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Catching Big Bass in Spring!

Spring brings in a golden opportunity for anglers aiming to catch big bass. Specifically, the months from February to May are a beacon for those seeking trophy catches. During this period, the bass’s natural spawning instincts kick in, compelling them to migrate from the deeper, colder waters to the warmer, shallower regions. This migration not only makes the bass more accessible but also increases the odds of landing a significant catch, as they are more focused on the spawning process than on evading predators. The shallower waters also offer anglers the advantage of being able to use a wider variety of fishing techniques and lures effectively, further enhancing their chances of a successful catch. The increase in daylight and warmer temperatures during this season creates optimal feeding conditions for bass, making them more active and aggressive. This seasonal shift invites anglers to refine their strategies and adapt to the changing behaviors of bass, setting the stage for memorable catches and stories that will last a lifetime. Engaging in this pursuit not only challenges the angler’s skills and knowledge but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the rhythms and mysteries of nature, enriching the fishing experience beyond the catch.Our Fresh HellaMite is designed to imitate a major aquatic food source, delivering a realistic profile of an insect larva that fish can’t resist. Each is scented for complete and total attraction underwater along with being made in the USA by real fishermen just like you. We’ve recently dropped a new HellaMite Pro Pack that is loaded with 60 total baits in all six proven colors, plus three Owner Block Head Ned Jigs and a handy storage bag. This kit has everything you need to stay rigged and ready year-round. Grab our newest Lil Bass, Hot Sauce, MidNight, Glow, 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink HellaMite colors. We’ve also recently restocked our popular Ghost, Red Bug, Purple Rain, Brown Bug, Electric Chicken, and Goby Wan colors. The HellaMite’s solid body and hyperactive ribbed tail design produce a life-like quivering action with every twitch of the rod. Its unique flat underbelly detail enables this bait to be fished as a drop shot, Ned rig, neko rig, and even a small Carolina-rig, making it the ideal bait in any condition year-round. When the water is clear, the fish can see the bait and look like real food, causing strikes. Each cast becomes an opportunity for an exhilarating catch, thanks to its superior performance and versatility.
While the occasional stroke of luck can lead to an impressive catch, consistent success in spring bass fishing is usually the result of skillful preparation and a strategic approach. Successful anglers distinguish themselves through a deep understanding of bass behavior, effective use of technology, and an innate knowledge of the waters they fish. They know that timing, coupled with the right techniques, can turn an ordinary fishing trip into an extraordinary one. These anglers invest time in scouting locations, understanding seasonal patterns, and practicing their craft, even when conditions are less than ideal. They also adapt quickly to changing weather and water conditions, which can dramatically affect bass activity levels and feeding habits. By continuously learning and applying new insights, successful anglers maintain a dynamic approach that keeps them at the forefront of the sport, ensuring their success is based on skill and adaptation rather than mere chance. This relentless pursuit anglers face of improvement and adaptability not only enhances their chances of success but also deepens their connection.We use our Fresh Scorpion because it closely imitates a crawfish. Our newest 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink Scorpion colors work wonders. The Scorpion is a revolutionary new look to soft plastics. Its intricate detailing and texture mimic the nuances of a real crawfish, making it hard for bass to resist. Of course, water clarity always plays a role in color selection but in any season, you can’t miss using colors such as Green Pumpkin SeedBrown BarkMagneto. This bait not only appears natural to fish but gives them something to become curious about. The Scorpion paired with a stand-up jig is deadly because the jig actually sits the bait upright in a defensive stance. The subtle color variations across the bait further enhance its appeal, mimicking the natural color shifts found in live prey. Each Fresh Scorpion has a unique and exclusive 3-axis tail design that is engineered like no other soft plastic bait. Our Scorpions are made by anglers from high-grade non-salt plastic to provide superior life-like action-triggering strikes!
For those in pursuit of the elusive lunker bass, certain lakes have earned a reputation as big bass havens, particularly in regions like Texas. Lakes such as Fork, Amistad, Falcon, and Sam Rayburn are renowned for their trophy bass potential. Each year, these waters promise the possibility of record-breaking catches, drawing anglers who dream of landing a bass over 12 pounds. Knowing where to cast your line is as crucial as any lure or technique in the quest for big bass. In addition to these well-known locations, diligent anglers also seek out lesser-known waters that offer the potential for significant catches, often with less fishing pressure. They understand that the most productive fishing spots are sometimes the ones least talked about, requiring additional research and exploration. Networking with fellow anglers and local bait shops can uncover hidden gems that are off the radar of the wider fishing community, providing unique opportunities for trophy bass. This strategic exploration and community engagement enhance an angler’s repertoire, further enriching the pursuit of that trophy catch.The new FreshBaitz Lizards deliver a realistic profile that excels in both power and finesse techniques. Act fact, we just released new Hot Sauce, MidNight, Ghost, and 10w30 Syntheic Lizard designs! The unique forward-facing leg design creates drag that holds it in the strike zone longer or produces wild flapping action with every pull of the rod. Additionally, its slightly ribbed solid body and large head hold your hook in place and provide much better weedless performance making it the ideal bait to use in any condition. Water clarity always plays a super big role in color selection but in any season year-round, you can’t miss when using colors such as Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, or Green Pumpkin. Its flexible tail design ensures added movement, tempting even the most cautious fish. The superior 5.5-inch profile stretches to a whole 7 inches which is perfect for predatory fish including bass year round. Made from long-lasting durable high-grade non-salted plastic for total and maximum attention-grabbing action underwater.
Mastering the art of where and how to fish is pivotal in spring bass fishing. The most successful anglers focus on transitional zones where shallow waters meet deeper areas. These spots often feature structural elements like points, coves, and banks with noticeable breaklines, offering ideal habitats for bass. By strategically covering a lot of water yet paying close attention to these key areas, anglers can significantly increase their catch rate. Understanding the timing of bass movements within these transitional zones can elevate an angler’s success, as bass tend to follow predictable patterns related to water temperature and light conditions. Utilizing modern technology, such as sonar and GPS mapping, can assist in pinpointing these prime locations more efficiently. Seasoned anglers also recognize the importance of stealth and patience in these areas, as bass in shallow waters can be particularly wary of noise and sudden movements. This blend of strategic location selection, technological aid, and behavioral adaptation forms the cornerstone of successful spring bass fishing, allowing anglers to maximize their opportunities for landing trophy bass during the spring.Our Fresh Beetle delivers ultimate versatility in a soft plastic bait. Its slim yet wide body design and four claws are engineered to naturally glide and wobble as it moves through the water. This design ensures they remain enticingly active longer than conventional baits. Its unique texture also provides a realistic feel, making bass hold on longer once they bite. Water clarity plays a big role in color selection but year-round you can’t miss when using go-to colors such as Chocolate MintOx Blood, or 10w30 Synthetic beetles. The hyper-active swimming claws are designed thin with long-lasting durable non-salt plastic to make them come alive with the slightest movement. The Fresh Beetle offers an enticing 4-inch profile and is scented for complete and total attraction! You can rig these Beetles as a Jig/ Chatter Trailer, Flippin/ Punching, Texas Rig, Swing Jig, and Carolina Rig. Making the beetle beyond perfect in any weather condition year-round!
