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Lake Havasu Readies to Host Toyota Series Western Division Opener

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LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. (Feb. 24, 2022) – The Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. Western Division will launch  its 2022 season with a tournament next week in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, Mar. 3-5, with the Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. at Lake Havasu. Hosted by Go Lake Havasu, the three-day tournament will feature the region’s best bass-fishing pros and Strike King co-anglers casting for a top prize of up to $65,000, plus an additional $35,000 bonus if the winner is a qualified Phoenix Boat owner.

Local pro Dean Rojas of Lake Havasu City, Arizona said the tournament is hitting the fishery at an opportune time.

“The water is warming up nicely and we’ve started to see smallmouth up on beds so I think sight fishing will play a factor in this event,” said Rojas. “I don’t know that it will be in full-blown spawn, but the end of February and the first of March is usually when you’re going to have a good chance of catching a really big bag on beds.”

Rojas said he expects to see typical finesse tactics dominate, with anglers throwing swimbaits and bladed jigs around grass, brush piles or artificial structure.

“That’s where you’re going to get your big bites, so anglers are definitely going to have to take that into consideration in their game plan,” said Rojas. “It will probably take 18-20 pounds a day to win, but the real key is going to be consistency. I don’t think guys can rely on one thing to carry them through all three days – it’s going to be a combination of 2-3 patterns. Lake Havasu doesn’t do well with that much pressure on it, so I’d expect to see the weights consistently go down every day.”

Rojas said he predicts a total of 58-63 pounds to win the three-day event.

“As a western angler, I encourage all the western anglers to support the Toyota Series. It is as close to a top-tier pro event that you will find on the west coast and is a great platform for anglers that aspire to be a bass-fishing professional and want to make the jump into the Tackle Warehouse or the Bass Pro Tour.

“That’s exactly what I did back in the early days, and it’s not too often that we have big events that allow anglers to fish in their region to qualify for the Toyota Series Championship where the top award is $200,000,” continued Rojas. “It’s a fantastic circuit that goes to excellent fisheries at great times.”

Anglers will take off daily at 7 a.m. MT from Windsor Beach at the Lake Havasu State Park in Lake Havasu City. Weigh-ins will also be held at the park and will begin at 3 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend the event or follow the action 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 $40,000, plus an extra $35,000 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 outboard (valued at $33,500). With a 260-boat field, pros fish for a top award of $65,000, plus an extra $35,000 if Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard (valued at $33,500) plus $5,000 cash.

The 2022 Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. consists of six divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern, Southwestern and Western – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the six divisions and finish in the top 25 – or the top 12 from the Wild Card division – will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series presented by A.R.E. Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 cash. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard. The 2022 Toyota Series presented by A.R.E. Championship will be held Nov. 3-5 on Lake Guntersville in Guntersville, Alabama, and is hosted by Marshall County Tourism and Sports.

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

Alton Jones Jr. Leads Final Eight That Advance from Weather-Shortened Knockout Round, Championship Round Postponed at MLF Bass Pro Tour Toro Stage Two on Lake Fork Presented by Grundéns

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Inclement Weather Prompts Tournament Officials to Postpone Championship Round, Final 10 Anglers Set for Championship Friday and Final-Day Shootout for $100,000

Link to Photo Gallery of Stage Two Knockout Round Highlights

QUITMAN, Texas (Feb. 23, 2022) – In brutally tough weather conditions that had multiple anglers saying it was, “the coldest I have ever been,” Alton Jones, Jr., of Waco, Texas, caught 12 bass Wednesday weighing 52 pounds, 3 ounces to win the Knockout Round and advance to the final day of competition at the MLF Bass Pro Tour Toro Stage Two on Lake Fork Presented by Grundéns in Quitman, Texas. Jones narrowly edged Bass Pro Tour newcomer Dakota Ebare of Brookeland, Texas, who weighed in 12 bass totaling 48 pounds, 11 ounces to end the round in second.

Normally three 2½-hour periods, Wednesday’s Knockout Round was shortened to just two periods after a major cold front moved into Northeast Texas and brought strong winds, frigid temperatures and freezing rain. MLF officials made the decision to shorten the Knockout Round and, after input from the MLF Angler Advisory Board, postpone Thursday’s final-day Championship Round until Friday.

“The safety of our anglers and their families, our staff and our fans are priority number one,” said Aaron Beshears, Bass Pro Tour Tournament Director. “After speaking with the entire team, including our pro anglers, we all feel that the best decision to be made for this event is to go ahead and postpone tomorrow and finish it up on Friday.”

The final 10 anglers are now set, and competition will resume Friday morning with the Championship Round when weights are zeroed, and the angler that catches the most one-day weight will win the top prize of $100,000.

The six-day event, hosted by the Lake Fork Area Chamber of Commerce, the Wood County EDC, the Sabine River Authority and the Rains County Tourism Board, showcases 80 of the top professional bass-fishing anglers in the world competing for a purse of $805,000.

The top eight pros from Wednesday’s Knockout Round that will compete in Friday’s Championship Round on Lake Fork are:

1st:          Alton Jones, Jr., Waco, Texas, 12 bass, 52-3
2nd:         Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas, 12 bass, 48-11
3rd:         Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., nine bass, 44-7
4th:         Casey Ashley, Donalds, S.C., 10 bass, 43-8
5th:         Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., eight bass, 37-11
6th:         Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, eight bass, 35-2
7th:         Jonathon VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., six bass, 29-4
8th:         Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas, seven bass, 28-4

They’ll be joined by Qualifying Round Winners:

Group A: Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn.
Group B: Alton Jones, Lorena, Texas

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

Friday’s Championship Round will be the first Bass Pro Tour Championship Round appearances for Ebare, Floyd and VanDam, and will also mark the first time that both Alton Jones, Sr., and Alton Jones, Jr., will compete against each other on the final day.

