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Major League Fishing’s Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit to Premiere Saturday on CBS Sports Network

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Major League Fishing’s Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit to Premiere Saturday on CBS Sports Network

Guaranteed Rate Stop 1 at Sam Rayburn Reservoir to Kick Off Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit on CBS Sports Network, New Episodes Premiere Every Saturday at 11 a.m. ET

TULSA, Okla. (July 7, 2022) – The 27th season of the Major League Fishing (MLF) Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Fuel Me is set to premiere with a two-hour episode Saturday, July 9, at 11 a.m. ET on CBS Sports Network.

The 2022 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Fuel Me features a roster of the world’s best bass-fishing professionals competing across six regular-season events, each with a top award of up to $135,000. The field also competes for valuable points to qualify for the 2022 Tackle Warehouse TITLE Presented by Mercury – the Pro Circuit Championship.

The first two-hour episode of the Pro Circuit will showcase Guaranteed Rate Stop 1 at the Sam Rayburn Reservoir Presented by Ark Fishing in Brookeland, Texas. Episodes will premiere Saturdays at 11 a.m. ET on the CBS Sports Network and culminate with six new episodes of the Tackle Warehouse TITLE – the Pro Circuit Championship event – airing from October through mid-November.

The complete air schedule for the 2022 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Fuel Me on the CBS Sports Network is:

– July 9                     Guaranteed Rate Stop 1 at Sam Rayburn Reservoir Presented by Ark Fishing Championship Round
– July 16                   Bass Boat Technologies Stop 2 at the Harris Chain of Lakes Presented by Frogg Toggs Championship Round
– July 23                   Lithium Pros Stop 3 at Pickwick Lake Presented by Covercraft Championship Round
– Aug. 20                 B&W Trailer Hitches Stop 4 at Lake Guntersville Presented by A.R.E. Championship Round
– Aug. 27                 Toyota Stop 5 at the James River Presented by PowerStop Brakes Championship Round
– Sept. 3                   Covercraft Stop 6 at Lake Champlain Presented by Wiley X Championship Round
– Oct. 8                     Tackle Warehouse TITLE at the St. Lawrence River Presented by Mercury Qualifying Round Group A-Day 1
– Oct. 15                   Tackle Warehouse TITLE at the St. Lawrence River Presented by Mercury Qualifying Round Group B-Day 1
– Oct. 22                   Tackle Warehouse TITLE at the St. Lawrence River Presented by Mercury Qualifying Round Group A-Day 2
– Oct. 29                   Tackle Warehouse TITLE at the St. Lawrence River Presented by Mercury Qualifying Round Group B-Day2
– Nov. 5                    Tackle Warehouse TITLE at the St. Lawrence River Presented by Mercury Knockout Round
– Nov. 12                 Tackle Warehouse TITLE at the St. Lawrence River Presented by Mercury Championship Round
The full television schedule can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit include: 4WP, 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, A.R.E. Truck Caps, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, Gary Yamamoto Baits, General Tire, Lew’s, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Wiley X and YETI.

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

Options Abound For Bassmaster Elite Series Event On St. Lawrence River

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Options Abound For Bassmaster Elite Series Event On St. Lawrence River

Taku Ito, who took home his first victory in 2021 on the St. Lawrence, will be among the field when Clayton, N.Y., hosts the Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River July 14-17. 

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

July 7, 2022

Options Abound For Bassmaster Elite Series Event On St. Lawrence River

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CLAYTON, N.Y. — While locals classify St. Lawrence Seaway vessels as salties (ocean-going ships) and lakers (those used solely for inland transit), a similar notation will divide the field of 90 anglers set to compete in the Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River.

Competition days will be July 14-17 with daily takeoffs from the Antique Boat Museum at 7 a.m. ET and weigh-ins each day back at the museum at 3 p.m.

Launching the season’s final three-event phase, known as the Northern Swing, tournament boundaries include Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, which carries Great Lakes water northeast to the Atlantic Ocean. Veteran Elite Series pro Clark Wendlandt, who fished his first professional tournament on the St. Lawrence, said anglers have a tremendous amount of diversity.

“When we went out of Clayton in 2020, the Canadian side was closed (due to global pandemic restrictions),” said Wendlandt, who finished third in last year’s St. Lawrence event. “This year, the Canadian side is open — and with Lake Ontario, it’s massive. I think the sky’s the limit.”

Traditionally, Lake Ontario has produced the greatest number of quality fish. The river definitely holds big smallmouth as well, but the majority of the 5- and 6-pounders come from the lake.

With Lake Ontario’s vastness necking down into the St. Lawrence, the suddenly constricted water creates stronger current. Fish expend more energy in swift water, as opposed to the stationary lake lifestyle, which allows for more weight retention. Also, river anglers are forced to fish the shoals, rocks and ledges with long drifts, while the lake favors a more target-oriented strategy.

Time and fuel consumption won’t allow anglers to visit Lake Ontario’s entirety, but the northeastern region that sits within realistic tournament range offers a generous array of options. From Cape Vincent and Chaumont Bay near the U.S. side of the river mouth, to offshore islands, to open-water bottom structure, Lake Ontario smallmouth love their rocks.

A variety of shiners and minnow-type baitfish inhabit Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River structure, but the round goby — an invasive species that reached the Great Lakes region through the bilge water expulsions of international ships — dominates the food web. Lacking a swim bladder, these smallmouth snack bars are mostly bottom huggers, so it’s no surprise that drop shots, Ned rigs and Carolina rigs do most of the work.

Jerkbaits, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, swimbaits and marabou jigs also tempt smallmouth. This offers plenty of options for anglers, but, as Wendlandt points out, the brown fish are not the only game in town.

“There’s a variety of ways to fish there and, in 2020, largemouth earned third place,” Wendlandt said of Brock Mosley’s atypical game plan that year. “If you fish for largemouth, you’re going to have the whole fishery to yourself.”

Mosley spent most of his time working seawalls and shoreline structure in the Clayton area. He caught his fish on a bladed jig, but squarebills, spinnerbaits, swimbaits and Texas rigs will also interest largemouth.

Those who fish the lake use their electronics to target specific structure. A lot of this is at least partially vertical in nature, but forward-facing sonar enables anglers to closely inspect a structure and target specific fish.

Following this game plan, Japanese pro Taku Ito won last year’s St. Lawrence River event after making the daily 70-mile run from the Waddington, N.Y., takeoff site to Lake Ontario. That event concluded with windy conditions, which extended running times, but most of the Top 10 finishers braved the waves to seek those heavier lake fish.

This year’s weather outlook calls for southwest winds of less than 10 mph, but much can change. To this point, Wendlandt said anglers taking on the big lake must remain vigilant.

“You have to be smart; the wind can mess you up,” he said. “Our boats can handle it; you just have to take your time.

“You can’t fish as effectively. You can’t use your trolling motor (as well) when it’s windy, so you have to be willing to drift when it’s really bad.”

Going into the tournament, Brandon Palaniuk of Rathdrum, Idaho, leads the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings with 536 points. John Cox of DeBary, Fla., sits in second place with 518.

In the Falcon Rods Bassmaster Rookie of the Year race, Joseph Webster of Hamilton, Ala., holds the top spot with 373 points. He leads Jacob Foutz of Charleston, Tenn., by just 3 points.

Wendlandt predicts it will take a little under 20 pounds a day to reach Championship Sunday’s Top 10 field. An Elite angler has yet to enter the Century Club (recognizing a four-day total of 100 pounds or more) with all smallmouth, but Wendlandt predicts the brown fish will comprise a 102-pound winning total.

“We’ve gotten pretty close before, so I’m going to make it a goal,” Wendlandt said. “I think this will be a good event.

“It’s just a good place to fish and it has big fish. Whether it be smallmouth or largemouth, I think there’ll be an odd pattern that gets into the Top 10.”

Full coverage from all four days of the Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River will be available on Bassmaster.com and the FOX Sports digital platforms. FS1 will also broadcast live with the tournament leaders on Saturday and Sunday, July 16-17 beginning at 8 a.m. ET.
The Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River is being hosted by the 1000 Islands Clayton Chamber of Commerce.

