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Tuesday, December 16, 2025
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Long reach leads Howell to Bassmaster Open win at Leech Lake

Brian Carter
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Long reach leads Howell to Bassmaster Open win at Leech Lake

Alabama’s Laker Howell has won the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Leech Lake presented by SEVIIN with a two-day total of 39 pounds, 13 ounces.

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

Aug. 16, 2025

Long reach leads Howell to Bassmaster Open win at Leech Lake

Opens_StCroix_Sevin_4C-RASTER.png

WALKER, Minn. — The only thing that stood taller than Laker Howell was the fishing rod he used to win the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Leech Lake presented by SEVIIN.

At 6-foot-5, the pro from Guntersville, Ala., armed himself with a 7-foot-9 Daiwa Kage medium swimbait rod and leaned on his largemouth prowess to tally a two-day total of 39 pounds, 13 ounces. Turning in daily weights of 19-10 and 20-3, Howell edged Texan Jace Lindsay by a pound.

The tournament’s scheduled start was postponed from Thursday to Friday due to a hazardous wind forecast. The event was shortened to two days, with the full field fishing both days.


“I don’t even have the words; I gotta thank the Lord right now,” a tearful Howell said. “Everyone who does this for a living understands why I’m crying. There’s so much you put into it. All the emotion, all the hard work. The late nights, the early mornings, all the YouTube fishing videos you study.”

For his efforts, Howell took home the top prize of $47,000 and earned a berth in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, March 13-15 at the Tennessee River. Notably, his father, Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series pro Randy Howell, won the 2014 Bassmaster Classic at Lake Guntersville.

Howell committed his tournament to a football field size wild rice field near Boy Bay. Catching largemouth in 2 1/2 to 5 feet of water, he looked for deeper pockets with relatively clean bottom. Also important were obvious ambush spots such as a turn in rice edge.

“This area had the best looking rice with a mix of milfoil and a pad field zone,” Howell said. “All that mixing together with deep water turned into a good tournament.

“I caught them in the same place I caught them (during last year’s Open at Leech),” Howell said, in reference to his 2024 22nd-place finish. “Lord have mercy, I didn’t even have a clue this was a possibility.”

Throwing a Snagproof frog in the mossback color, Howell paired that 7-9 rod with a Daiwa Kage 150 reel, which afforded him plenty of spool capacity for 70-pound Daiwa Samaurai braid. This outfit played a key role in reaching his fish, as the lake’s rice fields are off limits to recreational boats, due to their cultural significance to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.

“I don’t understand these Minnesota smallmouth,” Howell said of his largemouth game plan. “They’re a lot smarter, this water is super clear, they get ’Scoped (forward facing sonar) a lot. There are a lot of variables that go into it.

“The majority of the field was doing that, so the way I saw it, I just fished my strength and went frogging, because that’s what I love to do. I made a check doing it (in 2024), so I came up here just to make a check and I made a pretty good one.”

Howell caught all of his Day 2 weight by about 9:30 a.m. The action started early and the sting of a deflating loss quickly faded with a day-making catch.

“This morning, I lost one that I really thought was going to cost me,” Howell said. “I threw my frog by the edge of some grass and rice and the fish just sucked it down. I set the hook and it started coming up, but it came off and I was like, ‘This is gonna haunt me later.’

“Two casts later, I caught a 5 1/4. I guess God said, ‘Now watch this. We’re gonna turn that around really quick.’”

Lindsay placed ninth on Day 1 with 20-10 and gained seven spots with his second-round bag that went 18-3. Fishing the jig head minnow application, he caught his fish on a Deps Sackamata Shad and a Z-Man Scented Jerk ShadZ.

“These smallmouth are really smart out here and I think the scent from that Z-Man Jerk ShadZ really helped me get couple of those extra bites,” Lindsay said. “It was a grind out there today. You’re fishing for five when there’s this much pressure on this place.”

Lindsay targeted boulders on slight drops. In his view, the boulders sitting on the offshore flats were getting so much pressure they were unlikely to hold up.

“I scooted off to the edge and luckily, it seemed like there was less pressure on my areas that were right on the drop,” Lindsay said. “I was targeting the biggest isolated boulders I could find.”

Sam Hanggi of Knoxville, Tenn., finished third with 38-3. Mounting an impressive comeback, Hanggi placed 57th on Day 1 with 16-1 and followed with a second-round limit of 22-2 — the event’s heaviest bag.

Targeting isolated boulders in 10 to 15 feet of water, Hanggi fished the lake’s north end on Day 1. When a wind shift left his area too exposed, he moved to a protected area on the east side.

“This morning, I went to the area I fished yesterday and I saw that the waves were crashing on it, so I called an audible mid-morning and ran to a new area,” Hanggi said. “I was tucked behind an island in a protected area.”

Hanggi caught all of his fish on a 1/4-ounce Evergreen tungsten finesse jig with a green pumpkin Z-Man T.R.D. trailer and a drop shot with a green pumpkin Megabass Hazedong.

Paul Marks of Cumming, Ga., won the $750 Phoenix Boats Big Bass award for his 5-14.

Pake South of Winnsboro, Texas leads the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN Division 2 points standings with 751 points. Fisher Anaya of Eva, Ala., is in second with 749, followed by Tanner Hadden of Appling, Ga., with 717, Howell with 697, and Nic Rand of Paw Paw, Mich., with 684.

The Top 50 anglers from Division 2 have qualified for the three-event Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops. With one event each in September, October and November, this series will determine the 10 anglers that receive invitations to the 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series.

2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Leech Lake presented by SEVIIN 8/14-8/16
Leech Lake, Walker  MN.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2

