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Early kicker buoys Howell’s lead in Bassmaster Elite at Lake Hartwell
Alabama’s Randy Howell takes the Day 1 lead at the Whataburger Bassmaster Elite at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, S.C., with a weight of 21-11.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
April 24, 2025
Early kicker buoys Howell’s lead in Bassmaster Elite at Lake Hartwell
ANDERSON, S.C. — Randy Howell did not know how his day would start, but he definitely knew where it would start.
Capitalizing on a key practice discovery, the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series pro from Guntersville, Ala., made the most of his early plan and laid the foundation for a five-bass limit of 21 pounds, 11 ounces that leads Day 1 of the Whataburger Bassmaster Elite at Lake Hartwell.
Heading into Friday’s second round of competition, the 2014 Bassmaster Classic champion leads Japanese sensation Kyoya Fujita by 1-2. Howell anchored his leading bag with a 7-pound, 15-ounce largemouth.
“I found that big fish on a bed in practice and shook her off on a green pumpkin purple/green Senko — I had my hook point cut off,” Howell said. “This morning, I lined up on it with my GPS and caught her on my first cast.
“A big fish on any lake in this game is huge, but man, 6-pounders are usually (considered) big here. So, to catch a (nearly) 8-pounder here — definitely, God is blessing me.”
Howell said his strong start has put a much-needed gust of wind in his sails.
“I really needed a good tournament,” Howell said. “I had two 57th places back to back (Pasquotank River and Lake Okeechobee) and I started with a bomb in the first Elite event (St. Johns River), so I have to climb my way out of a hole.
“Today was the first day that I just had that smooth momentum; everything went right.”
Howell said that surge of confidence fueled what would turn out to be a stellar day.
“After that big fish, the rest of the day got better because I already had that fish as a kicker,” Howell said. “This was one of the days you dream about.”
After boating his big bed fish, Howell caught the 1 1/4-pound male. From there, he moved to the main lake and filled his limit by throwing a Livingston Walking Boss for bass that were schooling on the blueback herring spawn.
“I had a decent limit, so that gave me the ability to relax, take my time and just fish slow,” he said. “I just went around the bedding areas and caught cruising fish and bed fish on that same color Senko. I culled out everything but that big fish.”
Noting that he’ll likely continue the same game plan on Day 2, Howell said the first round exceeded his expectations.
“My goal today was to catch 20 pounds, and I caught 21-11,” Howell said. “That was the biggest bag I’ve ever caught on Hartwell. I’ve had some good Classics here in the past.
“This is the first time I’ve been back here in a while. I love this lake and I’m looking forward to getting back out there and keeping it rolling.”
Hailing from Yamanashi, Japan, Fujita is in second place with 20-9. The versatile angler caught his quality shallow and his quantity in deeper water.
“I fished the bank for cruising largemouth and I fished offshore for spotted bass,” Fujita said. “I caught (several) spotted bass on a jighead minnow with a Jackall Drift Fry and a Deps Sakamata Shad.
“I caught two big largemouth — 6-pounder and 4 1/2 — on a Jackall Vividus Gill swimbait. I was fishing the swimbait slow.”
Forecasting his second-day’s game plan, Fujita said: “Tomorrow, I’ll try to catch big spots. Today, I caught 3- and 3 1/2-pound spotted bass, so I’ll try to catch bigger ones (on Day 2).”
Paul Marks of Cumming, Ga., is in third place with 19-7. His day was comprised of alternating sessions of shallow and deep patterns.
“I could go offshore and fish the main lake for herring-spawn fish and it was pretty much nonstop,” Marks said. “Once I got a good bag, I went and bed fished and caught a big one that I’d found yesterday (in practice).
“After that, I went back out and culled three times. I finished my day bed fishing. I found a couple of big ones that I couldn’t get to bite. We’ll see if they’ll bite tomorrow.”
Marks said his opening-round limit was comprised of two bed fish and three that he caught while targeting the herring spawn.
Howell is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 7-15.
Jay Przekurat of Plover, Wis., leads the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings with 369 points. Lee Livesay of Longview, Texas, is in second place with 344 points, followed by Will Davis Jr of Sylacauga, Ala., with 343, Shane Lehew of Catawba, N.C., with 334, and Bill Lowen of Brookville, Ind., with 331.
Marks leads the Dakota Lithium Elite Series Rookie of the Year standings with 282 points.
Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. ET at Green Pond Landing. The weigh-in will be held at the Landing at 3 p.m.
Bassmaster LIVE coverage of the 2025 Whataburger Bassmaster Elite at Lake Hartwell will be available on Bassmaster.com on Day 2 starting at 8 a.m. ET and ending at 3 p.m. and will also be on Roku Sports from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Semifinal Saturday and Championship Sunday action can be seen on FS1 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. before moving to Bassmaster.com in the afternoon.
2025 Whataburger Bassmaster Elite at Lake Hartwell 4/24-4/27
Lake Hartwell, Anderson SC.
Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 5 21-11 104 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-11
2. Kyoya Fujita Yamanashi CA JAPAN 5 20-09 103
Day 1: 5 20-09
3. Paul Marks Cumming, GA 5 19-07 102
Day 1: 5 19-07
4. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 5 18-15 101
Day 1: 5 18-15
4. Jay Przekurat Plover, WI 5 18-15 101
Day 1: 5 18-15
6. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 5 18-12 99
Day 1: 5 18-12
6. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 5 18-12 99
Day 1: 5 18-12
6. Wesley Gore Clanton, AL 5 18-12 99
Day 1: 5 18-12
9. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 5 18-11 96
Day 1: 5 18-11
10. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 5 18-03 95
Day 1: 5 18-03
11. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 5 17-15 94
Day 1: 5 17-15
12. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 5 17-14 93
Day 1: 5 17-14
12. Jordan Lee Cullman, AL 5 17-14 93
Day 1: 5 17-14
14. Patrick Walters Eutawville, SC 5 17-11 91
Day 1: 5 17-11
15. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 5 17-10 90
Day 1: 5 17-10
15. Trey McKinney Carbondale, IL 5 17-10 90
Day 1: 5 17-10
17. Easton Fothergill Grand Rapids , MN 5 17-06 88
Day 1: 5 17-06
18. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 17-05 87
Day 1: 5 17-05
19. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 5 17-02 86
Day 1: 5 17-02
20. John Cox Debary, FL 5 17-00 85
Day 1: 5 17-00
21. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 5 16-14 84
Day 1: 5 16-14
22. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 5 16-11 83
Day 1: 5 16-11
23. Cody Meyer Eagle, ID 5 16-05 82
Day 1: 5 16-05
24. Tucker Smith Birmingham, AL 5 16-04 81
Day 1: 5 16-04
25. Cole Sands Johnson City, TN 5 16-03 80
Day 1: 5 16-03
26. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 5 16-03 79
Day 1: 5 16-03
27. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 5 16-02 78
Day 1: 5 16-02
28. Bryan New Leesville, SC 5 16-00 77
Day 1: 5 16-00
29. Kyle Patrick Cooperstown, NY 5 15-14 76
Day 1: 5 15-14
30. Cory Johnston Otonabee CANADA 5 15-13 75
Day 1: 5 15-13
30. Emil Wagner Marietta, GA 5 15-13 75
Day 1: 5 15-13
32. Will Davis Jr Sylacauga, AL 5 15-12 73
Day 1: 5 15-12
33. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 5 15-11 72
Day 1: 5 15-11
34. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 5 15-10 71
Day 1: 5 15-10
34. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 5 15-10 71
Day 1: 5 15-10
36. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 5 15-09 69
Day 1: 5 15-09
37. Kyle Norsetter Cottage Grove, WI 5 15-08 68
Day 1: 5 15-08
38. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 5 15-07 67
Day 1: 5 15-07
38. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 5 15-07 67
Day 1: 5 15-07
40. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 5 14-15 65
Day 1: 5 14-15
40. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 5 14-15 65
Day 1: 5 14-15
40. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 5 14-15 65
Day 1: 5 14-15
43. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 5 14-13 62
Day 1: 5 14-13
44. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 5 14-12 61
Day 1: 5 14-12
45. Taku Ito Dalton GA JAPAN 5 14-11 60
Day 1: 5 14-11
45. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 5 14-11 60
Day 1: 5 14-11
47. Logan Parks Auburn, AL 5 14-09 58
Day 1: 5 14-09
48. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 5 14-08 57
Day 1: 5 14-08
49. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 5 14-07 56
Day 1: 5 14-07
49. Buddy Gross Chattanooga, TN 5 14-07 56
Day 1: 5 14-07
51. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 5 14-06 54
Day 1: 5 14-06
52. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 5 14-05 53
Day 1: 5 14-05
52. Timothy Dube Nashua , NH 5 14-05 53
Day 1: 5 14-05
54. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 5 14-04 51
Day 1: 5 14-04
55. Evan Kung Pickering Ontario CANAD 5 14-03 50
Day 1: 5 14-03
55. Andrew Loberg Guntersville, AL 5 14-03 50
Day 1: 5 14-03
57. Jason Christie Dry Creek, OK 5 14-02 48
Day 1: 5 14-02
58. Ben Milliken Omaha, NE 5 14-01 47
Day 1: 5 14-01
58. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 5 14-01 47
Day 1: 5 14-01
58. Kyle Welcher Valley, AL 5 14-01 47
Day 1: 5 14-01
61. Wes Logan Springville, AL 5 14-00 44
Day 1: 5 14-00
62. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 5 13-15 43
Day 1: 5 13-15
62. Robert Gee Knoxville, TN 5 13-15 43
Day 1: 5 13-15
64. Beau Browning Hot Springs National Pa 5 13-10 41
Day 1: 5 13-10
64. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 5 13-10 41
Day 1: 5 13-10
66. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 5 13-09 39
Day 1: 5 13-09
67. Dakota Ebare Brookeland, TX 5 13-08 38
Day 1: 5 13-08
67. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 13-08 38
Day 1: 5 13-08
69. Matty Wong Honolulu, HI 5 13-07 36
Day 1: 5 13-07
70. Cooper Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CAN 5 13-05 35
Day 1: 5 13-05
70. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TN AUSTRALIA 5 13-05 35
Day 1: 5 13-05
72. Jeff Gustafson Kenora, ON Ontario CANA 5 13-04 33
Day 1: 5 13-04
73. Jonathan Kelley Old Forge, PA 5 13-03 32
Day 1: 5 13-03
74. Seth Feider Elko New Market, MN 5 13-02 31
Day 1: 5 13-02
74. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 5 13-02 31
Day 1: 5 13-02
76. Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 5 13-01 29
Day 1: 5 13-01
77. Kenta Kimura Osaka OK JAPAN 5 13-00 28
Day 1: 5 13-00
78. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 5 12-15 27
Day 1: 5 12-15
78. Logan Latuso Gonzales, LA 5 12-15 27
Day 1: 5 12-15
80. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 5 12-13 25
Day 1: 5 12-13
81. John Garrett Union City, TN 5 12-09 24
Day 1: 5 12-09
82. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 5 12-08 23
Day 1: 5 12-08
83. Bob Downey Detroit Lakes, MN 5 12-05 22
Day 1: 5 12-05
84. Cliff Pace Ovett, MS 5 12-03 21
Day 1: 5 12-03
85. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 5 12-02 20
Day 1: 5 12-02
86. Cody Huff Ava, MO 5 12-00 19
Day 1: 5 12-00
86. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 12-00 19
Day 1: 5 12-00
88. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 5 11-15 17
Day 1: 5 11-15
89. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 11-14 16
Day 1: 5 11-14
90. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 5 11-13 15
Day 1: 5 11-13
91. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 5 11-06 14
Day 1: 5 11-06
92. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 5 11-05 13
Day 1: 5 11-05
93. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 11-05 12
Day 1: 5 11-05
94. Tyler Williams Belgrade, ME 5 11-01 11
Day 1: 5 11-01
95. Blake Capps Muskogee, OK 5 11-01 10
Day 1: 5 11-01
96. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 5 10-13 9
Day 1: 5 10-13
97. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 5 10-10 8
Day 1: 5 10-10
98. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 5 10-02 7
Day 1: 5 10-02
99. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 10-00 6
Day 1: 5 10-00
100. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 5 09-14 5
Day 1: 5 09-14
101. Chris Zaldain Boyd, TX 5 09-12 4
Day 1: 5 09-12
102. Jake Whitaker Hendersonville, NC 5 09-10 3
Day 1: 5 09-10
———————————————————————–
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 07-15 $1,000.00
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 102 510 1489-15
———————————-
102 510 1489-15
Prespawn bites carry Brztowski to the lead at James River
Illinois’ Erik Brztowski leads Day 2 of the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at James River presented by Lowrance with a weight of 36-9.
