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Tuesday, December 16, 2025
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Bass Pro Tour Pros Talk Dollars, Dreams, Dedication at Charles County Library Event

Brian Carter
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Bass Pro Tour Pros Talk Dollars, Dreams, Dedication at Charles County Library Event

CHARLES COUNTY, Md. (June 27, 2025) – On Wednesday, before the world’s best bass anglers hit the Potomac River for Zenni Stage 6 Presented by Athletic Brewing, four Major League Fishing (MLF) pros took time out of their schedules to meet with local fans and discuss a topic not often covered in the fishing world – money.

Hosted in partnership with the Jamaur Law Foundation, an organization dedicated to educating students and their parents on financial literacy, the event took place Wednesday afternoon at the Charles County Public Library–Waldorf West Branch, and brought together a small but enthusiastic crowd for an engaging hour-long discussion on financial literacy and the realities of chasing professional fishing dreams.

Bass Pro Tour anglers Matt Becker, Mark Daniels Jr., Britt Myers and Dean Rojas formed the featured panel, with foundation founder Jamaur Law serving as moderator. The discussion focused on everything from early career expenses and travel costs to building credit, budgeting for tournaments and the emotional highs of earning that first sponsor check.

Mark Daniels Jr. drew laughs from the audience as he recalled the moment he realized just how important credit was, shortly after trying to buy his first truck. “I had no idea what a credit score really meant,” Daniels said. “I can tell you – it didn’t me take long to learn.”

The anglers all emphasized that the road to the top isn’t easy, and financial discipline plays a major role in sustaining a career in professional fishing. For fans in attendance, the personal stories helped demystify the sport, and made the anglers’ success feel even more real.

Law, who launched his namesake foundation to promote financial education to students and the local community, said working with the Bass Pro Tour pros was a milestone moment. “Getting to host these guys – this feels like I made it,” he told the audience. “It means so much to see this type of conversation happening in our community.”

After the panel, the anglers stayed well beyond the planned hour, answering individual questions, posing for photos and signing autographs for attendees. Despite the summer heat outside, fans cooled off inside with cookies and lemonade and left with smiles and stories to share.

Excitement is already building in Charles County for Stage 6 of the Bass Pro Tour. With the “Hooked! on the Potomac” festival set for this weekend and the full tournament unfolding across four days, the region is bracing for a celebration of fishing, family and community.

For those who attended Wednesday’s session at the Waldorf West Library, the tournament may not have started yet, but the memories have already proved that sometimes the best catches happen off the water.

The four-day event, hosted by the Charles County Government, Dept. of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism, officially kicked off Thursday morning and runs through the weekend. Anglers will launch at 7:15 a.m. ET each day from Smallwood State Park, located at 2750 Sweden Point Road in Marbury, Maryland. The takeout will be held at the same location beginning at 3:45 p.m. daily. 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 Saturday and Sunday, June 28-29, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF welcomes fans of all ages to visit the Village Green Park, located at 100 Walter Thomas Road in Indian Head, Maryland for the Hooked! on the Potomac Festival and MLF Fan Experience & Watch Party. Fans can watch the pros live on the MLFNOW!  big screen, enjoy free dessert, enter to win giveaways, listen to live music from country music artist Megan Barker, and cheer on their favorite pros. The first 50 kids 14 and under will receive a free rod and reel each day. The event also includes a youth casting contest. The Bass Pro Tour anglers, along with the PAW Patrol’s Skye and Marshall, will be on hand both days to meet and greet fans, sign autographs and take selfies.

The 2025 Bass Pro Tour features a field of 66 of the top professional anglers in the world, competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual Heavy Hitters all-star event and the REDCREST 2026 championship.





St. Croix Rod Reimagines PREMIER Series

Brian Carter
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St. Croix Rod Reimagines PREMIER Series

St. Croix Rod reimagines its ultra-popular PREMIER Series of multispecies freshwater rods for 2026.

PARK FALLS, WIS. – American manufacturing resonates today more than ever. But it’s something we’ve been doing at St. Croix Rod since 1948. Why do we still make rods in the USA? Control. You need it as an angler, because YOUR pride is on the end of your line. We need it as a company, because OUR pride is in your hands.

PREMIER has consistently been the best-selling American-made fishing rod series since it first appeared in the St. Croix Rod catalog in 1957. Possessing a hallmark combination of quality, performance, value, and American craftsmanship, the PREMIER Series exemplifies everything anglers expect in a St. Croix rod.

The angler-favorite freshwater multispecies rod series has been improved many times over the past 68 years, and now – for 2026 – the American classic delivers even better performance via additional technology, enhanced ergonomics, and angler-driven lengths, powers, and actions, including two-piece models that are both on-trend and in demand.

Anglers will notice smoother actions and improved sensitivity in 2026 PREMIER multispecies and musky models, which are also stronger and lighter due to the addition of St. Croix’s Taper Enhancement Technology (TET). Utilized with St. Croix’s popular SCII carbon material for the first time ever in the 2026 PREMIER Series, TET incorporates precise laser-cut, curved blank patterns that fit together and lay up more precisely on the mandrels. Frequently employed in the designs of St. Croix’s top-tier rod series, TET results in noticeably elevated feel and performance. In the case of the all-new PREMIER for 2026, TET also results in a remarkable 10% weight savings (average over all models) over previous-generation PREMIERS.

Additional series upgrades include refined handle design on all new PREMIER spinning rods. Premium, full-cork handles remain, but tapers and foregrips have been redesigned for improved control and balance. Light and ultra-light models also receive their own distinct reel seats.

Guide trains have also been modernized for 2026. Angler-preferred stainless-steel tangle-free K-style guides with aluminum oxide rings are laser-aligned and now adorn all PREMIER models.

