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Shawn Benton & Logan Benton Win CATT Cooper River, SC Feb 18, 2023

Brian Carter
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Shawn Benton & Logan Benton Win CATT Cooper River, SC Feb 18, 2023

Next Cooper River Spring CATT is March 4th at Cypress Gardens!

The 2023 Phantom Outdoors Open is March 25th at Cypress Gardens! NO MEMBERSHIP! $5,000 1st Place (Minimum 5o Boats entered)
Tap on this link for more info!

2023 Phantom Outdoors Open Series – Carolina Anglers Team Trail (cattteamtrail.com)

We had a great crowd this weekend with 35 teams on the Cooper River and hope you will come out and join us at the next Cooper River CATT Qualifier!

Shawn Benton & Logan Benton weigh in 5 bass at 25.06 lbs with a BF oat 7.35 lbs to take the win on the Cooper River! They collected $1,250.00!

TJ Bancroft & Jimmy Bihlear take 2nd with a limit weighing 22.69 lbs!

3rd Place went to Justin Craven with another great bag weighing 21.45 lbs! Justin is at the top of the Cooper River Points after the 2nd Qualifier! To view the Points go to the Cooper River Division page and scroll down.

4th Place Kyle Howard & Jason Kinder with 5 bass weighing 18.97 lbs!

Randy Gibson Sr and Randy Gibson Jr claimed 5th with 18.37 lbs!

6th Place Johnny Brinson & Jay Ayers with 17.22 lbs!

Matt Baker & Charlie Baker with 5 bass weighing 17.02 lbs good enough for 7th Place!

Jonathan Brindle & Justin Harvey with the Academy BF at 7.51 lbs!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Shawn Benton – Logan Benton7.3525.06$1,250.00110
Jimmy Bihlear – TJ Bancroft6.6422.69$300.00109
Justin Craven5.5421.45$200.00108
Kyle Howard – Jason Kinder0.0018.97$150.00107
Randy Gibson Jr – Randy Gibson Sr7.1418.37$125.00106
Johnny Brinson – Jay Ayers4.5817.22$100.00105
Matt Baker – Andrew Baker6.1217.02$75.00104
Randall Drew – Ryan Drew6.7216.65103
Chad Pennell – Corey Casey5.5016.37102
Joe Hutchinson – Tyler Bond0.0016.21101
Jonathan Brindle – Justin Harvey7.5115.43$175.00100
Travis Gatlin – Grant Powell0.0014.3999
Wendell Lampkin – Jayceon Lampkin6.0214.2598
John Campbell – Jarred Boles0.0013.9797
Michael Ard0.0012.9896
JW Smith – Ben Nye0.0012.4395
Chris Perrano – Jim Butler3.8711.9194
Stephen Flock – Keith Umberger0.0011.4593
James Fender – Kyle Fender0.009.9392
David Driggers0.008.9991
Brian Surowiec – Walter Cumber0.008.2690
Winkey Watford – Scottie Melton0.007.6789
David Kelly – Brad Matthews0.007.6288
Michael Dibelo – Edward Punchak0.007.0987
CJ Carrington4.016.2786
Willie Weatherford – Wyatt Weatherford0.005.7085
James Skelton0.002.2984
Bubba Dennis0.000.0074
Todd Thompson – Jimmy King0.000.0074
Brian Morrsion – Jimmy Owens0.000.0074
Casper Hopkins – Tristen Snell0.000.0074
Chase Mcshell – Kyle Garrick0.000.0074
Marion Humphrey – Lucy Humphrey0.000.0074
Glen Varner – Ervin Varner0.000.0074
Hunter Hackworth – Bran Schuler0.000.0074
Total Entrys$1,750.00
BONUS $$750.00
Total Paid At Ramp$2,375.00
Cooper River 2023 Spring Final Fund$100.00
2023 CATT Championship Fund$25.00
Cooper River 2023 Spring Final Fund Total$155.00

Butch Williams & Sonny Beam Win CATT Lake Wateree, SC Feb 18, 2023

Brian Carter
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Butch Williams & Sonny Beam Win CATT Lake Wateree, SC Feb 18, 2023

Next Lake Wateree CATT Spring Qualifier is this coming Saturday Feb 25th at Clearwater Cove Marina! $80 entry of $90 at the ramp $35 Per Person Membership!

The 2023 Phantom Outdoors Open on Lake Wateree is April 8th! $5,000 1st Place with 50 teams entered! Tap on the link to view info!

2023 Phantom Outdoors Open Series – Carolina Anglers Team Trail (cattteamtrail.com)

Butch Williams & Sonny Beam win Lake Wateree with 5 bass weighing 18.04 lbs worth $900.00!

Craig Haven & Paul Wells 2nd with 18.023 lbs!

Alan Fletcher & Tanner Fletcher 3rd with a limit weighing 17.31 lbs and the Academy BF at 7.07 lbs!

Chad Gainey & Mack Kitchens 4th place with 17.27 lbs. They received a $40 Anglers Headquarters Gift Card!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Butch Williams & Sonny Beam4.1318.04$900.00110
Paul Wells & Craig Haven4.9018.03$332.00109
Alan Fletcher & Tanner Fletcher  7.0717.31$258.00108
Chad Gainey & Mack Kitchens4.5217.27107
Dean Benfield & Donnie Maiers4.3916.25106
Jarrod Upchurch & Jacob Upchurch3.9715.39105
Ray Dowey & Channon Dowey4.1715.10104
Donald Hinson & Shannon Hinson3.3814.69103
Shane Cantley & Michael Richardson4.2414.30102
Dearal Rodgers & Trent McLaughlin3.0812.54101
Jim Davis & Zack Davis3.0412.22100
Jeff Norris & Jacob Norris3.3510.2299
Robert Jackson3.309.2298
Darrell Fenton2.668.8097
Lucas Murphy & Will Alewine3.937.9996
Jason Tannenbaum & Jason Colon2.502.5095
Phillip Carson & Scott Bolin0.000.0085
Anthony Medlin0.000.0085
Hand Wactor0.000.0085
Total Entrys$1,520.00
BONUS $$400.00
Total Paid At Ramp$1,490.00
2023 Wateree Spring Final Fund$330.00
CATT$50.00
2023 CATT Championship$50.00
2023 Wateree Spring Fund Total$330.00

POW! Chris Lane Lands 5-Pounder in Final Minute to Overtake Davis and Earn First Career Bass Pro Tour Victory at B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Presented by Grundéns 

Brian Carter
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<strong src=POW! Chris Lane Lands 5-Pounder in Final Minute to Overtake Davis and Earn First Career Bass Pro Tour Victory at B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Presented by Grundéns " title="POW! Chris Lane Lands 5-Pounder in Final Minute to Overtake Davis and Earn First Career Bass Pro Tour Victory at B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Presented by Grundéns " />

Power-Pole Pro Catches Five-Bass Limit Weighing 26-1 to Win by 9-Ounce Margin over Hall of Famer Mark Davis, Earn First Tour-Level Win Since 2015 and $100,000 Top Prize

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (Feb. 18, 2023) – If there were any questions that the Bass Pro Tour scoring change to a five-fish limit would be less exciting than the every-fish-counts format, Power-Pole pro Chris Lane of Guntersville, Alabama, showed the world the answer, Saturday. In the most dramatic finish in Major League Fishing (MLF) history, Lane boated a 5-pound, 5-ounce bass with just 40 seconds remaining in the event to overtake B&W Trailer Hitches pro Mark Davis of Mount Ida, Arkansas, and win the season-opening Bass Pro Tour B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Presented by Grundéns. Lane’s two-day total of 10 bass weighing 49 pounds, 3 ounces, earned him the win by a 9-ounce margin over Davis, who had led the entire day, and earned him the top payout of $100,000.

Link to HD Video – Fish-Catch Highlights of Championship Round on the Kissimmee Chain
Link to Photo Gallery of Chris Lane Trophy Presentation
Link to Photo Gallery of Championship Round On-The-Water Highlights

“Holy smokes, I can’t believe it,” an emotional Lane said in his post-game interview. “I don’t know what to say. This is unbelievable. What an ending. To do it here, where I grew up… man. This is where I cut my teeth, where I learned how to fish. Right over there is Brahma Island. Where I fished with my brothers. My dad. My grandpa. My gosh, I don’t know how we did it. This has been one amazing, amazing event.”

Lane’s improbable rally from starting the day 12-8 behind Davis became a reality late in the day. With an hour and 15 minutes left in the third and final period he boated a 4-pound, 5-ouncer, then added a 5-pound, 4-ounce bass to move within 14 ounces of Davis in the final hour. Lane needed to catch a 4-pound, 12-ounce bass to gain enough weight to catch Davis, and with one minute remaining he hooked up.

“With five minutes left I made the decision to come back to this spot, where I had caught a 6-8 earlier in the day,” Lane said. “I was super quiet, eased up and Power-Poled down, then threw that black and blue Bass Pro Shops Stick O out there.

“I knew it could be done with just one swing of the rod,” Lane continued. “I kept telling myself that – ‘one swing of the rod, just one swing.’ When she bit and I swung that rod, I saw it jump and I didn’t think it was big enough. I thought I needed a 7- or 8-pounder. When my official kept telling me congratulations, I didn’t believe him at first.”

The Championship Round appearance was Lane’s first career Championship Round on the Bass Pro Tour.

“Knowing the score, and knowing what you have to catch – it makes you fish so intensely until the very end,” Lane said. “If you watched the process of this event, the wind has done a full circle – from north, to east, to south, to west. Every day was different. It was a lot of new water, and I really just tried to go with the conditions. Knowing the lake like I do down there in Kissimmee, I was able to just pull up to a stop and if they’re not biting there then I’m off to something else.

“I still just can’t believe how this all played out,” Lane went on to say. “It has been an absolutely epic week. This is one of, if not the most memorable tournament that I think I will ever have.”

The top 10 pros from the B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Presented by Grundéns finished:

1st:          Chris Lane, Guntersville, Ala., 10 bass, 49-3, $100,000
2nd:         Mark Davis, Mount Ida, Ark., 10 bass, 48-10, $45,000
3rd:         Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., 10 bass, 45-13, $38,000
4th:         Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., 10 bass, 43-15, $32,000
5th:         Andy Morgan, Dayton, Tenn., 10 bass, 42-6, $30,000
6th:         Dylan Hays, Hot Springs, Ark., 10 bass, 36-10, $26,000
7th:         Jeremy Lawyer, Sarcoxie, Mo., 10 bass, 36-0, $23,000
8th:         Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., 10 bass, 32-8, $21,000
9th:         Jordan Lee, Cullman, Ala., 10 bass, 28-9, $19,000
10th:       Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark., seven bass, 23-10, $16,000

Full results for the entire field can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Overall, there were 98 scorable bass weighing 265 pounds, 6 ounces caught by the final 10 pros Saturday.

