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Phillip Smith & Lonnie Whitfield Win CATT Kerr Lake, VA Spring Final April 21, 2024

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We paid back $10,300.00 at the 2024 Kerr Lake Spring Final and the total payback this Spring at Kerr was $39,425.00! Thanks for fishing guy!

The 2024 CATT Academy Championship is May 18-19, 2024! $10,000 1st Place GAURANTEED! Tap on this link!

Phillip Smith & Lonnie Whitfield weighed in 5 bass at 17.83 lbs along with the BF at 4.65 lbs taking 1st Place and collecting $4,040.00!

David Owen finished 2nd with 16.85 lbs and took home $2,160.00.

Kerr Spring Trail Point Winners! Kenny Wilson – David Mathews

Top 3 Kerr Lake Point Teams!

1st – Kenny Wilson – David Mathews    $1,000 PLUS Free Entry at the Final!

2nd – Randy Waterman – Donnie Avant   $500

3rd – Jay Fogleman – Dave Stallings   $250

TeamBFWeightWinnings
Lonnie Whitfield – Phillip Smith4.6517.83$4,040.00
David Owen4.4516.85$2,160.00
Eric Christian – Ken Minor0.0014.46$1,320.00
Matthew Little – Derek Bowden0.0013.42$750.00
Donnie Avant – Randy Waterman0.0012.73$1000.00
Bryson Peed – Mike Corbishley0.0012.50$450.00
Logan Thornton – David Jenkins0.0012.10$400.00
Ben Hudson – Robert Hudson0.0011.89$300.00
David Farrington – Jerry Bono0.0011.83$200.00
Jay Fogleman – Doug Stallings0.0011.66$430.00
Marty Warren – Zach Smith0.0011.56
Michael Burr0.0011.46
Jason Houchins – Danny Houchins0.0011.29
Will Nash0.0011.22
Emmitt R Whitby – Monte Allman0.0011.01
Jason Lloyd – Bucky Duffer0.0010.71
James Condrey – Jimmy Condrey0.0010.60
Michael Stewart – Buck Clark3.8110.46
Mitch Garner – Billy Shelton4.0310.12
Kenny Wilson – David Mathews0.009.94$1,000.00
Tony Tombs – Bryan Calloway0.009.94
David Bullock – Jimmy Henderson0.009.92
Marty Stone – JT Stone0.009.86
Michael Dikun – Jenny Li0.008.81
Tim Tait – Wayne Andrews0.008.01
Chuck Morton – Mike Riggs0.000.00
Eddie Fore0.000.00
Kris Goin0.000.00
Scottie Melton – Shawn Smith0.000.00
Jeff Hodges – Lynn Fox0.000.00
Matt Harrison0.000.00
Eddie Glascock – Billy Dunn0.000.00
Scott Canady – Glenn Elliott0.000.00
Donald Coleman0.000.00
Tyler Trent – Ricky Trent0.000.00
Bobby Overby – Tony Milan0.000.00
Shannon Breeding – Ricky Bomag0.000.00
Ben Dalton0.000.00
Johnny Wilder – Mike Harris0.000.00
Travis Owen – Mark Herndon0.000.00
Kevin Hayslett – Tim Nobles0.000.00
Brandon Grey – Robert Perkins0.000.00
Andy Thomas0.000.00
Aaron Falwell – Steven Coleman0.000.00
Tate Fogleman – Seth Ellis0.000.00
Damon Brock0.000.00
Brian Welch – Mark Inman0.000.00
Tony Staney – Chase Stanley0.000.00
Tommy Marrow – Dennis Reedy0.000.00
Jonathan Rhew – Roger Clary0.000.00
Gary Stallings – Ricky Grant0.000.00
Justin Rhew – Mike Rhew0.000.00



Johnny Kendrick & Brian Trentham Win CATT Lake Chesdin, VA April 21, 2024

Next Pamunkey River series event is May 25 at Mattaponi!

