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MLF’s Fisheries Management Division Improves Logan Martin Lake with Events in Conjunction with REDCREST 2024

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CROPWELL, Ala. (March 21, 2024) – Alabama anglers and fishing enthusiasts that enjoy Logan Martin Lake might notice their lakeshore a little bit cleaner, and the fish a little healthier over the coming weeks.

On Saturday morning, while the top 20 anglers competed on Lay Lake at Major League Fishing’s (MLF) Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2024 Powered by OPTIMA Lithium, the MLF Fisheries Management Division, MLF staff, Bass Pro Tour anglers Gary Klein and Grae Buck, and Alabama Power staff kicked off the Renew Our Rivers – Lake Logan Martin (Coosa River) weeklong clean up.

Alabama Power’s Environmental Affairs Specialist Mike Clelland captained their clean up barge to secluded areas of the lake with angler volunteers while the MLF staff and FMD led the clean up on the shoreline of Pell City Lakeside Park. 

“It’s outstanding to see the effort this community puts into keeping their lake beautiful, and I’m humbled to be a small part of this kick-off event” said Bass Pro Tour angler Grae Buck. 

At the end of the morning the cleanup teams met and offloaded the barge full of trash at the city dumpsters that were provided for the week-long event.

Then, after the REDCREST championship event wrapped up on Sunday night, the MLF FMD was right back to work on Monday morning.

On Monday, the FMD, MLF staff, Klein, Alabama Power Environmental Affairs employees, and local volunteers built and deployed artificial fish habitat into Lake Logan Martin from Lakeside Park in Pell City at the Minn Kota Habitat Restoration Project Supported by KVD Foundation and MossBack Fish Habitat.

A REDCREST tradition with Minn Kota, the KVD Foundation, and MossBack Fish Habitat , the MLF FMD provides the local host community with a habitat restoration project following MLF’s most prestigious event. The project started with a generous donation of $5,000 from the KVD Foundation, which was then matched by MossBack Fish Habitat. The two groups combined to provide Alabama Power with $10,000 in artificial habitat product. Before the habitat hit the water it was on display all weekend long at the MLF Outdoors Sports Expo for fans to see in the Minn Kota MossBack Fish Habitat Experience booth. 

The habitat was weighed down using anchoring materials supplied by Lowe’s (Store No. 1737) in Leeds, Alabama. The products were deployed using two habitat barges owned and operated by Alabama Power. 
Kevin VanDam said about the project “We are extremely proud to provide our third consecutive year of support with the KVD Foundation at REDCREST and showcase Minn Kota’s continual commitment to the bass fishing community and habitat restoration.”

The waypoint of each habitat location will be made available by Alabama Power on their website, as well as on the Shorelines mobile app. Visit AlabamaPower.com to read more about the 25 years of conservation work completed by Alabama Power. 

Alabama Power’s commitment to Alabama waterways is unparalleled. They started their conservation efforts with the Coosa River clean up in 2000. Over the past 24 years, the program has evolved into the nation’s largest river clean-up program, now known as Renew our Rivers. Since its inception, 16 million pounds of trash have been collected by more than 120,000 volunteers. 

To learn more about Renew Our Rivers visit APCShorelines.com, or download the Alabama Power Shorelines App. To view the schedule for all upcoming Renew our River events, visit https://apcshorelines.com/recreation/renew-our-rivers.

For complete details and updated information on the Major League Fishing FMD, the Bass Pro Tour and REDCREST 2024, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, TwitterInstagram and  YouTube.



Mastering The Classic: Surviving Media Day

Mastering The Classic: Surviving Media Day

by Bruce Callis Jr

The 2024 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors kicked off today with the official Media Day. This year, the event was held at the Bass Pro Shops in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. The angler’s boats were lined up on one side of the parking lot and we met in the back room while the store was still open to the public.

It always starts with lunch for the anglers and the media, which is sponsored by Power Pole and then an introduction by Tommy Sanders. After the usual welcome, the next up was the presentation of the first Bassmaster Classic Progressive Celebrity Pro-Am Tournament. Ten teams fished this morning, catching a total of 4 fish and using a total inches for the fish.