Understanding the spawning-driven behavior of bass in spring can dramatically influence fishing outcomes. As bass move into shallower waters, they exhibit patterns that, if anticipated, can be exploited. Recognizing signs of bass staging the preparation phase before spawning enables anglers to target specific areas more effectively. This insight into bass behavior guides anglers in choosing the best times and locations to fish, aligning their efforts with the natural rhythms of their quarry. Additionally, observing the water temperature and clarity can offer clues to the spawning schedule, as bass tend to spawn in warmer, clearer waters. Anglers adept at reading these environmental cues can adjust their strategies to coincide with peak spawning activities. Moreover, understanding the post-spawn behavior of bass can also offer lucrative fishing opportunities, as bass are often more aggressive and hungry, seeking to replenish energy after the rigors of spawning. This comprehensive understanding of the entire spawning cycle, from pre-spawn to post-spawn, allows anglers to strategically plan their fishing expeditions for maximum effectiveness.Using a stick-styled worm is the most tried and true ways to catch fish. We have a variety of 5-inch Worms to choose from but we just added new MidNight, Glow, and Ghost Worms! Our popular Watermelon Red Worms have been restocked as well. You can also experience our new wacky rigging kit while it’s ON SALE! The WACKY Pack offers our most popular colors and essential tools for wacky rigging. If you’re fast enough you might be able to grab the limited-release Pumpkin Spice Worm before it’s completely sold out along with some of our newest colors including the Brown WormElectric Chicken Worm, and Goby Wan Worm colors. The high-grade non-salt plastic they’re made from provides positive buoyancy and it even floats underwater! We also released new 6-inch Worms including Charmeleon, Rainbow TRT, Bone, Chocolate Mint, and Fire TGR — all available in 5 and 6-inch. We’ve also recently released new 8-count packs of worms available in Watermelon RedBlack & Blue, and Green Pumpkin. We also offer worms that have the unique ability to shift from one color to another. Scented for total attraction underwater.
Patience and persistence are virtues that often reward the spring bass angler. Discovering a productive fishing spot is just the beginning. The real success comes from meticulously working the area, understanding that bass may not always strike immediately. Recognizing that conditions change and bass move, a persistent and patient approach can yield impressive results, transforming an average day on the water into an unforgettable fishing adventure. This methodical approach also involves revisiting successful spots at different times of the day and under varying weather conditions, as bass activity levels can shift dramatically. Anglers who embrace this mindset are also more likely to experiment with different lures and techniques, tailoring their approach to match the mood and feeding patterns of the bass. Ultimately, the angler’s willingness to adapt, learn from each outing, and maintain a positive attitude, even in the face of temporary setbacks, is what truly defines the journey towards angling mastery and success. This dedication to refinement and the pursuit of knowledge underscores successful spring fishing.Our newest FreshBaitz Mandingo Trick Worm is the ultimate game-changer for anglers with a passion! Engineered for the angler who knows SIZE does matter, this lure is designed to attract only the BIGGEST bass with a penchant for the larger bait. The Mandingo Trick Worm boasts a solid 7-inch body enhanced with a hyperactive ribbed design, ensuring irresistible mouth-watering action for those trophy bass. Officially available in a vibrant array of 8 colors. Each worm is made from durable, high-grade Non-Salted plastic for lifelike action and unparalleled durability. Perfectly balanced for a variety of rigging options and scented for total and maximum attraction, the Mandingo Trick Worm promises year-round effectiveness in lakes, rivers, and streams. Whether you’re rigging it on a Shakey Head, Drop Shot, Texas Rig, or Carolina Rig, these worms are your ticket to landing the big ones. Proudly made in the USA by real anglers to help elevate your fishing experience and catch more bass year-round!
In the realm of spring bass fishing, success is woven from the fabric of knowledge, timing, and tenacity. The months of February through May stand out as a window of golden opportunity, where the confluence of optimal conditions and angler insight converge to create the perfect storm for landing the elusive trophy bass. It’s a period that demands more than just luck; it calls for a profound understanding of bass behavior, strategic selection of fishing locations, and the application of precise fishing techniques. Anglers who navigate these waters with patience, persistence, and a deep respect for the natural rhythms of their aquatic quarry can find themselves at the apex of their fishing endeavors. Ultimately, the journey towards catching big bass in spring is a testament to the angler’s skill, strategic acumen, and their unyielding commitment to the craft. As each season unfolds, it offers a fresh chapter in the ongoing battle of man versus nature, where every cast holds the promise of a story yet to be told. This continuous cycle of learning and adapting is what keeps the spirit of spring bass fishing very rewarding.We have a wide variety of terminal tackle to choose from, but we’ve recently released new Nako Tungsten Tear Drop Shot Weights, crafted from 97% eco-friendly tungsten for stealth, durability, and vibration, with easy-to-read size stamps and a crimped swivel for quick changes. The new Haymaker EWG Worm Hooks are also now available, featuring an extra-wide gap for various soft plastics, a Z-lock shoulder bend for secure bait placement, and an angled-up super needle point for fast, powerful hooksets. For creature-styled baits, a more popular choice to use is the Stand-Up Jig because it sits the bait up-right in a defensive stance! Mosquito Hooks work for dropshotting and perfectly accommodates a wide range of soft plastics. The popular All Purpose Hooks are built with an extra-wide gap and are made to accommodate a wide range of soft plastics. The Block Head Jig is perfect for ned rigging the HellaMite with its mushroom-style head that seamlessly matches a wide variety of soft plastics. The Offset Block Head Jig, offers the same mushroom-style head with a unique offset hook, making it a go-to for weedless Ned Rig applications. The Shakey Ultrahead can permanently secure baits by inserting the pin in the center and screwing the twist lock coil spring for perfect rigging every time! The Ultrahead Wacky Jig features precise weight positioning and hook orientation for the ultimate wacky presentations. For fast Texas rigging, we use the Bullet-Type Rig which has an attached weight saving you pressure time when fishing cover. The 4x Jungle Flippin Hook is designed for big fish and the toughest conditions. The Range Roller Jig Head is crafted for precision with its high center axis design, perfect for hover-strolling and mid to bottom strolling with forward facing sonar, ensuring an enticing rolling action that triggers bites. We also just release New Keep’em Fresh Bait Bags! These bags are the ultimate solution for anglers who need their gear to perform. Built like a tank, this bag is 20x stronger than regular zip bags and offers 100% waterproof protection with a rock-solid double zipper seal. Whether it’s for soft plastics, snacks, or your smartphone, this reusable and versatile bag keeps everything safe from the water, mud, and grime. Lightweight yet spacious, it fits snugly in your tackle box or backpack, making it perfect for your next adventure.