Johnny Kendrick & Brian Trentham Lake Chesdin with 5 bass weighing 18.89 lbs!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Johnny Kendrick – Brian Trentham4.9318.89$500.00110
Harvey Reese4.7618.61109
Jared Williams – Alex Richard5.7116.92$50.00108
Chris Roberts – Dillon Roberts4.8016.39107
Justin Smith – Rico Senegal2.517.53106
Total Entrys$600.00
BONUS $$100.00
Total Paid At Ramp$550.00
2024 Pamunkey Spring Final Fund$75.00
CATT$0.00
2024 CATT Championship$75.00
2024 Pamunkey Spring Fund Total$785.00



“World’s Greatest Fishing Auction” Now Open

MN-FISH’s On-line auction includes include trips with legendary anglers, resort stays, world-class tackle and much more. Bidding ends May 2!
Rogers, Minn. (April 25, 2024) — MN-FISH’s popular “World’s Greatest” online auction of fishing adventures, resort vacation stays and products is now open. More than 40 items are up for bid, and new items are being added daily.Hosted by the nonprofit MN-FISH Sportfishing Foundation and Coalition, the 14-day online auction closes at 7 pm CST on Thursday May 2nd. Auction items may be drooled over and bids placed at the MN-FISH.COM Auction page
MN-FISH executive director Mark Holsten said the auction is one of the nonprofit’s most important fundraising efforts of the year. It allows MN-FISH to continue its mission working to protect and improve fishing in Minnesota. Last year, MN-FISH successfully pushed for more than $98 million dollars in state funding to upgrade Minnesota’s aging hatchery system, improve public boat access sites statewide, and enhance shore-fishing opportunities in key urban areas. 
“This year, we are working to stop invasive carp from moving up the Mississippi River, fighting the potential loss of key public waters, and continuing our efforts to rebuild the critical St. Paul fish hatchery, which not only helps maintain fishing in key metro waters, but could also serve as a research and education center for the public. But our most important role is monitoring potential regulation changes that affect all anglers.” “Our work has the support of state anglers, which is why so many legendary personalities have donated fishing adventures to this year’s auction,” said Ron Schara, MN-FISH president. “We have more than 30 trips from anglers including Al Lindner, Babe Winkelman, Dave Genz, Tony Roach, Jason Mitchell and many others. Who doesn’t want to share a boat with these anglers.” 
“The auction includes fishing adventures or vacation stays on waters across Minnesota, as well as the Dakotas and Canada,” said MN-FISH secretary Steve Pennaz. “There’s also some great tackle from manufacturers including Abu Garcia, Rapala, DAIWA, and Zebco, as well as equipment from Milwaukee Tool.”Fishing is big business in Minnesota, generating $4.4 billion annually in economic impact and about $300 million in state taxes. MN-FISH is working to increase reinvestment back into the state’s vital fisheries. This auction represents the outdoors industry giving back to the state’s diverse angler make-up by giving them the chance to win once-in-a-lifetime fishing experiences, besides resort stays and products.  
GO TO LIVE AUCTION



Woody & White Win 5 Alive/ ALTEC Trail Qualifier #3 Mayo Lake 4/20/2024

We had the 3rd Qualifer of the ALTEC Guaranteed $7000.00 Trail last Saturday at Mayo Lake. Shockingly the weather was actually great!

🤷‍♂️

Want to start off by saying THANK YOU to everyone that came out and fished with us Saturday!
We had 47 teams show up on Saturday. The fishing was good but the good fish didn’t want to cooperate for everyone. When it was all over at the end of the weigh in it was the team of Austin Woody & Adam White that stood at the top. Rite where they have been for 3 straight weeks at Mayo Lake. They brought in a 5 fish limit weighing 18.03 pounds. That earned them a total of $2150.00. They have definitely proven that they are King at the present time at Mayo Lake. Great Job Guys!!
They were followed by the team of Pearson & Reynolds with a bag weighing 17.55 pounds anchored by a 5.89 pound fish that also won them Big Fish for the tournament. That earned them a total of  $1320.00.Good Job Guys!!
There was also 5 drawings at the end of the tournament for the fishermen. Our Title sponsor ALTEC give a 20v Dewalt battery drill set to be drawn out. There was a drawing for 1 of the NASTY Lure jerk baits by KC Chokusall ( also 1 of our sponsors) and 5 Alive Team Trail gave four $25 bass Pro Gift Cards to be drawn. Unfortunately I didn’t get the names to all the winners of the drawings.Sorry about that!
Want say Congratulations to everyone that placed in the money and won a prize!!!