“Going out today, I wasn’t that excited,” Jones Jr. said. “In my mind, I thought to even have a shot at making the Championship Round I’d have to get a couple of true Lake Fork giant bites. I ended up getting the ball rolling with a 4-pounder, then two casts later broke off a big one. Those bites keyed me in on a little something and gave me a hint as to a certain bait I should be throwing.”

Although Jones Jr. declined to divulge any bait specifics, he did mention that all of his fish today came cranking.

“For the first time in my career, I didn’t have a bottom or slow-moving bait on my deck today,” Jones said. “I had three spinnerbaits, three jerkbaits and a couple of crankbaits tied on. I haven’t been able to get bit without a moving bait this week.

“I think this cold front is helping – it’s making the fish congregate and grouping them up,” Jones continued. “I also think it seems to be a little bit of a timing deal. I was fishing around several other anglers that didn’t do well, and I was even catching fish behind myself. I’d miss a bite, then come back through a little later and catch three.”

Friday’s Championship Round will mark Alton Jr.’s sixth Championship Round appearance on the Bass Pro Tour, although he is still seeking his elusive first win.

“My gameplan for Friday is more of the same that I did today,” Jones went on to say. “I’m going to put all my eggs in two areas, catch as many as I can and hope it works out. I’m not sure how it’s going to go, but if the stars align it absolutely could be my time.”

Rounding out the top 40 finishers were:

11th:       Chris Lane, Guntersville, Ala., six bass, 23-4, $10,000
12th:       Jordan Lee, Cullman, Ala., six bass, 22-15, $10,000
13th:       Luke Clausen, Spokane, Wash., six bass, 22-3, $10,000
14th:       Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C., six bass, 22-2, $10,000
15th:       Dave Lefebre, Erie, Pa., seven bass, 21-4, $10,000
16th:       Ryan Salzman, Huntsville, Ala., five bass, 21-1, $10,000
17th:       Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., four bass, 20-8, $10,000
18th:       Andy Morgan, Dayton, Tenn., five bass, 16-3, $10,000
19th:       Kevin VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., four bass, 15-8, $10,000
20th:       Bradley Roy, Lancaster, Ky., four bass, 15-2, $10,000
21st:       Skeet Reese, Auburn, Calif., three bass, 14-0, $10,000
22nd:      Tommy Biffle, Wagoner, Okla., three bass, 12-6, $10,000
23rd:      Randall Tharp, Port Saint Joe, Fla., four bass, 11-11, $10,000
24th:       Greg Vinson, Wetumpka, Ala., three bass, 10-9, $10,000
25th:       Takahiro Omori, Tokyo, Japan, three bass, 10-5, $10,000
26th:       Scott Suggs, Alexander, Ark., four bass, 9-10, $10,000
27th:       Roy Hawk, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., two bass, 9-4, $10,000
28th:       Russ Lane, Prattville, Ala., three bass, 7-11, $10,000
29th:       Britt Myers, Lake Wylie, S.C., two bass, 7-7, $10,000
30th:       Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., two bass, 7-5, $10,000
31st:       Jeff Kriet, Ardmore, Okla., two bass, 6-13, $10,000
32nd:      Randy Howell, Guntersville, Ala., two bass, 6-11, $10,000
33rd:      Terry Scroggins, San Mateo, Fla., one bass, 5-12, $10,000
34th:       Cliff Crochet, Pierre Part, La., one bass, 5-1, $10,000
35th:       Stephen Browning, Hot Springs, Ark., one bass, 4-14, $10,000
36th:       James Elam, Tulsa, Okla., two bass, 4-11, $10,000
37th:       Edwin Evers, Talala, Okla., one bass, 3-0, $10,000
38th:       Andy Montgomery, Blacksburg, S.C., one bass, 2-9, $10,000
39th:       Ish Monroe, Oakdale, Calif., zero bass, 0-0, $10,000
40th:       Mark Davis, Mount Ida, Ark., zero bass, 0-0, $10,000

Overall there were 165 scorable bass weighing 658 pounds, 15 ounces caught by 36 pros Wednesday. The catch included four 7-pounders, three 8-pounders, one 9-pounder and one 10-pounder.

Favorite Fishing pro Dustin Connell of Clanton, Alabama, the reigning REDCREST 2021 Champion, earned the $1,000 Berkley Big Bass award Wednesday, catching a 10-pound, 7-ounce largemouth on a jerkbait in Period 1. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day, and a $3,000 bonus to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass of the tournament.

The 40 Anglers in Group A competed in their two-day qualifying round on Saturday and Monday – the 40 anglers in Group B on Sunday and Tuesday. After the two-day Qualifying Round, the anglers that finished in 2nd through 20th place from both groups advanced to Wednesday’s Knockout Round, while the winner of each group advanced directly to Friday’s Championship Round. In the Knockout Round weights are zeroed, and the remaining 38 anglers competed to finish in the top 8 to advance to the Championship Round. Friday, in the final day Championship Round, weights are zeroed and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.

The final 10 anglers competing in Friday’s Championship Round will launch at 7:30 a.m. from the Oak Ridge Marina, located at 2949 TX-154 in Quitman, Texas. The General Tire Takeout will be held at the Marina, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLF NOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The Toro Stage Two on Lake Fork Presented by Grundéns features anglers competing with a 2-pound minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. Minimum weights are determined individually for each competition waters that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.

The Bass Pro Tour features a field of 80 of the top professional anglers in the world competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, competing for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and the REDCREST 2023 championship.

The MLF NOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee, Marty Stone and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action on Championship Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT. MLF NOW!®  will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.

Television coverage of the Toro Stage Two on Lake Fork Presented by Grundéns will premiere at 7 a.m. ET, Sept. 17 on the Discovery Channel. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on the Discovery Channel, with additional re-airings on the Outdoor Channel. Each two-hour long reality-based episode goes in-depth to break down each day of competition.

Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Bass Pro Tour include: 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, A.R.E. Truck Caps, B&W Trailer Hitches, BallyBet, Bass Cat, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Covercraft, Favorite Fishing, Garmin, General Tire, Googan Baits, Grundéns, Guaranteed Rate, Humminbird, Lowrance, Luminox, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Nitro Performance Boats, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, Power Stop, Rapala, Starbrite, Toro, Toyota, Wrangler, Yellowstone Bourbon and Zoom.

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

Daiwa Names Gerad Cawhorn National Sales Manager

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Daiwa Names Gerad Cawhorn National Sales Manager

 

Daiwa Names Gerad Cawhorn National Sales Manager

Longtime Daiwa veteran set to lead U.S. sales team to new heights.

Cypress, CA (February 23, 2022) – It’s a new year and the Daiwa Corporation has hit the ground running. Following a solid 2021 that saw the company win ICAST Best of Category awards for both freshwater and saltwater reels, they’ve elevated National Accounts Manager Gerad Cawhorn to the position of National Sales Manager. Cawhorn is a 14-year Daiwa veteran, leader and true team player. The move is expected to strengthen Daiwa’s increasingly strong position in the United States and Canadian recreational fishing market while spurring sales to even greater levels.

“With our National Sales Meeting and the 2022 ICAST Show already just around the corner, it’s my great pleasure to make this announcement,” said Carey Graves, president of Daiwa’s North American operations. “Gerad has played a key part in the changes and growth of our brands during his career here and we expect that trend to continue going forward as he assumes his new role. His great attitude, dedication and natural ability to lead made him an easy choice for National Sales Manager.”

According to Graves, Cawhorn has played many positions in his Daiwa career from Regional Sales Manager to National Accounts Manager and has always been ready to jump in wherever needed to help get things done. “I know in his new role he’ll continue to build upon his strengths while leading the sales team to new heights through his drive to win, natural ability to make good decisions and dedication to our brands and this industry. I’m looking forward to seeing him help lead Daiwa into the future.”

Cawhorn brings a ton of knowledge and experience to his new post. As a Regional Sales Manager for Daiwa, he interacted with West Coast businesses, expanded to the TALO states and eventually, Canadian territories. As National Accounts Manager his focus was on core sales and working with larger players in the recreational fishing industry including Bass Pro Shops, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Tackle Warehouse, Sportsman’s Warehouse and Amazon, plus a host of other primary players both in brick-and-mortar and internet capacities.

“I’m really looking forward to taking on this new leadership role,” says Cawhorn, who notes that his various positions at Daiwa have provided him with keen insight and a well-rounded background for working with everyone from independent dealers to mid-sized and major customers. “I want to help our customers at every level grow their businesses with Daiwa being a key partner in their success. At the same time, we want to ensure our end users fully enjoy every aspect of putting their Daiwa gear to the test on the water day after day – whether that be in a freshwater, inshore or offshore environment.”

Daiwa quality is the best, continues Cawhorn. “We are a true manufacturing company with the industry’s top engineers right here on staff ensuring we continue to turn out innovative and proprietary items like our Mag Seal, SV Concept, TWS and Monocoque reel designs that really separate us from the competition. It’s been exciting to grow with this company and watch it succeed through the years. There’s plenty of upside ahead, and I can’t wait to see where we’ll be a little further down the line.”

For Daiwa’s latest color catalog and/or information on Daiwa products, 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 Daiwa.us

Derek Cummings Wins CATT Lake Norman, NC Feb 12, 2022

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Derek Cummings Wins CATT Lake Norman, NC Feb 12, 2022

Mark your calendar! The 2022 PHANTOM OUTDOORS Classic will take place on Lake Norman, NC December 2-3. 2022 and we are guaranteeing $10,000.00 to 1st Place! (With 100 Teams entered) Tap on the link for more info!

2022 Phantom Outdoors Invitational Classic

Next up on Lake Norman! May 7th at Pinnacle! Phantom Outdoors Invitational! $5,000 1st Place with a minimum of 50 Boats entered! Tap on the link for more info!

2022 Phantom Outdoors Invitationals Series

Derek Cummings wins Norman with 5 bass weighing 12.67 lbs and collects $2,020.00!

Dwight & Scott Beattie claimed 2nd with 12.60 and took home $1,200.00!

Rob & Aaron Digh took 3rd with 12.33 lbs!

4th Place wen to Lucas Frye & Petey Brookshire with 11.14 lbs!

2nd BF went to Tommy Williams & Thomas Hardwick with a 3.90 pounder!

Team BF Weight Winnings
Derek Cummings 2.88 12.67 $2,020.00
Scott & Dwight ” P-NUT” Beattie 4.17 12.60 $1,200.00
Rob & Aaron Digh 2.94 12.33 $450.00
Petey Brookshire / Lucas Frye 0.00 11.14 $200.00
Lee Endicott / Travis Donaldson 2.92 10.80
Tommy Williams / Thomas Hardwick 3.90 10.32 $70.00
Chris Baumgardner 2.71 10.22
Dale Phillips 2.97 9.62
Derick Livingston / Jonathan Spivey 2.41 9.15
Jason Padgett / John Elliott 0.00 8.37
Jake Schnell / Eric Parker 3.00 7.06
Kevin Farley / Randy Hudson 0.00 5.41
Mark & Zack Leech 0.00 5.39
Zachary & Billy Clayton 2.01 2.01
Scott Roberson / Doug Hudgens 0.00 0.00
Doug Moore / Shawn Passman 0.00 0.00
Tim Chapman / Eddie Smith 0.00 0.00
Alex Huffman / Robert Thompson 0.00 0.00
Shane Sharpe / Matt Stark 0.00 0.00
Michael Huffman / David Miller 0.00 0.00
Alfred Keisling Sr. 0.00 0.00
Jessie Bowen / Chris Hass 0.00 0.00
Preston & Stanton Harris 0.00 0.00
Rodney Lambert / Mark Morrison 0.00 0.00