Photo by Tyler Bridges/B.A.S.S.
April 24, 2025
Prespawn bites carry Brztowski to the lead at James RIver
RICHMOND, Va. — With the combination of a good tide sequence and prespawn largemouth, Erik Brztowski took the Day 2 lead at the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at James River presented by Lowrance with a two-day total of 36 pounds, 9 ounces.
Landing in second on Day 1 with 17-12, the 22-year-old caught 18-13, the tournament’s biggest bag so far, on Day 2 to vault into the top spot. He holds a 3-7 advantage over Alabama’s Connor Jacob and Virginia’s Ryan Lachniet who are tied for second with 33-2.
After missing the chance to qualify for the 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship at Upper Mississippi River presented by Lowrance at the first Qualifier at Pickwick, Brztowski is in prime position to punch his ticket to La Crosse, Wis., for the October event.
“It will be a cool experience (to lead the field),” he said. “I just need to catch some bass tomorrow. I’m grateful for the opportunity. I can’t take it for granted because it is hard to lead a big tournament like this.”
The James River continued to produce limits of bass on Day 2 of the three-day tournament, but the big ones the eastern tidal fishery are known for have still been hard to come by. A 20-pound stringer has yet to hit the scales, but with a better tide cycle, competitors got closer to that mark on Thursday.
Thus far, Brztowski has targeted shallow-water largemouth that have been in all stages of the spawn with one particular type of hard cover producing better than others. A mix of four baits have produced his better bites.
Although he caught bass in all stages again today, he fished two areas where prespawners are moving up, and those areas produced his best bites on Day 2.
“Since we are around the spawn, I’m fishing mostly hard cover and a little bit of grass depending on the tide,” he explained. “I’m fishing slower. I caught a couple bass today that were fat and cooler. So maybe there are some new ones moving up.”
The Illinois boater landed a 3-pounder when he arrived at his starting spot, but with an unfavorable tide at that point, Brztowski moved on to an area he fished in practice and landed his first 4-pound prespawner.
“That settled me down,” he said. “The tide changed a little. Our high tide was the same time, but in some of the creek the water was lower to start with.”
Once he filled out his limit, he moved to another area and made several important culls with bass he also believed to be prespawners.
“That is pretty helpful for me tomorrow,” Brztowski said. “I’m just running around and moving based on how I feel. Just like at home, I’m fishing with my gut.”
From there, he made several more moves that resulted in upgrades, and towards the end of the day he landed another 4-pounder in a spot the tide was hitting to his liking.
Jacob, meanwhile, is trying to qualify for his second-straight Nation Championship. The Auburn University grad has spent his entire tournament in a gravel pit off the Appomattox River catching spawning and postspawn largemouth with his forward-facing sonar. He followed up his 15-12 Day 1 limit with 17-6 on Day 2.
A jerkbait has been a primary player for the postspawners while a flipping bait has landed the spawners. He has also utilized a Megabass Magdraft swimbait.
“It worked well yesterday. I caught half bed fish and half postspawners. Most of them were 3-pounders,” the 2025 Classic qualifier said. “Today was the opposite. I had four decent ones and a great big one, a 6-pounder I caught at the end of the day.”
Jacob was fishing for a spawner when the 6-pounder and another bass close to the same size swam up to the same spot as the bass he was fishing for.
“I couldn’t get the one to bite,” he explained. “Out of nowhere, two blobs pulled up on the hard spot. I thought they were carp. But I casted at them and one looked up at the jerkbait. I twitched it, and the one came up and ate it. It pulled me in a tree, but I was able to get it out and land it.”
Lachniet, who rooms with Jacob during St. Croix Bassmaster Opens as well as this tournament, has been consistent this week, landing bags of 16-6 and 16-12 to put himself in contention for a Nation Championship berth.
A Virginia native, Lachniet made a long run downriver and landed his entire bag within 30 minutes of fishing. Two spots a short distance from each other produced all of his bass. Two baits have triggered the most strikes this week.
“I didn’t really know what to do after that because I didn’t want to run my other good stuff and waste a bunch of fish,” the Campbellsville University angler said. “I looked for a big bite and never really found what I was looking for.”
As a frequent fisher, Lachniet said he is surprised the better-quality bass haven’t shown up as frequently this week.
“I would have thought the weights would have been a lot higher than this. I figured it would take 20 pounds a day to win, maybe 21. I think they are further ahead than I expected. It seems like every bass I catch is postspawn.”
Austin Burton of North Prince George, Va., took over Big Bass of the Tournament honors with a 6-13 largemouth he landed on Day 2.
Jim D’Ambra from Hanover, Mass., leads the nonboater division with a two-day total weighing 23-9. Connecticut’s Gary Belanger is second with 21-13 and Massachusetts resident David Tsao is third with 17-15.
The Top 20 anglers from each division will launch from Osborne Park beginning at 6:30 a.m. on Friday and return for weigh-in at 2:30 p.m. The Top 13 boaters and nonboaters will claim their spot in the 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship at Upper Mississippi River presented by Lowrance scheduled for Oct. 22-24.