Paired with the pros were, Hall of Famer Randy Moss, NASCAR Cup Series Driver Ross Chastain, Multi-motorsports competitor Travis Pastrana, Former Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robison, Southern Rock band Whiskey Myers front man Cody Cannon, Singer/songwriter Koe Wetzel, Social media influencer Hood Fishing Entertainment, and Barstool Outdoors talent/host Sydnie Wells.

The pros were the legend Rick Clunn, Scott Martin, Mickey Brantley, Matty Wong, Logan Parks, Jamie Hartman, Seth Feider, John Soukup, and Chris Zaldain. And there was a tie for second between Team Soukup/Cannon and Team Clunn/Moss with 59.5 inches. But the winners, with 64.75 inches was Team Zaldain/Hood.

And then the madhouse began as anglers headed to their boats to do some final rigging and the media converged upon them. It’s a madhouse, as they all have an agenda they want fulfilled with as many anglers as possible. You also have some that want to do special videos with the anglers, showcasing certain products or baits. It’s a short 2 hours of seeing who can get what done. And yes, I was part of that madhouse. I decided to change it up a little with some quick either or with each angler.

In my quick scientific survey of 17 of the 56 anglers, I found out that sometimes simple isn’t so easy. The questions very more about what the angler liked rather than what they were going to be doing. For instance, the first quest was “jig or Texas rig?” Two of the 17 picked Texas rig, but the majority picked a jig. And 5 of the 17 picked a worm over a creature bait.

Nine of the 17 picked a crankbait over a jerkbait. And 4 of the anglers preferred deep water over shallow water. But they I threw them a curve ball. I asked “steak or seafood?” This was actually a little fun as some had to debate, but in the end, 3 of the 17 chose seafood as the winner. Potatoes or Mac & Cheese? Three of the 17 picked Mac & Cheese. And as a final question, corn or green beans? And the winner, 10-7, is corn.

While it seems crazy, the anglers are grilled with what they are using, what they want to start with, the color, what action rod, the size line and speed reel they will be using. Sometimes you need to slow down and remember, that as important as fishing is, you need to have fun. A little laughter in the madhouse can keep you sane.

What did I learn from my questions? That they are ready to get started in the morning and try to find the bass that will enable them to become the next Bassmaster Classic Champion. The dream continues for them!



The Future of Major League Fishing: Who Will Rise as the Next Icon After KVD’s Era Ends?

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As the sun set on the 2024 MLB REDCREST event, it marked not just the end of another thrilling competition but also the close of an era dominated by one of the most iconic figures in the angling world – Kevin VanDam, commonly known by the initials KVD. KVD, with his unparallel skills and unrivaled passion for the sport, has been at the forefront of professional fishing, trailblazing a path through the waters of both the Elite Series and Major League Fishing (MLF). His contributions have not just been about the countless victories or the records shattered but about how he carried the essence of competitive fishing on his shoulders, shaping perceptions and setting benchmarks.

This end, however, brings with it a pertinent question – one that echoes through the realms of MLF and its fan base. As we bid adieu to KVD, we find ourselves at a crossroads, pondering over the future of Major League Fishing. The inquiry isn’t about whether MLF will find a new champion; the talent pool, after all, is as impressive as ever, brimming with individuals capable of incredible feats on the water. The real curiosity lies in whether MLF will see a new ‘face’ emerge, someone who can represent and lead this organization with as much charisma, talent, and passion as KVD did.

At the Bass Cast, we have been mulling over this thought ever since the final day of the REDCREST event. Will Major League Fishing nurture and elevate a new ambassador who can carry the legacy forward? Or will the owners allow the essence of what KVD symbolized – leadership, inspiration, and excellence – to simply fade into the backdrop of the sport’s evolving narrative?

The pool of talent within MLF is undeniably rich and diverse. Names like Dustin Cannell, the two-time REDCREST champion, come immediately to mind. His accomplishments and dedication to the sport are evident, and his journey so far reflects a champion’s mindset. Then, there’s Jacob Wheeler, another powerhouse angler whose performances have consistently left the fans and fellow competitors in awe. Both of them, amongst others, possess the potential to be the new leaders MLF fervently needs.

