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Walters grabs early advantage in Bassmaster Elite Series event at Lake Murray

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May 10, 2024

Walters grabs early advantage in Bassmaster Elite Series event at Lake Murray

South Carolina’s Patrick Walters takes the Day 1 lead at the Minn Kota Bassmaster Elite at Lake Murray with a five-bass limit weighing 25-8.

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

May 10, 2024

Walters grabs early advantage in Bassmaster Elite Series event at Lake Murray

PROSPERITY, S.C. — With more than 48,000 acres, Lake Murray has plenty of places to find a bite. Dialing in the better ones is a process of elimination that favored home-state pro Patrick Walters.

Sacking up a limit of 25 pounds, 8 ounces, the pro from Eutawville, S.C., leads Day 1 of the Minn Kota Bassmaster Elite at Lake Murray.

Exemplifying the importance of multiple options, the two-time Elite Series champion leveraged the morning blueback herring spawn, but also found consistent action throughout the day.

“It’s important to have (a diverse game plan) because you can start on the wrong spot,” Walters said. “You need options because you can run around little bit and make a couple of decisions.”

As Walters explained, his day did not begin as he had planned. Thankfully, he was able to regroup and establish a productive course.

“On my first spot, I thought I was going to catch a lot more weight than I did,” Walters said. “I caught one little one off of it and that was it.

“On my next spot, I caught another one. I didn’t want to leave; I would have stayed there all day if they had been good ones, but you have to move.”

Surmising that the baitfish he’d found spawning during practice had left, Walters said the area still held bass. However, without the herring spawn, the predictable feeding activity was nonexistent.

Reconnecting with the bite-making activity became his priority. As Walters explained, overlapping forage created interesting variables.

“You can target herring or threadfin shad spawns, but as we’re getting later in the year, you can find shad spawning (alongside) the herring,” Walters said. “You can go to certain areas and target just shad eaters and certain areas to target herring eaters.

“The key is you just have to find the bait.”

When he located spots where bass were targeting baitfish spawns, Walters used a variety of reaction baits to mimic the frantic forage appearance. After this action subsided, he transitioned to other undisclosed patterns that allowed him to complete his weight by around 11:30 a.m.

“There are a lot of shallow fish still left and there are a lot of fish moving deep,” said Walters, who anchored his limit with a 5-5. “It was about being able to go back and forth between shallow and deep.”

Walters said he fished Murray top to bottom. While the lower end of a reservoir typically offers the clearest water, Walters said that was not his focus. Ultimately, for the postspawners he sought, it was all about the food.

“I was not looking for clarity because clarity doesn’t really matter right now,” he said. “You don’t want dirty water, but clarity isn’t (most important).”

Walters kept his bait selection guarded, but he noted that he complemented his reaction bait assortment with a Carolina rig. He again kept his details slim, but offered a coy hint.

“You can fish a Carolina rig in 3 inches of water,” he grinned.

Looking ahead to the second round, Walters said he’ll try to replicate his Day 1 success, but he’s taking a realistic approach to the event’s progression.

“They bit today really well, but the fish are going to get pressured and the pods of fish are going to get broken up,” he said.

Lee Livesay of Longview, Texas, is in second place with 22-5. Starting his day on Murray’s lower end, Livesay caught most of his bass by targeting baitfish spawns, then moved uplake to fish riverine habitat.

“I like the lower end in the morning because the water’s clear; then I think it’s a little easier to get bit up the river later in the day because the water’s dirtier,” Livesay said. “I caught four of my fish in the lower end and one in the upper end.”

Livesay caught his bass on a chrome 6th Sense Catwalk topwater bait and a white Netbait Super Twitch. Speed was the key for both presentations.

Cody Huff of Ava, Mo., is in third place with 22-1. After enjoying a quick start to his day, Huff started running a mix of shallow targets and finished his opening round effort.

“I had a limit of 19 pounds pretty quickly and then I caught two big ones in the afternoon,” he said. “It was just one of those days when your moves just feel right.

“I caught a 5-pounder today, so it was just a good day where everything worked out.”

Huff said he caught all of his fish on reaction baits. However, he was not actually fishing a shad or herring spawn. His bass were in areas where the baitfish do spawn, but he believes that seasonal pattern was dwindling in his areas.

Joseph Webster of Hamilton, Ala. is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 6-6.

Cole Sands of Calhoun, Tenn., was found in violation of an element of the Bassmaster Sportsmanship rules. His first day’s catch was disqualified.

Rookie Trey McKinney of Carbondale, Ill., leads the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year points standings with 480 points. Jordan Lee of Cullman, Ala., is in second with 444, followed by Huff with 412, Chris Johnston of Otonabee, Canada, with 407, and Jacob Foutz of Charleston, Tenn., with 403.

McKinney also leads the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Rookie of the Year standings.

Saturday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. ET at Dreher Island State Park. The weigh-in will be held at the park at 3 p.m., with only the Top 50 anglers advancing to Semifinal Sunday.

Follow all the action on FS1 from 7:30-10:30 a.m. and on Bassmaster.com from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. ET. On Semifinal Sunday, watch live coverage on FS1from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and on Bassmaster.com from 12:30-3 p.m. On Championship Monday watch live coverage on Bassmaster.com from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event is being hosted by Capital City Lake Murray Country.