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

1.  Laker Howell           Guntersville, AL        10  39-13  200
  Day 1: 5   19-10     Day 2: 5   20-03   
2.  Jace Lindsay           Beckville, TX           10  38-13  199
  Day 1: 5   20-10     Day 2: 5   18-03   
3.  Sam Hanggi             Knoxville, TN           10  38-03  198
  Day 1: 5   16-01     Day 2: 5   22-02   
4.  Pake South             Winnsboro, TX           10  38-02  197
  Day 1: 5   20-04     Day 2: 5   17-14   
5.  Tommy Parker           Delano, MN              10  38-01  196
  Day 1: 5   21-15     Day 2: 5   16-02   
6.  Emil Wagner            Marietta, GA            10  38-01  195
  Day 1: 5   20-01     Day 2: 5   18-00   
7.  Trey Schroeder         Theodosia, MO           10  36-12  194
  Day 1: 5   21-09     Day 2: 5   15-03   
8.  Chase Clarke           Virginia Beach, VA      10  36-04  193
  Day 1: 5   20-04     Day 2: 5   16-00   
9.  Jack York              Emory, TX               10  35-08  192
  Day 1: 5   20-07     Day 2: 5   15-01   
10. Kyoya Fujita           Yamanashi CA JAPAN      10  35-08  191
  Day 1: 5   20-04     Day 2: 5   15-04   
11. Brian Post             Janesville, WI          10  35-05  190   $8,534.00
  Day 1: 5   20-04     Day 2: 5   15-01   
12. Tommy Wood             Peregian Springs AUSTRA 10  35-05  189   $6,638.00
  Day 1: 5   18-13     Day 2: 5   16-08   
13. Joe Wieberg            Freeburg, MO            10  35-00  188   $5,689.00
  Day 1: 5   16-05     Day 2: 5   18-11   
14. Danny McGarry          Newcastle CANADA        10  34-15  187   $4,741.00
  Day 1: 5   20-13     Day 2: 5   14-02   
15. Chris Beaudrie         Princeton, KY            9  34-11  186   $4,741.00
  Day 1: 4   16-01     Day 2: 5   18-10   
16. Ethan Fields           Carlyle, IL             10  34-10  185   $4,741.00
  Day 1: 5   18-05     Day 2: 5   16-05   
17. Bailey Bleser          Burlington, WI          10  34-08  184   $4,741.00
  Day 1: 5   19-06     Day 2: 5   15-02   
18. Tanner Hadden          Appling, GA             10  34-04  183   $4,741.00
  Day 1: 5   20-08     Day 2: 5   13-12   
19. Harmon Marien          Eagle River, WI          9  34-04  182   $4,741.00
  Day 1: 4   14-13     Day 2: 5   19-07   
20. Austin Cranford        Moore, OK               10  34-02  181   $4,741.00
  Day 1: 5   21-03     Day 2: 5   12-15   
21. Brock Reinkemeyer      Warsaw, MO              10  33-15  180   $4,741.00
  Day 1: 5   14-07     Day 2: 5   19-08   
22. Buddy Benson           Dahlonega, GA           10  33-13  179   $4,741.00
  Day 1: 5   20-01     Day 2: 5   13-12   
23. Blake Schroeder        Bullard, TX             10  33-12  178   $4,741.00
  Day 1: 5   14-13     Day 2: 5   18-15   
24. Fisher Anaya           Eva, AL                 10  33-11  177   $4,741.00
  Day 1: 5   17-09     Day 2: 5   16-02   
25. Matt Pangrac           Shawnee, OK              9  33-09  176   $4,741.00
  Day 1: 5   19-01     Day 2: 4   14-08   
26. Wyatt Marler           Oldfield, MO            10  33-09  175   $4,741.00
  Day 1: 5   18-06     Day 2: 5   15-03   
27. Kyle Minke             Lindsrom, MN             9  33-08  174   $4,741.00
  Day 1: 5   22-00     Day 2: 4   11-08   
28. Dillon Harrell         New Caney, TX           10  33-07  173   $4,741.00
  Day 1: 5   16-02     Day 2: 5   17-05   
29. Jamie Bruce            Kenora Ontario CANADA    9  33-02  172   $4,741.00
  Day 1: 5   21-13     Day 2: 4   11-05   
30. Aaron Jagdfeld         Rochester Hills, MI     10  32-15  171   $4,741.00
  Day 1: 5   16-15     Day 2: 5   16-00   
31. Steve Lee              Minneapolis, MN         10  32-12  170   $3,793.00
  Day 1: 5   15-09     Day 2: 5   17-03   
32. Dylan Akins            Flowery Branch, GA      10  32-11  169   $3,793.00
  Day 1: 5   16-13     Day 2: 5   15-14   
33. Bryan Finch            Belton, TX              10  32-09  168   $3,793.00
  Day 1: 5   19-15     Day 2: 5   12-10   
34. Kurt Chelminiak        Delafield, WI           10  32-07  167   $3,793.00
  Day 1: 5   14-05     Day 2: 5   18-02   
35. Evan Cox-VanVliet      Loveland, CO            10  32-05  166   $3,793.00
  Day 1: 5   13-07     Day 2: 5   18-14   
36. Andy Newcomb           Camdenton, MO           10  32-04  165   $3,793.00
  Day 1: 5   13-07     Day 2: 5   18-13   
37. Jimmy Washam           Stantonville, TN        10  32-03  164   $3,793.00
  Day 1: 5   17-08     Day 2: 5   14-11   
38. Nick Dumke             Grand Rapids, MN         8  32-02  163   $3,793.00
  Day 1: 5   18-08     Day 2: 3   13-10   
39. James Niggemeyer       Van, TX                 10  31-07  162   $3,793.00
  Day 1: 5   14-00     Day 2: 5   17-07   
40. Chad Grigsby           Maple Grove, MN         10  31-07  161   $3,793.00
  Day 1: 5   16-08     Day 2: 5   14-15   
41. Tai Au                 Glendale, AZ            10  31-07  160   $3,793.00
  Day 1: 5   15-05     Day 2: 5   16-02   
42. Paul Marks             Cumming, GA              7  31-05  159   $3,793.00
  Day 1: 5   20-05     Day 2: 2   11-00   
43. Matt Stefan            Junction City, WI       10  31-04  158   $3,793.00
  Day 1: 5   12-05     Day 2: 5   18-15   
44. Casey Scanlon          Eldon, MO               10  31-03  157   $3,793.00
  Day 1: 5   16-07     Day 2: 5   14-12   
45. Bryan Partak           Marseilles, IL          10  31-03  156   $3,793.00
  Day 1: 5   16-04     Day 2: 5   14-15   
46. Andy Dassow            Medford, WI              9  31-01  155
  Day 1: 5   14-09     Day 2: 4   16-08   
47. Ethen Preston          Tower City, ND          10  31-01  154
  Day 1: 5   14-10     Day 2: 5   16-07   
48. Mike McClelland        Blue Eye, MO            10  31-00  153
  Day 1: 5   14-04     Day 2: 5   16-12   
49. Billy McDonald         Greenwood, IN           10  31-00  152
  Day 1: 5   14-08     Day 2: 5   16-08   
50. Nic Rand               Paw Paw, MI              8  30-13  151
  Day 1: 5   20-05     Day 2: 3   10-08   
51. Ish Monroe             Oakdale, CA             10  30-12  150
  Day 1: 5   15-08     Day 2: 5   15-04   
52. Ian Waterer            East Selkirk CANADA     10  30-10  149
  Day 1: 5   19-03     Day 2: 5   11-07   
53. Luke Clausen           Otis Orchards, WA       10  30-10  148
  Day 1: 5   14-13     Day 2: 5   15-13   
54. Kane Weekley           Davie, FL               10  30-08  147
  Day 1: 5   12-06     Day 2: 5   18-02   
55. Riley Nielsen          Salt Lake City, UT      10  30-08  146
  Day 1: 5   14-07     Day 2: 5   16-01   
56. Michael Lebsack        Duluth, MN              10  30-05  145
  Day 1: 5   12-12     Day 2: 5   17-09   
57. Jacob Policka          Twin Lake, MI           10  30-05  144
  Day 1: 5   16-07     Day 2: 5   13-14   
58. Andrew Behnke          Fond Du Lac, WI         10  30-00  143
  Day 1: 5   12-07     Day 2: 5   17-09   
59. Charlie Wright         Becker, MN              10  29-14  142
  Day 1: 5   12-11     Day 2: 5   17-03   
60. Kyle Palmer            Winchester, TN          10  29-13  141
  Day 1: 5   15-13     Day 2: 5   14-00   
61. Jordan Knutson         Saint Croix Falls, WI   10  29-12  140
  Day 1: 5   14-05     Day 2: 5   15-07   
62. Freddy  Palmer         Estill Springs, TN      10  29-11  139
  Day 1: 5   13-06     Day 2: 5   16-05   
63. Jeff Johnson           Bemidji, MN             10  29-10  138
  Day 1: 5   15-04     Day 2: 5   14-06   
63. Nathaniel Melgaard     Elk Mound, WI           10  29-10  138
  Day 1: 5   15-04     Day 2: 5   14-06   
65. Jonathan Pimentel      Camdenton, MO           10  29-09  136
  Day 1: 5   17-00     Day 2: 5   12-09   
66. Jack Tindel III        Orange, TX              10  29-09  135
  Day 1: 5   16-07     Day 2: 5   13-02   
67. Clint Knight           Russellville, KY        10  29-09  134
  Day 1: 5   15-04     Day 2: 5   14-05   
68. Chris Groh             Spring Grove, IL        10  29-08  133
  Day 1: 5   14-08     Day 2: 5   15-00   
69. Dylan Mayo             Athens, TX              10  29-07  132
  Day 1: 5   15-10     Day 2: 5   13-13   
70. Blaine Bunney          Claremore, OK            8  29-05  131
  Day 1: 5   20-13     Day 2: 3   08-08   
71. Doug Chapin            Tigerton, WI            10  29-03  130
  Day 1: 5   15-05     Day 2: 5   13-14   
72. Dan Welsh              Elko New Mrkt, MN       10  28-15  129
  Day 1: 5   14-08     Day 2: 5   14-07   
73. Kenny Mittelstaedt     Minnetonka, MN           8  28-13  128
  Day 1: 5   16-14     Day 2: 3   11-15   
74. Garrett Paquette       Canton, MI              10  28-12  127
  Day 1: 5   17-04     Day 2: 5   11-08   
75. Trent Palmer           Cumming, GA             10  28-11  126
  Day 1: 5   12-01     Day 2: 5   16-10   
76. Kyle Metzger           Pearl River, LA         10  28-11  125
  Day 1: 5   14-06     Day 2: 5   14-05   
77. Jacob Bigelow          Cecil, WI               10  28-08  124
  Day 1: 5   16-02     Day 2: 5   12-06   
78. Lucas Ragusa           Gonzales, LA            10  28-07  123
  Day 1: 5   12-08     Day 2: 5   15-15   
79. Blake Smith            Lakeland, FL            10  28-07  122
  Day 1: 5   13-15     Day 2: 5   14-08   
80. Lane Olson             Forest Grove, OR        10  28-06  121
  Day 1: 5   11-15     Day 2: 5   16-07   
81. Jacob Thompkins        Myrtle Beach, SC        10  28-04  120
  Day 1: 5   14-15     Day 2: 5   13-05   
82. John Murray            Spring City, TN         10  28-03  119
  Day 1: 5   12-06     Day 2: 5   15-13   
83. Cameron Mattison       Benton, LA              10  28-03  118
  Day 1: 5   13-12     Day 2: 5   14-07   
84. Adam Rasmussen         Sturgeon Bay, WI         7  28-02  117
  Day 1: 4   14-01     Day 2: 3   14-01   
85. Matt Baker             Glenwood, AR            10  28-00  116
  Day 1: 5   15-07     Day 2: 5   12-09   
86. Michael Corbishley     Raleigh, NC             10  27-15  115
  Day 1: 5   15-09     Day 2: 5   12-06   
87. Ty Faber               Pagosa Springs, CO      10  27-12  114
  Day 1: 5   14-12     Day 2: 5   13-00   
88. Brad Leuthner          Victoria, MN            10  27-12  113
  Day 1: 5   14-05     Day 2: 5   13-07   
89. Brock Bila             Republic, MO            10  27-05  112
  Day 1: 5   15-09     Day 2: 5   11-12   
90. Alex Heintze           Denham Springs, LA      10  27-04  111
  Day 1: 5   15-01     Day 2: 5   12-03   
91. Niko Romero            Coldspring, TX          10  27-04  110
  Day 1: 5   12-08     Day 2: 5   14-12   
92. Scott Isaacs           Ladonia, TX             10  27-02  109
  Day 1: 5   15-02     Day 2: 5   12-00   
93. Bailey Gay             Union, KY               10  27-02  108
  Day 1: 5   14-09     Day 2: 5   12-09   
94. Jaden Parrish          Liberty, TX             10  27-01  107
  Day 1: 5   12-14     Day 2: 5   14-03   
95. Christian Ostrander    Turlock, CA             10  27-01  106
  Day 1: 5   13-00     Day 2: 5   14-01   
96. Josh Gauthier          Petawawa CANADA         10  27-00  105
  Day 1: 5   14-06     Day 2: 5   12-10   
97. Kevin Ledoux           Choctaw, OK              9  26-14  104
  Day 1: 5   13-02     Day 2: 4   13-12   
98. Darold Gleason         Leesville, LA           10  26-10  103
  Day 1: 5   15-00     Day 2: 5   11-10   
99. Kevin Dritschler       Prosper, TX             10  26-04  102
  Day 1: 5   13-13     Day 2: 5   12-07   
100. Chris Miller           Spirit Lake, IA         10  26-04  101
  Day 1: 5   12-12     Day 2: 5   13-08   
101. Randall Tharp          Port St. Joe, FL        10  26-04  100
  Day 1: 5   13-03     Day 2: 5   13-01   
102. Jack Dice              Lynchburg, VA           10  26-03   99
  Day 1: 5   15-12     Day 2: 5   10-07   
103. Ken Day                Kennewick, WA           10  26-00   98
  Day 1: 5   11-01     Day 2: 5   14-15   
104. Satoshi Egawa          Fort Lee, NJ            10  26-00   97
  Day 1: 5   14-04     Day 2: 5   11-12   
105. Brent Shores           Savannah, TN            10  25-14   96
  Day 1: 5   12-10     Day 2: 5   13-04   
106. Matthew Kennedy        Littlefork, MN          10  25-12   95
  Day 1: 5   09-09     Day 2: 5   16-03   
107. Travis Peterson        Bemidji, MN              9  25-12   94
  Day 1: 5   15-08     Day 2: 4   10-04   
108. Billy Billeaud         Lafayette, LA           10  25-11   93
  Day 1: 5   13-04     Day 2: 5   12-07   
109. Brandon Ackerson       Afton, OK               10  25-08   92
  Day 1: 5   15-02     Day 2: 5   10-06   
110. Aaron Yavorsky         Palm Harbor, FL         10  25-08   91
  Day 1: 5   11-14     Day 2: 5   13-10   
111. Matt Molitor           Canton, IL              10  25-07   90
  Day 1: 5   12-12     Day 2: 5   12-11   
112. Joey Nania             Cropwell, AL            10  25-02   89
  Day 1: 5   14-05     Day 2: 5   10-13   
113. Paul Browning          Monahans, TX            10  25-01   88
  Day 1: 5   13-10     Day 2: 5   11-07   
114. Russ Lane              Prattville, AL          10  25-00   87
  Day 1: 5   13-15     Day 2: 5   11-01   
115. Jason Barber           Gun Barrel City, TX     10  24-15   86
  Day 1: 5   15-08     Day 2: 5   09-07   
116. Kobie Koenig           Cohassett, MN            8  24-15   85
  Day 1: 3   09-09     Day 2: 5   15-06   
117. Jason Pruess           Haysville, KS            8  24-13   84
  Day 1: 5   18-02     Day 2: 3   06-11   
118. Ryan Thompson          Seymour, MO             10  24-11   83
  Day 1: 5   13-06     Day 2: 5   11-05   
119. Cody Bird              Granbury, TX            10  24-11   82
  Day 1: 5   13-04     Day 2: 5   11-07   
120. Stephen Browning       Hot Springs, AR          9  24-08   81
  Day 1: 4   08-13     Day 2: 5   15-11   
121. Colby Dark             West Monroe, LA          8  24-05   80
  Day 1: 5   17-03     Day 2: 3   07-02   
122. Bj Miller              Adams, NE               10  24-04   79
  Day 1: 5   11-14     Day 2: 5   12-06   
123. Brennan Flick          West Monroe, LA          6  24-03   78
  Day 1: 5   21-02     Day 2: 1   03-01   
124. Timothy Matt           Lake Village, IN        10  23-14   77
  Day 1: 5   12-08     Day 2: 5   11-06   
125. Anthony Garcia         Los Angeles, CA          7  23-08   76
  Day 1: 5   16-02     Day 2: 2   07-06   
126. Danny Ramsey           Trinidad, TX             8  23-06   75
  Day 1: 5   15-10     Day 2: 3   07-12   
127. Bo Thomas              Edwardsburg, MI          7  23-03   74
  Day 1: 5   16-09     Day 2: 2   06-10   
128. Mike Mayo              Athens, TX              10  23-03   73
  Day 1: 5   11-08     Day 2: 5   11-11   
129. Dalton Smith           Taylorsville, KY         7  22-14   72
  Day 1: 5   19-00     Day 2: 2   03-14   
130. Miles Burghoff         Dayton, TN               6  22-11   71
  Day 1: 5   19-08     Day 2: 1   03-03   
131. Brian Bengtson         Bloomington, MN          8  22-10   70
  Day 1: 5   13-06     Day 2: 3   09-04   
132. Cliff Crochet          Pierre Part, LA          8  22-10   69
  Day 1: 5   12-04     Day 2: 3   10-06   
133. Greg Bohannan          Bentonville, AR         10  22-09   68
  Day 1: 5   11-14     Day 2: 5   10-11   
134. Teb Jones              Yalaha, MS              10  22-08   67
  Day 1: 5   12-03     Day 2: 5   10-05   
135. Keith Tuma             Brainerd, MN             7  22-05   66
  Day 1: 4   11-05     Day 2: 3   11-00   
136. Ryan Michl             Newton, IL              10  22-04   65
  Day 1: 5   11-11     Day 2: 5   10-09   
137. Drake Hemby            Tallbot, TN              7  22-04   64
  Day 1: 3   11-03     Day 2: 4   11-01   
138. Tyler Lubbat           Wheeling, IL             8  22-01   63
  Day 1: 5   15-10     Day 2: 3   06-07   
139. Daniel Vega            Lake Park, IA           10  22-01   62
  Day 1: 5   11-09     Day 2: 5   10-08   
140. Kollin Crawford        Broken Bow, OK           9  21-13   61
  Day 1: 5   13-13     Day 2: 4   08-00   
141. Jacob Welch            Jefferson City, MO       9  21-12   60
  Day 1: 4   07-03     Day 2: 5   14-09   
142. Evan Poroznik          Nestleton Station Ontar  9  21-11   59
  Day 1: 5   15-06     Day 2: 4   06-05   
143. Yui Aoki               Minamitsurugun JAPAN     7  21-08   58
  Day 1: 2   04-04     Day 2: 5   17-04   
144. Jim Moynagh            Outing, MN               8  21-07   57
  Day 1: 5   13-03     Day 2: 3   08-04   
145. Easton Fothergill      Grand Rapids , MN        6  21-03   56
  Day 1: 5   18-03     Day 2: 1   03-00   
146. Chris Hellebuyck       White Lake, MI           9  20-10   55
  Day 1: 5   13-03     Day 2: 4   07-07   
147. Lunday Nornberg        Little Falls, MN         5  20-10   54
  Day 1: 3   11-07     Day 2: 2   09-03   
148. Brad Jelinek           Lincoln, MO              6  20-08   53
  Day 1: 5   17-10     Day 2: 1   02-14   
149. Julius Mazy            Vinemont, AL             9  20-07   52
  Day 1: 5   09-06     Day 2: 4   11-01   
150. Trevor McKinney        Noble, IL                7  20-03   51
  Day 1: 2   07-01     Day 2: 5   13-02   
151. Caz Anderson           Hayesville, NC           7  20-01   50
  Day 1: 5   16-03     Day 2: 2   03-14   
152. Nick Trim              Galesville, WI           9  19-09   49
  Day 1: 5   10-00     Day 2: 4   09-09   
153. Easton Lindus          Woodville, WI            7  19-03   48
  Day 1: 5   14-15     Day 2: 2   04-04   
154. Johno Roberts          Golden, CO               8  19-02   47
  Day 1: 5   11-12     Day 2: 3   07-06   
155. Mike Johnson           Park Rapids, MN          9  18-12   46
  Day 1: 4   07-08     Day 2: 5   11-04   
156. Brennan Berglund       Zimmerman, MN            7  18-10   45
  Day 1: 4   09-01     Day 2: 3   09-09   
157. Joe Titus              Bemidji, MN              6  18-00   44
  Day 1: 4   11-14     Day 2: 2   06-02   
158. Joey Hanna             Corsicana, TX            8  17-11   43
  Day 1: 4   10-11     Day 2: 4   07-00   
159. Brett Hite             Phoenix, AZ              5  17-01   42
  Day 1: 5   17-01     Day 2: 0   00-00   
160. Andy Hribar            Lakeville, MN            5  16-11   41
  Day 1: 5   16-11     Day 2: 0   00-00   
160. Jeff Somers            Otsego, MN               5  16-11   41
  Day 1: 5   16-11     Day 2: 0   00-00   
162. Dave Parsons           Yantis, TX               7  16-08   39
  Day 1: 5   11-12     Day 2: 2   04-12   
163. Chancy Walters         West Des Moines, IA      5  16-06   38
  Day 1: 5   16-06     Day 2: 0   00-00   
164. Garrett Wurm           Monticello, MN           7  16-05   37
  Day 1: 2   04-06     Day 2: 5   11-15   
165. Chad Schauf            Sparta, WI               7  16-05   36
  Day 1: 2   04-12     Day 2: 5   11-09   
166. Rylan Hamlin           Jackson, MI              5  16-00   35
  Day 1: 5   16-00     Day 2: 0   00-00   
167. Jack Hakala            Esko, MN                 8  15-09   34
  Day 1: 3   05-00     Day 2: 5   10-09   
168. Chase Carey            Hoschton, GA             5  15-01   33
  Day 1: 2   05-07     Day 2: 3   09-10   
169. Lance Crawford         Broken Bow, OK           5  14-11   32
  Day 1: 5   14-11     Day 2: 0   00-00   
170. Yukihiro Sawamura      Harker Heights, TX       5  14-06   31
  Day 1: 5   14-06     Day 2: 0   00-00   
171. Josh Wiesner           Fon du Lac, WI           5  14-01   30
  Day 1: 5   14-01     Day 2: 0   00-00   
172. Brooks Anderson        Marietta, GA             5  13-09   29
  Day 1: 5   13-09     Day 2: 0   00-00   
172. Joey Teofilo           Richmond Hill Ontario C  5  13-09   29
  Day 1: 5   13-09     Day 2: 0   00-00   
172. Nathan Thompson        Eagan, MN                5  13-09   29
  Day 1: 5   13-09     Day 2: 0   00-00   
175. Sean Lofgren           Forest Lake, MN          5  13-08   26
  Day 1: 5   13-08     Day 2: 0   00-00   
175. Hunter Wendt           Pequot Lakes, MN         5  13-08   26
  Day 1: 5   13-08     Day 2: 0   00-00   
177. Andrew Loberg          Guntersville, AL         5  13-03   24
  Day 1: 5   13-03     Day 2: 0   00-00   
178. Brian Neal             Big Lake, MN             4  13-02   23
  Day 1: 4   13-02     Day 2: 0   00-00   
179. Justin Oppegard        Eagan, MN                5  12-14   22
  Day 1: 5   12-14     Day 2: 0   00-00   
180. Kenta Kimura           Osaka OK JAPAN           5  12-11   21
  Day 1: 5   12-11     Day 2: 0   00-00   
181. Josh Butler            Hayden, AL               4  12-11   20
  Day 1: 4   12-11     Day 2: 0   00-00   
182. Allan Nail             Sand Springs, OK         5  12-09   19
  Day 1: 5   12-09     Day 2: 0   00-00   
182. Joey Punko             Broomfield, CO           5  12-09   19
  Day 1: 5   12-09     Day 2: 0   00-00   
184. Logan Johnson          Jasper, AL               5  12-03   17
  Day 1: 5   12-03     Day 2: 0   00-00   
185. Gary Hall              Wardville, OK            5  12-01   16
  Day 1: 5   12-01     Day 2: 0   00-00   
186. Philip Roesener        Choctaw, OK              4  11-11   15
  Day 1: 2   05-09     Day 2: 2   06-02   
187. Neal Gilmore           Magnolia, TX             5  11-09   14
  Day 1: 5   11-09     Day 2: 0   00-00   
188. Anastasia Patterson    Sumter, SC               6  11-06   13
  Day 1: 4   07-11     Day 2: 2   03-11   
189. Josh Douglas           Isle, MN                 5  10-15   12
  Day 1: 5   10-15     Day 2: 0   00-00   
190. Brett Cannon           Kiln, MS                 3  10-15   11
  Day 1: 3   10-15     Day 2: 0   00-00   
191. Jonathon VanDam        Gobles, MI               3  10-04   10
  Day 1: 3   10-04     Day 2: 0   00-00   
192. Rick Clunn             Ava, MO                  5  10-02    9
  Day 1: 5   10-02     Day 2: 0   00-00   
193. Doc Wootton            Collierville, TN         5  09-15    8
  Day 1: 5   09-15     Day 2: 0   00-00   
194. Mark Condron           Murfreesboro, TN         4  09-12    7
  Day 1: 4   09-12     Day 2: 0   00-00   
195. Wyatt Burkhalter       Coker, AL                3  09-11    6
  Day 1: 2   07-06     Day 2: 1   02-05   
196. Sho Egawa              Osaka JAPAN              3  09-10    5
  Day 1: 3   09-10     Day 2: 0   00-00   
197. Jay Przekurat          Plover, WI               3  09-03    4
  Day 1: 3   09-03     Day 2: 0   00-00   
198. Rick Pierce            Mountain Home, AR        4  09-01    3
  Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 4   09-01   
199. John Hammersmith       Branson, MO              3  08-14    2
  Day 1: 3   08-14     Day 2: 0   00-00   
200. Dewayne French         Mammoth Spring, AR       5  08-12    1
  Day 1: 2   03-12     Day 2: 3   05-00   
201. Michael Harlin         Gravois Mills, MO        3  08-07    0
  Day 1: 3   08-07     Day 2: 0   00-00   
202. Ryan Teigen            West Fargo, ND           3  08-00    0
  Day 1: 3   08-00     Day 2: 0   00-00   
203. Wyatt Wisian           Ardmore, OK              4  07-08    0
  Day 1: 4   07-08     Day 2: 0   00-00   
204. Denny Fiedler          Wabasha, MN              2  05-15    0
  Day 1: 2   05-15     Day 2: 0   00-00   
205. Nate Caldwell          Fort Collins, CO         2  04-04    0
  Day 1: 2   04-04     Day 2: 0   00-00   
206. Kara Pasma             Golden Valley, MN        2  03-12    0
  Day 1: 2   03-12     Day 2: 0   00-00   
207. A.J. Menssen           Bloomington, IL          1  02-14    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 1   02-14   
208. Troy O’Rourke          Bentonville, AR          1  02-01    0
  Day 1: 1   02-01     Day 2: 0   00-00   
209. Trevor Stevenson       Coon Rapids, MN          1  01-05    0
  Day 1: 1   01-05     Day 2: 0   00-00   
210. Gary Clouse            Winchester, TN           0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00   
210. Travis Ledford         Tuttle, OK               0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00   
210. Christian Nash         Allons, TN               0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00   
210. Tim Sprouse            Clarksville, TN          0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00   
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
 1       168       957      2885-08
 2       121       740      2148-13
———————————-
         289      1697      5034-05