Brent Ehrler earned Saturday’s Championship Round $1,000 Berkley Big Bass award with a 7-pound, 8-ounce largemouth that bit a bladed swimjig in Period 3. Tokyo, Japan, pro Takahiro Omori earned the $3,000 Berkley Big Bass award for the overall largest bass of the event with his 9-pound, 8-ounce largemouth that he weighed on Day 4 of competition.

After his win, Saturday, Chris Lane also now becomes the default leader in the 2023 Bass Pro Tour Bally Bet Angler of the Year (AOY) race. Lane earned 80 points for his victory, while runner-up Mark Davis of Mount Ida, Arkansas, earned 79 points for his second-place finish. Bally Bet will award $100,000 to the 2023 Bally Bet Angler of the Year winner.

The B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Presented by Grundéns featured anglers competing with a 1-pound, 4-ounce minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. Minimum weights are determined individually for each competition waters that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.

The six-day event, hosted by the Kissimmee Sports Commission, 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, the Bass Pro Tour championship.

Television coverage of the B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Presented by Grundéns will air as two, two-hour episodes starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, July 15 on the Discovery Channel. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on the Discovery Channel, with re-airings on the Outdoor Channel.

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 a fishery to be announced.  

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.

Kennedy will carry slim lead into final round of Bassmaster Elite at Lake Okeechobee

Brian Carter
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<strong src=Kennedy will carry slim lead into final round of Bassmaster Elite at Lake Okeechobee" title="Kennedy will carry slim lead into final round of Bassmaster Elite at Lake Okeechobee" />

Steve Kennedy of Auburn, Ala., is leading after Day 3 of the 2023 SiteOne Bassmaster Elite at Lake Okeechobee with a three-day total of 70 pounds, 2 ounces.

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

February 18, 2023

Kennedy will carry slim lead into final round of Bassmaster Elite at Lake Okeechobee

OKEECHOBEE, Fla. — Frog fishing is generally considered one of bass fishing’s least consistent techniques, but Steve Kennedy employed it Saturday to land a whopping five-bass limit that weighed 23 pounds, 1 ounce. With a three-day total of 70-2, the Alabama pro now sits atop the leaderboard heading into the final round of the SiteOne Bassmaster Elite at Lake Okeechobee.

Kennedy heads into Championship Sunday with a 6-ounce advantage over Day 2 leader Brandon Cobb of Greenwood, S.C.

On a day when his bag was anchored by an 8-4 largemouth, Kennedy caught most of his fish on a black SPRO Bronzeye popping frog. He’s working his reaction bait over shallow dollar pads and, while he’s experiencing the inconsistency common to the frogging technique, Kennedy said he’s having a blast.

“Today, I had two big fish; the rest of my fish were 3-pounders,” he said. “The last two days, I’ve had three big fish (each day). That big one today makes up a little difference.

“It’s a pretty incredible bite and if I can catch all of my bites, it would be awesome. But it is some of the most fun. You throw that thing out there, twitch it a couple of times and it goes ka-bloom! It’s an impressive bite, for sure.”

Despite turning in a similar weight to what he caught the first two days, Kennedy said he experienced a slower day — likely because of the dim, colder conditions that starkly contrasted the warmth and partly cloudy skies on days 1 and 2. A shift from southerly winds the first two days to a northeast wind also seemed to rattle the fish.

On Day 2, Kennedy said he thought the north wind might help his cause by blowing more clear water out of the grass-filtering marsh above his area at the lake’s upper end. While he did not see any improvement, the 8-4 was his best catch of the tournament.

“I caught a bigger fish than I’ve caught any day, but I wouldn’t say it was better,” Kennedy said. “It took me until 11:30 to get a limit. I missed a couple of small ones.

“I didn’t feel like we had a wave of fish move in, but it’s truly incredible how many big fish are in this area. We had 31 boats there yesterday. We probably had a few less today, but everybody catches them.

“I’m covering so much more water than anyone in there. It just gets hard when other boats are going over the spots.”

In addition to his frog fish, Kennedy weighed one keeper on a Texas-rigged 8-inch lizard.

“I was trying to get a big bite,” he said. “They’re bedding in those holes. You can see them on Lowrance ActiveTarget (forward-facing sonar).”

Looking ahead to Championship Sunday, Kennedy said he’s hoping the returning warmth and calmer southeast wind will ignite the bite and improve his opportunities. After two days of full field competition and Saturday’s Top 50, the final round’s 10-boat field will relieve some of the pressure the key areas have endured.

“I’m getting nervous; I had eight big bites the first day, six yesterday and four today,” he said. “It’s going downhill, but we’re going to lose some guys. The sun’s coming out and that’s going to change things, so I just have to figure out where the little sweet spot is and milk it for all it’s worth.”

After placing sixth in the first round with 22-9, Cobb added a Day 2 limit of 32-15. Day 3 saw him weigh 14-4 to bring his total to 69-12.

On Day 2, Cobb said he capitalized on a wave of fish moving into his area southwest of the Kissimmee River. Saturday’s weather seemed to hold back any new arrivals.

“I don’t think my area has a ton of fish until a wave comes in,” Cobb said. “With no sun and cloudy conditions, it wasn’t a moving day for Florida fish.

“There are a few too many boats in my area to just catch resident fish. With no new ones coming in, I ran out of fish.”

Cobb caught his bass on a black and blue 3/8-ounce ChatterBait with a Zoom Super Fluke.

Tyler Rivet of Raceland, La., is in third with 68-2. His daily weights have been 24-5, 29-2 and 14-11.

Rivet has parked in the Kissimmee River for three days and caught most of his fish on a prototype jerkbait from Xcite Baits, along with the Sucka Punch creature bait he designed for Xcite. On Saturday, the jerkbait did all the work.

“I really thought the wind and the clouds would get them going today,” Rivet said. “I caught a 3-8 right off the bat and I was like ‘They’re here; this is it. We’re going to catch them.’

“They did the same thing as yesterday, but they never had that frenzy they had the first two days. They just never fired up. I was watching them on Garmin LiveScope. They would chase and chase, but they just wouldn’t commit. I probably had 25 pounds chase the bait, but they were just inches away.”

Cody Huff of Ava, Mo., earned the $1,000 daily bonus for catching the Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Day with his 8-6. Cobb still holds the overall lead in that category with his 8-12 from Day 2.

Cobb’s Day 2 catch of 32-15 also leads the race for VMC Monster Bag honors. 

The Top 10 remaining anglers will take off at 7:30 a.m. from C. Scott Driver Park with a chance to win the $100,000 first-place prize. The weigh-in will be held at the park at 3:45 p.m. FS1 will broadcast live with the leaders beginning at 8 a.m. with continuing coverage on Bassmaster.com. 

The Bassmaster Elite at Lake Okeechobee is being hosted by Okeechobee County. 

2023 SiteOne Bassmaster Elite at Lake Okeechobee 2/16-2/19
Lake Okeechobee, Okeechobee  FL.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 3

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

1.  Steve Kennedy          Auburn, AL              15  70-02  104
  Day 1: 5   23-08     Day 2: 5   23-09     Day 3: 5   23-01   
2.  Brandon Cobb           Greenwood, SC           15  69-12  103   $1,000.00
  Day 1: 5   22-09     Day 2: 5   32-15     Day 3: 5   14-04   
3.  Tyler Rivet            Raceland, LA            15  68-02  102
  Day 1: 5   24-05     Day 2: 5   29-02     Day 3: 5   14-11   
4.  Clark Wendlandt        Leander, TX             15  67-02  101
  Day 1: 5   18-09     Day 2: 5   25-05     Day 3: 5   23-04   
5.  Logan Latuso           Gonzales, LA            15  63-03  100
  Day 1: 5   17-01     Day 2: 5   21-03     Day 3: 5   24-15   
6.  Jake Whitaker          Hendersonville, NC      15  61-10   99
  Day 1: 5   15-03     Day 2: 5   27-12     Day 3: 5   18-11   
7.  Carl Jocumsen          Queensland AUSTRALIA    15  61-01   98
  Day 1: 5   12-14     Day 2: 5   24-13     Day 3: 5   23-06   
8.  Brandon Card           Salisbury, NC           15  57-14   97
  Day 1: 5   16-01     Day 2: 5   23-04     Day 3: 5   18-09   
9.  Drew Cook              Cairo, GA               15  57-01   96
  Day 1: 5   22-12     Day 2: 5   22-14     Day 3: 5   11-07   
10. Marc Frazier           Newnan, GA              15  56-06   95
  Day 1: 5   21-00     Day 2: 5   13-13     Day 3: 5   21-09   
11. Gerald Swindle         Guntersville, AL        15  55-01   94  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   17-07     Day 2: 5   24-09     Day 3: 5   13-01   
12. Ed Loughran III        Richmond, VA            15  54-08   93  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   20-03     Day 2: 5   18-09     Day 3: 5   15-12   
13. Kyle Welcher           Opelika, AL             15  53-15   92  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   18-08     Day 2: 5   20-06     Day 3: 5   15-01   
14. Will Davis Jr          Sylacauga, AL           15  53-09   91  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   21-07     Day 2: 5   16-01     Day 3: 5   16-01   
15. Patrick Walters        Eutawville, SC          15  52-00   90  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   21-05     Day 2: 5   22-13     Day 3: 5   07-14   
16. Cooper Gallant         Bowmanville Ontario CAN 15  51-12   89  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   21-03     Day 2: 5   19-10     Day 3: 5   10-15   
17. Jay Przekurat          Stevens Point, WI       15  51-11   88  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   18-01     Day 2: 5   17-11     Day 3: 5   15-15   
18. Scott Canterbury       Odenville, AL           15  51-03   87  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   16-12     Day 2: 5   17-10     Day 3: 5   16-13   
19. Joey Cifuentes III     Clinton, AR             15  50-13   86  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   15-06     Day 2: 5   15-03     Day 3: 5   20-04   
20. Lee Livesay            Longview, TX            15  50-06   85  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   15-05     Day 2: 5   18-14     Day 3: 5   16-03   
21. Brad Whatley           Bivins, TX              15  49-09   84  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   14-04     Day 2: 5   18-02     Day 3: 5   17-03   
22. Skylar Hamilton        Jefferson, TN           15  49-05   83  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   16-10     Day 2: 5   23-06     Day 3: 5   09-05   
23. Brock Mosley           Collinsville, MS        15  49-01   82  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   17-06     Day 2: 5   22-00     Day 3: 5   09-11   
24. Brandon Palaniuk       Rathdrum, ID            15  47-12   81  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   19-03     Day 2: 5   19-15     Day 3: 5   08-10   
25. Cody Huff              Ava, MO                 15  47-10   80  $11,000.00
  Day 1: 5   17-03     Day 2: 5   14-08     Day 3: 5   15-15   
26. Pat Schlapper          Eleva, WI               15  47-01   79  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   16-09     Day 2: 5   16-05     Day 3: 5   14-03   
27. Buddy Gross            Chattanooga, TN         15  46-10   78  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   16-15     Day 2: 5   17-06     Day 3: 5   12-05   
28. Ray Hanselman Jr       Del Rio, TX             15  46-09   77  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   15-06     Day 2: 5   24-03     Day 3: 5   07-00   
29. Bradley Hallman        Edmond, OK              15  46-09   76  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   14-06     Day 2: 5   15-15     Day 3: 5   16-04   
30. Scott Martin           Clewiston, FL           15  46-06   75  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   25-11     Day 2: 5   12-04     Day 3: 5   08-07   
31. Shane LeHew            Catawba, NC             15  46-05   74  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   16-13     Day 2: 5   19-07     Day 3: 5   10-01   
32. Keith Combs            Huntington, TX          15  46-02   73  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   13-06     Day 2: 5   16-07     Day 3: 5   16-05   
33. John Crews Jr          Salem, VA               15  46-00   72  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   12-06     Day 2: 5   17-08     Day 3: 5   16-02   
34. Bernie Schultz         Gainesville, FL         13  45-13   71  $11,000.00
  Day 1: 5   28-11     Day 2: 5   10-12     Day 3: 3   06-06   
35. Greg Hackney           Gonzales, LA            15  45-12   70  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   17-13     Day 2: 5   12-09     Day 3: 5   15-06   
36. Jamie Hartman          Newport, NY             15  45-05   69  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   14-07     Day 2: 5   21-10     Day 3: 5   09-04   
37. Micah Frazier          Newnan, GA              13  45-03   68  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   13-00     Day 2: 5   26-13     Day 3: 3   05-06   
38. Jeff Gustafson         Kenora, Ontario CANADA  15  45-03   67  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   17-07     Day 2: 5   17-04     Day 3: 5   10-08   
39. Caleb Kuphall          Mukwonago, WI           15  44-14   66  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   15-00     Day 2: 5   15-03     Day 3: 5   14-11   
40. Bill Lowen             Brookville, IN          12  44-09   65  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   11-09     Day 2: 5   29-01     Day 3: 2   03-15   
41. Michael Iaconelli      Pittsgrove, NJ          15  43-12   64  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   19-10     Day 2: 5   10-02     Day 3: 5   14-00   
42. Cliff Prince           Palatka, FL             15  43-12   63  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   14-09     Day 2: 5   18-09     Day 3: 5   10-10   
43. Chris Johnston         Otonabee Ontario CANADA 15  43-10   62  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   17-06     Day 2: 5   13-10     Day 3: 5   12-10   
44. David Gaston           Sylacauga, AL           15  43-08   61  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   17-01     Day 2: 5   15-13     Day 3: 5   10-10   
45. Clifford Pirch         Payson, AZ              15  43-05   60  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   18-12     Day 2: 5   15-00     Day 3: 5   09-09   
46. Brandon Lester         Fayetteville, TN        15  42-15   59  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   15-05     Day 2: 5   20-11     Day 3: 5   06-15   
47. Stetson Blaylock       Benton, AR              15  41-05   58  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   17-02     Day 2: 5   12-13     Day 3: 5   11-06   
48. Gary Clouse            Winchester, TN          12  38-09   57  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   15-04     Day 2: 5   20-03     Day 3: 2   03-02   
49. John Cox               DeBary, FL              15  37-07   56  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   17-05     Day 2: 5   12-12     Day 3: 5   07-06   
50. Gregory DiPalma        Millville, NJ           15  36-14   55  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   14-03     Day 2: 5   16-14     Day 3: 5   05-13   
———————————————————————–

PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS 
Day
 1   Bernie Schultz           Gainesville, FL     08-10      $1,000.00
 2   Brandon Cobb             Greenwood, SC       08-12      $1,000.00
 3   Cody Huff                Ava, MO             08-06      $1,000.00

———————————————————————–
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
 1        99       506      1495-09
 2       103       515      1625-11
 3        46       240       660-12
———————————-
         248      1261      3782-00

Cobb capitalizes on spawning waves for Bassmaster Elite lead on Okeechobee

Brian Carter
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Cobb capitalizes on spawning waves for Bassmaster Elite lead on Okeechobee

Brandon Cobb of Greenwood, S.C., is leading after Day 2 of the 2023 SiteOne Bassmaster Elite at Lake Okeechobee with a two-day total of 55 pounds, 8 ounces.

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

February 17, 2023

Cobb capitalizes on spawning waves for Bassmaster Elite lead on Okeechobee

OKEECHOBEE, Fla. — Patience and persistence paid big dividends for Brandon Cobb, whose huge Day 2 limit of 32 pounds, 15 ounces boosted him to a two-day total of 55-8, which leads the SiteOne Bassmaster Elite at Lake Okeechobee.

Starting the second round in sixth place with 22-9, the Elite veteran from Greenwood, S.C., turned in the event’s heaviest bag and heads into Semifinal Saturday with a margin of 2-1 over Tyler Rivet.

Cobb, who won two Elites in 2019 — on Lake Hartwell and at Lake Fork — broke the 30-pound mark twice during the latter (37-15 and 31-11). Reaching this elusive threshold, he said, requires measured aggression.

“You can’t be like ‘I’m going to catch 20 pounds today.’ You don’t know because it’s based on big bites,” Cobb said. “There’s a lot of fish in certain areas and there’s a lot of boats in the areas where there’s a lot of fish.

“You just go fish and try to catch everything you can. It’s just a matter of whether you’re catching bucks (male bass) or females. I wish I could say there’s a real strategy, but it’s mostly just keeping yourself in the right area and hoping you run into some females.”

Cobb’s prime area comprised a small patch of dollar pads with scattered reeds and hydrilla on the lake’s north end. Staying close to takeoff helped him maximize his time, but he believes the timing of spawning movements was the key to his success.

“There were a few boats around me and everyone seemed to be catching them except me, but I was taking my time and fishing really slow like you do down here. I hit one group in one little patch of grass and caught a big one every cast,” Cobb said. “It was literally a one-cast spot. I don’t know if there’s anything (unique) there; I just think it’s a funnel.

“Yesterday, I think I was catching spawning fish. I was catching one here and there. I’d flip and catch a buck, then catch a female. Today, it seemed like I hit a wave of new fish in the funnel as they were coming in.”

One of the area’s key features, Cobb said, was abundant food.

“There were a lot of shiners or shad in the area,” he said. “They came up schooling a few times and I saw bass blow up on the bait. One of the bigger ones I caught, I saw it blow up and I threw at it and caught it.”

Anchoring his bag with an 8-12 that now leads the Phoenix Boats Big Bass standings, Cobb said he started on the specific spot that produced his late-morning flurry but caught nothing. While fishing nearby cover, he saw other boats catch fish as they passed through.

“I went back to it and they were there,” Cobb said. “After that, I just sat there. Even though I didn’t expect to catch any more, people just saw me catch 30 pounds, so I felt like I needed to guard it.”

Cobb caught his fish by flipping a Zoom Fluke Stick and casting a Z-Man ChatterBait with various trailers, including a Zoom Super Fluke. He’ll keep those same baits handy for Day 3 and look for another group of fish to arrive.

“I don’t know how many are left,” Cobb said. “I sat around the spot most of the day, playing defense and hoping they’d show back up. It’s Florida and they’re coming every day, so I hope a few new ones show up.”

Hailing from Raceland, La., Rivet has spent the past two days in the Kissimmee River, which feeds into Lake Okeechobee’s northwest corner. After placing third on Day 1 with 24-5, he added 29-2 and gained one spot with a total of 53-7.

“That was the biggest bag I’ve ever caught in my life and to know I left them biting is crazy,” Rivet said. “I wanted to hit 30, but I said ‘I need to be smart about this.’

“I had to block a few people off of my spot, but they’re there and they’re willing to bite. I think I can do this.”

Rivet caught most of his fish on a prototype jerkbait from Xcite Baits and the Sucka Punch creature bait he designed for Xcite. Most of what he’s targeting are classic prespawn areas.

“It’s hard spots on the bottom and they’re just waiting to spawn,” Rivet said. “It just comes in waves. They’re just coming in and out of that main spot. I have two other spots like that.

“I could literally go down the whole river and do this. It’s all about sitting there and being patient because there’s a ton of fish there and it’s just getting one to bite.”
 

Steve Kennedy of Auburn, Ala., added 23-9 to the 23-8 he caught on Day 1 and improved from fourth to third with 47-1. Fishing the lake’s upper end, he spent most of his day working a black popping frog over dollar pads.

“I’m having fun,” he said. “It’s an incredible way to get bit, but I’m struggling with execution. I’m about 50/50, but I’m getting some big bites and hopefully, they show up again tomorrow.”

Kennedy also threw a 7-inch Senko in hopes of tempting a big bite, but the frog produced all of his weight. He’s concerned that his area’s opportunity may be dwindling, but he’s hoping tomorrow’s forecast for north winds will help his cause by blowing more clean water out from the shallow, filtering vegetation.

“I’m fishing fast and aggressive and covering a bunch of water,” Kennedy said. “It seems to be drying up. I had eight big bites yesterday and landed two of them. Today, I only had six good bites.”

The Top 50 remaining anglers will take off for Semifinal Saturday at 7:30 a.m. from C. Scott Driver Park. The weigh-in will be held at the park at 3:30 p.m., with only the Top 10 advancing to Championship Sunday with a chance to win the $100,000 first-place prize. FS1 will broadcast live with the leaders beginning at 8 a.m. with continuing coverage on Bassmaster.com. 

Cobb earned the $1,000 daily bonus for catching the Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Day with his 8-12. Florida pro Bernie Schultz took that honor on Day 1 with an 8-10. Cobb’s massive catch of 32-15 also leads the race for VMC Monster Bag honors. 

Correction: The Day 1 report incorrectly stated that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has applied herbicide treatments to eliminate hydrilla and eelgrass from Lake Okeechobee. According to FWC Lake Okeechobee biologist Matt Stevens, the agency has not treated for hydrilla since 2015 and does not use herbicides to eliminate eelgrass. 

The Bassmaster Elite at Lake Okeechobee is being hosted by Okeechobee County. 