LARGEN CONQUERS BASS, COMPETITIVE FIELD AT LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE HOBIE B.O.S. EVENT

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LARGEN CONQUERS BASS, COMPETITIVE FIELD AT LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE HOBIE B.O.S. EVENT

 

LARGEN CONQUERS BASS, COMPETITIVE FIELD AT LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE HOBIE B.O.S. EVENT

Keys on shallow-feeding largemouths in busy waters to outdistance Zapala and Lacasse bronzeback limits

OCEANSIDE, Calif. (July 6, 2022) – Catching both a competitive field and a stellar bass population off guard, Justin Largen bet on bucketmouths rather than bronzebacks to rack-up an impressive win at the 2022 Hobie Bass Open Series (B.O.S.) Anchored by Power-Pole® two-day catch, photograph and release (CPR) Lake Winnipesaukee event.

“This really turned out to be an epic show,” said tournament director, Cody Prather. “Eighty anglers came to sample the super bass action in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire and they really had a great time. Day 1 witnessed 51 competitors break the 80-inch mark while 68 pulled full five-fish daily limits. Day 2 was nearly as good with 44 anglers topping 80 inches and 55 limiting out. That’s great bass fishing anywhere in the U.S.A. The field was highly competitive, too, and included world renown bass pro Mike Iaconelli, plus an assemblage of top-tier Hobie B.O.S regulars, as participants from as far away as Texas and Tennessee made the trip north.”

In the end, it was the 37-year-old Largen, of Roanoke, Virginia, who managed to close the deal with a two-day ten-fish total measuring 183 inches. Matthew Zapala, 32 of Albany, New York, built on a fourth-place Day 1 finish to climb into the second slot with 178.50 inches, while Justin Lacasse, 41 of Johnston, Rhode Island, finished third after leading the first day of the event. Bassin’ Big Bass honors for the tourney’s largest fish went to Jason Cassetty, of Beech Grove, Indiana, for a 21-inch lunker largemouth corralled in the final hours of the competition.

For their efforts, Largen, Zapala and Lacasse took home checks worth $5,000, $2,750 and $1,950, respectively, while Cassetty pocketed $500. Additionally, AFTCO Angler of the Year (AOY) points were awarded throughout the field. The top three finishers also punched tickets to the 2022 Hobie Tournament of Champions (TOC) on Caddo Lake, November 11-13, in Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana. The TOC is a three-day 50-angler championship with a $100,000 payout guarantee and $45,000 first-place prize.

“This is my first Hobie B.O.S. win,” said Largen, who tipped his hat to the keen competition, noting that spots two through seven on the leader board all fell to the northern fleet. “I expected this to be a highly contested tournament,” he explained. “A lot of northern anglers come down to Virginia to compete and they always seem to do really well, so to win one up in New Hampshire certainly feels special. I knew a few things would have to go right for that to happen.”

Actually, Largen got off to a slightly bumpy start. He had found a few patches of worthwhile smallmouths during pre-tourney practice sessions before locating a stretch of bucketmouths holding under docks. “The smallies weren’t big enough to get me where I needed to be, so I decided I’d work that largemouth stretch on Day 1 and see if I could put together a decent limit before trying to grind out Day 2.”

The first bass Largen hooked was a “very solid” fish, but it cut the line on a boat prop. After that, however, things went smoothly as the Virginian, fishing from a Hobie Outback 12 with 180 Mirage Drive and Kick-Up Fins, used spinning gear to toss a Texas-rigged Missile 48 Goby Bite pattern worm with a 2/0-light wire hook. In short order he had a nice limit and continued working hard to cull his way to a second-place Day 1 finish with 90.25 inches of bass – all largemouths.

For Day 2, Largen headed to a back-up spot where he had found a few more largemouths during practice runs. “Those fish were in a highly trafficked area, so I was amazed nobody had found them,” he revealed. Switching to a Missile Quiver 4.5-inch spade-tail stick worm, he pulled four nice bass before heading back to his Day 1 docks and filling out his limit.

Zapala, meanwhile, limited out both days with the smallmouths. He had planned to look for some shallow topwater action with the bronzebacks but couldn’t get that bite to light up, so he changed course and headed offshore to work a drop shot in 30-foot depths.

“The finesse bite really was on fire,” recalled Zapala, “I was catching a ton of 17-inch fish but had a hard time going bigger. My largest bass was a solid 19-incher on Day 1. Still, the smallmouth fishing was amazing and I’m pretty happy with my finish considering the tough competition here and that I qualified for the Tournament of Champions. Justin’s winning performance was insane – that’s a heck of a largemouth bass limit for this lake.”

Lacasse was pleased with his performance as well. He led the field while tossing Ned rigs and Shakey Heads in less than two feet of water on Day 1 but found the smallies moving from shallow to deep on Day 2. That required a shift out to 25-foot depths to stay on the fish. “I’m not sure if it was two hot days in a row, or perhaps some heavy boat traffic that pushed those fish off the banks. Still, the action overall was absolutely first rate.”

Largen, Zapala and Lacasse each made it a point to thank the Lakes Region Tourism Board and the surrounding community for their tremendous support of this event, as did Prather. “This really turned out to be a great contest,” concluded the tourney director. “This was the northernmost stop on our 2022 tour, and Lake Winnipesaukee really showed out with impressive catches of largemouths and smallmouths on both days. At times, it seemed like the entire lake was producing with anglers catching tons of high-quality bass from the shallows to well offshore. The weather was amazingly warm and sunny, and the community and tourism board were gracious hosts. I don’t think things could have gone any better.”

Justen Largen would certainly agree.

Up next on the Hobie® B.O.S. Series Anchored By Power-Pole® schedule are the Susquehanna River event in Harrison, Pennsylvania, July 30-31, (sold out), and the Wolf and Fox Rivers event in Appleton, Wisconsin, August 20-21, for which registration is currently underway.

Daiwa’s Yamamoto 5” NEKO CRAWLER advances finesse bass fishing

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Daiwa’s Yamamoto 5” NEKO CRAWLER advances finesse bass fishing

 

Flawless Hybridization 

Daiwa’s Yamamoto 5” NEKO CRAWLER advances finesse bass fishing

Cypress, CA (July 6, 2022) – The Wacky Rig barnstormed bass fishing in the early 2000’s, offering an unusual but hugely effective method for rigging soft plastic worms. Finesse anglers in Japan reconfigured the presentation years later, creating an even deadlier approach to duping inactive and pressured fish: Neko Rigs. Since, the fishing universe has been flooded with custom Neko baits, weights, and hooks. And now, Daiwa offers an even further developed Neko bait. Welcome the new Yamamoto NEKO CRAWLER.

AO TENAGA (987)

ELECTRIC WORM (973)

WATERMELON COPPER ORANGE RED (926)

BROWN PURPLE (921)

GREEN PUMPKIN W/ GRN AND PRP FLAKE (301)

The 5” NEKO CRAWLER hybridizes Daiwa’s NEKO FAT and NEKO STRAIGHT, stealing key elements of each to create the alpha of Neko baits. Its outwardly simple profile is infused with technology and intelligence. For starters, the NEKO CRAWLER is masterminded with legendary Yamamoto knowhow for more wiggle – that special trembling action that drives bass bonkers. Also, the NEKO CRAWLER features a wide diameter nose, providing added surface for inserting Neko weights – from drywall screws to specialty weights. Thirdly, Yamamoto’s inventiveness produced a buoyant soft plastic, allowing the bait to stand straight on the bottom for easy slurping.

The 5” NEKO CRAWLER is the ultimate solution for triggering fish in tough conditions, like exceptionally clear water. Its subtleness stimulates fish that tend to over-analyze offerings. Same goes for cold water, when bass approach slowly, having time to closely examine a presentation. And, in general, the 5” NEKO CRAWLER serves to induce strikes from lethargic fish that ignore about everything else.

NATURAL SHAD (306)

GP W/PURPLE & SM COPPER (330)

GREEN PUMPKIN (297)

BLACK W/ BLUE FLAKE (021)

BABY BASS (305)

This subtleness is also evident in Daiwa’s palette of 10 field tested, natural colors. Because sometimes, it’s that seemingly microscopic color modification that changes a fish’s mind.

Available now, and MADE IN THE USA, the 5” NEKO CRAWLER comes 8 baits to a pack with an MSRP of $8.99.

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

Postspawn Smallmouth Will Dominate Bassmaster Open On Oneida Lake

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Postspawn Smallmouth Will Dominate Bassmaster Open On Oneida Lake

New York’s Oneida Lake will host the St. Croix Bassmaster Northern Open presented by Mossy Oak Fishing July 7-9, 2022. 

