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Louisiana’s Adcock and White take Bassmaster High School Classic title

Louisiana’s Carsen Adcock and Jase White of Bossier Parish High School has won the 2024 Bassmaster High School Classic at Keystone Lake with a total of 19 pounds, 12 ounces.

Photo by Laura Ann Foshee/B.A.S.S.

March 23, 2024

Louisiana’s Adcock and White take Bassmaster High School Classic title

SAND SPRINGS, Okla. — Carsen Adcock and Jase White had never fished on Keystone Lake before competing in the 2024 Strike King Bassmaster High School Classic on Saturday.

But that didn’t stop the Louisiana tandem from establishing a pattern early and riding it to victory in the Sooner State.

Adcock and White, representing Louisiana’s Bossier Parish High School bass team, caught a limit of five largemouth bass Saturday that weighed 19 pounds, 12 ounces. That was more than enough weight to earn them the championship trophy, which they hoisted for thousands of fishing fans gathered at Tulsa’s BOK Center before Day 2 of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors.

Competitors qualified for the High School Classic by placing first or second in one of four Strike King Bassmaster High School tournaments last year or by winning the 2023 Bassmaster High School Series or Bassmaster Junior Series championship tournaments. Adcock and White won a regular-season event on the Red River in northeast Louisiana last May, setting up Saturday’s championship run.

Despite fishing new water, the duo was remarkably consistent on Keystone. They caught their best bass early, with the heaviest weighing 4 1/4 pounds and the lightest checking in at 3 1/2 pounds. They fished along bluff walls, primarily targeting dropoffs in 2 to 8 feet of water.

White fished from the front of the boat, throwing a Berkley Dime 6 crankbait in the river bream color. Adcock followed from the back of the boat with a green shad Z-Man ChatterBait JackHammer.

It was a winning combination from start to finish.

“We both caught fish all day long,” White said. “I think the two different presentations helped us a lot. I was getting bites a little bit deeper and (Carsen) was getting more shallow bites along those rock walls.”

The terrain, safe to say, was very different than anything they’d previously fished on home water in northeast Louisiana, where trees and grass are the primary structure for holding bass. They took to Keystone early, though, with about 25 keeper bites before 11 a.m. They only made one upgrade after that time, and that was for less than half a pound.

“I think the weather helped us early,” Adcock said. “It was really windy and cloudy (with temperatures in the mid-40s) this morning, and we were catching. But the sun popped out about 11 (or) 12 o’clock and things started to shut down. We were still catching fish, but they weren’t the quality of fish we caught in the morning.”

Adcock, 17, is a junior at Haughton High School. White, 19, graduated from Haughton High School last spring and now studies marketing management at Drury University. The team fished together for the first time in the 2023 season, but White said he’d like to lure Adcock to Drury where they could continue their winning ways.

“It might happen,” Adcock said. “We have good chemistry. We don’t have to say a lot on the boat. We adjust off one another, and we fish well together.”

Trey Blackmon III and Carson Falk of Florida’s Capital City Bass Hunters finished second with a limit weighing 16-15. They weighed first on Saturday and held the lead until Adcock and White bumped them from the top spot.

Braden Crumley and Logan Withrow of Tennessee’s Chilhowee Bassmasters placed third with five bass weighing 15-2. Connor Beach, of Florida’s Liberty County Anglers, fished alone on Keystone and finished fourth with 14-0.

None of the other four teams fishing Saturday managed a limit, but the tournament was about much more than competition, said Bossier Parish boat captain (and Jace White’s dad) Brandon White.

“This means the world to me to spend the time with these two kids, to watch them grow into young men,” Brandon White said. “I’m watching these two truly live their dream.”

2024 High School Classic Keystone Lake 3/23-3/23
Keystone Lake, Sand Springs  OK.


(BOATER) Standings Day 1     Angler                                       Club/School                       Pts 1.  Carsen Adcock – Jase White                   Bossier Parish High School – LA       0
  Day 1: 5   19-12   Total:   5  19-12
2.  Trey Blackmon III – Carson Falk              Capital City Bass Hunters             0
  Day 1: 5   16-15   Total:   5  16-15
3.  Braden Crumley – Logan Withrow               Chilhowee Bassmasters – TN            0
  Day 1: 5   15-02   Total:   5  15-02
4.  Connor Beach –                               Liberty County Anglers                0
  Day 1: 5   14-00   Total:   5  14-00
5.  Dylan Sorrells – Cullum Brown                Highland Park High School – TX        0
  Day 1: 4   09-06   Total:   4  09-06
6.  Nick Keith Jr. – Jagger Wells                Munford High School Fishing Club      0
  Day 1: 2   04-01   Total:   2  04-01
7.  Kale Temple – Luke Schnell                   Hart County High School Anglers       0
  Day 1: 1   01-13   Total:   1  01-13
8.  Kagen Hill – Trevor Wilburn                  Century High School  – IL             0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   Total:   0  00-00
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
 1         4        27        81-01
———————————-
           4        27        81-01