However, this transition isn’t merely about finding a successor. It’s about what the leadership envisions for the future of Major League Fishing. The essence of a sport lies not just in the competitive spirit it harbors but in the stories it tells and the heroes it creates. KVD was such a hero, a figure larger than life that pulled many towards the sport, inspiring both seasoned anglers and those who had never before considered picking up a fishing pole.

The task at hand is monumental. The new face of MLF would need to embody the spirit of angling while also being a relatable and inspirational figure. This person would need to connect with the community, drive the sport forward, and, most importantly, be the bridge between the tradition of angling and its future. The organization’s leadership has a crucial role to play here. The decision cannot be solely about accolades or victories. It must consider the individual’s ability to inspire, to lead, and to carry the torch forward, illuminating the path for the generations to come.

As of now, there seems to be an air of uncertainty. Will the owners and leadership of MLF seize this opportunity to let a new legacy take root, or will the allure of the past overshadow the potential for growth and evolution? The answer to this rests not just with the decisions of those at the helm of MLF but also with the community that supports and loves this sport.

Here at the Bass Cast, while we speculate and ponder, we invite you, our readers, to join in on this dialogue. What are your thoughts on the future of Major League Fishing post-KVD? Is there an angler you believe could be the new face of MLF? How do you envision the leadership navigating this transition?

The end of KVD’s reign might signify the closing of a chapter, but it also heralds the beginning of a new saga. One filled with potential, challenges, and the promise of an exciting future. Major League Fishing stands at a threshold, and the choices made now will chart the course of its journey ahead.

We want to hear from you – your opinions, your insights, and your predictions. The sport of fishing is built upon a community of passionate individuals, and it is this community that will propel it into the future. Let’s engage, debate, and envision what lies ahead for Major League Fishing. After all, the legacy of a sport is not defined by one individual but by the collective spirit and passion of its community.

👇Comment Below 👇 



Donnie Maiers & Dean Benfield Win CATT Lake Wateree, SC March 16,2024

Next Lake Wateree Spring CATT Qualifier is March 30th at Clearwater Cove Marina!

Use PHANTOMCATT15 at checkout and earn 15% off your next Phantom Outdoors Apparel order! Tap on the Phantom logo to start shopping!

***Lake Wateree BassKings solo series will be April 6th! You can win BIG money and you don’t have to split it with a partner! Tap On the link for more info!

Donnie Maiers & Dean Benfield wrapped up another win on Wateree with 5 bass weighing 18.14 lbs! They also won the Wateree Open and took home a total of $2,810.00!

Chad Gainey & Mack Kitchens 2nd with 17.38 lbs!

Cole Jackson & Jeff Robinson 3rd Place 200.00!

Matt & Greg Nettles 4th with 16.11 lbs!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Dean Benfield & Donnie Maiers5.9618.14$1,590.00110
Chad Gainey & Mack Kitchens5.4217.38$450.00109
Cole Jackson & Jeff Robinson3.9616.81$200.00108
Greg Nettles & Matt Nettles4.9716.11107
Chad Sinclair & Terry Cardwell3.7715.97106
Craig Haven & Paul Wells3.6315.27105
Brent Neal & Max Price3.3914.00104
Seth Rabon & Patrick Tindall3.9113.95103
Brett Collins & Matt McBee3.1712.26102
David Grooms & Jonathan Brindal3.5811.74101
Scott Williams & Robbie English3.4610.79100
Dearal Rodgers & Trent McLaughlin0.007.8599
Josh Warren0.000.0089
Scott Faile0.000.0089
Mitchell Gordon0.000.0089
Mike Ware & Josh Finley0.000.0089
Greg Sigmon0.000.0089
Jeff Norris & Jacob Norris0.000.0089
Shane Cantley & Michael Richardson0.000.0089
Total Entrys$2,280.00
BONUS $$425.00
Total Paid At Ramp$2,240.00
2024 Wateree Spring Final Fund$365.00
CATT$50.00
2024 CATT Championship$50.00
2024 Wateree Spring Fund Total$1,395.00