Photo by Shane Durrance/B.A.S.S.

July 5, 2022

Postspawn Smallmouth Will Dominate Bassmaster Open On Oneida Lake

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — If Jonathan Kelley’s recent experience serves as any reference, anglers can expect plenty of plump, well-fed smallmouth and a favorable scenario in which to catch them in the St. Croix Bassmaster Northern Open at Oneida Lake presented by Mossy Oak Fishing.

Competition days will be July 7-9 with daily takeoffs from Oneida Shores Park at 6 a.m. ET and weigh-ins each day back at the park at 2 p.m. Full coverage can be found on Bassmaster.com.

The Bassmaster Elite pro from Old Forge, Pa., is not competing in the event, but with 15 years of fishing experience on the tournament waters, Kelley was happy to share some relevant insights. Starting with lake conditions, his recent trip found the water level right about normal.

“This lake really doesn’t fluctuate that much, but it depends on the spring,” Kelley said. “I know there have been some springs where it’s been severely low or high, but for the most part, it’s almost always normal — there’s not a whole lot of times you have crazy high or low water.

“Conditions are great right now. It’s currently as clear as I’ve seen it, which is good for this time of the year because once you get that summer boat traffic, it does tend to dingy up. So far, it has stayed pretty clean.”

Stretching 21 miles long and 5 miles wide, with 50,894 surface acres, Oneida is the largest lake wholly within the state of New York. That being said, this lake tends to fish small, so finding quality areas that have not seen recent fishing pressure can be challenging.

While he’s not ruling out the occasional late spawner, Kelley foresees a predominantly postspawn event. Bass in this stage are eager to feed up, and a recent seasonal occurrence has helped the fish pack on the bulk.

“Most of the fish are feeding up and they’re in good shape,” Kelley said. “Most of that is due to the mayflies. There was a major hatch when I was there in late June.”

Despite the name, mayfly hatches can occur well into late summer, particularly in Northern climates. Hatching from submerged rock habitat, newly emerging adults float the surface until they fly to nearby terrestrial cover.

At the end of their brief lives, the insects often fall back to the water. Both stages offer bass bountiful feeding opportunities. If tournament anglers find a current hatch underway, it could offer strong morning potential.

“Typically, for anyone that does have a mayfly hatch, it’s going to happen quick and early,” Kelley said. “Generally, they’re going to catch those fish by 10 o’clock. As the day goes on, the fish get off the mayflies.

“There are multiple ways you can catch them. You’ll get them on a topwater or a jerkbait. Some guys like throwing a hair jig and a drop shot. Some guys just throw a small swimbait or a spybait.”

Regardless of the mayfly factor, most anglers will focus their efforts on offshore structure — shoals, humps, high spots and points. The entire lake could be in play, but Oneida’s central to western ends tend to favor this pursuit, while the flatter east end presents more of the shallow, grassy habitat.

“Any mix of rock and grass is key,” Kelley said. “There are not many random roamers on Oneida, so targets are best.

“The strongest pattern going forward will be finding that first, larger group that might gather offshore on some bait, whether it’s on perch fry or just gobies,” Kelley. “The lake has changed a lot over the years, and the diet of the fish has definitely turned more to gobies than anything.

“Over the last three to four years, the goby population has exploded. Now, you don’t go out there and not catch a goby throughout the day.”

Given their goby-influenced bottom orientation, offshore smallmouth will bite drop shots, Ned rigs and Carolina rigs. Swimbaits, jerkbaits and Neko rigs could also play important roles.

“I do see someone getting on an early topwater bite,” Kelley said. “It might not be a limit, but you might catch a few big fish.

“A topwater is a big-fish bait. If you get the topwater bite in the morning, chances are you’re going to catch one of your biggest fish of the day. A big smallmouth on Oneida can weigh up to about 5 pounds, but about 3 1/2 to 4 is more common.”

As Kelley notes, smallmouth will almost certainly dominate this event. But Oneida also holds quality largemouth and someone is likely to find one heavy enough to earn the Phoenix Boats Big Bass award. However, the numbers don’t favor a largemouth-focused game plan.

“The largemouth and smallmouth populations on Oneida used to be a 50/50 split, then it went to 60/40, but smallmouth have taken over,” Kelley said. “Now, it’s more 90/10.

“The lack of good grass and clear water have made Oneida less favorable for largemouth. To go out and target them is pretty difficult, but I expect the biggest fish of the tournament will be a largemouth.”

Anyone targeting largemouth will likely throw a bladed jig, flipping jig, frog or wacky-rigged Senko. Flipping shallow grass could also produce a good bite.

Offering his tournament prediction, Kelley said: “I think it will take 35 pounds for two days to make the Top 10 cut and 56 to win. The winner will have all smallmouth.”

The tournament is being hosted by Visit Syracuse and Onondaga County Parks.

July 2022 Kerr Lake Fishing Report by Dennie Gilbert

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July 2022 Kerr Lake Fishing Report by Dennie Gilbert
Dennie Gilbert
[email protected]
Kerr lake Bass.com
Kerr Lake
Largemouth Bass update:
Welcome to summer fishing on Kerr Lake. It’s tough!! The bait fish bite is over and the fish will start to move out following the blueback herring. On sunny days there can be top water bite from shallow to over deeper water. Some fish will be in deep range from 20’ to 30’. Use bottom baits deep or other baits that could catch some suspended. You guys know the baits that may work. Use your imagination!!! Good luck , good fishing and watch out for all the pleasure boaters and personal water craft. Kerr lake bass.com

July 2022 Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Report By: Captain Chad Green

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July 2022 Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Report By: Captain Chad Green

SMITH MOUNTIAN LAKE FISHING REPORT
By: Captain Chad Green
www.lastcastguideservicesml.com

Summer has arrived and July fishing will be heating up and time to enjoy great weather and relaxing days on the water. Get out on the water when you can and enjoy the sunrises and sunsets. Practice catch and release as much as possible to preserve our great fisheries out there. As always, just make one more Last Cast as it could be the next trophy fish.
Visit Captains Quarters Marina at Hales Ford Bridge for any tackle that you may need and they will fix you up.
Special Thanks to Brian Carter at the www.TheBassCast.com

Largemouth Bass/Smallmouth Bass
As the water temperatures are rising bass are in their summer areas and begin to focus on crawfish as the primary forage. Look for rocky points, and brush piles. Mornings can be a great time to find schooling fish on topwater baits. Later in the morning the fish will move offshore in to deeper water and deep docks. Night time fishing will still be productive will be great in July. Best lures in June will be topwater lures, jigs, shakey head, drop shots, Texas rig worms, crankbaits, and Carolina rigs. Depths of water would be most productive in 10-20’ throughout July. Please be sure to release bass quickly in the summer due to air bladders from stress. Be informed of how to care for fish in the summer months as this is very critical to the survival in livewells. Bass that are caught deep in the mouth that may bleed can increase its survival rate by pouring sprite or 7up on the injured area that will stop the bleeding. Rejuvenade is also a good additive to your livewells. I have had many years of success with these procedures and very rarely lose a fish. Reach out if you have questions.

Striped Bass
Look for stripers to start to school up on the lower end of the lake as they follow schools of baitfish around. They can be found in the mouths of larger pockets and tributaries around standing timber in early morning as they work out to the main channel. Depths of 30-60’ should be a good location to look along with baitfish presence. Occasional schools may be seen feeding on the surface this time of year around shoals and or islands on cloudy or rainy days. Keep in mind current from the dam generations can help you find these schools of fish and locate baitfish movements. As water temps warm please use caution releasing stripers quickly as stress under the warm conditions can be fatal to stripers. Practice your 2 fish limit per person to avoid releasing fish that could possibly die due to heat stress.

Crappie
July crappie fishing tends to slow a little in the summer but can still be found in brushpiles and trees located in 15-25’ of water. Small jigs and minnows will always be the baits of choice

Tournaments in May
Tues night tournaments 630pm-1030pm Captains Quarters Marina
Fri night tournaments 8pm-2pm Captains Quarters Marina
Sat night tournaments 8pm-2pm Foxport Marina

Special Thanks to Brian Carter at the www.TheBassCast.com

Lee Claims Hard-Fought Victory At B.A.S.S. Nation Northern Regional On Mississippi River

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Lee Claims Hard-Fought Victory At B.A.S.S. Nation Northern Regional On Mississippi River
Steve Lee of Minneapolis, Minn., has won the 2022 TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Northern Regional on the Upper Mississippi River with a three-day total of 42 pounds, 14 ounces.
Photo by Grant Moxley/B.A.S.S.