Jeff Francis & Brandon Pritchett Win VA Elite70 on Smith Mountain Lake with 21.43lbs

It’s always great to hang out with team from the VA Elite70 & man what a tough day it was for everyone at stop #1 on Smith Mountain Lake. But a few of the local hammers found them. Congratulations to Jeff Francis & Brandon Pritchett were able to find them We hope you enjoy the photos & Interviews below.



Finding the Right Stuff: Day One of the Bassmaster Classic by Bruce Callis Jr

And day one of the 2024 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors is in the books and what a long, awesome day it was! The official launch at Wolf Creek Park and Boating Facility on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees started off a little wet and the crowd was amazing! And then it was tuning into the live broadcast of the anglers on the water. For some, it was following the anglers on the water or online, but some sets their sights on the exciting Expo.

And of course that is the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by GSM Outdoors at the Cox Business Convention Center which opened with a ribbon cutting before the mass of media and Lifetime BASS members rushed inside for an hour head start on the general public. Of course, that hour goes by quickly! And then the crowds get a little thicker and it’s difficult to get done everything you want as far as early product videos, interviews, etc..

Of course, for media, the first day is sometimes the busiest. You are trying to get everything done, but you must also leave to go over to the weigh-in at the BOK Center. Sometimes you make it in time to catch the B.A.S.S. Kayak Championship presentation on stage, and sometimes you make it into the media room in time to talk to the winner.

In a hard found 2 days of fishing, with  Guillermo Gonzalez taking the day 1 lead with 92.75 inches but Drew Gregory mounted a comeback with 180.50 inches to overtake Guillermo for the victory in the 2024 Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship. We have the interview up for everyone and a podcast will be done soon.

For the anglers out on the water today, it got tough for them. The water rose and the bass seemed to pull back off of where they were during practice. The first angler to weigh in this year was Drew Cook and he put an impressive five bass on the scales for 21 pounds and 2 ounces to set the scales high for everyone who followed.

Will Davis Jr. Was the next angler to ride into the arena. He had a decent day, but could not find the bigger fish from practice and had a nice 16 pound 3 ounces to land him in a tie for 10th place.

While it took a good while, Justin Hamner finally made his way into the arena. And arrive he did as he placed a sweet bag onto the scales, weighing an impressive 22 pounds 6 ounces to secure the lead for day one that he never relinquished. He will go out tomorrow as the leader, a place we all dream about.

How will the weather and the water level affect the anglers? Will it drive the bass back up or sent them out further? We will just have to wait until tomorrow afternoon to find out for sure. Will it take another 20 plus pound bag to maintain the lead? Or will someone find that monster bag to leap up from way back to be the new leader on Championship Sunday? We will see!



Springtime Giants: The Ultimate Guide to Landing Big Bass This Season

Springtime Giants: The Ultimate Guide to Landing Big Bass This Season

Spring has finally arrived, and with it comes the much-anticipated bass fishing season. As the waters warm, those elusive giant bass start biting, presenting an exciting challenge for anglers eager to reel in a trophy catch. However, the difference between going home with a story or going home with the catch of the season often boils down to what’s in your boat or tackle box. So, are you equipped to battle the giants? Let’s explore the essential gears and strategies to help you land those springtime giants.

1. The Arsenal: Gearing Up for the Giants

Before we dive into the water, let’s talk gear. The foundation of a successful bass fishing trip lies in preparation, and having the right tools for the job can significantly elevate your chances. Here are our top picks for your spring battle against the giants:

– Mini Rig (Bladed) – The Ninja of the Water: First on our list is the Hog Farmer Tactical Mini Flex. This bladed wonder is a hybrid, combining the subtlety of finesse fishing with the enticing flash of a blade. Think of it as the ninja of the water, sneaking up on unsuspecting bass with its seductive vibration and shine. Perfect for clearer waters where bass might be more finicky, the Tactical Mini Flex mimics the erratic movements of small prey, making it an irresistible target.

– Micro Rig (Bladed) – Small but Mighty: Don’t underestimate the power of being understated. The Hog Farmer Tactical Micro Flex follows the same principle as the Mini but in an even more compact package. This bait excels in situations where bass are heavily pressured or when you’re targeting clearer, shallower waters. Its micro profile combined with the bladed action serves as the perfect mimic of injured baitfish, triggering the predatory instincts of nearby bass.

