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Mallory Makes it Happen on Winnebago. NPFL by Justin Brouillard

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Mallory Makes it Happen on Winnebago. NPFL by Justin Brouillard

By Justin Brouillard | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons and Rob Connors

Utilizing a one two punch of largemouth and smallmouth, Mallory rotated between flipping and drifting a dropshot in the current. Using a tactic he used back home, the Lawton, Michigan angler spent his practice period locating areas with populations of bluegills. With 14-pounds, 3-ounces on the final day, and a total weight of 42-pounds, 10-ounces, Buck Mallory takes the win at Wisconsin’s Lake Winnebago.

“I literally did textbook Junk Fishing – 101 this week. For the whole event, I fished pads, docks, grass clumps and even had a few smallmouth holes. My flipping technique was a Strike King Rage Bug and I used a Strike King Z tube with an Eco Pro Tungsten weight.”

The key to his success, the areas he had located in practice had lots of bluegills around. By shaking fish off, Mallory knew where fish were but had no idea the number of fish on his areas and was surprised to see it carry him for three days.

“I don’t know if these bass don’t get pressured or what, I was able to get them to bite 4 to 5 times before, even after I lifted them up to the surface. They were eating it so good and I hardly lost any fish all week. Today, I lost a 4-pounder. I don’t understand because they have been eating it so good.”

With a small fish in his bag, Mallory made a huge cull to end his day. With a 3-pounder to close out, it was a special week for the Michigan angler. Starting on the North end, Mallory would get a limit and work his way back down fishing high percentage areas.

“I am so blessed; I can’t believe it. When that fish broke and came into the bottom of the boat, I sat down and almost cried – it was god’s plan.”

Brandon Perkins

Waiting on the wind to blow all week, Brandon Perkins took advantage and landed the biggest bag of the week on the final day. Adding 17-pounds, 2-ounces to his total weight, the Counce, Tennessee angler managed a three-day total of 42-pounds, 6-ounces to finish in the 2nd place spot.

“I just needed some wind, man. On day one I had a 1.32 in my bag and lost two good fish. It was nice to have those fish bite today.”

Starting on a different area today than any of the other two days, Perkins went to work in a big way. With the wind blowing, he had hoped they would turn on, and the action began as soon as he made his first cast.

“As soon as I got there, I started catching them good. I moved around and caught fish on several places, and when you get to this weight, it’s so hard to cull.”

The day looked good on paper, but trolling motor issues kept Perkins in check the whole afternoon with only one way to fish – drifting.

“Man, it was done for the last 4-hours. It’s tough enough in the wind when you can troll around, but I was just drifting for like half the day. My thing all week was just throwing a Strike King football jig around with a Rage Craw trailer. I also mixed in a Strike King wobble head with a Structure Bug and even caught a few on a tube.”

Doing what he likes to do, Perkins committed to the off shore bite and rode the wave all week. With big rods, the Tennessee angler did what he needed to do both make the championship and keep the Progressive AOY race alive.

“I fished with big line, power fishing. I caught that big one and boat flipped it.”

Paul Browning

Going back to his trees on the final day, Paul Browning flipped up 14-pounds, 1-ounce to finish with a total weight of 42-pounds, 4-ounces and the 3rd place spot.

The Pecos, Texas angler worked grass edges for largemouth bass and mixed in an offshore bite for smallmouths. Saving a group of trees for the final day, Browning was almost able to make it happen. If it wasn’t for one of his tree’s being cut down on the water in front of him, who knows what that tree would have produced.

Read about Brownings Tree, here.

Marc Schilling

With 14-pounds even on Showdown Saturday, Marc Schilling caught a total of 41-pounds, 14-ounces over three days to finish the event in the 4th place spot. Fishing shallow cover all week, final day changes kept Schilling going and in contention for Progressive AOY.

“I had to make some changes today. I started throwing a senko around and got a small largemouth limit and then made a move to throwing a chatterbait in the mouth of a river. The smallies were loaded up and I lost a 5-pounder on it.”

With a 2.25-pound fish in the bag, that fish cost Schilling the event, but he isn’t too worried.

“My goal was to make the championship and try to win one of these things. It’s been a great year, great week, but I have lost too many fish – we’ll take it. I have never fished Grand Lake and I expect it to be a grind.”

The Tom Bean, Texas anglers flipped with a Googan Baits Bandito Bug with a ¼-ounce weight and threw a chatterbait to catch his fish this week.

Keith Carson

Keith Carson held the lead for the first two days and changing conditions affected his fish. With the water clearing and the fish more spread out, Carson was only able to add four bass to his live well for 9-pounds, 5-ounces for a three-day total of 39-pounds, 8-ounces.

“It was a crappy day, only four fish. I lost around 20 bass and they were not eating it good at all. The ones I caught were even barely hooked.”

As seen on live coverage, Carson worked a stretch of shallow trees flipping with a new Abu Garcia Zenon rod and Abu Garcia reels. Read more about Carson’s set up, here.

“That Zenon rod was awesome. It was an overall great week, no complaints. I even caught a few on a Berkley Choppo like right in front of the trolling motor today, it was a weird day.”

The Rest of the Best:
6 Bryant Smith 39-0
7 William Fletcher 38-12
8 Luke Shrader 38-5
9 Louis Fernandes 38-5
10 Timmy Reams 37-13

See the Final Results, here!

Carson Keeps the Winnebago Lead NPFL by By Justin Brouillard

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Carson Keeps the Winnebago Lead NPFL by By Justin Brouillard

By Justin Brouillard | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons and Rob Connors

Keith Carson added 15-pounds even to his day one weight of 15-pounds, 3-ounces for a two-day total of 30-pounds, 3-ounces. Similar to his win at Wright-Patman earlier this year, Carson has unlocked a shallow pattern that relies on fishing around flooded timber – in this case, a “magic” willow tree.

“I have one tree, its alive but has fallen in and there is an exact flip to get bit. I caught two 3-pounders on the tree and several other smaller fish.”

By letting his tree rest, Carson works the adjacent flooded trees and is catching quality other than just “the tree.” The tree features a mat of eel grass on the front with lots of shade. The plan for tomorrow is more of the same and Carson is looking forward to showdown Saturday.

“Without that tree, I can still catch some fish, I think around 10-pounds. There are a lot of 2.3 and 2.4-pound fish around. I am looking forward to swinging on them tomorrow.”

With a change in weather coming, Carson knows there is a chance of thunder storms and some stronger winds. The other factor – the Wolf River.

“The change tomorrow is the guys who are going up the Wolf River. If those guys don’t make the long idle up to their fish, I could have more guy’s fishing around my areas and I need to have the ability to fish free and let my areas rest.”

Noting he had another competitor fish his area today, more pressure would not be good for his chances of winning his second NPFL event of the season. The Debary, Florida pro is working through two set ups to fish his trees. The first, a 7’6” Abu Garcia Fantasista X, heavy action rod, and the second, an Abu Garcia Zenon, both new rods for 2021.

Buck Mallory

Adding 13-pounds to his day one total of 14-pounds, 5-ounces, Buck Mallory worked the same areas and carries a two-day total of 27-pounds, 5-ounces to showdown Saturday in the 2nd place spot. With a 4-pound, 2-ounce lunker to anchor his bag, the Lawton, Michigan pro is rotating through a flipping bite for largemouth and tossing a dropshot rig for smallmouth.