2024 Minn Kota Bassmaster Elite at Lake Murray 5/10-5/13
Lake Murray, Columbia SC.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1

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

1. Patrick Walters Eutawville, SC 5 25-08 103
Day 1: 5 25-08
2. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 5 22-05 102
Day 1: 5 22-05
3. Cody Huff Ava, MO 5 22-01 101
Day 1: 5 22-01
4. Trey McKinney Carbondale, IL 5 21-09 100
Day 1: 5 21-09
5. Mike Huff London, KY 5 21-05 99
Day 1: 5 21-05
6. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 5 21-05 98
Day 1: 5 21-05
7. John Garrett Union City, TN 5 21-01 97
Day 1: 5 21-01
7. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 5 21-01 97
Day 1: 5 21-01
9. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 5 20-15 95
Day 1: 5 20-15
10. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 5 20-12 94
Day 1: 5 20-12
10. Ben Milliken New Caney, TX 5 20-12 94
Day 1: 5 20-12
12. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 5 20-08 92
Day 1: 5 20-08
13. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 5 20-02 91
Day 1: 5 20-02
14. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 5 19-14 90
Day 1: 5 19-14
15. Will Davis Jr Sylacauga, AL 5 19-14 89
Day 1: 5 19-14
16. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 5 19-12 88
Day 1: 5 19-12
17. Jay Przekurat Plover, WI 5 19-11 87
Day 1: 5 19-11
18. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 5 19-09 86
Day 1: 5 19-09
19. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 5 19-08 85
Day 1: 5 19-08
20. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 5 19-07 84
Day 1: 5 19-07
21. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 5 19-06 83
Day 1: 5 19-06
22. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 5 19-05 82
Day 1: 5 19-05
23. Jason Christie Dry Creek, OK 5 19-04 81
Day 1: 5 19-04
24. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 5 19-00 80
Day 1: 5 19-00
25. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 5 18-14 79
Day 1: 5 18-14
26. Jeff Gustafson Kenora, ON Ontario CANA 5 18-13 78
Day 1: 5 18-13
26. Jonathan Kelley Old Forge, PA 5 18-13 78
Day 1: 5 18-13
26. Logan Parks Auburn, AL 5 18-13 78
Day 1: 5 18-13
29. Kenta Kimura Osaka OK JAPAN 5 18-07 75
Day 1: 5 18-07
30. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 5 18-07 74
Day 1: 5 18-07
31. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 5 18-00 73
Day 1: 5 18-00
32. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 5 17-15 72
Day 1: 5 17-15
33. Kyle Patrick Cooperstown, NY 5 17-14 71
Day 1: 5 17-14
34. Matty Wong Honolulu, HI 5 17-13 70
Day 1: 5 17-13
35. Jordan Lee Cullman, AL 5 17-11 69
Day 1: 5 17-11
36. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 5 17-07 68
Day 1: 5 17-07
37. Bob Downey Detroit Lakes, MN 5 17-06 67
Day 1: 5 17-06
38. Wesley Gore Clanton, AL 5 17-05 66
Day 1: 5 17-05
39. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 5 17-03 65
Day 1: 5 17-03
40. John Cox Debary, FL 5 17-02 64
Day 1: 5 17-02
41. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 5 17-00 63
Day 1: 5 17-00
42. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 5 16-15 62
Day 1: 5 16-15
43. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 5 16-14 61
Day 1: 5 16-14
43. Cooper Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CAN 5 16-14 61
Day 1: 5 16-14
43. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 5 16-14 61
Day 1: 5 16-14
43. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 5 16-14 61
Day 1: 5 16-14
47. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 5 16-12 57
Day 1: 5 16-12
47. Wes Logan Springville, AL 5 16-12 57
Day 1: 5 16-12
49. Taku Ito Dalton GA JAPAN 5 16-11 55
Day 1: 5 16-11
50. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 5 16-06 54
Day 1: 5 16-06
51. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 5 16-05 53
Day 1: 5 16-05
52. John Soukup Sapulpa, OK 5 16-04 52
Day 1: 5 16-04
53. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 5 16-03 51
Day 1: 5 16-03
54. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 5 16-01 50
Day 1: 5 16-01
54. Robert Gee Knoxville, TN 5 16-01 50
Day 1: 5 16-01
56. Kyle Norsetter Cottage Grove, WI 5 15-15 48
Day 1: 5 15-15
57. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 5 15-11 47
Day 1: 5 15-11
57. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 5 15-11 47
Day 1: 5 15-11
57. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 5 15-11 47
Day 1: 5 15-11
60. Cory Johnston Otonabee CANADA 5 15-10 44
Day 1: 5 15-10
61. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 5 15-09 43
Day 1: 5 15-09
61. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 5 15-09 43
Day 1: 5 15-09
61. Joseph Webster Hamilton, AL 5 15-09 43
Day 1: 5 15-09
64. Frank Talley Belton, TX 5 15-06 40
Day 1: 5 15-06
65. Todd Auten Clover, SC 5 15-02 39
Day 1: 5 15-02
65. Jake Whitaker Hendersonville, NC 5 15-02 39
Day 1: 5 15-02
67. Logan Latuso Gonzales, LA 5 15-01 37
Day 1: 5 15-01
68. Kyle Welcher Valley, AL 5 15-00 36
Day 1: 5 15-00
69. Bryan New Leesville, SC 5 14-10 35
Day 1: 5 14-10
70. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TN AUSTRALIA 5 14-07 34
Day 1: 5 14-07
71. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 5 14-06 33
Day 1: 5 14-06
72. Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 5 14-05 32
Day 1: 5 14-05
73. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 5 14-04 31
Day 1: 5 14-04
74. Tyler Williams Belgrade, ME 5 14-02 30
Day 1: 5 14-02
75. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 14-01 29
Day 1: 5 14-01
76. Buddy Gross Chattanooga, TN 5 13-14 28
Day 1: 5 13-14
77. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 5 13-13 27
Day 1: 5 13-13
77. Derek Hudnall Zachary, LA 5 13-13 27
Day 1: 5 13-13
79. Koby Kreiger Alva, FL 5 13-12 25
Day 1: 5 13-12
80. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 5 13-10 24
Day 1: 5 13-10
81. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 5 13-05 23
Day 1: 5 13-05
82. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 5 13-03 22
Day 1: 5 13-03
82. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 5 13-03 22
Day 1: 5 13-03
84. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 5 12-15 20
Day 1: 5 12-15
85. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 5 12-14 19
Day 1: 5 12-14
86. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 5 12-12 18
Day 1: 5 12-12
86. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 12-12 18
Day 1: 5 12-12
88. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 5 12-08 16
Day 1: 5 12-08
89. Seth Feider New Market, MN 5 12-06 15
Day 1: 5 12-06
90. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 5 12-04 14
Day 1: 5 12-04
90. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 5 12-04 14
Day 1: 5 12-04
92. Timothy Dube Nashua , NH 4 12-04 12
Day 1: 4 12-04
93. Kyoya Fujita Yamanashi CA JAPAN 4 12-01 11
Day 1: 4 12-01
94. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 4 11-07 10
Day 1: 4 11-07
95. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 5 10-15 9
Day 1: 5 10-15
96. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 5 10-13 8
Day 1: 5 10-13
97. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 5 09-10 7
Day 1: 5 09-10
98. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 3 08-08 6
Day 1: 3 08-08
99. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 3 07-09 5
Day 1: 3 07-09
100. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 2 05-08 4
Day 1: 2 05-08
101. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 2 03-10 3
Day 1: 2 03-10
102. Cole Sands Calhoun , TN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 94 492 1633-07
———————————-
94 492 1633-07