– Chatterbaits – The Sound of Victory: Among the must-haves is the ZMan EverGreen JackHammer in 1/2 oz. This chatterbait thrives in the murkier, variable conditions of spring. The key here is its unique combination of sight and sound. The vibrating blade not only attracts attention through movement but also creates a distinct sound underwater, calling out to bass with its dinner bell. The skirt adds another layer of life-like motion, imitating a fleeing prey.

– Chatterbait Trailers – Bulk Up Your Bait: Complement your chatterbait with the Hog Farmer 5.5″ Spunk Shad. This soft plastic trailer adds just the right amount of bulk and realistic swimming action, enhancing the overall appeal of your chatterbait. It’s about creating a more inviting target, one that big bass can’t resist but investigate and ultimately, attack.

– Squarebill Crankbaits – The Wobble Wins: Last but certainly not least, squarebill crankbaits are indispensable. Opt for ones that offer a realistic color pattern combined with an erratic wobbling action. These baits excel in shallow, structure-rich areas where bass tend to ambush prey during spring. The squarebill design allows it to deflect off structures, mimicking a disoriented prey fish perfectly.

2. The Technique: Bringing Your Gear to Life

Having the right tools is one thing, but knowing how to use them effectively is a game-changer. Here’s a quick guide on how to bring your gear to life in the water:

– Rigging Right: Start with ensuring your rigs are set up for success. For your mini and micro rigs, consider using a light fluorocarbon line for its low visibility and excellent sensitivity. This will allow you to feel even the slightest nibbles. With chatterbaits and crankbaits, a heavier braided line might be more appropriate, offering the strength needed for those explosive spring battles.

– Location, Location, Location: Spring bass are often found in shallower waters, warming up and actively feeding. Focus your efforts on areas with ample cover—think underwater structures, weed beds, and fallen trees. These are the prime territories where your squarebills and chatterbaits will shine, allowing you to provoke strikes from lurking giants.

– Play It Cool: Remember, the goal is to mimic prey. This means varying your retrieval speeds and including occasional pauses. Let your baits drop momentarily as if wounded, before resuming retrieval. Such tactics are often what trigger the most aggressive strikes. Pay attention to how the bass respond on any given day and adjust your retrieve accordingly.

– Feeling It Out: A crucial aspect of spring bass fishing is staying attuned to your surroundings. Changes in weather, water temperature, and clarity can all affect bass behavior. Be prepared to switch up your baits and techniques as needed. If you find one particular setup isn’t working, don’t hesitate to experiment. Sometimes, the smallest change can make the biggest difference.

3. The Patience: Waiting for the Strike

Patience truly is a virtue in the world of bass fishing, especially in spring. These giants are often wary, and it might take several attempts to entice a strike. Stay persistent, and remember, each cast could be the one that connects you with the catch of a lifetime.

Conclusion: Ready for Battle

Armed with the right baits and strategies, you’re now better prepared to take on the giants of spring. Remember, bass fishing is as much about skill as it is about understanding the behavior of your quarry. Each trip is an opportunity to learn and grow as an angler.



Laidback Hamner brings in big bag, grabs first-day lead at Bassmaster Classic on Grand Lake

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Alabama’s Justin Hamner has taken the lead on Day 1 of the 2024 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors at Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees with a total of 22 pounds, 6 ounces.

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

March 22, 2024

Laidback Hamner brings in big bag, grabs first-day lead at Bassmaster Classic on Grand Lake

TULSA, Okla. — “I’m leading the Bassmaster Classic,” said Justin Hamner, sounding as much like he was asking a question as making a statement.  

But it was 100% true.  

The young pro from Northport, Ala., weighed in 22 pounds, 6 ounces Friday to take the Day 1 lead at the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors. The fourth-year member of the Bassmaster Elite Series found a pattern on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees that placed him just over a pound ahead of Missouri pro Cody Huff and continued the flow of what has been a dream 2024 season.  

“This whole year has just been so much fun,” said Hamner, who opened his Elite Series season with a 14th-place finish at Toledo Bend and a third-place showing at Lake Fork last month. “I’ve just been fishing free and doing what I want to do with no stress. I’m just going back to my roots and bass fishing knowing it’s my only job for the first time ever. 

“It still hits me sometimes that this is the first year that I don’t have to have a side job anymore. This is what I do now — and obviously, I couldn’t be any happier than I am right now.” 