Minke manages minute lead in Bassmaster Open at Leech Lake

Brian Carter
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Minke manages minute lead in Bassmaster Open at Leech Lake

Minnesota’s Kyle Minke has taken the lead on Day 1 of the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Leech Lake presented by SEVIIN with a total of 22 pounds.

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

Aug. 15, 2025

Minke manages minute lead in Bassmaster Open at Leech Lake

Opens_StCroix_Sevin_4C-RASTER.png

WALKER, Minn — Kyle Minke knew his opportunities would be slim, but capitalizing on what he had to work with yielded a 22-pound Day 1 limit that leads the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Leech Lake presented by SEVIIN.

On a tight leaderboard that finds only 1 1/2 pounds separating first place from 10th, Minke holds a 1-ounce advantage over second-place Tommy Parker.

“I got lucky today; I only got six bites and they were definitely the right ones,” Minke said.

Minke, who makes his home in Lindsrom, Minn., focused his efforts on smallmouth, but he admitted that was not his preference.

“I wanted to fish for largemouth so bad, but I know you can’t win with them, so I stuck with the smallmouth game all day,” Minke said.

Fortunately, a productive morning gave him the confidence to continue pressing for improvement.

“I had a limit by noon, so it kinda made me comfortable to just keep working at it and I ended up getting one more big bite,” Minke said. “You just have to find the ones that want to bite.”

Sticking with the standard Leech Lake game plan of targeting boulders, Minke worked in depths ranging from 6 to 15 feet.

“I varied my depth with the wind,” Minke said. “I think the wind will push (the smallmouth) a little shallower on the windy side of stuff, so I was basing my approach on that.

“I was just running the boulders I had marked in practice. Maybe it was just good timing.”

Minke said he spent two hours on his starting spot. That location produced two of his keepers, as did his second and third spots.

“I had three main areas, all of them were miles apart,” Minke said. “I spent my day in the north and mid-lake regions. I don’t think these regions get as pressured as the (popular) south end, but it still gets pressure; there were tons of bots all over it today.”