July 1, 2022

Lee Claims Hard-Fought Victory At B.A.S.S. Nation Northern Regional On Mississippi River

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CLINTON, Iowa — The first two days of the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Northern Regional on the Upper Mississippi River saw Steve Lee secure early limits on his way to grabbing the lead.

On Championship Friday, however, the angler from Minneapolis, Minn., needed an afternoon rally to secure the win on Pools 13, 14 and 15 with a three-day total of 42 pounds, 14 ounces.

As he waited in the bag line, Lee estimated he had closer to 10 or 11 pounds and thought the margin between him and second-place angler Eddie Levin, who finished with 40-1, would be a lot closer.

“It doesn’t really seem real. After the first day of fishing, I was like, ‘This is a tough place to fish.’ Then I got on my pattern,” Lee said. “It was a great experience. Obviously, when you win it is a heck of a lot better. I like river fishing and I like tough tournaments. You have to stay focused all the time.”

After landing in fourth with 13-3 on Day 1, Lee caught the big bag of the tournament on the second day at 16-0 and then added a 13-11 limit on Friday.

Not only did Lee win $5,000 for the victory and punch his ticket to the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Championship on Pickwick Lake in November, he earned $500 for catching the Big Bass of the Tournament — a 4-14 largemouth on Day 1 — and $500 in Garmin contingency money.

Fishing mostly the North end of Pool 14, Lee pitched and flipped wooded cover that was located on the front sides of islands where the current from the Pool 13 dam was pushing against the bank, as well as some eelgrass patches South of takeoff.

“I would go up to the logjams and I would put the Talons down and would just pick it apart,” he explained. “There is always current there. I would move a little bit and then do the same thing. (On Day 2) in particular the big ones bit.”

Lee mostly used a green pumpkin Zoom tube rigged on 3/16- or 1/8-ounce sinker. He threw his Texas rig on a 7-11 St. Croix heavy flipping stick paired with Daiwa reels and 20-pound Gamma fluorocarbon.

The bigger bites he got were on the back sides of the logs, so Lee had to pitch over logs to get bites. That made getting the bass free from their hiding place difficult. Both his 4-14 on Day 1 and another 4-pounder on Day 2 got stuck in the cover before Lee managed to free them.

“It seemed like about 18 inches of water was the best. If it was 4 feet deep, I didn’t even fish it,” he said. “It was so surprising that nobody else was fishing the same stuff. I didn’t have to fight for the spot. I think the big ones moved up during the tournament days.”

Water levels on the Upper Mississippi River have been falling since anglers arrived for practice on Sunday, bringing dirty water conditions with them. On Day 3, however, the water began to stabilize.

With the current slowing some on the final day and the water clearing up, Lee struggled to find bites early in the morning and decided to make a run to the South end of Pool 14. After catching two bass off docks, he moved back up the river and made several key catches late in the day that secured the victory.

“I never did give up. I had two fish at 12:30,” Lee said. “I went back up by the dam and I caught a 2 1/2. With 20 minutes left, I went over to one of the trees and I vertically jigged a tube and caught one and then a minute later I caught another one. With that one, I knew I made Nationals but I didn’t think I was going to win.”

Levin, who finished first on the Ohio state team back in 2011 on the Mississippi River, caught 13-8 to land in third on Day 1 and jumped into second place on Day 2 with a 15-9 limit, just 2 ounces behind Lee.

Several key fish eluded him on the final day, however, and Levin brought 11-0 to the scales to finish in second with 40-1.

“The good Lord blessed me,” he said. “I caught five fish every day and that’s all I could ask for. I won Ohio and that was my main goal coming down here. Mission accomplished as far as I’m concerned.”

Finding cleaner water was the key for Levin, who locked up to Pool 13 and found a stretch of lily pads and milfoil in 1 to 2 feet of water that was holding quality bass.

“Those were better-than-average fish. They just came off spawning and were a little beat up,” he said. “It seems like the river fish were a little smaller because they are fighting the current all the time. The grass fish are fat and happy.”

He did most of his damage with a 6th Sense Vega Frog, but would also flip a Venom tube from time to time.

“They seemed to shy away from dirty water,” Levin said. “The grass was cleaning the water as it came in and they were sitting in the line between clean and dirty water ambushing bluegill, perch and crawdads.”

Despite catching two bass early in the morning, Levin struggled to find consistency on the final day.

“It was a lot rougher on me,” he said. “I ran to my main frog area and they were a little pickier today. Unfortunately, I missed a lot of opportunities. I left at least three 3-pounders out there. I had the bites to win it today, but it was about execution for me.”

Nick Uebelhor finished third overall with 38-8 for a three-day total, with weights of 13-2, 13-15 and 11-7. The Indiana boater focused his efforts on very specific lily pads with clear water in 3 to 4 feet of water.

The tournament was hosted by the Clinton, Iowa Convention & Visitors Bureau.

2022 TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S Nation Northern Regional Mississippi River 6/29-7/1
Mississippi River, Clinton  IA.
(BOATER) Standings Day 3

