry Creek, OK            5  17-06   98
  Day 1: 5   17-06   
8.  Greg Hackney           Gonzales, LA             5  17-04   97
  Day 1: 5   17-04   
9.  Bryan Schmitt          Deale, MD                5  17-03   96
  Day 1: 5   17-03   
10. Jay Przekurat          Plover, WI               5  17-01   95
  Day 1: 5   17-01   
11. Hank Cherry Jr         Lincolnton, NC           5  16-02   94
  Day 1: 5   16-02   
12. Buddy Gross            Chattanooga, TN          5  16-01   93
  Day 1: 5   16-01   
13. Robert Gee             Knoxville, TN            5  15-14   92
  Day 1: 5   15-14   
13. Tyler Williams         Belgrade, ME             5  15-14   92
  Day 1: 5   15-14   
15. Tyler Rivet            Raceland, LA             5  15-10   90
  Day 1: 5   15-10   
16. Austin Felix           Eden Prairie, MN         5  15-07   89
  Day 1: 5   15-07   
16. JT Thompkins           Myrtle Beach, SC         5  15-07   89
  Day 1: 5   15-07   
18. John Crews Jr          Salem, VA                5  15-05   87
  Day 1: 5   15-05   
19. Stetson Blaylock       Benton, AR               5  15-01   86
  Day 1: 5   15-01   
20. David Gaston           Sylacauga, AL            5  15-00   85
  Day 1: 5   15-00   
20. Paul Mueller           Naugatuck, CT            5  15-00   85
  Day 1: 5   15-00   
22. Jonathan Kelley        Old Forge, PA            5  14-15   83   $1,000.00
  Day 1: 5   14-15   
23. Kyoya Fujita           Yamanashi CA JAPAN       5  14-14   82
  Day 1: 5   14-14   
24. Matt Arey              Shelby, NC               5  14-13   81
  Day 1: 5   14-13   
24. Jacob Foutz            Charleston, TN           5  14-13   81
  Day 1: 5   14-13   
24. Ben Milliken           Omaha, NE                5  14-13   81
  Day 1: 5   14-13   
27. Justin Atkins          Florence, AL             5  14-12   78
  Day 1: 5   14-12   
28. Cooper Gallant         Bowmanville Ontario CAN  5  14-10   77
  Day 1: 5   14-10   
28. Shane LeHew            Catawba, NC              5  14-10   77
  Day 1: 5   14-10   
30. Brad Whatley           Bivins, TX               5  14-09   75
  Day 1: 5   14-09   
31. Dakota Ebare           Brookeland, TX           5  14-07   74
  Day 1: 5   14-07   
31. Wesley Gore            Clanton, AL              5  14-07   74
  Day 1: 5   14-07   
31. Justin Hamner          Northport, AL            5  14-07   74
  Day 1: 5   14-07   
34. Jordan Lee             Cullman, AL              5  14-04   71
  Day 1: 5   14-04   
35. Randy Howell           Guntersville, AL         5  14-02   70
  Day 1: 5   14-02   
36. Tucker Smith           Birmingham, AL           5  14-01   69
  Day 1: 5   14-01   
36. Jason Williamson       Aiken, SC                5  14-01   69
  Day 1: 5   14-01   
38. Logan Parks            Auburn, AL               5  13-15   67
  Day 1: 5   13-15   
39. Keith Combs            Huntington, TX           5  13-14   66
  Day 1: 5   13-14   
40. Brock Mosley           Collinsville, MS         5  13-13   65
  Day 1: 5   13-13   
41. Bill Lowen             Brookville, IN           5  13-12   64
  Day 1: 5   13-12   
42. Bryant Smith           Roseville, CA            5  13-11   63
  Day 1: 5   13-11   
43. Jacob Powroznik        North Prince George, VA  5  13-10   62
  Day 1: 5   13-10   
44. Gregory DiPalma        Millville, NJ            5  13-10   61
  Day 1: 5   13-10   
45. Ray Hanselman Jr       Del Rio, TX              5  13-09   60
  Day 1: 5   13-09   
46. Brandon Lester         Fayetteville, TN         5  13-08   59
  Day 1: 5   13-08   
47. Brandon Cobb           Greenwood, SC            5  13-07   58
  Day 1: 5   13-07   
47. Drew Cook              Cairo, GA                5  13-07   58
  Day 1: 5   13-07   
47. Will Davis Jr          Sylacauga, AL            5  13-07   58
  Day 1: 5   13-07   
47. Wes Logan              Springville, AL          5  13-07   58
  Day 1: 5   13-07   
51. Timothy Dube           Nashua , NH              5  13-06   54
  Day 1: 5   13-06   
52. Jamie Hartman          Newport, NY              5  13-05   53
  Day 1: 5   13-05   
53. Scott Canterbury       Odenville, AL            5  13-04   52
  Day 1: 5   13-04   
53. Brandon Palaniuk       Rathdrum, ID             5  13-04   52
  Day 1: 5   13-04   
55. Beau Browning          Hot Springs National Pa  5  13-01   50
  Day 1: 5   13-01   
55. Chris Johnston         Otonabee Ontario CANADA  5  13-01   50
  Day 1: 5   13-01   
55. Emil Wagner            Marietta, GA             5  13-01   50
  Day 1: 5   13-01   
58. Trey McKinney          Carbondale, IL           5  12-15   47
  Day 1: 5   12-15   
59. Jake Whitaker          Hendersonville, NC       5  12-14   46
  Day 1: 5   12-14   
60. Seth Feider            Elko New Market, MN      5  12-11   45
  Day 1: 5   12-11   
60. Kenta Kimura           Osaka OK JAPAN           5  12-11   45
  Day 1: 5   12-11   
62. Alex Redwine           Blue Ash, OH             5  12-09   43
  Day 1: 5   12-09   
63. Alex Wetherell         Middletown, CT           5  12-08   42
  Day 1: 5   12-08   
64. Cody Meyer             Eagle, ID                5  12-07   41
  Day 1: 5   12-07   
65. Bob Downey             Detroit Lakes, MN        5  12-04   40
  Day 1: 5   12-04   
65. Steve Kennedy          Auburn, AL               5  12-04   40
  Day 1: 5   12-04   
67. Easton Fothergill      Grand Rapids , MN        5  11-15   38
  Day 1: 5   11-15   
67. Michael Iaconelli      Pitts Grove, NJ          5  11-15   38
  Day 1: 5   11-15   
69. Mark Menendez          Paducah, KY              5  11-14   36
  Day 1: 5   11-14   
70. Matt Robertson         Kuttawa, KY              5  11-13   35
  Day 1: 5   11-13   
70. Matty Wong             Honolulu, HI             5  11-13   35
  Day 1: 5   11-13   
72. David Mullins          Mt Carmel, TN            5  11-12   33
  Day 1: 5   11-12   
73. Drew Benton            Panama City, FL          5  11-10   32
  Day 1: 5   11-10   
73. Blake Capps            Muskogee, OK             5  11-10   32
  Day 1: 5   11-10   
75. Chad Pipkens           Dewitt, MI               5  11-09   30
  Day 1: 5   11-09   
76. Logan Latuso           Gonzales, LA             5  11-09   29
  Day 1: 5   11-09   
77. John Cox               Debary, FL               5  11-08   28
  Day 1: 5   11-08   
78. John Garrett           Union City, TN           5  11-05   27
  Day 1: 5   11-05   
79. Evan Kung              Pickering Ontario CANAD  5  11-04   26
  Day 1: 5   11-04   
79. Cole Sands             Johnson City, TN         5  11-04   26
  Day 1: 5   11-04   
81. Hunter Shryock         Ooltewah, TN             5  11-02   24
  Day 1: 5   11-02   
82. Clifford Pirch         Payson, AZ               5  11-01   23
  Day 1: 5   11-01   
83. Cliff Pace             Ovett, MS                5  10-14   22
  Day 1: 5   10-14   
83. Caleb Sumrall          New Iberia, LA           5  10-14   22
  Day 1: 5   10-14   
85. Lee Livesay            Longview, TX             5  10-13   20
  Day 1: 5   10-13   
86. Gerald Swindle         Guntersville, AL         5  10-11   19
  Day 1: 5   10-11   
87. Ed Loughran III        Richmond, VA             4  10-10   18
  Day 1: 4   10-10   
88. Kyle Norsetter         Cottage Grove, WI        5  10-07   17
  Day 1: 5   10-07   
89. Marc Frazier           Newnan, GA               5  10-04   16
  Day 1: 5   10-04   
90. Joey Cifuentes III     Clinton, AR              5  10-03   15
  Day 1: 5   10-03   
90. Taku Ito               Dalton GA JAPAN          5  10-03   15
  Day 1: 5   10-03   
92. Jeff Gustafson         Kenora, ON Ontario CANA  5  10-01   13
  Day 1: 5   10-01   
93. Luke Palmer            Coalgate, OK             5  09-14   12
  Day 1: 5   09-14   
94. Patrick Walters        Eutawville, SC           5  09-12   11
  Day 1: 5   09-12   
95. Kyle Welcher           Valley, AL               5  09-07   10
  Day 1: 5   09-07   
96. Bryan New              Leesville, SC            4  09-04    9
  Day 1: 4   09-04   
97. Chris Zaldain          Boyd, TX                 4  08-08    8
  Day 1: 4   08-08   
98. Bernie Schultz         Gainesville, FL          3  07-15    7
  Day 1: 3   07-15   
99. Carl Jocumsen          Queensland TN AUSTRALIA  3  07-12    6
  Day 1: 3   07-12   
100. Paul Marks             Cumming, GA              3  06-08    5
  Day 1: 3   06-08   
101. Cody Huff              Ava, MO                  2  03-13    4
  Day 1: 2   03-13   
———————————————————————–

PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS 
Day
 1   Jonathan Kelley          Old Forge, PA       05-09      $1,000.00

———————————————————————–
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
 1        94       493      1327-15
———————————-
          94       493      1327-15





La Crosse Set to Host Major League Fishing Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Championship on Mississippi River

Brian Carter
-
0
La Crosse Set to Host Major League Fishing Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Championship on Mississippi River

LA CROSSE, Wis. (Aug. 21, 2025) – The top 36 professional bass anglers from the Major League Fishing (MLF) Tackle Warehouse Invitationals will compete for a top prize of up to $135,000, qualification for REDCREST 2026 and the 2025 Invitationals Champion trophy in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Sept. 5-7, at the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Championship Presented by Phoenix Boats on the Mississippi River.  

The three-day event, hosted by Explore La Crosse, will showcase professional anglers from 15 states as they compete for a share of a $417,000 prize pool.

“To say we are excited to host the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Championship is an understatement,” said A.J. Frels, Executive Director of Explore La Crosse. “We have been eagerly anticipating its arrival since we announced it in July of 2024. If you have not visited the La Crosse region in the past, get ready for something truly inspiring. Once you have visited our area, we know it will remain at the top of your list for fishing, hiking, hunting, canoeing, boating, kayaking or simply enjoying the outdoors.”