2023 SiteOne Bassmaster Elite at Lake Okeechobee 2/16-2/19
Lake Okeechobee, Okeechobee  FL.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2

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

1.  Brandon Cobb           Greenwood, SC           10  55-08  100   $1,000.00
  Day 1: 5   22-09     Day 2: 5   32-15   
2.  Tyler Rivet            Raceland, LA            10  53-07   99
  Day 1: 5   24-05     Day 2: 5   29-02   
3.  Steve Kennedy          Auburn, AL              10  47-01   98
  Day 1: 5   23-08     Day 2: 5   23-09   
4.  Drew Cook              Cairo, GA               10  45-10   97
  Day 1: 5   22-12     Day 2: 5   22-14   
5.  Patrick Walters        Eutawville, SC          10  44-02   96
  Day 1: 5   21-05     Day 2: 5   22-13   
6.  Clark Wendlandt        Leander, TX             10  43-14   95
  Day 1: 5   18-09     Day 2: 5   25-05   
7.  Jake Whitaker          Hendersonville, NC      10  42-15   94
  Day 1: 5   15-03     Day 2: 5   27-12   
8.  Gerald Swindle         Guntersville, AL        10  42-00   93
  Day 1: 5   17-07     Day 2: 5   24-09   
9.  Cooper Gallant         Bowmanville Ontario CAN 10  40-13   92
  Day 1: 5   21-03     Day 2: 5   19-10   
10. Bill Lowen             Brookville, IN          10  40-10   91
  Day 1: 5   11-09     Day 2: 5   29-01   
11. Skylar Hamilton        Jefferson, TN           10  40-00   90
  Day 1: 5   16-10     Day 2: 5   23-06   
12. Micah Frazier          Newnan, GA              10  39-13   89
  Day 1: 5   13-00     Day 2: 5   26-13   
13. Ray Hanselman Jr       Del Rio, TX             10  39-09   88
  Day 1: 5   15-06     Day 2: 5   24-03   
14. Bernie Schultz         Gainesville, FL         10  39-07   87   $1,000.00
  Day 1: 5   28-11     Day 2: 5   10-12   
15. Brock Mosley           Collinsville, MS        10  39-06   86
  Day 1: 5   17-06     Day 2: 5   22-00   
16. Brandon Card           Salisbury, NC           10  39-05   85
  Day 1: 5   16-01     Day 2: 5   23-04   
17. Brandon Palaniuk       Rathdrum, ID            10  39-02   84
  Day 1: 5   19-03     Day 2: 5   19-15   
18. Kyle Welcher           Opelika, AL             10  38-14   83
  Day 1: 5   18-08     Day 2: 5   20-06   
19. Ed Loughran III        Richmond, VA            10  38-12   82
  Day 1: 5   20-03     Day 2: 5   18-09   
20. Logan Latuso           Gonzales, LA            10  38-04   81
  Day 1: 5   17-01     Day 2: 5   21-03   
21. Scott Martin           Clewiston, FL           10  37-15   80
  Day 1: 5   25-11     Day 2: 5   12-04   
22. Carl Jocumsen          Queensland AUSTRALIA    10  37-11   79
  Day 1: 5   12-14     Day 2: 5   24-13   
23. Will Davis Jr          Sylacauga, AL           10  37-08   78
  Day 1: 5   21-07     Day 2: 5   16-01   
24. Shane LeHew            Catawba, NC             10  36-04   77
  Day 1: 5   16-13     Day 2: 5   19-07   
25. Jamie Hartman          Newport, NY             10  36-01   76
  Day 1: 5   14-07     Day 2: 5   21-10   
26. Brandon Lester         Fayetteville, TN        10  36-00   75
  Day 1: 5   15-05     Day 2: 5   20-11   
27. Jay Przekurat          Stevens Point, WI       10  35-12   74
  Day 1: 5   18-01     Day 2: 5   17-11   
28. Gary Clouse            Winchester, TN          10  35-07   73
  Day 1: 5   15-04     Day 2: 5   20-03   
29. Marc Frazier           Newnan, GA              10  34-13   72
  Day 1: 5   21-00     Day 2: 5   13-13   
30. Jeff Gustafson         Kenora, Ontario CANADA    10  34-11   71
  Day 1: 5   17-07     Day 2: 5   17-04   
31. Scott Canterbury       Odenville, AL           10  34-06   70
  Day 1: 5   16-12     Day 2: 5   17-10   
32. Buddy Gross            Chattanooga, TN         10  34-05   69
  Day 1: 5   16-15     Day 2: 5   17-06   
33. Lee Livesay            Longview, TX            10  34-03   68
  Day 1: 5   15-05     Day 2: 5   18-14   
34. Clifford Pirch         Payson, AZ              10  33-12   67
  Day 1: 5   18-12     Day 2: 5   15-00   
35. Cliff Prince           Palatka, FL             10  33-02   66
  Day 1: 5   14-09     Day 2: 5   18-09   
36. David Gaston           Sylacauga, AL           10  32-14   65
  Day 1: 5   17-01     Day 2: 5   15-13   
37. Pat Schlapper          Eleva, WI               10  32-14   64
  Day 1: 5   16-09     Day 2: 5   16-05   
38. Brad Whatley           Bivins, TX              10  32-06   63
  Day 1: 5   14-04     Day 2: 5   18-02   
39. Cody Huff              Ava, MO                 10  31-11   62
  Day 1: 5   17-03     Day 2: 5   14-08   
40. Gregory DiPalma        Millville, NJ           10  31-01   61
  Day 1: 5   14-03     Day 2: 5   16-14   
41. Chris Johnston         Otonabee Ontario CANADA 10  31-00   60
  Day 1: 5   17-06     Day 2: 5   13-10   
42. Joey Cifuentes III     Clinton, AR             10  30-09   59
  Day 1: 5   15-06     Day 2: 5   15-03   
43. Greg Hackney           Gonzales, LA            10  30-06   58
  Day 1: 5   17-13     Day 2: 5   12-09   
44. Bradley Hallman        Edmond, OK              10  30-05   57
  Day 1: 5   14-06     Day 2: 5   15-15   
45. Caleb Kuphall          Mukwonago, WI           10  30-03   56
  Day 1: 5   15-00     Day 2: 5   15-03   
46. John Cox               Debary, FL              10  30-01   55
  Day 1: 5   17-05     Day 2: 5   12-12   
47. Stetson Blaylock       Benton, AR              10  29-15   54
  Day 1: 5   17-02     Day 2: 5   12-13   
48. John Crews Jr          Salem, VA               10  29-14   53
  Day 1: 5   12-06     Day 2: 5   17-08   
49. Keith Combs            Huntington, TX          10  29-13   52
  Day 1: 5   13-06     Day 2: 5   16-07   
50. Michael Iaconelli      Pitts Grove, NJ         10  29-12   51
  Day 1: 5   19-10     Day 2: 5   10-02   
51. Darold Gleason         Many, LA                10  29-08   50   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   14-15     Day 2: 5   14-09   
52. Chris Zaldain          Fort Worth, TX          10  29-06   49   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   16-01     Day 2: 5   13-05   
53. Luke Palmer            Coalgate, OK            10  29-06   48   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   15-00     Day 2: 5   14-06   
54. Bob Downey             Detroit Lakes, MN       10  29-05   47   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   18-05     Day 2: 5   11-00   
55. Jason Williamson       Aiken, SC               10  29-03   46   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   12-09     Day 2: 5   16-10   
56. Matt Arey              Shelby, NC              10  29-00   45   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   16-12     Day 2: 5   12-04   
57. Derek Hudnall          Zachary, LA             10  28-15   44   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   12-02     Day 2: 5   16-13   
58. Bryant Smith           Roseville, CA           10  28-14   43   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   12-06     Day 2: 5   16-08   
59. Jonathan Kelley        Old Forge, PA           10  28-09   42   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   14-04     Day 2: 5   14-05   
60. KJ Queen               Conover, NC             10  28-05   41   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   13-14     Day 2: 5   14-07   
61. Hank Cherry Jr         Lincolnton, NC          10  28-03   40   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   15-15     Day 2: 5   12-04   
62. David Fritts           Lexington, NC           10  28-03   39   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   13-00     Day 2: 5   15-03   
63. Wes Logan              Springville, AL         10  27-15   38   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   12-14     Day 2: 5   15-01   
64. Bryan Schmitt          Deale, MD               10  27-14   37   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   12-12     Day 2: 5   15-02   
65. Josh Douglas           Isle, MN                10  27-12   36   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   17-13     Day 2: 5   09-15   
66. Hunter Shryock         Ooltewah, TN            10  27-10   35   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   12-11     Day 2: 5   14-15   
67. Mark Menendez          Paducah, KY             10  26-15   34   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   14-13     Day 2: 5   12-02   
68. Drew Benton            Panama City, FL         10  26-13   33   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   10-08     Day 2: 5   16-05   
69. Bryan New              Saluda, SC              10  26-00   32   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   15-14     Day 2: 5   10-02   
70. Kenta Kimura           Osaka JAPAN             10  25-14   31   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   11-08     Day 2: 5   14-06   
71. Kyle Norsetter         Cottage Grove, WI       10  25-11   30   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   14-01     Day 2: 5   11-10   
72. Jacob Powroznik        North Prince George, VA 10  25-09   29   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   10-15     Day 2: 5   14-10   
73. Rick Clunn             Ava, MO                 10  25-05   28   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   12-00     Day 2: 5   13-05   
74. Matt Robertson         Kuttawa, KY             10  25-02   27   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   06-04     Day 2: 5   18-14   
75. Justin Hamner          Northport, AL           10  25-02   26   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   13-09     Day 2: 5   11-09   
76. Alex Redwine           Blue Ash, OH            10  25-01   25   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   09-07     Day 2: 5   15-10   
77. Matt Herren            Ashville, AL            10  25-01   24   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   11-04     Day 2: 5   13-13   
78. David Williams         Newton, NC               8  24-14   23
  Day 1: 3   03-01     Day 2: 5   21-13   
79. Kyoya Fujita           Minamitsuru, Yamanashi  10  24-10   22
  Day 1: 5   14-15     Day 2: 5   09-11   
80. Joseph Webster         Hamilton, AL            10  24-10   21
  Day 1: 5   10-11     Day 2: 5   13-15   
81. David Mullins          Mt Carmel, TN           10  24-08   20
  Day 1: 5   13-02     Day 2: 5   11-06   
82. Austin Felix           Eden Prairie, MN        10  24-07   19
  Day 1: 5   10-04     Day 2: 5   14-03   
83. Seth Feider            New Market, MN          10  24-04   18
  Day 1: 5   11-01     Day 2: 5   13-03   
84. Justin Atkins          Florence, AL            10  24-02   17
  Day 1: 5   15-06     Day 2: 5   08-12   
85. Paul Mueller           Naugatuck, CT           10  23-04   16
  Day 1: 5   10-01     Day 2: 5   13-03   
86. Clent Davis            Montevallo, AL          10  23-00   15
  Day 1: 5   10-04     Day 2: 5   12-12   
87. Frank Talley           Temple, TX              10  22-01   14
  Day 1: 5   13-05     Day 2: 5   08-12   
88. Matty Wong             Honolulu, HI            10  22-01   13
  Day 1: 5   12-04     Day 2: 5   09-13   
89. Jacob Foutz            Charleston, TN          10  21-05   12
  Day 1: 5   12-15     Day 2: 5   08-06   
90. Masayuki Matsushita    Tokoname-Shi, JAPAN     10  21-01   11
  Day 1: 5   08-12     Day 2: 5   12-05   
91. Cory Johnston          Cavan CANADA            10  20-15   10
  Day 1: 5   08-03     Day 2: 5   12-12   
92. Chad Pipkens           DeWitt, MI              10  20-14    9
  Day 1: 5   11-11     Day 2: 5   09-03   
93. Taku Ito               Chiba JAPAN             10  20-14    8
  Day 1: 5   09-07     Day 2: 5   11-07   
94. John Soukup            Sapulpa, OK             10  20-12    7
  Day 1: 5   05-04     Day 2: 5   15-08   
95. Joshua Stracner        Vandiver, AL            10  20-00    6
  Day 1: 5   09-15     Day 2: 5   10-01   
96. Koby Kreiger           Alva, FL                10  19-01    5
  Day 1: 5   12-06     Day 2: 5   06-11   
97. Mike Huff              London, KY              10  19-01    4
  Day 1: 5   11-07     Day 2: 5   07-10   
98. Caleb Sumrall          New Iberia, LA          10  19-01    3
  Day 1: 5   08-03     Day 2: 5   10-14   
99. Jason Christie         Dry Creek, OK           10  17-08    2
  Day 1: 5   13-05     Day 2: 5   04-03   
100. Todd Auten             Lake Wylie, SC          10  17-00    1
  Day 1: 5   06-12     Day 2: 5   10-04   
101. Alex Wetherell         Middletown, CT           9  16-05    0
  Day 1: 4   06-00     Day 2: 5   10-05   
102. Cole Sands             Calhoun, TN              9  14-10    0
  Day 1: 4   05-06     Day 2: 5   09-04   
103. Larry Nixon            Bee Branch, AR           5  07-05    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 5   07-05   
104. Keith Poche            Pike Road, AL            0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00   
———————————————————————–

PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS 
Day
 1   Bernie Schultz           Gainesville, FL     08-10      $1,000.00
 2   Brandon Cobb             Greenwood, SC       08-12      $1,000.00

———————————————————————–
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
 1        99       506      1495-09
 2       103       515      1625-11
———————————-
         202      1021      3121-04

Bass Fishing Hall of Famer Mark Davis Puts on a Clinic with 34-Pound Limit to Pace Knockout Round at B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Presented by Grundéns 

Brian Carter
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<strong src=Bass Fishing Hall of Famer Mark Davis Puts on a Clinic with 34-Pound Limit to Pace Knockout Round at B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Presented by Grundéns " title="Bass Fishing Hall of Famer Mark Davis Puts on a Clinic with 34-Pound Limit to Pace Knockout Round at B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Presented by Grundéns " />

Arkansas Pro Brings 10-Pound Lead into Final Day on Championship Saturday, Morgan Catches 6-3 as Time Expires to Bounce Wheeler

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (Feb. 17, 2023) – Already with a Hall of Fame career that has seen countless memorable moments on the water, 59-year-old B&W Trailer Hitches pro Mark Davis of Mount Ida, Arkansas, showed he still has a few more tricks left up his sleeve. Davis caught 13 scorable bass Friday, with his best five weighing 34 pounds, 10 ounces, to win the Knockout Round and advance to the final day of competition at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One on the Kissimmee Chain Presented by Grundéns.

Davis’ total of 34-10 will give him a 10-pound cushion over second-place angler General Tire pro Ott DeFoe of Blaine, Tennessee, who weighed in five scorable bass totaling 24-10. Power-Pole pro Chris Lane of Guntersville, Alabama, sits in third place with five bass weighing 23-2, while Addison, Alabama’s Jesse Wiggins weighed in five bass totaling 21-8 to finish the day in fourth. Pro Andy Morgan of Dayton, Tennessee, added to the Toro Cut Line drama, Friday, as the Tennessee pro caught a 6-pound, 3-ounce largemouth as time expired to vault from 13th place into fifth, and bounce out the reigning Angler of the Year (AOY) Jacob Wheeler.

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

Link to HD Video – Fish-Catch Highlights of Knockout Round on the Kissimmee Chain
Link to Photo Gallery of Knockout Round Afternoon Highlights

“Today was a heck of a day for me,” said Davis. “It wasn’t my biggest limit I’ve ever caught – I caught around 42 pounds on this fishery once, I think back in 2001 – but I’m very pleased to have caught 34 (pounds) today. You can never really be comfortable competing in Florida, but 10 pounds is a very nice lead.”

Davis spent the day targeting grass patches and lily pads on a spawning flat in Lake Kissimmee with a Texas-rigged blue craw with red flake-colored Strike King Ocho, with a 3/16-ounce Strike King tungsten weight.

“It was all new water for me today,” Davis said. “This morning on the ride down, I just felt like I needed to go and look at some new water. I pulled into an area that I hadn’t fished – I might have fished it at some point in my career, but it was new this week. I pulled up there and caught one almost 4 (pounds), then a 6-12, and I still didn’t quite have it figured out. But as the day went on I kind of got dialed into the bite, and once I got dialed in, it was game on.”

Another impressive stat that showcases just how special Davis’ day was Friday – although his best five went for 34-10, his next best five scorable fish would have given him a limit for 23 pounds even and he would be in third place.

“I figure I’m going to have to catch at least 15 to 16 pounds tomorrow to have any chance at winning,” Davis went on to say. “One of the reasons I worked so hard today to catch as much as I could was because the weather is going to change. We’re going to have a stout north wind, and there is supposed to be a cold front coming in overnight. It could really turn the fish off, for everybody, so I felt like I needed to amass as much weight as I could, today.”

The top 10 pros from Friday’s Knockout Round that now advance to Saturday’s Championship Round on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes are:

1st:          Mark Davis, Mount Ida, Ark., five bass, 34-10
2nd:         Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., five bass, 24-10
3rd:         Chris Lane, Guntersville, Ala., five bass, 23-2
4th:         Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., five bass, 21-8
5th:         Andy Morgan, Dayton, Tenn., five bass, 20-15
6th:         Jeremy Lawyer, Sarcoxie, Mo., five bass, 20-15
7th:         Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark., five bass, 20-5
8th:         Jordan Lee, Cullman, Ala., five bass, 19-4
9th:         Dylan Hays, Hot Springs, Ark., five bass, 18-14
10th:       Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., five bass, 18-11

Finishing in 11th through 40th place are:

11th:       Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., five bass, 18-9, $10,000
12th:       Fletcher Shryock, Guntersville, Ala., five bass, 18-4, $10,000
13th:       Stephen Browning, Hot Springs, Ark., five bass, 17-15, $10,000
14th:       Andy Montgomery, Blacksburg, S.C., five bass, 17-7, $10,000
15th:       Mitch Crane, Columbus, Miss., five bass, 16-10, $10,000
16th:       Casey Ashley, Donalds, S.C., five bass, 16-8, $10,000
17th:       Edwin Evers, Talala, Okla., five bass, 16-0, $10,000
18th:       Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas, five bass, 15-15, $10,000
19th:       Cliff Pace, Petal, Miss., five bass, 15-13, $10,000
20th:       Josh Butler, Hayden, Ala., five bass, 15-7, $10,000
21st:       Takahiro Omori, Tokyo, Japan, five bass, 14-14, $10,000
22nd:      Nick LeBrun, Bossier City, La., five bass, 14-2, $10,000
23rd:      Alton Jones, Jr., Waco, Texas, four bass, 13-14, $10,000
24th:       John Murray, Spring City, Tenn., five bass, 13-14, $10,000
25th:       Bradley Roy, Lancaster, Ky., five bass, 13-13, $10,000
26th:       Ryan Salzman, Huntsville, Ala., five bass, 13-6, $10,000
27th:       Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., five bass, 13-5, $10,000
28th:       Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas, five bass, 12-12, $10,000
29th:       Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., five bass, 11-12, $10,000
30th:       Britt Myers, Lake Wylie, S.C., five bass, 11-0, $10,000
31st:       Randy Howell, Guntersville, Ala., five bass, 10-13, $10,000
32nd:      Scott Suggs, Alexander, Ark., five bass, 9-11, $10,000
33rd:      Gerald Spohrer, Gonzales, La., five bass, 9-10, $10,000
34th:       Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, five bass, 9-6, $10,000
35th:       Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C., four bass, 7-7, $10,000
36th:       Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark., two bass, 7-5, $10,000
37th:       Shinichi Fukae, Osaka, Japan, three bass, 6-9, $10,000
38th:       Brett Hite, Phoenix, Ariz., three bass, 5-7, $10,000
39th:       Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J., two bass, 5-4, $10,000
40th:       Russ Lane, Prattville, Ala., three bass, 5-4, $10,000

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

Overall, there were 359 scorable bass weighing 933 pounds even caught by the 40 pros Friday.

Friday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award went to pro Jesse Wiggins of Addison, Alabama, who caught an 8-pound largemouth in Period 3 on a medium-diving crankbait to earn the payout. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day, and a $3,000 bonus to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass of the tournament.

The six-day event, hosted by the Kissimmee Sports Commission, 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, the Bass Pro Tour championship.

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

The final 10 anglers will launch Saturday at 7:30 a.m. ET from Big Toho Marina, located at 69 Lakeview Drive in Kissimmee. Each day’s General Tire Takeout will be held at the Marina, 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.

On Championship Saturday, Feb. 18, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF will welcome fans of all ages to come in to celebrate the top 10 and crown the Stage 1 Champion at the Trophy Presentation. 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 B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Presented by Grundéns features anglers competing with a 1-pound, 4-ounce minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. 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 a fishery to be announced.  

The MLF NOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee, Marty Stone and J.T. Kenney will break down all of the extended action live from the final day of competition from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. MLF NOW!®  is live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and free via the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.

Television coverage of the B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Presented by Grundéns will air as two, two-hour episodes starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, July 15 on the Discovery Channel. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on the Discovery Channel, 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.

Rebounding Seminole could deliver Bassmaster Elite Series fireworks

Brian Carter
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<strong src=Rebounding Seminole could deliver Bassmaster Elite Series fireworks" title="Rebounding Seminole could deliver Bassmaster Elite Series fireworks" />

Bassmaster Elite Series champion Drew Cook, who grew up fishing Lake Seminole, will be among the field when the Bassmaster Elite Series heads to Bainbridge for the Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite at Lake Seminole Feb. 23-26. 

Photo by Kyle Jessie/B.A.S.S.

February 17, 2023

Rebounding Seminole could deliver Bassmaster Elite Series fireworks

BAINBRIDGE, Ga. — Santee Cooper Lakes will forever hold a special place in Drew Cook’s heart; however, he’s expecting similar opportunities from the waters of his youth during the Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite at Lake Seminole.