Finally, as angler demand for two-piece rods continues to grow, PREMIER answers the call with an expansive offering of two-piece models.  Every one-piece length, power, and action over 6′ in length has a two-piece counterpart in the 2026 PREMIER multispecies lineup. Additional two-piece models are also available in the PREMIER Musky lineup.

St. Croix PREMIER Series Features

  • 37 spinning models and 8 casting models for high-performance multi-species presentations
  • 10 casting models and 3 spinning models for high-performance musky presentations
  • Premium SCII carbon fiber blanks with FRS (Fortified Resin System) for increased flexural strength with reduced weight
  • Taper Enhancement Technology (TET) blank design for smoother, stronger, and more sensitive actions
  • Lightweight stainless-steel tangle-free K-style guides with aluminum-oxide rings
  • Premium-grade full-cork handles with cork-composite accents
  • Nylon reel seat with nylon locking nut and stainless-steel hood
  • 5-year warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service
  • Designed and handcrafted in Park Falls, Wisconsin, U.S.A. for multispecies anglers worldwide
  • PREMIER Multispecies retail price $145-$205
  • PREMIER Musky retail price $235-$275

St. Croix PREMIER Series Multispecies Casting Models

  • SCPC66MF – 6’6”, medium power, fast action, casting / Retail $175
  • SCPC66MF2 – 6’6”, medium power, fast action, 2-piece casting / Retail $195
  • SCPC66MHF – 6’6”, medium-heavy power, fast action, casting / Retail $175
  • SCPC66MHF2 – 6’6”, medium-heavy power, fast action, 2-piece casting / Retail $195
  • SCPC70MF – 7’0”, medium power, fast action, casting / Retail $175
  • SCPC70MF2 – 7’0”, medium power, fast action, 2-piece casting / Retail $195
  • SCPC70MHF – 7’0”, medium-heavy power, fast action, casting / Retail $185
  • SCPC70MHF2 – 7’0”, medium-heavy power, fast action, 2-piece casting / Retail $205

St. Croix PREMIER Series Multispecies Spinning Models

  • SCPS46ULM – 4’6”, ultra-light power, moderate action, spinning / Retail $145
  • SCPS50ULM – 5’0”, ultra-light power, moderate action, spinning / Retail $145
  • SCPS56LF – 5’6”, light power, fast action, spinning / Retail $155
  • SCPS56ULF2 – 5’6”, ultra-light power, fast action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $175
  • SCPS56MF – 5’6”, medium power, fast action, spinning / Retail $155
  • SCPS60ULF – 6’0”, ultra-light power, fast action, spinning / Retail $155
  • SCPS60ULF2 – 6’0”, ultra-light power, fast action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $175
  • SCPS60LF – 6’0”, light power, fast action, spinning / Retail $155
  • SCPS60MLF – 6’0”, medium-light power, fast action, spinning / Retail $155
  • SCPS60MLF2 – 6’0”, medium-light power, fast action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $175
  • SCPS60MF – 6’0”, medium power, fast action, spinning / Retail $165
  • SCPS60MF2 – 6’0”, medium power, fast action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $185
  • SCPS60MHF – 6’0”, medium-heavy power, fast action, spinning / Retail $165
  • SCPS66ULF – 6’6”, ultra-light power, fast action, spinning / Retail $155
  • SCPS66ULF2 – 6’6”, ultra-light power, fast action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $175
  • SCPS66LF – 6’6”, light power, fast action, spinning / Retail $155
  • SCPS66LF2 – 6’6”, light power, fast action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $175
  • SCPS66MLF – 6’6”, medium-light power, fast action, spinning / Retail $165
  • SCPS66MLF2 – 6’6”, medium-light power, fast action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $185
  • SCPS66MF – 6’6”, medium power, fast action, spinning / Retail $165
  • SCPS66MF2 – 6’6”, medium power, fast action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $185
  • SCPS66MHF – 6’6”, medium-heavy power, fast action, spinning / Retail $175
  • SCPS66MHF2 – 6’6”, medium-heavy power, fast action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $195
  • SCPS70ULF – 7’0”, ultra-light power, fast action, spinning / Retail $155
  • SCPS70ULF2 – 7’0”, ultra-light power, fast action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $175
  • SCPS70MLF – 7’0”, medium-light power, fast action, spinning / Retail $165
  • SCPS70MLF2 – 7’0”, medium-light power, fast action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $185
  • SCPS70MF – 7’0”, medium power, fast action, spinning / Retail $175
  • SCPS70MF2 – 7’0”, medium power, fast action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $195
  • SCPS70MHF – 7’0”, medium-heavy power, fast action, spinning / Retail $175
  • SCPS70MHF2 – 7’0”, medium-heavy power, fast action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $195
  • SCPS70HF – 7’0”, heavy power, fast action, spinning / Retail $195
  • SCPS70HF2 – 7’0”, heavy power, fast action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $215
  • SCPS76MLF – 7’6”, medium-light power, fast action, spinning / Retail $175
  • SCPS76MLF2 – 7’6”, medium-light power, fast action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $195
  • SCPS76MF – 7’6”, medium power, fast action, spinning / Retail $185
  • SCPS76MF2 – 7’6”, medium power, fast action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $205





Red-Hot Keith Poche Takes Lead on Day 1 of MLF Bass Pro Tour Zenni Stage 6 at Potomac River

Brian Carter
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Red-Hot Keith Poche Takes Lead on Day 1 of MLF Bass Pro Tour Zenni Stage 6 at Potomac River

Alabama pro catches 36 largemouth weighing 80-2 to lead Day 1 on historic fishery, full field to complete Qualifying Round Friday

CHARLES COUNTY, Md. (June 26, 2025) – They say that momentum is real in bass fishing, and Pike Road, Alabama, pro Keith Poche proved that point on the Potomac River Thursday on Day 1 of Zenni Stage 6 at the Potomac River Presented by Athletic Brewing.