Tucker Smith Takes Early Lead on Day 1 at Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 4 at Lake Eufaula

Brian Carter

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May 10, 2024

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Tucker Smith Takes Early Lead on Day 1 at Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 4 at Lake Eufaula

Former Auburn University angler catches limit to take 14-ounce lead into Day 2 of competition Saturday

EUFAULA, Ala. (May 10, 2024) – A month ago, today may not have been expected, but after practice for Stop 4 Presented by E3 Sport Apparel on Lake Eufaula wrapped up, many had high hopes for the offshore bite and the fishing overall. On cue, the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals pros delivered. Ten pros caught 20 pounds or better on Day 1, and 17 pounds went all the way to 23rd place, with an offshore bite that is starting to fire responsible for a lot of the damage.

In the lead, former Auburn University star Tucker Smith of Birmingham, Alabama, sacked up 22 pounds, 11 ounces. Behind him, Hemphill, Texas pro Marshall Hughes bagged 21-13, local favorite Justin Barnes of Ellaville, Georgia, tallied 21-11, and Flint Davis, Cal Lane and Jake Lawrence also crossed the 21-pound mark. It’s safe to say we’re in for a good one.

Link to Photo Gallery of Day 1 Highlights
Link to Video of Fish-Catch Highlights of Day 1 on Lake Eufaula

The full field of 150 anglers will conclude the two-day opening round on Saturday, with only the top 30 pros based on their two-day cumulative weight advancing to Championship Sunday. The three-day tournament, hosted by the Eufaula Barbour County Chamber of Commerce, features a roster of 150 anglers competing for a top prize of up to $115,000 and an invitation to compete at REDCREST 2025.

Just 22-years-old, Smith has put college aside to chase a pro fishing career, and early on, it’s looking like a good move. A talented offshore angler who’s very proficient with his electronics, Smith also has spent plenty of time on Lake Eufaula.

“It went really good,” he said of Day 1. “I ended up running around a bunch and landed on some. It was a rough morning. I didn’t catch anything really big this morning. And then, I’d say about 10:30, I pulled up on a place and there was a bunch of fish. I ended up catching around 18 pounds and then started bouncing, just graphing a bunch of places. I ended up catching a bunch of bigger ones that upgraded.”

Smith put most of his eggs in the offshore basket early on.

“I kind of had an idea that I wanted to fish offshore,” he said. “That’s my favorite way to fish – offshore. This time of year is tricky because the fish are just moving off the bed. They’re not super fat – a lot of them are pretty skinny, and they’re kind of finicky right now, so you kind of have to work for them to get them to bite.”

Fishing brush and schools, Smith saved some stuff for tomorrow and has high hopes for the rest of the event.

“I left some places untouched that I think I can catch them on,” he said. “At the end of the day, I left them biting on a place and caught my last 4-pounder and then ran in with an hour left. I think tomorrow should be fun. Hopefully there is not too much wind, and I can get on some places and catch some more.”

Though perhaps not a local by the typical definition, Smith is definitely on familiar grounds this week.

“I’ve fished here (Eufaula) a bunch – it’s one of my favorite lakes,” he said. “I’ve spent countless hours out here. Going to school at Auburn, this is the only place that I would come to.”

The top 20 pros after Day 1 on Alabama’s Lake Eufaula are:

1st:        Tucker Smith, Birmingham, Ala., five bass, 22-11
2nd:       Marshall Hughes, Hemphill, Texas, five bass, 21-13
3rd:       Justin Barnes, Ellaville, Ga., five bass, 21-11
4th:        Flint Davis, Leesburg, Ga., five bass, 21-8
5th:        Cal Lane, Guntersville, Ala., five bass, 21-4
6th:        Jake Lawrence, Buchanan, Tenn., five bass, 21-0
7th:        Kyle Hall, Granbury, Texas, five bass, 20-14
8th:        Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas, five bass, 20-13
9th:        Paul Marks, Jr., Cumming, Ga., five bass, 20-10
10th:     Mark Condron, Murfreesboro, Tenn., five bass, 20-0
11th:     Jaden Parrish, Liberty, Texas, five bass, 19-2
12th:     Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., five bass, 19-1
12th:     Buddy Benson, Dahlonega, Ga., five bass, 19-1
14th:     James Maupin, Stanardsville, Va., five bass, 18-14
15th:     Jon Canada, Helena, Ala., five bass, 18-3
16th:     Matt Baty, Bainbridge, Ga., five bass, 18-2
17th:     Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J., five bass, 18-0
18th:     Blake Hall, Rogersville, Ala., five bass, 17-14
19th:     Jordan Wiggins, Cullman, Ala., five bass, 17-13
20th:     Kyle Cortiana, Broken Arrow, Okla., five bass, 17-11

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

Flint Davis earned the $1,000 Berkley Big Bass award on Friday with a bass that weighed in at 6 pounds, 5 ounces.