Competition days will be Feb. 23-26 with daily takeoffs from Earle May Boat Basin Park at 7:30 a.m. ET and weigh-ins each day back at the park at 3:30 p.m.

Cook notched his first Elite Series win last year on the Santee Cooper Lakes, an event that saw the South Carolina fishery give up two century belts (awarded for a four-day total of 100 pounds or more) — one for his win and another to second-place Caleb Kuphall. Having grown up fishing Seminole, Cook knows well this lake’s fireworks potential.

“It really would not surprise me at all if it took over 100 pounds to win,” Cook said. “Last year, the weights were really good all year. It took pretty much 30 pounds to win most of the team tournaments.

“The thing about Seminole is there’s not a lot of big bass — the 7- to 9-pounders — but there are so many 5- and 6-pounders that it truly is a phenomenal lake.”

Primarily located in Georgia, but also touching Alabama and Florida, the 37,500-acre Lake Seminole comprises the union of the Chattahoochee River on the west side with the Flint River on the east and Spring Creek in the middle. The smaller area known as “Fish Pond Drain” tucks between the Hooch and Spring Creek.

Below the Jim Woodruff Lock and Dam, which impounds the lake, Seminole’s water runs south to the Gulf of Mexico via the Apalachicola River. Despite its coastal connection, the dam prevents Seminole from experiencing any tidal influence.

Describing the habitat, Cook said the agricultural fields near the Flint keep that water dingy and receptive for moving baits, while Spring Creek’s extreme clarity could require a finesse touch with drop shots, Damiki rigs and the like. Cook said the Hooch usually has more of a chalky, greenish tint. All have hydrilla, milfoil and fishable emergents, while the Chattahoochee sports a lot of bank grass, spatterdock and reeds.

Cook said Seminole is rebounding well from a few down years, partly caused by heavy fishing pressure. With most major tournaments running out of the Flint River Arm, a lot of bass have been relocated. That’s no reflection of lake quality or fishing opportunity, but as Cook notes, it takes a while for released fish to redistribute to some of Seminole’s historically productive areas.

The most impactful event in recent years was 2018’s Hurricane Michael — the first Category 5 hurricane to make U.S. landfall since Andrew (1992) — which passed directly over Lake Seminole. Much of the lake’s standing timber was destroyed and submerged vegetation suffered severe damage.

“The Army Corps of Engineers dropped the lake because the storm was coming and that left a lot of grass exposed,” Cook said. “The wind and waves ripped a lot of grass out of the lake, but honestly, that was a good thing, because we had seen several warm winters and the grass hadn’t been dying back.

“So, that hurricane impact actually helped the lake a lot. It ripped up a lot of hydrilla and now there’s more milfoil in the lake than there was before the hurricane. There’s more milfoil now than I’ve ever seen.”

As Cook noted, the hurricane also cleared the way for new pad fields and pushed away silt to leave more of the clean hard bottom spawning bass prefer. On the downside, Seminole still has a lot of wood and storm debris clogging backwaters, so shallow-water navigation demands caution.

While he’s not ruling out the sight-fishing tactics that delivered his Santee Cooper win — a tactic Seminole is universally known for — Cook believes prespawn action will take center stage.

“You’re going to have to catch prespawn fish, whether it’s all prespawn or a mix to win,” he said. “You’re just so much more apt to catch one of those big 7- to 8-pounders in prespawn than bed fishing.”

Cook expects Seminole will see plenty of shallow-water flipping with various soft plastics like the Quarantine Craw he designed for Big Bite Baits. Anglers will also catch fish by punching heavier cover like hyacinth mats, while the usual mix of reaction baits will tempt those prespawners.

“You can pick your poison: A Northern guy can drop shot in Spring Creek, a Jason Christie can throw a spinnerbait in the Flint and an Alabama guy like Wes Logan can swim a jig in the Hooch,” Cook said. “The Flint is least sight-fishing friendly unless you get into some of the backwaters.”

Precisely how the event unfolds will depend on the weather. Partly sunny and warm is definitely possible, but this time of year, stable practice conditions could quickly yield to a postfrontal shutdown. While Cook said the Seminole bass are a heartier lot than the pure Florida-strain fish, largemouth in general do not like such changes.

“We’re in that very vulnerable time where it could be 30 degrees with a high of 50, or it could be 65 degrees with a high of 75 or 80,” Cook said. “That’s going to be the key factor on whether it’s going to take 23 to 25 pounds a day to win, or (if) it’s going to take 17 pounds a day to win.”

Notwithstanding unpredictable spring weather, Cook said he’s encouraged by what he calls ideal late-winter weather. Essentially, recent conditions have lined up well to spur the prespawn movement and prepare the bass for spawning activity; some of which could occur during the tournament.

“We’ve had exactly what I wanted,” Cook said. “I wanted a cold winter, and we had 19 days below freezing in this region. But we had 10 consecutive days of really cold weather in the teens to the 20s.

“That did good things to kill back some of the grass to position fish. Now we just need some sunshine and some help from Mother Nature.”

Cook believes the entire lake will be in play, but experience has shown him Seminole’s concentrated potential.

“A guy could definitely park in one area and win; it wouldn’t surprise me if that’s the way it’s won,” Cook said. “A guy could sit there and catch them for four days on one cast.

“The key will be noticing one of those areas. You really don’t know if you’re catching the tail end of something or the beginning. You have to just fish and see how they bite.”

Even though giant bass may be less common than what’s expected from the Elite season-opener on Lake Okeechobee the week prior, Cook said Seminole’s impressive population of quality fish will keep a lot of anglers in contention. In fact, he said the century belt requirement of 25-pound daily averages is no stretch.

Assessing the five-bass limit, Cook said Seminole definitely has the numbers.

“I have literally seen it where you can Power-Pole down and catch 100 5-pounders because they’re all swimming to you,” he said.

The full field of 104 pros will fish the first two days, with only the Top 50 advancing to Semifinal Saturday. After Saturday’s weigh-in, the Top 10 remaining pros will advance to Championship Sunday with a chance to claim the $100,000 first-place prize.

New for 2023, fans can enjoy predictions, conditions and live hits from the lake as part of the LIVE Preview show streaming on Bassmaster.com Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 9 a.m. ET. Bassmaster LIVE kicks off tournament coverage Thursday and Friday mornings at 8 a.m. on Bassmaster.com, Tubi and the FOX Sports platforms while FS1 will broadcast live with the tournament leaders on Saturday and Sunday.

The Bassmaster Elite at Lake Seminole is being hosted by the City of Bainbridge Community Development. 

2023 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2023 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2023 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew’s, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
2023 Bassmaster Conservation Partners: AFTCO, Yamaha Rightwaters

Keep It Simple by Justin Largen

Brian Carter
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Keep It Simple by Justin Largen


One of the appealing things about kayak fishing is its simplicity. My first kayak was lightweight and basic. I would often store it on top of my car and stop by the river on my way home from work. On those trips I typically only brought a paddle, a Plano box, a few bags of plastics, and two or three rods. Those short trips were so much fun, and I learned a lot just by getting on the water frequently. Over the years, I’ve found myself missing that simplicity. As I upgraded to a bigger kayak, purchased additional rods and reels, and added more tackle, getting on the water became more of a chore. Eventually, I reached a point where I stopped taking the shorter trips. It took so long to launch the boat and get all my stuff into it, that I was spending more time getting ready than actually fishing. Getting into competitive kayak fishing only exacerbated the problem for me. Now there was money on the line, so I needed to pack every possible lure into the kayak. If I was fishing a plastic worm, I’d bring three bags of each color just to make sure I didn’t run out. So much clutter!


In the summer of ‘21, I befriended an angler at a KBF tournament who was relatively new to bass fishing. He fished with a pair of spinning rods and a handful of baits. No depth finder, motor or other high-tech gear. Just a kayak, a paddle, and a couple of poles. That was it. Seeing the simplicity of his system was refreshing and reminded me of those quick fishing trips after work, back when my own style was less complicated. It motivated me to rethink my approach.


Fast forward eighteen months or so and I’ve made some progress. I still own a mountain of tackle, but I’ve gotten better about limiting what I bring with me on the kayak. Shrinking my tackle selection has been refreshing. It’s had a positive impact on my fishing too. My theory is that decluttering my boat also decluttered my head. I’ve found myself thinking less about lures and more about where I’m going to throw them. Are the fish deep or shallow? Are they high in the water column or tight to the bottom? What is their mood? Are they lethargic or aggressive? Answering these questions became easier when I wasn’t so focused on cycling through fifty different baits.


So, if you’re a tackle junkie like me, looking for ways to simplify things, here are a few ideas. First, take fewer rods. When I’m traveling for a tournament, I almost always bring 15-20 rods with me, but I started limiting myself to just six in the kayak. It’s nice to have rods rigged for a variety of techniques, plus a few spares, but it becomes counterproductive when you have too many in the kayak. The more rods I have sticking up or out at different angles, the more likely I am to tangle in an overhanging limb or clip a rod during a cast. Those clumsy casts often end with a backlash, line break or even a broken tip. With six rods or fewer I’m more efficient. That said, everyone is different, and we use different kayaks. I have a Hobie Outback, which I’ll call a midsize boat. Some larger kayaks, like the Pro Angler models, have options for storing rods horizontally on the deck. Other boats have open space inside the hull. If you have one of these, you might be able to effectively manage more rods. If you run a smaller river kayak, it might be cumbersome to store more than four rods. Figure out what the ideal number is for your boat size and fishing style. Then try taking one fewer rod than you normally would and see how it goes.


I have a similar approach when it comes to tackle. I take a lot of gear on the road, but I limit what comes in the kayak. I have stacks of Plano boxes in milk crates, each dedicated to a different technique. There are boxes of crankbaits grouped by running depth, a wakebait box, a jerkbait box, and so on. When it’s fishing time, I’ll grab a couple of empty boxes and stock them with a few baits from each master box. Baits with treble hooks go in a waterproof 3600 or 3700 series box. I like a Plano 3440 box for holding jigs, chatterbaits, and spinnerbaits. Limiting myself to just two boxes cuts down on weight and simplifies my lure selection, which helps me focus on figuring out the fish without getting too wrapped up in bait details. If there’s a good crankbait bite in practice, for example, I’ll catch fish even if I don’t have the perfect action, size, or color. Once I find that the technique is working, then I can start to refine the details. Am I getting more bites with a wider wobble or a tighter action? Are natural colors or bold ones producing better? My day boxes get modified each morning as needed. I’ll add to the bait categories that worked, and I may eliminate unproductive baits, but not always. For competition days, I’ll keep at least one or two baits from key categories – a spinnerbaits and buzzbaits for example – in the kayak even if they didn’t work during practice. If conditions change, I need to have the tools to adjust and capitalize.