Less than a week after winning the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals stop just two hours south on the James River, Poche was the only angler to surpass 80 pounds on the Potomac and leads with 36 bass for 80 pounds, 2 ounces. Going into the second day, Poche will enjoy a 10-pound, 1-ounce advantage over pro Ott DeFoe of Blaine, Tennessee, in second place as he looks to win for the second time in as many weeks on a tidal fishery in the Mid-Atlantic.

It wasn’t just Poche giving SCORETRACKER® a workout as the 66-angler field caught 1,217 bass weighing 2,572 pounds, 9 ounces, both easily the highest totals of the season. With so many bass biting, things are shaping up for an excellent finish this weekend.

Link to Day 1 On-the-Water Photo Gallery: Bass Pro Tour Stage 6 heats up on the Potomac River as anglers battle shifting tides
Link to HD Video of Highlights from Day 1 Competition

Coming off his victory on the James, Poche certainly felt confident about coming into Stage 6.  On the James, he fished in the style he’s known for, accessing a shallow water backwater with his 18-foot aluminum boat to go places that heavier fiberglass boats simply can’t. That’s the same approach he took Thursday on the Potomac, but the results were even better than expected.

“I knew the place I found had some fish and knew the potential was there, but I had no idea it would be this good,” Poche said. “I’m just trying to keep this rolling, whatever it is, because it’s working.”

Poche shared that his best area had all the ingredients to harbor a big population of bass.

“I’m going way back into the creek and fishing shallow, but the water back there is moving, and it’s a lot cooler,” he said. “It’s a sandy creek with some shallow flats and deeper swings; when the tides out, they pull to those little deeper spots. When the water is up, they get up in the pads and grass along the banks. It’s been best with the falling tide, but I feel like I can get bit any time of day in there.”

While the falling tide has been his best bite, Poche was able to catch bass throughout the day and caught vastly more bass than the 36 that exceeded the 1-8 minimum for the event. His area is full of bass of all sizes, and he discovered it during practice by visually seeing them swimming around at low tide.

“When I went there in practice during a low tide, they were swimming everywhere,” Poche said. ” I found a few similar areas but didn’t hit them at the right tide, so I don’t know if they will be as good as this one, but they have potential if I need to try somewhere else.”

As for whether he plans to vie for the automatic bid to the Championship Round or to use some of his time to practice, Poche was emphatic with his response.

“One hundred percent I’m going to catch everything I can to try to advance. I’m not going to let up one bit,” he said. “You never know what’s going to happen during the Knockout Round. I know I have a 10-pound lead, but I’m going to have to do my part again, and I think I’ll need to catch at least 60 pounds tomorrow to have a chance to advance to the final day.”

Poche is employing a variety of lures to catch his fish, including the same Berkley PowerBait MaxScent The General on a shaky-head rig that accounted for his winning bass on the James River; a Berkley Pit Boss on a Texas Rig; and a Bama bream colored 3/8-ounce Berkley Swim Jig with a green pumpkin Berkley Power Swimmer on the back.

“It’s just shallow-water junk fishing,” Poche said. “The best bait for me today was that swim jig, that was my bread and butter, throwing it on 30-pound Berkley X5 braid, a 10.1:1 (Abu Garcia) Revo Rocket Reel, and a 7-1 heavy Fenwick World Class rod. That faster reel was a big deal because I’m burning that thing and pulling it through the current. I need to pick up the slack and hit them when it’s coming at me.”

As time expired on MLFNOW! Poche remarked on the sweltering conditions. The high was 93 degrees with a “feels like” temperature of 106 degrees, and there was hardly a puff of wind.

“The hottest tournament I had ever fished was here on the Potomac back in 2015, and this one blows it out of the water; it was brutal out there,” he added.

The top 20 pros in after Day 1 on the Potomac River are:

1st:        Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., Bossier City, La., 36 bass, 80-2
2nd:      Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., 32 bass, 70-2
3rd:       David Dudley, Lynchburg, Va., 29 bass, 68-6
4th:        John Hunter, Shelbyville, Ky., 30 bass, 68-4
5th:        Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., 34 bass, 67-1
6th:        Keith Carson, DeBary, Fla., 27 bass, 64-7
7th:        Mark Daniels Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., 30 bass, 62-7
8th:        Alton Jones Jr., Waco, Texas, 28 bass, 61-7
9th:        Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J., 27 bass, 55-15
10th:     Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., 25 bass, 55-10
11th:     Takahiro Omori, Tokyo, Japan, 26 bass, 52-7
12th:     Mark Davis, Mount Ida, Ark., 23 bass, 52-4
13th:     Nick LeBrun, Bossier City, La., 26 bass, 50-4
14th:     Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., 25 bass, 50-2
15th:     Jake Lawrence, Paris, Tenn., 24 bass, 50-1
16th:     Marshall Robinson, Landrum, S.C., 22 bass, 49-7
17th:     Casey Ashley, Donalds, S.C.., 23 bass, 49-6
18th:     Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 24 bass, 49-6
19th:     Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., 22 bass, 46-12
20th:     Justin Cooper, Zwolle, La., 23 bass, 46-5

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

Overall, there were 1,217 bass caught weighing 2,572 pounds, 9 ounces, by the 66 Bass Pro Tour anglers on Thursday. Both the number of bass caught and the total weight were new season-high totals for the circuit.
 
Abu Garcia pro Justin Lucas earned the Day 1 Berkley Big Bass Award Thursday with a chunky 4-pound, 12-ounce largemouth that he caught in Period 3 on a Berkley Slobberknocker. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day.

Hosted by the Charles County Government, Dept. of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism, the four-day event features 66 of the top professional anglers in the world competing for a $150,000 top prize, a share of the $6.49 million season purse, and valuable AOY points in hopes of qualifying for the General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2026, the Bass Pro Tour championship.