FISHING: Tight and True Right Out of the Box

Northland® Introduces New Elite Series Hardbaits with the Pro Sunny B Deep
Expanding bass line-up includes the 2023 BASSMASTER CLASSIC winning Smeltinator® with seven balsa crankbaits handpicked by Gussy for all depths & conditions, including the upcoming 2024 Classic 
BEMIDJI, Minn. (March 20, 2024) – Northland® Fishing Tackle is proud to release their Elite Series Hardbaits this week, the mix including seven shapes and six colors, all handpicked by Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson himself. While some are like Northland’s sister brand, Bagley Baits, new Northland Elite Series Hardbaits include new designs, improved components, and out-of-the-package, tournament-ready performance.New Northland Elite Series Hardbait Models Include: Elite PRO Sunny B Deep (NEW) Elite PRO Sunny B (NEW) PRO Sunny B Sunny B Shallow Sunny B Sunny B Twin Spin Bang O Lure Twin Spin
INJURED SHAD
ABOUT THE NORTHLAND ELITE PRO SUNNY B DEEPThe new Northland ELITE PRO SUNNY B DEEP features all the beneficial characteristics of balsa with a modern body design. Constructed using Northland’s Heat-Compression Molding (HCM) manufacturing process, this lure has all the unique benefits of balsa but with more consistency. Its hand-tuned, deep-diving lip makes it perfect for chasing bass as they transition into (or out of) deeper waters. The PRO SUNNY B DEEP weighs a mere ½-ounce and measures only 3 inches long from its balsa nose to tail, making it a particularly appealing cold-water or pressured situation presentation.“This crankbait takes the popular Pro Sunny B to new depths of 10 -to 12-feet,” says Northland Marketing Manager and club tournament bass angler, Charlie Peterson.Peterson continues: “With its unique lip design, the new Northland PRO SUNNY B DEEP starts diving the moment you turn the reel handle with a nice, tight action, but in a smaller balsa crankbait profile than most hardbaits available in this depth range. Plus, we added premium #4 Gamakatsu treble hooks to make the bait tournament-ready, right-out-of-the-box—and six, must-have colors for bass through the seasons.”
THE CLASSIC CHAMP’S HAND SELECTION“When it comes to cranks, the Bagley Sunny B family has always been a favorite,” says Gussy. “They’ve caught fish for a long time. I’ve done well with them up north for smallies, cold-water largemouths in the south, and spotted bass, too. “As far as the new Northland PRO SUNNY B DEEP, I think it’s going to excel in cold water as fish are transitioning from deep to shallow in spring, besides deeper summer and fall fish. And I think it’s going to be a good big bass bait. So I’m definitely going to have a couple tied on for the Classic,” continues Gussy. Talking colors, Gussy said he wanted to give bass anglers what he’d choose for his own tournament survival kit, rather than a billion different color choices.“I wanted to give anglers the six colors they really need from south to north whether you’re on a craw, shad, or bluegill bite. Right now, spring in the south, the brown and red craw colors are typical choices, but we’ve got some good shad patterns, too, so I’ll have one of each ready on deck.”The other thing Gussy likes about the new ½-ounce, 3-inch design for cold, spring water temps, is that it’s not overbearing and “sort of a finesse crankbait with their smaller profile, compared to a lot of the stuff that’s out there. And the fact it’s balsa, it has that classic action and deflects off cover better.”
BONE BELLY GILL
BLUE CHARTREUSE SHAD
BLUE OLIVE SHAD
COOKED CRAWDAD
HOT CLAW CRAWDAD
Gussy also insisted that Northland offer tournament-quality treble hooks on his six hand-picked new Northland hardbaits. “Unlike some baits, these cranks are ready to go right out of the package, no messing with split ring pliers and sizing up or down—or to a different brand of hook. The #4 Gamakatsu trebles are super strong, sharp, and good to go. They’re tournament ready and should catch every level of angler more bass.”Speaking of bait design and components, Gussy says there’s something to be said for the hand-testing and tuning that takes place with every Northland packaged bait. “Without getting into a ton of science, Heat Compression Molding (HCR) ensures every Northland hardbait is properly weighted, balanced, and strong—and runs with the right action and wobble for the model—due to internal components you can’t see on the inside of the balsa and hand-testing. Now you can pick any bait package off a peg and it will run the same. That’s pretty cool.” 
GUSSY’S CRANKIN’ GEARAnd just what will Gussy be throwing the new Northland PRO SUNNY B DEEP on?“Starting with line, I mostly run 12 lb. fluorocarbon for crankbaits, stepping up to 14- or 16 lb. fluoro with a bigger bait like the Pro Sunny B if there are a lot of stumps, timber, or cover around. But for the smaller PRO SUNNY B DEEP, 12 lb. is perfect for pretty much everywhere and you get a lot of action out of it,” notes Gussy.“For rods, I run the G. Loomis IMX-PRO 906 or IMX-PRO 843, depending on crankbait size. A 6:1 Shimano Curado is the perfect gear ratio for all my new Northland cranks. It’s pretty versatile.”