Chattanooga Set for MLF Bass Pro Tour O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 4 Presented by OPTIMA Batteries

66 Anglers to Compete for $150,000 Top Prize on Lake Chickamauga and Nickajack Lake, Follow the Competition Live All Four Days at MajorLeagueFishing.com

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (April 22, 2025) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour continues its 2025 season next week, May 1-4, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 4 at Lake Chickamauga and Nickajack Lake Presented by OPTIMA Batteries.

Hosted by Chattanooga, Tennessee and Fish Tennessee, the four-day tournament – which begins on Chickamauga before transitioning to Nickajack for the Knockout and Championship Rounds – will feature 66 of the world’s top professional anglers competing for a $150,000 top prize, crucial points in the Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) race and coveted qualification spots for the Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2026.

“Our community is proud to host the MLF Bass Pro Tour Stage 4 event on the incredible waters of Lake Chickamauga and Nickajack Lake,” said Brant Donlon, Sports Sales Director for Chattanooga Tourism Co. “Home to some of the best fishing in the Southeast, we’re excited to once again showcase our vibrant destination to the angling world.”

The star-studded field will feature top pros and local fan favorites, including previous Lake Chickamauga champion and Dayton, Tennessee local, Andy Morgan, reigning Fishing Clash AOY and Harrison, Tennessee local,   Jacob Wheeler and REDCREST 2025 Champion Dustin Connell. Also competing are Tennessee pros Matt Becker, Brandon Coulter, Ott DeFoe, Nick Hatfield, Jake Lawrence , Michael Neal, Wesley Strader and David Walker, each looking to leverage their home-state experience on the fisheries.

The tournament will feature the MLF catch, weigh, immediate-release format, in which anglers catch as much weight as they can each day, while also feeling the pressure and intensity of the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard. The tournament is being filmed for broadcast later this year on Discovery.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour Stage 4 to our beautiful corner of Tennessee,” said Dennis Tumlin, Chief Customer Officer at Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “With world-class fisheries like Lake Chickamauga – a Bill Dance Signature Lake – and the scenic waters of Nickajack Lake – part of the Fish Tennessee program – Tennessee offers an unforgettable experience for both professional anglers and fans alike. We can’t wait for our outstanding lakes and community to be showcased to audiences across the country.”

The Bass Pro Tour last visited Lake Chickamauga in 2021, when Kalamazoo, Michigan’s Kevin VanDam added another major victory to his impressive record, with Wheeler finishing close behind in second. Prior to that, in 2019, Morgan ran away with a Bass Pro Tour win on Lake Chickamauga, boating 80 pounds of bass on Championship Sunday to distance himself from the final-day field by nearly 20 pounds and take home the top prize of $100,000.

While Wheeler hasn’t taken home a Bass Pro Tour win on Lake Chickamauga or Nickajack Lake, the Tennessee resident and long-time Chickamauga standout said he is excited about the unique challenges and opportunities that await on both Chickamauga and Nickajack Lakes, and the potential for producing trophy-sized bass.