2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at James River presented by Lowrance 4/23-4/25
James River, Richmond VA.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Erik Brztowski Lemont, IL 10 36-09 0
Day 1: 5 17-12 Day 2: 5 18-13
2. Connor Jacob Peoria, IL 10 33-02 0
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 5 17-06
3. Ryan Lachniet Gum Spring, VA 10 33-02 0
Day 1: 5 16-06 Day 2: 5 16-12
4. Harmon Marien Eagle River, WI 10 32-07 0
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 5 16-00
5. Brian LaClair Denton, MD 10 30-12 0
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 15-09
6. Brian Post Janesville, WI 10 30-10 0
Day 1: 5 17-14 Day 2: 5 12-12
7. Austin Burton North Prince George, VA 10 30-08 0
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 16-15
8. John Conway Jr Henrico, VA 10 30-08 0
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 5 14-12
9. Cody Bertrand Dyer, IN 10 30-06 0
Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 15-00
10. Ricky Fulk Shenandoah, VA 10 30-04 0
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 5 15-13
11. John Smith Elkview, WV 10 29-09 0
Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 5 13-09
12. Nick Poe Goodview, VA 10 29-06 0
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 16-02
13. KC Choosakul Cameron, NC 10 29-02 0
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 5 18-06
14. Jeremy Radford Huntly, VA 10 28-03 0
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 5 15-15
15. John Lewis Centreville, VA 10 28-03 0
Day 1: 5 15-10 Day 2: 5 12-09
16. Tj Milton Chester, VA 10 28-02 0
Day 1: 5 15-11 Day 2: 5 12-07
17. Brody Luckey Lynchburg, VA 10 27-04 0
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 12-00
18. Whitney Stephens Waverly, OH 10 27-02 0
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 13-14
19. Craig Morris Frankford, DE 10 26-12 0
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 14-03
20. Greg Alexander Hebron, MD 10 26-09 0
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 15-05
21. Amos Dixon Camden Wyoming, DE 10 26-08 0 $590.00
Day 1: 5 15-08 Day 2: 5 11-00
22. Richard Owen Bracey, VA 10 26-06 0 $590.00
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 12-04
23. Craig Owens Roanoke Rapids, NC 10 26-04 0 $590.00
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 09-01
24. Raymond Jones III Mocksville, NC 10 26-03 0 $590.00
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 12-15
25. Will Smith Moncks Corner, SC 10 26-02 0 $590.00
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 5 09-11
26. Mike Morris Dover, DE 10 26-02 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 5 12-15
27. Tim Byers Gasburg, VA 10 25-08 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 12-05 Day 2: 5 13-03
28. Paul Haggenmiller New Durham, NH 10 25-08 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 12-13 Day 2: 5 12-11
29. Mike Reilly Hammonton, NJ 10 25-04 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 15-15 Day 2: 5 09-05
30. Mark Moran Weston, WV 10 25-04 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 14-07
31. Bryan Hulsey Troy, MO 10 25-01 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 14-04
32. RJ Ricci Jr Cranston, RI 10 24-14 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 12-05
33. Joshua Smith Coventry, RI 10 24-13 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 11-03
34. Brian O’Connell Ridge Spring, SC 10 24-09 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 10-12
35. Ed Powell Sandyville, WV 10 24-08 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 10-02
36. Gregory Dick Chesapeake, VA 10 24-08 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 12-14
37. Randy Baran Millstone Township, NJ 10 24-05 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 10-15
38. Chris Jones Conway, SC 10 23-15 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 10-06
39. Mike Caul South Prince George, VA 10 23-15 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 11-04
40. Austin Moore Washburn, IL 10 23-14 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 12-05
41. Joe Grafeman Camdenton, MO 10 23-13 0
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 5 11-03
42. Brian Brown Sandusky, OH 10 23-13 0
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 11-15
43. Christopher Napier Virginia Beach, VA 10 23-11 0
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 13-00
44. Ray Tweedy Appomattox, VA 10 23-10 0
Day 1: 5 08-10 Day 2: 5 15-00
45. Timothy Garrison Jefferson, SC 9 23-10 0
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 4 10-11
46. Samuel Pollock Hampton, VA 10 23-09 0
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 5 10-15
47. Louis Monetti Brielle, NJ 10 23-07 0
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 10-01
48. Bryant Copley Altavista, VA 10 23-05 0
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 08-10
49. Jeff Salmon Mechanicsville, VA 10 23-01 0
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 5 13-01
50. John Engler Vinton, IA 10 23-01 0
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 5 10-13
51. Bryan Finch Belton, TX 10 22-15 0
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 11-08
52. Jeremy Sadowski Voluntown, CT 10 22-14 0
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 10-14
53. Tyler Thompson Easley, SC 10 22-10 0
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 10-12
54. Randy Elliott Severn, MD 10 22-06 0
Day 1: 5 07-14 Day 2: 5 14-08
55. Andrew Sams Easton, MD 10 22-06 0
Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 5 11-14
56. Mike Shears Powhatan, VA 10 22-04 0
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 5 10-00
57. Richard Knoll Pittsburgh, PA 10 22-01 0
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 09-08
58. Chris Johnson Farmington, AR 10 22-00 0
Day 1: 5 09-11 Day 2: 5 12-05
59. Derek Jones Chicago, IL 10 21-15 0
Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 5 11-11
60. Tyler Conde Chepachet, RI 10 21-09 0
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 09-10
61. John Christopher II Clarksburg, WV 10 21-08 0
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 5 10-12
62. Michael Baldwin Jr South Chesterfield, VA 10 21-07 0
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 09-13
63. John Erickson Sicklerville, NJ 10 21-03 0
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 5 12-00
64. Greg Scythes Marysville, OH 10 20-12 0
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 09-09
65. Matt Szczoczarz Cumberland, RI 10 20-10 0
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 08-07
66. Mark Hogan Milford, DE 10 20-09 0
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 08-12
67. Joe McClosky Swanton, MD 10 20-09 0
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 5 09-09
68. Fabian Rodriguez Ocean City, MD 10 20-06 0
Day 1: 5 11-12 Day 2: 5 08-10
69. Thomas Hughes Midlothian, NY 10 20-05 0
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 5 08-13
70. Ryan West Hartsville, SC 10 20-04 0
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 08-07
71. Lyle Atkins Culloden, WV 10 20-00 0
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 08-00
71. Gary Pope Jr Georgetown, SC 10 20-00 0
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 08-00
73. Matthew McCarthy East Liberty, OH 10 20-00 0
Day 1: 5 09-06 Day 2: 5 10-10
74. Josh Ashley Lovingston, VA 10 19-15 0
Day 1: 5 08-11 Day 2: 5 11-04
75. Sidney Ryan Bracey, VA 10 19-12 0
Day 1: 5 09-02 Day 2: 5 10-10
76. Jacob Marcantonio Moosup, CT 10 19-11 0
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 09-00
77. Tanner Visco Antioch, IL 10 19-10 0
Day 1: 5 08-07 Day 2: 5 11-03
78. Cavin Young Sr Prince George, VA 10 19-08 0
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 5 09-02
79. Don Gregg Jr Powhatan, VA 10 19-06 0
Day 1: 5 07-02 Day 2: 5 12-04
80. Craig Townsend Westampton, NJ 10 19-05 0
Day 1: 5 08-12 Day 2: 5 10-09
81. Mark Burgess Norton, MA 10 19-01 0
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 08-08
82. Ben Dalton Bracey, VA 10 18-14 0
Day 1: 5 08-12 Day 2: 5 10-02
83. Randy Gillespie Sanford, NC 10 18-09 0
Day 1: 5 07-08 Day 2: 5 11-01
84. Michael Shay Cheshire, CT 10 18-03 0
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 5 07-09
85. Tim Davis Mascot, TN 10 17-15 0
Day 1: 5 08-07 Day 2: 5 09-08
86. Kevin Postalwait Ripley, WV 9 17-11 0
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 4 05-07
87. Brian Trieschman Ellicott City, MD 10 17-07 0
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 04-06
88. Brian Gunn Savannah, GA 10 17-07 0
Day 1: 5 09-12 Day 2: 5 07-11
89. Greg Del Russo Hopatcong, NJ 10 17-07 0
Day 1: 5 08-03 Day 2: 5 09-04
90. Dana Brown Buckhannon, WV 10 17-04 0
Day 1: 5 08-00 Day 2: 5 09-04
91. Jeff Meade Spotsylvania, VA 8 16-14 0
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 3 05-07
92. Tony Keller Charleston, WV 10 16-13 0
Day 1: 5 06-10 Day 2: 5 10-03
93. Jared Leicht Millville, NJ 10 16-13 0
Day 1: 5 06-12 Day 2: 5 10-01
94. Colton Sowers Bentleyville, PA 10 16-11 0
Day 1: 5 09-01 Day 2: 5 07-10
95. Paul Smith Jr Spotsylvania, VA 6 16-04 0
Day 1: 4 08-06 Day 2: 2 07-14
96. John Serge Philadelphia, PA 8 15-08 0
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 3 04-04
97. Trevor Sharrett Boiling Springs, SC 10 15-08 0
Day 1: 5 07-09 Day 2: 5 07-15
98. Neal Wisinski Stevens Point, WI 10 14-15 0
Day 1: 5 07-05 Day 2: 5 07-10
99. Alex Legg Milford, DE 8 14-13 0
Day 1: 3 05-07 Day 2: 5 09-06
100. Paul Tabisz Clarkston, MI 8 14-11 0
Day 1: 3 06-06 Day 2: 5 08-05
101. Jason Carpenter Castle Pines, CO 9 14-00 0
Day 1: 5 07-09 Day 2: 4 06-07
102. Mark Ochkie California, PA 7 13-14 0
Day 1: 3 05-05 Day 2: 4 08-09
103. Kevin Barnosky Watertown, CT 9 13-14 0
Day 1: 5 08-00 Day 2: 4 05-14
104. Fred Serge Lambertville, NJ 6 13-09 0
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 1 01-11
105. Mike Toney Blacksburg, VA 7 13-05 0
Day 1: 5 09-01 Day 2: 2 04-04
106. Andrew Hunter Williamston, SC 7 13-04 0
Day 1: 2 03-06 Day 2: 5 09-14
107. Tim Mitchem Smithfield, VA 9 12-14 0
Day 1: 5 06-15 Day 2: 4 05-15
108. Greg Miller Gaffney, SC 8 11-13 0
Day 1: 3 04-10 Day 2: 5 07-03
109. Kyle Goltz Cornell, WI 5 11-07 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 11-07