Our next Qualifier will be at Kerr Lake – Flemingtown Ramp on 6/8/2024.

We are having the 3rd tournament of the Foundations Xperts Kerr Trail this Sunday 4/28/2024 at Kerr Lake – Ivy Hill Boat Ramp.  We will be blasting off at 6:30 am Sunday.

If anyone wants to pre register for any of these tournaments you can contact me Kevin Sheppard at 336-264-8416 and I will get you the information you need to make it happen!

Thanks and hope to see yall at the next one!!

Results!
1st. Woody & White – 18.03 pounds- $2150.00 TWT
2nd. Pearson & Reynolds- 17.55 pounds- $1320.00-
TWT
3rd.Ballard & Stamps – 17.06 pounds – $450.00
4th. Mayton & Patterson- 16.72 pounds- $925.00 TWT
5th. Overby & Milam – 16.25 pounds- $500.00 TWT
6th. Strickland & Mister – 16.16 pounds- $200.00
7th. Aidan Fine  – 15.32 pounds- $110.00
8th. Green & Wiles – 15.17 pounds
9th. Hall & Carter – 15.02 pounds
10th. Whicker & Joyce – 14.56 pounds

Big Fish
Pearson & Reynolds- 5.89 pounds -$470.00



Lake Havasu Readies to Host MLF Toyota Series Western Division Presented by Tackle Warehouse 

LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. (April 25, 2024) – Lake Havasu City, Arizona is set to host the Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats next week, May 2-4, for the second event of the 2024 Western Division Presented by Tackle Warehouse – the Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats at Lake Havasu.

The three-day bass-fishing tournament, hosted by Go Lake Havasu, will feature a roster of the region’s best bass-fishing pros and Strike King co-anglers competing for a top prize of up to $75,000 in the pro division and a new Phoenix 518 Pro boat with a 115-horsepower outboard motor in the co-angler division.

“Lake Havasu is a great fishery – the most diverse lake on the Colorado River chain – and I know they’re going to catch them in this one,” said Bass Pro Tour angler Dean Rojas who resides in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. “Right now it’s the end of the spawn – most of the fish are already into their postspawn patterns and the fishing has been pretty good.

“This time of year on Havasu is a lot of fun. You can catch them almost any way you want to, both smallmouth and largemouth,” Rojas continued. “I think the tournament will probably be won weighing in all largemouth, but it would not surprise me at all to see a couple of guys in the top five that have mixed bags or limits that include three or four big smallmouth.”

With the lake fishing so freely right now, Rojas expects to see a variety of different tactics in play by competitors.

“We’re going to see a wide variety. Some guys will be throwing swimbaits, others will be using drop-shot rigs. I think we’ll see some jigs. And the flipping bite has been known to be pretty good this time of the year. You can do a lot of different things there, but the key is going to be finding the right areas and fishing to your strengths.”

When the Toyota Series last visited Lake Havasu in February of 2023, San Clemente, California pro Todd Kline was the only angler to weigh more than 60 pounds over the three days of competition, and won the event with a total of 60-14. Rojas said that he thinks the early May event will be very similar weight-wise in this postspawn event.

“It took 19 pounds to win a team tournament here last weekend, so the lake is fishing strong,” Rojas said. “It’s not the best it has ever fished, but it is certainly doing well. A lot of factors depend on the water fluctuations, but I think the three-day winner next week catches between 58 to 64 pounds.”

Anglers will launch at 6 a.m. MT each day from Windsor Beach at Lake Havasu State Park, located at 699 London Bridge Road in Lake Havasu City. Weigh-ins will also be held at Windsor Beach and will begin at 2 p.m. each day. Fans are welcome to attend and encouraged to follow the event online through the “MLF Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

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

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

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

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




MLF Announces Launch of New Multi-Year Sponsorship and Licensing Partnership with REDCON1

Premium sports nutrition brand REDCON1 secures exclusive partnership as the Official Energy Drink & Sports Nutrition partner of MLF and will also serve as the presenting sponsor of Bass Pro Tour Stage Four at Lake Eufaula

BENTON, Ky. (April 25, 2024) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, and REDCON1, a premier supplement and energy brand for people who demand the most out of their workout and workday, announced a multi-year sponsorship and licensing partnership that brings together category leaders in the fishing and outdoors space and the booming supplement and protein energy industry.  