The full field of anglers compete in the two-day Qualifying Round on Thursday and Friday. After the two-day Qualifying Round is complete, the pro with the heaviest two-day total will advance directly to Sunday’s Championship Round. Anglers that finish 2nd through 20th will advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the remaining anglers compete to finish in the top nine to advance to Sunday’s Championship Round. In the final-day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $150,000.

Anglers will launch at 7:15 a.m. ET each day from Smallwood State Park, located at 2750 Sweden Point Road in Marbury, Maryland. The takeout will be held at the same location beginning at 3:45 p.m. daily. 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.

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

On Saturday and Sunday, June 28-29, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF welcomes fans of all ages to visit the Village Green Park, located at 100 Walter Thomas Road in Indian Head, Maryland for the Hooked! on the Potomac Festival and MLF Fan Experience & Watch Party. Fans can watch the pros live on the MLFNOW!  big screen, enjoy free dessert, enter to win giveaways, listen to live music from country music artist Megan Barker, and cheer on their favorite pros. The first 50 kids 14 and under will receive a free rod and reel each day. The event also includes a youth casting contest. The Bass Pro Tour anglers, along with the PAW Patrol’s Skye and Marshall, will be on hand both days to meet and greet fans, sign autographs and take selfies.

The Zenni Stage 6 at the Potomac River Presented by Athletic Brewing will feature anglers competing with a 1-pound, 8-ounce minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. The MLF Fisheries Management Division determines minimum weights for each body of water that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.

The 2025 Bass Pro Tour features a field of 66 of the top professional anglers in the world, competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual Heavy Hitters all-star event and the REDCREST 2026 championship.

Television coverage of the Zenni Stage 6 at the Potomac River Presented by Athletic Brewing will premiere as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Nov. 1 on Discovery, with the Championship Round premiering on Saturday, Nov. 8. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on Outdoor Channel.





How to Catch More Summer Smallmouth!

