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Saturday, December 13, 2025
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The Secret Weapon of Pro Anglers: Lowrance Elite FS 10″ & 12″

Brian Carter
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The Secret Weapon of Pro Anglers: Lowrance Elite FS 10″ & 12″

The Lowrance® Elite FS 12 Fish Finder/Chartplotter with TotalScan® Transducer delivers unprecedented fish-finding tools and convenience. The all-in-1 TotalScan transducer gives you unprecedented sonar performance: Broadband, CHIRP, StructureScan® HD, and DownScan Imaging, in a single transducer. Get the best of CHIRP sonar and DownScan Imaging on 1 screen with FishReveal, a Lowrance exclusive that helps you easily recognize fish from structure and cover on high-detailed DownScan images. Spend more time trying to catch fish and less time trying to find them, with the high-resolution detail of C-MAP® Discover Onboard inland and coastal charts. These highly detailed charts provide bathymetric 1′ contours on 19,000+ U.S. lakes and 9,400+ lakes in Canada. C-MAP Genesis Live onscreen mapping creates maps of your boating travels in real time, so you can always return to your favorite spots. This Lowrance fish finder also offers support for ActiveTarget™ live sonar and extreme high-resolution Active Imaging™ (ActiveTarget transducer not included) to see structure and cover with incredibly refined detail and at a range unmatched by any other structure imaging technology. Complete with integrated wireless, NMEA 2000®, and Ethernet connectivity. From finding key fishing areas such as ledges, drop-offs, and ditches to navigating with precision to fish-holding areas, you’ll have more success on the water with the Lowrance Elite FS 12 with TotalScan technology. Included in the Bundle is the Elite FS 12 Fish Finder/Chartplotter, manufacturer model #: 000-16431-001, and the TotalScan Transducer, manufacturer model #: 000-12568-001.

CLICK TO ORDER





Chasing the Dream: Moving to Bedding Bass by Bruce Callis Jr

Bruce Callis
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Chasing the Dream: Moving to Bedding Bass by Bruce Callis Jr

Chasing the Dream:
Moving to Bedding Bass
by Bruce Callis Jr

April showers bring May flowers! It is also the time when the pollen gets worse. Breathing can be difficult and the nasty green on the water makes things look terrible. These warm spring days are raising the water temperatures and that is what we have been waiting for, maybe. And the bass are getting ready to move up to spawn.


But the key word is moving, and now we need to think about what to throw as we search for those big girls moving up. For m,e that can be broken down into just a few baits. Moving, topwater and bottom baits. Let’s start with a topwater bait.


I am going to have two baits I will have tied on, depending on where I am and the vegetation. The first is a SPRO Bronzeye Frog. This works great over the emerging lily pads and the emerging grass. Baitfish will be in those areas, especially bluegill. And where they are the bass will follow. Because of the vegetation, I like to use 30-pound Seaguar braid on a medium-heavy rod. Remember, let them eat it before setting the hook.
My second choice is the SPRO E Pop 80. A popping bait can be a deadly choice. It mimics a bluegill hitting bugs on the surface as well as a frog. You can make it pop and dance in place. Just be ready for that explosion. For this, I have a 30-pound braid with a leader of 10-15-pound monofilament on a medium-heavy rod.


For a moving bait, I like a few options. The first is for the shallows. I like to use a SPRO Fat John 60 or a Little John. Both work great and offer a different presentation. The Fat John has a more hunting action while the Little John has a tighter wobble. I work both of these on 10-12 pound Seaguar InvizX and a MMA TakeDown Knockout series medium extra fast 6’ 10” rod. It has the power to get them in while allowing the rod to set the hook and play the bass. If I need to work out a little deeper, the Little John 50MD is my choice.
And you have to have a spinnerbait tied on, especially if the wind is blowing just a little. I prefer to use a combination set-up of either a willow blade and small Colorado or an Indiana blade with a small Colorado blade. It mimics baitfish and can be worked from up on shore all the way out to 10 foot with ease. I like mine on a medium-heavy fast tip rod with 12-pound InvizX fluorocarbon. Just be ready for some heartpounding stops.


My other moving bait has been tied on all winter and still works great. A SPRO Aruku Shad is one of my favorites and will catch monster bass. It works over emerging grass and the tight wobble is deadly. And it comes over stumps and limbs better than most think. I like to use 10-12 pound fluorocarbon on it as well, but you can go to 15 pounds if the grass is heavier. I use a rod built especially for lipless crankbaits. It has just the right amount of tip action to allow you to feel the bait thumping, making the tip quiver and enough backbone to not rip the bait out of their mouth.


My last 2 choices are for working around stumps and laydowns. It will also work in the grass and around the lily pads. The first is a Missile Baits Ike’s Mini Flip with either a D Bomb or Chunky D trailer. Or a D Bomb or Chunky D Texas rigged. I like to use either on a medium-heavy fast-action rod and Seaguar 20 pound AbraizX fluorocarbon. And I will keep a white one handy for if I see one on bed.


April is the month of big bass, especially the ones dreams are made on. Having the right tools to do what we love is the most important part of fishing. Plan ahead and get ready to have fun. And the most important bait of all, your life jacket. Make sure it is in great shape and you wear it. Have fun, think safety first, and live to fish another day!