REDCON1 will become the Official Energy Drink, Official Protein Bar, Official Protein Powder, and Official Pre-Workout of MLF, integrating the premier supplement provider into a wide range of MLF media and tournament assets, including television and livestream broadcasts. REDCON1 will also be the presenting sponsor of MillerTech Stage Four at Lake Eufaula Presented by REDCON1, held April 30-May 5 in Eufaula, Oklahoma.

The exclusive partnership comes on the heels of REDCON1’s February announcement that Hall of Fame two-sport athlete Super Bowl Champion, and Division 1 college football head coach Deion Sanders had taken an ownership stake in the company. REDCON1 and “Coach Prime” have been developing a Prime Time-inspired line of products, which will debut with an energy drink.

REDCON1 will also license the MLF logo and brand on products in retail locations around the country.

“This multi-year partnership with REDCON1 is designed to raise the bar for both of our brands,” said MLF Vice President of Sponsorship and Business Development Michael Mulone. “Aaron Singerman and Coach Prime are building REDCON1 into the best premium energy and sports nutrition brand on the planet. With their strong presence in retailers nationwide and MLF’s brand-loyal audience, this sponsorship is a massive win for both companies. Whether you’re on the boat, working out or just working hard, REDCON1 should be every fishing fan’s first choice for an energy drink or protein supplement.”

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Major League Fishing. As MLF’s Official Energy Drink and Sports Nutrition partner, we are excited to support the high-performance lifestyle of anglers everywhere—whether they’re at the lake, on the road, or in the gym. At REDCON1, readiness isn’t just a core value; it’s our mission,” stated Aaron Singerman, Founder of REDCON1.

In addition to the extensive broadcast presence at Stage Four, REDCON1 will receive prominent exposure across all MLF circuits, including the Bass Pro Tour and as a sponsor of all MLF5 tournaments, and the General Tire Team Series (which will be livestreamed for the first time this season). REDCON1 will be featured in all MLF media platforms, including tournaments and activations, website and social media channels, MLF Bass Fishing magazine and television programming on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) and Rumble.

The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the action at MillerTech Stage Four at Lake Eufaula Presented by REDCON1 live on the final two days of the Qualifying Rounds, the Knockout Round and the Championship Round of competition. MLFNOW!® is livestreamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app and Rumble.

Television coverage of MillerTech Stage Four at Lake Eufaula Presented by REDCON1 will premiere as a two-hour episode on Discovery starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Oct. 12, with the Championship Round premiering on Saturday, Oct. 19. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on Outdoor Channel.

For additional information about MLF, its tournaments and sponsors, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. To learn more about REDCON1 and its complete line of energy drinks, protein bars, protein powders and pre-workout supplements, visit REDCON1.com.



Jake & John Murdock Win CATT Roanoke Rapids Lake, NC April 21, 2024

Next Spring CATT on the Roanoke River Lake is May 26!

Jake & John Murdock win the Roanoke Rapids Lake with 5 bass weighing 21.08 lbs!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Jake Murdock John Murdock5.0821.08$500.00110
Dennis Bradley Allen Mitchell0.0019.04$140.00109
Bryan Edwards Kent Edwards5.7418.54$90.00108
Robby Butler Michael Midgett4.5816.14107
Tyler Dix Hunter Sainato0.0015.68106
Cory Byrum Scott White0.0015.36105
Cort Garner Miles Garner0.0014.38104
Shane Doughtie Evan White0.0013.28103
Michael Pembleton0.000.0093
Total Entrys$720.00
BONUS $$200.00
Total Paid At Ramp$730.00
2024 Roanoke Rapids Spring Final Fund$165.00
CATT$0.00
2024 CATT Championship Fund$25.00
2024 Roanoke Rapids  Spring Final Fund Total$700.00



Christian Johnson Wins CATT Lake Norman, NC Open April 20, 2024

Next Lake Norman Open is April 27th at Pinnacle!