Brian Carter
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How to Catch More Summer Smallmouth!
Early summer marks a major transition for smallmouth bass, especially as water temperatures rise into the low 70s. After spawning, many bass larger bass, especially females, leave the shallow flats in search of deeper, cooler, and safer water. These movements are not random and they’re more tied to biological needs like recovery, oxygen levels, and predation avoidance. Anglers who understand this seasonal shift can better predict where bass will go next. Recognizing this post-spawn transition phase is key to staying on fish as they move throughout the lake or river system. Bass don’t all leave the shallows at once, which means some of the fish will still be catchable in shallow zones while others begin moving deeper. This overlap creates a window of opportunity for anglers to experiment with different depths and locate active fish. It’s crucial to pay attention to recent weather, water clarity, and temperature trends can help refine your search. It’s also a great time to fish methodically along depth changes and secondary points, where bass may pause on their way out. Understanding both where bass have been and where they’re headed gives anglers a major advantage in early summer.Our Fresh HellaMite is designed to imitate a major aquatic food source, delivering a realistic profile of an insect larva that fish can’t resist. Each is scented for complete and total attraction underwater along with being made in the USA by real fishermen just like you. We’ve recently dropped a new HellaMite Pro Pack that is loaded with 60 total baits in all six proven colors, plus three Owner Block Head Ned Jigs and a handy storage bag. This kit has everything you need to stay rigged and ready year-round. Grab our newest Lil Bass, Hot Sauce, MidNight, Glow, 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink HellaMite colors. We’ve also recently restocked our popular Ghost, Red Bug, Purple Rain, Brown Bug, Electric Chicken, and Goby Wan colors. The HellaMite’s solid body and hyperactive ribbed tail design produce a life-like quivering action with every twitch of the rod. Its unique flat underbelly detail enables this bait to be fished as a drop shot, Ned rig, neko rig, and even a small Carolina-rig, making it the ideal bait in any condition year-round. When the water is clear, the fish can see the bait and look like real food, causing strikes. Each cast becomes an opportunity for an exhilarating catch, thanks to its superior performance and versatility.
Smallmouth bass rarely swim directly from spawning areas to deep summer haunts. Instead, they travel in stages, stopping at mid-depth cover like submerged rocks, aquatic vegetation, or gradual depth changes. These holding zones act as rest stops where fish pause to feed or adjust to changing water conditions. Anglers can find consistent action by locating these temporary staging areas. Learning how to identify and fish these spots is often more productive than chasing fish in open water. Fish in transition are often scattered in small pods rather than large schools, making precision and  patience critical. Working these areas slowly with soft plastics like worms, beetles, or cray-styled baits can trigger bites from neutral fish. Pay close attention to subtle changes in bottom composition or isolated pieces of cover, as these often hold the most fish. Using mapping tools and sonar can help identify overlooked staging spots that others may pass by. By understanding how bass move in phases, anglers can stay one step ahead throughout the season.These transition zones not only hold feeding fish but also serve as reliable waypoints bass revisit as they migrate between seasonal habitats.We use our Fresh Scorpion because it closely imitates a crawfish. Our newest 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink Scorpion colors work wonders. The Scorpion is a revolutionary new look to soft plastics. Its intricate detailing and texture mimic the nuances of a real crawfish, making it hard for bass to resist. Of course, water clarity always plays a role in color selection but in any season, you can’t miss using colors such as Green Pumpkin Seed, Brown Bark, and the Magneto. This bait not only appears natural to fish but gives them something to become curious about. The Scorpion paired with a stand-up jig is deadly because the jig actually sits the bait upright in a defensive stance. The subtle color variations across the bait further enhance its appeal, mimicking the natural color shifts found in live prey. Each Fresh Scorpion has a unique and exclusive 3-axis tail design that is engineered like no other soft plastic bait. Our Scorpions are made by anglers from high-grade non-salt plastic to provide superior life-like action that triggers strikes!
On larger lakes and reservoirs, using electronics to track smallmouth movement is incredibly helpful. Sonar and mapping tools help anglers locate fish-holding structure, identify depth changes, and return to productive areas. More advanced tools can even reveal individual bass or small pods in real-time. This makes it easier to stay with transitioning fish and make precise presentations. For anglers fishing offshore or mid-depth zones, electronics can dramatically improve consistency and efficiency. Learning to read your electronics accurately takes time, but it’s a skill that pays off in finding active fish faster. Marking the waypoints on areas where you’ve caught fish allows you to revisit them later on throughout the season as fish cycle through. Forward-facing sonar, in particular, can help you see how bass are behaving in the moment. Whether they’re suspended, bottom-oriented, or following your bait. Combining this information with a strategic approach using soft plastics can maximize your chances of a bite. In clear or expansive water, electronics become one of the most powerful tools an angler can have.The new FreshBaitz Lizards deliver a realistic profile that excels in both power and finesse techniques. Act fast, we’ve recently just released new Hot Sauce, MidNight, Ghost, and 10w30 Synthetic Lizard designs! The unique forward-facing leg design creates drag that holds it in the strike zone longer or produces wild flapping action with every pull of the rod. Additionally, its slightly ribbed solid body and large head hold your hook in place and provide much better weedless performance making it the ideal bait to use in any condition. Water clarity always plays a super big role in color selection but in any season year-round, you can’t miss when using colors such as Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, or Green Pumpkin. Its flexible tail design ensures added movement, tempting even the most cautious fish. The superior 5.5-inch profile stretches to a whole 7 inches which is perfect for predatory fish including bass year round. Made from long-lasting durable high-grade non-salted plastic for total and maximum attention-grabbing action underwater.
Smallmouth bass often follow baitfish, and their travel patterns depend more on food than on structure alone. Some bass may stay relatively close to their spawning areas, while others will travel long distances across a system in pursuit of forage. These movements might follow natural channels, current flows, or depth contours. Understanding how baitfish behave in early summer helps anglers anticipate where bass are headed. Matching your location to where the bait is going often leads to more successful outings. Anglers should keep an eye out for visual signs of baitfish activity, such as surface disturbances, bird behavior, or sonar returns showing dense clusters of forage. Areas where current meets slack water or where depth changes suddenly can concentrate both bait and bass. When bass are following roaming schools, soft plastics like beetles or worms can be swum or drifted naturally to mimic an easy meal. These fish are often more active and get urges to strike when bait is nearby. Staying mobile and ready to relocate based on forage movement can make all the difference in early summer. Adapting your approach to follow the food chain keeps you aligned with the bass’s motivation.Our Fresh Beetle delivers ultimate versatility in a soft plastic bait. Its slim yet wide body design and four claws are engineered to naturally glide and wobble as it moves through the water. This design ensures they remain enticingly active longer than conventional baits. Its unique texture also provides a realistic feel, making bass hold on longer once they bite. Water clarity plays a big role in color selection but year-round you can’t miss when using go-to colors such as Chocolate Mint, Ox Blood, or 10w30 Synthetic beetles. The hyper-active swimming claws are designed thin with long-lasting durable non-salt plastic to make them come alive with the slightest movement. The Fresh Beetle offers an enticing 4-inch profile and is scented for complete and total attraction! You can rig these Beetles as a Jig/ Chatter Trailer, Flippin/ Punching, Texas Rig, Swing Jig, and Carolina Rig. Making the beetle beyond perfect in any weather condition year-round!