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

1.  Steve Lee              Minneapolis, MN (MN)    15  42-14  0
2.  Eddie Levin            Westerville, OH (OH)    15  40-01  0
3.  Nick Uebelhor          Jasper, IN (IN)         15  38-08  0
4.  Chris Fredrick         Marshfield, WI (WI)     15  38-06  0
5.  Jim Barczak            Osceola, WI (WI)        15  37-05  0
6.  Kyle Goltz             Cornell, WI (WI)        14  35-13  0
7.  Brian Funkhouser       Bloomington, IN (IN)    15  35-08  0
8.  Tanner Bock            Davenport, IA (IA)      14  34-08  0
9.  Monty Fralick          Martin, SD (SD)         15  33-01  0
10. Jared Knuth            Wahoo, NE (NE)          15  32-15  0
11. Dan Mohn               Lansing, IA (IA)        14  32-09  0
12. Cory Hauk              River Falls, WI (MN)    13  32-04  0
13. Pete Saele             New Lenox, IL (IL)      15  32-01  0
14. Josh Hubbard           Braidwood, IL (IL)      15  31-15  0
15. Chris Wilkinson        Farmersburg, IN (IN)    15  31-14  0
16. Allen Williford        West Frankfort, IL (IL) 14  31-07  0
17. Jeremy Knepp           Montgomery, IN (IN)     15  31-06  0
18. Curtis Samo            Rochelle, IL (IL)       14  31-05  0
19. Jerry  Pape            Bella Vista, AR (NE)    13  31-03  0
20. Bryce Hauf             Winner, SD (SD)         12  29-13  0
21. Doug Ruster            New Palestine, IN (IN)  15  29-05  0
22. Joseph Gorman          Farmington, MN (MN)     13  28-09  0
23. Robert Hime            Odessa, MO (NE)         11  25-05  0
24. Donald Roberts         Bellville, OH (OH)      13  23-09  0
25. Dan Mundy              Swartz Creek, MI (MI)   10  23-06  0
26. Wyatt Stout            Winona, MN (WI)         8  19-08  0
27. Mark Goetsch           Gibraltar, MI (MI)      11  19-04  0
28. Dan Hendley            Mankato, MN (MN)        9  18-04  0
29. Kevin Schleeter        Fort Jennings, OH (OH)  9  17-14  0
30. Brent Haimes           Elgin, MN (MN)          8  17-10  0
31. Bryce Kalen            Greenwood, IN (IN)      9  17-02  0
32. Casey Knaup            Montello, WI (WI)       9  17-02  0
33. Adam Bartusek          Lakeville, MN (MN)      10  16-15  0
34. TP Patten              Metamora, MI (MI)       8  16-03  0
35. Joseph Sestak          Tabor, SD (SD)          8  15-15  0
36. Jeffrey Mulholland     Elgin, MN (MN)          7  15-10  0
37. Greg Vance             Delhi, IA (IA)          7  15-09  0
38. Jesse Weener           Holland, MI (MI)        7  14-13  0
39. Collin Tweten          Decorah, IA (IA)        7  14-07  0
40. Curt Fiessinger        Fort Loramie, OH (OH)   7  14-05  0
41. Chris Brokman          Council Bluffs, IA (NE) 6  14-03  0
42. Nic Rand               Kalamazoo, MI (MI)      6  13-11  0
43. Jarrod Sherwood        Vassar, MI (MI)         6  13-10  0
44. Jon Dybel              Bedford, IN (IN)        7  13-10  0
45. Kenneth Reed           Buck, IN (IN)           7  13-10  0
46. Justin Schneider       New London, MN (MN)     7  13-09  0
47. Tad Tinlin             Des Moines, IA (IA)     6  13-07  0
48. Brandon Osting         Delphos, OH (OH)        7  13-06  0
49. Lee Wubbels            Lincoln, NE (NE)        6  13-05  0
50. Luke Kerstetter        Brookfield, WI (WI)     6  12-15  0
51. Brandon Barrett        Bloomington, IN (IN)    7  12-13  0
52. Eric Storms            Winner, SD (SD)         7  12-12  0
53. Kenny Mittelstaedt     Sturgis, SD (MN)        5  12-11  0
54. Troy Diede             Sioux Falls, SD (SD)    5  12-11  0
55. Jeffrey Bauer          Merrillan, WI (WI)      7  11-12  0
56. Terry Cooper           Hamburg, IA (NE)        6  11-06  0
57. Will Presley Jr        Grove City, OH (OH)     6  11-04  0
58. Rick Sawyer            Albion, IN (MI)         5  11-00  0
59. Andrew Paulsen         Marion, IA (IA)         4  10-05  0
60. Brock Belik            Orchard, NE (SD)        6  10-05  0
61. Jesse Schwark          East Leroy, MI (MI)     5  10-01  0
62. Tom Kiefer             Fowlerville, MI (MI)    5  09-07  0
63. Brian Mailot           Columbus, OH (OH)       4  09-05  0
64. Trevor Herman          Winner, SD (SD)         4  08-15  0
65. Ryan Whitacre          Chicago, IL (WI)        5  08-14  0
66. Rex Ryckman            Ft. Pierre, SD (SD)     4  07-06  0
67. Shane Peters           Shelbyville, IN (IN)    4  07-01  0
68. Cody Graff             Glenvil, NE (NE)        4  07-00  0
69. Jerry Ramm             Bennington, NE (NE)     4  06-12  0
70. Edward Gad             Braidwood, IL (IL)      4  06-09  0
71. Bryan Close            Fairbank, IA (IA)       3  06-02  0
72. Ken Milender           Hayward, WI (MN)        3  05-15  0
73. Joshua Barr            Louisville, OH (OH)     2  05-14  0
74. Joe Paulson            Winner, WY (SD)         3  05-12  0
75. Joshua Olson           Pepin, WI (WI)          3  05-12  0
76. Eddie Charlton         Alma, IL (IL)           3  04-12  0
77. Kent Johnson           Mc Gregor, IA (IA)      2  04-05  0
78. Eric Wilkas            Princeton, IN (IL)      4  04-03  0
79. John Thomsen           Creston, IA (NE)        2  04-00  0
80. Danny Ryan Jr          Louisville, KY (OH)     2  03-12  0
81. Josh Ystenes           La Crosse, WI (WI)      2  03-11  0
82. Devin Knoblauch        La Vista, NE (NE)       2  03-06  0
83. James Maisenbacher     Eureka, IL (IL)         2  03-05  0
84. Chase Loftus           Solon, IA (IA)          2  03-04  0
85. Steven Smith           Johnstown, OH (OH)      2  03-02  0
86. Ron Cherkas            Ankeny, IA (IA)         2  02-14  0
87. Josh Uthe              Braidwood, IL (IL)      1  02-02  0
88. Dallas Wennberg        Braidwood, IL (IL)      1  01-14  0
89. Trent Beier            Crystal Lake, IL (IA)   0  00-00  0
89. William Thompson       Athens, MI (MI)         0  00-00  0
89. Russell Volquardsen    Creighton, NE (SD)      0  00-00  0
———————————————————————–

———————————————————————–
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
1       34       293       614-00
2       33       274       596-14
3       18       113       262-05
———————————-
85       680      1473-03

TEAM STANDINGS Day 3
———————————-
State                Lbs-Oz
1 INDIANA              361-10
2 WISCONSIN            284-08
3 MINNESOTA            251-04
4 OHIO                 228-10
5 NEBRASKA             223-15
6 ILLINOIS             209-12
7 IOWA                 198-03
8 MICHIGAN             174-15
9 SOUTH DAKOTA         168-04

INDIVIDUAL STANDINGS Day 3
———————————————————————–

IOWA
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Tanner Bock          Davenport, IA               14   34-08  0
2 Dan Mohn             Lansing, IA                 14   32-09  0
3 Greg Vance           Delhi, IA                   7   15-09  0
4 Collin Tweten        Decorah, IA                 7   14-07  0
5 Tad Tinlin           Des Moines, IA              6   13-07  0
6 Andrew Paulsen       Marion, IA                  4   10-05  0
7 Bryan Close          Fairbank, IA                3   06-02  0
8 Kent Johnson         Mc Gregor, IA               2   04-05  0
9 Chase Loftus         Solon, IA                   2   03-04  0
10 Ron Cherkas          Ankeny, IA                  2   02-14  0
11 Trent Beier          Crystal Lake, IL            0   00-00  0

ILLINOIS
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Pete Saele           New Lenox, IL               15   32-01  0
2 Josh Hubbard         Braidwood, IL               15   31-15  0
3 Allen Williford      West Frankfort, IL          14   31-07  0
4 Curtis Samo          Rochelle, IL                14   31-05  0
5 Edward Gad           Braidwood, IL               4   06-09  0
6 Eddie Charlton       Alma, IL                    3   04-12  0
7 Eric Wilkas          Princeton, IN               4   04-03  0
8 James Maisenbacher   Eureka, IL                  2   03-05  0
9 Josh Uthe            Braidwood, IL               1   02-02  0
10 Dallas Wennberg      Braidwood, IL               1   01-14  0

INDIANA
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Nick Uebelhor        Jasper, IN                  15   38-08  0
2 Brian Funkhouser     Bloomington, IN             15   35-08  0
3 Chris Wilkinson      Farmersburg, IN             15   31-14  0
4 Jeremy Knepp         Montgomery, IN              15   31-06  0
5 Doug Ruster          New Palestine, IN           15   29-05  0
6 Bryce Kalen          Greenwood, IN               9   17-02  0
7 Jon Dybel            Bedford, IN                 7   13-10  0
8 Kenneth Reed         Buck, IN                    7   13-10  0
9 Brandon Barrett      Bloomington, IN             7   12-13  0
10 Shane Peters         Shelbyville, IN             4   07-01  0

MICHIGAN
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Dan Mundy            Swartz Creek, MI            10   23-06  0
2 Mark Goetsch         Gibraltar, MI               11   19-04  0
3 TP Patten            Metamora, MI                8   16-03  0
4 Jesse Weener         Holland, MI                 7   14-13  0
5 Nic Rand             Kalamazoo, MI               6   13-11  0
6 Jarrod Sherwood      Vassar, MI                  6   13-10  0
7 Rick Sawyer          Albion, IN                  5   11-00  0
8 Jesse Schwark        East Leroy, MI              5   10-01  0
9 Tom Kiefer           Fowlerville, MI             5   09-07  0
10 William Thompson     Athens, MI                  0   00-00  0

MINNESOTA
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Steve Lee            Minneapolis, MN             15   42-14  0
2 Cory Hauk            River Falls, WI             13   32-04  0
3 Joseph Gorman        Farmington, MN              13   28-09  0
4 Dan Hendley          Mankato, MN                 9   18-04  0
5 Brent Haimes         Elgin, MN                   8   17-10  0
6 Adam Bartusek        Lakeville, MN               10   16-15  0
7 Jeffrey Mulholland   Elgin, MN                   7   15-10  0
8 Justin Schneider     New London, MN              7   13-09  0
9 Kenny Mittelstaedt   Sturgis, SD                 5   12-11  0
10 Ken Milender         Hayward, WI                 3   05-15  0