110. Richard Hartman Bracey, VA 8 11-06 0
Day 1: 3 04-15 Day 2: 5 06-07
111. Chris Washinger Chambersburg, PA 5 11-03 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 11-03
112. Jon Jezierski Clinton Twsp, MI 6 11-01 0
Day 1: 2 02-11 Day 2: 4 08-06
113. Jeffrey Davis Wendell, NC 5 11-00 0
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
114. Nick Mandes North Stonington, CT 7 09-03 0
Day 1: 5 06-12 Day 2: 2 02-07
115. Jon Mitchell Wendell, NC 5 09-00 0
Day 1: 2 02-10 Day 2: 3 06-06
116. Bob Akin Carver, MA 5 09-00 0
Day 1: 2 02-14 Day 2: 3 06-02
117. Jim Fields Camden, DE 3 07-13 0
Day 1: 1 02-10 Day 2: 2 05-03
118. Troy Coney Owego, NY 4 06-03 0
Day 1: 4 06-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
119. Tom Hill Nicholasville, KY 3 05-05 0
Day 1: 3 05-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
120. Larry Witt Evington, VA 1 05-01 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 05-01
121. Kevin Collins Morristown, NJ 2 03-06 0
Day 1: 2 03-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
122. Jim Sampson Emporia, VA 3 03-01 0
Day 1: 3 03-01 Day 2: 0 00-00
123. Eric Whaley II Pittsgrove, NJ 2 02-15 0
Day 1: 2 02-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
124. Chris Donavant Yorktown, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
124. Ethan Stant Dover, DE 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 104 562 1291-13
2 100 550 1235-03
———————————-
204 1112 2527-00
2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at James River presented by Lowrance 4/23-4/25
James River, Richmond VA.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Jim D’Ambra Hanover, MA 6 23-09 0
Day 1: 3 13-13 Day 2: 3 09-12
2. Gary Belanger Plainville, CT 6 21-13 0
Day 1: 3 13-13 Day 2: 3 08-00
3. David Tsao Newburyport, MA 6 17-15 0
Day 1: 3 08-05 Day 2: 3 09-10
4. Craig Ferguson Emporia, VA 6 17-07 0
Day 1: 3 09-00 Day 2: 3 08-07
5. David Roddy Inman, SC 6 16-11 0
Day 1: 3 10-08 Day 2: 3 06-03
6. Joshua Hall Palmyra, VA 6 16-07 0
Day 1: 3 08-13 Day 2: 3 07-10
7. Nathan Minnix Goodview, VA 6 16-01 0
Day 1: 3 04-13 Day 2: 3 11-04
8. Steven Conde Chepachet, RI 6 15-10 0
Day 1: 3 09-06 Day 2: 3 06-04
9. Ernest Weathersby Leominster, MA 6 15-04 0
Day 1: 3 04-15 Day 2: 3 10-05
10. Emil Rostello Jr Wayne, NJ 6 15-01 0
Day 1: 3 05-10 Day 2: 3 09-07
11. Bill Roberts Jr Williamsburg, VA 6 14-13 0
Day 1: 3 08-00 Day 2: 3 06-13
12. Guiseppe Andreoli Coventry, RI 6 14-10 0
Day 1: 3 10-10 Day 2: 3 04-00
13. John Sirichman Monogahela, PA 6 14-09 0
Day 1: 3 07-09 Day 2: 3 07-00
14. Adam Richardson Littleton, NC 6 14-07 0
Day 1: 3 05-12 Day 2: 3 08-11
15. Anthony Paschall Cumberland, VA 6 14-01 0
Day 1: 3 06-15 Day 2: 3 07-02
16. Finn Erickson Sicklerville, NJ 6 13-13 0
Day 1: 3 06-11 Day 2: 3 07-02
17. Jeremy Willis Fountain Inn, SC 6 13-11 0
Day 1: 3 07-10 Day 2: 3 06-01
18. Chris Merritt Chester , VA 6 13-07 0
Day 1: 3 07-13 Day 2: 3 05-10
19. Blake Rogers Florence, SC 6 13-05 0
Day 1: 3 07-04 Day 2: 3 06-01
20. Brian Adams Clayton, NC 6 13-04 0
Day 1: 3 07-01 Day 2: 3 06-03
21. Marty McClanahan Poca, WV 6 13-02 0 $215.00
Day 1: 3 04-10 Day 2: 3 08-08
22. John Lacouture Burrillville, RI 6 13-00 0 $215.00
Day 1: 3 08-03 Day 2: 3 04-13
23. Vincent Luisi Vineland, NJ 6 12-15 0 $215.00
Day 1: 3 09-10 Day 2: 3 03-05
24. Timothy Elliott Chester, VA 6 12-15 0 $215.00
Day 1: 3 05-11 Day 2: 3 07-04
25. Rob Ross Hopedale, MA 5 12-14 0 $215.00
Day 1: 3 06-13 Day 2: 2 06-01
26. Joshua Torres Port Tobacco, MD 6 12-11 0 $215.00
Day 1: 3 06-12 Day 2: 3 05-15
27. Thomas Bates Appomattox, VA 6 12-10 0 $215.00
Day 1: 3 05-01 Day 2: 3 07-09
28. Scott Shrewsbury Rocky Mount, NC 6 12-09 0 $215.00
Day 1: 3 05-11 Day 2: 3 06-14
29. Joseph Kinsley Parkersburg, WV 6 12-08 0 $215.00
Day 1: 3 08-02 Day 2: 3 04-06
30. Zach Queeney Atco, NJ 6 12-04 0 $215.00
Day 1: 3 06-14 Day 2: 3 05-06
31. Rickey Wood Jr Conway, SC 6 11-15 0
Day 1: 3 07-10 Day 2: 3 04-05
32. Donald Quonce Pulaski, NY 6 11-13 0
Day 1: 3 08-06 Day 2: 3 03-07
33. Jeffrey Graiff Vineland, NJ 3 11-12 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 11-12
34. Danny Williams Forest, VA 6 11-09 0
Day 1: 3 07-01 Day 2: 3 04-08
35. Andrew Dick Wilmington, DE 4 11-07 0
Day 1: 3 09-05 Day 2: 1 02-02
36. Mike Hildenbrandt Virginia Beach, VA 6 11-04 0
Day 1: 3 05-13 Day 2: 3 05-07
37. Ken Lawhon Hartsville, SC 6 10-09 0
Day 1: 3 04-14 Day 2: 3 05-11
38. Mark Westrick Hastings, PA 6 10-07 0
Day 1: 3 05-07 Day 2: 3 05-00
39. Kevin Seymour Central Square , NY 5 10-06 0
Day 1: 2 02-03 Day 2: 3 08-03
40. Jonathan Shores Charles City, VA 6 10-04 0
Day 1: 3 04-07 Day 2: 3 05-13
41. Gary Melson Louisville, KY 6 10-02 0
Day 1: 3 05-04 Day 2: 3 04-14
42. Matthew Cosby Chesterfield, VA 5 10-00 0
Day 1: 3 06-10 Day 2: 2 03-06
43. Greg Marshall Paris, KY 3 09-15 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 09-15
44. Scott Breichner Hagerstown, MD 6 09-12 0
Day 1: 3 05-02 Day 2: 3 04-10
45. Jim Kline Hagerstown, MD 5 09-11 0
Day 1: 3 06-08 Day 2: 2 03-03
46. Noah Jones Conway, SC 6 09-10 0
Day 1: 3 04-13 Day 2: 3 04-13
47. George Georgopoulos Belmont, NC 5 09-09 0
Day 1: 2 03-03 Day 2: 3 06-06
48. Brian Bruce Locust Grove, VA 5 09-08 0
Day 1: 2 04-07 Day 2: 3 05-01
49. Brian Ebert Forest City, NC 6 09-07 0
Day 1: 3 04-08 Day 2: 3 04-15
50. Jay Summons Malden, MA 5 09-05 0
Day 1: 3 06-10 Day 2: 2 02-11
51. Cedric Davis Jr Hopkins, SC 6 09-03 0
Day 1: 3 04-15 Day 2: 3 04-04
52. Roland Burton North Prince George, VA 5 08-15 0
Day 1: 2 03-11 Day 2: 3 05-04
53. Sam Chhoeun Berkley, MA 6 08-15 0
Day 1: 3 04-12 Day 2: 3 04-03
54. Joe Sodora Garfield, NJ 6 08-13 0
Day 1: 3 04-14 Day 2: 3 03-15
55. Ethan Monk Mountain Rest, SC 6 08-11 0
Day 1: 3 03-13 Day 2: 3 04-14
56. John Hritsko Northern Cambria, PA 5 08-10 0
Day 1: 2 02-07 Day 2: 3 06-03
57. Frank Daniels Dover, DE 3 08-06 0
Day 1: 3 08-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
58. Stephen Sanders West Palm Beach , FL 5 08-05 0
Day 1: 3 06-02 Day 2: 2 02-03
59. Roger Castillo Goode, VA 6 08-02 0
Day 1: 3 08-02 Day 2: 3 00-00
60. Ricardo Cruz New York, NY 5 07-15 0
Day 1: 2 03-15 Day 2: 3 04-00
61. Matt Champion Scottsville, NY 5 07-10 0
Day 1: 3 05-10 Day 2: 2 02-00
62. Tom Perkins Glen Burnie, MD 4 07-10 0
Day 1: 1 02-04 Day 2: 3 05-06
63. Brandon Regnault Providence, RI 5 07-09 0
Day 1: 2 02-06 Day 2: 3 05-03
64. John Taylor Jr Charleston, WV 5 06-15 0
Day 1: 2 02-14 Day 2: 3 04-01
65. Dave Reed Westminster, MD 4 06-11 0
Day 1: 1 01-08 Day 2: 3 05-03
66. Mike Morris Hubert, NC 5 06-10 0
Day 1: 3 04-07 Day 2: 2 02-03
67. Kendry Jerez Paterson, NJ 4 06-02 0
Day 1: 1 00-12 Day 2: 3 05-06
68. Darryl Hunt Haddonfield, NJ 4 06-00 0
Day 1: 3 04-13 Day 2: 1 01-03
69. Michael Griffiths Cherry Tree, PA 3 05-14 0
Day 1: 3 05-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Robert Mccoy Mount Airy, MD 6 05-13 0
Day 1: 3 00-00 Day 2: 3 05-13
71. Brian Penney Haverhill, MA 3 05-04 0
Day 1: 1 01-03 Day 2: 2 04-01
72. Ray Rios Lafayette , NJ 4 05-03 0
Day 1: 1 01-04 Day 2: 3 03-15
73. Devon Kitson Montclair , NJ 3 04-10 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 04-10
74. Rob Wells Kitty Hawk, NC 3 04-06 0
Day 1: 3 04-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
75. Jerald Conley Franklinville, NJ 3 04-00 0
Day 1: 2 02-09 Day 2: 1 01-07
76. Dave Haas Sewell, NJ 3 03-14 0
Day 1: 3 03-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
77. Tanner Smith Sellers, SC 3 03-14 0
Day 1: 3 03-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
78. Michael Briggs N Providence, RI 1 03-12 0
Day 1: 1 03-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 60 204 436-06
2 61 202 403-01
———————————-
121 406 839-07
Wisconsin’s Brian Post takes advantage of hot bite to lead Day 1 of B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier
Wisconsin’s Brian Post leads Day 1 of the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at James River presented by Lowrance with a weight of 17-14.
Photo by Tyler Bridges/B.A.S.S.
April 23, 2025
Wisconsin’s Brian Post takes advantage of hot bite to lead Day 1 of B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier
RICHMOND, Va. — Normally a good practice doesn’t result in a good tournament for Brian Post, but that was not the case on Day 1 at the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at James River presented by Lowrance.
The Janesville, Wis., pro landed a limit weighing 17 pounds, 14 ounces to take the Day 1 lead in eastern Virginia, two ounces better than second place Erik Brztowski and 11 ounces better than third place Craig Owens.
Anglers enjoyed sunny and warm conditions on the first day of the three-day tournament, which had the bass biting, although not the size some expected from the normally prolific tidal fishery. Over 100 limits hit the scales on the boater side on Wednesday for a total of 1,306-2, but no angler approached the 20-pound threshold.
As a Wisconsin native, Post knows just how good the Upper Mississippi River can fish in October. So, his goal this week is to punch his ticket to the 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance scheduled for Oct. 22-24 on Pools, 7, 8 and 9.
“I’m from Wisconsin and I am trying to get to La Crosse at the end of the year,” he said. “My travel partner for the Opens made it through the Eufaula Oklahoma regional, and I’m just trying to get there with him. Top 13 is the goal.”
Post has fished the James River twice as a St. Croix Bassmaster Opens pro, finishing 8th in the April 2023 event. Instead of chasing the tide, he treated it as a normal river in that event and those same concepts played today.
“I did the same thing this year. I actually had a really good practice,” he said. “I had a plan today. I ran to a spot today and never started the motor again. Except for one, I think I burned that place to the ground.
With bass in all three stages of the spawn, Post stayed close to takeoff and focused on the bass locked on the bed. While he couldn’t get his first couple of bedding fish to bite at dead low tide, the bite turned on as the tide flowed back into the river and Post landed a limit within an hour span.
“I only lost one good one today and a half hour later I caught it,” he said.
He landed them all with two baits.