Minke said he identified his targets during practice by side scanning likely areas in an effort to locate isolated boulders that other anglers might overlook. Even with such promising sites identified, Minke said he still had to play a flexible game.

“Usually the single boulders are better, but they really get smart when they get pressured like a week straight like they have,” Minke said. “There was actually a tournament here last weekend, too, so when they get pressured hard, they start to use other areas near the isolated boulders.

“You don’t see them sitting on boulders because they’re hiding so good. You have to cast to them so they’ll show themselves.”

Minke said he rotated through a 3-bait arsenal that included a jighead minnow, a drop shot and a Ned rig. All of those options produced bites and with each, accurate proved essential.

“You really only get one chance at these fish,” Minke said. “Every once in a while you’ll get a second chance, but that first cast has to be on target.”

The tournament’s scheduled start was postponed from Thursday to Friday due to a hazardous wind forecast. The event was shortened to two days, with the full field fishing both days.

Looking ahead to Championship Saturday, Minke said this: “I know that (my Day 1 spots) aren’t going to produce again, so I’ll probably run a bunch of new stuff.”

Hailing from Delano, Minn., Parker is in second place with 21-15. He attributes his opening-round success to versatility and adjustment.

“I tried throwing the classic jighead minnow application, a drop shot and things like that and I could see them come out for it, but they just weren’t committing,” Parker said. “After a couple hours of that, I started throwing some weird, unique things that they would eat.

“I’m fishing in the same areas as everyone else, but I’m showing them fish something different.”

Parker kept his bait details under wraps, but he noted that he’s shaking something different than most of his competitors.

“I burned probably 3/4 of a tank (of gas) today,” Parker said of his mobile game plan. “I ran all over the place.

“I actually got sick during practice and I was only able to practice a day and a half. I didn’t find a whole lot but it looks like I found the right ones.”

Jamie Bruce of Kenora, Ontario is in third place with 21-13. Anchoring his bag with a 5-14, Bruce said he spent a lot of time running his big engine.

“I fished the entire lake twice,” he said. “I have a 49-gallon tank in my Lund and I have no gas left. I had to econo cruise in, because I thought I was going to run out.

“I’ve never fished so hard in my life, just because of how many targets you have to hit to find (an active) zone. It took most of the day to find it, but we found her.”

While most competitors have been targeting smallmouth around particular rock structure, Bruce took a different approach. He looked for schools of small yellow perch and shiners and fished fast with a 3/8-ounce Smeltinator jighead with a 3.75-inch Rapala Crush City Jerk.

Bruce is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 5-14.

Pake South of Winnsboro, Texas leads the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN Division 2 points standings with 741 points. Fisher Anaya of Eva, Ala., is in second with 739, followed by Tanner Hadden of Appling, Ga., with 725, Nic Rand of Paw Paw, Mich., with 722, and Austin Cranford of Moore, Okla., with 693.

Saturday’s takeoff is scheduled for 6 a.m. Central Time at Walker Public Dock. The weigh-in will be held at the dock at 2 p.m.

Coverage of the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Leech Lake presented by SEVIIN will be available on Bassmaster.com each day of the tournament. Roku will carry Bassmaster LIVE on Championship Saturday.

2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Leech Lake presented by SEVIIN 8/14-8/16
Leech Lake, Walker  MN.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1