With takeoff in Pool 8, right at La Crosse, the pros can fish in Pool 8, or lock up to Pool 7 or down to Pool 9. A lot of times, one pool turns out to be the hot pool for the week, though events don’t always get won in whichever pool is the most popular. The last few years, Pool 7 has been very good, but Pool 8 still produces a lot of checks and wins, in part due to the increased fishing time anglers gain by not needing to lock.

Pro Steve Lopez of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, who will be among the 36 competitors, finished runner-up at the last Tackle Warehouse Invitational event in La Crosse in 2023, and he’s a fair bet to do well again this time around.

“The fishing has been pretty phenomenal this year,” Lopez said. “They had some good spawns or really good bait – the weights have been really high. I don’t expect it to slow down anytime soon. I think it’s only going to get better as we get into September as well.”

Lopez relishes the chance to fish a big event in his home state, and he loves everything about river fishing.

“I look forward to current and grass, and the northern strain of bass just bite a little bit different – they bite a little bit harder,” he said. “My favorite part about that river is that anything can win. Like, Jimmy (Washam) won there with a Neko rig. (Matt) Stefan won with a wacky rig. Bobby (Lane) almost won flipping. Mike Brueggen always does well with a frog. I just think there’s so much diversity in that body of water that makes it truly one of the best tournament bodies of water we go to. And now you add in September with topwater – it’s going to be phenomenal TV.”

Water temperature and levels will be key next week. Lower water can pull fish out of the shoreline cover and vegetation, making them more accessible on sand drops and wing dams. Cooler weather could trigger a transition in what the fish feed on.

“They will start transitioning to shad,” Lopez said. “I don’t know if it’s going to happen or not, but there’s definitely going be a big transition to the shad coming up here soon. September and October are typically when it happens.”

With big money and advancement opportunities on the line, this event has drama built in. Add in locks, explosive topwater bites and an incredible fishery and the ingredients are there for a very exciting season finale on the Mississippi River. 

Anglers will launch at 7 a.m. CT each day from Veterans Freedom Park, located at 1 Clinton St. in La Crosse. Weigh-ins will be held at the park and will begin at 3 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and weigh-in events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® live stream and coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The full field of 36 anglers will compete in Days 1 & 2 on Friday and Saturday in a five-fish, weigh-in format. Only the top 10 pros, based on their two-day cumulative weight, advance to the final round on Championship Sunday. The angler with the heaviest three-day total will win the grand prize of up to $135,000 and qualification into REDCREST 2026 where they will compete against the sport’s best for $300,000.

Forward-facing and/or 360-degree sonar is limited to days 1 and 3 of competition. No forward-facing and/or 360-degree sonar is allowed on day 2 of competition.

The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and Rob Newell will break down the extended action live on each day of competition from 7:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. CT. MLFNOW!® is live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app and Rumble.

Television coverage of the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Championship Presented by Phoenix Boats at the Mississippi River in La Crosse will premiere as two two-hour episodes, with the first episode premiering at 9 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Nov. 8 on CBS Sports Network, and the Championship Round premiering on Saturday, Nov. 15. New MLF5 episodes premiere each Saturday morning on CBS Sports beginning in October.

Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Bubba, Deep Dive, E3 Sport Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, PirahnO2, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, VOSKER, WIX Filters and YETI.