Chase Stewart & Andrew Allen Win CATT Lake Greenwood, SC Mar 16, 2024

Next Lake Greenwood CATT will launch from the Lake Greenwood State Park April 6th!

Use PHANTOMCATT15 at checkout and earn 15% off your order at Phantom Outdoors Apparel! Tap on the Phanton Logo to view their great products for hunting & fishing!

Chase Stewart & Andrew Allen win Greenwood with 5 bass weighing 13.63 lbs!

Chris & Cade Blackwell took 2nd with 13.24 lbs!

Mike Underwood & Chris Belk weighed in the BF at 5.26 lbs!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Andrew Allen – Chase Stewart0.0013.63$525.00110
Cade Blackwell – Chris Blackwell3.3513.24$150.00109
Daniel Skipper – Patrick H3.3412.35108
Stephen Franks – Keith Carmack0.0011.43107
Jason Moyer – Sam Metts3.9211.29106
Wayne Gerould – Chad Gerould0.0010.77105
Mike Underwood – Chris Belk5.2610.29$100.00104
Brian Ruppe – Darryl Deaton0.0010.18103
Timothy Jones – Micheal Sellers2.359.28102
Ben Little0.000.0092
Total Entrys$800.00
BONUS $$225.00
Total Paid At Ramp$775.00
CATT$50.00
2024 Greenwood Spring Final Fund$150.00
2024 CATT Championship Fund$50.00
2024 Greenwood Spring Final Total$705.00



Matt & Andrew Baker Win CATT Cooper River, SC Mar 16, 2024

Next Cooper River CATT Qualifier is April 6th at Cypress Gardens!

Use PHANTOMCATT15 at checkout and earn 15% off your next Phantom Outdoors Apparel order! Tap on the Phantom logo to start shopping!

Matt & Andrew Baker win at the Cooper River with 5 bass weighing 17.22 lbs!

Trey Cribb & Dylan McConnell 2nd with 15.10 lbs!

Chad Pennell & Kyle Welch took 3rd with 13.88 lbs!

David Driggers earned 4th with 13387 lbs and weighed in the Big Fish at 4.60 lbs!