Here are the results from Saturday’s CATT Open on Lake Norman. We had 19 boats in the field with 16 weighing in and 2 6+ LBS largemouth were brought to the scales. Top three were paid…here are the results:

In third place with a total 5 fish bag weighing 13.75 LBS was to solo fisherman Tj Murphy Jr who also brought in one of the two six plus pounders to me as well weighing in at 6.47 LBS as the first fish weighed in. He would be outdone later in the weigh in. TJ won a check for $105.00 for his efforts.

The BIG FISH that overtook the 6.47 LBS pig was delivered to me by Mr. Jason Padgett who added another quarter pound to the equation with a 6.75 LBS HOG. This earned Jason a check for $90.00.

2nd place went to the duo of Scott Hamrick and Roger Hoover who brought me 5 very alive fish weighing in at 15.63 LBS and a big fish weigh in matching the date of 4.20 LBS. The second-place finish earned them a check for $210.00. They also won the 2nd place, $50 side pot for an additional $250.00 for a total payday of $460.00.

Our winner for the day was our last fisherman to the scales who brought to the tent a bag of 5 fish weighing in at a robust 15.96 LBS. That fisherman was soloist Christian Johnson who earned a check for the 1st place finish in the amount of $370.00. Christian also participated in both side pots for checks in the amount of $450.00 for the $25 side pot and $550.00 for the $50 side pot for a total day’s earnings of $1,370.00. Congratulations Christian and thank you to EVERYONE who came out.

CATT Lake Norman will be back at it next weekend out of PINNACLE LANDING / 150 bridge access. The cost is $60.00 per boat with two optional $25 and $50 side pots. We will be posting up in the parking lot between 4:30 and 5 AM for registration (you can also register on-line @ https://www.cattteamtrail.com/ Launch is anticipated at 6:30 AM accompanied by a 3 PM return.

Have a wonderful and safe week everyone!

TEAMBFWEIGHTWINNINGS
CHRISTIAN JOHNSON0.0015.96$1,370.00
SCOTT HAMRICK & ROGER HOOVER4.2015.63$460.00
TJ MURPHY6.4713.47$105.00
ADAM PARKER & JEFF QUEEN0.0013.23$90.00
ROB DIGH & BRYAN THRIFT0.0013.03
JASON EAKER & MIKE SEAWRIGHT0.0012.62
SHANE SHARPE & WILL MITCHELL0.0012.34
TITUS WARD & TIM WARD3.8211.25
GREG SIMS & STEPHEN S.0.0011.10
LUKE CLARK0.0010.62
TONY COLACURCIO0.0010.17
JEFF NICHOLS & TIMOTHY PENNINGER0.0010.15
DAVID CALBERT & BILL CARUTHERS0.009.31
DJ TROJANOWSKI & LEWIS0.007.84
JASON PADGETT0.006.75
TIM WADDELL & MARK BESHEARS0.000.00
DANIEL RAY0.000.00
BP HURDING & ERIC TRESSEL0.000.00
WILL HAMMOND & WILL H.0.000.00



How Far is Too Far? The Controversy Surrounding Forward-Facing Sonar in Professional Bass Fishing

AI Photo

How Far is Too Far? The Controversy Surrounding Forward-Facing Sonar in Professional Bass Fishing

Forward-Facing Sonar (FFS) has caused quite a stir in the world of professional bass fishing. Pro anglers have been vocal about their opinions on this new technology, and even industry legends like Hank Parker have joined the conversation. However, what is truly concerning is the backlash and rebuttal these anglers have faced from their peers. With all this drama, one cannot help but wonder when it will end and what the future holds for the sport. Will it improve? Only time will reveal the answer.

The introduction of FFS has completely transformed the way professional anglers approach their craft. This innovative technology provides a multitude of benefits that cannot be ignored. One of the primary advantages is the enhanced accuracy it offers in locating fish. With real-time visuals, anglers can now pinpoint the exact whereabouts of fish, giving them a distinct advantage in targeting specific areas. This level of precision elevates their fishing game and raises their chances of success in tournaments.

Efficiency is another key benefit of FFS. Anglers can swiftly eliminate unproductive waters without even casting a single line. This efficiency helps proficient FFS users consistently locate fish, making the most of their time on the water. By rapidly identifying unproductive areas, these anglers can focus their efforts on more promising fishing grounds, increasing their chances of a fruitful catch.