Tackling Tough Times

Brian Carter
-
0
Tackling Tough Times
Tackling Tough Times
A brain-dump of tactics and techniques for overcoming the doldrums of the summer dog days
By Jay Anglin
MUSKEGON, Mich. (August 21, 2025) – The old saying “a bad day fishing is better than a good day at work” may ring true for millions of anglers, but those struggling on the water may dispute this. While these frontline anglers are out there working the water year-round in any conditions mother nature brews up, if they were being completely honest, they’d very likely say some days just suck.The Dog Days of summer is a prime example of when conditions can present a daunting task for anglers. Recreational boat traffic, super-hot, often low water and blazing sun don’t exactly ring the dinner bell for big fish, especially during daylight hours. While many take a brief break from fishing and focus on BBQ’s and golf, others pin back their ears and continue fishing. This may be a good thing, because failure drives the elite to yearn and learn more about their quarry, often pealing away layers of knowledge most anglers cannot fathom. Ultimately, this process becomes instinctive, and success becomes almost involuntary. It’s this sort of confidence that separates the anglers who seem to always catch fish, from the others. 
While late-summer heat presents a lot of challenges, the rest of the year also doles plenty less than ideal days for fishing, which begs the question: How do the best anglers seem to always figure out how to catch fish? Pro anglers don’t get up in the morning and say to themselves, “I’m probably going to lose today”. Nope, they go tackle the challenge with gusto, conditions be damned. Moon phase, air temperature, wind, water levels and all that stuff may be important, but one of the most vital assets possessed by elite anglers from day to day is confidence. As a guide, unless faced with truly dangerous conditions or the luxury of shifting a client to another less challenging day, we go fishing. I don’t get too muddled down in the details of barometric pressure or when some fancy phone app tells me the best fishing will be, because my job is to put clients on fish come hell or high water. Sure, there are some big factors to consider when making decisions such as where to fish and the best time to do it – which techniques give us the best shot, what flies or lures are our best option, for example, but my confidence and ability to convey that to my clients is always the biggest factor that brings fish to the net. Even when the odds are stacked against us. So, what exactly does go through a pro-angler or guide’s mind when faced with the worst-case scenario? How do these anglers push themselves to the front of the pack and figure out a way to make things work? Rest assured it isn’t rocket-science. Through trial and error, logging countless hours of cracking the codes, these anglers start checking boxes and eventually hit pay dirt. 
PRO TIPS
ONE: Look at weather trends and relate them to current conditions. If there is some stability, then stick with what has been working and go from there. Second guessing details is normal, but at some point, you should commit to a plan and then start focusing on it. Ignore the “maybes” and move on! This focus not only motivates anglers, but this mindset also allows them to make better decisions on water.TWO: Consider water temperature critically important when determining where fish will be located, and when peak activity will likely occur. For instance, at certain water temperatures various species will be pre-spawn, fully engaged in spawning, or post-spawn, and this has a huge impact on how they react to presentations. Also, seasonally, big swings in temperatures at either end of the spectrum should influence what your plan is…cooling water can be your enemy or friend depending on where it was before. There isn’t a day that doesn’t go by during my time on the water that I don’t encounter other anglers fishing “wrong” and this is especially the case during spring and fall when anglers cling to their summer pattern comfort zone: Fishing too fast, too slow, too high, too low, too big, too small is all too common. 
THREE: The sun is also a huge factor to take into consideration, and this is especially the case when coupled with water temperature. During spring, fall and winter, the sun will warm certain areas and kickstart the food chain, thus attracting baitfish as well as predators such as bass, walleye and muskie – besides, the water temperature in these areas is likely to be closer to their preferred “comfort zone” anyway. Shallow water, slow water, dark-bottomed areas, stumps and deadfalls…these areas absorb solar energy quicker than deep water (or fast water in rivers). Warm runoff is also important if present, so know the territory. Even a slight difference of less than a degree can make a big difference. Also, sun angle often dictates when peak temperature occurs in these zones.FOUR: By the same token, the sun can be a killer during warm summer months by driving peak water temps, often making the daytime hours extremely difficult to fish. When fish are forced to stare straight into direct sun to see your lure, they are prone to not “finish”. It’s very common to observe a bass – especially smallmouth bass, for example, come to a bait quickly and then turn away and race to cover in this situation. They respond to the commotion and sonic profile of the bait and know approximately where it is, but the burning ball of fire in their eyes essentially turns them away. Know where to find shade at any time of day – this could be shoreline vegetation, a topographical feature, a bridge, a dock, or subsurface cover such as a weed bed, boulders or wood. At the very least present offerings from an angle that mitigates the risk of fish getting “eye blinged”. 
FIVE: Late-summer water temps can soar and absolutely destroy daytime fishing. Depending on the weather, fishing early morning, evening, and at night will nearly always yield better results. During the day, fish deep, cooler water found near deep thermoclines or target fish congregated in spring-fed zones. Another important factor to consider is oxygen, and to no surprise, hot water diminishes dissolved oxygen levels dramatically. Consequently, fish will often seek areas with higher O2 levels including riffles in rivers, below dam spillways and turbines, as well as areas where “chop” and waves break over structures. Heavy boat traffic also increases dissolved oxygen levels and both prey and predator species alike can be found roaming open areas, often over deep water. Predators focused on schools of baitfish such as shad are known to remain very high in the water column where they specialize in blitzing schools of bait, even in boat wakes.SIX: Stealth is critical when targeting fish that are less active. Barging in with abandon is a visual and audible no-no anglers often ignore. Prior to entering a given zone, think about the best way to approach. Obviously, this isn’t always possible when competing with other anglers or depth issues for example, but it is important. Again, the sun angle comes into play. Neutral or “off” fish, are likely going to go into flight mode if a huge shadow looms in close while slapping water with the bow. If the water is choppy, you can get away with a lot more, but sunny conditions often associated with post-frontal shutdowns are a prime example of when being attentive to your approach and how you run the boat may dictate success. Be overly cautious until fish reaction tells you otherwise. Stay back, avoid creating shadows and make longer casts when possible. 
SEVEN: Lure size is important. If you are “matching the hatch” as fly anglers say, mimicking natural forage predators are focused on works fine, however when you are addled by overall terrible conditions, sometimes you must think outside the box. If fish are well-fed and “off”, a smaller lure or fly may be a better option. Smallmouth bass for example, are opportunists and often feed on small forage associated more with trout, such as insects. Finesse fishing for smallies with tiny lures and flies works great when coaxing fish to eat. On the other hand, you can go with shock and awe by using something outlandish. This is a brazen move often reserved for last resort, but if you ask any muskie angler who is dealing with lockjawed fish, throwing the giant lure that looks like nothing they’ve ever seen will sometimes trigger their predatory instincts. Much the same, fly anglers are known to go with ridiculously large and colorful streamers fished super aggressively to trigger finicky big trout.EIGHT: When odds are stacked against you, consider dropping down to a lighter line test. If you typically run, say, 12- 17lb test, back off to 8 or 10lb. I much prefer fluorocarbon in these situations, and if the water is clear the ever-popular braid/leader setup may not be your best option. I want everything in my control to be perfect and this includes lighter line, softer casts and presentations with extreme focus. This sort of mindset is how elite anglers put fish in the net, day in and day out.  While we all wish every day we fish offers perfect conditions, this is rarely the case. In fact, often Murphy will greet you at the boat ramp and bring his Law friend along to mess things up. As I like to tell my fishing clients, don’t “talk yourself out of fishing, talk yourself into fishing”. This theory is based on decades of making fish happen. Fish smart, fish with purpose and be attentive to every cast and presentation, because randomness is a success killer. Most of all just go fishing!
HOT WEATHER FAVORITES
Rapids Short Sleeve Plaid Fishing ShirtNow available in fresh new plaids—our Rapids Short Sleeve Fishing Shirts are built with a lightweight poly-spandex blend and moisture-wicking fabric to help you stay cool, dry, and focused when the bite turns on. The flexible, wrinkle-resistant material offers easy comfort and care, whether you’re casting from shore or running the boat. With built-in UV protection and bold new plaid styles, the Men’s Whitewater Rapids Short Sleeve Fishing Shirt has you covered for every summer outing.Lightweight, wrinkle-resistant poly/spandex fabricVented back design with breathable polyester meshUPF 50 sun protectionQuick-dry moisture-wicking treatmentTwo low-profile button-closure chest pocketsButton-up collared designMSRP $54.99
Prevail ShortLike our Prevail Pant, the Prevail Short offers exceptional mobility and durability for all your summer activities. These cargo shorts achieve an ideal mix of comfort and robustness with their contemporary design and a blend of nylon and spandex, providing just enough stretch for excellent freedom of movement. They come equipped with plenty of pocket storage, featuring secure zip cargo pockets on the sides, two front hand pockets, two zippered back pockets, and a dedicated knife pocket, meeting all your essential storage requirements.The shorts are reinforced with durable stitching and sturdy belt loops to enhance their longevity. They excel in moisture-wicking and are treated with antimicrobial agents to prevent odors, keeping you fresh even after extended use. The material also boasts a UPF 50 rating, offering substantial protection against the sun’s rays. Designed to be a dependable choice for daily wear, whether you’re engaged in activities on the water or on land.Quick-dry nylon/spandex stretch twill fabric for all-day durabilityUPF 50+ sun protectionStain resistant & anti-microbial treated for all-day clean comfort7 pockets for storage (2 front waist, 2 thigh zip, 2 back zip, 1 knife pocket)9″ inseamMSRP $79.99