“All of my bass came off bed today,” Post said. “But you do have all three stages (happening). I have seen a few prespawners and some fry in different areas. (In my area), I saw some fresh bucks, so I don’t know if another wave is moving up.”
Post only burned five gallons of gas on Day 1 but intends on making a longer run on Day 2 to target more prespawn and postspawn largemouth.
“These are, run here and make 10 casts, run there and make 10 casts,” Post said. “They are more one- and two-bite places, but they are the right kind. When it clicked in practice, it was pretty easy. Some of it is hidey hole stuff, some of it is stuff I found on the trolling motor and it looked right.”
He does have one female located that would not lock on the bed he intends to catch tomorrow.
“The male is locked on, and she is gigantic,” Post said. “I don’t know which one of them pulled my plastic off the first time. She is fresh, but not locked on. She would come up and hang out with him for a while and then back off for almost 20 minutes. I got her marked and I’m going to make a couple stops on her tomorrow.”
Brztowski, a 22-year-old from Lemont, Ill., fished the James River as a co-angler in that last Open as well and is now trying to punch his ticket to the Nation Championship on the famed fishery. He landed a limit weighing 17-12 to land in second.
“I was changing with the bass today,” he said. “My third fish was a 5-pounder. I just made good decisions. It was a good time.”
Using four different baits, Brztowski is fishing all three stages of the spawn. With an incoming tide, Brztowski made a stop at an area he found in practice and landed a quick limit before moving to his primary areas.
While he saw bigger fish in practice, he learned a lot today as he caught each one. He anticipates Day 2 will be a little tougher but expects there will still be good ones around his areas.
“I caught plenty of fish today,” he said. “I know there are still plenty of fish out there. I just have to play the tide right and fish some new areas.”
New Jersey boater Mike Reilly landed the Big Bass of the Day, a 5-14 largemouth.
Connecticut’s Gary Belanger and Jim D’Ambra from Massachusetts are tied for the nonboater lead, each with a three-bass limit weighing 13-13. Belanger anchored his bag with a 7-9 largemouth, the Big Bass of the Day. Rhode Island’s Guiseppe Andreoli is third with 10-10.
The full field of 125 anglers will takeoff from Osborne Park tomorrow beginning at 6:30 a.m. ET and return for weigh-in at 2:30 p.m. The Top 20 boaters and nonboaters after Day 2 will advance to Friday’s final round and the Top 13 from each division at the conclusion of the tournament will advance to B.A.S.S. Nation Championship.
2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at James River presented by Lowrance 4/23-4/25
James River, Richmond VA.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Brian Post Janesville, WI 5 17-14 0
Day 1: 5 17-14
2. Erik Brztowski Lemont, IL 5 17-12 0
Day 1: 5 17-12
3. Craig Owens Roanoke Rapids, NC 5 17-03 0
Day 1: 5 17-03
4. Harmon Marien Eagle River, WI 5 16-07 0
Day 1: 5 16-07
4. Will Smith Moncks Corner, SC 5 16-07 0
Day 1: 5 16-07
6. Ryan Lachniet Gum Spring, VA 5 16-06 0
Day 1: 5 16-06
7. John Smith Elkview, WV 5 16-00 0
Day 1: 5 16-00
8. Mike Reilly Hammonton, NJ 5 15-15 0
Day 1: 5 15-15
9. John Conway Jr Henrico, VA 5 15-12 0
Day 1: 5 15-12
9. Connor Jacob Peoria, IL 5 15-12 0
Day 1: 5 15-12
11. Tj Milton Chester, VA 5 15-11 0
Day 1: 5 15-11
12. John Lewis Centreville, VA 5 15-10 0
Day 1: 5 15-10
13. Amos Dixon Camden Wyoming, DE 5 15-08 0
Day 1: 5 15-08
14. Cody Bertrand Dyer, IN 5 15-06 0
Day 1: 5 15-06
15. Brody Luckey Lynchburg, VA 5 15-04 0
Day 1: 5 15-04
16. Brian LaClair Denton, MD 5 15-03 0
Day 1: 5 15-03
17. Bryant Copley Altavista, VA 5 14-11 0
Day 1: 5 14-11
18. Ricky Fulk Shenandoah, VA 5 14-07 0
Day 1: 5 14-07
19. Ed Powell Sandyville, WV 5 14-06 0
Day 1: 5 14-06
20. Kyle Goltz Cornell, WI 5 14-05 0
Day 1: 5 14-05
21. Richard Owen Bracey, VA 5 14-02 0
Day 1: 5 14-02
22. Brian O’Connell Ridge Spring, SC 5 13-13 0
Day 1: 5 13-13
23. Joshua Smith Coventry, RI 5 13-10 0
Day 1: 5 13-10
24. Austin Burton North Prince George, VA 5 13-09 0
Day 1: 5 13-09
24. Chris Jones Conway, SC 5 13-09 0
Day 1: 5 13-09
26. Randy Baran Millstone Township, NJ 5 13-06 0
Day 1: 5 13-06
26. Louis Monetti Brielle, NJ 5 13-06 0
Day 1: 5 13-06
28. Raymond Jones III Mocksville, NC 5 13-04 0
Day 1: 5 13-04
28. Nick Poe Goodview, VA 5 13-04 0
Day 1: 5 13-04
28. Whitney Stephens Waverly, OH 5 13-04 0
Day 1: 5 13-04
31. Mike Morris Dover, DE 5 13-03 0
Day 1: 5 13-03
32. Brian Trieschman Ellicott City, MD 5 13-01 0
Day 1: 5 13-01
33. Timothy Garrison Jefferson, SC 5 12-15 0
Day 1: 5 12-15
34. Paul Haggenmiller New Durham, NH 5 12-13 0
Day 1: 5 12-13
35. Mike Caul South Prince George, VA 5 12-11 0
Day 1: 5 12-11
36. Joe Grafeman Camdenton, MO 5 12-10 0
Day 1: 5 12-10
36. Samuel Pollock Hampton, VA 5 12-10 0
Day 1: 5 12-10
38. Richard Knoll Pittsburgh, PA 5 12-09 0
Day 1: 5 12-09
38. Craig Morris Frankford, DE 5 12-09 0
Day 1: 5 12-09
38. RJ Ricci Jr Cranston, RI 5 12-09 0
Day 1: 5 12-09
41. Tim Byers Gasburg, VA 5 12-05 0
Day 1: 5 12-05
42. Kevin Postalwait Ripley, WV 5 12-04 0
Day 1: 5 12-04
42. Jeremy Radford Huntly, VA 5 12-04 0
Day 1: 5 12-04
42. Mike Shears Powhatan, VA 5 12-04 0
Day 1: 5 12-04
45. John Engler Vinton, IA 5 12-04 0
Day 1: 5 12-04
46. Matt Szczoczarz Cumberland, RI 5 12-03 0
Day 1: 5 12-03
47. Lyle Atkins Culloden, WV 5 12-00 0
Day 1: 5 12-00
47. Gary Pope Jr Georgetown, SC 5 12-00 0
Day 1: 5 12-00
47. Jeremy Sadowski Voluntown, CT 5 12-00 0
Day 1: 5 12-00
50. Tyler Conde Chepachet, RI 5 11-15 0
Day 1: 5 11-15
51. Brian Brown Sandusky, OH 5 11-14 0
Day 1: 5 11-14
51. Tyler Thompson Easley, SC 5 11-14 0
Day 1: 5 11-14
53. Fred Serge Lambertville, NJ 5 11-14 0
Day 1: 5 11-14
54. Mark Hogan Milford, DE 5 11-13 0
Day 1: 5 11-13
54. Ryan West Hartsville, SC 5 11-13 0
Day 1: 5 11-13
56. Fabian Rodriguez Ocean City, MD 5 11-12 0
Day 1: 5 11-12
57. Michael Baldwin Jr South Chesterfield, VA 5 11-10 0
Day 1: 5 11-10
57. Gregory Dick Chesapeake, VA 5 11-10 0
Day 1: 5 11-10
59. Austin Moore Washburn, IL 5 11-09 0
Day 1: 5 11-09
60. Thomas Hughes Midlothian, NY 5 11-08 0
Day 1: 5 11-08
61. Bryan Finch Belton, TX 5 11-07 0
Day 1: 5 11-07
61. Jeff Meade Spotsylvania, VA 5 11-07 0
Day 1: 5 11-07
63. John Serge Philadelphia, PA 5 11-04 0
Day 1: 5 11-04
64. Greg Alexander Hebron, MD 5 11-04 0
Day 1: 5 11-04
65. Greg Scythes Marysville, OH 5 11-03 0
Day 1: 5 11-03
66. Jeffrey Davis Wendell, NC 5 11-00 0
Day 1: 5 11-00
66. Joe McClosky Swanton, MD 5 11-00 0
Day 1: 5 11-00
68. Bryan Hulsey Troy, MO 5 10-13 0
Day 1: 5 10-13
68. Mark Moran Weston, WV 5 10-13 0
Day 1: 5 10-13
70. KC Choosakul Cameron, NC 5 10-12 0
Day 1: 5 10-12
70. John Christopher II Clarksburg, WV 5 10-12 0
Day 1: 5 10-12
72. Jacob Marcantonio Moosup, CT 5 10-11 0
Day 1: 5 10-11
72. Christopher Napier Virginia Beach, VA 5 10-11 0
Day 1: 5 10-11
74. Michael Shay Cheshire, CT 5 10-10 0
Day 1: 5 10-10
75. Mark Burgess Norton, MA 5 10-09 0
Day 1: 5 10-09
76. Andrew Sams Easton, MD 5 10-08 0
Day 1: 5 10-08
77. Cavin Young Sr Prince George, VA 5 10-06 0
Day 1: 5 10-06
78. Derek Jones Chicago, IL 5 10-04 0
Day 1: 5 10-04
79. Jeff Salmon Mechanicsville, VA 5 10-00 0
Day 1: 5 10-00
80. Brian Gunn Savannah, GA 5 09-12 0
Day 1: 5 09-12
81. Chris Johnson Farmington, AR 5 09-11 0
Day 1: 5 09-11