Unlike many anglers who overestimate their weights on BassTrakk — the unofficial real-time scoreboard for B.A.S.S. events — Hamner underestimated his bass Friday. BassTrakk showed him with five fish in his livewell at quitting time that weighed just 19 1/2 pounds. That total would have been good for third place, but it was off by nearly 3 pounds. 

Hamner, who was tightlipped about his techniques, caught keepers steadily throughout the day, putting his first bass in the box at 8:57 a.m. and his last in at 3:06 p.m. The two largemouth that anchored his bag were estimated at 5 pounds each.  

After a practice he deemed “absolutely terrible,” Hamner said he was shocked by the level of success. 

“Every day was so different that I could never duplicate patterns two days in a row,” he said. “So now, I’m going into every day with an open mind. Obviously, I know where I’m going to start tomorrow. But if it ain’t happening quick, I’m just gonna go fishing.” 

One thing Hamner did seem sure of was that increased winds would help his fortunes — and that’s exactly what the forecast is calling for. While Saturday’s winds will once again be at 5 to 10 mph, Sunday’s forecast is calling for 20 to 30 mph winds with an occasional gust over 40. 

“That should be very good for me,” Hamner said. “When it was slick calm this morning, the fish I caught would just have one hook in their mouths, barely hooked. I even lost a couple of good ones because of it. I could have had a sure-enough big bag. 

“But as soon as that wind picked up, they would bite it and have the whole bait sideways in their mouths.”

As for managing the emotions of leading the Classic, Hamner said he didn’t know what to expect since he’s never been in the situation before. He also said he’ll have to figure out the increased presence of spectator boats as he goes. 

“The way this whole year is going, I just don’t feel a lot of pressure,” he said. “I’m just going out there to have fun. The spectators could be interesting because I’m fishing some really tight areas. But I’m not worried about it. I’m just glad somebody wants to come and watch me.”  

Like Hamner, Huff didn’t have the best practice, but his fortunes changed when it was time to go live.  

BassTrakk showed Huff with catches of a 4-0, 4-8, 4-0, 3-8 and 4-0, but some were obviously underestimated, considering his heavier total weight of 21-2. One thing that was completely accurate, however, was that the last bass he caught was weighed in just before noon. 

Confident that he had 20 pounds in his livewell, Huff decided to spend the final three hours of the day “trying to catch a big fish” and looking for things that might help him the rest of the event. He caught a few decent keepers — nothing that would allow him to cull, but hopefully a sign of good things to come. 

“My practice wasn’t that great, but it seemed like when I got to some of those areas where I caught them in practice, they were all good ones today,” Huff said. “I hope it stays that way — I hope the big females just keep coming through.” 

Huff said he also had several areas he found in practice that he still hasn’t visited — and since he didn’t see other tournament boats where he fished Friday, he hopes those areas were left alone as well. Like Hamner, now that he’s near the top of the leaderboard, Huff expects a large gallery of spectator boats on Day 2. 

“I’m fishing really, really shallow,” Huff said. “It’s the kind of thing that would really be vulnerable to a lot of boat traffic. But one of the keys to what I’m doing has been slowing down and just picking everything apart.  

“Having a lot of boats following me — that whole element — it might force me to slow down and pick things apart even more. Maybe it’ll be a good thing.” 

After a tremendous career on the Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Huff is now making his third career appearance in the Classic. And while he isn’t sure that his previous Classic appearances will make a big difference in how he handles the pressure of being in contention, he’d rather be living this scenario than the alternative. 

“I don’t think anybody’s ever gonna be comfortable with this situation unless they’re made of brick,” Huff said. “But I’m a lot more comfortable with this than I am with being at the bottom of the pack.” 

Oklahoma pro Luke Palmer brought in the Big Bass of the Day, a 6-5, and took the lead in the Mercury Big Bass of the Tournament race.  

The full field will take off again at 7:15 a.m. CT Saturday from Wolf Creek Park and Boating Facility, with weigh-in scheduled for approximately 5:00 p.m. at the BOK Center in downtown Tulsa. Doors will open at 3:15 p.m., with the Strike King Bassmaster High School Classic taking the stage to weigh in at 3:35 p.m. After Saturday’s weigh-in, only the Top 25 remaining anglers will advance to Championship Sunday for a chance at the $300,000 first-place prize and the most -coveted trophy in the history of the sport. 

Click here for a full list of how to watch the event online and on television. 

Click here for a full list of Classic events, including the annual Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by GSM Outdoors. 

2024 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors 3/22-3/24

Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, Tulsa/Grove  OK.