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

1.  Kyle Minke             Lindsrom, MN             5  22-00  200
  Day 1: 5   22-00   
2.  Tommy Parker           Delano, MN               5  21-15  199
  Day 1: 5   21-15   
3.  Jamie Bruce            Kenora Ontario CANADA    5  21-13  198
  Day 1: 5   21-13   
4.  Trey Schroeder         Theodosia, MO            5  21-09  197
  Day 1: 5   21-09   
5.  Austin Cranford        Moore, OK                5  21-03  196
  Day 1: 5   21-03   
6.  Brennan Flick          West Monroe, LA          5  21-02  195
  Day 1: 5   21-02   
7.  Blaine Bunney          Claremore, OK            5  20-13  194
  Day 1: 5   20-13   
7.  Danny McGarry          Newcastle CANADA         5  20-13  194
  Day 1: 5   20-13   
9.  Jace Lindsay           Beckville, TX            5  20-10  192
  Day 1: 5   20-10   
10. Tanner Hadden          Appling, GA              5  20-08  191
  Day 1: 5   20-08   
11. Jack York              Emory, TX                5  20-07  190
  Day 1: 5   20-07   
12. Paul Marks             Cumming, GA              5  20-05  189
  Day 1: 5   20-05   
12. Nic Rand               Paw Paw, MI              5  20-05  189
  Day 1: 5   20-05   
14. Chase Clarke           Virginia Beach, VA       5  20-04  187
  Day 1: 5   20-04   
14. Kyoya Fujita           Yamanashi CA JAPAN       5  20-04  187
  Day 1: 5   20-04   
14. Brian Post             Janesville, WI           5  20-04  187
  Day 1: 5   20-04   
14. Pake South             Winnsboro, TX            5  20-04  187
  Day 1: 5   20-04   
18. Buddy Benson           Dahlonega, GA            5  20-01  183
  Day 1: 5   20-01   
18. Emil Wagner            Marietta, GA             5  20-01  183
  Day 1: 5   20-01   
20. Bryan Finch            Belton, TX               5  19-15  181
  Day 1: 5   19-15   
21. Laker Howell           Guntersville, AL         5  19-10  180
  Day 1: 5   19-10   
22. Miles Burghoff         Dayton, TN               5  19-08  179
  Day 1: 5   19-08   
23. Bailey Bleser          Burlington, WI           5  19-06  178
  Day 1: 5   19-06   
24. Ian Waterer            East Selkirk CANADA      5  19-03  177
  Day 1: 5   19-03   
25. Matt Pangrac           Shawnee, OK              5  19-01  176
  Day 1: 5   19-01   
26. Dalton Smith           Taylorsville, KY         5  19-00  175
  Day 1: 5   19-00   
27. Tommy Wood             Peregian Springs AUSTRA  5  18-13  174
  Day 1: 5   18-13   
28. Nick Dumke             Grand Rapids, MN         5  18-08  173
  Day 1: 5   18-08   
29. Wyatt Marler           Oldfield, MO             5  18-06  172
  Day 1: 5   18-06   
30. Ethan Fields           Carlyle, IL              5  18-05  171
  Day 1: 5   18-05   
31. Easton Fothergill      Grand Rapids , MN        5  18-03  170
  Day 1: 5   18-03   
32. Jason Pruess           Haysville, KS            5  18-02  169
  Day 1: 5   18-02   
33. Brad Jelinek           Lincoln, MO              5  17-10  168
  Day 1: 5   17-10   
34. Fisher Anaya           Eva, AL                  5  17-09  167
  Day 1: 5   17-09   
35. Jimmy Washam           Stantonville, TN         5  17-08  166
  Day 1: 5   17-08   
36. Garrett Paquette       Canton, MI               5  17-04  165
  Day 1: 5   17-04   
37. Colby Dark             West Monroe, LA          5  17-03  164
  Day 1: 5   17-03   
38. Brett Hite             Phoenix, AZ              5  17-01  163
  Day 1: 5   17-01   
39. Jonathan Pimentel      Camdenton, MO            5  17-00  162
  Day 1: 5   17-00   
40. Aaron Jagdfeld         Rochester Hills, MI      5  16-15  161
  Day 1: 5   16-15   
41. Kenny Mittelstaedt     Minnetonka, MN           5  16-14  160
  Day 1: 5   16-14   
42. Dylan Akins            Flowery Branch, GA       5  16-13  159
  Day 1: 5   16-13   
43. Andy Hribar            Lakeville, MN            5  16-11  158
  Day 1: 5   16-11   
43. Jeff Somers            Otsego, MN               5  16-11  158
  Day 1: 5   16-11   
45. Bo Thomas              Edwardsburg, MI          5  16-09  156
  Day 1: 5   16-09   
46. Chad Grigsby           Maple Grove, MN          5  16-08  155
  Day 1: 5   16-08   
47. Jacob Policka          Twin Lake, MI            5  16-07  154
  Day 1: 5   16-07   
47. Casey Scanlon          Eldon, MO                5  16-07  154
  Day 1: 5   16-07   
47. Jack Tindel III        Orange, TX               5  16-07  154
  Day 1: 5   16-07   
50. Chancy Walters         West Des Moines, IA      5  16-06  151
  Day 1: 5   16-06   
51. Joe Wieberg            Freeburg, MO             5  16-05  150
  Day 1: 5   16-05   
52. Bryan Partak           Marseilles, IL           5  16-04  149
  Day 1: 5   16-04   
53. Caz Anderson           Hayesville, NC           5  16-03  148
  Day 1: 5   16-03   
54. Jacob Bigelow          Cecil, WI                5  16-02  147
  Day 1: 5   16-02   
54. Anthony Garcia         Los Angeles, CA          5  16-02  147
  Day 1: 5   16-02   
56. Dillon Harrell         New Caney, TX            5  16-02  145
  Day 1: 5   16-02   
57. Sam Hanggi             Knoxville, TN            5  16-01  144
  Day 1: 5   16-01   
58. Chris Beaudrie         Princeton, KY            4  16-01  143
  Day 1: 4   16-01   
59. Rylan Hamlin           Jackson, MI              5  16-00  142
  Day 1: 5   16-00   
60. Kyle Palmer            Winchester, TN           5  15-13  141
  Day 1: 5   15-13   
61. Jack Dice              Lynchburg, VA            5  15-12  140
  Day 1: 5   15-12   
62. Tyler Lubbat           Wheeling, IL             5  15-10  139
  Day 1: 5   15-10   
62. Dylan Mayo             Athens, TX               5  15-10  139
  Day 1: 5   15-10   
62. Danny Ramsey           Trinidad, TX             5  15-10  139
  Day 1: 5   15-10   
65. Brock Bila             Republic, MO             5  15-09  136
  Day 1: 5   15-09   
65. Michael Corbishley     Raleigh, NC              5  15-09  136
  Day 1: 5   15-09   
65. Steve Lee              Minneapolis, MN          5  15-09  136
  Day 1: 5   15-09   
68. Jason Barber           Gun Barrel City, TX      5  15-08  133
  Day 1: 5   15-08   
68. Ish Monroe             Oakdale, CA              5  15-08  133
  Day 1: 5   15-08   
68. Travis Peterson        Bemidji, MN              5  15-08  133
  Day 1: 5   15-08   
71. Matt Baker             Glenwood, AR             5  15-07  130
  Day 1: 5   15-07   
72. Evan Poroznik          Nestleton Station Ontar  5  15-06  129
  Day 1: 5   15-06   
73. Tai Au                 Glendale, AZ             5  15-05  128
  Day 1: 5   15-05   
73. Doug Chapin            Tigerton, WI             5  15-05  128
  Day 1: 5   15-05   
75. Jeff Johnson           Bemidji, MN              5  15-04  126
  Day 1: 5   15-04   
75. Clint Knight           Russellville, KY         5  15-04  126
  Day 1: 5   15-04   
75. Nathaniel Melgaard     Elk Mound, WI            5  15-04  126
  Day 1: 5   15-04   
78. Brandon Ackerson       Afton, OK                5  15-02  123
  Day 1: 5   15-02   
78. Scott Isaacs           Ladonia, TX              5  15-02  123
  Day 1: 5   15-02   
80. Alex Heintze           Denham Springs, LA       5  15-01  121
  Day 1: 5   15-01   
81. Darold Gleason         Leesville, LA            5  15-00  120
  Day 1: 5   15-00   
82. Easton Lindus          Woodville, WI            5  14-15  119
  Day 1: 5   14-15   
82. Jacob Thompkins        Myrtle Beach, SC         5  14-15  119
  Day 1: 5   14-15   
84. Luke Clausen           Otis Orchards, WA        5  14-13  117
  Day 1: 5   14-13   
84. Blake Schroeder        Bullard, TX              5  14-13  117
  Day 1: 5   14-13   
86. Harmon Marien          Eagle River, WI          4  14-13  115
  Day 1: 4   14-13   
87. Ty Faber               Pagosa Springs, CO       5  14-12  114
  Day 1: 5   14-12   
88. Lance Crawford         Broken Bow, OK           5  14-11  113
  Day 1: 5   14-11   
89. Ethen Preston          Tower City, ND           5  14-10  112
  Day 1: 5   14-10   
90. Andy Dassow            Medford, WI              5  14-09  111
  Day 1: 5   14-09   
90. Bailey Gay             Union, KY                5  14-09  111
  Day 1: 5   14-09   
92. Chris Groh             Spring Grove, IL         5  14-08  109
  Day 1: 5   14-08   
92. Billy McDonald         Greenwood, IN            5  14-08  109
  Day 1: 5   14-08   
92. Dan Welsh              Elko New Mrkt, MN        5  14-08  109
  Day 1: 5   14-08   
95. Riley Nielsen          Salt Lake City, UT       5  14-07  106
  Day 1: 5   14-07   
95. Brock Reinkemeyer      Warsaw, MO               5  14-07  106
  Day 1: 5   14-07   
97. Josh Gauthier          Petawawa CANADA          5  14-06  104
  Day 1: 5   14-06   
97. Kyle Metzger           Pearl River, LA          5  14-06  104
  Day 1: 5   14-06   
97. Yukihiro Sawamura      Harker Heights, TX       5  14-06  104
  Day 1: 5   14-06   
100. Kurt Chelminiak        Delafield, WI            5  14-05  101
  Day 1: 5   14-05   
100. Jordan Knutson         Saint Croix Falls, WI    5  14-05  101
  Day 1: 5   14-05   
100. Brad Leuthner          Victoria, MN             5  14-05  101
  Day 1: 5   14-05   
100. Joey Nania             Cropwell, AL             5  14-05  101
  Day 1: 5   14-05   
104. Satoshi Egawa          Fort Lee, NJ             5  14-04   97
  Day 1: 5   14-04   
104. Mike McClelland        Blue Eye, MO             5  14-04   97
  Day 1: 5   14-04   
106. Josh Wiesner           Fon du Lac, WI           5  14-01   95
  Day 1: 5   14-01   
107. Adam Rasmussen         Sturgeon Bay, WI         4  14-01   94
  Day 1: 4   14-01   
108. James Niggemeyer       Van, TX                  5  14-00   93
  Day 1: 5   14-00   
109. Russ Lane              Prattville, AL           5  13-15   92
  Day 1: 5   13-15   
109. Blake Smith            Lakeland, FL             5  13-15   92
  Day 1: 5   13-15   
111. Kollin Crawford        Broken Bow, OK           5  13-13   90
  Day 1: 5   13-13   
111. Kevin Dritschler       Prosper, TX              5  13-13   90
  Day 1: 5   13-13   
113. Cameron Mattison       Benton, LA               5  13-12   88
  Day 1: 5   13-12   
114. Paul Browning          Monahans, TX             5  13-10   87
  Day 1: 5   13-10   
115. Brooks Anderson        Marietta, GA             5  13-09   86
  Day 1: 5   13-09   
115. Joey Teofilo           Richmond Hill Ontario C  5  13-09   86
  Day 1: 5   13-09   
115. Nathan Thompson        Eagan, MN                5  13-09   86
  Day 1: 5   13-09   
118. Sean Lofgren           Forest Lake, MN          5  13-08   83
  Day 1: 5   13-08   
118. Hunter Wendt           Pequot Lakes, MN         5  13-08   83
  Day 1: 5   13-08   
120. Evan Cox-VanVliet      Loveland, CO             5  13-07   81
  Day 1: 5   13-07   
120. Andy Newcomb           Camdenton, MO            5  13-07   81
  Day 1: 5   13-07   
122. Brian Bengtson         Bloomington, MN          5  13-06   79
  Day 1: 5   13-06   
122. Freddy  Palmer         Estill Springs, TN       5  13-06   79
  Day 1: 5   13-06   
122. Ryan Thompson          Seymour, MO              5  13-06   79
  Day 1: 5   13-06   
125. Billy Billeaud         Lafayette, LA            5  13-04   76
  Day 1: 5   13-04   
125. Cody Bird              Granbury, TX             5  13-04   76
  Day 1: 5   13-04   
127. Chris Hellebuyck       White Lake, MI           5  13-03   74
  Day 1: 5   13-03   
127. Andrew Loberg          Guntersville, AL         5  13-03   74
  Day 1: 5   13-03   
127. Jim Moynagh            Outing, MN               5  13-03   74
  Day 1: 5   13-03   
127. Randall Tharp          Port St. Joe, FL         5  13-03   74
  Day 1: 5   13-03   
131. Kevin Ledoux           Choctaw, OK              5  13-02   70
  Day 1: 5   13-02   
132. Brian Neal             Big Lake, MN             4  13-02   69
  Day 1: 4   13-02   
133. Christian Ostrander    Turlock, CA              5  13-00   68
  Day 1: 5   13-00   
134. Justin Oppegard        Eagan, MN                5  12-14   67
  Day 1: 5   12-14   
134. Jaden Parrish          Liberty, TX              5  12-14   67
  Day 1: 5   12-14   
136. Michael Lebsack        Duluth, MN               5  12-12   65
  Day 1: 5   12-12   
136. Chris Miller           Spirit Lake, IA          5  12-12   65
  Day 1: 5   12-12   
136. Matt Molitor           Canton, IL               5  12-12   65
  Day 1: 5   12-12   
139. Kenta Kimura           Osaka OK JAPAN           5  12-11   62
  Day 1: 5   12-11   
139. Charlie Wright         Becker, MN               5  12-11   62
  Day 1: 5   12-11   
141. Josh Butler            Hayden, AL               4  12-11   60
  Day 1: 4   12-11   
142. Brent Shores           Savannah, TN             5  12-10   59
  Day 1: 5   12-10   
143. Allan Nail             Sand Springs, OK         5  12-09   58
  Day 1: 5   12-09   
143. Joey Punko             Broomfield, CO           5  12-09   58
  Day 1: 5   12-09   
145. Timothy Matt           Lake Village, IN         5  12-08   56
  Day 1: 5   12-08   
145. Lucas Ragusa           Gonzales, LA             5  12-08   56
  Day 1: 5   12-08   
145. Niko Romero            Coldspring, TX           5  12-08   56
  Day 1: 5   12-08   
148. Andrew Behnke          Fond Du Lac, WI          5  12-07   53
  Day 1: 5   12-07   
149. John Murray            Spring City, TN          5  12-06   52
  Day 1: 5   12-06   
149. Kane Weekley           Davie, FL                5  12-06   52
  Day 1: 5   12-06   
151. Matt Stefan            Junction City, WI        5  12-05   50
  Day 1: 5   12-05   
152. Cliff Crochet          Pierre Part, LA          5  12-04   49
  Day 1: 5   12-04   
153. Logan Johnson          Jasper, AL               5  12-03   48
  Day 1: 5   12-03   
153. Teb Jones              Yalaha, MS               5  12-03   48
  Day 1: 5   12-03   
155. Gary Hall              Wardville, OK            5  12-01   46
  Day 1: 5   12-01   
155. Trent Palmer           Cumming, GA              5  12-01   46
  Day 1: 5   12-01   
157. Lane Olson             Forest Grove, OR         5  11-15   44
  Day 1: 5   11-15   
158. Greg Bohannan          Bentonville, AR          5  11-14   43
  Day 1: 5   11-14   
158. Bj Miller              Adams, NE                5  11-14   43
  Day 1: 5   11-14   
158. Aaron Yavorsky         Palm Harbor, FL          5  11-14   43
  Day 1: 5   11-14   
161. Joe Titus              Bemidji, MN              4  11-14   40
  Day 1: 4   11-14   
162. Dave Parsons           Yantis, TX               5  11-12   39
  Day 1: 5   11-12   
162. Johno Roberts          Golden, CO               5  11-12   39
  Day 1: 5   11-12   
164. Ryan Michl             Newton, IL               5  11-11   37
  Day 1: 5   11-11   
165. Neal Gilmore           Magnolia, TX             5  11-09   36
  Day 1: 5   11-09   
165. Daniel Vega            Lake Park, IA            5  11-09   36
  Day 1: 5   11-09   
167. Mike Mayo              Athens, TX               5  11-08   34
  Day 1: 5   11-08   
168. Lunday Nornberg        Little Falls, MN         3  11-07   33
  Day 1: 3   11-07   
169. Keith Tuma             Brainerd, MN             4  11-05   32
  Day 1: 4   11-05   
170. Drake Hemby            Tallbot, TN              3  11-03   31
  Day 1: 3   11-03   
171. Ken Day                Kennewick, WA            5  11-01   30
  Day 1: 5   11-01   
172. Josh Douglas           Isle, MN                 5  10-15   29
  Day 1: 5   10-15   
173. Brett Cannon           Kiln, MS                 3  10-15   28
  Day 1: 3   10-15   
174. Joey Hanna             Corsicana, TX            4  10-11   27
  Day 1: 4   10-11   
175. Jonathon VanDam        Gobles, MI               3  10-04   26
  Day 1: 3   10-04   
176. Rick Clunn             Ava, MO                  5  10-02   25
  Day 1: 5   10-02   
177. Nick Trim              Galesville, WI           5  10-00   24
  Day 1: 5   10-00   
178. Doc Wootton            Collierville, TN         5  09-15   23
  Day 1: 5   09-15   
179. Mark Condron           Murfreesboro, TN         4  09-12   22
  Day 1: 4   09-12   
180. Sho Egawa              Osaka JAPAN              3  09-10   21
  Day 1: 3   09-10   
181. Matthew Kennedy        Littlefork, MN           5  09-09   20
  Day 1: 5   09-09   
182. Kobie Koenig           Cohassett, MN            3  09-09   19
  Day 1: 3   09-09   
183. Julius Mazy            Vinemont, AL             5  09-06   18
  Day 1: 5   09-06   
184. Jay Przekurat          Plover, WI               3  09-03   17
  Day 1: 3   09-03   
185. Brennan Berglund       Zimmerman, MN            4  09-01   16
  Day 1: 4   09-01   
186. John Hammersmith       Branson, MO              3  08-14   15
  Day 1: 3   08-14   
187. Stephen Browning       Hot Springs, AR          4  08-13   14
  Day 1: 4   08-13   
188. Michael Harlin         Gravois Mills, MO        3  08-07   13
  Day 1: 3   08-07   
189. Ryan Teigen            West Fargo, ND           3  08-00   12
  Day 1: 3   08-00   
190. Anastasia Patterson    Sumter, SC               4  07-11   11
  Day 1: 4   07-11   
191. Mike Johnson           Park Rapids, MN          4  07-08   10
  Day 1: 4   07-08   
191. Wyatt Wisian           Ardmore, OK              4  07-08   10
  Day 1: 4   07-08   
193. Wyatt Burkhalter       Coker, AL                2  07-06    8
  Day 1: 2   07-06   
194. Jacob Welch            Jefferson City, MO       4  07-03    7
  Day 1: 4   07-03   
195. Trevor McKinney        Noble, IL                2  07-01    6
  Day 1: 2   07-01   
196. Denny Fiedler          Wabasha, MN              2  05-15    5
  Day 1: 2   05-15   
197. Philip Roesener        Choctaw, OK              2  05-09    4
  Day 1: 2   05-09   
198. Chase Carey            Hoschton, GA             2  05-07    3
  Day 1: 2   05-07   
199. Jack Hakala            Esko, MN                 3  05-00    2
  Day 1: 3   05-00   
200. Chad Schauf            Sparta, WI               2  04-12    1
  Day 1: 2   04-12   
201. Garrett Wurm           Monticello, MN           2  04-06    0
  Day 1: 2   04-06   
202. Yui Aoki               Minamitsurugun JAPAN     2  04-04    0
  Day 1: 2   04-04   
202. Nate Caldwell          Fort Collins, CO         2  04-04    0
  Day 1: 2   04-04   
204. Kara Pasma             Golden Valley, MN        2  03-12    0
  Day 1: 2   03-12   
205. Dewayne French         Mammoth Spring, AR       2  03-12    0
  Day 1: 2   03-12   
206. Troy O’Rourke          Bentonville, AR          1  02-01    0
  Day 1: 1   02-01   
207. Trevor Stevenson       Coon Rapids, MN          1  01-05    0
  Day 1: 1   01-05   
208. Gary Clouse            Winchester, TN           0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
208. Travis Ledford         Tuttle, OK               0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
208. A.J. Menssen           Bloomington, IL          0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
208. Christian Nash         Allons, TN               0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
208. Rick Pierce            Mountain Home, AR        0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
208. Tim Sprouse            Clarksville, TN          0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
 1       168       957      2885-08
———————————-
         168       957      2885-08





Chris Jones & Ed Owens win the CATT Waccamaw River Summer Final with 5 bass weighing 14.65 lbs

Brian Carter
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Chris Jones & Ed Owens win the CATT Waccamaw River Summer Final with 5 bass weighing 14.65 lbs

18 teams entered the 2025 Waccamaw River Summer Final! We paid back a total of $3,820.00! #bestpaybackinthecarolinas

The 2025 Waccamaw River Fall schedule is posted! Come join us this Fall!