“What’s really cool about going to Chickamauga this time of year is there’s always a chance for a double-digit fish,” Wheeler said. “We’ve seen some 11- and 12-pounders caught in practice already this year on social media. It’s a transitional time, so there’ll be fish in all phases – spawning, post-spawn, maybe even some pre-spawners.”

With fish spread across various patterns, Wheeler believes anglers will have the freedom to fish the entire lake without being confined to specific zones.

“In a five-fish format, you usually have to fish certain zones to target the bigger fish, but with our format and a smaller field, guys can spread out and fish the whole lake. You could advance from anywhere,” he added.

Shallow-water tactics are expected to play a major role, although Wheeler is quick to point out the unpredictability of dominant patterns this time of year.

“I don’t necessarily know what the dominant pattern’s going to be. I really feel like this tournament is going to have a lot of different looks. Everyone won’t be doing the same thing,” Wheeler said. “It’s just that time of year – you’ve got to fish by the seat of your pants and figure it out as you go.”

When the field shifts to Nickajack Lake for the final rounds, Wheeler believes the game will change considerably. Describing Nickajack as a “mini-Lake Guntersville,” he emphasized its mix of smallmouth, spotted bass and largemouth, along with significant grass cover.

“Chickamauga gets a lot of press, but Nickajack could be a hidden gem next week,” Wheeler said. “It’s got a different look and fishes very differently. I don’t think you’ll be able to take a pattern from Chickamauga and just expect it to work on Nickajack.”

With three days of practice split between two lakes, Wheeler said strategy will play a major role.

“Some guys will spend all their time on Chickamauga, while others will try to get a leg up on Nickajack. There’s a lot of strategy, and that’s what makes these split events fun – it challenges us as anglers to adapt quickly.”

As for predictions, Wheeler expects it to take 50 pounds of bass to make the Knockout Round cut from Chickamauga, while advancing from the Knockout to the Championship Round on Nickajack Lake could require upwards of 100 pounds.
 
Anglers will launch at 7:15 a.m. ET Thursday and Friday from Chester Frost Park, located at 2277 Gold Point Circle N. in Hixson, Tennessee. The takeout Thursday and Friday will be held at the same location beginning at 3:45 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, anglers will launch at 7:15 a.m. ET from the Tennessee Riverpark, located at 4301 Amnicola Highway in Chattanooga. The takeout Saturday and Sunday will be held at the same location, beginning at 3:45 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at  MajorLeagueFishing.com.

On Friday, May 2, MLF fans are invited to a Meet & Greet featuring MLF pros Brandon Coulter, Fred Roumbanis and Terry Scroggins from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cigars International Superstore, located at 495 Camp Jordan Parkway in East Ridge, Tennessee. Attending fans must be 21 or older to enter the store.

On Saturday and Sunday, May 3-4, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF welcomes fans of all ages to visit Ross’s Landing at 201 Riverfront Parkway for the MLF Fan Experience & Watch Party. Fans can watch the pros live on the MLFNOW!  big screen, enjoy free food, enter to win hourly giveaways, listen to live music and cheer on their favorite pros. The first 50 kids 14 and under will receive a free Abu Garcia rod and reel each day. The event also includes a meet and greet with Paw Patrol’s Skye and Marshall, a youth fishing derby presented by Hardee’s and a casting contest. The Bass Pro Tour anglers will be on hand both days to meet and greet fans, sign autographs and take selfies.

The O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 4 at Lake Chickamauga and Nickajack Lake Presented by OPTIMA Batteries will feature anglers competing with a 2-pound minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. The MLF Fisheries Management Division determines minimum weights for each body of water that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.

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

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

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

Television coverage of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 4 at Lake Chickamauga and Nickajack Lake Presented by OPTIMA Batteries will premiere as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Oct. 11 on Discovery, with the Championship Round premiering on Saturday, Oct. 18. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on Outdoor Channel.





Plenty of opportunities will be available at Buggs Island College Series event

Bassmaster college anglers will visit new water at the Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Buggs Island presented by Bass Pro Shops April 30-May 1.

Photo by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S.

April 22, 2025

Plenty of opportunities will be available at Buggs Island College Series event

CollegeSeries_StrikeKing_BPSjm_4C.png

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, Va.  Teams competing in the Lunkers Trail of the Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops will visit Buggs Island, a new venue to the College Series, at one of the best times of the year according to St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN angler Jack Dice.

“It is an amazing tournament lake,” Dice said. “It doesn’t have the giants other places have, but there is the opportunity for anglers to fish their strengths and the opportunity for anglers to figure out something in practice and run with it. It is a very dynamic time of year. The bass will be doing a little bit of everything.”

Tournament days are scheduled for April 30 and May 1 with daily takeoffs and weigh-ins set to take place at Occoneechee State Park in Clarksville, Va. The top 10% of the field will clinch a spot in the 2025 Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops, and all teams will earn points toward the Team of the Year race. 

The Strike King Bassmaster High School Series and Bassmaster Junior Series will compete on Buggs Island on May 4.

Straddling the border of North Carolina and Virginia, Buggs Island is the second of four reservoirs in the Roanoke River system and is the largest lake in the state of Virginia. B.A.S.S. returned to Buggs Island in 2023 for the first time in many years at an Open in early May that was won by Powell Kemp. 

That Open could potentially resemble what the college anglers will face during this event, and it all has to do with water level. In 2023, a massive storm system came through the area just before the event, dumping enough rain to raise the lake levels well above full pool. As a result, plenty of wood cover became accessible to the bass, and anglers found themselves catching quality bass around the bank.

There may not be a major flood this year, but even just a little rise in the water levels will bring the bush bite into play, Dice said. 