(ANGLER) Standings Day 1

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

1.  Justin Hamner          Northport, AL            5  22-06    0

  Day 1: 5   22-06  

2.  Cody Huff              Ava, MO                  5  21-02    0

  Day 1: 5   21-02  

3.  Adam Rasmussen         Sturgeon Bay, WI         5  19-05    0

  Day 1: 5   19-05  

4.  Lee Livesay            Longview, TX             5  18-15    0

  Day 1: 5   18-15  

5.  Jay Przekurat          Plover, WI               5  18-05    0

  Day 1: 5   18-05  

6.  John Cox               Debary, FL               5  16-14    0

  Day 1: 5   16-14  

7.  Hank Cherry Jr         Lincolnton, NC           5  16-08    0

  Day 1: 5   16-08  

7.  Matt Robertson         Kuttawa, KY              5  16-08    0

  Day 1: 5   16-08  

9.  Tyler Williams         Belgrade, ME             5  16-07    0

  Day 1: 5   16-07  

10. Will Davis Jr          Sylacauga, AL            5  16-03    0

  Day 1: 5   16-03  

10. Shane LeHew            Catawba, NC              5  16-03    0

  Day 1: 5   16-03  

12. Kyle Patrick           Cooperstown, NY          5  15-13    0

  Day 1: 5   15-13  

13. Luke Palmer            Coalgate, OK             5  15-10    0

  Day 1: 5   15-10  

14. Brandon Cobb           Greenwood, SC            5  15-07    0

  Day 1: 5   15-07  

15. Brock Mosley           Collinsville, MS         5  15-06    0

  Day 1: 5   15-06  

16. David Gaston           Sylacauga, AL            5  15-05    0

  Day 1: 5   15-05  

17. Stetson Blaylock       Benton, AR               5  15-02    0

  Day 1: 5   15-02  

17. Chris Johnston         Otonabee Ontario CANADA  5  15-02    0

  Day 1: 5   15-02  

19. Justin Barnes          Ellaville, GA            5  15-00    0

  Day 1: 5   15-00  

20. Drew Benton            Panama City, FL          5  14-12    0

  Day 1: 5   14-12  

21. Bryant Smith           Roseville, CA            5  14-10    0

  Day 1: 5   14-10  

22. Taku Ito               Dalton GA JAPAN          5  14-09    0

  Day 1: 5   14-09  

23. Bryan Schmitt          Deale, MD                5  14-07    0

  Day 1: 5   14-07  

24. Joey Nania             Cropwell, AL             5  14-06    0

  Day 1: 5   14-06  

25. Timothy Dube           Nashua , NH              5  14-05    0

  Day 1: 5   14-05  

26. Hunter Shryock         Ooltewah, TN             5  14-01    0

  Day 1: 5   14-01  

27. Kenta Kimura           Osaka OK JAPAN           5  14-00    0

  Day 1: 5   14-00  

28. Cooper Gallant         Bowmanville Ontario CAN  5  13-14    0

  Day 1: 5   13-14  

29. Jeff Gustafson         Kenora, ON Ontario CANA  5  13-13    0

  Day 1: 5   13-13  

30. Kyle Welcher           Valley, AL               5  13-08    0

  Day 1: 5   13-08  

31. Joey Cifuentes III     Clinton, AR              5  13-07    0

  Day 1: 5   13-07  

31. Brandon Palaniuk       Rathdrum, ID             5  13-07    0

  Day 1: 5   13-07  

33. Pat Schlapper          Eleva, WI                5  13-05    0

  Day 1: 5   13-05  

34. Matt Arey              Shelby, NC               5  13-03    0

  Day 1: 5   13-03  

35. Jason Christie         Dry Creek, OK            5  13-01    0

  Day 1: 5   13-01  

35. Drew Cook              Cairo, GA                5  13-01    0

  Day 1: 5   13-01  

35. Clark Wendlandt        Leander, TX              5  13-01    0

  Day 1: 5   13-01  

38. Cory Johnston          Otonabee CANADA          5  12-15    0

  Day 1: 5   12-15  

39. Brandon Card           Salisbury, NC            5  12-14    0

  Day 1: 5   12-14  

40. Easton Fothergill      Grand Rapids , MN        5  12-13    0

  Day 1: 5   12-13  

41. Greg Hackney           Gonzales, LA             5  12-11    0

  Day 1: 5   12-11  

42. Powell Kemp IV         Scotland Neck, NC        5  12-10    0

  Day 1: 5   12-10  

43. Bob Downey             Detroit Lakes, MN        5  12-08    0

  Day 1: 5   12-08  

44. Paul Mueller           Naugatuck, CT            5  12-05    0

  Day 1: 5   12-05  

45. Matt Messer            Warfield, KY             5  12-00    0

  Day 1: 5   12-00  

45. Ben Milliken           New Caney, TX            5  12-00    0

  Day 1: 5   12-00  

47. Cole Sands             Calhoun , TN             5  11-15    0

  Day 1: 5   11-15  

48. Tyler Rivet            Raceland, LA             5  11-05    0

  Day 1: 5   11-05  

49. Austin Felix           Eden Prairie, MN         5  11-03    0

  Day 1: 5   11-03  

50. Aaron Yavorsky         Palm Harbor, FL          5  11-01    0