The technological edge that FFS brings to the table is undeniably enticing for many anglers. It uncovers underwater structures, reveals fish behavior, and sheds light on optimal bait presentations. Previously hidden insights now come to the forefront, allowing anglers to adapt their strategies based on real-time data. This newfound knowledge can be a game-changer, potentially propelling anglers to victory in fiercely competitive bass fishing tournaments.

However, the introduction of FFS has not come without controversy. One of the main concerns raised is the potential overreliance on technology. Skeptics argue that anglers may become too dependent on FFS, neglecting traditional techniques that have stood the test of time. The fear is that this over-reliance could diminish the significance of skills honed through years of experience and understanding of the sport.

Unequal access to FFS is another worrisome issue. Not all anglers have the financial means or resources to acquire this technology, which comes with a hefty price tag. This creates an uneven playing field, where those who can afford FFS gain a considerable advantage over their competitors. The fairness of the sport is called into question, with some anglers having greater opportunities to excel solely due to their access to technology.

Additionally, the broad adoption of FFS has the potential to diminish the diversity of techniques observed in professional bass fishing. Traditional methods that have long been the bedrock of the sport are gradually being replaced by this new technology. Fans of the sport may miss the variety of approaches that once made tournaments intriguing and captivating. The heritage and traditions of bass fishing could be at risk of being overshadowed by these technological advancements.

The controversy surrounding FFS and the division between anglers show no signs of fading away anytime soon. The future of professional bass fishing remains uncertain, with questions lingering about the long-term consequences of this technology. Will the sport be better off? Only time can definitively answer that question.

In conclusion, the introduction of Forward-Facing Sonar has generated a whirlwind of debate in the world of professional bass fishing. While FFS offers undeniable benefits such as enhanced accuracy, efficiency, and a technological edge, concerns arise over the potential over-reliance on technology, unequal access, and the loss of traditional fishing techniques. The ongoing drama surrounding FFS raises questions about the future of the sport. Will it ultimately improve or face challenges as a result of these advancements? Only time will provide the answers we seek.



MLF Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Set to Close Out Central Division Season with event at Lake Chickamauga

DAYTON, Tenn. (April 24, 2024) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats is set to return to the Dayton Boat Dock in Dayton, Tennessee, next week, May 2-4, for the third and final event of the 2024 Central division – the Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats at Lake Chickamauga.

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

“I’ve been looking forward to this one for some time,” said local pro Seth Davis of Dayton, Tennessee, who finished second in this tournament in two of the last three Toyota Series visits to Lake Chickamauga. “I’ve got a lot going on in my life – we just got done building a house, we’re having a baby next month – but I’ve told my wife for the past few weeks, I am working for this one. I am thirsty, and I want to win! Map study, graphing, looking, finding grass, just staying in tune with the lake. I may not catch a keeper on Day 1, but I’m doing everything I can to give myself a shot.”

Davis said that this tournament, like most, will be largely weather dependent. The water levels on Lake Chickamauga are down a little bit, and with the TVA in the process of raising the lake, he doesn’t expect much current to be generated.

“The majority of the fish will be in spawn and postspawn patterns,” Davis said. “We’ve already had a wave or two spawn, so there potentially could be some fish already offshore. It would not surprise me one bit if this tournament is won either completely dedicated deep or dedicated shallow.

“The sleeper this year is that there are some areas with pretty good grass,” Davis continued. “It’s pretty healthy right now, and if a guy finds the right patch or two he could definitely catch some big bass just dragging stuff around the grass. It’s Lake Chickamauga and there are giants that live here.”

Davis said that he expects the three-day winner to bring three limits of bass to the scale in the mid-50-pound range.

“It’s still one of the best lakes in the country, but it’s fishing just a little finicky right now. Local tournaments are taking in the low 20s to win right now, so I’m going to be surprised if it takes more than 60 pounds. I think if a guy hits the mid-50s, he’ll be right there at the end with a shot to win.”

Anglers will launch at 6:30 a.m. CT each day from the Dayton Boat Dock, located at 175 Lakeshore Drive in Dayton. Weigh-ins will also be held at the Dayton Boat Dock and will begin at 2:30 p.m. each day. Fans are welcome to attend and encouraged to follow the event online through the “MLF Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

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

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

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

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