“Buggs Island is famous for bush flipping when the water gets right,” Dice explained. “You’re going to have plenty of fish still wanting to spawn, and the postspawn bass will be guarding fry in those bushes too. And that is all dependent on the water level.”

Dice anticipates much of the lake will be in play for this tournament, from where the Dan and Roanoke rivers converge on the northeast side down to the dam and Nutbush Creek. Nutbush Creek, Dice said, acts as almost a different lake than the rest of Buggs Island.

Largemouth will be the species in play for this event, and those bass will be in the middle of their spawning cycle. Some will be prespawn, some will be spawning and some will be postspawn, Dice said. The beginning of May is also the time of year the shad spawn starts to ramp up. 

“If I was an angler going into it, the biggest thing would be watching the temperature trends,” Dice said. “When we had the Open, there was a shad spawn happening and I took advantage of that.”

There is also a solid offshore bite on Buggs Island, and teams should be able to use their graphs to find stumps and fish points. 

A Yamamoto Senko would be a top choice for Dice if he were fishing the tournament. Flipping baits like a Yamamoto Flappin’ Hog and a beaver-style bait will also be key for anglers focusing on the bushes. Spinnerbaits will also factor if the shad start spawning. 





MLF Set to Wrap Toyota Series Southwestern Division Next Week with Tournament at Oklahoma’s Lake Eufaula

Pro Eli Brumnett of Wagoner, Oklahoma, will be among the competitors on Lake Eufaula, next week, and expects that high water levels will drastically improve the flipping bite (Photo by Rob Matsuura).

EUFAULA, Okla. (April 22, 2025) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats is set to visit Eufaula, Oklahoma, next week May 1-3, for the third and final regular-season event of the 2025 season in the Toyota Series Southwestern division – the Toyota Series at Lake Eufaula.

The three-day bass tournament, hosted by Vision Eufaula, will showcase the region’s top bass-fishing boaters and co-anglers competing for a grand 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.

With recent heavy rains flooding the system, anglers can expect a much different Lake Eufaula than in years past. For pro Eli Brumnett of Wagoner, Oklahoma – last year’s runner-up at this event – next week is all about redemption.

“We’ve had eight inches of rain this past week and we’re getting more next week,” Brumnett said. “The lake’s already four and a half feet up, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it hit five and a half or six by the time the tournament starts.”

With water in the bushes across the lake and spawning activity still underway, Brumnett expects a strong flipping bite to take center stage.

“Some of the fish are still on beds, but a lot of those big pre-spawners are hanging around that original bank line,” he explained. “That’s where a flipping pattern or even a spinnerbait could really shine. It’s gonna fish totally different than last year.”

In 2024, the lake was two feet lower, limiting the productive shallow areas.

“Last year, you really had to hunt for water in the bushes. This time, you’ll find it just about everywhere.”

Brumnett’s go-to baits for the event include a black and blue creature bait for flipping, a 6th Sense Divine Spinnerbait, and possibly a 6th Sense Crush squarebill if fish are positioned just outside of shallow cover.

“If the water levels stay consistent and don’t fluctuate too much, I think we’ll see some really solid weights,” he predicted. “You might see a couple 20-pound bags, but I think 16 to 18 pounds a day could win, and you’ll probably need at least 13 pounds a day to make the cut.”

Anglers will begin each day at 6:30 a.m. CT, launching from the Nichols Point Boat Ramp, located at 400 Lakeshore Drive in Eufaula. Weigh-ins will take place at the boat ramp, starting at 2:30 p.m. daily. Fans are invited to attend in person and can also stay connected by following the “MLF Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily updates on 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. 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. Co-anglers compete 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 2025 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consists of five divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern and the Southwestern – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the five 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 2026. The winning co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard. The 2025 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 6-8 on Grand Lake in Grove, Oklahoma, and is hosted by the City of Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau.

Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Toyota Series include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and 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.





DAIWA: Shrunken by Request

Shrunken by Request
Ever Green’s Last Ace 103S enters as a new bite-sized option for forward-facing sonar enthusiasts. 
FOOTHILL RANCH, CA (April 21, 2025) – On the heels of last year’s introduction of the Last Ace 128S, Ever Green comes to town with the slightly smaller Last Ace 103S.The advent of forward-facing sonar (FFS) has hatched numbers of nouveau techniques to tempt fish marked in front of the boat. There’s ‘moping,’ ‘hover strolling,’ and ‘mid-strolling’. And like the Last Ace 103S, Ever Green’s new 4-inch Last Ace 103S is designed for ‘power mid-strolling’ with the aim of enticing the alpha bass in the pack.The Last Ace 103S’s power mid-strolling effect is accomplished by its noticeably up-curved tail design. “The unique shape and angle of the tail makes it effortless for anglers to achieve that tantalizing rolling action so popular with FFS,” said Martin.
BLUEGILL
Its action is further enhanced by a specialized salt constitution. “The salt composition is evenly dispersed through only the belly half of the Last Ace 103S,” said Martin. “Rigged weightless and power strolled, it causes the bait to sink horizontally and produce a shimmy akin to an injured baitfish. Its offset weighting is the key.” Infused with baitfish scent throughout, the Last Ace 103S has an exceptionally flexible belly and tail, while the denser top yields exceptional durability around the hook. Cosmetically, fish will appreciate the Last Ace 103Ss raised, 3D “real eyes” and dotted lateral line, which accentuate its authenticity.  Available in 6 baitfish mimicking color patterns, this lure can represent forage ranging from bluegill to shad.
RIGGING THE LAST ACE 103SThe slow sinking and exceptionally durable Last Ace 103S can be rigged weightless with a swimbait hook. Downward into the nose, back up through the body, and then slide the hookpoint into the molded notch on the bait’s back. The hookpoint stays hidden but is easily activated by a striking fish. Rigging as such also makes the Last Ace 103S virtually weedless for operating through vegetation.It can also be paired with a jig. Go lighter for working the middle of the water column and heavier if you want to operate near or on the bottom. Long-shanked jigs with quality baitholders work best.Lastly, and most simply, impale the middle of the Last Ace 103Ss back from side to side with a kahle-style hook. Flip it out, let it sink, and twitch it around. Looks like a baitfish taking its last gulp. 
NATURAL SHAD
NEON MOROKO
SUPER WAKASAGI
WHITE CLEAR
ARMAND GOLD
LAST ACE 103S FEATURES:4-inch minnow-style baitSlow sinkingIdeal for forward-facing sonar (FFS) techniquesUnique upturned tail produces lifelike rolling actionSpecially balanced with a salt formulation for a horizontal fallInfused with baitfish scentRaised 3D “real eyes”Dotted lateral line for authenticity6 proven colors: Baby Gill, Super Wakasagi, Natural Shad, Neon Moroko, Armando Gold, and White ClearMSRP $12.99 (4 pack)
For Daiwa’s latest color catalog and/or information on Daiwa dealers in your area, call Daiwa’s Customer Service Department at 562-375-6800 or e-mail inquiries to: [email protected]. The URL for Daiwa’s web site is daiwa.us