  Day 1: 5   11-01  

51. Carl Jocumsen          Queensland TN AUSTRALIA  5  10-14    0

  Day 1: 5   10-14  

52. Kyoya Fujita           Yamanashi CA JAPAN       5  10-13    0

  Day 1: 5   10-13  

53. Patrick Walters        Eutawville, SC           5  10-10    0

  Day 1: 5   10-10  

54. Jacob Powroznik        North Prince George, VA  5  09-10    0

  Day 1: 5   09-10  

55. Scott Canterbury       Odenville, AL            2  03-13    0

  Day 1: 2   03-13  

56. Josh Wiesner           Fon du Lac, WI           0  00-00    0

  Day 1: 0   00-00  

———————————————————————–

Totals

Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight

 1        54       272       774-07

———————————-

          54       272       774-07



Gregory takes Kayak Series Championship victory at Tenkiller

Drew Gregory has won the 2024 Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship scored by TourneyX with a total of 180.50 inches. 

Photo by Mark Cisneros/B.A.S.S.

March 22, 2024

Gregory takes Kayak Series Championship victory at Tenkiller

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Drew Gregory won the Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship scored by TourneyX on Thursday, but he had to wait a full day, and a few additional hours for good measure, before his victory was confirmed.

That’s because the championship’s big reveal was saved for Friday and the throng of fishing fans gathered at the BOK Center in Tulsa for Day 1 of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors.

Gregory, a 44-year-old resident of Kent, Ohio, clinched the championship with a total of 10 bass measuring 180.5 inches during the derby held Wednesday and Thursday on Tenkiller Lake. Competitors could slip into Tenkiller from any approved launch on the 13,000-acre fishery, located about 90 miles east of Tulsa.

“There’s a lot of anxiety waiting more than 24 hours to know if you’ve won or not,” Gregory said. “I didn’t sleep too well last night. Some people told me I was ahead when the (TourneyX results page) was turned off (on Bassmaster.com) an hour before Day 2 ended. But you still don’t know. I’ve been in tournaments before where the guy who wins didn’t have phone service and couldn’t enter his fish. So, he goes from looking like he has nothing to being the winner.

“I was hoping it didn’t happen like that here, and when it didn’t, it was a big relief. It’s just a great rush of excitement.”

Gregory collected $25,000, part of a $56,350 total cash purse split among the Top 16 anglers in the tournament. In all, 164 competitors representing 30 states and Canada took part. They qualified by either placing in the Top 5 from any Bassmaster Kayak Series tournament in 2023, by finishing among the Top 50 in the 2023 Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year points race or by placing in the top 10% of B.A.S.S. Nation state kayak championships. The field also included last year’s champion, Tennessee’s Rus Snyders.

After close finishes in previous championships, Gregory closed the deal on Tenkiller. He caught 90 inches on Wednesday, which was good enough for fourth place. He fished a slough on the northern end of Tenkiller with a Z-Man CrossEyeZ Power Finesse Jig and a Z-Man Pro CrawZ trailer in the green pumpkin color. His catch came early, and some key late upgrades got him within 2.75 inches of Day 1 leader Guillermo Gonzalez, who led Day 1 with 92.75 inches.

“By the time I left that slough, I had five fish, all of them over 16 inches,” Gregory said. “One of those was a 19 3/4-inch fish, and it was still early. So, I felt pretty good from the start.”

Gregory was strong again on Day 2, starting with a 22-inch largemouth that was the Big Bass of the Tournament and good for an additional $500.

“Catching the fish of the tournament early is a great feeling,” he said. “I started in that same slough for it, but as I made my way up the slough, the water was getting more clear, more shallow, and I got worried again. I caught a couple of spotted bass to get me to four fish, and the fifth came on a Bass Mafia Daingerous Swimbait.

“I threw it against a log in the river and she hammered it,” he said, speaking about the 21.25-inch smallmouth that completed his Day 2 limit.

Gonzalez, of Fort Worth, Texas, finished second with 178.25 inches — good for $9,000. Bennett Nall, of Anderson, S.C., placed third with the same total length. Gonzalez, 33, won the second-place tiebreaker with his opening-day haul, one of the biggest of the tournament.