Overall, there were 113 five-bass limits caught by 144 pros on Friday.

In Tackle Warehouse Invitational competition, the full field of 150 anglers compete in the two-day opening round on Friday and Saturday in a five-fish, weigh-in format. Only the top 30 pros, based on their two-day cumulative weight, advance to the final round on Championship Sunday, where they will compete for the grand prize of up to $115,000. The winner of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 4 at Lake Eufaula Presented by E3 Sports Apparel will be determined by the heaviest three-day cumulative weight and will receive an invitation to compete at REDCREST 2025 on Lake Guntersville in Huntsville, Alabama.

Anglers will launch at 6:30 a.m. CT each day from Lakepoint Resort State Park, located at 104 Lakepoint Drive in Eufaula. Weigh-ins will also be held at the State Park and will begin at 2:30 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and weigh-in events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® live stream and coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The MLFNOW! broadcast team of Chad McKee and Rob Newell will break down the extended action live all three days of competition from 7 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. CT. MLFNOW! will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.

Television coverage of the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Stop 4 at Lake Eufaula Presented by E3 Sports Apparel will air as a two-hour episode, premiering at 9 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Oct. 26 on CBS Sports Network.

Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak Fishing, Onyx, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, REDCON1, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.

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

MLF Stays in Town – Eufaula, Oklahoma Set to Host Toyota Series at Lake Eufaula

Brian Carter

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May 9, 2024

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MLF Stays in Town – Eufaula, Oklahoma Set to Host Toyota Series at Lake Eufaula

EUFAULA, Okla. (May 9, 2024) – After an exciting week on Lake Eufaula, the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour has rolled out, making way for the next wave of tournament anglers to test their skills on the Oklahoma fishery. The MLF Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats is set to visit Eufaula, Oklahoma, next week, May 16-18, for the Toyota Series at Lake Eufaula.

The three-day tournament, hosted by Vision Eufaula, is the third and final event of the year for Central Division anglers. The event 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.

Local pro Chris Jones of Bokoshe, Oklahoma, said he hasn’t been on the fishery since his seventh place finish at the Phoenix Bass Fishing League event there in March, but is looking forward to an exciting tournament.

“We were able to see the current condition of the fishery last week when the Bass Pro Tour was on Lake Eufaula,” said Jones. “Nearly 70 percent of the lake is still flooded, so it’s probably going to fish a lot smaller than what it would normally fish.”

The Oklahoma native grew up on Lake Eufaula and said he’s had a lot of good and bad tournaments on the state’s largest lake.

“Eufaula’s been really good to me over the years,” said Jones. “I’ve had a lot of top-five and other good finishes out on that lake. I don’t know if it will show its true potential next week, with the recent weather and how tough it’s been, but it will still be a great event.”

Back-to-back weather systems and daily rain has pummeled the fishery over the past week, but Jones said he’s hoping the water will come down some before the start of the tournament.

“I expect to see guys flipping and fishing a lot of flooded bushes, as well as throwing a spinnerbait and a ChatterBait – just think we’ll see a power-fishing kind of deal throughout this tournament,” said Jones. “The event is really going to depend on who can find the right little areas that can maintain fish and continue to replenish for three days.

“I think it’s going to take about 15 to 17 pounds per day to win the event,” Jones continued. “A lot of the bass were trying to spawn last week, so I think the majority of the bass will be postspawn by the time we get there. That means they’ll potentially be a little lighter in weight and probably won’t be feeding as much. There may be a shad spawn going on by then, so there might be a few with some ‘meat on their bones’, but I think it will fish very similar to the Bass Pro Tour event.”

Jones said Lake Eufaula is a bit unique and reminds him of Lake Texoma.

“There’s a lot of sand towards the dam, but the majority of the lake is a mix of a little bit of clay and a lot of rock – slate rock, big boulders and bluff banks,” said Jones. “The good thing is you can typically fish clearer water towards the dam, or go north or south and fish stained water, so guys can really pick their poison on which area of the lake they want to fish.”

Anglers will launch at 6:30 a.m. CT each day from the Peter’s Point-Nichols Point Boat Ramp, located at 400 Lakeshore Drive in Eufaula. Weigh-ins will also be held at the ramp and will begin at 2:30 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, Fishing Clash, FX Custom Rods, General Tire, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, REDCON1, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters, 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.

“Game Changer” Plug & Play Trolling Motor Rigging System

Brian Carter

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May 9, 2024

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“Game Changer” Plug & Play Trolling Motor Rigging System

Connect-Ease^® RCE24VBCHK & RCE24VSCK Kit Systems Offer Anglers Plug & Play Solutions For Rigging 24V Trolling Motors and Batteries

PRIOR LAKE, MN (May 9, 2024) – One of the hassles of fishing is dealing with boat batteries, whether you use lead acid, AGM, gel, or lithium. Ultimately, we all want our electronics and trolling motor to work flawlessly on the water, providing enough power to see us through a long day filling the live well—or a couple days—without the need for recharging.And anglers’ boats come in all sizes, shapes, and species-specific styles. From fishing kayaks to 14- and 16-foot all-purpose fishing boats, to dual “cast & blast” jon boats, to walleye and bass boats, center consoles, and big water rigs, anglers use all kinds of vessels to chase gamefish.And here’s a fact: Most anglers in the U.S. do not run big, fancy boats requiring the latest in 36V trolling motors. Reality is, the majority of anglers fish from rigs with 12 or 24V trolling motors, which supply more than enough power, whether used on the bow or transom. Not forgetting about this quorum, Connect-Ease is pleased to offer anglers and boaters running 24V trolling motors with a “game changing” plug & play trolling motor system that provides clean power, easy rigging, as well as Quik-Connect plugs to remove your battery or batteries without a wrench and spilled nuts and washers.