Changes are Coming:What Changes Are You Making

Bruce Callis
-
0
Changes are Coming:What Changes Are You Making

Fall is coming, just not soon enough. School is back in session for most of us. The year is flying past. And the heat and humidity is coming back. Football preseason has started. And for most of us, we are still fishing! Some have moved to night fishing, but I like seeing where I am casting and not getting eaten by the bugs!


The Bass Pro Tour has come to an end with Jacob Wheeler winning the AOY, Angler Of the Year. Skeet Reese and Shaw Grigsby have decided that retirement looks so good. I don’t see them not fishing somewhere, if not just some local tournaments. The drive is still there, just the wear and tear on the body has finally caught up with them. Thank you gentlemen for all the exciting times over the years.


And now the cut downs start for the Bass Pro Tour. Who will be demoted down to the Invitationals? Who will stay and who will go? If it was a normal year cut, it wouldn’t be bad. But this year it is a big cut down. For the BPT, it all comes down to money, nothing else. And we know changes are coming for all the leagues. It is just normal.


But what about us? Are we looking at the latest baits that are out or coming on the market or are we ready to jump to the newest electronics to make us better? Or are we ready to really take a look at what we are doing and how we can do it better. Personally, I like some of the new things, but it’s making the things I do now better that I really need to refine.
I have been doing that this year, and it has paid off. I was never a great jig angler, and I still am not a great jig angler. But I am better with a jig now than I was last year at this time. Learning to feel the bottom, knowing what is a branch and what is a bass. Little things that make a person better. And learning what a difference in size does with different styles of trailers. I may never be great at it, but I can guarantee I will be a lot better at it and able to use it to catch big bass.


There are a lot of things I truly love to do fishing, but I am not great at. I am good at it, but not great. It doesn’t stop me from catching the big bass, but I could be better at it. Like knowing when to make that change. I think that is the most difficult things to do. Whether it is changing the color of your bait, changing the presentation, or just changing to a different bait. Do I give up too early on it, or am I too stubborn to make the change. Everything matters and sometimes we just forget it.


What are we going to do that will make us better and what changes are we going to make? Do we need a new bait, a new rod, a new reel, a new line or just to face the fact that the only changes we need is inside each of us. Go have fun and learn what we love to do better? And will that new bait work for what we love? As for me, give me liberty or give me a better understanding!

Fish on!!