“It was another solid day, basically the same day as yesterday, I fished the same stuff. The difference is, I didn’t leave my fish today. My deal is flipping shallow docks and grass and then moving to current breaks for smallmouth. I am using a Strike King Black/Blue Rage Bug on the flipping rig and Strike King Z-Tube on a dropshot.”

Paul Browning

Adding 14-pounds, 12-ounces to his day one weight of 12-pounds, 9-ounces, Paul Browning sits in the 3rd Spot with a two-day total of 17-pounds, 5-ounces. Noting a slight change in his timing this morning, he was on the same fish yesterday and opted to leave a bit early on day one.

“Yesterday, I left the fish too soon and went to the lake. Today, I stayed with them and caught a bigger bag. I am fishing for largemouth and I am making a run to a different lake. I just have a couple grass edges and I am flipping to get a limit.”

Having had a limit by 9:30am both days, the Pecos, Texas angler also has a pattern that he is saving for showdown Saturday, but did sample one area later in the day and made a key cull.

“I have some wood I found in practice and checked one piece today, and it look right. I caught one fish that culled and lost another one that felt heavy. For my flipping deal, I am using a Denali Rods N3 7’8” Flip Extra Heavy action paired with a Daiwa Tatula Elite Pitch and Flip. It’s spooled with Seagar Abrazx.

Marc Schilling

Making a comeback on the second day, Marc Schilling added 15-pounds to his day one weight of 12-pounds, 14-ounces for a two-day total of 27-pounds, 14-ounces. Schilling is fishing close by to leader Keith Carson and noted the two are respecting each other’s areas.

“Keith and I have different main areas and we are staying off each other’s stuff. I also want to give a big shout out to Robert Terkla today. He came around the corner today and asked if he could fish around me. I told him it was my main deal and respectfully allowed me to keep doing what I was doing – hats off to Rob.”

With an increase in weight today over the first day, the Tombean, Texas angler says more time in his main area today led to the success.

“I got to spend more time here today and pick it all apart. I am catching mainly largemouth but I did get a good smallmouth there too. I have some smallmouth I found in practice but they have not been there when I have checked it so far this event.”

Donnie O’Neal

With a total weight of 27-pounds, 1-ounce, Donnie O’Neal added 13-pounds, 4-ounces to his day one weight of 13-pounds, 13-ounces to finish the day in the 5th spot. Not feeling 100% on day one, O’Neal made quick work of his day one limit and had hopes to do the same again this morning.

“It took me longer today – I had a limit by 8:30am but I stayed and leaned on them pretty heavy today. I left it at 1:30 pm and culled 4 times between getting my limit and getting to my weight today.

Making a long run, the Liberty Hill, Texas angler is working a topwater frog in an isolated stretch of shallow vegetation but neglected to give away any specifics to his deal.

“I found one spot in practice and knew I had to try and manage it all week. I had five bites yesterday and several more today. I think I can get 10 to 12-pounds tomorrow but I don’t think I can win off the spot. I am feeling better but I still checked in early to get some rest.”

Rest of the Best:
6. Timmy Reams 26-7
7. Luke Shrader 26-5
8. Louis Fernandes 25-12
9. William Fletcher 25-9
10. Sheldon Collings 25-6

Check out the complete Live Leaderboard.
Visit the Day Two Blogs & Galleries for a recap of the action.

Join us for Showdown Saturday as the LIVE BROADCAST resumes at 8am CST on Lake Winnebago.

Adrian Avena Holds on To Win Group B Qualifying Round at MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit TITLE Presented by Mercury on the Mississippi River

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Vineland, New Jersey pro Bests Florida’s Jared McMillan to Win Group B Qualifying Round and Advance Directly to Sunday’s Championship Round, Nine Anglers from Group B Advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round

Link to Video of Fish Catch Highlights from Day 4 at the Mississippi River, Qualifying Group B

LA CROSSE, Wis. (Aug. 20, 2021) – It was a battle at the top of the unofficial leaderboard for most of the afternoon between pros Adrian Avena of Vineland, New Jersey, Mitch Crane of Columbus Mississippi and Jared McMillan of Clewiston, Florida at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Tackle Warehouse TITLE Presented by Mercury – the Pro Circuit Championship, Presented by Bad Boy Mowers. Fans watching the MLF NOW ! livestream and the anglers themselves were a bundle of nerves throughout the entire two-day Group B Qualifying Round as the trio of anglers stayed within 1½ pounds of each other on the unofficial leaderboard, in a tight race for the top position and the automatic berth to Sunday’s Championship Round.

Avena shored up the Group B win at the Friday weigh-in, punching his ticket straight through to the final round with a five-bass limit weighing 13 pounds, 10 ounces, bringing his two-day total to 29-6. His winning bag gave him a 1-pound, 1-ounce advantage over McMillan, who weighed 13 pounds, 6 ounces on Friday, for a total of 28-5, good for second place. After some heart-breaking penalties, Crane brought a limit of 13-6 to the stage for a two-day total of 27-15, ending the day in third.

Only the top 20 anglers will move on in the competition. Anglers finishing 21st – 30th earned $10,500 at the event, while anglers finishing 31st – 50th took home $10,000.

Group A and Group B Qualifying Round winners will enjoy a day off on Saturday, while the remaining 18 anglers – 9 from Group A and 9 from Group B – will compete Saturday in the Knockout Round. Weights will be zeroed, and anglers will compete to finish in the top eight and advance to Championship Sunday.

The Championship Round on Sunday will feature Group A winner Miles Berghoff, Group B winner Adrian Avena and the top eight anglers from the Knockout Round, competing in a final-day shootout for a top prize of up to $235,000. The six-day event, hosted by Explore La Crosse, showcases the top 48 pros in the 2021 Pro Circuit standings, along with last year’s reigning TITLE champion and reigning Angler of the Year – all competing for a purse of nearly $900,000.

“I had a good day, and this honestly feels like a million dollars because I really didn’t want to fish tomorrow,” Avena admitted. “I’m burning up fish out there, but I’ve still got something in my back pocket that I’m glad I don’t have to burn tomorrow. I have no idea if I’m going to be able to get to it or not, but at least I’m going to do it on Championship Sunday. If I get stuck, I get stuck – if I take off my lower unit, I take off my lower unit – but at least it’s on championship day.”

Avena said he caught approximately 20 keepers on Friday but had a bit of unique pressure in his area.

“There are a couple young kids out where I’m fishing – and I’ve got nothing against them because I’d be out there fishing my heart out too – but I blasted the fish on a topwater that first day,” said Avena. “Today it got to the point where those kids were lined up and were literally throwing a topwater at the same school of fish I’m throwing at. It’s unbelievable, but I somehow got it done.”

As the water levels on the Mighty Miss continue to fall, Avena said he expects the event to get even more difficult over the next two days.

“This river is bittersweet to me. It’s one of those places where I can honestly get spun out a little bit,” admitted Avena. “You guys give us too many options with pools 7, 8 and 9 and I was literally all over the place trying to practice the whole system.

“I’m mostly throwing a swimbait and a topwater,” continued Avena. “I’m mixing in a bunch of other stuff as well. I think I’ve caught one on a fluke and maybe one or two on a jerkbait. I’m fishing schoolers, and it all comes down to making the right casts. I had a couple opportunities and pulled off some 3-pounders today, and I had some other opportunities where I made bad casts.”