During early summer, smallmouth are often in a neutral mood and less likely to chase fast-moving baits. Soft plastic finesse options such as worms, insect larvae, beetles, lizards, and cray-styled baits excel in these conditions. Presented slowly and naturally along the bottom or through the water column, these lures offer an easy meal. Downsizing and using subtle action are key to enticing more bites when fish are less aggressive. Anglers who take a patient, precise approach typically outperform those using bulkier, louder options. Light line and small hooks enhance the natural movement of finesse presentations, making them more convincing to wary bass. Focus on clean drifts, gentle hops, or slow glides to keep your bait in the strike zone longer. Matching the size and color of your lure to local forage can also improve your success rate. In clear water, where bass rely heavily on sight, finesse baits that look and act realistic are especially important. Mastering these subtle techniques gives anglers a consistent edge throughout the summer transition. Even when the bite is slow, presenting the right soft plastic in the right way can turn a cautious follower into a big strike.Using a stick-styled worm is the most tried and true ways to catch fish. We have a variety of 5-inch Worms to choose from but we just added MidNight, Glow, and Ghost Worms! Our popular Watermelon Red Worms have been restocked as well. You can also experience our new wacky rigging kit while it’s ON SALE! The WACKY Pack offers our most popular colors and essential tools for wacky rigging. If you’re fast enough you might be able to grab the limited-release Pumpkin Spice Worm before it’s completely sold out along with some of our newest colors including the Brown Worm, Electric Chicken Worm, and Goby Wan Worm colors. The high-grade non-salt plastic they’re made from provides positive buoyancy and it even floats underwater! We also released new 6-inch Worms including Charmeleon, Rainbow TRT, Bone, Chocolate Mint, and Fire TGR — all available in 5 and 6-inch. We’ve also recently released new 8-count packs of worms available in Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, and Green Pumpkin. We also offer worms that have the unique ability to shift from one color to another. Scented for total attraction underwater.
Using the right tackle is essential for maximizing hookup ratios with smallmouth. Thin, soft lines allow lightweight soft plastics to move more naturally and reach deeper depths with less resistance. Hooks should be sharp and made of light-to-medium wire that is strong enough to hold a fish but thin enough to penetrate easily. The ideal rod is a 7 foot spinning setup with a fast action and medium-light to medium power, providing casting distance while protecting light line. Proper drag settings also matter, helping to avoid break-offs during sudden runs or jumps. Tightening the drag just enough for a solid hookset and then backing it off during the fight helps land more fish without stressing your gear. Fluorocarbon leaders offer added invisibility in more clear water, which is especially useful when fish are line-shy. Rod sensitivity is crucial for detecting subtle bites often associated with soft plastic presentations. Choosing the right gear gives your bait the proper action while also protecting against lost fish. Fine-tuning these elements creates a more balanced and effective system for consistent smallmouth success. When all of the components work together, your setup not only improves performance but also builds confidence with every cast.Our newest FreshBaitz Mandingo Trick Worm is the ultimate game-changer for anglers with a passion! Engineered for the angler who knows SIZE does matter, this lure is designed to attract only the BIGGEST bass with a penchant for the larger bait. The Mandingo Trick Worm boasts a solid 7-inch body enhanced with a hyperactive ribbed design, ensuring irresistible mouth-watering action for those trophy bass. Officially available in a vibrant array of 8 colors. Each worm is made from durable, high-grade Non-Salted plastic for lifelike action and unparalleled durability. Perfectly balanced for a variety of rigging options and scented for total and maximum attraction, the Mandingo Trick Worm promises year-round effectiveness in lakes, rivers, and streams. Whether you’re rigging it on a Shakey Head, Drop Shot, Texas Rig, or Carolina Rig, these worms are your ticket to landing the big ones. Proudly made in the USA by real anglers to help elevate your fishing experience and catch more bass year-round!
Clear and calm conditions can push smallmouth to suspend in the water column or feed visually on shallow flats. In these scenarios, soft plastics like beetles, worms, or insect larvae presented with slow, horizontal retrieves can be highly effective. Fast movements, steady swimming, or gentle twitches can mimic vulnerable prey just above or in front of them. These fish may not respond to bottom presentations but can be enticed from above when visibility is high. Anglers that know when to switch from dragging to swimming presentations can unlock otherwise tough bites. Pay close attention to surface activity, shadows beneath the surface, or fish following your bait to clue you in on suspended behavior. In these conditions, downsized baits rigged weightless or on light jig heads help maintain a slow fall or subtle swim. Long casts and quiet approaches are key when targeting visually feeding bass in clear water. When executed well, sight-fishing for suspended smallmouth can be one of the most exciting and rewarding techniques. Adapting to their positioning in the water column is often what separates average days from great ones. Success comes down to reading the conditions carefully and presenting your bait where the fish are looking.We have a wide variety of terminal tackle to choose from, but we’ve recently released new Nako Tungsten Tear Drop Shot Weights, crafted from 97% eco-friendly tungsten for stealth, durability, and vibration, with easy-to-read size stamps and a crimped swivel for quick changes. The new Haymaker EWG Worm Hooks are also now available, featuring an extra-wide gap for various soft plastics, a Z-lock shoulder bend for secure bait placement, and an angled-up super needle point for fast, powerful hooksets. For creature-styled baits, a more popular choice to use is the Stand-Up Jig because it sits the bait up-right in a defensive stance! Mosquito Hooks work for dropshotting and perfectly accommodates a wide range of soft plastics. The popular All Purpose Hooks are built with an extra-wide gap and are made to accommodate a wide range of soft plastics. The Block Head Jig is perfect for ned rigging the HellaMite with its mushroom-style head that seamlessly matches a wide variety of soft plastics. The Offset Block Head Jig, offers the same mushroom-style head with a unique offset hook, making it a go-to for weedless Ned Rig applications. The Shakey Ultrahead can permanently secure baits by inserting the pin in the center and screwing the twist lock coil spring for perfect rigging every time! The Ultrahead Wacky Jig features precise weight positioning and hook orientation for the ultimate wacky presentations. For fast Texas rigging, we use the Bullet-Type Rig which has an attached weight saving you precious time when fishing cover. The 4x Jungle Flippin Hook is designed for big fish and the toughest conditions. The Range Roller Jig Head is crafted for precision with its high center axis design, perfect for hover-strolling and mid to bottom strolling with forward facing sonar, ensuring an enticing rolling action that triggers bites. We also just released Keep’em Fresh Bait Bags! These bags are the ultimate solution for anglers who need their gear to perform. Built like a tank, this bag is 20x stronger than regular zip bags and offers 100% waterproof protection with a rock-solid double zipper seal. Whether it’s for soft plastics, snacks, or your smartphone, this reusable and versatile bag keeps everything safe from water, mud, and grime. It’s lightweight yet spacious, it fits snugly in your tackle box or backpack, making it perfect for your next adventure.