Late-Summer River Smallies

Brian Carter
-
0
Late-Summer River Smallies
Late-Summer River Smallies
Keep a bead on your surroundings and fish poppers for success
MUSKEGON, Mich. (August 20, 2025) – When it comes to feeding behavior, smallmouth bass are generalists, and you can catch them a lot of different ways on any given day. Sometimes they will focus on specific forage – for example, crawfish, certain baitfish species, and at some times of the year they’ll start capitalizing on insects, and after a rain, frogs, salamanders, really anything that washes into the river. Point is, late-summer river smallies can be caught a lot of different ways on different presentations. And you must keep an eye open for preferred habitat and strategize your efforts in high-probability areas. 
River Conditions/Time of DayDuring late-summer, river levels are generally lower and clearer than earlier in summer. Water temps are still relatively high in the mid-70s into the low 80s on most rivers throughout smallmouth country. But the fish are still going to be active. Some days, especially if it’s cloudy or crummy, smallies may be active all day, but a lot of times when sunny in late-summer, they’re going to be more active in the morning and afternoon to evening. Veteran river guide Jay Anglin in the Michigan/Indiana/Illinois corridor and river smallmouth bass expert noted: “River smallies feed on both sight and sound. On most rivers there will be smallies feeding on crawfish around cover at any point in time besides everything else available. Especially this time of year, you really must figure out where they are in terms of depth, shade, and water flow – the fish really seeking out cooler, oxygenated water but are moving around throughout the day for feeding opportunities.”Anglin continued: “They’re very adaptive. They’ll change gears quickly because they’re not necessarily locked into one food source. It’s not always a match the hatch situation like trout. Whereas trout might be totally focused on a certain mayfly, a smallie will take advantage of the fly hatch, but also switch gears and go chase down baitfish, crayfish, or bugs.” 
Working Windows For PoppersAs such, river smallies are very inquisitive and will check out sonic-oriented baits, like fly poppers or conventional topwater if it drops right over their head. Anglin says that fishing on top with either a fly popper like the proven Boogle Bug or a Rapala Skitter Pop on conventional gear works so well in late summer because you don’t have to worry about snags and you get far more casts in. “While they can work well, too, if you’re throwing a tube jig, crankbait, or streamer, you’re going to run into snags, which decreases your time with your bait in the strike zone and you’re constantly moving the boat to get the lure back and causing a lot of commotion. Fishing poppers really puts stealth on your side.” Over the past three- to five years, Anglin has noticed river waters running much lower, so there’s also more fish shallow, especially in and out of oxygenated riffle areas near slack water where they might have been deeper in the past. “Depending on where you are, late-summer fish might be as shallow as 18 inches or so, so if a popper lands over their head, there’s a really good chance they’re going to go for it.”
So, whether you employ fly or conventional gear, poppers are great options for late-summer river smallies. “I think it’s important to start out on the easy side of things, too, which in my case, would definitely be throwing a popper,” said Anglin. But if the sun is too high and the fish are skittish at grabbing baits from what’s essentially a giant mirror underwater, Anglin will switch to crawfish fly patterns or tubes to get his clients on fish.“Just this past week, I had a regular client out on the river and the fish weren’t eating poppers. The sun was overhead, and fish were down low in deeper water. So, we switched to a crayfish pattern on a floating line with a long leader and he immediately caught a 17-incher, followed by a 16 and 18.”
“But later, as the sun started moving behind the trees, fish started moving up in the water column to areas along the bank where they could feed on insects, minnows, and small panfish. I’m always looking for the little blooms of gnats and mayflies along the banks that bring in feeding minnows. The smallies typically follow.”“The bottom line is the bigger fish started to move up in the column, and that’s when we switched to poppers and that flicked the switch. Suddenly, he didn’t get any on his crayfish and I said, ‘Hey, throw one real shallow and strip it quicker.’ And he threw one right up to the bank about eight inches of water and he stripped it out to about two feet and got smoked.”“That told us what we needed to know. I handed him another rod that had a Boogle Bug popper on it, and he caught another good fish.”The point is you must adjust throughout the day with river smallies depending on the sun. 
Evergreen OB-68
Rapala Skitter Pop
Finding Structure & ShadeAnglin observes: “When you have peak temps like we do right now in the rivers, usually by mid-August at this latitude the sun angle becomes lower. As the sun gets lower on the horizon you can take advantage of topographical features and foliage quicker.”“While the sun might be overhead until an hour or hour and half before sunset in June and July, this time of year by three or four o’clock in most rivers you can find a bluff or a tall tree line or a high bank or something even a bridge or a levy-style road and take advantage of smallies in the shade on topwaters,” continues Anglin.  Depending on where you are in the country, the key then is to find shade, which could come in the form of boulders and rock piles like in Minnesota and Wisconsin rivers or bridges, sea walls, old railroad trestles, riprap, as well as wood.“We have fewer boulders in the rivers I fish but we have lots of sea walls and other structure that provides excellent cover for these fish. And in metro settings too, I’m always looking for the decrepit, breaking down stuff that provides nooks, cracks and crannies that draw tons of crawfish, especially with some depth transition around them so the fish just kind of sit off these areas and wait for the food to reveal itself.” “You could drift or crawl a tube in these areas and mess around with getting snagged or you could pinpoint casts with topwaters right on top and you’ll get smoked. You might start by catching smaller fish but all the commotion on top will bring in the larger fish on subsequent casts or drifts.”
Guide Recommended GearConventional gear: 6’-6’6” medium-light/medium power, fast action spinning rod with 2500 size reel and 10-lb. monofilament – 2-inch Skitter Pop or favorite popper hardbaitFly gear: 9’ 6-wt. rod, Scientific Anglers Amplitude Infinity weight-forward line, 7.5’ 16 lb. tapered leader with 18” to 24” of 10- or 12-pound mono, nylon or fluoro tippet plus Boogle Bug popperWhitewater Spindrift Merino Fishing Hoodie for sun protectionWhitewater Prevail Pant for sun protectionTake-HomeLooking to catch more late-summer smallies? Rather than whipping around a Beetle Spin randomly throughout the river, keep your head on a swivel and get more casts in with topwaters, whether on-the-fly or spinning gear. As a backup, bring a tube rod or some crawfish pattern flies for deeper, mid-day sun fish, but know that if you find the right shade, structure, and food source, a popper is going to simply catch fish in a way that’s explosive and about as fun as it gets! 
GUIDE RECOMMENDED GEAR
Spindrift Merino Fishing HoodieExperience the unparalleled comfort and moisture-wicking prowess of merino wool fused with the familiar lightweight design found in typical polyester sun hoodies on the market, all in our innovative Spindrift Merino Fishing Hoodie. This lightweight merino hoodie has effortless stretch, 50+ UPF protection, and is fully equipped with an oversized sun hoodie. Designed to be your ultimate fishing companion, regardless of the weather or time of year, the Spindrift Merino Fishing Hoodie serves as a versatile layering piece underneath jackets or as a standalone sunshirt. Crafted from the finest merino fibers, measuring just 17.5 microns, blended with the optimal amount of nylon for maximum functionality and durability. Enjoy all the advantages of merino wool with a luxuriously soft touch, exceptional temperature regulation, and long-lasting odor control in a hoodie you can comfortably wear throughout the year.Betaspun® yarn featuring 82% 17.5-micron Merino Wool, 16% Nylon, and 2% Lycra helps resist abrasion & pillingLightweight 120g fabricUPF 50+ sun protectionNaturally moisture-wicking & antimicrobialNaturally helps to regulate body temperatureSoft next-to-skin feel and easy to care forBuilt-in hood for added sun protectionPFAS freeFlatlock seams for next-to-skin comfortMSRP $129.99
Prevail PantStriking the perfect balance between comfort and durability, these cargo pants feature a modern cut and a nylon/spandex construction that offers just the right amount of stretch for an optimal range of motion. With ample pocket space, including secure zip cargo pockets on the sides, 2 front hand pockets, 2 zippered back pockets, and a knife pocket, they cater to all your essential storage needs. Reinforced stitching and heavy-duty belt loops add to the durability of these pants. Offering optimal moisture-wicking performance, they are also antimicrobial-treated to combat unwanted odors even after hours of wear. The fabric is UPF 50 rated, ensuring you have maximum sun protection.Quick-dry nylon/spandex stretch twill fabric for all-day durabilityUPF 50+ sun protectionStain resistant & anti-microbial treated for all-day clean comfort7 pockets for storage and warmth (2 front waist, 2 thigh zip, 2 back zip, 1 knife pocket)Side seam vent zippers allow for temperature regulationArticulated knees & gusseted crotch for mobilityPrevail pant has a 32″ inseam for regular sizes and 34″ inseam for tallsMSRP $99.99 to $109.99