As for the pressure from the young enthusiasts in his area, Avena said he is taking it in stride but wouldn’t mind a little intervention.

“I hope their moms and dads or whoever are reading this, man,” Avena said. “These kids – they’re reckless, dude. I’m catching fish out of two little areas, and if I catch one, they all go to that area. If they come up schooling in the other area, the kids all run to that area. There were a few times today where literally four topwaters were landing on the same breaking fish and one of them was mine.

“It’s just one of those deals – I feel like if I could just talk to their parents a bit,” Avena laughed. “Maybe they need to go to church on Sunday. If they can just let me fish it’d be alright.

“Either way, I’m looking forward to getting back out there Sunday. Anything can happen.”

The top 10 pros from Qualifying Group B that now advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round on the Mississippi River are:

1st:           Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J, 10 bass, 29-6 – ADVANCES TO CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND
2nd:          Jared McMillan, Clewiston, Fla., 10 bass, 28-5
3rd:          Mitch Crane, Columbus, Miss., 10 bass, 27-15
4th:           Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla., 10 bass, 26-8
5th:           Skeet Reese, Auburn, Calif., 10 bass, 26-3
6th:           Jimmy Reese, Witter Springs, Calif., 10 bass, 25-7
7th:           Matt Stefan, Junction City, Wis., 10 bass, 25-1
8th:           Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., 10 bass, 24-10
9th:           Cody Meyer, Star, Idaho, 10 bass, 24-9
10th:        Dylan Hays, Hot Springs, Ark., nine bass, 23-10
Finishing in 11th through 25th in the Group B Qualifying Round were:
11th:        Jeremy Lawyer, Sarcoxie, Mo., 10 bass, 23-4
12th:        Kyle Hall, Granbury, Texas, 10 bass, 22-7
13th:        Lawson Hibdon, Versailles, Mo., eight bass, 21-8
14th:        Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn., 10 bass, 20-14
15th:        Larry Nixon, Quitman, Ark., 10 bass, 20-14
16th:        Ryan Davidson, Branchland, W.Va., 10 bass, 18-13
17th:        Casey Ashley, Donalds, S.C., seven bass, 18-7
18th:        Brad Knight, Lancing, Tenn., eight bass, 18-5
19th:        Terry Bolton, Benton, Ky., nine bass, 17-13
20th:        Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas, seven bass, 14-11
21st:        Shin Fukae, Harlem, Ga., six bass, 12-13
22nd:       Ron Nelson, Berrien Springs, Mich., four bass, 9-15
23rd:       Jon Canada, Helena, Ala., five bass, 7-13
24th:        Evan Barnes, Hot Springs, Ark., four bass, 7-7
25th:        Justin Cooper, Zwolle, La., four bass, 6-12

A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.Overall, there were 107 bass weighing 256 pounds even caught by the 25 pros on Thursday, with 18 five-bass limits.

Mitch Crane and Dylan Hays tied for Friday’s $500 Berkley Big Bass Award, each bringing in a 4-pound, 3-ounce largemouth and taking home $250. Berkley awards $500 to the angler in each group that weighs the biggest bass over their two-day Qualification Round.

Evan Barnes of Hot Springs, Arkansas was also presented the Forrest L. Wood Sportsmanship and Community Leadership Award during the weigh-in on Friday. The award recognizes a TITLE qualifier, nominated by his peers, who displays an overall commitment to sportsmanship and community leadership, on and off the water, through ethical behavior, integrity, class, selflessness, conservation, volunteerism and kindness to others. Evan’s nomination cited his profound respect for the sport and its ability to connect people from all walks of life and his reflection of a true sportsman who will go above and beyond for others.

The MLF Tackle Warehouse TITLE Presented by Mercury – the Pro Circuit Championship, Presented by Bad Boy Mowers features a hybrid tournament format. All 50 anglers were seeded into two groups of 25 – Group A & Group B, based on points earned in 2021 qualifying events – where they competed in Qualifying Rounds over the first four days of the tournament.

The top 18 anglers will fish the Knockout Round on Saturday. Ten anglers will be eliminated on Saturday and the top eight anglers from the Knockout Round will join Group A and Group B leaders in the Championship Round on Sunday.

Anglers will take off at 7 a.m. CT Saturday and Sunday from Veterans Freedom Park, located at 1 Clinton Street in La Crosse. Weigh-ins will also be held at the park daily at 3 p.m. The MLF NOW! broadcast team of Chad McKee, Marty Stone and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily. Fans are welcome to attend the event or follow the action online through the MLF NOW! live stream and coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Along with the launch and weigh-in, fans and community members are invited to a Fishing and Outdoor Expo Saturday and Sunday, August 21-22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT at Veterans Freedom Park, where fans can meet the pros and check out the latest in fishing and outdoor gear. The expo includes live music, great food, vendor booths from participating sponsors, activities for kids, giveaways and more.

The first 100 kids (10 and under) will receive a free rod and reel at the Expo on Saturday and Sunday and fans can register for a Jackson Kayak Coosa FD giveaway once per day, onsite every day throughout the tournament. The winner will be drawn after the final weigh-in on August 22. PAW Patrol’s Skye and Marshall will also be at the event with MLF pro Charlie Evans and will be available for photos. Appearance times may vary. Visit MajorLeagueFishing.com for updates and more details.

In addition to the launch, weigh-ins and Expo, youth 14 and under are also invited to attend a free Kid’s Fishing Derby on Sunday, Aug. 22, from noon to 2 p.m. at Copeland Park. Participants can bring their own fishing gear or use provided gear on a first come, first serve basis. Worms will be provided by DMF Bait Company. Participants can register online at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The 2021 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers featured a field of 163 of the top professional anglers in the world competing at six regular-season events around the country. The top 50 anglers in the Angler of the Year (AOY) standings after the six events qualified to compete in the Tackle Warehouse TITLE Presented by Mercury, the Pro Circuit Championship, Presented by Bad Boy Mowers.

Television coverage of the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit TITLE Presented by Mercury event will be showcased across six two-hour episodes, premiering at 7 a.m. ET, Oct. 10 on the Outdoor Channel. Episodes premiere Sunday mornings on the Outdoor Channel, with additional re-airings on the Outdoor Channel and the Sportsman Channel. Each two-hour long episode goes in-depth to break down each day of competition. Episodes will run through Nov. 14.

For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers on the MLF BIG5’s social media outlets at Facebook , Twitter, Instagram and YouTube .

Miles Burghoff Wins Group A Qualifying Round at MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit TITLE Presented by Mercury on the Mississippi River

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Tennessee pro Advances Directly to Sunday’s Championship Round, Nine Anglers from Group A Now Advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round

Link to Photo of Qualifying Group A Winner Miles Burghoff
Link to Video of Fish Catch Highlights from Day 3 at the Mississippi River, Qualifying Group A

LA CROSSE, Wis. (Aug. 19, 2021) – While low water levels have equaled tough fishing conditions for most anglers at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Tackle Warehouse TITLE Presented by Mercury – the Pro Circuit Championship, Presented by Bad Boy Mowers – pro Miles Burghoff of Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee worked those conditions to his favor, bringing a five-bass limit to the scale on Thursday weighing 14 pounds, 13 ounces. Burghoff’s two-day total of 26-8 earned him the win by a mere 1-ounce over Favorite Fishing pro Zack Birge of Blanchard, Oklahoma and punched his ticket straight through to Sunday’s Championship Round. Birge’s limit of 14 pounds, 4 ounces gave him a two-day total of 26-7 to finish the Group A Qualifying Round in second place.