The Connect-Ease “Game Changer” (RCE24VBCHK) is an easy-to-use system for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts who want to quickly connect, remove, or just disconnect their batteries for charging, replacement, storage, or theft elimination. Connect-Ease’s patented system takes the guesswork and frustration our of hooking up 24V trolling motors, correctly connecting batteries in series every time. Industrial-grade, corrosion-free connections provide clean voltage, keeping high-output trolling motor in top condition.The “Game Changer” also makes for easy battery removal and replacement in seconds from tight boating compartments without any tools. Again, the product features corrosion-free connections and provides the voltage vital for marine equipment performance and longevity.And once Connect-Ease products are installed, no tools are needed for the removal, replacement or storage of expensive marine batteries. Using Connect-Ease series products allows connecting any 12V marine battery with any equipment or device at any time, any place, easily and quickly, by simply snapping the plug & play Quik-Connect connectors together.

FEATURES Plug & Play Connections Lithium Compatible The Best Power Connection for your 60-120 Amp Lithium Batteries and any Brand/Model 24V Trolling Motor Features 8 Gauge Wire, Onboard Charging Leads, Bringing Quick & Easy Installation and Powerful, Proven Performance to any 24V Trolling Motor Makes Rigging & Battery Removal Foolproof TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 6 AWG UL1426 Tinned Marine Grade Wire – One Year Warranty – Saltwater Approved Onboard Charging Leads & Heat-Shrinkable Butt Splices for the Best Performance in Marine Environments (1) 24V Trolling Motor Connection w/24V Bridge (2) 6 AWG Easy 12V Battery Connectors 50 AMP Rating

24V “IGNITE” Single Case Lithium Battery Connection SystemLithium batteries have significantly reduced weight while greatly increasing consistent voltage and power, as well as runtime. Designed specifically for lithium battery users, meet the Connect-Ease® IGNITE Single Case Lithium Battery Connection System (RCE24VSCK).Designed to power any 24V trolling motor on the market, the Connect-Ease IGNITE Single Case kit features 6-gauge wire, onboard charging leads, 60 amp circuit breaker, and negative connection block—offering anglers quick installation with everything preconfigured for proven, reliable performance. The 24V IGNITE Single Case Lithium Battery Connection System is the best power connection for any trolling motor with 60-100Ah lithium single-case batteries from Dakota Lithium, Amped Outdoors, Norsk Lithium, Monster Lithium, Abyss, and many others. FEATURES Plug & Play Connections Lithium Compatible The Best Power Connection for your 60-120 Amp Single Case Lithium Battery and any Brand/Model 24V Trolling Motor Features 6 Gauge Wire, Onboard Charging Leads, Bringing Quick & Easy Installation and Powerful, Proven Performance to any 24V Trolling Motor Makes Rigging & Battery Removal Foolproof Integrate Your Onboard Charger Through Pre-Wired Connections TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 6 AWG UL1426 Tinned Marine Grade Wire – One Year Warranty – Saltwater Approved Integrated Charging Leads (1) 24V Easy Trolling Motor Connection 60 Amp Circuit Breaker & Negative Connection Post 50 AMP Rating

One Fish for $100K – MLF’s General Tire Heavy Hitters All-Star Event Set to Compete on Kissimmee Chain Next Week

Brian Carter

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May 9, 2024

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One Fish for $100K – MLF’s General Tire Heavy Hitters All-Star Event Set to Compete on Kissimmee Chain Next Week

Pro Chris Lane, who won when the Bass Pro Tour last visited the Kissimmee Chain in 2023, will be among the 30 competitors competing at General Tire Heavy Hitters next week in Kissimmee. (Photo by Phoenix Moore)

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (May 9, 2024) – One lucky angler is going to catch one bass on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes next week and walk away $100,000 richer.

Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament fishing organization, is set to return to Kissimmee, Florida, May 18-23, for the fifth-annual General Tire Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.

Hosted by Experience Kissimmee, the All-Star tournament will showcase the 30 pros that qualified from the 2023 Bass Pro Tour season competing in a no-entry-fee tournament for a top prize of $100,000 to the winner. Anglers will also be awarded Big Bass Bonuses during the competition, that pay up to $100,000 for catching the single biggest bass.

To qualify for General Tire Heavy Hitters, the weight of an angler’s single-largest bass from each event of the seven 2023 Bass Pro Tour events was recorded. The 30 anglers with the heaviest total from those seven bass qualified to compete in this event.

“We are pleased to welcome back Major League Fishing Heavy Hitters to Lake Toho and the Kissimmee area,” said Tyler Weyant, Director of Sports Development for the Kissimmee Sports Commission. “We’re honored to host this prestigious event once again, building on the success of our collaboration back in June 2020. To all participants, families, and friends joining us for the tournament, I encourage you to take full advantage of your time here in Kissimmee. Explore local shops, savor the flavors of our diverse restaurants, and immerse yourselves in the culture of our city. Your support not only enhances your experience but also contributes to the vitality of our community.”

This event marks the fourth time that the MLF Bass Pro Tour will hold an event on the Kissimmee Chain – extending Kissimmee’s record as the most-visited venue on the Bass Pro Tour. The first ever Bass Pro Tour event was held on the Kissimmee Chain in January of 2019, with a return to Kissimmee in June of 2020 for the inaugural General Tire Heavy Hitters event.

When the Bass Pro Tour last visited the venue to open the season in 2023, Power-Pole pro Chris Lane used his encyclopedic knowledge of Lake Kissimmee and understanding of Florida bass to coax bites from the heavily pressured fishery and catch enough bass to take home the big red trophy and $100,000 payday.