“The fish were congregated around bait and they put the feedbags on,” Gonzalez said. “If you could find the bait, you caught feeding fish really quick.”

Gonzalez used a white Megabass Magdraft 6-inch swimbait to catch his best bass — one rigged with a treble hook for shallow-water bites and another with a heavy-belly weight to spark deep-water bites. He said all but one of his bass on Tenkiller were largemouth, and they bit in anywhere from 5 to 40 feet of water.

“It was the pattern,” he said. “I knew I was getting bigger bites than most people with that big swimbait.”

Nall, a 20-year-old Clemson student, won $5,000. He fished concrete blocks only yards from where he launched on Day 1. When that bite disappeared on Day 2, he moved to a different launch, found similar structure and caught another limit there.

He finished with 90.75 inches on Wednesday and 87.5 on Day 2. He used a shad-colored Fluke for his best catches, working the lure over the fish and drawing them away from the blocks where they’d eventually bite.

“It’s a whole new pattern to me,” he said. “Most people don’t look around the boat ramps, but sometimes they can be some of your most productive areas.”

California’s Damian Thao finished fourth (177.25 inches), and Missouri’s Lance Burris placed fifth (173 inches).

The event was hosted by Explore Cherokee County, Oklahoma, Tour Tahlequah and the Greater Tenkiller Area Association.

Official results for this tournament can be found here.



Drew Gregory Wins 2024 Bassmaster Classic Kayak Series – Interview

Photo taken by Rob Hammond



Ivan Morris & Doug Larson Win CATT Roanoke Rapids Lake, NC Mar 17, 2024

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Next Roanoke Rapids Spring Qualifier is April 7th!

Use PHANTOMCATT15 at checkout and earn 15% of your Phantom Apparel order! Tap on the Phantom logo to view the Phantom Apparel!

Ivan Morris & Doug Larson weighed in 5 bass at 23.36 lbs taking 1st Place at Roanoke Rapids Lake!

Shane Doughtie & Evan White 2nd Place with 22.40 lbs!

Billy Patrick & Ryan Harrell took 3rd with 5 bass weighing 22.04 lbs!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Doug Larson Ivan Morris5.6023.36$595.00110
Shane Doughtie Evan White5.7222.40$410.00109
Billy Patrick Ryan Harrell5.7222.04$55.00108
Bryan Edwards Kent Edwards0.0018.58107
Jake Murdock John Murdock0.0015.84106
Cory Byrum Scott White0.0015.60105
Caleb Horn4.2414.88104
Michael Hobbs Larry Hobbs0.0014.80103
Dennis Bradley Allen Mitchell0.0013.16102
Robby Butler Michael Midgett5.3413.02101
Michael Pembleton0.000.0091
Joey Scott0.000.0091
Total Entrys$880.00
BONUS $$450.00
Total Paid At Ramp$1,060.00
2024 Roanoke Rapids Spring Final Fund$170.00
CATT$50.00
2024 CATT Championship Fund$50.00
2024 Roanoke Rapids  Spring Final Fund Total$370.00



Scooter Lilley & Eric Galasso Win CATT Kerr Lake, VA Mar 17, 2024

Next Kerr Lake Qualifier is April 7 at Occoneechee State Park! 7am – 3pm!

The 2024 CATT Academy Championship will take place on Kerr Lake May 18-19, 2024, and we are guaranteeing a minimum of $10,000.00 to 1st Place! Tap on the link to view more info! 1st Flight is almost full!

2024 CATT Academy Championship – Carolina Anglers Team Trail (cattteamtrail.com)

Eric Galasso & Scooter Lilley came out on top of the 62-boat field on Kerr Lake with 5 bass weighing 16.97 lbs and collected $3,320.00!

Mike Griggs & Chuck Morton finished 2nd with 15.94 lbs and earned $1,760.00!

Kenny Wilson & David Mathews claimed 3rd with 15.84 lbs worth $1,120.00!