Alton Jones Earns Win in Qualifying Round for Group B at MLF Bass Pro Tour Toro Stage Two on Lake Fork Presented by Grundéns

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Alton Jones Earns Win in Qualifying Round for Group B at MLF Bass Pro Tour Toro Stage Two on Lake Fork Presented by Grundéns

Lorena, Texas Angler Holds off Hard-Charging Fellow Texan Dakota Ebare to Advance Straight to Thursday’s Championship Round, Field of 38 Set for Knockout Round Wednesday

Link to Photo Gallery of Group B Qualifying Round Day 2

[print_link]

QUITMAN, Texas (Feb. 22, 2022) – Garmin pro Alton Jones of Lorena, Texas, maintained his lead throughout the day and held on to win the Qualifying Round Tuesday for Group B at the MLF Bass Pro Tour Toro Stage Two on Lake Fork Presented by Grundéns in Quitman, Texas. Over two days, Jones caught 28 bass totaling 117 pounds, 1 ounce to earn the first Qualifying Round victory of his career and advance straight to Thursday’s final-day Championship Round.

“I am so thankful to have caught the fish that I caught today,” said Jones, the reigning General Tire Heavy Hitters Champion. “I started on what was really my best area, from the first day, and the wind was blowing in there really hard. I think I could probably still have caught some fish in there, but it’s probably good that I didn’t because it’ll keep some of the other competitors from fishing on it as hard tomorrow in the Knockout Round. With that, I’ve also got several places that I think are going to replenish a little bit. So I think Thursday’s Championship Round could be very interesting.”

After catching 18 bass weighing 80 pounds, 7 ounces on Day 1, Jones backed it up on Day 2 with 10 more bass weighing 36-10. He said that he targeted numerous different timberlines with just two baits.

“I have found fish this week along the tree lines. They start out deep, and you can follow them a long way in – all the way up to the bank,” Jones said. “The depth range I’m fishing is from 10 to 12 feet up to 3 to 4 feet, just slow-rolling that big Stanley ¾-ounce Vibra-Shaft spinnerbait and throwing Ott’s little Rapala (Ott’s Garage Series) Slim crankbait. I’m a two-rod-Todd now – I think I can pick up those two baits and just roll with it come Championship Day.”

Bass Pro Tour newcomer Dakota Ebare of Brookeland, Texas, caught a two-day total of 24 bass weighing 92-11 to finish the round in second place, while Dayton, Tennessee pro Andy Morgan ended the round in third place with a two-day total of 24 bass weighing 83-1. Luke Clausen of Spokane, Washington , caught 22 bass weighing 81-14 to land in fourth, while Bryan Thrift of Shelby, North Carolina, advanced to the Knockout Round in fifth place with a two-day total of 19 bass weighing 80 pounds even.

“Alton kind of teased me and I fell for it a little bit, because I thought I was going to be able to try to make a run at and maybe win this thing late in the day,” Ebare said. “I got really close – within 11 pounds at one point – but then he caught a couple of more and I just went into practice mode.

“I ran new water and was just looking to see how the fish are adjusting to the weather,” Ebare continued. “I kind of found a new pattern today that I wasn’t doing before. I had been focusing on the creek channels, but today it seemed like the fish were focusing on the inside timberlines – that’s where I caught most of my fish today.”

Fishing in just his second ever Bass Pro Tour event, Ebare is excited about the opportunity that awaits him in the Knockout Round.

“I’m really excited for the Knockout Round, and I’m excited that I’ve had a great event so far here at Lake Fork in just my second event,” Ebare went on to say. “We’ll see how it goes. The weather is supposed to be pretty nasty, but I’m thankful that I have my Gill Winter Jacket and Bibs with me to keep me warm, comfortable and dry. We’re going to go out and give it all we got tomorrow to try to make the Championship Round.

The remaining 38 anglers – 19 from each group – now advance to Wednesday’s Knockout Round, where weights are zeroed, and the anglers compete to finish in the top eight to advance to the Championship Round on Thursday. The Championship Round will feature Group A winner Jacob Wheeler, Group B winner Alton Jones, and the top eight finishers from the Knockout Round competing in a final-day shootout for the top prize of $100,000.

The six-day event, hosted by the Lake Fork Area Chamber of Commerce, the Wood County EDC, the Sabine River Authority and the Rains County Tourism Board, showcases 80 of the top professional bass-fishing anglers in the world competing for a purse of $805,000, including a top cash prize of $100,000 to the winner.

The top 20 pros in Qualifying Group B that now advance to Wednesday’s Knockout Round on Lake Fork are:

1st:          Alton Jones, Lorena, Texas, 28 bass, 117-1
2nd:         Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas, 24 bass, 92-11
3rd:         Andy Morgan, Dayton, Tenn., 24 bass, 83-1
4th:         Luke Clausen, Spokane, Wash., 22 bass, 81-14
5th:         Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C., 19 bass, 80-0
6th:         Skeet Reese, Auburn, Calif., 20 bass, 62-11
7th:         Edwin Evers, Talala, Okla., 13 bass, 56-15
8th:         Casey Ashley, Donalds, S.C., 14 bass, 54-0
9th:         Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 13 bass, 52-5
10th:       Ryan Salzman, Huntsville, Ala., 14 bass, 50-9
11th:       Dave Lefebre, Erie, Pa., 13 bass, 48-13
12th:       Jeff Kriet, Ardmore, Okla., 12 bass, 48-6
13th:       Stephen Browning, Hot Springs, Ark., 13 bass, 46-10
14th:       Alton Jones Jr., Waco, Texas, 10 bass, 45-8
15th:       Chris Lane, Guntersville, Ala., 13 bass, 43-10
16th:       Scott Suggs, Alexander, Ark., 11 bass, 41-13
17th:       Terry Scroggins, San Mateo, Fla., 11 bass, 41-7
18th:       Russ Lane, Prattville, Ala., 12 bass, 41-2
19th:       Roy Hawk, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., 10 bass, 40-7
20th:       Greg Vinson, Wetumpka, Ala., 13 bass, 38-11

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

Overall on Tuesday, there were 202 scorable bass weighing 696 pounds, 9 ounces caught by 37 pros. The catch included three 7-pounders, one 8-pounder and one 9-pounder.