“The Kissimmee Chain is a big bass factory – we’re going to catch them all over the place,” said Lane, who grew up fishing the chain with his grandfather, father and brothers. “I think it’ll take an 8-plus-pounder every day to win the big bass award. It’s a great time of the year to be fishing there, I am ready to go and can’t wait to get back out there again.”

Lane said that he expects the majority of fish to be in their postspawn patterns, but he wouldn’t be at all surprised if there still were some fish found on beds.

“You just never know down there. Two years ago, at Lake Okeechobee, they flooded the banks in May,” Lane said. “Now obviously that’s a little different story than here, but it goes to show that you never know what the fish are going to be doing until you get there. I can definitely see guys catching some spawners.

“All four lakes – Hatchineha, Cypress, Toho and Kissimmee – are good, and any cast on the chain could be a giant,” Lane continued. “I think guys are going to spread out, and we’re going to see some substantial weights. I’ll be interested to see how much forward-facing sonar plays next week. It will probably be a factor.”

Lane said that he’ll have his signature baits tied on and expects to use them all heavily – the River2Sea Lane Changer, Bass Pro Shops XPS Chaos Shad, Bass Pro Shops XPS Crawdigy Craw, and the bait that he won on in 2023 – the Bass Pro Shops Stik-O Worm.

“The key is going to be not going more than an hour without a bite,” Lane said. “If you get in a lull there, you’re in trouble. In a five-fish format, you can weather those lulls, but in the Bass Pro Tour format, you need to keep stacking them on the SCORETRACKER. It’s going to be important to keep the momentum up for as long as you can.”

Anglers will launch each day at 7:30 a.m. ET from Big Toho Marina located at 69 Lakeview Drive in Kissimmee. Each day’s General Tire Takeout will be held at the park, beginning at 4 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 MLFNOW! live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

On Days 1 and 2 of the event, Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF will welcome fans of all ages to visit Big Toho Marina located at 69 Lakeview Drive in Kissimmee, to watch the pros live on the MLFNOW! big screen, enjoy free food, enter to win hourly giveaways and cheer on their favorite pros. The first 50 kids 14 and under will receive a free rod and reel from Pure Fishing each day. Heavy Hitters competitors will cross the stage at 4:30 p.m. following lines out and will be available to meet and greet fans, sign autographs and take selfies.

The General Tire Heavy Hitters at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Presented by Bass Pro Shops features the MLF catch, weigh, immediate-release format, in which anglers catch as much weight as they can each day, while also feeling the pressure and intensity of the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard. A bass must meet the 2-pound minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable in the Qualifying and Knockout Rounds, but for the final day Championship Round a bass must weigh at least 3 pounds to be deemed scorable.

The 15 Anglers in Group A compete in their two-day qualifying round on Saturday and Monday – the 15 anglers in Group B on Sunday and Tuesday. After each two-day qualifying round is complete, the top eight anglers from both groups advance to Wednesday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round weights are zeroed, and the remaining 16 anglers compete to finish in the top 10 to advance to the Championship Round. In Thursday’s final-day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.

In addition to the tournament, Big Bass Bonuses are awarded in each round of competition with payouts of $10,000, $30,000 and $100,000 awarded to the single biggest fish in the Group A & B Qualifying, Knockout and Championship rounds.

The 30 anglers that will be competing in General Tire Heavy Hitters at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Presented by Bass Pro Shops are:

Group A:
Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J.
Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn.
Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala.
Brandon Coulter, Knoxville, Tenn.
Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn.
David Dudley, Lynchburg, Va.
Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas
Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif.
Edwin Evers, Talala, Okla.
Alton Jones, Jr., Waco, Texas
Marty Robinson, Lyman, S.C.
Ryan Salzman, Huntsville, Ala.
Scott Suggs, Alexander, Ark.
Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C.
Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn.

Group B:
Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas
Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C.
Dylan Hays, Hot Springs, Ark.
Chris Lane, Guntersville, Ala.
Jordan Lee, Cullman, Ala.
Andy Montgomery, Blacksburg, S.C.
Britt Myers, Lake Wylie, S.C.
Takahiro Omori, Tokyo, Japan
Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala.
Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark.
Gerald Spohrer, Gonzales, La.
Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas
Randall Tharp, Port Saint Joe, Fla.
Kevin VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich.
Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala.

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

Television coverage of the General Tire Heavy Hitters 2024 Presented by Bass Pro Shops will be showcased across six two-hour episodes, premiering at 7 a.m. ET, Aug. 10 and running each Saturday through Sept. 14 on Discovery. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on the Outdoor Channel.

Proud sponsors of General Tire Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops include: Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Barbasol, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, Fishing Clash, General Tire, Kubota, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak Fishing, NITRO, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, REDCON1, Star brite, Toyota, U.S. Air Force and YETI.

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, X, Instagram and YouTube.

Strategizing for Success: Tips for Targeting Pre-Spawn Bass in May Tournaments

Brian Carter

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May 8, 2024

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Strategizing for Success: Tips for Targeting Pre-Spawn Bass in May Tournaments

Introduction
As May approaches, anglers eagerly prepare for tournaments and set their sights on hooking pre-spawn bass. These fish are on the move, migrating from deeper waters to shallower areas in anticipation of the breeding season. To optimize your chances of success during May tournaments, it is crucial to understand the behavior of pre-spawn bass and adjust your fishing strategies accordingly. In this article, we will explore three key strategies that will give you an edge in targeting pre-spawn bass during one of the most exciting times of the year.

Locating the Staging Fish: Cracking the Code
To increase your chances of success, it is essential to identify the staging areas where pre-spawn bass congregate before heading to their spawning grounds. These locations act as transitional hubs for bass, providing easy access to both deep and shallow waters along with abundant food sources. By deciphering their preferred hangouts, you’ll significantly boost your chances of landing trophy bass.