OHIO
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Eddie Levin          Westerville, OH             15   40-01  0
2 Donald Roberts       Bellville, OH               13   23-09  0
3 Kevin Schleeter      Fort Jennings, OH           9   17-14  0
4 Curt Fiessinger      Fort Loramie, OH            7   14-05  0
5 Brandon Osting       Delphos, OH                 7   13-06  0
6 Will Presley Jr      Grove City, OH              6   11-04  0
7 Brian Mailot         Columbus, OH                4   09-05  0
8 Joshua Barr          Louisville, OH              2   05-14  0
9 Danny Ryan Jr        Louisville, KY              2   03-12  0
10 Steven Smith         Johnstown, OH               2   03-02  0

SOUTH DAKOTA
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Monty Fralick        Martin, SD                  15   33-01  0
2 Bryce Hauf           Winner, SD                  12   29-13  0
3 Joseph Sestak        Tabor, SD                   8   15-15  0
4 Eric Storms          Winner, SD                  7   12-12  0
5 Troy Diede           Sioux Falls, SD             5   12-11  0
6 Brock Belik          Orchard, NE                 6   10-05  0
7 Trevor Herman        Winner, SD                  4   08-15  0
8 Rex Ryckman          Ft. Pierre, SD              4   07-06  0
9 Joe Paulson          Winner, WY                  3   05-12  0
10 Russell Volquardsen  Creighton, NE               0   00-00  0

WISCONSIN
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Chris Fredrick       Marshfield, WI              15   38-06  0
2 Jim Barczak          Osceola, WI                 15   37-05  0
3 Kyle Goltz           Cornell, WI                 14   35-13  0
4 Wyatt Stout          Winona, MN                  8   19-08  0
5 Casey Knaup          Montello, WI                9   17-02  0
6 Luke Kerstetter      Brookfield, WI              6   12-15  0
7 Jeffrey Bauer        Merrillan, WI               7   11-12  0
8 Ryan Whitacre        Chicago, IL                 5   08-14  0
9 Joshua Olson         Pepin, WI                   3   05-12  0
10 Josh Ystenes         La Crosse, WI               2   03-11  0

NEBRASKA
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Jared Knuth          Wahoo, NE                   15   32-15  0
2 Jerry  Pape          Bella Vista, AR             13   31-03  0
3 Robert Hime          Odessa, MO                  11   25-05  0
4 Chris Brokman        Council Bluffs, IA          6   14-03  0
5 Lee Wubbels          Lincoln, NE                 6   13-05  0
6 Terry Cooper         Hamburg, IA                 6   11-06  0
7 Cody Graff           Glenvil, NE                 4   07-00  0
8 Jerry Ramm           Bennington, NE              4   06-12  0
9 John Thomsen         Creston, IA                 2   04-00  0
10 Devin Knoblauch      La Vista, NE                2   03-06  0

 

2022 TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S Nation Northern Regional Mississippi River 6/29-7/1
Mississippi River, Clinton  IA.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 3

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

1.  Jeff Wehner            Fishers, IN (IN)        9  21-12  0
2.  John Albertson         Bloomington, IN (IN)    9  20-04  0
3.  Nick Schuetz           Loogootee, IN (IN)      9  19-07  0
4.  Jeremy Johnson         Austin, IN (IN)         9  19-00  0
5.  Tom Leblanc Jr         Omaha, NE (NE)          8  18-10  0
6.  Andy Strickland        Raymond, OH (OH)        8  18-10  0
7.  Colten Didion          Mount Vernon, OH (OH)   8  18-02  0
8.  Don Goldsberry         Mitchell, IN (IN)       8  16-09  0
9.  Matt Goltz             Monona, IA (IA)         7  15-10  0
10. Colton Haney           Baldwin, WI (WI)        7  15-04  0
11. Tyler Hatfield         Augusta, MI (MI)        6  14-04  0
12. Dave Rahrig            Delphos, OH (OH)        7  14-02  0
13. Kristopher Gaertner    Morris, IL (IL)         7  14-01  0
14. AJ Mende               Bellevue, NE (NE)       7  13-13  0
15. Richard Conrad         Arcadia, WI (WI)        7  13-09  0
16. Bryan Schumacher       Sparta, WI (WI)         7  13-08  0
17. Brad Goetz             Montello, WI (WI)       6  13-07  0
18. Will Forister          Thornville, OH (OH)     7  13-07  0
19. Tim Meyer              Neenah, WI (WI)         6  13-05  0
20. Brandon Logue          Greenwood, NE (SD)      5  12-01  0
21. Pheerayout See         Rochester, MN (MN)      7  11-12  0
22. Ted Tinlin             Des Moines, IA (IA)     6  10-13  0
23. Steven Johnson         Duluth, MN (MN)         5  10-08  0
24. Randal Burr            Chesterfield, MI (MI)   4  09-01  0
25. Charles Capehart       Olathe, KS (NE)         4  08-12  0
26. Aaron Olsen            Lenexa, KS (NE)         4  08-12  0
27. Bryan Kalen            Mooresville, IN (IN)    5  08-11  0
28. Heath Kohlmeier        Princeton, IN (IN)      4  08-09  0
29. Kyle Taylor            Sullivan, IN (IN)       4  08-08  0
30. Dillan White           Bloomington, IN (IN)    4  08-01  0
31. Rich Purington         Papillion, NE (NE)      3  07-15  0
32. Kevin Yeska            Madison, WI (WI)        4  07-15  0
33. Joe Fiegen             Onalaska, WI (WI)       3  07-05  0
34. Jerry Duncklee         Fayette, IA (IA)        3  07-04  0
35. Scott Bree             San Jose, IL (IL)       4  07-04  0
36. Charles Carroll        West Liberty, OH (OH)   4  07-01  0
37. Bill Skowronski        Hennepin, IL (IL)       3  06-14  0
38. Gary Ford Jr           Sheridan, IL (IL)       3  06-13  0
39. Jody Adkins            Navarre, OH (OH)        4  06-13  0
40. Paul Huse              Omaha, NE (NE)          3  06-12  0
41. Kyle Coffman           Minbun, IA (IA)         3  06-12  0
42. Richard Pach Jr        Chicago, IL (IL)        4  06-11  0
43. Dan Wiyninger          Champlin, MN (MN)       3  06-07  0
44. Michael Schelling      Sioux Falls, SD (SD)    3  06-04  0
45. Duane Michaels         Fort Wayne, IN (MI)     3  05-14  0
46. Jeremy Prchlik         Flushing, MI (MI)       3  05-06  0
47. Bryan Freyermuth       Muscatine, IA (IA)      3  05-01  0
48. Matteo Turano          Naperville, IL (IL)     2  04-09  0
49. Omar Khan              Sioux Falls, SD (SD)    2  04-08  0
50. Aaron Bunge            Fairfax, IA (IA)        2  04-05  0
50. Devon Dvorak           Keystone, IA (IA)       2  04-05  0
52. Eddie Gad              Braidwood, IL (IL)      2  04-03  0
52. Thomas Uthe            Braidwood, IL (IL)      2  04-03  0
54. Jasyn Bachtell         Castalian Springs, TN ( 2  04-01  0
55. Scott Pitlick          Pierre, SD (SD)         2  04-00  0
56. Michael Gertsch        Denton, NE (NE)         2  03-15  0
57. Robert Swem            Buchanan, MI (MI)       2  03-13  0
58. Joseph Adam            Lake Zurich, IL (IL)    2  03-13  0
59. Steve Mortenson        Oshkosh, WI (WI)        2  03-13  0
60. Peter Haire            South St Paul, MN (MN)  2  03-11  0
61. Ryan Mertzig           Rochester, MN (WI)      2  03-10  0
62. Cameron Ingle          Coggon, IA (IA)         2  03-10  0
63. Tim Berg               Prior Lake, MN (MN)     2  03-09  0
64. Ben Stacy              Cincinnati, OH (OH)     2  03-06  0
65. Tanner Albrecht        Lonsdale, MN (MN)       2  03-06  0
66. Leray Anderson  II     Crofton, NE (SD)        2  03-05  0
67. Cory Leonard           Maywood, NE (NE)        1  02-02  0
68. Jason Kloepper         Doniphan, NE (NE)       1  01-15  0
69. Paul Andorfer          Albion , IN (MI)        1  01-14  0
69. Ken Harants            Fort Wayne, IN (MI)     1  01-14  0
69. Blake Macumber         Elkhorn, NE (NE)        1  01-14  0
72. Scott Schneider        New London, MN (MN)     1  01-13  0
73. Craig Heft Jr          Schererville, IN (IL)   1  01-12  0
73. Scott Schaefer         Rochester, MN (MN)      1  01-12  0
75. Brian Christianson     La Crosse, WI (WI)      1  01-10  0
75. Jeff Schultz           Amelia, OH (OH)         1  01-10  0
77. Mark Folsom            Waterville, IA (IA)     1  01-09  0
77. Ian Mangino            Sunbury, OH (OH)        1  01-09  0
79. Miles Coffin           Van Meter, IA (IA)      1  01-08  0
79. Craig Cottam           Hastings, NE (SD)       1  01-08  0
81. Nick Kelley            Oak Hill, OH (OH)       1  01-06  0
81. Steven Rodgers         Birch Run , MI (MI)     1  01-06  0
83. Gary Delamielleure     Fenton, MI (MI)         0  00-00  0
83. Trey Fails             Brooklyn Center, MN (MN 0  00-00  0
83. Boyce Gargus           Muskegon, MI (MI)       0  00-00  0
83. Allan Hall             Brandon, SD (SD)        0  00-00  0
83. Jack Johnson           Brandon, SD (SD)        0  00-00  0
83. Mike Peschl            Tyndall, SD (SD)        0  00-00  0
83. David Rector           Brazil, IN (IN)         0  00-00  0
83. Ryan Volquardsen       Creighton, NE (SD)      0  00-00  0
———————————————————————–