Addison, Alabama pro Jesse Wiggins earned Tuesday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass award, catching a 9-pound, 4-ounce largemouth on a jerkbait early in Period 3. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day, and a $3,000 bonus to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass of the tournament.

The 40 Anglers in Group A competed in their two-day Qualifying Round on Saturday and Monday – the 40 anglers in Group B on Sunday and Tuesday. Now that the Qualifying Round is complete, the anglers that finished in 2nd through 20th place from both groups advance to Wednesday’s Knockout Round, while the winner of each group advances directly to Thursday’s Championship Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the remaining 38 anglers compete to finish in the top 8 to advance to the Championship Round. In the final day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.

The 38 anglers competing in Wednesday’s Knockout Round will launch at 7:30 a.m. from the Oak Ridge Marina, located at 2949 TX-154 in Quitman, Texas. The General Tire Takeout will be held at the Marina, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLF NOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The Toro Stage Two on Lake Fork Presented by Grundéns will feature anglers competing with a 2-pound minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. Minimum weights are determined individually for each competition waters that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.

The Bass Pro Tour features a field of 80 of the top professional anglers in the world competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, competing for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and the REDCREST 2023 championship.

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

Television coverage of the Toro Stage Two on Lake Fork Presented by Grundéns will premiere at 7 a.m. ET, Sept. 17 on the Discovery Channel. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on the Discovery Channel, with additional re-airings on the Outdoor Channel. Each two-hour long reality-based episode goes in-depth to break down each day of competition.

Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Bass Pro Tour include: 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, A.R.E. Truck Caps, B&W Trailer Hitches, BallyBet, Bass Cat, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Covercraft, Favorite Fishing, Garmin, General Tire, Googan Baits, Grundéns, Guaranteed Rate, Humminbird, Lowrance, Luminox, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Nitro Performance Boats, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, Power Stop, Rapala, Starbrite, Toro, Toyota, Wrangler, Yellowstone Bourbon and Zoom.

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

Justin and Michael Craven Win CATT Phantom Outdoors Invitational Cooper River, SC Feb 19, 2022

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Justin and Michael Craven Win CATT Phantom Outdoors Invitational Cooper River, SC Feb 19, 2022

We wrapped up the 1st Phantom Outdoors Invitational for 2022 on the Cooper River down in the Lowcountry of South Carolina with 47 teams competing for a $13,575.00 purse! The weather was a little chilly but all in all it was a nice day to be on the water! The fishing was on fire for some teams and others did well but just not the right size! Thanks for fishing with us and the Cooper River CATT Trail resumes this coming Saturday Feb 26th at Cypress Gardens. If you paid a membership and have not fished any Spring 2022 CATT events yet the membership is goof for the entire Spring and will cover any and all Spring CATT events! If you don’t get a chance to join us in a CATT event this Spring we’ll honor the membership this Summer or Fall.

Just FYI – The Phantom Outdoors Invitationals entry fee is $200 per team. We have 3 Optional side pots. $100 paying up to 3 Places, $50 paying up to 3 Places and the $25 paying up to 2 Places! Don’t forget we have a Phantom Outdoors Invitational on Santee Cooper April 2 with a $10,000 1st Place Guarantee! No matter the number of boats!

Tap on the Phantom Logo to begin shopping! Use PHANTOMCATT15 at check out and earn 15% off your order!

Justin and Michael Craven brought in 5 bass weighing 21.63 lbs taking 1st place! They also weighed in the 2nd BF at 7.51 lbs and took home $5,625.00!

Randal & Ryan Drew finished 2nd with a limit weighing 20.24 lbs and they brought in the 1st BF at 8.73 lbs! Randal & Drew took home $4,155.00!

Brian Crosby & Elvis Black earned 3rd with a limit weighing 19.56 lbs worth $1,200.00!

Joel & Cooper Hopkins 4th with 17.98 lbs!

Skeeter Crosby & Chris Daniel weighed in 17.12 lbs good enough for 5th and $1,000.00!


Chris Blanchette & Blaine Upton took 6th with 15.07 lbs and claimed $250.00!