The top 10 anglers from Group A will now have an off-day Friday, while the 25 anglers in Group B will complete their two-day Qualifying Round of competition. The Knockout Round, featuring 18 anglers competing to finish in the top eight, will take place on Saturday. Sunday’s Championship Round will feature Burghoff, Friday’s Group B winner and the top eight anglers from the Knockout Round competing in a one-day shootout to catch the heaviest five-bass limit for the top prize of up to $235,000.

The six-day event, hosted by Explore La Crosse, showcases the top 48 pros in the 2021 Pro Circuit standings, along with last year’s reigning TITLE champion and reigning Angler of the Year – all competing for a purse of nearly $900,000.

“Today was pretty special,” the Tennessee pro said. “With a near two-hour fog delay, I didn’t have a whole lot of time to fish. I’m making the longest run out of anybody here, from what I understand, and I was able to make it happen even with a short day.”

Burghoff’s limit was anchored by a 5-pound, 11-ounce kicker largemouth – a giant for late August on the Mississippi.

“When I said early on in the week that I didn’t want to catch a big one during the Qualifying Round, that was the truth,” Burghoff said. “In this format, you can’t burn a fish like that in the early rounds. So, when I caught it, I knew I had to win the round. I worked really hard today. But I let up on them and gave up about an hour that I could have culled up a ¼ pound, so I was really sweating that decision in the weigh-in line. Being able to not have to beat up on those fish another day and save them for the Championship Round is key.”

Burghoff estimated he caught 40 fish throughout the day, Thursday. He declined to divulge any bait- or technique-specifics but did hint that the low water level is helping him.

“I’m fishing in Pool No. 9, but I can’t just go anywhere – it’s not like (Pool) nine is fishing better. I just found a good area,” Burghoff said. “I caught my limit in six casts this morning and culled six or seven times in 30 minutes, but I only had 9½ pounds. Then I started searching some areas. I caught the big one, then never made another cast and left immediately. I found three more areas that are pretty stacked with fish – not every-cast type deals, but the type of deals where I can go there and catch a couple.

“The biggest factor for me now is going to be the weekend boat traffic, and the lock,” Burghoff went on to say. “Those are the two big things that could really affect me. I’ve got plenty of fish in that area, it’s just a matter of playing my cards right on Championship Sunday.”

The top 10 pros from Qualifying Group A that now advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round on the Mississippi River are:

1st:           Miles Burghoff, Soddy-Daisy, Tenn., 10 bass, 26-8 – ADVANCES TO CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND
2nd:          Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., 10 bass,26-7
3rd:          Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, 10 bass, 25-9
4th:           Kurt Mitchell, Milford, Del., 10 bass, 25-2
5th:           Jimmy Washam, Covington, Tenn., 10 bass, 25-1
6th:           Ryan Salzman, Huntsville, Ala., 10 bass, 24-12
7th:           Alex Davis, Albertville, Ala., 10 bass, 24-7
8th:           David Walker, Sevierville, Tenn., 10 bass, 24-4
9th:           Mike McClelland, Blue Eye, Mo., 10 bass, 23-8
10th:        Joshua Weaver, Macon, Ga., 10 bass, 23-8
Finishing in 11th through 25th in the Group A Qualifying Round were:
11th:        Jamie Horton, Centerville, Ala., nine bass, 23-1
12th:        Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., 10 bass, 23-1
13th:        Tai Au, Glendale, Ariz., 10 bass, 22-9
14th:        Jim Moynagh, Shakopee, Minn., 10 bass, 22-6
15th:        Jacopo Gallelli, Wetumpka, Ala., 10 bass, 22-1
16th:        Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark., 10 bass, 20-4
17th:        Cody Huff, Ava, Mo., eight bass, 17-13
18th:        Jesse Wiggins, Logan, Ala., seven bass, 17-12
19th:        Jim Tutt, Longview, Texas, eight bass, 17-3
20th:        Chris Lane, Guntersville, Ala., seven bass, 15-11
21st:        Cody Pike, Powhatan, Va., six bass, 15-9
22nd:       Clabion Johns, Social Circle, Ga., six bass, 15-9
23rd:       Troy Morrow, Eastanollee, Ga., eight bass, 14-5
24th:        Corey Neece, Bristol, Tenn., six bass, 12-7
25th:        Rusty Salewske, Alpine, Calif., six bass, 12-2
A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Overall, there were 113 bass weighing 272 pounds, 15 ounces caught by the 25 pros on Thursday, with 19 five-bass limits.

Burghoff’s 5-pound, 11-ounce largemouth also earned him Thursday’s $500 Berkley Big Bass Award. Berkley awards $500 to the angler in each group that weighs the biggest bass over their two-day Qualification Round.

The MLF Tackle Warehouse TITLE Presented by Mercury, the Pro Circuit Championship, Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, features a hybrid tournament format. All 50 anglers were seeded into two groups of 25 – Group A & Group B, based on points earned in 2021 qualifying events – where they competed in Qualifying Rounds over the first four days of the tournament. Group B will fish again on Day 4, with total weight determined by the cumulative weight of their biggest five-bass limit from both days.

Anglers will take off at 7 a.m. CT each day from Veterans Freedom Park, located at 1 Clinton Street in La Crosse. Weigh-ins will also be held at the park daily at 3 p.m. The MLF NOW! broadcast team of Chad McKee, Marty Stone and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily. Fans are welcome to attend the event or follow the action online through the MLF NOW! live stream and coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Along with the launch and weigh-in, fans and community members are invited to a Fishing and Outdoor Expo Saturday and Sunday, August 21-22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT at Veterans Freedom Park, where fans can meet the pros and check out the latest in fishing and outdoor gear. The expo includes live music, great food, vendor booths from participating sponsors, activities for kids, giveaways and more.

The first 100 kids (10 and under) will receive a free rod and reel at the Expo on Saturday and Sunday and fans can register for a Jackson Kayak Coosa FD giveaway once per day, onsite every day throughout the tournament. The winner will be drawn after the final weigh-in on August 22. PAW Patrol’s Skye and Marshall will also be at the event with MLF pro Charlie Evans and will be available for photos. Appearance times may vary. Visit MajorLeagueFishing.com for updates and more details.

In addition to the launch, weigh-ins and Expo, youth 14 and under are also invited to attend a free Kid’s Fishing Derby on Sunday, Aug. 22, from noon to 2 p.m. at Copeland Park. Participants can bring their own fishing gear or use provided gear on a first come, first serve basis. Worms will be provided by DMF Bait Company. Participants can register online at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The 2021 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers featured a field of 163 of the top professional anglers in the world competing at six regular-season events around the country. The top 50 anglers in the Angler of the Year (AOY) standings after the six events qualified to compete in the Tackle Warehouse TITLE Presented by Mercury, the Pro Circuit Championship, Presented by Bad Boy Mowers.

Television coverage of the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit TITLE Presented by Mercury event will be showcased across six two-hour episodes, premiering at 7 a.m. ET, Oct. 10 on the Outdoor Channel. Episodes premiere Sunday mornings on the Outdoor Channel, with additional re-airings on the Outdoor Channel and the Sportsman Channel. Each two-hour long episode goes in-depth to break down each day of competition. Episodes will run through Nov. 14.

For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers on the MLF BIG5’s social media outlets at Facebook , Twitter, Instagram and YouTube .