Michael DiBello & Edward Punchak 5th Place 12.84 lbs!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Matt Baker – Andrew Baker4.4517.22$1,125.00110
Trey Cribb – Dylan McConnell4.5615.10$250.00109
Chad Pennell- Kyle Welch3.5813.88$150.00108
David Driggers4.6013.87$245.00107
Michael DiBello – Edward Punchak3.9812.84$85.00106
Michael Ard – Jeff Parsons3.7511.86105
Tim Tyson – Brandon Hartman3.6311.51104
Bubba Dennis – Kevin Brock2.9711.24103
Grant Powell – Travis Gatlin2.9311.17102
Brian Surowiec – Walter Cumbee2.709.39101
Collin Newton – Legrand Newton2.109.12100
Jeremy Hernandez – Randy Gibson Sr2.458.6699
Jimmy McCants2.598.3598
JW Smith0.007.9397
David Kelly – Brad Mathews0.004.9296
John Campbell – Joe Giampa0.004.5095
Willie Weatherford -Morgan Laferte0.004.2594
Thomas Hepstall – Grayson Cagle0.003.2993
Scotty Mixon0.000.0083
Kyle Howard- Joey Howard0.000.0083
Dale Brown – Brandon McMillian0.000.0083
Winkey Watford0.000.0083
Darrel Knies0.000.0083
Fred Cruise – Sam Cruise0.000.0083
Greg Benton – Logan Benton0.000.0083
Glenn Varner – Vic Varner0.000.0083
Randall Drew – Ryan Drew0.000.0083
Total Entrys$1,620.00
BONUS $$625.00
Total Paid At Ramp$1,855.00
Cooper River 2024 Spring Final Fund$100.00
2024 CATT Championship Fund$20.00
Cooper River 2024 Spring Final Fund Total$410.00



MLF Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Set for Tournament Next Week on Toledo Bend Reservoir

MANY, La. (March 20, 2024) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats is set to return to Toledo Bend Reservoir next week, March 26-28, for the second event of the 2024 Southwestern division – the Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats at Toledo Bend Reservoir.

The three-day competition, hosted by Toledo Bend Lake Country, will feature a roster of the region’s best bass-fishing pros and Strike King co-anglers competing for a top prize of up to $100,000 in the pro division and a new Phoenix 518 Pro boat with a 115-horsepower outboard motor plus $5,000 in the co-angler division.

“Toledo Bend has been fishing really healthy – the fish are great quality right now, especially the prespawners,” said Bass Pro Tour pro Nick LeBrun of Bossier City, Louisiana. “It should be be a very good tournament – I predict it’ll take 70 to 75 pounds over three days to walk away with the victory at this one.

“We’ve had a ton of rain in this part of the country, and normally that’s a great thing on Toledo Bend – the lake gets full, and the fishing is great,” LeBrun continued. “But they’re keeping the lake low for some reason, and any time the water has come up lately, they’ve been bringing it back down. So, that limits you a little bit on how you can fish shallow and is really going to benefit the forward-facing sonar guys.”

LeBrun said that the recent cooler temperatures has kept the big females from spawning, and he expects the tournament will be won by anglers fishing a little bit deeper – the 8- to 12-foot range targeting fish staging. However, he wouldn’t rule out the possibility of sight-fishing playing a role.

“There will be some on the bank spawning, and with the water levels low I think sight-fishing will be a player” LeBrun said. “But I don’t think the conditions have been stable enough to win the event sight fishing. I think if a guy can catch two or three good ones on the bank, then mix in a couple from offshore, that will be pretty strong.”

LeBrun said that he expects minnow-type baits and jerkbaits would be strong offerings from the forward-facing sonar anglers, and anglers hitting the bank would be throwing wacky-rigged Senkos, light Texas rigs, and ChatterBaits if it is a windy day.

Anglers will launch at 7 a.m. CT each day from Cypress Bend Park, located at 3462 Cypress Bend Drive in Many. Weigh-ins will also be held at the marina and will begin at 3 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend and encouraged to follow the event online through the “MLF Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

In Toyota Series regular-season competition, payouts are based on the number of participants competing in the event, scaling up for every 20 boats over 160 and scaling down for every boat below 160. With a 160-boat field, pros fish for a top prize of up to $75,000, if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard (valued at $33,500). With a 260-boat field, pros fish for a top award of up to $100,000, if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard plus $5,000 cash.

The 2024 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consists of six divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern, Southwestern and the Western Division Presented by Tackle Warehouse – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the six divisions or the Wild Card division and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 and a qualification to REDCREST 2025. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard. The 2024 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 7-9 on Wheeler Lake in Huntsville, Alabama, and is hosted by the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Madison County Commission, and the Huntsville Sports Commission.

Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Toyota Series include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, FX Custom Rods, General Tire, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota and YETI.