Soft plastics are another area where I’ve tried to simplify things. I used to carry beaver style baits from several different brands. I did the same for creature baits, straight tail worms, craws and most other plastics. Last year I decided to limit myself to a single bait in each category. That significantly reduced the amount of tackle I was carrying. My thinking was simple. I just need one tool for the job. If I have the Missile Baits Craw Father, I don’t need craws from three other brands too. They all do the same job, so I forced myself to pick one. Then I did the same for every other category. Did my now-retired baits catch fish? Absolutely. Did I need them? Nope. At first, I was worried that limiting my soft plastics options would leave me unprepared. Instead, it made me more efficient. If fish aren’t biting my Missile 48, I don’t try other stickworms, I change techniques or locations. If they won’t eat a Bomb Shot, once again I change areas or switch techniques. No more cycling through ten different drop shot baits.


Another area where I’ve tried to simplify, color selection. Admittedly, it’s been a struggle trying to limit my colors for soft plastics. There are so many awesome looking colors out there, and I like having a wide array so that I can pick the absolute perfect lure for the water color I’m facing. But I’ve realized that this obsession is probably counterproductive. It’s overkill. On a trip last fall, I ran into a good flipping bite and started experimenting. I used the same bait in several different colors – green pumpkin, junebug, Okeechobee craw – and caught fish on every single one. They all worked. Are there times when color makes a difference? Sure, but I think we overcomplicate it. I know that I can get by with just a few. I need a dark color like black/blue or junebug for dirty water, a translucent one like watermelon red or candy grass for clear water, and some variation of green pumpkin for everything in between. That’s it. I could probably even limit myself to just green pumpkin and still catch a boatload of fish, but I’m not there yet. Don’t judge. And don’t be like me. Limit your color selection and make your kayak faster.


One final tip for soft plastics. I like the Bass Mafia Money Bags for holding bulk plastics, like my D Bombs and Baby D Bombs. but it’s not efficient to bring these bulk bags in the kayak. So, I grab two or three baits in my favorite colors and put them in a quart sized Ziplock bag. This sample pack works well for practice, allowing me to try a few different colors without the added weight of the bulk bags. A word of caution, be careful about mixing reds and whites in the same bag. These colors tend to bleed, so you could end up with reds and pinks. For other colors, these sample bags are a winner.


If you’re one of those anglers who gets buy with a rod or two and a handful of baits, I salute you. You probably didn’t need to read this. For everyone else, I hope this gave you a few ideas to streamline your fishing. Maybe you’ll end up at a flea market, trying to sell some of your excess tackle. Or maybe you just enjoyed hearing from someone who’s tackle addiction is worse than yours. Regardless of where you are on the spectrum, remember to keep it simple this season.

Wacky Worm Bassin’ Done Better

Brian Carter
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<strong src=Wacky Worm Bassin’ Done Better" title="Wacky Worm Bassin’ Done Better" />
Wacky Worm Bassin’ Done Better
Northland Fishing Tackle’s new Weedless Wacky Jig brings bass anglers a deadly, weedless solution to fishing wacky worms for bass
BEMIDJI, Minn. (February 17, 2023) – Since introduced stateside, there’s been little that competes by way of versatility on bass waters everywhere. Its beauty is the pure simplicity of the rig, which at the onset of the wacky revolution seemed counter-intuitive after years of Texas- and Carolina-rigging. Rig a worm in the middle, right through the molded-in egg sac? Absolutely. While nearly murderous when rigged with an octopus, specially-designed wacky hook, or even a circle hook, anglers learned early on that slipping in a weight did the rig wonders. In fact, we probably all know anglers who carry a small box of nails in different sizes and weights to give the slow-sinking wacky worm a faster rate-of-fall. Soon to follow DIY weighting came molded nail sinkers, pencil weights, Neko weights, ring weights, and half-moon designs, which all fit into (or around) soft-plastic worms effectively. Some weigh down one tail tip of a horizontally-presented worm, while others keep the weight in the middle for a more lateral fall.
BLACK
GREEN PUMPKIN
Along these lines, Northland is proud of their new Weedless Wacky Jig with its sleek, built-in weighted jig-head to get your bait to where the fish are fast. And read: no weight tweaking necessary. Especially with buoyant plastics, this is a godsend. Covering all depths and conditions, the new Northland Weedless Wacky Jig comes in 1/16-, 1/8-, and a middle-ground 3/16-ounce option, all featuring a #2 sticky-sharp, premium Gamakatsu hook.But that’s just the start. We’ve all run into situations chasing grass-buried bass where a standard-hooked wacky rig clogs with veggies cast-after-cast…To solve this common dilemma, Northland designed the Elite Series Weedless Wacky Jig, complete with two easily-bendable (but almost unbreakable) titanium wire weed guards for penetrating the fish-filled bush.And when it comes to keeping bass pinned, Northland’s Weedless Wacky Jig design features a wide hook gap and straight eye shank to ensure you can winch bruisers out of the salad and into the boat for a quick photo and release. 
In terms of colors, most experienced bass sticks rely on two worm jig-head colors to do serious damage—and that’s what Northland offers: Black and Green Pumpkin. The new Weedless Wacky Jigs come two per card with an MSRP of $4.99.Northland Tackle Marketing Manager, Charlie Peterson, explains: “First, the Weedless Wacky Jig comes in all the weights bass anglers need to cover a lot of weed-choked depths, shallow to deep. And the dual titanium weed-guard bends nicely and slithers through the salad, no matter what kind of vegetation you’re fishing. Its design is part finesse, part power. From the dead, shallow vegetation of early-season through weeds just emerging—and deeper in the cabbage as the season progresses, it’s an absolute fish-catcher. Depending on where bass are cruising, it’ll will work along the inside or outside weedline.”Looking for a way to get more bites on the vegetation-filled bass lakes, rivers, and reservoirs you fish? Give the new Northland Weedless Wacky Jig a shot with your favorite wacky worms.Here’s another tip: The Weedless Wacky Jig is also catching on with bassheads fishing wacky worms around brush and timber. Not only does it slither through grass, but it also deflects off of woody cover, too…Yep, it’s probably time to return those six-penny nails to the garage. 

Surprisingly productive day puts Schultz atop Bassmaster Elite on Okeechobee

Brian Carter
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Surprisingly productive day puts Schultz atop Bassmaster Elite on Okeechobee

Bernie Schultz of Gainesville, Fla., is leading after Day 1 of the 2023 SiteOne Bassmaster Elite at Lake Okeechobee with 28 pounds, 11 ounces.

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

February 16, 2023

Surprisingly productive day puts Schultz atop Bassmaster Elite on Okeechobee

OKEECHOBEE, Fla. — Expectations did not match reality for Bernie Schultz, but the veteran Florida pro was delighted with a surprising day that yielded a five-bass limit of 28 pounds, 11 ounces, which leads Day 1 of the SiteOne Bassmaster Elite at Lake Okeechobee.

Hailing from Gainesville, Fla., Schultz anchored his bag with an 8-10 that leads the Phoenix Boats Big Bass standings. He heads into Day 2 with a 3-pound lead over local favorite Scott Martin.

“It was a remarkable day; I didn’t expect to catch that,” Schultz said. “I thought I’d get one — if I was lucky maybe two — big bites, but I got four big bites.”

Schultz caught his bass in two main sections of one general area that he found prior to the off-limits period. With depths of about 3 feet, the area held a mix of vegetation — a key ingredient, given the lake’s present condition.

High water has altered much of the traditional spawning areas, while herbicide treatments have dramatically reduced the hydrilla and eelgrass that once covered vast acreage. The area Schultz fished had a mix of these submerged aquatic plants, along with dollar pads, bulrush and cattails.

“I knew this area was going to be good because the vegetation is very healthy; that’s really a rare thing in this lake these days,” Schultz said. “The lake has shrunk because of habitat loss. Places that were once lush and healthy are barren right now.

“There’s not a lot of filtration in places that were historically really productive this time of year because the fish aren’t using them.”

Schultz caught all of his fish on a 5-inch Yamamoto Senko. He’s using two rigging styles — one for open-water presentations and one for tighter spots amid vegetation.

“I’m fishing slow because I’m in an area where there’s a lot of pressure,” he said. “I got my first big bite pretty early. I had a limit early, but it took a pretty good while to get the second big bite. That was the 8-10.

“I moved areas and caught another 8-pounder and one that was about 6.”

Schultz noted that, while the first half of his day produced more numbers of fish, the latter half yielded the biggest bites.

“I think the afternoons are better once you get that water temperature up,” Schultz said.

Tournament practice saw colder and mostly windy conditions whipping the lake and limiting the opportunity level.

“The first day of practice it was blowing like crazy throughout the day and it was just hard to fish,” Schultz said. “I was getting bit on moving baits but I never had a big bite.

“I had one 4-pounder, and I think that really tipped me off that I’m in a good area.”

Schultz said he will return to his area on Day 2. He’s confident he left plenty of bass there, but he’s unsure of how the overall fishing pressure will affect it.

“I don’t know what’s left (in my area); there were a lot of other boats there so we’ll have to see what happens,” Schultz said. “I’m trying to out-fish guys that are really good.”

Hailing from Clewiston, Fla., Martin admits that home-field advantage is often overstated, but his lifetime of local knowledge served him well by delivering a second-place limit of 25-11. Fishing the lake’s south end, Martin spent his day in a tucked-away area that he had all to himself.

“I prepared for this week, but I didn’t find a whole lot,” Martin said. “A couple of things gave me some clues as to what might happen. I kind of went with my gut this morning and it paid off big time.

“We have, maybe, three more days of fishing out here, so I may have to make adjustments throughout the week.”

Martin caught most of his fish with a prop bait. A slow, methodical presentation proved most effective for provoking fish that were becoming increasingly active with the week’s warming trend.

Martin also caught keepers by flipping shallow vegetation with a Texas-rigged Googan Squad Bandito Bug.

Tyler Rivet of Raceland, La., is in third place with 24-5. Clearly enthusiastic about not only his Day 1 performance but also his upcoming prospects, Rivet credited his success to making good adjustments.

“I was doing what I like to do, flipping an Xcite Baits Sucka Punch and throwing a ChatterBait and a few secret deals that I found would work,” Rivet said. “There’s a ton of fish the way I’m catching them, so I think I can go out there tomorrow and catch them.

“I haven’t had this feeling for a tournament in a while, and I think it can happen for this one. There are a few people in my area, but what they’re throwing and what I’m throwing are different. Hopefully, it can stay that way.”

Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. ET at C. Scott Driver Park. The weigh-in will be held at the park at 3:30 p.m. Only the Top 50 anglers will advance to Semifinal Saturday. Bassmaster LIVE coverage begins at 8 a.m. on Bassmaster.com, Tubi and the FOX Sports platforms. 

The Bassmaster Elite at Lake Okeechobee is being hosted by Okeechobee County. 