82. Matthew McCarthy East Liberty, OH 5 09-06 0
Day 1: 5 09-06
83. John Erickson Sicklerville, NJ 5 09-03 0
Day 1: 5 09-03
84. Sidney Ryan Bracey, VA 5 09-02 0
Day 1: 5 09-02
85. Colton Sowers Bentleyville, PA 5 09-01 0
Day 1: 5 09-01
85. Mike Toney Blacksburg, VA 5 09-01 0
Day 1: 5 09-01
87. Ben Dalton Bracey, VA 5 08-12 0
Day 1: 5 08-12
87. Craig Townsend Westampton, NJ 5 08-12 0
Day 1: 5 08-12
89. Josh Ashley Lovingston, VA 5 08-11 0
Day 1: 5 08-11
90. Ray Tweedy Appomattox, VA 5 08-10 0
Day 1: 5 08-10
91. Tim Davis Mascot, TN 5 08-07 0
Day 1: 5 08-07
91. Tanner Visco Antioch, IL 5 08-07 0
Day 1: 5 08-07
93. Paul Smith Jr Spotsylvania, VA 4 08-06 0
Day 1: 4 08-06
94. Greg Del Russo Hopatcong, NJ 5 08-03 0
Day 1: 5 08-03
95. Kevin Barnosky Watertown, CT 5 08-00 0
Day 1: 5 08-00
95. Dana Brown Buckhannon, WV 5 08-00 0
Day 1: 5 08-00
97. Randy Elliott Severn, MD 5 07-14 0
Day 1: 5 07-14
98. Jason Carpenter Castle Pines, CO 5 07-09 0
Day 1: 5 07-09
98. Trevor Sharrett Boiling Springs, SC 5 07-09 0
Day 1: 5 07-09
100. Randy Gillespie Sanford, NC 5 07-08 0
Day 1: 5 07-08
101. Neal Wisinski Stevens Point, WI 5 07-05 0
Day 1: 5 07-05
102. Don Gregg Jr Powhatan, VA 5 07-02 0
Day 1: 5 07-02
103. Tim Mitchem Smithfield, VA 5 06-15 0
Day 1: 5 06-15
104. Jared Leicht Millville, NJ 5 06-12 0
Day 1: 5 06-12
105. Nick Mandes North Stonington, CT 5 06-12 0
Day 1: 5 06-12
106. Tony Keller Charleston, WV 5 06-10 0
Day 1: 5 06-10
107. Paul Tabisz Clarkston, MI 3 06-06 0
Day 1: 3 06-06
108. Troy Coney Owego, NY 4 06-03 0
Day 1: 4 06-03
109. Alex Legg Milford, DE 3 05-07 0
Day 1: 3 05-07
110. Tom Hill Nicholasville, KY 3 05-05 0
Day 1: 3 05-05
110. Mark Ochkie California, PA 3 05-05 0
Day 1: 3 05-05
112. Richard Hartman Bracey, VA 3 04-15 0
Day 1: 3 04-15
113. Greg Miller Gaffney, SC 3 04-10 0
Day 1: 3 04-10
114. Kevin Collins Morristown, NJ 2 03-06 0
Day 1: 2 03-06
114. Andrew Hunter Williamston, SC 2 03-06 0
Day 1: 2 03-06
116. Jim Sampson Emporia, VA 3 03-01 0
Day 1: 3 03-01
117. Eric Whaley II Pittsgrove, NJ 2 02-15 0
Day 1: 2 02-15
118. Bob Akin Carver, MA 2 02-14 0
Day 1: 2 02-14
119. Jon Jezierski Clinton Twsp, MI 2 02-11 0
Day 1: 2 02-11
120. Jon Mitchell Wendell, NC 2 02-10 0
Day 1: 2 02-10
121. Jim Fields Camden, DE 1 02-10 0
Day 1: 1 02-10
122. Chris Donavant Yorktown, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
122. Ethan Stant Dover, DE 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
122. Chris Washinger Chambersburg, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
122. Larry Witt Evington, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 105 567 1306-02
———————————-
105 567 1306-02
2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at James River presented by Lowrance 4/23-4/25
James River, Richmond VA.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Gary Belanger Plainville, CT 3 13-13 0
Day 1: 3 13-13
1. JIm D’Ambra Hanover, MA 3 13-13 0
Day 1: 3 13-13
3. Guiseppe Andreoli Coventry, RI 3 10-10 0
Day 1: 3 10-10
4. David Roddy Inman, SC 3 10-08 0
Day 1: 3 10-08
5. Vincent Luisi Vineland, NJ 3 09-10 0
Day 1: 3 09-10
6. Steven Conde Chepachet, RI 3 09-06 0
Day 1: 3 09-06
7. Andrew Dick Wilmington, DE 3 09-05 0
Day 1: 3 09-05
8. Craig Ferguson Emporia, VA 3 09-00 0
Day 1: 3 09-00
9. Joshua Hall Palmyra, VA 3 08-13 0
Day 1: 3 08-13
10. Frank Daniels Dover, DE 3 08-06 0
Day 1: 3 08-06
10. Donald Quonce Pulaski, NY 3 08-06 0
Day 1: 3 08-06
12. David Tsao Newburyport, MA 3 08-05 0
Day 1: 3 08-05
13. John Lacouture Burrillville, RI 3 08-03 0
Day 1: 3 08-03
14. Roger Castillo Goode, VA 3 08-02 0
Day 1: 3 08-02
14. Joseph Kinsley Parkersburg, WV 3 08-02 0
Day 1: 3 08-02
16. Bill Roberts Jr Williamsburg, VA 3 08-00 0
Day 1: 3 08-00
17. Chris Merritt Chester , VA 3 07-13 0
Day 1: 3 07-13
18. Jeremy Willis Fountain Inn, SC 3 07-10 0
Day 1: 3 07-10
18. Rickey Wood Jr Conway, SC 3 07-10 0
Day 1: 3 07-10
20. John Sirichman Monogahela, PA 3 07-09 0
Day 1: 3 07-09
21. Blake Rogers Florence, SC 3 07-04 0
Day 1: 3 07-04
22. Brian Adams Clayton, NC 3 07-01 0
Day 1: 3 07-01
22. Danny Williams Forest, VA 3 07-01 0
Day 1: 3 07-01
24. Anthony Paschall Cumberland, VA 3 06-15 0
Day 1: 3 06-15
25. Zach Queeney Atco, NJ 3 06-14 0
Day 1: 3 06-14
26. Rob Ross Hopedale, MA 3 06-13 0
Day 1: 3 06-13
27. Joshua Torres Port Tobacco, MD 3 06-12 0
Day 1: 3 06-12
28. Finn Erickson Sicklerville, NJ 3 06-11 0
Day 1: 3 06-11
29. Matthew Cosby Chesterfield, VA 3 06-10 0
Day 1: 3 06-10
29. Jay Summons Malden, MA 3 06-10 0
Day 1: 3 06-10
31. Jim Kline Hagerstown, MD 3 06-08 0
Day 1: 3 06-08
32. Stephen Sanders West Palm Beach , FL 3 06-02 0
Day 1: 3 06-02
33. Michael Griffiths Cherry Tree, PA 3 05-14 0
Day 1: 3 05-14
34. Mike Hildenbrandt Virginia Beach, VA 3 05-13 0
Day 1: 3 05-13
35. Adam Richardson Littleton, NC 3 05-12 0
Day 1: 3 05-12
36. Timothy Elliott Chester, VA 3 05-11 0
Day 1: 3 05-11
36. Scott Shrewsbury Rocky Mount, NC 3 05-11 0
Day 1: 3 05-11
38. Matt Champion Scottsville, NY 3 05-10 0
Day 1: 3 05-10
38. Emil Rostello Jr Wayne, NJ 3 05-10 0
Day 1: 3 05-10
40. Mark Westrick Hastings, PA 3 05-07 0
Day 1: 3 05-07
41. Robert Mccoy Mount Airy, MD 3 05-04 0
Day 1: 3 05-04
41. Gary Melson Louisville, KY 3 05-04 0
Day 1: 3 05-04
43. Scott Breichner Hagerstown, MD 3 05-02 0
Day 1: 3 05-02
44. Thomas Bates Appomattox, VA 3 05-01 0
Day 1: 3 05-01
45. Cedric Davis Jr Hopkins, SC 3 04-15 0
Day 1: 3 04-15
45. Ernest Weathersby Leominster, MA 3 04-15 0
Day 1: 3 04-15
47. Ken Lawhon Hartsville, SC 3 04-14 0
Day 1: 3 04-14
47. Joe Sodora Garfield, NJ 3 04-14 0
Day 1: 3 04-14
49. Noah Jones Conway, SC 3 04-13 0
Day 1: 3 04-13
49. Nathan Minnix Goodview, VA 3 04-13 0
Day 1: 3 04-13
51. Darryl Hunt Haddonfield, NJ 3 04-13 0
Day 1: 3 04-13
52. Sam Chhoeun Berkley, MA 3 04-12 0
Day 1: 3 04-12
53. Marty McClanahan Poca, WV 3 04-10 0
Day 1: 3 04-10
54. Brian Ebert Forest City, NC 3 04-08 0
Day 1: 3 04-08
55. Mike Morris Hubert, NC 3 04-07 0
Day 1: 3 04-07
55. Jonathan Shores Charles City, VA 3 04-07 0
Day 1: 3 04-07
57. Brian Bruce Locust Grove, VA 2 04-07 0
Day 1: 2 04-07
58. Rob Wells Kitty Hawk, NC 3 04-06 0
Day 1: 3 04-06
59. Ricardo Cruz New York, NY 2 03-15 0
Day 1: 2 03-15
60. Dave Haas Sewell, NJ 3 03-14 0
Day 1: 3 03-14
61. Tanner Smith Sellers, SC 3 03-14 0
Day 1: 3 03-14
62. Ethan Monk Mountain Rest, SC 3 03-13 0
Day 1: 3 03-13
63. Michael Briggs N Providence, RI 1 03-12 0
Day 1: 1 03-12
64. Roland Burton North Prince George, VA 2 03-11 0
Day 1: 2 03-11
65. George Georgopoulos Belmont, NC 2 03-03 0
Day 1: 2 03-03
66. John Taylor Jr Charleston, WV 2 02-14 0
Day 1: 2 02-14
67. Jerald Conley Franklinville, NJ 2 02-09 0
Day 1: 2 02-09
68. John Hritsko Northern Cambria, PA 2 02-07 0
Day 1: 2 02-07
69. Brandon Regnault Providence, RI 2 02-06 0
Day 1: 2 02-06
70. Tom Perkins Glen Burnie, MD 1 02-04 0
Day 1: 1 02-04
71. Kevin Seymour Central Square , NY 2 02-03 0
Day 1: 2 02-03
72. Dave Reed Westminster, MD 1 01-08 0
Day 1: 1 01-08
73. Ray Rios Lafayette , NJ 1 01-04 0
Day 1: 1 01-04
74. Brian Penney Haverhill, MA 1 01-03 0
Day 1: 1 01-03
75. Kendry Jerez Paterson, NJ 1 00-12 0
Day 1: 1 00-12
76. Jeffrey Graiff Vineland, NJ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
76. Devon Kitson Montclair , NJ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
76. Greg Marshall Paris, KY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 60 204 441-10
———————————-
60 204 441-10
Is It Time to Rethink Safety in Competitive Fishing?