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



Wagoner’s Eli Brumnett Posts Second Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Eufaula

Boater winner Eli Brumnett of Wagoner, Oklahoma, and Strike-King co-angler winner Kaleb O’Brien of Wagoner, Oklahoma.
Wagoner’s Lane Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division

EUFAULA, Okla. (March 18, 2024) – Boater Eli Brumnett of Wagoner, Oklahoma, caught a five-bass limit weighing 19 pounds, 15 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Eufaula . Hosted by Vision Eufaula, the tournament was the second event of the season for the BFL Okie Division. Brumnett earned $11,046, including the lucrative $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus, for his victory.

For Brumnett, one of the keys to his win was following the mudline on Eufaula – the result of heavy rains earlier in the week.

“I think they (the fish) relate to it,” the 25-year-old plumber said. “I’ve always followed the mudline. I never go past it. I feel like that mudline pushes those fish out, and I’ve just always followed it. And I seem to get a better-quality bite on it.”

In practice, he caught a 6 1/2-pounder off a dock near the mudline midway back in a creek, but he knew the muddy runoff would continue advancing out toward the main lake.

“I ended up starting there (the creek where he practiced) along with about 30 other boats,” he said. “I caught one 5-pounder and couldn’t get another bite. So I ran to another spot, and I basically just followed the mudline out. Those fish were sitting right on the mudline. I had one more spot and caught all my weight in one spot on a jig and an A-rig.”

According to Brumnett, who competes in the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine and the Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats, the second spot was right at the mouth of a creek. It was actually not the exact spot he had planned to fish. When he got to his target area, there were two boats already sitting there. So, he slid over to a nearby spot and wound up catching a 4-pounder within a few casts.

For the next three and a half hours, he worked back and forth along a 40-yard stretch, fishing just 2 to 5 feet deep.
Brumnett caught fish on a homemade football jig with a Living Rubber skirt and a Stealth Lures Stealth Rig – an umbrella rig – with Keitech 3.8 Swing Impact FAT Swimbaits in the crystal shad color.

“At first, I was throwing 1/16-ounce heads on my A-rig,” he said. “I noticed I got a lot of followers, and whenever I started to speed it up those fish would react to it a lot better and bite. So then I switched to 1/8-ounce heads. I was throwing it up in that shallower water and I was burning it back. I was keeping my bait 6 to 8 inches under the water’s surface.”

Having the right equipment also was key. Brumnett used his Garmin LiveScope system, not to spot and catch fish, but to make sure his bait was staying off the bottom in the shallow water. Plus, he credited his batteries as an important part of his success.

“(I relied on my) PowerHouse Lithium batteries for keeping me going on that three-and-a-half-hour-long stretch. I left all my graphs on all day and never had to sleep ’em.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

1st:        Eli Brumnett, Wagoner, Okla., five bass, 19-15, $11,046 (includes $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
2nd:       Jeff Edwards, Sand Springs, Okla., five bass, 19-3, $2,578
3rd:       Justin Phillips, Checotah, Okla., five bass, 17-9, $1,348
4th:        Brett Brumnett, Wagoner, Okla., five bass, 16-12, $944
5th:        Shawn Mote, Ardmore, Okla., five bass, 15-14, $809
6th:        Kollin Crawford, Broken Bow, Okla., five bass, 15-4, $742
7th:        Chris M. Jones, Bokoshe, Okla., five bass, 15-3, $640
7th:        Bradley Sullivan, Shawnee, Okla., five bass, 15-3, $640
9th:        Wesley Bissett, Broken Arrow, Okla., five bass, 14-15, $539
10th:     Camden Kozikoski, Edmond, Okla., five bass, 14-4, $772

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Jeff Edwards of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, caught a bass that weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $555.



Kaleb O’Brien of Wagoner, Oklahoma, won the Strike King co-angler division and $2,023 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 18 pounds, 2 ounces.