Tap on this link to view the Waccamaw River Fall schedule!  CATT Waccamaw River – Carolina Anglers Team Trail

Tap on the Lews Strike King logo to visit the Strike King website!

Chris Jones & Ed Owens win the Waccamaw River Summer Final with 5 bass weighing 14.65 lbs and they take home a$100 Lews/Strike King Gift Card for weighing the BF at 4.53 lbs! Total winning $2,645.00!

John Proctor & Jacob Barfield finished 2nd with 5 bass weighing 13.30 lbs! They collected $1,050.00! They also won the Summer Final Points and fished the Final Free and received $200.00!

TeamBFWeightWinnings
Ed Owens & Chris Jones4.5314.65$2,645.00
John Proctor & Jacob Barfield4.0413.30$1,050.00
Britt Brown & Danny Martin2.8010.82$325.00
Glenn Altman & Ray Inman2.259.74
Joey & Danny Mclean2.099.39
Chase Marshall & Brian Howard2.439.00
Trey Cribb & Dylan McConnell2.848.03
Dana Rabon & Donnie Register1.917.87
James Wade1.737.55
Jason Smith0.005.52
Timmy Williamson & Dason Lasik0.005.33
Bradley Canady & Houston Spivey0.000.00
Charlie Johnson & Nate Rabon0.000.00
Cain Conyers & River Squires0.000.00
Smithy Smith0.000.00
Dustin Powell & Andrew Vareen0.000.00
Lucas Russell & Thomas Young0.000.00
Casey Warren0.000.00





Keith Carson’s kinda stinky good luck Vexus® hat

Brian Carter
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Keith Carson’s kinda stinky good luck Vexus® hat

Keith Carson’s kinda stinky good luck Vexus® hat

Unlike a lot of anglers, Keith Carson doesn’t feel the least bit cursed by having a banana in his boat. Matter of fact, in case you need one, he often keeps more than one of the potassium-rich treats onboard to share. Just don’t ask to borrow his somewhat stinky, once bright red, now badly sun-bleached, good luck Vexus® Boats hat.

“I started wearing this particular Vexus hat in December before the 2025 season kicked-off, and I’ve been wearing it ever since. It’s got me three Top10s, and helped me qualify for REDCREST. So yea, I definitely think it’s good luck,” says the always jovial Floridian, and best friend of fellow Vexus pro, John Cox.

Carson and Cox started running around together at age 14, mostly on BMX bicycles in the year 2000, and when they discovered a mutual love of bass fishing, the bikes got shelved for aluminum boats. They towed their first shared aluminum boat around with a 1984 Chevrolet Caprice that Carson’s grandma gave him.

Now, as two of the top pros in America, not much has changed. Their penchant for aluminum versus fiberglass is stronger than ever.

“Part of our reliance on aluminum boats started with the fact neither John nor I came from money. So, aluminum boats were always more affordable, but when we discovered we could take them into water others couldn’t access in a heavier glass boat, and that we could catch fish they couldn’t get to, our love of aluminum grew even greater,” says Carson.

“This will sound like a promotional plug, but I swear to you the biggest factor in my recent Top 10s on both the Potomac River and Saginaw Bay was the boat. My AVX2100 floats about 4” shallower than most pros’ fiberglass boats. Not to mention, I’m not afraid to drive it over top of things they wouldn’t dare drive over in a glass boat,” grins Carson.

And while Keith Daffron, Hunter Baird, and the good folks at Vexus promise to ship him a handful of fresh hats, Carson is just fine remaining loyal to the sun-bleached model that’s brought him so much good fortune the past eight months.

“Shaylee bought one of those hat washing things you can use to clean a ball cap in a dishwasher or washing machine. We tried it, but it’s still a little stinky, and I’m okay with that. It tells me we didn’t wash all the good luck out of it,” laughs Carson in conclusion.





Chuck Murray & Randy Groves Win CATT Lake Gaston, NC Final!

Brian Carter
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Chuck Murray & Randy Groves Win CATT Lake Gaston, NC Final!

Thanks to everyone who came out and supported us with the Gaston CATT Trail so far this year. We ended our Spring Trail with a great turnout for the Final. Congrats to our winning team of Chuck Murray and Randy Groves who took home $3,140.00. Shane Doughtie and Evan White took home the AOY honors and hardware after another great season. Our Fall division starts up next Sunday 8/17. Come be a part of the best paying trail in the Carolinas!

Chuck Murray & Randy Groves are HOT this year! They won over $30,000.00 at the Academy CATT Championship back in May and they add $3,140.00 to their bag of 2025 cash with 5 bass weighing 19.85 lbs! They also brought in the BF at 6.14 lbs!

Jake & John Murdock brought in 5 weighing up at 15.28 lbs and earned $1,300.00!

Bentley & Adam Richerson claimed 3rd with 5 bass weighing 15.18 lbs worth $760.00!

Gaston Point winners Evan White & Shane Doughtie!

TeamBFWeightWinnings
Chuck Murray Randy Groves6.1419.85$3,140.00
Jake Murdock John Murdock0.0015.28$1,300.00
Adam Richardson Bentley Richardson0.0015.18$760.00
John Edwards Jr3.9413.54$300.00
Gene Richardson Blake Richardson0.0013.38
Jay Allen Scott Griffin0.0013.04
Jay Wright Mikey Anderson5.2613.02
Ben Dalton Dean Dalton4.0813.00
Dennis Bradley Allen Mitchell0.0012.96
Hunter Kendrick Austin Minton0.0011.52
Robby House Al Lancaster2.9010.58
Nelson Mayton Jesse Severt3.0410.56
James Joyner Chris McDaniel0.0010.30
Shane Doughtie Evan White0.008.92
Kendall Morris Nate Lancaster0.007.96
Andrew Grant Jeremy Hicks0.004.30
Josh Sharpe0.000.00
Mark Ellis Greg Husic0.000.00
Brooks Woodard0.000.00
Rick Morris Peter Hamiwka0.000.00





Record-Setting Win Leads FXR Pro Fish 1-2 Finish at Lake St. Clair

Brian Carter
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Record-Setting Win Leads FXR Pro Fish 1-2 Finish at Lake St. Clair

FXR Anglers Dominate at Yokohama Tire Bassmaster Elite at Lake St. Clair


Trey McKinney Captures Victory, FXR Claims Top Two in Elite Series Weekend
OAK BLUFF, Manitoba, (August 10, 2025) – FXR Pro Fish is thrilled to announce a spectacular
result at the Yokohama Tire Bassmaster Elite at Lake St. Clair. In a weekend of outstanding
competition, FXR Pro Fish angler Trey McKinney delivered a commanding performance,
finishing wire-to-wire to claim his second Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series title with a
four-day total of 96 pounds, 1 ounce—the heaviest winning weight recorded at Lake St. Clair and the fifth heaviest in a smallmouth event in B.A.S.S. history.


Adding to the excitement, FXR Pro Fish anglers secured both the champion and runner-up
positions, with Logan Parks delivering an exceptional showing to take second with 90 pounds, 6
ounces. Matt Robertson added to the team’s banner weekend by finishing fourth overall, giving
FXR three anglers in the Top 5 and showcasing their dominance on the water.
Quote from Chris Meyeraan of FXR Pro Fish
“I am so incredibly impressed by our whole team this past weekend. It was a true testament to
everyone’s hard work, dedication, and desire to win. Trey’s victory, Logan’s 2nd-place finish, and
Matt’s 4th were incredible achievements to witness. Our anglers are a huge part of what makes
FXR special — and moments like these make it all even more meaningful.”


Quote from Trey McKinney:
“It was an incredible week. Once I caught those fish this morning, I was so excited.
… I made three casts and that 6-2 came up and smoked it.”


Quote from Logan Parks:
“Obviously, I would love to be holding the big trophy. I had one of the most
unbelievable days of fishing ever on Day 2. I just went from there and stayed in that area.”


Trey McKinney is wrapping up the 2025 season on a hot streak, once again in the hunt for
the Bassmaster Angler of the Year title. After a standout run last year, he’s proving it was
no fluke—staying near the top and keeping the race tight right to the end.
The FXR Pro Fish Anglers will be back in action at the final round of the Bassmaster Elite series
on the Mississippi in La Crosse, WI from August 21 – 24, 2025. To learn more about the FXR
Pro Fish apparel or the Bassmaster series, please visit: https://fxrracing.com/pages/pro-fish or
https://www.bassmaster.com

Logan Parks





Seasonal movement critical in Bassmaster Elite finale at Upper Mississippi River

Brian Carter
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Seasonal movement critical in Bassmaster Elite finale at Upper Mississippi River

La Crosse, Wis., will host the Pro-Guide Batteries Bassmaster Elite at Upper Mississippi River Aug. 21-24.

Photo by Craig Lamb/B.A.S.S.

Aug. 14, 2025

Seasonal movement critical in Bassmaster Elite finale at Upper Mississippi River

LA CROSSE, Wis. — To catch fish, you have to know where they are. But looking past that obvious truth, knowing where they are often requires an understanding of where they’re going.

Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series pro Pat Schlapper said that principle will factor keenly into the Pro-Guide Batteries Bassmaster Elite at Upper Mississippi River.

Competition days will be August 21-24 with daily takeoffs from the Loggers Baseball Stadium at Copeland Park at 7 a.m. CT and weigh-ins each day back at the park at 3 p.m.

“It’s the time of year when mornings are starting to get cool and fish are probably going to transition into fall stuff,” Schlapper said. “In my opinion, it’s probably going to be at the early stages of (the transition).

“I think you’ll see the main channel play. I think you’ll see backwaters play. A little bit of everything will be going on. I think it should be a good tournament.”

As Schlapper explained, the fall transition finds fish heading toward the sites that they’ll use to ride out winter’s harshness. The fish move gradually, but steadily, and they do their best to fill their bellies along that course.

“Both smallmouth and largemouth want to feed, but they’ll typically set up on different places depending on where they’re moving to,” Schlapper said. “In certain areas, you will catch a mix of fish off a spot; or one day, it’ll be smallmouth on a spot, and the next day, it’ll be largemouth.

“That happened the last time we were at La Crosse, and that’s all about those fish migrating. You could definitely catch both on the same type of (main-river) stuff, but you’re not gonna go find a school of smallmouth way in a backwater on a patch of duckweed.”

In terms of calculating the course to those cold-season destinations, Schlapper said smallmouth typically winter on slackwater areas of the main-river channel. Largemouth tend to hunker down in heavily vegetated areas close to deep water.

The last time the Elite Series visited La Crosse in 2022, heavy rains sent muddy plumes into the Mississippi. Finding ribbons and pools of cleaner water proved essential to many anglers’ success, and Schlapper’s looking for the same importance this year.