Keep a keen eye out for creek channel bends, where bass often cluster due to the structure and concentration of prey. Similarly, 45-degree banks leading into pockets serve as natural funnels for migrating bass. Additionally, primary and secondary points in creeks attract pre-spawn bass due to their proximity to the safety of deeper water. By studying and understanding the water’s topography, you’ll be able to pinpoint these staging areas and maximize your catch.

Exploring the Lower Depths: Techniques for Success
While a few pre-spawn bass may lurk near the water’s surface, the majority of these fish are found in the lower half of the water column. Aligning your techniques with their behavior will significantly increase your chances of success. Two excellent techniques for targeting pre-spawn bass during May tournaments are fishing with jigs and medium-diving crankbaits.

Jigs are versatile lures that effectively imitate crawfish, a favorite food source for bass during the spring. Choose a jig that closely matches the natural colors of local crawfish. Mastering the art of slow presentations with dragging or hopping actions on the bottom will entice pre-spawn bass to strike.

Medium-diving crankbaits are another tried-and-true technique during this season. Select a crankbait that dives to the depth where pre-spawn bass are most active. Retrieve your crankbait slowly along the bottom, mimicking an injured baitfish or a crawfish scurrying across the water’s surface. Experiment with different depths and retrieval speeds to find the winning combination for your particular fishing spot. Patience and adaptability are key as you fine-tune your approach and entice those elusive pre-spawn bass to bite.

Cracking the Code: Uncovering Prime Shallow Structures
To increase your chances of success when targeting pre-spawn bass during May tournaments, it is vital to identify key shallow structures where these fish often gather before moving to their spawning beds. Points, flats, and pockets near protected bays and coves are prime locations that offer the ideal habitat for pre-spawn bass. Understanding these structures will give you a competitive advantage.

Points act as natural transit routes for bass, leading them from deeper water towards their spawning grounds. Investigate and locate the points that extend into deeper water, providing an easy path for pre-spawn bass. Flats offer ample space for feeding and are frequently used as resting areas during their migration. Pockets, on the other hand, are enticing hideouts that provide protection and slightly warmer water, attracting pre-spawn bass seeking shelter.

Remember that proper location is often more critical than lure selection during the pre-spawn. While it’s essential to adjust your bait presentation and choose the right lures, the key to success lies in placing your cast precisely where the fish are lurking. By scouting and marking these prime locations, you can strategically target pre-spawn bass during May tournaments.

Conclusion
As May tournaments approach, the opportunity to hook pre-spawn bass becomes an exciting reality. By mastering the strategies outlined in this article, you will significantly increase your chances of success on the water. Pinpoint staging areas by identifying key structures and transitions from deep to shallow water. Optimize your techniques by using jigs and medium-diving crankbaits, adjusting your presentation to entice pre-spawn bass. Lastly, remember that location is often more critical than lure selection during the pre-spawn. We wish you the best of luck in your May tournaments and hope you reel in some impressive catches! 🎣

Ferrell & Bohannon Win 5 Alive/ Foundations Xperts Kerr Trail Tournament #4 – 5/5/2024

Brian Carter

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May 8, 2024

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Ferrell & Bohannon Win 5 Alive/ Foundations Xperts Kerr Trail Tournament #4 – 5/5/2024

Tournament # 4 of the Foundations Xperts Kerr Trail is in the books. Last Sunday we had 28 teams show up despite the weather. Rain and fog plagued the lake and I’m not sure if that’s what’s doing it but something is plaguing the fishing at that place. But just like always some of the teams will figure them out.
When the scales closed it was the team of Timmy Ferrell & Howard Lee Bohannon that took home the WIN

They had a 5 fish limit weighing 14.58 pounds earning them $1150.00. After changing the trolling motor in a store parking lot on the way to the lake and making it to the tournament in the nick of time those two went out and took care of business. If any of you know these two you know that this is the Ferrell and Bohannon way!

BIG CONGRATULATIONS to these two GOOD OL’ BOYS!!
They were followed by the team of Keith Wray & Tyler Purcell that had a 5 fish limit weighing 13.31 pounds. That earned them $650.00. BIG CONGRATULATIONS to them as well. They are always a force to reckon with!!
Big fish was won by the team of Ferguson & Burrell with a 5.14 pound fish earning them $280.00

CONGRATULATIONS to all the teams that placed in the money!!

The final tournament of the Foundations Xperts Kerr Trail will be on 6/9/2024. We will crown the 2024 Foundations Xperts Kerr Trail Points Champions that day and they will receive an additional $1000.00

If anyone wants to pre register contact me Kevin Sheppard at 336-264-8416.
Hope to see yall there!!

Results.
1st. Ferrell & Bohannon- 14.58 pounds- $1150.00 TWT
2nd. Wray & Purcell- 13.31 pounds- $650.00 TWT
3rd. Fox & Hodges- 12.57 pounds- $325.00
4th. Guill & Nash- 11.87 pounds- $225.00
5th. Jenkins & Strigo- 11.77 pounds- $125.00
6th. Whitfield & Smith- 11.30 pounds
7th. Sayre & Sayre- 11.13 pounds
8th. Edward’s & Edward’s- 11.00 pounds
9th. Fogleman & Stallings- 10.68 pounds
10th. Gray & Garber 10.21 pounds

Big fish.
Ferguson & Burrell- 5.14 pounds- $ 280.00

Oologah-Talala High School Fishing Team Joins MLF Pros and Fisheries Management Division to Deploy Artificial Fish Habitat into Lake Eufaula

Brian Carter

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May 8, 2024

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Oologah-Talala High School Fishing Team Joins MLF Pros and Fisheries Management Division to Deploy Artificial Fish Habitat into Lake Eufaula

EUFAULA, Okla. (May 8, 2024) – Inclement weather has wreaked havoc across Oklahoma for the past week, but MLF pros and the Oologah-Talala High School Fishing Team managed to put a few hours of sunshine to good use during the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour MillerTech Stage Four Presented by REDCON1. The MLF Fisheries Management Division (FMD) partnered with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) to complete the Minn Kota Habitat Restoration Project supported by Humminbird on Lake Eufaula on Thursday, May 2.