Team BF Weight Winnings
Justin Craven – Michael Craven 7.51 21.63 $5,265.00
Randal Drew – Ryan Drew 8.73 20.24 $4,155.00
Elvis Black – Brian Crosby 5.55 19.56 $1,200.00
Joel Hopkins – Cooper Hopkins 5.59 17.98 $600.00
Skeeter Crosby – Chris McDaniel 6.11 17.12 $1,000.00
Chris Blanchette – Blaine Upton 4.24 15.07 $250.00
Johnny Brinson – James White 6.89 14.97
James Skelton – Matt Lund 4.50 14.93
James Bryan – Trey Bryan 3.88 14.75
Chad Cook – Alan Williams 4.54 14.53 $325.00
Andrew Vereen 3.50 14.42
Matt Judy – Corey Casey 3.70 14.17
Michael DiBello – Edward Punchak 3.33 14.13
Dave McConnell – Dylan McConnell 3.25 13.67
Mark Johnson – Gary Pope 3.79 13.57
Cody Wilson – Brant Shuler 3.88 13.21
Bill Holmes – Will Smith 3.07 13.01
Tripp Milan – Omar Petty 4.45 12.60
Garvin Miles – Johnathan Bailey 3.07 12.53
Randy Gibson 3.48 12.33
Colton Cox – Eddie Cox 3.37 11.93
JW Smith – Adam Dunning 4.14 11.92
Mark Gallup – Jonathan Gowdy 4.49 11.53
Robbie Harrelson – Kyle Dyson 4.16 11.53
Dwayne Wren – Andrian Johnson 0.00 11.51
James Fender – Kyle Welch 3.58 11.31
Paul Pagnato – Steven Robinson 3.29 11.15
Robbie Drake – Chris Perano 4.20 11.05
Wayne Clifton – Micah Bennett 2.70 10.89
Travis Osbourne – Chris Hall 6.17 10.87
Wendell Lampkin – Jayden Lampkin 4.10 10.79
Jimmy Bihlear – TJ Bancroft 0.00 10.20
Michael Maxfield – Matthew Dangerfield 3.18 10.15
Willie Weatherford – Elvin Kennedy 3.01 9.54
Travis Gatlin – Grant Powell 3.14 9.13
Rusty Chapman 3.42 7.42
Wesley Wells – Wesley Wells 0.00 7.23
Joseph Giampa – Edward Lee Jones 0.00 6.50
Tim Tyson – Coby Reynolds 0.00 6.20
Ben Smith 3.65 5.96
John Ford Jr – John Ford Sr 0.00 4.19
Winkey Watford – Scottie Mixon 0.00 0.00
Jonathan Brndle – Justin Harvey 0.00 0.00
James Roy Robison 0.00 0.00
Charles Fitzgerald – Tyler Cunningham 0.00 0.00
Sean Benton – Greg Benton 0.00 0.00
Timmy Squires – Seth Rabon 0.00 0.00

Butch William & David Ethridge Win CATT Lake Wateree, SC Feb 19, 2022

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Butch William & David Ethridge Win CATT Lake Wateree, SC Feb 19, 2022

Next Wateree CATT Spring Qualifier is Feb 26th! We will still be at Molly Creek for this one! The lake level is supposed to start rising the 1st of March so we will look for more suitable locations to finish out the Spring.

Butch William & David Ethridge woke up the Lake Wateree bass Saturday bringing in 5 bass weighing 21.74 lbs! They also weighed in the BF at 5.34 lb and collected a total of $848.00!

Ray & Channon Dowey brought in 5 bass  at 21.53 lbs to take 2nd Place!

Kenneth McFarland & Landon Jordan weigh in the 2nd BF at 5.17 lbs!

Team BF Weight Winnings Points
Butch Williams & David Ethridge 5.34 21.74 $848.00 110
Ray Dowey & Channon Dowey 4.96 21.53 $200.00 109
Chad Sinclair & Terry Carswell 4.86 18.03 108
Donald Hinson & John Coward 4.34 16.72 107
Chad Gainey & Mack Kitchens 4.57 16.71 106
Dean Benfield & Donnie Maiers 0.00 16.62 105
Jerry Freezon 4.45 14.52 104
Paul Wells & Craig Haven 4.32 13.89 103
Scott Williams & Robbie English 3.25 13.07 102
Kenneth McFarland & Landon Jordan 5.17 9.33 $42.00 101
Darrell Fenton 4.52 6.13 100
Joshua Osment 2.33 2.33 99
Jermaine Roach & Steve Gillespie 0.00 0.00 89
Scott Floyd 0.00 0.00 89
Total Entrys $1,120.00
BONUS $ $300.00
Total Paid At Ramp $1,090.00
2022 Wateree Spring Final Fund $250.00
2022 CATT Championship/Phantom Fund $30.00
2022 Wateree Spring Fund Total $250.00

Osage Beach Readies for MLF Toyota Series at Lake of the Ozarks Presented by Smart Digital

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OSAGE BEACH, Mo. (Feb. 22, 2022) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series presented by A.R.E. is set for an event in Osage Beach, next week, March 1-3, with the Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. at Lake of the Ozarks Presented by Smart Digital. The three-day tournament, hosted by the Tri-County Lodging Association, is the season-opener for the Toyota Series Plains Division Presented by Outlaw Ordnance.

The tournament will feature the region’s best bass-fishing pros and Strike King co-anglers casting for a top prize of up to $100,000 in the pro division and a new Phoenix 518 pro boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard motor, in the co-angler division.

“This tournament is going to be an absolute slugfest,” said Lampe, Missouri pro Eric Olliverson, who has two top-10 finishes on Lake of the Ozarks in MLF competition. “The lake has been fishing incredible. We’re seeing lots of big bags and a lot of big fish. Unlike last year, we haven’t really had any major cold fronts this year. It’s been a consistent winter, with more nice days than cold days. The way everything is setting up, this one should be a lot of fun.”

Olliverson said that he expects the majority of anglers will be throwing just two baits.

“I expect that this one will be a totally dominant Alabama-rig and jerkbait bite,” Olliverson said. “Guys will be targeting secondary points, fish in the creeks, and I expect that brush will be a major factor. Local knowledge could definitely come into play in this event.

“From the (Bagnell) dam, to Gravois, to the mid-lake area – that’s where all of the weight is going to come from,” Olliverson went on to say. “I predict it will take just a little bit more than last year – at least 63 pounds over three days to win this one.”

Anglers will take off daily at 7 a.m. CT from Public Beach No. 2 at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park, located at 711 Public Beach Road in Osage Beach. Weigh-ins will also be held at the launch 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 $40,000, plus an extra $35,000 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 outboard (valued at $33,500). With a 260-boat field, pros fish for a top award of $65,000, plus an extra $35,000 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 outboard (valued at $33,500) plus $5,000 cash.