Lowrance® Unveils New Companion App Featuring Enhanced Navigation & Device Connectivity

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Lowrance® Unveils New Companion App Featuring Enhanced Navigation & Device Connectivity

Tulsa, Okla. – Lowrance®, a world-leader in fishing electronics since 1957, officially unveiled its Lowrance app this week including a set of new premium features, advanced functionality and seamless synchronization with the full range of Lowrance fishfinders and chartplotters.

The Lowrance app is free to download and offers a rich experience that includes free up-to-date and detailed nautical charts from C-MAP®, creation and management of all your personal waypoints, routes and tracks, along with the latest marine weather, important points of interest and much more.

The app allows you to register your Lowrance device(s) ensuring you have the latest software, manuals, information and tips related to your devices, as well as the ability to synchronize data, mirror and control right from your mobile device. It’s available on both the Apple Store for iOS and Google Play for Android.

“The ability to easily manage, create and plan your waypoints, routes and tracks in your app and then seamlessly synchronize with your Lowrance display from anywhere on the boat right from the palm of your hand will enable anglers to spend more time doing what we love: fishing,” said Lucas Steward, EVP of Lowrance. “Whether you are using the free or the new premium version, we are confident all anglers will be blown away with the high-resolution, detailed C-MAP charts, which includes over 14,000 lakes in the U.S. to name just a few features.”

The premium version of the Lowrance app includes custom depth shading – a key feature for anglers – as well High-Resolution Bathymetry Charts, offline maps and global charts, Automatic Identification System (AIS), Lowrance app Traffic, 5-day weather along the route and 5-day weather overlay, GPS navigation data and line and track record.

“While there is a lot on offer in the premium version, the simplified ‘freemium’ option still provides a long list of very useful and valuable technology and functionality for anglers, right to your smart phone or tablet at no cost,” added Steward.

The detailed C-MAP charts on the app are carefully designed to highlight what is most important at any given time during your fishing experience, maintaining accuracy and a clean, uncluttered view at key fishing locations for the ultimate fishing experience.

 

FREE FOR ALL USERS PREMIUM FEATURES
View the latest nautical charts GPS Position & Full Navigation
Manual and Autorouting Offline Maps (Global)
Manage your Waypoints, Routes & Tracks 5-Day Weather Along the Route
GPX Import & Export 5-Day Weather Overlay
Thousands of Points of Interest High-Resolution Bathymetry
Marine Weather Forecast Custom Depth Shading
Weather Overlay (24 hours) AIS
Weather Along the Route (24 hours) Traffic: View other App users around
Chart Personalization Shaded Relief
Measure Distance Tool  
Waypoints & routes synchronization with Lowrance compatible fishfinders  
Device Support: Registration, Guides and Software Updates  

 

For more information on Lowrance and its tournament-winning fishfinding technology, please visit www.lowrance.com.

 

Go Out{side} Giveaway Prizes Include New Toyota 4Runner

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Go Out{side} Giveaway Prizes Include New Toyota 4Runner

August 19, 2021

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Go Out{side} Giveaway Prizes Include New Toyota 4Runner

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Go Out{side} by Bassmaster was created to inspire and educate families as they begin exploring nature. Few things will motivate burgeoning outdoor enthusiasts more than the incredible prizes in the new Go Out{side} Giveaway — a package valued at more than $46,000.

The sweepstakes winner will be outfitted with everything they need for adventure, including a 2021 Toyota 4Runner Off-Road Premium, large Big Green EGG integrated Nest+Handler package, Eukanuba prize pack and one year of dog food, Grizzly G60 cooler and $500 AFTCO gift card.

“We’re thrilled to partner with our great sponsors to offer families and their four-legged friends a prize package that’s perfect for anyone who loves getting outside,” said Go Out{side} Director Laurie Tisdale.

Go Out{side} offers guidance on a variety of outdoor topics, including fishing, camping, hiking, cooking, travel, gear and conservation, from the knowledgeable writers and staff from B.A.S.S. along with Go Out{side} Ambassadors like Chef Jimmy Kennedy, outdoor bloggers and photographers Philip and Corey Hunt from Two Dog Outdoors, tournament angler Kristine Fischer and multispecies kayak angler John Deshauteurs.

The contest runs through October 18, 2021. Contestants can find complete rules and enter up to once a day at Go-outside.com/sweeps.

Go Out{side} Launch Partner: Eukanuba
Go {Fish} Supporting Sponsor: AFTCO
Go {Gear Up} Supporting Sponsor: Grizzly Coolers
Go {Cook} Supporting Sponsor: Big Green Egg
Go {Camp) Supporting Sponsor: Go RVing

Adrian Avena Leads Group B at MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit TITLE Presented by Mercury on the Mississippi River

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New Jersey Pro Catches 15-12 to Take Early Lead in Group B – Group A to Wrap Qualifying Round Thursday

Link to Video of Fish Catch Highlights from Day 2 at the Mississippi River, Qualifying Group B

LA CROSSE, Wis. (Aug. 18, 2021) – Berkley pro Adrian Avena of Vineland, New Jersey, brought a five-bass limit to the scale Wednesday weighing 15 pounds, 12 ounces to grab the early lead in Group B after their Day 1 Qualifying Round at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Tackle Warehouse TITLE Presented by Mercury – the Pro Circuit Championship, Presented by Bad Boy Mowers. Avena caught the bulk of his fish early in the day, then culled in the afternoon. He’ll bring a 13-ounce advantage over second place angler Strike King pro Jared McMillan of Clewiston, Florida, who brought a five-bass limit to the stage weighing 14-15.

Rounding out the top three was pro Mitch Crane of Columbus, Mississippi, who caught five bass for 14-9 to end the day in third. Four more pros topped the 13-pound mark on Group B’s opening day, putting themselves well within striking distance of making the top-10 cut in their group and moving on to the Knockout Round.

The 25 anglers in Group B will now have a day off on Thursday, while the 25 anglers in Group A will complete their two-day Qualifying Round of competition. Group B will conclude their Qualifying Round on Friday. The six-day event, hosted by Explore La Crosse, showcases the top 48 pros in the 2021 Pro Circuit standings, along with last year’s reigning TITLE champion and reigning Angler of the Year – all competing for a purse of nearly $900,000 and a grand prize of up to $235,000.

“Today was a really fun day of fishing and I was able to catch some quality fish,” said Avena. “I got in an area that had some bass in it and just caught a lot of them.”

The New Jersey pro boated 25 to 30 fish over the course of the day – even more impressive following the morning fog delay, which delayed the start of the competition day by a little over an hour.

“I rolled into this area in practice and had three bites at the end of practice that were all better than average – I call anything over 2½ pounds ‘better than average’ on this system,” said Avena. “I started in that area today and there were still a lot of bass there. Now we wait and see whether I’ll be able to fish that same area come Friday.”

Although he’s a river savvy angler and has fished the Mighty Miss many times, Avena said he was far from comfortable out on the water on Wednesday.

“This river changes so much, between the current, the sand drops and the water level. I’ve never fished it when the system was this low, so it looks like a totally different river to me,” continued Avena. “I’ve always been that guy that likes to get off the map a little bit – and you can do that here – but you also don’t want to overlook the obvious.”

Avena said his goal going into Group B’s second day of fishing is to win the Qualifying Round and advance straight to the Championship Round on Sunday.