Photos from the Minn Kota Habitat Restoration Project supported by Humminbird on Lake Eufaula

Bass Pro Tour anglers Josh Bertrand, Stephen Browning, Ott DeFoe, Edwin Evers, Gary Klein, John Murray, Britt Myers, Micheal Neal, Skeet Reese, Colby Schrumpf, and Greg Vinson joined the Oologah-Talala High School Bass Fishing Team, ODWC, Choctaw Nation Wildlife Conservation, MossBack Fish Habitat founder David King, and Director of the MLF FMD Steven Bardin, , to construct MossBack fish habitat products including 60” Conservation Cubes, Safe Haven XLs and John Godwin Crappie Towers. The structures were weighted down using supplies donated by local Lowes Home Improvement store #2571 and deployed into Eufaula Cove.

The Bass Pro Tour anglers in attendance spoke with the group, took photos, signed autographs and built structures with the high school team and other volunteers, before handing off deployment of the structures to the students and ODWC staff.

The project was part of a four-year large-scale habitat restoration program for Lake Eufaula that the ODWC began earlier this year. The ODWC will receive an annual donation from the City of Eufaula which they plan to increase through federal matching programs. The potential value of the four-year project is more than $150,000 for the ODWC.

Eufaula Cove is an important part of the 105,000-surface-acre fishery due to the number of tournaments hosted out of the cove’s marinas. After most five-fish tournaments at Peter’s Point-Nichols Point on Lake Eufaula, fish are released back into the cove, making habitat designed to improve fish recovery a valuable resource.

“ODWC’s commitment to our fisheries is unmatched and being able to experience this project with the Oolagah-Talala High School Fishing Team is an extremely valuable opportunity,” said Edwin Evers, just before loading the students on the bus to buy them lunch.

The MLF FMD hopes to continue using this blueprint across other projects, to maximize grants and further increase the impact to local communities on the Bass Pro Tour.

For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the MLF Fisheries Management Division, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com/fisheries-management. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

Richard Sapio & Nick Sapio Win Potomac River Battle Series

Brian Carter

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May 7, 2024

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Richard Sapio & Nick Sapio Win Potomac River Battle Series

Congratulations to Richard Sapio and Nick Sapio for winning today’s event with 17.75lbs & Big Fish 5.67lbs and move into second place in YTD points! They took home a total of $1570.00 for their efforts today! They also got to choose (4) bags of Black Label soft plastics from our friend Cliff Pace @ Black Label Tackle! Rick and Nick have also earned a spot on Team Virginia for the Battle of the Border MDvsVA event! S
Great job guys on your first Potomac River win! — at Leesylvania State Park.

Simpson University Wins MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Tournament on Lake Havasu

Brian Carter

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May 7, 2024

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Simpson University Wins MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Tournament on Lake Havasu

LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. (May 6, 2024) – The Simpson University duo of Landon Ford of Rescue, California, and James Hawkinson of Granite Bay, California, won the MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI event on Lake Havasu Presented by Tackle Warehouse Sunday with a five-bass limit weighing 15 pounds, 2 ounces. The victory earned the Red Hawks’ bass club a qualification into the 2025 MLF College Fishing National Championship.

According to Ford, a combination of presentations and “a lot of junk-fishing” got it done for the Red Hawks.

“Practice was a little rough for us,” said Ford. “On the second day we stumbled on a couple of bed fish. First thing this morning, we ran there and caught one. It was our big fish. It was just over 4 (pounds). And then my partner caught two on a glide bait. Then we just kind of needed to fill a limit, so we went down a bank with a drop-shot and filled our limit and culled a couple times.”

They spent the tournament in the mid-lake section of Havasu. That’s where the best water temperature was, said Hawkinson.

Their key baits included a Deps Slide Swimmer 250 glide bait. Switching from slower moving baits to the glider was key for triggering strikes. The drop-shot was rigged with a 4-inch Keitech Easy Shiner Swimbait. Adding Pro Cure scent to their presentations helped convert short strikes into solid bites.

“We were fishing the drop-shot on random points with gravel bottoms mixed with grass,” Hawkinson added. “The swimbait was the only way we were able to get them to go on the drop-shot.”

The top five College Fishing teams on Lake Havasu finished:

1st: Simpson University – Landon Ford, Rescue, Calif., and James Hawkinson, Granite Bay, Calif., five bass, 15-2
2nd: Simpson University – Aiden Grad, Pasco, Wash., and David Berry, Palm Desert, Calif., five bass, 13-9
3rd: Simpson University – Dylan Grad, Pasco, Wash., and Brennan Osborn, Beaverton, Ore., five bass, 13-7
4th: Fresno State – Seth Moua and Kent Moua, both of Fresno, Calif., five bass, 13-2
5th: University of Idaho – Ethan Leininger, Vina, Calif., four bass, 10-11

The full list of National Championship qualifiers and complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI event on Lake Havasu was hosted by Go Lake Havasu. The next tournament for MLF College Fishing anglers will be the Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI event on the California Delta, June 8 in Oakley, California.

The 2024 MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI season features college teams from across the country competing in nine regular-season tournaments. The top 12 percent of teams from each regular-season tournament advance to the 2025 Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship.

Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI 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, REDCON1, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.

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

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“Game Changer” Plug & Play Trolling Motor Rigging System

Strategizing for Success: Tips for Targeting Pre-Spawn Bass in May Tournaments

Oologah-Talala High School Fishing Team Joins MLF Pros and Fisheries Management Division to Deploy Artificial Fish Habitat into Lake Eufaula

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