The 2022 Toyota Series presented by A.R.E. consists of six divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern, Southwestern and Western – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the six divisions and finish in the top 25 – or the top 12 from the Wild Card division – will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series presented by A.R.E. Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 cash. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard. The 2022 Toyota Series presented by A.R.E. Championship will be held Nov. 3-5 on Lake Guntersville in Guntersville, Alabama, and is hosted by Marshall County Tourism and Sports.

Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. include: 4WP, 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, AFTCO, 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, Outlaw Ordnance, 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 MLF Toyota Series on the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Wheeler Coasts to Qualifying Round Win at MLF Bass Pro Tour Toro Stage Two on Lake Fork Presented by Grundéns

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Wheeler Coasts to Qualifying Round Win at MLF Bass Pro Tour Toro Stage Two on Lake Fork Presented by Grundéns

Academy Sports + Outdoors Pro Smashes Two Day Total of 30 Bass Weighing 121 Pounds to Advance Straight to Thursday’s Championship Round, 19 Anglers Advance to Wednesday’s Knockout Round

Link to Photo Gallery of Group A Qualifying Round Day 2

QUITMAN, Texas (Feb. 21, 2022) – Academy Sports + Outdoors pro Jacob Wheeler of Harrison, Tennessee, caught 16 scorable bass weighing 64 pounds, 9 ounces to earn the win Monday during the Group A Qualifying Round at the MLF Bass Pro Tour Toro Stage Two on Lake Fork Presented by Grundéns in Quitman, Texas.

Wheeler’s two-day Qualifying Round catch of 30 bass totaling 121 pounds even earned him the win by a wide 47-pound, 9-ounce margin over Bass Pro Shops angler Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Michigan, who caught a two-day total of 22 bass weighing 74-9 to finish in second place. Pro Keith Poche of Pike Road, Alabama, caught a two-day total of 17 bass weighing 68-5 to finish the round in third, while Toro pro Jeff Sprague of Wills Point, Texas , ended the round in fourth place with a two-day total of 16 bass for 56-14. Rounding out the top five was Favorite Fishing pro Jonathon VanDam, who caught 12 bass for 56-0 to advance in fifth place.

The six-day event, hosted by the Lake Fork Area Chamber of Commerce, the Wood County EDC, the Sabine River Authority and the Rains County Tourism Board, showcases 80 of the top professional bass-fishing anglers in the world competing for a purse of $805,000, including a top cash prize of $100,000 to the winner.

“It feels great to win and advance straight to the Championship Round,” said Wheeler, who will advance to his ninth Championship Round appearance in the last 11 Bass Pro Tour events. “It’s good to start the season off where we left it last season. Momentum is everything in bass fishing – everything in any sport. Right now, our old buddy ‘Mo’ seems to be looking out for us.”

Like Day 1, Wheeler spent his day throwing various jerkbaits to isolated timber, using his forward-facing sonar to key in on specific targets.

“Realistically, it came down to Jerkbait Fishing 101,” Wheeler said in his post-game interview. “I caught a lot of fish today on a lot of different jerkbaits, but I ended up really focusing on more of the pearl-translucent colored ones. That seemed to be the deal for me today.

“I’m excited to get back out there for the Championship Round,” Wheeler went on to say. “I’m going to regroup and prepare for a cold day on the water on Thursday. There should be some giants caught.”

The top 20 anglers from Group A will now have an off day from competition, while the 40 anglers competing in Qualifying Group B will complete their two-day Qualifying Round of competition Tuesday. The Knockout Round, featuring 38 anglers competing to finish in the top eight, will take place Wednesday. Thursday’s Championship Round will feature Wheeler, Tuesday’s Group B winner, and the top eight anglers from the Knockout Round competing in a final-day shootout for the top prize of $100,000.

The top 20 pros in Qualifying Group A that now advance to Wednesday’s Knockout Round on Lake Fork are:

1st:          Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., 30 bass, 121-0
2nd:         Kevin VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., 22 bass, 74-9
3rd:         Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., 17 bass, 68-5
4th:         Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas, 16 bass, 56-14
5th:         Jonathon VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., 12 bass, 56-0
6th:         Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, 16 bass, 55-10
7th:         Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., 12 bass, 54-6
8th:         Ish Monroe, Oakdale, Calif., 15 bass, 53-10
9th:         James Elam, Tulsa, Okla., 13 bass, 52-10
10th:       Cliff Crochet, Pierre Part, La., 15 bass, 47-14
11th:       Mark Davis, Mount Ida, Ark., 17 bass, 46-8
12th:       Bradley Roy, Lancaster, Ky., 10 bass, 45-12
13th:       Andy Montgomery, Blacksburg, S.C., 11 bass, 44-1
14th:       Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., 11 bass, 40-2
15th:       Randy Howell, Guntersville, Ala., 12 bass, 39-2
16th:       Jordan Lee, Cullman, Ala., 12 bass, 38-4
17th:       Randall Tharp, Port Saint Joe, Fla., 12 bass, 37-15
18th:       Tommy Biffle, Wagoner, Okla., 11 bass, 36-13
19th:       Takahiro Omori, Tokyo, Japan, nine bass, 35-8
20th:       Britt Myers, Lake Wylie, S.C., seven bass, 34-4

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

Overall, there were 185 scorable bass weighing 687 pounds, 5 ounces caught by 39 pros Monday. The catch included five 7-pounders, four 8-pounders and one 10-pounder.

Knoxville, Tennessee’s Brandon Coulter caught a 10-pound, 2-ounce bass in Period 3, throwing a bladed swimjig near stumps and timber to earn the day’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day, and a $3,000 bonus to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass of the tournament.