High Tech Magic

Brian Carter
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High Tech Magic
High Tech Magic
Advanced lure coatings from Mad Scientist Tackle disrupt the way tackle has been painted for decades
FINLAYSON, MN (June 26, 2025) – Mad Scientist Tackle is a founded on the knowledge of a man steeped in the science of optics and the bravery to challenge conventional lure-making. With decades of experience in the optical and ophthalmological coating industries (at the helm of optics machinery manufacturer Quantum Innovations and RLVNT eyewear), passionate angler Norm Kester had an epiphany several years ago. Why not apply many of the same optical principles to bait coatings that he applied to eyewear?The results first impressed field testers and then everyday anglers – and his uniquely-coated baits have trumped non-Mad Scientist baits on bass, walleyes, salmon, trout, panfish and saltwater species. Currently, the company offers 700+ lure and coating combinations to meet any fishing situation, to include crankbaits, jerkbaits, forward-facing sonar jigs, topwaters, and more. 
What makes the coatings so revolutionary? Pick up any Mad Scientist Tackle lure, hold it in your hand, and you will literally see the colors change depending on the angle of view. To fish, the colors and changes are even more dramatic, as the coating simultaneously radiates colors in the visible spectrum, UV spectrum, and even infrared. Far beyond old-school prism tape or simple custom paintjobs, Mad Scientist Tackle baits radiate light exactly like the scales of real-life forage. About APEX Vision Colors: Made For the Way Fish SeeAll Mad Scientist Tackle baits start off as either nude, pearl, or black base lures that are then customized through a multistage process whereby they end up in an APEX Vision coating: red, blue, green, gold, pink, natural, and cisco-colored, which is designed to mimic pelagic baitfish and radiates UV light farther than any of the company’s other coatings. And for some baits – like select topwaters and Ghost Shad – you can also choose the pattern in shadow or holographic scale application, finetuning the look.The novel coatings were developed to appeal to the way fish see, creating flashing iridescent colors in visible, UV, and infrared spectrums that attract fish from farther than ever.Here are recommendations for when to use each APEX Vision color: 
APEX +RED: Proven to entice reaction bites, Apex +RED imitates bleeding baitfish so perfectly that predatory fish can’t resist. It’s also the best choice for fishing in the green, algae blooms of late summer. 
APEX +BLUE: In stained to dark water, APEX +BLUE outperforms other colors. Thanks to the iridescent flash of the lure, fish see it in stained to murky water conditions with low light. 
APEX +GREEN: One of the best colors on any body of water, APEX +GREEN resembles young-of-the-year and other baitfish. It works best in spring and summer in clear and stained water. 
APEX +GOLD: Gold is a standard in every angler’s arsenal, but APEX +GOLD has brought fishing to a whole new level. It resembles a school of baitfish/minnows and is a great choice year ‘round in any water color. 
APEX +PINK: One of the most popular colors to attract predator fish from a distance. It works well in clear and stained water conditions. 
APEX +NATURAL: Resembles crayfish and gives off a more natural presentation, especially when fishing near rocks. It performs well in clear and stained water.
APEX +CISCO: Resembles baitfish like ciscoes/tullibee, shad, and shiners by emitting a silver reflection in sunny conditions and silhouette in darker conditions. 
SCIENCE: THE MANUFACTURING PROCESSThe manufacturing process is no small feat.“All our baits are coated using sophisticated machines designed by company founder, Norm Kester. It’s a complicated, hi-tech process, and the results are remarkable,” said Mad Scientist Tackle/RLVNT Sales Director, Pat Kalmerton.“They aren’t simply dipped, painted, or sprayed, either. Mad Scientist lures run through several steps employing different machines in the coating process. Along those lines, the science is challenging to explain, but I can tell you that in one step the baits are put in a vacuum-sealed booth that’s like being in outer space where coating elements are atomized and end up on the lure for the next steps in the manufacturing process,” added Kalmerton. Kalmerton concluded: “Not only is our manufacturing facility capable of offering over 700 distinct lure and color combinations, we are actively partnering with other lure companies to produce select runs of their premium hardbaits with our coatings. And we’re open to more. It’s all very exciting…” 





Cody Stahl weighed in 5 bass at 23.80 lbs, taking 1st place at CATT Lake Murray!

Brian Carter
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Cody Stahl weighed in 5 bass at 23.80 lbs, taking 1st place at CATT Lake Murray!

Next Lake Murray Open is June 28 at Hiltons!   6 am to 12!

Cody Stahl weighed in 5 bass at 23.80 lbs, taking 1st place at Lake Murray! Cody also weighed in the BF at 7.19 lbs!

Tyson Alvanos with 5 bass weighing 20.24 lbs good for 2nd Place!

Trent Riddle & Gunnar Franklin with a nice bag!

TeamBFWeightWinnings
Cody Stahl7.1923.80$630.00
Tyson Alvanos4.4720.24$200.00
Vernon Reynolds – Hunter Temple5.3318.49
Emmett Maynor – Karson Grubbs3.8217.84
Gunnar Franklin – Trent Friddle5.6217.39
Mark Richardson – Rhett Richardson0.000.00
Andre Morrison0.000.00
Peyton Frick – Brett Thompson0.000.00
Grant Sawyer – Carson Krell0.000.00





D.C. Does D.C.: Dustin Connell Takes Bass Fishing to Capitol Hill

Brian Carter
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D.C. Does D.C.: Dustin Connell Takes Bass Fishing to Capitol Hill
REDCREST 2025 Champion Dustin Connell with U.S. Congressman Gary Palmer, who represents Connell’s home Alabama 6th Congressional District.
WASHINGTON D.C. (June 25, 2025) – Before a single line was cast in Major League Fishing’s (MLF) Bass Pro Tour event on the Potomac River, REDCREST Champion Dustin Connell was already making waves in the nation’s capital.

On Wednesday morning, just one day before the start of Zenni Stage 6 presented by Athletic Brewing, Connell traded his rod & reel for a suit & tie and paid a visit to Capitol Hill for a meeting with Congressman Gary Palmer, who represents Alabama’s 6th District and currently serves on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

The meeting took place inside the Energy and Commerce Committee conference room at the historic Cannon House Office Building, just steps from the U.S. Capitol. Also in attendance were Connell’s full-time videographer Brett Burkes, MLF Senior Director of Communications Joe Opager, and Hope Dawson, Communications Director for Congressman Palmer.

The Alabama connection was strong from the jump. Connell, a Clanton native, and Palmer quickly hit it off discussing their shared appreciation for the outdoors, the beauty of the Coosa River, and their mutual addiction to early mornings spent hunting or fishing. Palmer, a devoted turkey hunter, even proposed a trade: “You take me fishing, and I’ll take you turkey hunting.” Connell, of course, agreed. The handshake deal was sealed then and there.

Although President Donald Trump wasn’t in Washington during Connell’s visit, he sent along something just as meaningful: a personalized, signed letter congratulating Connell on his third REDCREST title and continued success on the water. The letter, which Connell read aloud after the meeting, drew smiles and adulation from the room.

“It’s one of the coolest things I’ve ever been handed,” Connell said. “To be recognized like that by the President of the United States – it really means something.”
 