“I feel like the area I have can only get better with rest, so I think if I can go out there and catch a really good bag and possibly win the round and punch my ticket into the Championship Round, that’s what I want to do,” said Avena.

The standings for the 25 pros in Group B after Day 2 on the Mississippi River are:

1st:           Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J., five bass, 15-12
2nd:          Jared McMillan, Clewiston, Fla., five bass, 14-15
3rd.          Mitch Crane, Columbus, Miss., five bass, 14-9
4th:           Jimmy Reese, Witter Springs, Calif., five bass, 13-7
5th:           Lawson Hibdon, Versailles, Mo., five bass, 13-3
6th:           Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla., five bass, 13-0
6th:           Matt Stefan, Junction City, Wis., five bass, 13-0
8th:           Jeremy Lawyer, Sarcoxie, Mo., five bass, 12-10
9th:           Skeet Reese, Auburn, Calif., five bass, 12-7
10th:        Kyle Hall, Granbury, Texas, five bass, 12-1
11th:        Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., five bass, 11-14
12th:        Cody Meyer, Star, Idaho, five bass, 11-10
13th:        Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn., five bass, 11-3
14th:        Larry Nixon, Quitman, Ark., five bass, 10-7
15th:        Terry Bolton, Benton, Ky., five bass, 10-6
16th:        Dylan Hays, Hot Springs, Ark., four bass, 9-0
17th:        Ryan Davidson, Branchland, W.Va., five bass, 8-4
18th:        Brad Knight, Lancing, Tenn., three bass, 7-11
19th:        Shin Fukae, Harlem, Ga., three bass, 6-5
20th:        Jon Canada, Helena, Ala., four bass, 5-15
21st:        Evan Barnes, Hot Springs, Ark., three bass, 5-10
22nd:       Casey Ashley, Donalds, S.C., two bass, 4-0
23rd:       Justin Cooper, Zwolle, La., two bass, 3-8
24th:        Ron Nelson, Berrien Springs, Mich., one bass, 2-15
25th:        Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas, two bass, 2-12
A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Overall, there were 104 bass weighing 246 pounds, 8 ounces caught by the 25 pros on Tuesday, with 16 five-bass limits.

The MLF Tackle Warehouse TITLE Presented by Mercury – the Pro Circuit Championship, Presented by Bad Boy Mowers features a hybrid tournament format. All 50 anglers are seeded into two groups of 25 – Group A & Group B, based on points earned in 2021 qualifying events – where they will compete in Qualifying Rounds over the first four days of the tournament. Group A will fish again on Day 3, and Group B will fish again on Day 4, with total weight determined by the cumulative weight of their biggest five-bass limit from both days.

The winner of each group will then advance directly to the Championship Round on Sunday, while pros who finish in second to 10th place in each group will again battle it out with zeroed weights in the Knockout Round on Saturday. On the final day of the event, the Championship Round, weights will again be zeroed and the top eight pros from the Knockout Round, plus the two Qualifying Round winners will compete. The winner will be determined by the heaviest five-bass limit of the final round.

Anglers will take off at 7 a.m. CT each day from Veterans Freedom Park, located at 1 Clinton Street in La Crosse. Weigh-ins will also be held at the park daily at 3 p.m. The MLF NOW! broadcast team of Chad McKee, Marty Stone and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily. Fans are welcome to attend the event or follow the action online through the MLF NOW! live stream and coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Along with the launch and weigh-in, fans and community members are invited to a Fishing and Outdoor Expo Saturday and Sunday, August 21-22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT at Veterans Freedom Park, where fans can meet the pros and check out the latest in fishing and outdoor gear. The expo includes live music, great food, vendor booths from participating sponsors, activities for kids, giveaways and more.

The first 100 kids (10 and under) will receive a free rod and reel at the Expo on Saturday and Sunday and fans can register for a Jackson Kayak Coosa FD giveaway once per day, onsite every day throughout the tournament. The winner will be drawn after the final weigh-in on August 22. PAW Patrol’s Skye and Marshall will also be at the event with MLF pro Charlie Evans and will be available for photos. Appearance times may vary. Visit MajorLeagueFishing.com for updates and more details.

In addition to the launch, weigh-ins and Expo, youth 14 and under are also invited to attend a free Kid’s Fishing Derby on Sunday, Aug. 22, from noon to 2 p.m. at Copeland Park. Participants can bring their own fishing gear or use provided gear on a first come, first serve basis. Worms will be provided by DMF Bait Company. Participants can register online at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The 2021 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers featured a field of 163 of the top professional anglers in the world competing at six regular-season events around the country. The top 50 anglers in the Angler of the Year (AOY) standings after the six events qualified to compete in the Tackle Warehouse TITLE Presented by Mercury, the Pro Circuit Championship, Presented by Bad Boy Mowers.

Television coverage of the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit TITLE Presented by Mercury event will be showcased across six two-hour episodes, premiering at 7 a.m. ET, Oct. 10 on the Outdoor Channel. Episodes premiere Sunday mornings on the Outdoor Channel, with additional re-airings on the Outdoor Channel and the Sportsman Channel. Each two-hour long episode goes in-depth to break down each day of competition. Episodes will run through Nov. 14.

For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers on the MLF BIG5’s social media outlets at Facebook , Twitter, Instagram and YouTube .

New Low-Profile Flagship Baitcaster, the Unparalleled Steez CT SV

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New Low-Profile Flagship Baitcaster, the Unparalleled Steez CT SV

New Low-Profile Flagship Baitcaster, the Unparalleled Steez CT SV

Designed in America and precision built in Japan, this super-smooth lightweight powerhouse is a technological marvel backed by Daiwa’s ultimate warranty.

Cypress, CA (August 18, 2021) – Hardcore bass fans asked for it and now Daiwa has delivered big time. Meet the brand new Steez CT SV, a lightweight, super-smooth baitcaster packed full of Daiwa’s proprietary cutting-edge technology, unmatched in a reel this size. Daiwa’s high-end Steez line is already renown for exceptional performance, toughness and versatility. The new CT SV raises that bar to even greater heights.

“This is our new flagship low-profile baitcasting reel,” says Marc Mills, Field Marketing Manager for Daiwa-US. “It is, quite simply the best baitcasting reel we can make right now, and it incorporates the absolute best of our design breakthroughs in every respect. At just 5.3 ounces, it’s built specifically for the U.S. market with the power to handle bigger bass and larger lures in a featherweight format that excels at precision finesse presentations as well. Extremely comfortable in the palm of your hand, it’s perfectly balanced, ergonomic design is second to none.”

Indeed, the Steez CT SV is packed to the gills with the kind of high-tech advancements you’ve come to expect from the Daiwa team, but the finer touches significantly enhance this entry as well. Consider the 90-mm handle length and oversize handle knobs that make this reel a pleasure to crank while providing the extra power needed to separate hawg bass from the tangles, blowdowns, weed mats and pilings where they instantly retreat upon feeling the hard set of a sharp hook. A magnesium frame, handle side, and side plate keep the reel extremely rigid and lightweight while special paints and coatings ensure it is also saltwater capable.

Daiwa infused previous platform and technologies from the popular Steez 70 – predecessor to the new Steez CT SV – along with angler feedback and upgraded it with a larger handle, improved gears and most importantly, incorporated the new Hyper Drive Design.