Scottsburg’s McClain Claims Victory Sunday at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Ohio River-Rocky Point

Brian Carter
-
0
Scottsburg’s McClain Claims Victory Sunday at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Ohio River-Rocky Point
Boater Frank McClain of Scottsburg, Indiana, and co-angler Steve Hanson of Shelbyville, Indiana.

Indiana’s Hanson Wins Co-Angler Division

CANNELTON, Ind. (Aug. 18, 2025) – Boater Frank McClain of Scottsburg, Indiana, caught a five-bass limit weighing 12 pounds, 4 ounces, Sunday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on the Ohio River -Rocky Point . The tournament was the fourth event of the season for the BFL Hoosier Division. McClain earned $3,505 for his victory.

“I had a limit by 10 o’clock,” McClain said. “It was mostly topwater bites and flipping stuff. Then it slowed down a little bit, and I buckled down and started flipping to see if I could find some quality bites.”

McClain filled an early limit of bass that fell for a buzzbait, then switched his approach to capitalize on the flipping bite. McClain said most of his fish came from stumps in 1 to 4 feet of water. He focused on the mouths of creeks off of the main river and felt that was key to his win.

McClain counted 10 keepers during the course of the day, and he was thankful for a day of better-than-average bass.

“I definitely had to get away from the crowd and made long runs to fish a long way from the takeoff ramp,” McClain said. “I fished two creeks today. I just buckled down where I knew there were quality fish and stuck with that.”

McClain notched a runner-up spot the previous day at a BFL event at Ohio River-Rocky Point that had been rescheduled. McClain fell just 8 ounces shy of claiming back-to-back BFL wins in consecutive days.



“I should have won that one,” said McClain. “This is my 8th (BFL) win. I love it. It doesn’t get old, for sure. I mean I’ve won eight of them, but you don’t get tired of winning them. You fish against these guys, and they really know how to fish. It’s a good feeling.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

1st:         Frank McClain, Scottsburg, Ind., five bass, 12-4, $3,505
2nd:       Justin Berger, Murray, Ky., five bass, 10-6, $1,753
3rd:        John Melton, Corydon, Ind., five bass, 8-9, $1,169
4th:         Mike Quinlin, Mooresville, Ind., five bass, 8-7, $1,318 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Bonus)
5th:         Chris Leclere, Cannelton, Ind., five bass, 8-2, $701
6th:         Braxton Munson, Anderson, Ind., five bass, 8-1, $643
7th:         Adrian Urso, Union, Ky., five bass, 7-9, $584
8th:         Allen Boyd, Salem, Ind., five bass, 7-4, $526
9th:         William Spivey, Middletown, Ohio, four bass, 7-1, $438
9th:         Chase Hall, Orleans, Ind., five bass, 7-1, $538

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Noah Woodring of Evansville, Indiana, caught a bass that weighed 3 pounds, 13 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $440.

Steve Hanson of Shelbyville, Indiana, won the co-angler division and $1,973 Sunday, after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 7 pounds, 10 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers finished:

1st:         Steve Hanson, Shelbyville, Ind., three bass, 7-10, $1,973
2nd:       Dale Walton, Greenwood, Ind., three bass, 6-13, $876
3rd:        Martin Bryant, North Vernon, Ind., three bass, 5-13, $585
4th:         Zach Fields, Scottsburg, Ind., three bass, 5-11, $409
5th:         Steven Sanders, Orleans, Ind., three bass, 5-6, $351
6th:         Nathaniel Hester, Indianapolis, Ind., three bass, 4-14, $321
7th:         Tommy Pritchard, Bargersville, Ind., three bass, 4-11, $342
8th:         Judd Linette, Jasper, Ind., three bass, 4-10, $263
9th:         Bo Bivins, Evansville, Ind., three bass, 4-7, $234
10th:      Daniel Fromme, Jasper, Ind., three bass, 4-6, $194
10th:      Larry Turner Jr., Marion, Ind., two bass, 4-6, $294

Steve Hanson of Shelbyville, Indiana, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $220, catching a bass that weighed in at 4 pounds, 8 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.

After four events, Chris Wilkinson of Farmersburg, Indiana, leads the Fishing Clash Hoosier Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 953 points, while Martin Bryant of North Vernon, Indiana, leads the Fishing Clash Hoosier Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 941 points.

The next event for BFL Hoosier Division anglers will be the two-day Super Tournament, held Sept. 20-21, at Ohio River-Tanners Creek. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.