The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:

1st:        Kaleb O’Brien, Wagoner, Okla., five bass, 18-2, $2,023
2nd:       J.R. Pickett, Rose Hill, Kan., four bass, 12-8, $1,011
3rd:       Bruce Jordan, Muldrow, Okla., four bass, 11-1, $674
4th:        Brandon Pickett, Sherman, Texas, five bass, 10-11, $472
5th:        Justin Nobles, Owasso, Okla., five bass, 10-8, $405
6th:        Dennis Buck, Joplin, Mo., four bass, 9-11, $371
7th:        Marco Flores, Topeka, Kan., three bass, 9-9, $337
8th:        Wes Ledbetter, Coweta, Okla., five bass, 9-4, $303
9th:        Paul Rider, Oklahoma City, Okla., three bass, 9-3, $270
10th:     Brianna Batton, Norman, Okla., three bass, 8-13, $236

Paul Lane of Wagoner, Oklahoma, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $277, catching a bass that weighed in at 5 pounds, 15 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.

After two events, Shawn Mote of Ardmore, Oklahoma, leads the Fishing Clash Okie Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 493 points, while Alan Hill of Ada, Oklahoma, leads the Fishing Clash Okie Division Strike King Co-Angler of the Year race with 479 points.

The next event for BFL Okie Division anglers will be held April 27, at Fort Gibson Lake in Wagoner, Oklahoma. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 17-19 BFL Regional tournament on Wright Patman Lake in Texarkana, Texas. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.

The 2024 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.

Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota and YETI.

For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.



Dixon & Nichols Win 5 Alive/NC Marine Hyco Trail Tourney #4

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Full Results and updated points standings in pics below

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We had our 4th tournament Saturday in the NC MARINE HYCO TRAIL. Shockingly we had very good weather for the tournament!

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I probably shouldn’t have said anything because I know I’m going to pay for that.

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We had 27 boats show up on Saturday to try take home the WIN. When it was all said and done for it was the team of Kenneth Dixon  & Casey Nichols  that took home the WIN. They brought in a 5 fish limit weighing 17.17 pounds anchored with a 6.67 pound bass that also won them Big fish for the tournament. That earned them a total of $1000.00

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Needling time!

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Yep! Yall know I’m going to call em out when they don’t get into the TWT’S and miss out on some extra money. They missed out on an extra $350.00 by not getting in the TWT.

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All picking aside it was awesome to see. Them boys well deserved the win and I want to say a BIG CONGRATULATIONS to them on the WIN

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They were followed by the hottest sticks on the lake rite now. The team of Ross Oliver  & Ethan Larabee ( The Winners of our ALTEC TRAIL the week before) had a 5 fish limit weighing 16.55 pounds. That earned them a total of $750.00 with the TWT. GOOD job again to those two.

The Winner of the NC MARINE/ CAYMAS Money was Aidan Fine $300.00 – Congratulations to him again!

CONGRATULATIONS to everyone who placed in the money !

We will Crown the Inaugural 5 Alive/ NC MARINE HYCO TRAIL Points Champions this Sunday 3/24/2024.
The top 2 spots are separated by 3 points going into the last tournament of the series. The Points Champions will receive an extra $1000.00 and the Points Champions Plaques. GOOD LUCK to all that still have a chance!

Once again I want to say good job to Tim Staton and Pam Staton for running the tournaments so well!

We will be blasting of at 7:30 and weighing in at 3:30 this Sunday.

If anyone wants to pre register contact me Kevin Sheppard at 336-264-8416.
Thanks!

Results.
1st. Dixon & Nichols – 17.17 pounds- $1000.00
2nd. Oliver & Larabee -16.55 pounds- $750.00 TWT
3rd. Farman  & Farman -16.46 pounds- $400.00 TWT
4th. Collins & Gwaltney – 14.09 pounds- $200.00
5th. Sheppard & Sheppard- 14.01 pounds- $125.00
6th. Staton &Staton – 13.49 pounds
7th. Moore & Moore  – 12.43 pounds
8th. Jordon Hall  –  12.01 pounds
9th. Edward’s & Edward’s – 11.25 pounds
10th. Yeatts & Pulliam – 9.76 pounds

Big Fish
Dixon & Nichols- 6.67 pounds – $270.00