Daiwa’s advanced Hyper Drive Design uses special cut gearing and proprietary Hyper Drive Digigear tooth shape incorporated with a smaller tooth pattern so more gear teeth engage at the same time, yielding an efficient transfer of power, therefore making the gear set feel smoother and more powerful, while reducing gear noise. The Steez CT SV’s Hyper Double Support is a dual-bearing system for the pinion gear to keep everything in precise alignment. It’s magnesium Hyper Armed Housing – frame and sideplates – offer maximum rigidity protection for the precision performance of its internal components. Lastly, the Hyper Drive Clutch is redesigned and reinforced to increase durability and performance.

Two more enhancements stacking the deck for the CT SV are its T-Wing System and an ultralight G1 Duralumin SV (Stress-Free Versatile) long-cast spool. Daiwa’s pioneering T-wing System utilizes separate aperture settings for casting and retrieving. Barely noticeable to the eye, this advancement improves casting distance and accuracy by more evenly packing line on the spool. SV spool baitcasting technology also enhances casting distance by automatically adjusting spool tension at the beginning and end of each cast to overcome spool inertia and eliminate overruns when throwing lightweight and standard-weight lures. “It’s a sweet anti-backlash feature you’ll find on several of Daiwa’s most popular reel models including the Tatula SV,” notes Mills.

Topping things off, Daiwa has also incorporated their UTD (Ultimate Tournament Drag) into the Steez CT SV. The UTD includes impregnated drag discs, which are about 30 times more durable than normal discs, increasing considerably the effective drag power compared to normal drag systems while also reducing start-up resistance – the drag starts working when the adjusted drag power is reached and drags smoothly and steadily. Yet another nice touch on the CT SV is an audible clicker, like those found on Daiwa spinning reels, that lets anglers know when a fish is taking drag.

“The Steez CT SV truly puts a ton of bass-catching technology in the palm of your hand,” says Mills. “So much so that no other reel on the market can match it. It’s technology you can really trust, too, because Daiwa engineers design it here in America and then we build it in our own factories in Japan. That means we can tailor it specifically for the United States market and oversee the entire design, manufacturing and quality-control process from beginning to end. We don’t source anything out.”

All of which helps explain how Daiwa can back its entire Steez line with their ultimate warranty. Called the Daiwa Executive Steez Service Warranty, it provides cleaning and service at no charge for 5-years with proof of purchase. Similar warranties cover Daiwa’s flagship Saltiga and Exist spinning reels. The Steez line is the company’s first baitcaster to offer executive-level service.

“No doubt about it,” says Mills, “this is the Bentley of lightweight, low-profile baitcasters and, with Steez Executive Service, it comes with a warranty to back it up 100-pecent. When your reel needs service – or even a cleaning – simply ship it off to the Daiwa service department. They’ll get it serviced, polished and back to you within 24 hours of receiving the reel. It’s a terrific deal.”

With all its features, featherweight design, and smooth, powerful performance, plus an executive service warranty, the CT SV is the perfect spearhead for advanced-bassing arsenals. At $729.99 retail, it’s an investment that can pay big dividends for hardcore bass mavens who insist on heading into battle armed with nothing but the best.

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

Females In Fisheries Conservation Scholarships Awarded

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Females In Fisheries Conservation Scholarships Awarded

August 18, 2021

Females In Fisheries Conservation Scholarships Awarded

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The American Fisheries Society Black Bass Conservation Committee and B.A.S.S. have awarded the fifth annual Noreen Clough Memorial Scholarships for Females in Fisheries to AnaSara Gillem, of Andalusia, Ala., a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and Shaley Valentine, of Hudsonville, Mich., a doctoral student at Southern Illinois University.

Noreen Clough blazed many trails in the field of fisheries. As the first female regional director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and later as the B.A.S.S. Conservation Director, her long and distinguished career was dedicated to the conservation and management of fish and wildlife. Clough passed away in January 2015 from pancreatic cancer. As a tribute to her, friends and colleagues established an endowment to provide a scholarship for female students working toward a career in fisheries conservation.

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“Noreen’s passion for conservation and the importance of recreational fishing is inspiring, and I am honored to represent her legacy,” said Gillem. “This scholarship helps me continue pursuing my goal of making a difference in the field of fisheries by protecting and advocating for sportfish species.”

Gillem started fishing farm ponds in Alabama with her father at an early age and quickly developed a love for fishing and fisheries science. While obtaining her fisheries degree at Auburn University, Gillem worked as a research technician with a lab that focused on black bass conservation and management. This time allowed her to expand her understanding of fishery techniques and gain valuable experience in a variety of field settings dealing with anglers and landowners. Gillem’s current research focuses on walleye and yellow perch recruitment in northern Wisconsin lakes in order to improve management and angling opportunities. After completing her master’s degree, Gillem hopes to continue a fisheries career as a biologist in a Southeastern state agency.

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Valentine’s family vacations revolved around fishing, and she continues that tradition through kayak fishing trips and teaching friends how to fish. At Southern Illinois University Valentine is researching 12 different species in the Mississippi River as a surrogate for the entire fish community to better understand where fish are born, migratory patterns, resources usage and how these patterns differ across the river. One specific area of focus is how the prey and habitat use of largemouth bass and bowfin differ.

“Largemouth are well-known, but anglers know much less about and have an animosity toward bowfin, so I am trying to compare the ecology of both species to better understand and bring awareness of them to anglers and fisheries managers,” explained Valentine.

In addition to her research, Valentine creates aquatic resource outreach programs and discusses her scientific career path, research and passion for fisheries with K-12 students. Her goal is to conduct research at an agency that promotes equal access to natural resources and allows her the freedom to mentor students to become fisheries professionals.

“Recreational fishing provided a strong foundation for my career,” said Valentine. “Because I am both a fisheries scientist and an angler who benefits from management, I have an enhanced understanding of the end goals and broader impacts of my own research.”

Gillem and Valentine will each be awarded a $1,000 scholarship to be used for college expenses.

Mike McClelland Grabs Early Group A Lead at MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit TITLE Presented by Mercury on the Mississippi River

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Mike McClelland Grabs Early Group A Lead at MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit TITLE Presented by Mercury on the Mississippi River
Missouri Pro Catches 13-12 to Slide into Group A Lead by Two Ounces – 25 Anglers in Group B to Compete Wednesday

LA CROSSE, Wis. (Aug. 17, 2021) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Tackle Warehouse TITLE Presented by Mercury – the Pro Circuit Championship, Presented by Bad Boy Mowers – kicked off Tuesday with a grueling day on the water for the anglers. Pro Mike McClelland of Blue Eye, Missouri stayed near the top of the unofficial leaderboard throughout the day, securing his position in the top spot at the end of Day 1, with a limit of 13 pounds, 12 ounces – a mere 2 ounces ahead of pro Alex Davis of Albertville, Alabama, who weighed 13 pounds, 10 ounces to finish the day in second place.The six-day tournament, hosted by Explore La Crosse, showcases the top 48 pros in the 2021 Pro Circuit standings, along with last year’s reigning TITLE champion and reigning Angler of the Year – all competing for a purse of nearly $900,000 and a grand prize of up to $235,000.

With several anglers separated by mere ounces, the championship event is setting up nicely to feature some dramatic strategic decision-making, despite the unprecedented low-water levels on the Mighty Miss.

“Having past experience here on the Mississippi River definitely helped me today,” said McClelland. “The fortunate part is that I’ve actually fished here when the river was down. Every time we showed up here for a tournament in the past, a massive flood would hit, so nothing I had done in practice would work.