The congratulatory letter delivered to Connell from President Trump, and the custom MLF fishing jersey that was presented to Representative Palmer.
The moment that brought the biggest laugh of the day came courtesy of North Carolina Congressman David Rouzer, who popped in during the meeting to shake hands with Connell. As the conversation turned to fishing on the Potomac, Rouzer began to mention a “favorite spot” on the river – at which point Connell interrupted, smiling but very serious.

“I’m sorry sir, thank you very much – but I’m not allowed to hear that information.”

Under Bass Pro Tour rules, anglers are prohibited from intentionally receiving any information pertaining to tournament waters from a non-competitor. Connell’s quick thinking preserved his integrity and his eligibility, while also drawing a hearty laugh from everyone in the room, including Palmer.

To commemorate the occasion, Connell presented a custom MLF fishing jersey to Congressman Palmer and one for President Trump – complete with their names across the back and MLF patches on the front. Palmer held his up proudly, promising he’d wear it on his next fishing trip.

“My brother’s going to be extremely jealous,” he joked.

Though this wasn’t Connell’s first time in Washington, D.C., he said it felt like his first time really experiencing it.

“I visited the White House when I was a kid,” Connell recalled. “My dad actually worked on replacing a lot of the bulletproof glass in the building, and I got to tag along for a tour. I even got to see the Oval Office. But back then I didn’t really understand how special that was. Coming back now, after all these years, with the perspective I have – it just hits different.”

And while Connell is laser-focused on fishing this week, he admitted the morning on Capitol Hill sparked something unexpected.

“I’ve always just wanted to fish, but after today, I’m like… maybe politics isn’t totally off the table,” he said, half-joking. “I mean, I’d have to run as the pro-fishing candidate, right?”

The meeting with Congressman Palmer was much more than a photo op. It represented something bigger: a sign of how far the sport of professional bass fishing has come – and where it’s going next.

Connell, now a three-time REDCREST Champion and one of the sport’s all-time top money winners, continues to be one of MLF’s most visible ambassadors. His visit to the Capitol – handshakes, jokes, jerseys and all – showed that professional anglers can hold their own not just on the water, but on the national stage.

As Congressman Palmer said before leaving the room: “You don’t have to be on a football field to make Alabama proud.”

And proud, they are.

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.





Culter Wooten & Peyton McAndrew Win LU Bass SML Summer Shootout

Brian Carter
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Culter Wooten & Peyton McAndrew Win LU Bass SML Summer Shootout

Another fun tournament yesterday, thank you everyone for coming out! Congratulations to Cutler and Peyton on an excellent bag for a 3 fish limit!

1st ? Cutler Wooten & Peyton Mcandrew: 15.25lbs
2nd ?Nick Poe & Jason Neighbors: 11.05lbs and big fish 6.70lbs
3rd ?Jacob Hicks & Johnny Hicks: 10.50lbs

See y’all next week! Registration at the Oak Grove public ramp starts at 6 am.





Robby Norvill & Norman Mullinax make it 2 in a row on the SENC CATT Trail with 5 bass weighing 15.85 lbs!

Brian Carter
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Robby Norvill & Norman Mullinax make it 2 in a row on the SENC CATT Trail with 5 bass weighing 15.85 lbs!

Next SENC Qualifier, which is the last one is July 19th on the Cape Fear River!

Robby Norvill & Norman Mullinax make it 2 in a row on the SENC Trail with 5 bass weighing 15.85 lbs!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Norman Mullinax – Robby Norvill3.9415.85$880.00110
Jesse Strickland – Jack Mady5.6013.64$420.00109
Wilbur Westbrook – Jimmy Roughton0.0013.44108
Chris Prosser – Seth Smith0.0012.23107
Jeremy Byrd – Chris Hall0.0011.06106
Hunter Capps0.009.91105
Mark Lamb – Rob Griswold0.009.50104
Michael McDonald – Cody Thompson0.008.94103
Jason Clark – Kris Corbett0.008.86102
Mitch Garner  & Jody Sykes0.008.22101
Jerry Taylor – James Gibbons0.004.36100
Chris Gainey – Hayden Beaver0.000.0090
Total Entrys$1,440.00
BONUS $$200.00
Total Paid At Ramp$1,300.00
SENC Spring Final Fund$220.00
CATT$50.00
2025 CATT Championship Fund$50.00
2025 SENC Spring Final Fund Total$1,320.00





Jeff & Jacob Norris win the last Summer CATT Lake Wateree Qualifier with 5 bass weighing 18.27 lbs!

Brian Carter
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Jeff & Jacob Norris win the last Summer CATT Lake Wateree Qualifier with 5 bass weighing 18.27 lbs!

Next up is the Lake Wateree Summer Final June 28th! If you entered 1 Summer Qualifier, you’re eligible to enter!

Johnny Barfield & Justin Barfield win the Summer points and will fish the Final Free!

Jeff & Jacob Norris win the last Summer Qualifier with 5 bass weighing 18.27 lbs!

Bubba & Colden Baker 2nd with 13.51 lbs!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Jeff Norris & Jacob Norris3.8618.27$550.00110
Bubba Baker & Colden Baker3.3513.51$415.00109
Johnny Barfield & Justin Barfield3.6212.72$160.00108
Chad Rabon & Walt Almond2.6312.37107
Ray Dowey & Chanon Dowey3.8911.94$110.00106
Jess Williams & Mark Healon3.7611.88105
Daniel Barrick3.539.60104
Chad Gainey & Mack Kitchens2.538.39103
Steve Phillips & Randall Bock0.000.0093
Brett Collins0.000.0093
Butch Williams & Max Price0.000.0093
Total Entrys$880.00
BONUS $$625.00
Total Paid At Ramp$1,235.00
CATT$50.00
2025 Wateree Summer Final Fund$170.00
2026 CATT Championship Fund$50.00
2025 Wateree Summer Fund Total$845.00





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