The 40 Anglers in Group A competed in their two-day qualifying round on Saturday and Monday – the 40 anglers in Group B on Sunday and Tuesday. After each two-day qualifying round is complete, the anglers that finish in 2nd through 20th place from both groups advance to Wednesday’s Knockout Round, while the winner of each group advances directly to Thursday’s Championship Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the remaining 38 anglers compete to finish in the top 8 to advance to the Championship Round. In the final day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.

Anglers will launch each day at 7:30 a.m. from the Oak Ridge Marina, located at 2949 TX-154 in Quitman, Texas. Each day’s General Tire Takeout will be held at the Marina, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLF NOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The Toro Stage Two on Lake Fork Presented by Grundéns will feature anglers competing with a 2-pound minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. Minimum weights are determined individually for each competition waters that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.

The Bass Pro Tour features a field of 80 of the top professional anglers in the world competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, competing for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and the REDCREST 2023 championship.

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

Television coverage of the Toro Stage Two on Lake Fork Presented by Grundéns will premiere at 7 a.m. ET, Sept. 17 on the Discovery Channel. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on the Discovery Channel, with additional re-airings on the Outdoor Channel. Each two-hour long reality-based episode goes in-depth to break down each day of competition.

Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Bass Pro Tour include: 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, A.R.E. Truck Caps, B&W Trailer Hitches, BallyBet, Bass Cat, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Covercraft, Favorite Fishing, Garmin, General Tire, Googan Baits, Grundéns, Guaranteed Rate, Humminbird, Lowrance, Luminox, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Nitro Performance Boats, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, Power Stop, Rapala, Starbrite, Toro, Toyota, Wrangler, Yellowstone Bourbon and Zoom.

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

Meridian’s Gilmore Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event on Pickwick Lake

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Meridian’s Gilmore Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event on Pickwick Lake

Lake Pickwick Boater Champion Heath Gilmore of Meridian, Miss., and Strike King Co-Angler Champion Blake Koenigsberger of Columbus, Miss.

Columbus’ Koenigsberger Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division

IUKA, Miss. (Feb. 21, 2022) – Boater Heath Gilmore of Meridian, Mississippi, caught five bass Saturday weighing 21 pounds, 15 ounces, to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on Pickwick Lake. The tournament, hosted by Tishomingo County Tourism, was the season-opener for the Bass Fishing League Mississippi Division. Gilmore earned $5,395 for his victory.

“I made a cold, long ride,” Gilmore said. “But it was worth it to find the transition fish in the ditches. I pulled up on the right ditch and caught the right size fish.”

Gilmore said he caught his seven fish of the day, all keepers, on a Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap focusing on ditches that were around six feet deep.

“I had to change the retrieve up,” Gilmore said. “I started the morning out using a yo-yo action, and as the day got warmer I moved it a little faster. I just tried all types of retrieves.”

Gilmore said the water temperature was 48 degrees when the tournament began but warmed up to 53 degrees as the day progressed, which allowed him to experiment with the different retrieves.

“I had seven bites all day,” Gilmore said. “It was a long day. It wore me out. But this win feels good. I’ve been fishing Pickwick about 20 years, and I’ve been close to winning a few times, and I finally did it. I love fishing Pickwick.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:

1st:        Heath Gilmore, Meridian, Miss., five bass, 21-15, $5,395
2nd:       Aaron Harrelson, Glen, Miss., five bass, 20-07, $2,348
3rd:       J.C. Coggins, Guntown, Miss., five bass, 19-7, $1,565
4th:        Garrett Riles, Potts Camp, Miss., five bass, 19-1, $1,096
5th:        Michael Wooley, Booneville, Miss., five bass, 16-12, $939
6th:        Shane Cox, Iuka, Miss., five bass, 16-7, $861
7th:        Max Moore, Fulton, Miss., five bass, 16-6, $743
7th:        Kyle Horne, Olive Branch, Miss., five bass, 16-6, $743
9th:        Luke Glasgow, Guin, Ala., five bass, 16-5, $587
9th:        Mickey Beck, Lebanon, Tenn., five bass, 16-5, $587

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Gilmore had a 7-pound, 7-ounce largemouth that was the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division and earned the day’s Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $700.

Blake Koenigsberger of Columbus, Mississippi, won the Strike King Co-angler Division and $2,348 Saturday after catching five bass weighing 15 pounds, 10 ounces.

The top 10 Strike King co-anglers were:

1st:        Blake Koenigsberger, Columbus, Miss., five bass, 15-10, $2,348
2nd:       Cameron Petras, Biloxi, Miss., three bass, 14-12, $977
2nd:       Teddy Baggett, Nashville, Tenn., five bass, 14-12, $977
4th:        Sims Meredith, Tupelo, Miss., four bass, 11-2, $548
5th:        Anthony Rasberry, New Albany, Miss., four bass, 11-1, $670
6th:        Joey Tanner, Meridian, Miss., four bass, 11-0, $410
6th:        Johnny Suratt, Lawrenceburg, Tenn., three bass, 11-0, $410
8th:        Bob Thompson, Florence, Ala., five bass, 10-10, $352
9th:        Jason James, Corinth, Miss., three bass, 9-6, $313
10th:     Larry Gipson, Ridgeland, Miss., three bass, 9-3, $274

Corey Lindsey, of Southhaven, Mississippi, caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 6 pounds, 11 ounces. The catch earned him the day’s Berkley Big Bass Co-angler award of $350.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five winners in each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 22-24 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Smith Lake in Cullman, Alabama. Boaters will compete for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.

The 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six Regional Championships 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 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American. The 2022 All-American will be held June 2-4 at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is hosted by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and Visit Hot Springs.

The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the MLF Toyota Series, the pathway to the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.

Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 4WP, 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, AFTCO, 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, Revital Outdoors, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Wiley X, YETI and Yo-Zuri.

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.

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