Use PHANTOMCATT15 at checkout and earn 15% of your Phantom Apparel order! Tap on the Phantom caps to view the Phantom Apparel!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Scooter Lilley – Eric Galasso4.1616.97$3,320.00110
Chuck Morton – Mike Griggs4.6915.94$1,760.00109
Kenny Wilson – David Matthews4.9615.84$1,120.00108
Jason Lloyd – Bucky Duffer3.8415.33$575.00107
Bryan Welch – Mark Inman5.1014.67$1,070.00106
Brandon Grey – Robert Perkins0.0014.33$350.00105
Derrick Currin – Gray Williams0.0013.85$300.00104
Dave Farrington – Jerry Bono0.0013.55$225.00103
Randy Waterman – Donnie Avant0.0013.41$200.00102
Greg Stallings – Ricky Grant3.4213.39$160.00101
Michael Stewart – Buck Clark0.0012.90$140.00100
David Wilson – Randy Townsend4.8412.85$135.0099
Travis Owen – Mark Hatcher4.3012.6598
Jeff Hodges – Lynn Fox0.0012.5197
Justin Rhew – Mike Rhew0.0012.4196
Spencer Barrow0.0012.3995
Bryan Calloway – Tony Tombs3.2212.3094
David Bullock – Jimmy Henderson0.0012.1493
Michael Dikun – Jenny Li0.0012.1392
Alden Patterson – Kieth Patterson0.0011.9991
Alex Sayer – Todd McCormick0.0011.8890
Mike Mull – Greg Lahr0.0011.8089
Tim Tait – Wayne Andrews0.0011.6088
Kevin Dawson – Joey Dawson0.0011.4387
Eric Christian – Tim Minor0.0011.2386
Kevin Hayslett – Tim Nobles0.0011.1785
Mark Mayer – Ben Mayer0.0011.1584
Eddie Fore0.0011.1383
Tony Staney – Chase Stanley0.0011.1082
Tate Fogleman – Seth Ellis0.0010.9881
Jay Fogleman – Doug Stallings0.0010.9480
Jeffrey Davis0.0010.7379
Scottie Melton – Shawn Smith0.0010.6578
Bryan Cottrell – Bryan Jones0.0010.4977
Donald Coleman0.0010.4476
Michael Garner – Billy Shelton0.0010.3575
Chad Hicks – Heath Johnson0.0010.3574
James Condrey – Jimmy Condrey0.0010.2773
Wesley Harris – Travis Garrett0.0010.1772
Matthew Little – Derek Bowden0.0010.1071
Marty Warren – Zach Smith0.0010.1070
Brandon Curtis – Tom Wilkerson0.0010.0769
Marty Stone – JT Stone0.009.8868
Mark King – Chris Wray0.009.2367
Matt Harrison0.009.1866
David Owen0.009.1365
Andrew Thomas – Samantha Thomas0.008.9064
Jonathan Rhew – Roger Clary0.008.5563
Lonnie Whitfield – Phillip Smith0.008.3862
Luke Dudley0.007.1261
Mark Kines0.006.5960
Zack Davenport0.000.0050
Matt Childress – Brandon Stewart0.000.0050
Tyler Trent – Ricky Trent0.000.0050
Scott Canady – Glenn Elliott0.000.0050
Eddie Glascock – Billy Dunn0.000.0050
Austin Gyils – Will Nash0.000.0050
Jason Houchins – Danny Houchins0.000.0050
Josh Fletcher – Bryson Peed0.000.0050
Aaron Falwell – Steven Coleman0.000.0050
Cavin Youngue – Brian Youngue0.000.0050
Steve Lucy – Todd Dorton0.000.0050
Total Entrys$7,440.00
BONUS $$2,500.00
Total Paid At Ramp$9,355.00
Kerr 2024 Spring Final Fund$485.00
CATT$50.00
2024 CATT Championship  Fund$50.00
2024 Kerr Spring Final Fund Total$1,270.00



Garrett Geouge Wins CATT Pamunkey River Series Chick Lake, VA Mar 16, 2024

Next Pamunkey River Spring Qualifier will be March 30th at Williams Landing!

Use PHANTOMCATT15 at checkout and earn 15% of your Phantom Apparel order! Tap on the Phantom caps to view the Phantom Apparel!

Garrett Geouge takes 1st Place at Chick Lake with 5 bass weighing 18.25 lbs and he weighed in the BF at 7.21 lbs!

Eddie Durr & Matt Wood 2nd Place with 9.81 lbs!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Garrett Geouge7.2118.25$855.00110
Eddie Durr – Matt Wood6.929.81$250.00109
Scottie Melton – Shawn Smith2.789.51108
Daniel Grattan – Ryan Grattan0.007.77107
Harvey Reese – Lane Peade0.006.19106
Justin Smith0.005.21105
Curtis Combs – CJ Combs0.002.57104
Wayne Deavers – Clyde Cheek0.000.0094
Charles Ramer – Mason Weakley0.000.0094
Ray Hogg – Donnie Daniel0.000.0094
Total Entrys$1,200.00
BONUS $$225.00
Total Paid At Ramp$1,055.00
2024 Pamunkey Spring Final Fund$220.00
CATT$50.00
2024 CATT Championship$50.00
2024 Pamunkey Spring Fund Total$220.00