Is It Time to Rethink Safety in Competitive Fishing? by Bruce Callis
Life is so very precious! Life is so short. Every day is a gift from God. Remember to tell those whom you love that you love them. Do it for you and for them.
The past couple weeks have been so tragic for fishing. During the MLF Invitational Tournament, 3 individuals lost their life. They weren’t in the tournament, but a tournament angler was involved in the accident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the individuals and families of them all. It is such a a tragedy what happened and we don’t need to be doing anything else but praying for them.
We don’t have any answers to so many questions. Like who’s fault was it? Was it because of speed. Was the weather a factor? So many factors played into the accident and we can’t jump to conclusions.
As someone who has been involved in tournament fishing, I have seen and been in the launch of the boats to start a tournament. It is all about getting to where you want to start and beating others there. It doesn’t matter if it is a local club or a big trail, it is all the same. Where you start has everything to do with your day.
But what really matters is what you do to get there. How much are you willing to chance to get to the spot first? Are you willing to put your safety and the safety of others at risk? We have seen people run waters that was so rough it could swamp the boat. How much are you willing to do?
I’ve heard a lot of people saying that speed was a factor. I can say that the operator of the bass boat was probably going fast. When you are going to a spot on plane, you aren’t going slow for sure. Should there be a speed limit? I don’t know. If you know how to handle your boat you are only going as fast as you feel safe.
Everyone is talking about how dangerous bass boats are, and how all the graphs on the front block their view. The big organizations have made an effort to clean that up so that it doesn’t block the view. We have heard about the safety of the coangler. We have heard that if you need to wear a helmet, you are going too fast. We have heard a lot of what-ifs.
The helmet isn’t worn because we are going fast. You wear a helmet on a motorcycle because it protects you from anything that may come at you. Bugs, sticks, birds, and rain can all be a hazard on the road and on the water. If you have ever been on either when it starts raining, you know how hard those drops hit you in the face. You need a helmet or a face guard to operate safely. A windshield helps, but it’s not like in a car.
If you have ever ridden in a bass boat, the driver is not just flying up the water without a care. No one wants to be in an accident. We all want to go home at the end of the day. The driver of the boat is always looking ahead for hazards. Some bodies of water are worse than others about floating debris. We have all seen videos of what can happen when you hit something under the surface. Boats and motors are extremely expensive.
I’ve heard it said that bass anglers think they own the water. Honestly, they and everyone else does if it is a public body of water. But for the most part, we don’t think we are the only ones who are supposed to be out there. There are things that annoy us at times. Yes, we feel others should respect what we are doing and we should respect what they are doing as well. I’ve been in a tournament and had someone in another tournament come cut in front of me where I was fishing. Did it make me mad, heck yeah. And I told them how I felt. But that doesn’t happen often.
I love my kayak, but boats and kayaks don’t mix well for a couple reasons. The wake off a boat can be terrible in a kayak. And as a boater, they can be difficult to see at times. That is why most kayak anglers on bodies of water that have power boats on them use as much safety equipment as possible. That orange flag helps a lot. Boaters get upset because they can get into places they can’t, but we coexsist doing what we both love.
I’m not going to guess about any of the recent accidents and what the causes were. And I am not going to place any blame on anyone. But we do also need to think about where we anchor up to fish. We have to make sure that we aren’t in a spot where boats of any type will be traveling through. It is like anchoring in the middle of a channel. For river anglers, you know a barge could come through and it is dangerous. On a lake, the channel is supposed to be a safe place to travel. We all know that a channel can be a great fishing spot at times too.
There is nothing worse than a boating accident and we need to remember to wait until we get all the facts before we start blaming anything. Tournament directors have a tough job. They make sure that anglers aren’t launching during unsafe conditions. If there is bad weather, like fog, they delay launch. They don’t want anglers to get hurt. I’ve heard too many tell anglers to be safe on the water and lets all make it home tonight.
Fishing may need to think about finding a way to limit the speed, but what if you need to escape harm and that speed regulation actually causes harm? Then people will be hollering about that as well. There is no easy fix. It is still far safer than driving. It’s the same as a plane accident. We only hear about how many were injuried or killed not that the actual number of accidents that result in a death is far less than driving on the road. For everything we try to make the highways safer, it still happens. And we can’t forget the outside factors of animals and weather. There is no way we can make everything 100% safe. We keep trying to regulate everything and eventually we aren’t going to be able to do anything.
Let’s hope that we find out what happened in the accidents and try to figure out what we may do to help prevent them from happening. Education is probably a good idea. Boater safety courses for anyone operating a boat or jet ski? No one wants an accident. No family should have to go through what has happened. But let’s get all the facts before we make assumptions as to what happened.
Rick Plemons & Chris Pike Win CATT Tidewater Chowan River, NC April 19, 2025
The 2025 CATT Academy Championship will take place on Kerr Lake May 17-18, 2025 and we are guaranteeing $10,000.00 to 1st Place! KERR LAKE IS NOT OFF LIMITS! PRACTICE ALL YOU WANT!
Nutbush Ramp Kerr Lake State Park – 115 Jack Wade Farm Road, Henderson, NC
How To Qualify
Must enter 2 CATT Events to be eligible! Enter 1 or more CATT event as a team – Entering solo or with a Sub also counts toward your teams Championship Qualification! The 2 events do not have to be in the same CATT Trail! If you entered 2 – 2025 CBC Qualifiers you are eligible to enter! Entering 1 CATT & 1 CBC also gets you Qualified!
Entry Fees
$210 Per Team Entry – $220 At Ramp
Paying 1 Place for every 7 Teams entered
Optional Platinum BONUS $100 – Paying Up to 3 Places
Optional Gold BONUS $50 – Paying Up to 3 Places
Optional Silver BONUS $25 – Paying Up to 3 Places
More info tap on this link!
2025 CATT Academy Championship – Carolina Anglers Team Trail
I don’t believe there’s a Chinese zodiac sign or animal for the year of the wind, but I’m officially making 2025 the “year of the wind” on the Albemarle sound! Our animal/ fish would have to be the largemouth bass cause no matter how hard it blows these guys keep chasing these bass! The team that was willing to make a Run in the wind today made it payoff. The team of Rick Plemons and Chris Pike brought a 23.38 lb bag to the scales anchored by an 8.35 lb river pig! All Totaled up that bag earned them a $2030 payday. Check out the upcoming interview with Rick and Chris. Rick Plemons gives some great info on how they got it done on a rather tough day.
In second place was our 2024 AOY winners Randy and Ryan Broughman with 14.91 lbs. The word around weigh in was Randy had to take it easy on the fish today due to a bum shoulder. once he gets that wing fixed he assured me that there will be some bass with sore mouths running around these rivers! Until then it looks like Ryan is more than capable at taking up the slack.
In third place was the team of Nick Meek and Kyle Verkuilen with 14.81 lbs. These two guys have fished with us quite a few years and are definitely figuring them out!
Rounding out the money winners were
4th Kirk and Trent Nixon 13.66 lbs
5th Jordan Sanderlin 13.00 lbs
The next tournament in the Tidewater division will be May 10th out of Shoups landing on Chowan River.
| Team | BF | Weight | Winnings | Points |
| Rick Plemons Chris Pike | 8.35 | 23.38 | $2,030.00 | 110 |
| Randy Broughman Ryan Broughman | 3.99 | 14.91 | $610.00 | 109 |
| Nick Meek Kyle Verkuilen | 5.05 | 14.81 | $325.00 | 108 |
| Kirk Nixon Trent Nixon | 4.04 | 13.66 | $220.00 | 107 |
| Andrew George Jordan Sanderlin | 0.00 | 13.00 | $160.00 | 106 |
| Hunter Hollomon Tommy Houlroyd | 4.35 | 12.63 | 105 | |
| Brent Thomas | 5.13 | 12.24 | 104 | |
| Gary DiBrito Derek Goodman | 0.00 | 11.96 | 103 | |
| Waynes Hayes Andy Morath | 0.00 | 11.18 | 102 | |
| Jobie Walker Chris Napier | 0.00 | 10.85 | 101 | |
| Jason Parker Alexander | 2.87 | 10.65 | 100 | |
| Al Biagioni John LaRock | 3.96 | 10.41 | 99 | |
| Tommy Banks Patrick McMillon | 2.40 | 10.26 | 98 | |
| John Sanderlin Lloyd Sanderlin | 0.00 | 10.02 | 97 | |
| Michael Evans Brian Meadows | 0.00 | 9.90 | 96 | |
| Ben Knapp Mike Knappp | 3.29 | 8.98 | 95 | |
| Chris Banks Zachery Meads | 0.00 | 8.20 | 94 | |
| Nathan Welch Ethan Welch | 3.77 | 7.82 | 93 | |
| JR Milligan Richard Griswold | 0.00 | 7.45 | 92 | |
| David Shaffer Scott Shaffer | 2.32 | 7.26 | 91 | |
| Jason Stacy Steven Cox | 0.00 | 5.18 | 90 | |
| Mark Moretz Ray Cobb | 0.00 | 5.11 | 89 | |
| Heath Parker Jared Pulley | 0.00 | 4.87 | 88 | |
| Stacey Light Matt Greshak | 0.00 | 3.57 | 87 | |
| Jim Dick Greg Dick | 0.00 | 3.29 | 86 | |
| Anthony Brown Ricky Britt | 0.00 | 0.00 | 76 | |
| Richard Hodges Sr. | 0.00 | 0.00 | 76 | |
| Kenneth Moore Easton Moore | 0.00 | 0.00 | 76 | |
| Total Entrys | $3,640.00 | |||
| BONUS $ | $500.00 | |||
| Total Paid At Ramp | $3,345.00 | |||
| CATT | $50.00 | |||
| 2025 Tidewater Final Fund | $415.00 | |||
| 2025 CATT Championship Fund | $50.00 | |||
| 2025 Tidewater Final Fund Total | $1,215.00 | |||
| 2025 Tidewater Point Fund | $1,160.00 |
Vexus anglers help build better boats through tournament fellowship
Vexus anglers help build better boats through tournament fellowship
The iconic Brush Hog is more than just a soft plastic lure among a group of highly accomplished tournament anglers from The Ozarks. It’s actually the nickname they’ve jokingly pinned on their traveling buddy Mark Patterson, given his love of the famous creature bait.