———————————————————————–
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
1       23       130       269-01
2       0        124       250-04
3       0        50        108-09
———————————-
23       304       627-14

TEAM STANDINGS Day 3
———————————-
State                Lbs-Oz
1 INDIANA              361-10
2 WISCONSIN            284-08
3 MINNESOTA            251-04
4 OHIO                 228-10
5 NEBRASKA             223-15
6 ILLINOIS             209-12
7 IOWA                 198-03
8 MICHIGAN             174-15
9 SOUTH DAKOTA         168-04

INDIVIDUAL STANDINGS Day 3
———————————————————————–

IOWA
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Matt Goltz           Monona, IA                  7   15-10  0
2 Ted Tinlin           Des Moines, IA              6   10-13  0
3 Jerry Duncklee       Fayette, IA                 3   07-04  0
4 Kyle Coffman         Minbun, IA                  3   06-12  0
5 Bryan Freyermuth     Muscatine, IA               3   05-01  0
6 Aaron Bunge          Fairfax, IA                 2   04-05  0
6 Devon Dvorak         Keystone, IA                2   04-05  0
8 Cameron Ingle        Coggon, IA                  2   03-10  0
9 Mark Folsom          Waterville, IA              1   01-09  0
10 Miles Coffin         Van Meter, IA               1   01-08  0

ILLINOIS
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Kristopher Gaertner  Morris, IL                  7   14-01  0
2 Scott Bree           San Jose, IL                4   07-04  0
3 Bill Skowronski      Hennepin, IL                3   06-14  0
4 Gary Ford Jr         Sheridan, IL                3   06-13  0
5 Richard Pach Jr      Chicago, IL                 4   06-11  0
6 Matteo Turano        Naperville, IL              2   04-09  0
7 Eddie Gad            Braidwood, IL               2   04-03  0
7 Thomas Uthe          Braidwood, IL               2   04-03  0
9 Joseph Adam          Lake Zurich, IL             2   03-13  0
10 Craig Heft Jr        Schererville, IN            1   01-12  0

INDIANA
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Jeff Wehner          Fishers, IN                 9   21-12  0
2 John Albertson       Bloomington, IN             9   20-04  0
3 Nick Schuetz         Loogootee, IN               9   19-07  0
4 Jeremy Johnson       Austin, IN                  9   19-00  0
5 Don Goldsberry       Mitchell, IN                8   16-09  0
6 Bryan Kalen          Mooresville, IN             5   08-11  0
7 Heath Kohlmeier      Princeton, IN               4   08-09  0
8 Kyle Taylor          Sullivan, IN                4   08-08  0
9 Dillan White         Bloomington, IN             4   08-01  0
10 David Rector         Brazil, IN                  0   00-00  0

MICHIGAN
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Tyler Hatfield       Augusta, MI                 6   14-04  0
2 Randal Burr          Chesterfield, MI            4   09-01  0
3 Duane Michaels       Fort Wayne, IN              3   05-14  0
4 Jeremy Prchlik       Flushing, MI                3   05-06  0
5 Robert Swem          Buchanan, MI                2   03-13  0
6 Paul Andorfer        Albion , IN                 1   01-14  0
6 Ken Harants          Fort Wayne, IN              1   01-14  0
8 Steven Rodgers       Birch Run , MI              1   01-06  0
9 Gary Delamielleure   Fenton, MI                  0   00-00  0
9 Boyce Gargus         Muskegon, MI                0   00-00  0

MINNESOTA
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Pheerayout See       Rochester, MN               7   11-12  0
2 Steven Johnson       Duluth, MN                  5   10-08  0
3 Dan Wiyninger        Champlin, MN                3   06-07  0
4 Jasyn Bachtell       Castalian Springs, TN       2   04-01  0
5 Peter Haire          South St Paul, MN           2   03-11  0
6 Tim Berg             Prior Lake, MN              2   03-09  0
7 Tanner Albrecht      Lonsdale, MN                2   03-06  0
8 Scott Schneider      New London, MN              1   01-13  0
9 Scott Schaefer       Rochester, MN               1   01-12  0
10 Trey Fails           Brooklyn Center, MN         0   00-00  0

OHIO
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Andy Strickland      Raymond, OH                 8   18-10  0
2 Colten Didion        Mount Vernon, OH            8   18-02  0
3 Dave Rahrig          Delphos, OH                 7   14-02  0
4 Will Forister        Thornville, OH              7   13-07  0
5 Charles Carroll      West Liberty, OH            4   07-01  0
6 Jody Adkins          Navarre, OH                 4   06-13  0
7 Ben Stacy            Cincinnati, OH              2   03-06  0
8 Jeff Schultz         Amelia, OH                  1   01-10  0
9 Ian Mangino          Sunbury, OH                 1   01-09  0
10 Nick Kelley          Oak Hill, OH                1   01-06  0

SOUTH DAKOTA
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Brandon Logue        Greenwood, NE               5   12-01  0
2 Michael Schelling    Sioux Falls, SD             3   06-04  0
3 Omar Khan            Sioux Falls, SD             2   04-08  0
4 Scott Pitlick        Pierre, SD                  2   04-00  0
5 Leray Anderson  II   Crofton, NE                 2   03-05  0
6 Craig Cottam         Hastings, NE                1   01-08  0
7 Allan Hall           Brandon, SD                 0   00-00  0
7 Jack Johnson         Brandon, SD                 0   00-00  0
7 Mike Peschl          Tyndall, SD                 0   00-00  0
7 Ryan Volquardsen     Creighton, NE               0   00-00  0

WISCONSIN
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Colton Haney         Baldwin, WI                 7   15-04  0
2 Richard Conrad       Arcadia, WI                 7   13-09  0
3 Bryan Schumacher     Sparta, WI                  7   13-08  0
4 Brad Goetz           Montello, WI                6   13-07  0
5 Tim Meyer            Neenah, WI                  6   13-05  0
6 Kevin Yeska          Madison, WI                 4   07-15  0
7 Joe Fiegen           Onalaska, WI                3   07-05  0
8 Steve Mortenson      Oshkosh, WI                 2   03-13  0
9 Ryan Mertzig         Rochester, MN               2   03-10  0
10 Brian Christianson   La Crosse, WI               1   01-10  0

NEBRASKA
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Tom Leblanc Jr       Omaha, NE                   8   18-10  0
2 AJ Mende             Bellevue, NE                7   13-13  0
3 Charles Capehart     Olathe, KS                  4   08-12  0
4 Aaron Olsen          Lenexa, KS                  4   08-12  0
5 Rich Purington       Papillion, NE               3   07-15  0
6 Paul Huse            Omaha, NE                   3   06-12  0
7 Michael Gertsch      Denton, NE                  2   03-15  0
8 Cory Leonard         Maywood, NE                 1   02-02  0
9 Jason Kloepper       Doniphan, NE                1   01-15  0
10 Blake Macumber       Elkhorn, NE                 1   01-14  0

Gary Adkins holds on to the win along with the Champion’s Shield and $50,000.