Skeet Reese Announces Retirement from Competitive Fishing

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keet Reese Announces Retirement from Competitive Fishing
2025 Bass Pro Tour to be Final season for Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Inductee

AUBURN, Calif. – April 22, 2025 –– Skeet Reese, 2024 Bass Fishing Hall of Fame inductee, A founder of Major League Fishing, the 2007 Bassmaster Angler of the Year and 2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion announces his retirement from competitive fishing at the end of the 2025 MLF Bass Pro Tour season. 

While he is retiring from competition, he will remain actively involved in the industry.  He plans to spend more time serving in an enhanced promotional capacity for his partners and to growing Reese Fishing, his new fishing rod brand.

His more than 40-year career began in the Western Pro circuits such as WON Bass and West Coast Bass, then turned to the Bassmaster Western Invitationals, where he qualified for the Bassmaster Tour and the Bassmaster Elite Series. 

The announcement brings to a conclusion one of the most highly decorated competition careers in the history of professional bass fishing.  He has competed in more than 300 professional events, claiming 12 career victories, 84 top 10 and 120 top 20 finishes.  Appeared in 19 Bassmaster Classics, three Major League Fishing REDCREST championships, two Forrest Wood Cups and a Red Man All American.  Altogether, Reese has posted more than $4 million in career earnings while casting.

Though his career as a competitor has certainly been Hall of Fame caliber, Reese’s influence in the promotional game has also been in a class above.  Reese was the first angler to pioneer the use of a trademark color scheme with his Black and Yellow branding, and he made impacts early in his career with the use of personalized theme music and his dancing skills. The Auburn, California based pro was the first angler to see the potential of the Bassmaster Elite Series when it was announced in 2005 and was the first angler to sign up for the circuit.

In the business segment of the sport is where Reese has made his biggest impact.  His efforts in branding career-long partners such as Lucky Craft, Lowrance and Mercury Outboards amongst other brands are significant factors in the brands’ successes throughout his career.  The launch of his Skeet Reese rods in 2009 was further evidence of the pro’s influence as over the lifespan of the product line, hundreds of thousands of “yellow rods” were sold by retailers and in the hands of anglers worldwide.

Looking back at his career, Reese is struck with nostalgia and a grateful heart.  “I only dreamed of being able to fish for a living as a young angler growing up in Northern California, and I never would have thought it could have turned out like this,” he said.  “I have had partners along the way that have supported and believed in me that have become more like family than business partners; I would not have been able to stay in this career, let alone be successful without them.”

I am thankful to the leagues that have provided a platform for myself and my colleagues to build our brands in, and to the fans who tune in and attend the events we have competed in throughout the years,” said Reese.  “To my family and friends that have been a big part of everything, I want to let you know how much you have been a part of my career and how fulfilling it is to have you a part of it.  Finally, to Kim, Lea and Courtney, I would never have been able to chase this without your love and support, thank you and I love you so much.

“This has been a ride that I am grateful to have been on, I can’t express enough how humbled I am to have been a professional angler in this industry, and how thankful I am to have been able to do it for as long as I have.  I will put the same effort into working for my partners and into building the best fishing rods you could ever put in your hands at Reese Fishing – from the depths of my heart, Thank You all!”

To hear more from Reese himself, see the video at: https://www.facebook.com/skeetreesefishing or https://www.instagram.com/skeetreesefishing/ 





Mike Scott & Joey Scott Win Tournament #3 of the 5 Alive Gaston Team Trail -4/13/2025

Mike Scott & Joey Scott take home the WIN

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In the 3rd tournament of the 5 Alive Gaston Team Trail.
They topped the 14-boat field with a 5-fish limit weighing 14.72 pounds. That bag was anchored by a 4.87-pound fish that also won them Big Fish for the tournament. After all said and done with TWT as well, they carried home

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$940.00

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for the day.
Great job guys!!! That’s a good payday for only 14 boats!!

?

The team of Scott Golden & Jesse Medim followed them. They had a 5-fish limit weighing 14.57 pounds. That earned them a total of

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$435.00

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Congratulations to everyone who placed in the money!

Also want to say Thank You to Mr. Harvey Reece for running the Trail and doing a great job.