The retired aircraft salesman pitches it religiously around boat docks on a 3/0 hook with great success, but his greatest accomplishment to date was spawning two good men in Ryan, a veteran sales leader for Vexus Boats, and his brother Brandon, another great weekend stick, and a fulltime sales guy for Midwest Roofing.
The Pattersons comprise about one third of a fellowship-rich group of hard-core bass anglers who travel together on the Ozark Mountain Team Trail. They book VRBOs and grill Kansas raised beef after a long day on the water, while strategizing how to catch a fat limit on derby day, of course.
Ultimately, they make Vexus Boats more fishermen-friendly through their own on-the-water experiences.
“I can tell you with confidence our boats have the greatest co-angler rod storage system, landing net storage, and bump board storage in the business, directly as a result of this group’s input at OMTT tournaments,” says Vexus co-founder Keith Daffron.
“You don’t identify short-comings in a fishing boat by sitting in a corporate office. Instead, you discover them when you’re bouncing over cruiser waves on Lake of the Ozarks trying to get back to weigh-in,” he emphasizes.
But by no means are tournament weekends at famous fisheries like Bull Shoals, Table Rock and Grand Lake all about the marine business for Daffron. Instead, it’s much the opposite. Just ask the group’s most accomplished team, Buck Comstock and Greg Blair, two regional Ozark legends.
“We fish to have fun and being a part of this group makes sure the fun never goes away,” says Comstock, a physical education teacher. Retired police officer, Shawn Williams supplies reinforcement to the fun factor Comstock speaks of, being tagged the group’s sports psychologist, ever present to make sure nobody loses perspective.
While the level of competition is fierce among the roughly 100 boats who enter, friendship among this group of four or five successful teams is the cornerstone.
“When this crew started traveling together to places like Grand and Lake of the Ozarks we started functioning more as one unit than individual teams,” says Daffron, who is often the camp cook.
“Fellowship like this is what makes the world go around. The phone calls we share on the ride home after weigh-in are priceless. Everybody is excited for one another to do well, no matter how you and your teammate performed. It’s a sportsmanship thing that should never be lost in bass fishing,” he concludes emphatically.
First place is $5,000, and Vexus owners who win an OMTT event are eligible for an additional $5,000 in REV Rewards bonus money, plus a unique trophy Vexus belt buckle. But ask any one of the men you see pictured and they’ll tell you that while first place is always the clear objective, the friendships, laughter, good eats, and memories far outweigh the trophies and paychecks.
Jody Black & Conner Black win CATT Lake Wylie with 5 bass weighing 14.51 lbs!
Next up on Lake Wylie is the Spring Final May 17th!
David Winters & Derek Lilley win the Wylie Spring Points and will fish the Final free plus blast off #1!
The 2025 CATT Academy Championship will take place on Kerr Lake May 17-18, 2025 and we are guaranteeing $10,000.00 to 1st Place! KERR LAKE IS NOT OFF LIMITS! PRACTICE ALL YOU WANT!
Nutbush Ramp Kerr Lake State Park – 115 Jack Wade Farm Road, Henderson, NC
How To Qualify
Must enter 2 CATT Events to be eligible! Enter 1 or more CATT event as a team – Entering solo or with a Sub also counts toward your teams Championship Qualification! The 2 events do not have to be in the same CATT Trail! If you entered 2 – 2025 CBC Qualifiers you are eligible to enter! Entering 1 CATT & 1 CBC also gets you Qualified!
Entry Fees
$210 Per Team Entry – $220 At Ramp
Paying 1 Place for every 7 Teams entered
Optional Platinum BONUS $100 – Paying Up to 3 Places
Optional Gold BONUS $50 – Paying Up to 3 Places
Optional Silver BONUS $25 – Paying Up to 3 Places
More info tap on this link!
2025 CATT Academy Championship – Carolina Anglers Team Trail
Jody Black & Conner Black win Lake Wylie with 5 bass weighing 14.51 lbs!
Chris Bumgardner 2nd with 13.74 lbs Plus the BF at 4.17 lbs!
Marcus Leach/Zach Leach 3rd with 13.07 lbs!
| Team | BF | Weight | Winnings | Points |
| Jody Black/Conner Black | 4.09 | 14.51 | $585.00 | 110 |
| Chris Bumgardner | 4.17 | 13.74 | $260.00 | 109 |
| Marcus Leach/Zach Leach | 3.88 | 13.07 | $80.00 | 108 |
| Todd Garner/Shane Hartman | 3.05 | 13.05 | 107 | |
| Jason Cogar | 3.04 | 11.80 | 106 | |
| Rich Shellnut/Fisher Shellnut | 3.05 | 11.63 | 105 | |
| Jonathan Werner/Jackson Werner | 2.94 | 11.60 | 104 | |
| Chris Burnette/Anthony Burnette | 4.05 | 11.56 | 103 | |
| David Winters/Derek Lilley | 2.48 | 11.26 | 102 | |
| Dalton Russel | 2.90 | 11.14 | 101 | |
| David Falls/Colby Falls | 2.26 | 10.73 | 100 | |
| Arthur Harris/Eric Raines | 2.67 | 9.46 | 99 | |
| Dave Everly/Justin Sullivan | 3.06 | 8.76 | 98 | |
| Jermaine Roach/Christina | 0.00 | 0.00 | 88 | |
| Matt Stout | 0.00 | 0.00 | 88 | |
| David Calvert/Bill Carothers | 0.00 | 0.00 | 88 | |
| Total Entrys | $960.00 | |||
| BONUS $ | $275.00 | |||
| Total Paid At Ramp | $925.00 | |||
| Wylie 2025 Spring Final Fund | $125.00 | |||
| CATT | $0.00 | |||
| 2025 CATT Championship Fund | $25.00 | |||
| 2025 Wylie Spring Final Fund Total | $605.00 |
Karson Krell & Grant Sawyer win CATT Lake Murray with 5 bass weighing 20.54 lbs!
Next and last Spring Murray Qualifier is May 10 – $130 Entry GOLD at Dreher Island State Park!
Karson Krell & Grant Sawyer win Lake Murray with 5 bass weighing 20.54 lbs!
| Team | BF | Weight | Winnings | Points |
| Karson Krell – Grant Sawyer | 4.79 | 20.54 | $300.00 | 110 |
| Andrew Hinson – Spencer Sox | 5.55 | 19.85 | $200.00 | 109 |
| Alec Cooke – Ben Williams | 4.55 | 18.51 | $150.00 | 108 |
| Tanner Shultz – Toby Shultz | 5.20 | 16.62 | $125.00 | 107 |
| Wade Amick – Zach Huffstetler | 0.00 | 15.46 | 106 | |
| Jeremiah Jenson – AJ Depetrio | 0.00 | 15.40 | 105 | |
| Donald Stoudmire – Britten Havird | 0.00 | 14.17 | 104 | |
| Brandon Stacy – Travsi Bradenburg | 0.00 | 14.05 | 103 | |
| Brian Whitworth – Jason Gilfillian | 0.00 | 0.00 | 93 | |
| Total Entrys | $720.00 | |||
| BONUS $ | $275.00 | |||
| Total Paid At Ramp | $775.00 | |||
| CATT | $50.00 | |||
| 2025 Murray Spring Final Fund | $120.00 | |||
| 2025 CATT Championship Fund | $50.00 | |||
| 2025 Murray Spring Final Total | $590.00 |
Tony Fox & Wayne Sheppard Win 5 Alive Guaranteed $7000.00 Team Trail Qualifier #3 -4/12/2025
Well we went to one of the famed BIG Fish ponds in the area for Qualifier #3 Falls Lake. Weather was good and we got to weigh in some pretty fish. I predicted a 30 pound bag to win it but the fish didn’t cooperate. All in all though it was still some good bags weighed in.
We had a total of 54 boats show up for the event.
After weigh in was over it was the team of Tony Fox & Wayne Sheppard that topped the 54 boat field to take home the
WIN They had a 5 fish limit weighing 21.64 pounds anchored by a 6.96 pound fish that also Won them Big Fish for the tournament. They took home an total of 
$2740.00for the day. Awesome Job Guys!!
Tony Fox’s regular partner Mr. Wooten couldn’t make it to the tournament so He brought Wayne out of retirement for the event as a sub for the day. I was certain that he had lost all of his skills through retirement but I guess he still has a few left. 
( Just a little brotherly love here!)
They were followed by the Father son team of Cody Sharpe and Blake Sharpe. Got to say this was a heart breaker for them. They brought in a 5 fish limit weighing 21.71 pounds that was actually the top weight for the day but they had 1 dead fish. The dead fish penalty cost them the win. They ended up just shy with 21.46 pounds. The dead fish was no fault to them either. It was just bad luck. Hate to see that happen to any team because I have been that guy before. All that said and done they still had a great day and they need to hold there head up high. They carried home a total of 
$625.00 for the day. Now I get to rag on the two a little. They missed out on doubling there money a total of $625.00 more by not getting in the TWT’S. 
I’m going to say it was Blake was just to tight to get in them. 
Just picking guys!! Great job as well!
BIG CONGRATULATIONS again to those who placed in the money!!!
Our next Qualifier is this weekend 4/26/2025 at Mayo Lake.
If you want to pre register or have any questions contact me Kevin Sheppard at 336-264-8416. Thanks!
Results.
1st. Fox & Sheppard-21.64 pounds- $2740.00 TWT
2nd. Sharpe & Sharpe- 21.46 pounds- $625.00
3rd. Ross Oliver – 18.69 pounds- $800.00 TWT
4th.Rhew & Clarey- 18.33 pounds- $925.00 TWT
5th. Holt & Laws- 17.14 pounds – $325.00
6th. Jenkins & Strigo- 17.11 pounds- $250.00
7th.Knott & Carden- 16.55 pounds- $400.00 TWT
8th.Hall & Carter- 16.17 pounds- $150.00
9th. Adam Bass -16.06 pounds
10th. Minor & Christian- 14.89 pounds
Big fish
Fox & Wooten- 6.96 pounds- $540.00