2023 SiteOne Bassmaster Elite at Lake Okeechobee 2/16-2/19
Lake Okeechobee, Okeechobee  FL.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1

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

1.  Bernie Schultz         Gainesville, FL          5  28-11  100   $1,000.00
  Day 1: 5   28-11   
2.  Scott Martin           Clewiston, FL            5  25-11   99
  Day 1: 5   25-11   
3.  Tyler Rivet            Raceland, LA             5  24-05   98
  Day 1: 5   24-05   
4.  Steve Kennedy          Auburn, AL               5  23-08   97
  Day 1: 5   23-08   
5.  Drew Cook              Cairo, GA                5  22-12   96
  Day 1: 5   22-12   
6.  Brandon Cobb           Greenwood, SC            5  22-09   95
  Day 1: 5   22-09   
7.  Will Davis Jr          Sylacauga, AL            5  21-07   94
  Day 1: 5   21-07   
8.  Patrick Walters        Eutawville, SC           5  21-05   93
  Day 1: 5   21-05   
9.  Cooper Gallant         Bowmanville Ontario CAN  5  21-03   92
  Day 1: 5   21-03   
10. Marc Frazier           Newnan, GA               5  21-00   91
  Day 1: 5   21-00   
11. Ed Loughran III        Richmond, VA             5  20-03   90
  Day 1: 5   20-03   
12. Michael Iaconelli      Pittsgrove, NJ           5  19-10   89
  Day 1: 5   19-10   
13. Brandon Palaniuk       Rathdrum, ID             5  19-03   88
  Day 1: 5   19-03   
14. Clifford Pirch         Payson, AZ               5  18-12   87
  Day 1: 5   18-12   
15. Clark Wendlandt        Leander, TX              5  18-09   86
  Day 1: 5   18-09   
16. Kyle Welcher           Opelika, AL              5  18-08   85
  Day 1: 5   18-08   
17. Bob Downey             Detroit Lakes, MN        5  18-05   84
  Day 1: 5   18-05   
18. Jay Przekurat          Stevens Point, WI        5  18-01   83
  Day 1: 5   18-01   
19. Josh Douglas           Isle, MN                 5  17-13   82
  Day 1: 5   17-13   
19. Greg Hackney           Gonzales, LA             5  17-13   82
  Day 1: 5   17-13   
21. Jeff Gustafson         Kenora, Ontario CANADA     5  17-07   80
  Day 1: 5   17-07   
21. Gerald Swindle         Guntersville, AL         5  17-07   80
  Day 1: 5   17-07   
23. Chris Johnston         Otonabee Ontario CANADA  5  17-06   78
  Day 1: 5   17-06   
23. Brock Mosley           Collinsville, MS         5  17-06   78
  Day 1: 5   17-06   
25. John Cox               DeBary, FL               5  17-05   76
  Day 1: 5   17-05   
26. Cody Huff              Ava, MO                  5  17-03   75
  Day 1: 5   17-03   
27. Stetson Blaylock       Benton, AR               5  17-02   74
  Day 1: 5   17-02   
28. David Gaston           Sylacauga, AL            5  17-01   73
  Day 1: 5   17-01   
28. Logan Latuso           Gonzales, LA             5  17-01   73
  Day 1: 5   17-01   
30. Buddy Gross            Chattanooga, TN          5  16-15   71
  Day 1: 5   16-15   
31. Shane LeHew            Catawba, NC              5  16-13   70
  Day 1: 5   16-13   
32. Matt Arey              Shelby, NC               5  16-12   69
  Day 1: 5   16-12   
32. Scott Canterbury       Odenville, AL            5  16-12   69
  Day 1: 5   16-12   
34. Skylar Hamilton        Jefferson, TN            5  16-10   67
  Day 1: 5   16-10   
35. Pat Schlapper          Eleva, WI                5  16-09   66
  Day 1: 5   16-09   
36. Brandon Card           Salisbury, NC            5  16-01   65
  Day 1: 5   16-01   
36. Chris Zaldain          Fort Worth, TX           5  16-01   65
  Day 1: 5   16-01   
38. Hank Cherry Jr         Lincolnton, NC           5  15-15   63
  Day 1: 5   15-15   
39. Bryan New              Saluda, SC               5  15-14   62
  Day 1: 5   15-14   
40. Justin Atkins          Florence, AL             5  15-06   61
  Day 1: 5   15-06   
40. Joey Cifuentes III     Clinton, AR              5  15-06   61
  Day 1: 5   15-06   
40. Ray Hanselman Jr       Del Rio, TX              5  15-06   61
  Day 1: 5   15-06   
43. Brandon Lester         Fayetteville, TN         5  15-05   58
  Day 1: 5   15-05   
43. Lee Livesay            Longview, TX             5  15-05   58
  Day 1: 5   15-05   
45. Gary Clouse            Winchester, TN           5  15-04   56
  Day 1: 5   15-04   
46. Jake Whitaker          Hendersonville, NC       5  15-03   55
  Day 1: 5   15-03   
47. Caleb Kuphall          Mukwonago, WI            5  15-00   54
  Day 1: 5   15-00   
47. Luke Palmer            Coalgate, OK             5  15-00   54
  Day 1: 5   15-00   
49. Kyoya Fujita           Minamitsuru, Yamanashi   5  14-15   52
  Day 1: 5   14-15   
49. Darold Gleason         Many, LA                 5  14-15   52
  Day 1: 5   14-15   
51. Mark Menendez          Paducah, KY              5  14-13   50
  Day 1: 5   14-13   
52. Cliff Prince           Palatka, FL              5  14-09   49
  Day 1: 5   14-09   
53. Jamie Hartman          Newport, NY              5  14-07   48
  Day 1: 5   14-07   
54. Bradley Hallman        Edmond, OK               5  14-06   47
  Day 1: 5   14-06   
55. Jonathan Kelley        Old Forge, PA            5  14-04   46
  Day 1: 5   14-04   
55. Brad Whatley           Bivins, TX               5  14-04   46
  Day 1: 5   14-04   
57. Gregory DiPalma        Millville, NJ            5  14-03   44
  Day 1: 5   14-03   
58. Kyle Norsetter         Cottage Grove, WI        5  14-01   43
  Day 1: 5   14-01   
59. KJ Queen               Conover, NC              5  13-14   42
  Day 1: 5   13-14   
60. Justin Hamner          Northport, AL            5  13-09   41
  Day 1: 5   13-09   
61. Keith Combs            Huntington, TX           5  13-06   40
  Day 1: 5   13-06   
62. Jason Christie         Dry Creek, OK            5  13-05   39
  Day 1: 5   13-05   
62. Frank Talley           Temple, TX               5  13-05   39
  Day 1: 5   13-05   
64. David Mullins          Mt Carmel, TN            5  13-02   37
  Day 1: 5   13-02   
65. Micah Frazier          Newnan, GA               5  13-00   36
  Day 1: 5   13-00   
65. David Fritts           Lexington, NC            5  13-00   36
  Day 1: 5   13-00   
67. Jacob Foutz            Charleston, TN           5  12-15   34
  Day 1: 5   12-15   
68. Carl Jocumsen          Queensland    AUSTRALIA  5  12-14   33
  Day 1: 5   12-14   
68. Wes Logan              Springville, AL          5  12-14   33
  Day 1: 5   12-14   
70. Bryan Schmitt          Deale, MD                5  12-12   31
  Day 1: 5   12-12   
71. Hunter Shryock         Ooltewah, TN             5  12-11   30
  Day 1: 5   12-11   
72. Jason Williamson       Aiken, SC                5  12-09   29
  Day 1: 5   12-09   
73. John Crews Jr          Salem, VA                5  12-06   28
  Day 1: 5   12-06   
73. Koby Kreiger           Alva, FL                 5  12-06   28
  Day 1: 5   12-06   
73. Bryant Smith           Roseville, CA            5  12-06   28
  Day 1: 5   12-06   
76. Matty Wong             Honolulu, HI             5  12-04   25
  Day 1: 5   12-04   
77. Derek Hudnall          Zachary, LA              5  12-02   24
  Day 1: 5   12-02   
78. Rick Clunn             Ava, MO                  5  12-00   23
  Day 1: 5   12-00   
79. Chad Pipkens           DeWitt, MI               5  11-11   22
  Day 1: 5   11-11   
80. Bill Lowen             Brookville, IN           5  11-09   21
  Day 1: 5   11-09   
81. Kenta Kimura           Osaka JAPAN              5  11-08   20
  Day 1: 5   11-08   
82. Mike Huff              London, KY               5  11-07   19
  Day 1: 5   11-07   
83. Matt Herren            Ashville, AL             5  11-04   18
  Day 1: 5   11-04   
84. Seth Feider            New Market, MN           5  11-01   17
  Day 1: 5   11-01   
85. Jacob Powroznik        North Prince George, VA  5  10-15   16
  Day 1: 5   10-15   
86. Joseph Webster         Hamilton, AL             5  10-11   15
  Day 1: 5   10-11   
87. Drew Benton            Panama City, FL          5  10-08   14
  Day 1: 5   10-08   
88. Clent Davis            Montevallo, AL           5  10-04   13
  Day 1: 5   10-04   
88. Austin Felix           Eden Prairie, MN         5  10-04   13
  Day 1: 5   10-04   
90. Paul Mueller           Naugatuck, CT            5  10-01   11
  Day 1: 5   10-01   
91. Joshua Stracner        Vandiver, AL             5  09-15   10
  Day 1: 5   09-15   
92. Taku Ito               Chiba, JAPAN             5  09-07    9
  Day 1: 5   09-07   
92. Alex Redwine           Blue Ash, OH             5  09-07    9
  Day 1: 5   09-07   
94. Masayuki Matsushita    Tokoname-Shi, JAPAN      5  08-12    7
  Day 1: 5   08-12   
95. Cory Johnston          Cavan CANADA             5  08-03    6
  Day 1: 5   08-03   
95. Caleb Sumrall          New Iberia, LA           5  08-03    6
  Day 1: 5   08-03   
97. Todd Auten             Lake Wylie, SC           5  06-12    4
  Day 1: 5   06-12   
98. Matt Robertson         Kuttawa, KY              5  06-04    3
  Day 1: 5   06-04   
99. Alex Wetherell         Middletown, CT           4  06-00    2
  Day 1: 4   06-00   
100. Cole Sands             Calhoun, TN             4  05-06    1
  Day 1: 4   05-06   
101. John Soukup            Sapulpa, OK              5  05-04    0
  Day 1: 5   05-04   
102. David Williams         Newton, NC               3  03-01    0
  Day 1: 3   03-01   
103. Larry Nixon            Bee Branch, AR           0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
103. Keith Poche            Cecil, AL                0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
———————————————————————–

PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS 
Day
 1   Bernie Schultz           Gainesville, FL     08-10      $1,000.00

———————————————————————–
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
 1        99       506      1495-09
———————————-
          99       506      1495-09

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