Tournament #4 will be on 6/1/2025
Yall come on out and let’s get this Trail growing!

Mike Scott & Joey Scott take home the WIN ? in the 3rd tournament of the 5 Alive Gaston Team Trail.
They topped the 14 boat field with a 5 fish limit weighing 14.72 pounds. That bag was anchored by a 4.87 pound fish that also Won them Big Fish for the tournament. After all said in done with TWT as well they carried home ?$940.00? for the day.
Great job guys!!! That’s a good payday for only 14 boats!!?

They were followed by the team of Scott Golden & Jesse Medim.They had a 5 fish limit weighing 14.57 pounds. That earned them a total of ?$435.00?

Congratulations to everyone who placed in the money!

Also want to say Thank You to Mr. Harvey Reece for running the Trail and doing a great job.

Tournament #4 will be on 6/1/2025
Yall come on out and let’s get this Trail growing!

Jeff & Jacob Norris win CATT Lake Wateree Spring Final with 5 bass weighing 18.65 lbs

This coming Saturday at Lake Wateree, Clearwater Cove Marina! BassKings Solo Series!

Tap on the link to view info!

BassKings – Lake Wateree, SC – Carolina Anglers Team Trail

We had a very much improved Spring at Wateree! Join us for the Summer Trail starting May 1st! Tap on the link below to view the schedule!

Jeff Norris & Jacob Norris win the Lake Wateree Spring Final with 5 bass weighing 18.65 lbs worth $3,075.00! They doubled up winning the Wateree open! All total they collected $4,750.00!

Mike King & Mark Healon 2nd with 5 bass weighing 16.43 lbs and they earned $1,000.00!

Donald & Kevin Hinson 3rd with 15.89 lbs plus the BF at 5.46 lbs!

Jerry Freezon 4th with 15.57 lbs!

TeamBFWeightWinnings
Jeff Norris – Jacob Norris4.4918.65$3,075.00
Mark Healon – Mike King4.5316.43$1,000.00
Donald Hinson – Kevin Hinson5.4615.89$750.00
Jerry Freezon5.4315.57$315.00
Todd Butler – Jeffrey Furr4.6615.19
Colden Baker – Bubba Baker3.2014.95
Butch Williams – Sonny Beam4.1314.84
Keith Porter – Tony Price3.9514.83
Michael Richardson – Shane Cantley3.8314.68
Steve Phillips – Chad Sims4.1813.87
Ray & Channon Dowey3.1913.27
Dylan Locklear3.7312.29
Dean Benfield – Donnie Maiers3.0611.68
Scott Williams – Terry Williams2.787.48
Paul Wells & Craig Haven3.576.20
Chad Gainey – William Gainey0.000.00
Chris Moody – Jeff Robinson0.000.00
Brett Collins0.000.00
Andrew Boykin0.000.00
Trent Mclaughin – Dearal Rodgers0.000.00
Mike Ware – Josh Finley0.000.00
Greg Atkinson – Anitar Atkinson0.000.00
Robbie English – Jesse Childers0.000.00
Alan Fletcher – Tanner Fletcher0.000.00





Bainbridge Set for MLF Toyota Series at Lake Seminole

BAINBRIDGE, Ga. (April 21, 2025) –The Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats is set to visit Bainbridge, Georgia, this week, April 24-26, for the third and final regular-season event of the Southern division – the  Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats at Lake Seminole.

The three-day tournament, hosted by Visit Bainbridge, will feature a roster of the region’s best bass-fishing boaters and 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.

Matt O’Connell of Brooks, Georgia, who usually competes in the Toyota Series Central Division, said he has an eye on the upcoming tournament on Lake Seminole and is looking to throw his hat in the ring. The Georgia boater has racked up 17 top 10-finishes in MLF competition over the past two years and earned the Toyota Series Central Division’s Fishing Clash Angler of the Year honors in 2024.

“Lake Seminole should be fishing pretty good this time of year,” O’Connell said. “I expect it to be a mostly mid-spawn to post-spawn tournament. They tend to spawn a little early down in the southern portion of the state, but we had a colder winter, so my assumption is that they didn’t start really spawning until February. So, there are probably a lot of fish that are starting to pull back out deep, but there will also be a lot still in the spawning phase.”

O’Connell said patterns and baits will vary throughout the field, with Lake Seminole offering anglers the opportunity to fish their strengths.

“Two of the main staples will definitely be ChatterBaits and jerkbaits, but there’ll be Carolina rigs and bigger swimbaits come into play as well,” said O’Connell. “You’re going to see some scoping-style baits – minnows, things like that – play as well. There’s a lot of clear water and a lot of timber for guys to go scope around in Spring Creek and other areas like that, but you can also fish shallow and throw a topwater bait all day if you really want to, so it will be a mix of things.” 

With the spawn coming to a close, O’Connell said he expects the weights to be slightly lower than they were earlier in the year but anticipates it will still take a hefty bag to advance to Championship Saturday.

“You’ll need at least one 25-pound bag, but I’d say if a guy has 36-38 pounds, they’ll have a shot at advancing in the top 25 to the final day,” said O’Connell. “I think it’s going to take a 70-pound three-day cumulative weight to win the event, but what will be interesting is seeing how the event will be won. It’s possible to win it shallow, but I’m assuming it will be won off the angler who has the best couple of post-spawn spots where they’re starting to group up.”

Anglers will begin each day at 7 a.m. ET, launching from the Earle May Boat Basin at 100 Boat Basin Circle in Bainbridge. Weigh-ins will take place at the same location, starting at 3 p.m. daily. Fans are invited to attend in person and can also stay connected by following the “MLF Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily updates on 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. 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. 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 2025 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consists of five divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern and Southwestern – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the five 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 2026. The winning co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard. The 2025 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 6-8 on Grand Lake in Grove, Oklahoma, and is hosted by the City of Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau.

Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Toyota Series include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and 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 FacebookInstagram and YouTube.





College Angler Buchmann Gets Second Win of the Season at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Kerr Lake

Boater winner Kaden Buchmann of Troutman, North Carolina, and co-angler winner Andrew Blanton of Chesnee, South Carolina.
South Carolina’s Blanton Tops Co-Angler Division

HENDERSON, N.C. (April 21, 2025) – Boater Kaden Buchmann of Troutman, North Carolina, caught a five-bass limit weighing 17 pounds, 2 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Kerr Lake . The tournament, hosted by the Vance County Tourism Development Authority, was the second event of the season for the BFL Shenandoah Division. Buchmann earned $4,182 for his victory.

Buchmann is off to a roaring start this spring. He won the North Carolina Division tournament on Lake Norman on March 1, finished runner-up at Smith Mountain Lake in the Piedmont Division on March 30, finished second again in the North Carolina Division on April 12 at High Rock Lake and now has win No. 2 on the season with his victory at Kerr Lake.

“If you want me to put in into one word, it would be confidence,” said Buchmann, a junior business major at Lander University in Greenwood, South Carolina, when reflecting on his success. “Every time I’ve put my boat in the water this year, I’ve felt like I had a chance to win.

“I think it’s a combination of I’ve figured out how I like to fish, what I like to fish, and I feel like I’ve figured out the fish a little bit more than I previously have.”

This is only Buchmann’s second season fishing the BFLs, and really, it’s his first full season. Last year, he only entered one event, finishing third at Lake Norman in the North Carolina Division Super Tournament. His worst finish in a BFL event to date: 14th at the second stop of this year’s North Carolina Division at Lake Wylie.

Buchmann’s not the only Lander angler having success. His roommate, Andrew Blanton, won the Co-angler Division at Kerr Lake on Saturday – his second top-10 finish of the season.

As for the fishing at Kerr, Buchmann kept it pretty simple.

“This is my first week on the lake, pretty much,” he said. “I found a couple of stretches of bushes down the lake and kind of just soaked ’em.”

He figures the bass were starting to spawn. Though he never spotted any on beds, Buchmann said all the bass he caught were in spawning pockets. The aspiring professional angler caught his winning fish from as shallow as 6 inches of water and from some deeper bushes, with one coming on a jig and the rest on a wacky-rigged worm.

“It started quick because I lost a couple big ones,” Buchmann added. “But I caught a small limit right off the get-go. And I just kind of caught one every hour, hour and a half, two hours. I just had to weed through the males.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

1st:        Kaden Buchmann, Troutman, N.C., five bass, 17-2, $4,182
2nd:      Adam Lester, Huddleston, Va., five bass, 16-4, $2,291
3rd:       Ben Dalton, Bracey, Va., five bass, 15-10, $1,362
4th:        Raymond Jones III, Mocksville, N.C., five bass, 15-8, $952
5th:        Daniel Weber, Fredericksburg, Va., five bass, 15-6, $816
6th:        Jackson Pleasant, Four Oaks, N.C., five bass, 14-14, $748
7th:        Tyler Trent, Nathalie, Va., five bass, 14-5, $680
8th:        Wesley Cashwell, Roanoke Rapids, N.C., five bass, 14-1, $1,172
9th:        Kelly Robinette, South Chesterfield, Va., five bass, 14-0, $1,044 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
10th:     Michael Birr, Franklinton, N.C., five bass, 13-15, $476

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Wesley Cashwell of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina caught a bass that weighed 4 pounds, 10 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $560.



Andrew Blanton of Chesnee, South Carolina won the co-angler division and $2,041 Saturday, after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 10 pounds, 6 ounces.

The top 11 co-anglers finished:

1st:        Andrew Blanton, Chesnee, S.C., three bass, 10-6, $2,041
2nd:      Craig Wheeler, Avenue, Md., three bass, 8-15, $1,021
3rd:       Richard Williams, Sutherland, Va., three bass, 8-8, $683
4th:        Ryan Spivey, Fairfax, Va., three bass, 8-6, $476
5th:        Lew Jenkins, Waldorf, Md., three bass, 8-3, $408
6th:        David Rosenbaum, Leesburg, Va., three bass, 8-2, $637
6th:        Douglas Washburn, Bracey, Va., three bass, 8-2, $357
8th:        Nelson Bailey, Virginia Beach, Va., three bass, 8-1, $306
9th:        Victor Cuevas, Supply, N.C., three bass, 7-14, $272
10th:     Brent Allison, Littlestown, Pa., three bass, 7-13, $276
10th:     James Wade, Loris, S.C., three bass, 7-13, $226

David Rosenbaum of Leesburg, Virginia, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $280, catching a bass that weighed in at 4 pounds, 9 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.

After two events, Broderick Luckey of Lynchburg, Virginia, now leads the Fishing Clash Shenandoah Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 490 points, while Jason Hinger of Timberlake, North Carolina, leads the Fishing Clash Shenandoah Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 479 points.

The next event for BFL Shenandoah Division anglers will be held May 17, at the Potomac River out of Marbury, Maryland. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.

The top 60 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 3-4 BFL Regional tournament on the James River in Richmond, Virginia. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $20,000.

The 2025 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 134 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 60 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, will advance to one of 12 BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top three, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2025 BFL All-American will take place May 29-31, 2025, at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is hosted by hosted by Visit Hot Springs and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.

Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Li Time Batteries, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.

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