The top 60 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 10-11 BFL Regional tournament on Kentucky/Barkley Lake in Buchanan, Tennessee. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $20,000.

The 2025 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 134 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 60 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, will advance to one of 12 BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top three, 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 2025 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sport Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Li Time Batteries, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.





MLF Announces Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Returns in 2026 with Elevated Payouts, Championship Berths, Pathway to REDCREST

Brian Carter
-
0
MLF Announces Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Returns in 2026 with Elevated Payouts, Championship Berths, Pathway to REDCREST

BENTON, Ky. (Aug. 19, 2025) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today details for the return of one of the sport’s most prestigious series – the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit – with an upgraded program designed to deliver bigger payouts, more advancement opportunities, and a platform worthy of the sport’s best pros all with reduced entry fees.

Formerly the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, the Pro Circuit name returns in 2026 to reflect the elevated status of the league as the qualifying route to the Bass Pro Tour. With new lower entry fees, a guaranteed $100,000 first-place award at every tournament, advancement to REDCREST from every tournament and championship berths for 50 anglers, the Pro Circuit solidifies itself as the place for pro anglers to make their mark.

“Bringing back the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit name is about honoring the legacy of the circuit while also recognizing that we are delivering a program that’s bigger and better than ever,” said Kathy Fennel, MLF Executive Vice President and General Manager. “From lower entry fees to BPT advancement to national media coverage, the 2026 Pro Circuit offers unmatched value and opportunity for pros looking to compete in a five-bass, weigh-in format with limited use of forward-facing sonar and 360 imaging.”

2026 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Highlights:

  • $100,000 guaranteed first-place award at all six qualifying events and the no-entry-fee Championship – plus a $35,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus that pushes the top award to $135,000 for qualified pros.
  • Lower $5,000 entry fee (down from $5,500 in 2025).
  • Biggest payouts per event outside of the Bass Pro Tour.
  • Seven direct berths to REDCREST 2027 – The winner of each tournament, including the Championship, advances.
  • 50 Championship berths guaranteed regardless of field size.
  • Top 5 anglers in AOY standings advance to the 2027 Bass Pro Tour, with no double-qualifying restrictions.
  • $50,000 Fishing Clash Angler of the Year award.
  • Forward-facing sonar and 360 imaging limited to 3 hours of each competition day, similar to the fan-favorite Bass Pro Tour format, using new tracking technology.
  • Live on-the-water and weigh-in coverage daily, plus national television broadcasts.

Each qualifying event will feature 150 pros battling over three days in a five-bass, weigh-in format. The full field will compete the first two days before the top 50 advance to Championship Day.

The no-entry-fee Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Championship will see the top 50 anglers from the Fishing Clash AOY standings compete for $100,000 guaranteed ($135,000 including Phoenix MLF Bonus) and a REDCREST berth, with every qualified competitor earning a paycheck.

“The Pro Circuit is back and better than ever,” said Joey Reggio, General Manager of Tackle Warehouse. “With $100,000 for first place at every stop and new, dynamic forward-facing sonar rules in play, fans can expect the most intense and dramatic competition yet.”

Every day of the 2026 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit season will stream live on MLFNOW! at MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MLF app, MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) and Rumble, with television coverage airing nationally on VICE Sports.

Entries will be accepted beginning August 25 for qualified pros from the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, Toyota Series and the Bass Pro Tour. These anglers have until October 3 to secure their spot in the 2026 Pro Circuit. Entries from Tackle Warehouse Invitational anglers outside the top 75 will be accepted October 6, followed by 2026 Bass Pro Tour anglers October 7 and the top 25 Toyota Series anglers from each division October 8. Entries from the general public will be accepted to fill any remaining spots beginning October 9. Entry priority will be given to anglers fishing all six stops followed by date and time of entry. For complete schedules, rules and payout details, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Proud sponsors of the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Bubba, Deep Dive, E3 Sport Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, PirahnO2, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, VOSKER, WIX Filters and YETI.





Andrew & Daniel Reynolds Win Big Mouth Bassmaster Benefit on James River

Brian Carter
-
0
Andrew & Daniel Reynolds Win Big Mouth Bassmaster Benefit on James River

We had a fantastic day on the river at our annual benefit tournament, benefitting Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Each year, we ask our sponsors to donate funds for this local cause and between our anglers and sponsors, we were able to raise just over $1,700 for Neighbors Helping Neighbors! Way to go!!! ???

For this fun event, anglers were able to catch up to 3 bass, 10 brim and 1 catfish! Almost 90 fish were caught and weighed in! ? The top three places were awarded medallions, as follows:

First Place: Andrew Reynolds and Daniel Reynolds with 3 bass, 10 brim and 1 catfish weighing 8.32 lbs ?
Second Place: Matt Cline and Jamie Campbell with 3 bass and 10 brim weighing 5.68 lbs ?
Third Place: Terry Hedrick and Jonathan East with 3 bass and 10 brim weighing 5.45 lbs ?

We will post more details for our Classic participants regarding our next tournament, which is both our Classic and an OPEN tournament. Hope to see you next month on September 20, blast off at 6:30 am (or safe light) at Monacan Park!?





1...353637...1,532Page 36 of 1,532

Follow Us

The latest

Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech Locks in Full Field of 150 pros for 2026

Breaking News 0
With every spot claimed, Pro Circuit momentum reaches a...

B.A.S.S. announces 2026 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers schedule

Bassmasters 0
Dec. 12, 2025 B.A.S.S. announces 2026 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers schedule BIRMINGHAM,...

101 anglers set to compete on 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series

Bassmasters 0
Dec. 12, 2025 101 anglers set to compete on 2026...

© 2023 The Bass Cast. All Rights Reserved.