“That’s always a major factor on the river,” he said. “That’s what the vegetation does, especially the eelgrass; it’ll really help filter out the water. Current, vegetation and clean water — those are the biggest things that dictate where fish are going to be.”

Wing dams, the rock walls positioned along the river to direct current inward and prevent siltation of the navigational channel, will be a popular target.

As Schlapper notes, these structures create prime feeding opportunities for fall fish, so some anglers will likely base at least some of their game plan on running several wing dams until they find active fish.

Another of the Upper Mississippi’s distinctive habitat scenarios comprises deeper water edging up to a shallow sandy ledge. These “sand breaks” offer prime feeding spots for fish — especially smallmouth bass — to run up and gobble the local forage, but it’s all about timing.

“Sand is always a factor down there, but it’s one of the more difficult things to figure out,” Schlapper said. “You could win on sand if you found the right deal, but unless you know where the good stuff is, it’s really hard to find that stuff.

“Somebody might be fishing down a stretch of vegetation and the fish come up busting and they find a spot like that. I’ve fished (the Upper Mississippi) for over 20 years and that’s one of the hardest things to find, because there’s so much of it and so much of it looks good, but the fish are not always there.”

Having closely monitored water levels, Schlapper said: “Overall, the water has been higher than normal pretty much all summer. It’s been dropping, but then all of a sudden, it’ll rain a bunch and then it’ll come back up. Unless something crazy happens, I think it’s gonna be a little higher than the last time we were there.”

Schlapper said a high river will expand opportunities, as fish — mostly largemouth — push farther into shoreline cover. That’s particularly relevant, as this year’s flourishing vegetation offers expansive habitat.

Top largemouth baits include frogs, swim jigs, bladed jigs, Texas-rigged flipping baits and Carolina rigs. Smallmouth anglers typically throw a mix of topwater walkers or poppers, swimbaits, Fluke-style baits and lipless baits.

The Upper Mississippi usually delivers plenty of fish, and most anglers will catch their limit, but those bigger fish of 3-plus pounds are the difference-makers. Hefty largemouth and smallmouth roam this fishery, but finding such kickers can prove challenging.

At the 2022 event, Maryland pro Bryan Schmitt found just enough to edge out 2024 Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year Chris Johnston by just 4 ounces, winning the event with a total of 63-4. Schlapper said he expects this year’s weights to be tight at the top of the leaderboard.

“I’ve been following the weights for local tournaments pretty closely this year, and I think if you can stay in that 16 1/2 to 16 3/4 pounds a day (range), I think you would have a chance at winning,” Schlapper said. “As far as making the cut, I really think that 13 (pounds) a day will do it.”

Those that excel in this final Elite event of the 2025 season will do so by figuring out those seasonal movements, finding ways to tempt bigger-than-average fish and capitalizing on every bite.

Live coverage of the Pro-Guide Batteries Bassmaster Elite at Upper Mississippi River will be available on Bassmaster.com Thursday and Friday beginning at 8 a.m. ET and running until 3 p.m. Roku will have coverage on Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Noon to 3 p.m. Coverage on Saturday will be available on FS1 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. before moving to Bassmaster.com from Noon to 3 p.m. Championship Sunday coverage can be found on FS1 from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with afternoon action to follow on Bassmaster.com.

This event is being hosted by Explore La Crosse.





Port Huron on Michigan’s Thumbcoast Set for B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup Next Week

Brian Carter
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Port Huron on Michigan’s Thumbcoast Set for B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup Next Week

5-hour ENERGY® announced as Presenting Sponsor of First MLF Fishing Clash Team Series event of season

PORT HURON, Mich. (Aug. 14, 2025) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Fishing Clash Team Series Presented by Bass Pro Shops is set to kickoff the 2025 season next week at Port Huron on Michigan’s Thumbcoast with the season-opening B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup Presented by 5-hour ENERGY®.  

5-hour ENERGY® joins Major League Fishing for the first time as the presenting sponsor of the B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup, marking the brand’s debut in the professional bass fishing arena. Known for fueling go-getters across the country, 5-hour ENERGY’s entry into the sport underscores the shared values of endurance, focus and high performance – qualities that define both MLF anglers and the brand’s loyal consumers.

“Major League Fishing is a perfect collaboration for us. Their high-energy competitions truly align with our brand and our fans,” said Leah Key, President of Living Essentials, LLC, the maker of 5-hour ENERGY® products. “Anglers know that early mornings and long days on the water require focus and a fast and effective energy boost. That’s where our portable and tasty 5-hour ENERGY shots really deliver.”

Hosted by Discover the Blue Michigan’s Thumbcoast, the B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup Presented by 5-hour ENERGY® is the first of the four-event Fishing Clash Team series. In keeping with traditional MLF Cup protocols, Port Huron, Michigan, was not revealed to Team Series competitors until six weeks prior to the start of the tournament. All fishable waters within 60 miles of Port Huron then went off limits to anglers. Fans watching the MLFNOW! livestream will find out the day’s competition waters right along with the anglers each morning.

“We are thrilled to welcome Major League Fishing’s Team Series to Michigan’s Thumbcoast,” said Terra Damchuk, Director of Sports and Groups for Discover the Blue Michigan’s Thumbcoast. “Our beautiful waterways provide the perfect backdrop for this exciting competition. We can’t wait for the anglers to experience the incredible fishing opportunities and our vibrant community that make our region so special. We look forward to welcoming the MLF team and anglers next week.”

On Day 1 in Port Huron, RFD-TV will broadcast the full day of competition live – a special one-time feature to kick off the season and new broadcast partnership. For the rest of the season, RFD-TV will carry the final period of each day’s competition. Every day of every event will still stream in full on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MLF and MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) apps, RFD-TV Now, Game & Fish TV, and Rumble, with post-produced episodes starting in January 2026 on Outdoor Channel.

The 12 teams that will compete in the Fishing Clash Team Series B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup Presented by 5-hour ENERGY® at Port Huron on Michigan’s Thumbcoast are:

Team 7Brew Coffee:
Alton Jones Jr., Waco, Texas
Alton Jones, Lorena, Texas

Team B&W Trailer Hitches:
Mark Davis, Mount Ida, Ark.
Gary Klein, Mingus, Texas

Team BUBBA:
Justin Cooper, Zwolle, La.
John Hunter, Shelbyville, Ky.

Team Ferguson:
Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif.
Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala.

Team Fishing Clash:
Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C.
Jeremy Lawyer, Sarcoxie, Mo.

Team Knighten:
Jake Lawrence, Paris, Tenn.
Colby Miller, Elmer, La.

Team Kubota:
Edwin Evers, Talala, Okla.
Skeet Reese, Auburn, Calif.

Team Lucas Oil:
Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn.
Andy Morgan, Dayton, Tenn.

Team O’Reilly Auto Parts:
Ron Nelson, Berrien Springs, Mich.
Martin Villa, Charlottesville, Va.

Team Smokey Mountain:
Dean Rojas, Lake Havasu City, Ariz.
Josh Bertrand, Queen Creek, Ariz.

Team StarTron:
Jacob Wall, New Hope, Ala.
Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla.

Team YETI:
Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J.
Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala.

The MLF Fishing Clash Team Series B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup Presented by 5-hour ENERGY® will also air on Outdoor Channel as six two-hour original episodes each Saturday afternoon starting January 3, 2026. The complete television schedule for the Fishing Clash Team Series on Outdoor Channel will be posted at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Proud sponsors of the MLF Fishing Clash Team Series include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Boat Technologies, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, E3 Sport Apparel, Epic Baits, Ferguson, Fishing Clash, Knighten Industries, Kubota, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, NITRO Boats, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Smokey Mountain Caffeinated Pouches, Star brite, Toyota, YETI and Zenni.

For complete details and updated information on the MLF Fishing Clash Team Series, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook,  X,  Instagram and YouTube.

About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery, Discovery+, Discovery GO, Animal Planet, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV and Game & Fish TV, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.





Fishing in the Dog Days of Summer!