“This week as we got to town, they’d had localized heavy flooding and the river had risen 1½ to 2 feet, muddying the water and messing up some areas. It forced me to go look at some spots that I had found over the years where I knew the river could be hot when the water level was down.”

McClelland said he had never got to fish those areas during an actual tournament due to the rapidly changing conditions on the Mississippi, but those spots were his saving grace today.

“Today I was able to settle in,” said McClelland. “I caught a big largemouth right off the bat and caught a couple smallmouth shortly after. That allowed me to learn exactly how these fish were positioned and once I figured that out, it really took off.

“It was pretty incredible the number of bites I got today. I just hope I didn’t lean on them too hard, and that they don’t get hammered tomorrow. Hopefully when I get back there on Thursday, they will still be ready to bite.”

McClelland said he’s had his fair share of ups and downs over the past couple years and admitted his success on the Bass Pro Tour had not been astounding, but he feels like this event could be different.

“The grinders are the tournaments I typically do better in,” McClelland said. “I feel like I have a chance at this event, where a lot of guys were probably coming in not really knowing how many fish truly live in some of these areas. I knew they might lay off thinking they’ve caught them all, but I’ve seen places on this river where you can literally catch 25 or 30 2½- to 3-pounders when it’s good.”

McClelland said he probably had an opportunity to upgrade another pound or so, but I didn’t want to lean too heavy on the fish on Day 1.

“The key for me this week has really been being open-minded,” said the Missouri pro. “Typically, this place has been so well-known for a swim jig – not necessarily a big, bulky swim jig, but more of a finesse-style swim jig. For me this week, the swim jig has caught a few – it caught the better largemouth today – but I’m actually throwing a 3.3-inch Big Bite Baits Pro Swimmer.

“I found the fish that would normally bite a swim jig were pushing it, but they would hit the swimmer, so I feel like I’ve got a little trick up my sleeve. I’ve got a little bit of topwater activity, some [SPRO] RKCrawler activity and am throwing a little brown jig like we do in the Ozarks.

“I mixed it up quite a bit today and feel like I’ve got a lot of things working – I’m really looking forward to Thursday,” concluded McClelland.

The 25 anglers in Group A will now have the day off on Wednesday, while the 25 anglers in Group B will begin their first day of competition. Group A will resume competition on Thursday.

The standings for the 25 pros in Group A after Day 1 on the Mississippi River are:

1st:           Mike McClelland, Blue Eye, Mo., five bass, 13-12
2nd:          Alex Davis, Albertville, Ala., five bass, 13-10
3rd:          Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, five bass, 13-4
4th:           Ryan Salzman, Huntsville, Ala., five bass, 13-3
5th:           Tai Au, Glendale, Ariz., five bass, 12-6
6th:           Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., five bass, 12-3
7th:           David Walker, Sevierville, Tenn., five bass, 11-14
8th:           Miles Burghoff, Soddy-Daisy, Tenn., five bass, 11-11
9th:           Kurt Mitchell, Milford, Del., five bass, 11-9
9th:           Jimmy Washam, Covington, Tenn., five bass, 11-9
9th:           Joshua Weaver, Macon, Ga., five bass, 11-9
12th:        Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark., five bass, 11-0
13th         Jacopo Gallelli, Wetumpka, Ala., five bass, 10-9
14th:        Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., five bass, 10-0
15th:        Corey Neece, Bristol, Tenn., five bass, 9-14
16th:        Cody Huff, Ava, Mo., four bass, 9-13
17th:        Jim Moynagh, Shakopee, Minn., five bass, 9-5
18th:        Jamie Horton, Centerville, Ala., four bass, 9-3
19th:        Chris Lane, Guntersville, Ala., four bass, 8-5
20th:        Clabion Johns, Social Circle, Ga., three bass, 7-12
21st:        Rusty Salewske, Alpine, Calif., three bass, 6-9
22nd:       Troy Morrow, Eastanollee, Ga., four bass, 6-0
23rd:       Jim Tutt, Longview, Texas, three bass, 5-15
24th:        Jesse Wiggins, Logan, Ala., two bass, 5-4
25th:        Cody Pike, Powhatan, Va., one bass, 1-13

A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.Overall, there were 108 bass weighing 248 pounds even caught by the 25 pros on Tuesday, with 16 five-bass limits.

The MLF Tackle Warehouse TITLE Presented by Mercury – the Pro Circuit Championship, Presented by Bad Boy Mowers features a hybrid tournament format. All 50 anglers are seeded into two groups of 25 – Group A & Group B, based on points earned in 2021 qualifying events – where they will compete in Qualifying Rounds over the first four days of the tournament. Group A will fish again on Day 3, and Group B will fish Day 2 and Day 4, with total weight determined by the cumulative weight of their biggest five-bass limit from both days.

The winner of each group will then advance directly to the Championship Round on Sunday, while pros who finish in second to 10th place in each group will again battle it out with zeroed weights in the Knockout Round on Saturday. On the final day of the event, the Championship Round, weights will again be zeroed and the top eight pros from the Knockout Round, plus the two Qualifying Round winners will compete. The winner will be determined by the heaviest five-bass limit of the final round.

Anglers will take off at 7 a.m. CT each day from Veterans Freedom Park, located at 1 Clinton Street in La Crosse. Weigh-ins will also be held at the park daily at 3 p.m. The MLF NOW! broadcast team of Chad McKee, Marty Stone and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily. Fans are welcome to attend the event or follow the action online through the MLF NOW! live stream and coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Along with the launch and weigh-in, fans and community members are invited to a Fishing and Outdoor Expo Saturday and Sunday, August 21-22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT at Veterans Freedom Park, where fans can meet the pros and check out the latest in fishing and outdoor gear. The expo includes live music, great food, vendor booths from participating sponsors, activities for kids, giveaways and more.

The first 100 kids (10 and under) will receive a free rod and reel at the Expo on Saturday and Sunday and fans can register for a Jackson Kayak Coosa FD giveaway once per day, onsite at the Expo. The winner will be drawn after the final weigh-in on August 22. PAW Patrol’s Skye and Marshall will also be at the event with MLF pro Charlie Evans and will be available for photos. Appearance times may vary. Visit MajorLeagueFishing.com for updates and more details.

In addition to the launch, weigh-ins and Expo, youth 14 and under are also invited to attend a free Kid’s Fishing Derby on Sunday, Aug. 22, from noon to 2 p.m. at Copeland Park. Participants can bring their own fishing gear or use provided gear on a first come, first serve basis. Worms will be provided by DMF Bait Company. Participants can register online at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The 2021 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers featured a field of 163 of the top professional anglers in the world competing at six regular-season events around the country. The top 50 anglers in the Angler of the Year (AOY) standings after the six events qualified to compete in the Tackle Warehouse TITLE Presented by Mercury, the Pro Circuit Championship, Presented by Bad Boy Mowers.

Television coverage of the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit TITLE Presented by Mercury event will be showcased across six two-hour episodes, premiering at 7 a.m. ET, Oct. 10 on the Outdoor Channel. Episodes premiere Sunday mornings on the Outdoor Channel, with additional re-airings on the Outdoor Channel and the Sportsman Channel. Each two-hour long episode goes in-depth to break down each day of competition. Episodes will run through Nov. 14.

For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers on the MLF BIG5’s social media outlets at Facebook , Twitter, Instagram and YouTube .

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