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Gary Adkins holds on to the win along with the Champion’s Shield and $50,000.

Story by Justin Brouillard | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons

The only angler targeting smallmouth all three days, Gary Adkins brought in just enough on the final day to edge Trent Palmer by 4-ounces. Adkins added 16-pounds, 7-ounces to bags of 19-pounds, 12-ounces on day one and 15-pounds, 10-ounces on day two to finish the event with a three-day total of 51-pounds, 13-ounces and his first NPFL victory.

Adkins braved the big water all three days and stuck with his game plan to target smallmouth on shallow shoals with bottom baits. On day three, he changed his approach slightly and rotated through some reaction baits to give the fish a better look. Adkins lost a key fish this morning on Live Coverage but remained focused and caught enough to capture the victory.

Trent Palmer
With a three-day total of 51-pounds, 9-ounces, Sonar Pros Pro Trent Palmers weighed in bags of 19-pounds, 11-pounds, 2-ounces and 21-pounds, 7-ounces to finish in the 2nd place spot. Palmer worked a combination of smallmouth and largemouth bass this week and got his tournament off on the right foot on day one.

Kevin Martin
Kevin Martin fished a largemouth deal to finish with a three-day total of 50-pounds, 8-ounces and earn the 3rd place spot. He caught consistent bags all three days and brought in another limit of largemouth bass that weighed 16-pounds, 11-ounces and ended just over a pound from the lead.

Martin sampled Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron in practice but did not find enough to make the long run with projected rough weather. He switched game plans to focus on largemouth and executed every day of the tournament.

“I had another good day but it wasn’t quite good enough,” laughed Martin. “I was fishing a Big Daddy Baits buzz bait and rotating through a swim jig and flipping presentation when I slowed down. The swim jig was a white custom jig and the flipping bait was a Mud Puppy Custom Lures Trash Possum. The water levels changed daily and I moved around to follow the fish”

When he arrived at his primary area this morning, the water has come up a bit. He caught two fish on his area before moving to the back of the shallow bay and going to work. With a few proven baits on his deck, day three brought change and Martin was able to adapt and catch his bass on a frog.

“I had not thrown that all week and I got back and the water was up, they were just biting it. Anytime the water gets up, especially in a shallow bay, the fish will typically move with it.”

Randy Kukral
With 16-pounds, 8-ounces on the final day, Randy Kukral finished in the 4th place spot with a three-day total of 49-pounds, 11-ounces. He caught bags of 17-pounds, 14-ounces on day one and 15-pounds, 5-ounces on day two to earn the top 5 finish.

John Soukup
With a three-day total of 49-pounds, 8-ounces, John Soukup added 15-pounds, 11-ounces on the final day to finished in the 5th place spot. Soukup began his consistent week with bags of 17-pounds, 3-ounces on day one and 16-pounds, 11-ounces on day two and noticed the falling water in his areas moved the bass around as the tournament progressed.

Timmy Reams
With his biggest bag of the week of 17-pounds, 11-ounces on Finale Friday, Progressive Angler of the Year leader Timmy Reams finished in the 6th place spot with a three-day total of 49-pounds, 5-ounces. Fishing close by the take off all week, he focused on a pond area up river all three days.

“I focused on a pond and the mouth of it all week. It had grass and lily pads and on the first day I caught them on some moving baits, Jackhammer and spinnerbait, and some on a frog. Day two there was some wood at the mouth and I moved back in and caught my weight the same way as day one.”

Returning to his area this morning, Reams landed on them right off and was able to put together a 15-pound limit to get his day off on the right foot and got to work upgrading a few times later in the day.

“I caught them on a frog right off and it was awesome to get that weight early. After that I settled in and upgraded a few times this afternoon flipping a Missile Baits D-Bomb.”

Leading the Progressive Angler of the Year race coming into Saginaw Bay, Reams did more than enough to keep him at the top of the leaderboard with two events remaining. Reams has heard the talk but has focused on just doing what he is comfortable with and continues a stellar year thus far.

“I try not to think of it but you do hear it. I’ll just keep fishing my strengths and keep on the momentum. That’s what this sport is all about. I’m looking forward to Sandusky, not the wind, but the place has a lot of fish and it’s another place that largemouth could probably make a top 15.”

FINALE LEADERBOARD

Gary Adkins Takes Over at Saginaw Bay

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Gary Adkins Takes Over at Saginaw Bay

Story by Justin Brouillard | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons

Adding 15-pounds, 10-ounces to his bag on day two, Gary Adkins finished the day in the lead with a two-day total of 35-pounds, 6-ounces. Adkins targeted smallmouth on day one and planned to return to his area on day two.

After a slow start and a bumpy ride, Adkins was able to capitalize on four bites in the first hour and had to move around a lot more to find fish on his primary area.

“It took a lot longer to get there today and they were still not positioned correctly for me to get the bigger bites. I upped the weight on my dropshot to ½-ounce to get better bottom contact and was able to scrape together the limit I weighed today.”

With a long day on the final day, he plans to make the trek out and settle in to try to get a big bag. With less wind, he is hopeful the bass will be set up better on the shoals.

Buck Mallory
Adding 18-pounds, 7-ounces to his day one weight of 16-pounds, 9-ounces, Buck Mallory finishes the day in 2nd place heading into the final day with a total weight of 35-pounds.

After planning to make a long run prior to practice, Mallory saw enough of the wind forecast and a lack of big bites and decided to stay in close to take off to target largemouth.

“Today was the same day as yesterday, I have been flipping, throwing a swim jig and chatterbait and I am fishing one particular area. I had a limit by 11:30am and just stuck it out in there the whole day. I am not fishing anything impressive and its straight forward – I am not going far from the ramp.

Kevin Martin
Adding 17-pounds, 7-ounces to this day one total of 16-pounds, 6-ounces, Kevin Martin is targeting all largemouth and finishes the day in the 3rd place spot with a two-day total of 33-pounds, 13-ounces. He is settling into an area in the river and not leaving.

“I am basically targeting grass and I caught my weight off my first spot with the exception of one upgrade later in the day. I have a lot of company and the plan is to do more of the same tomorrow.”

Martin believes the key to getting some of the bigger bites is his bait of choice and he plans to start his day the same place as today in hopes of catching another quality limit.

“I caught 20 to 25 keeper bass today and I got to the point that nothing was helping so I made a move and saved the area for tomorrow.”

John Soukup
With a two-day total of 33-pounds, 13-ounces, John Soukup finishes the day in the 4th place spot adding 16-pounds, 10-ounces on day two. Soukup targeted shallow largemouth on days one and two and has been mixing through several presentations.

“I am fishing for largemouth and have been fishing a swim jig, frogging, and a bit of punching. Lot of the bigger bass have come on the punch rig and one issue is I am working way back into the reed patches and the water is getting sucked out. It may be a problem for me tomorrow.”

Soukup is making a punch rig with an Alpha Angler Mag Hitter rod, a ¾-ounce weight and a Gene Larew Hoodaddy in watermelon red color.

Tim Wilson
Day one leader Tim Wilson brought 21-pounds, 14-ounces to the scales on day one and followed it up with a limit for 11-pounds, 9-ounces. With a two-day total of 33-pounds, 7-ounces, Wilson finished the day in the 5th place spot.

After taking the lead with smallmouth on day one, Wilson knew his area would be blown out and opted to fish for largemouth and started where he got his 5-pound bite the day before. He fished the area for an hour and with one small keeper to show for it, he moved to the west side of the lake and got to work.

“I ran 26 miles up and caught them on a swim jig but it took some time for me to get rolling. I fished with another angler in the area and he welcomed me into the spot and I got nine keepers in the next couple hours before making the trek back.”

Wilson is going for broke tomorrow and may give his smallmouth a chance in the morning depending on the weather. He is going to change up his approach and throw a few different baits to hopefully get a few bigger bites.

DAY TWO LEADERBOARD
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PARK FALLS, WIS. – “Ol’ Bob Downey” will be competing...

Tyler & Ricky Trent win the Kerr Lake Fall Final with 18.83 lbs

Buggs Island/Kerr Lake Tournament Results 0
We are currently working on a 2026 BassKings schedule...

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