Brian Carter
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Fishing in the Dog Days of Summer!
The heat of August and increased boat traffic can make bass fishing extremely tough. In these challenging conditions, using 5-8 inch soft plastic worms can excel because of their realistic profile. These baits are small enough to trigger bites from inactive or pressured bass while still offering enough bulk to attract larger fish. Their slim design allows them to be rigged in multiple ways, making them versatile across different water depths and structures. Whether you choose a simple straight design or one with a slight tail for extra movement, these worms provide the natural look that bass respond to during hot weather. Anglers who master finesse presentations with these baits can keep catching fish when power techniques fall short. Finesse worms are also ideal for anglers who prefer a slower, more controlled presentation, allowing for precise placement near cover or suspended fish. They perform well in both clear and slightly stained water, where a natural appearance is critical for success. By using lighter line and subtle rod movements, anglers can make these worms appear lifelike even to heavily pressured bass. Shallow grass edges, docks, and laydowns are all prime spots. Worms are a year-round tool, but their value in tough August conditions makes them an essential bait choice.Try our new 8-Inch MagDingo Worms! These are the ultimate game-changer in bass fishing! Engineered for anglers who know SIZE does matter, this lure is designed to attract only the BIGGEST bass with a fixation for the larger bait. The MagDingo Worm boasts a solid 8-inch body enhanced with a hyperactive ribbed design, ensuring irresistible mouth-watering action for those trophy bass. The 10-count packs are now available in a variety of 6 crucial colors including the 10w30 Synthetic, Black & Blue, Zombie Blood, Green Pumpkin, Wild Cherry, and Watermelon Red. Each worm is made in the USA from durable, high-grade Non-Salted plastic for lifelike action and unparalleled durability. Perfectly balanced for a variety of rigging options and scented for maximum attraction, the 8-inch MagDingo Worm promises year-round effectiveness in lakes, rivers, and streams. Whether you’re rigging it on a Shakey Head, Drop Shot, Texas Rig, or Carolina Rig, these worms are your ticket to landing trophy sized smallmouth and largemouth bass.
A drop shot rig is one of the best ways to present a worm to bass holding in deeper water during summer. This setup allows anglers to suspend a worm slightly off the bottom, putting it right in the strike zone of fish that are not actively chasing bait. Target areas such as long points, humps, creek channel swings, and rocky bends where bass often suspend. The key is keeping the weight on the bottom while subtly quivering the bait above it, creating an irresistible, natural-looking presentation. Both 8-inch worms and smaller 5–6 inch worms work well on a drop shot, with nose hooking for maximum action or Texas rigging to avoid snags in light vegetation. This technique is perfect for anglers needing a dependable approach when summer conditions make other presentations fail. The drop shot excels in clear water where a natural presentation is essential to fool wary bass. Because the bait remains slightly above the bottom, it is visible to suspended fish and can entice strikes when other lures go unnoticed. Anglers can adjust leader length to position the worm at different depths, improving success based on how fish are holding. Light line and a sensitive rod help detect subtle bites, which are common in tough summer conditions. With practice, the drop shot becomes a confidence technique that consistently produces fish when the bite is at its slowest.Proper equipment is critical when fishing a drop shot rig. A light line, usually around 6-pound fluorocarbon, helps keep the presentation subtle and improves sensitivity for detecting light bites. A spinning rod between 7’3” and 7’6” with a moderate or fast action provides the right combination of casting distance, lure control, and flexibility during the fight. Weights in the 1/16 to 1/4 ounce range are ideal for most conditions, offering control without overpowering the small worm’s natural action. The combination of a sinking fluorocarbon line and a soft plastic worm creates a natural fall and hover that entices pressured fish. This setup allows anglers to confidently fish deep or clear water while maintaining a lifelike presentation that bass can’t resist. Choosing the right hook is also important, with small finesse-style hooks providing the best balance of strength and minimal impact on bait action. Reels with smooth drag systems help protect light line and allow fish to be played carefully without break offs. Keeping rod movements calm rather than aggressive prevents lifting the weight off the bottom and maintains a natural presentation. Pairing this gear with patience and attention to detail greatly improves hook-up ratios on finicky bass. Overall, a properly balanced drop shot setup gives anglers confidence to fish more efficiently and effectively in challenging conditions.
Rigging soft plastic worms on jig heads like ball heads, shaky heads, or darter-style heads is another productive summer strategy. These rigs let anglers fish along weed lines, humps, and channel edges while keeping the bait in close contact with the bottom. A slow, crawling retrieve works best in tough summer conditions, as it gives bass ample time to find and commit to the bait. Worms with subtle tail action, 8-inch worms excel when slowly dragged or gently lifted to mimic a baitfish or small aquatic creature. For open water or clean bottoms, open-hook jig heads are fine, but when fishing weedy areas, Texas-rigging the worm on the jig head helps prevent snags. This approach allows anglers to thoroughly work an area while presenting a subtle and natural-looking bait. Lightweight jig heads, often between 1/16 and 3/8 ounce, create a slow fall that draws strikes from sluggish fish. Anglers should focus on maintaining bottom contact without overpowering the bait’s natural movement. A medium power rod with a fast tip provides sensitivity to detect light bites while still offering enough backbone for solid hook sets. Using fluorocarbon line enhances sensitivity and it’s less visible to wary bass in clear water. Jig heads expand an angler’s ability to cover water effectively while offering a finesse approach.Using a stick-styled worm is the most tried and true ways to catch fish. We have a variety of 5-inch Worms to choose from but we just added MidNight, Glow, and Ghost Worms! Our popular Watermelon Red Worms have been restocked as well. You can also experience our new wacky rigging kit while it’s ON SALE! The WACKY Pack offers our most popular colors and essential tools for wacky rigging. If you’re fast enough you might be able to grab the limited-release Pumpkin Spice Worm before it’s completely sold out along with some of our newest colors including the Brown Worm, Electric Chicken Worm, and Goby Wan Worm colors. The high-grade non-salt plastic they’re made from provides positive buoyancy and it even floats underwater! We also released new 6-inch Worms including Charmeleon, Rainbow TRT, Bone, Chocolate Mint, and Fire TGR — all available in 5 and 6-inch. We’ve also recently released new 8-count packs of worms available in Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, and Green Pumpkin. We also offer worms that have the unique ability to shift from one color to another. Scented for total attraction underwater.
The Texas rig remains a top choice when fishing around aquatic vegetation and heavy cover in summer. By rigging an 5-8 inch worm weedless with a light weight, anglers can pitch into holes, edges, and pockets within thick vegetation without snagging. Lightweight sinkers, often 1/16 to 1/8 ounce, allow the bait to fall naturally and slowly, which is essential when bass are sluggish. Working the worm slowly through cover is key, small hops and drags are often all it takes to trigger a bite. A medium-heavy rod paired with about 10–12 pound fluorocarbon or braided line provides the strength to pull fish out of dense vegetation. With patience and careful presentation, the Texas rig helps anglers reach bass that stay buried in cover during hot, sunny days. This rig’s weedless design allows anglers to explore heavy vegetation that other setups might struggle to penetrate. Keeping movements subtle ensures the bait looks natural and stays in the strike zone longer. Anglers should focus on targeting shaded areas, isolated clumps of weeds, or holes in the vegetation where bass often ambush prey. Using a pegged weight can further improve control and accuracy when pitching into tight spots. Overall, the Texas rig remains one of the most versatile and effective ways to reach fish in thick summer coverA weightless wacky rig offers a subtle approach for targeting shallow areas with cover like docks, overhangs, or shaded bank edges. By hooking a flat, soft plastic worm in the middle, the bait flutters naturally as it falls, often triggering strikes before it reaches the bottom. This technique shines when skipped under docks or low-hanging trees where bass seek shade during peak summer heat. Lighter line in the 10–12 pound range and a shorter rod around 6’6” to 6’8” make skipping easier and improve accuracy. Smaller hooks, like size 1 or 1/0, keep the worm’s movement natural and prevent tearing. The wacky rig’s simplicity and natural action make it an excellent choice for clear, shallow water where bass are easily spooked. One of the biggest advantages of this rig is its ability to produce a slow, vertical fall without additional weights. This gives bass extra time to inspect and commit to the bait, which is key when fish are inactive or pressured. Anglers can also add slight twitches on slack line to increase the worm’s flutter, creating more strikes from nearby fish. Because the rig lands softly, it’s perfect for sneaking into tight, shaded pockets without spooking fish. When mastered, the wacky rig becomes a reliable way to catch bass that are otherwise reluctant to bite.
 
 
August bass fishing requires a slower pace and greater attention to detail than many other times of the year. Fish are often less active due to high water temperatures and heavy fishing pressure, so fast or aggressive retrieves tend to be less productive. Instead, light weights, small soft plastic worms, and subtle presentations keep the bait in the strike zone longer and appear more natural. Anglers must focus on thoroughly working each area and slowing down their movements to trigger bites. This approach often means fishing fewer spots but covering each one more completely. Patience and finesse are the keys to consistent success during the toughest part of the summer. Adjusting mindset is just as important as adjusting technique, as anglers need to expect fewer bites and value quality over quantity. Slowing down allows for better lure control and a more natural appearance that appeals to pressured bass. Taking extra time to pick apart high-potential areas, such as isolated cover or shaded structures, often leads to success when other anglers quickly move on. This approach also helps anglers improve overall precision and awareness, noticing subtle changes in structure or fish behavior. In tough summer conditions, slowing down is often the difference between going home empty-handed and landing a memorable catch.We have a wide variety of terminal tackle to choose from, but we’ve released new Nako Tungsten Tear Drop Shot Weights, crafted from 97% eco-friendly tungsten for stealth, durability, and vibration, with easy-to-read size stamps and a crimped swivel for quick changes. Owner Mosquito Hooks work for dropshotting and perfectly accommodates a wide range of soft plastics. The new Haymaker EWG Worm Hooks are also now available, featuring an extra-wide gap for various soft plastics, a Z-lock shoulder bend for secure bait placement, and an angled-up super needle point for fast, powerful hooksets. The popular All Purpose Hooks are built with an extra-wide gap and are made to accommodate a wide range of soft plastics. The Block Head Jig is perfect for ned rigging the HellaMite with its mushroom-style head that seamlessly matches a wide variety of soft plastics. The Offset Block Head Jig, offers the same mushroom-style head with a unique offset hook, making it a go-to for weedless Ned Rig applications. The Shakey Ultrahead can permanently secure baits by inserting the pin in the center and screwing the twist lock coil spring for perfect rigging every time! The Ultrahead Wacky Jig features precise weight positioning and hook orientation for the ultimate wacky presentations. For fast Texas rigging, we use the Bullet-Type Rig which has an attached weight saving you precious time when fishing cover. The 4x Jungle Flippin Hook is designed for big fish and the toughest conditions. The Range Roller Jig Head is crafted for precision with its high center axis design, perfect for hover-strolling and mid to bottom strolling with forward facing sonar, ensuring an enticing rolling action that triggers bites. For creature-styled baits, a more popular choice to use is the Stand-Up Jig because it sits the bait up-right in a defensive stance! We also just released Keep’em Fresh Bait Bags! These bags are the ultimate solution for anglers who need their gear to perform. Built like a tank, this bag is 20x stronger than regular zip bags and offers 100% waterproof protection with a rock-solid double zipper seal. Whether it’s for soft plastics, snacks, or your smartphone, this reusable and versatile bag keeps everything safe from water, mud, and grime. It’s lightweight yet spacious, it fits snugly in your tackle box or backpack, making it perfect for your next trip.





Major League Fishing Reveals 2026 Toyota Series Schedule

Brian Carter
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Major League Fishing Reveals 2026 Toyota Series Schedule

BENTON, Ky. (Aug. 12, 2025) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today the schedule for the 2026 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats , set to kick off in February on Alabama’s famed Lake Guntersville and wrap up in November with the Toyota Series Championship on Pickwick Lake – a Bill Dance Signature Lake – in Counce, Tennessee.

“The 2026 Toyota Series schedule builds on the momentum of an incredible 2025 season,” said MLF Toyota Series Tournament Director Mark McWha. “We’re confident that the 2026 schedule is set to deliver both high-level competition and the chance for grassroots anglers to shine on major stages. From legendary fisheries to exciting new opportunities, the upcoming season is shaping up to be one of the best yet for our anglers and fans.”

As one of the premier tournament trails in the country, the Toyota Series offers the highest payouts at the lowest entry fees available nationally. The series gives anglers the opportunity to compete in familiar regional waters for lucrative awards and advancement to the nationally televised Toyota Series Championship.

For Hardin County and Pickwick Landing State Park, the Toyota Series Championship’s return underscores the strong partnership between MLF, Tennessee State Parks and local tourism leaders – a relationship that continues to spotlight the fishery’s reputation as a premier fishing destination.

“Explore Pickwick Lake/Hardin County Tourism is pleased once again to host Major League Fishing for the Toyota Series Championship out of Pickwick Landing State Park, Tennessee,” said Beth Pippin, Tourism Executive Director. “Our partnership with Tennessee State Parks and MLF is a valuable opportunity in our efforts to continue our reputation as a national fishing destination. This economic impact drives our economy through sales tax, lodging tax, restaurants and other small businesses engagement, making MLF’s time here a boost to our revenue.”

At the championship, professional anglers will compete for a top prize of up to $235,000, including a $35,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus, while co-anglers will vie for a Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat powered by a 115-horsepower outboard, valued at $33,500.

The winning pro at the 2026 Toyota Series Championship will also earn a coveted invitation to REDCREST 2027, the Bass Pro Tour championship event, where a top prize of $300,000 is on the line.
                                                          
2026 MLF Toyota Series Schedule:

Central Division

Feb. 18-20*                         Lake Guntersville                          Guntersville, Ala.
Hosted by Marshall County Tourism & Sports 

March 31 – April 2**        Pickwick Lake                                 Counce, Tenn.
Hosted by Explore Pickwick Lake/Hardin County Tourism

May 13-15*                         Lake Eufaula                                   Eufaula, Ala.
                                             Hosted by the Eufaula Barbour County Chamber of Commerce

Northern Division

June 25-27                           Potomac River                                Marbury, Md.
                                              Hosted by the Charles County Government, Dept. of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism

July 30 – Aug. 1                  St. Lawrence River                         Massena, N.Y.
                                             Hosted by the Town of Massena

Aug. 27-29                           Lake Champlain                             Plattsburgh, N.Y.
Hosted by the City of Plattsburgh & Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau

Plains Division

Mar. 10-12**                       Lake of the Ozarks                         Osage Beach, Mo.
Hosted by the City of Osage Beach

April 9-11                            Kentucky Lake                                Gilbertsville, Ky.
Hosted by the Kentucky Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

June 18-20                           Lake Dardanelle                               Russellville, Ark.
Hosted by the Russellville Tourism & Visitors Center

Southern Division

Jan. 29-31                            Lake Okeechobee                             Clewiston, Fla.
Hosted by the Hendry County Tourism Development Council

March 4-6*                          Kissimmee Chain of Lakes              Kissimmee, Fla.
Hosted by Experience Kissimmee

April 30 – May 2                 Lake Seminole                                   Bainbridge, Ga.
Hosted by Visit Bainbridge

Southwestern Division

Feb. 12-14                            Sam Rayburn Reservoir                    Brookeland, Texas
Hosted by the Jasper – Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce

March 26-28                        Grand Lake                                         Grove, Okla.
Hosted by the City of Grove & Grove Convention and Tourism Bureau

June 11-13                            Arkansas River                                   Muskogee, Okla.
Hosted by Visit Muskogee

Toyota Series Championship

Nov. 5-7                                Pickwick Lake                                     Counce, Tenn.
                                              Hosted by Explore Pickwick Lake/Hardin County Tourism

*Wednesday-Friday event
**Tuesday-Thursday event

Full program rules and details for the 2026 MLF Toyota Series will be announced later this year.

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





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