Autism Awareness Goes Local

Brian Carter
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Autism Awareness Goes Local

Autism Awareness Goes Local


Salem, Va. – April 9, 2025 – John Crews and the bass fishing world are ready to show support for Autism Awareness month this April. This year will be highlighted by showcasing autism focused organizations that are based in the two towns hosting the two Bassmaster Elite Series events this month. Autism Awareness Month represents an excellent opportunity to promote autism awareness, autism acceptance, and to draw attention to the tens of thousands that deal autism every day. In addition, the BASS pros will have the opportunity to display autism puzzle decals on their boats and John Crews will auction off some special items later in April.


Pro bass angler, John Crews, explains, “Each year we try to show a different angle of autism. This year is about where the work is done, locally. We contacted local organizations in Elizabeth City, NC and Anderson, SC. Each group will have a display in our weekend expo so people can learn about them and help support them through direct donations. Many people have no idea these places are right in their backyard, wherever you live!”


In Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Grassroots 252 is the nonprofit group that will display and educate people on how they help improve the lives of the special needs community. In Anderson, South Carolina, the Rainbow Gang is a nonprofit group that operates a free day program for adults with intellectual disabilities. That program is run by Anderson County, and they focus on evidence-based recreational based therapy.
Like in previous years, the BASS Elite anglers will have the opportunity to show their support for autism awareness by putting autism puzzle-themed fish decals on their boats. Also, there will be numerous auction items on eBay later this month, with all proceeds going to various autism charities. Lastly, anyone can get the autism puzzle-themed fish decals with autism bracelets for $10 plus shipping at https://missilebaits.store/products/autism-awarness with all the proceeds going to Virginia Institute of Autism.





B.A.S.S. announces St. Croix as title sponsor of North Carolina Elite Series event

Brian Carter
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B.A.S.S. announces St. Croix as title sponsor of North Carolina Elite Series event

April 9, 2025

B.A.S.S. announces St. Croix as title sponsor of North Carolina Elite Series event 

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. —  B.A.S.S. announced today that St. Croix Rod — the American manufacturer of the “Best Rods on Earth” for 77 years — has expanded their partnership to include the title sponsorship of the 2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound in Elizabeth City, N.C., April 10-13.

The tournament pits the top bass anglers in the world — including North Carolina pros Matt Arey, Brandon Card, Hank Cherry, Shane LeHew, KJ Queen and Jake Whitaker — against big bass and one another as they battle for the coveted championship trophy, $100,000 first-place prize and a total purse of more than $455,000. 

The Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series field will launch from Waterfront Park each day at 7 a.m. ET and return for weigh-in starting at 3 p.m. The field will be cut to the Top 50 on Day 3 before the Top 10 duke it out on Championship Sunday for the first-place prize of $100,000 and a coveted blue trophy.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail has only visited the northeastern area of North Carolina three times — once for the 1975 Bassmaster Classic at the Currituck Sound won by Jack Hains and twice for North Carolina Invitationals in 1980 and 1981 in the Albemarle Sound. 

“The St. Croix family is excited to extend our support and partnership beyond the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series to this unique, Elite Series event. It’s a new venue for Bassmaster, and the tournament will be incredibly exciting for anglers to watch when competition kicks off this Thursday,” says Jesse Simpkins, St. Croix vice president of marketing.

All anglers love new water, and for many Bassmaster fans, this weekend’s Elite Series event will be their first exposure to the extensive bass-fishing opportunities found at the Pasquotank River and other fertile tributaries of the Albemarle Sound, which is full of cypress trees, stumps, sandbars, vegetation, shad, herring and other diverse forage along with big populations of largemouth bass with spawning on their minds.

“I don’t know if it will surprise people, but there are some really big bass there,” says Simpkins, who expects St. Croix’s Elite Series team members Bob Downey, Caleb Kuphall, Trey McKinney and Pat Schlapper, as well as SEVIIN Reels pro John Crews, to lean on a variety of techniques and presentations from jigs, ChatterBaits, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits and crankbaits to minnows, Neko rigs, topwaters and glidebaits. “Don’t be surprised if you see at least one 10-pounder caught,” predicts Simpkins, “especially if it warms up a bit and competitors find fish hitting the beds during the full moon on Saturday.”

Diverse presentations call for diverse rods, something that St. Croix has covered with hundreds of USA- and North American-made technique-specific models over seven bass-specific series. “You’ll see our guys throwing everything from Bass X and Mojo Bass to Legend Xtreme models, but Legend Tournament Bass, Physyx and Victory seem to be the popular staples on almost all of their decks,” says Simpkins. “We’re also incredibly excited at how anglers have gravitated to our new Black Bass series, which starts at just $145 and includes 36 models covering everything from drop shotting to 8-ounce swimbaits. Black Bass blanks are similar to those of our previous generation Avid series, which Bob Downey is a huge fan of. Observant bass fans will notice a bunch of different Black Bass models in Bob’s hands and on his decks throughout this tournament and the remainder of the Elite season.”

Bassmaster LIVE coverage of the 2025 Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound will be available on Bassmaster.com on Days 1 and 2 starting at 8 a.m. ET and ending at 3 p.m. Roku will have coverage of Days 1 and 2 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and noon to 3 p.m. FS1 will carry the morning action on Day 3 from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. before moving to Bassmaster.com in the afternoon. Championship Sunday coverage will be broadcast on FS1 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

Visit Elizabeth City is hosting the tournament.





Bassmaster Open shaping up to be intriguing event in return to Tombigbee River

Brian Carter
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Bassmaster Open shaping up to be intriguing event in return to Tombigbee River

Bassmaster brings competition back to Columbus, Miss., when the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Tombigbee River presented by SEVIIN returns April 16-18.

Photo by B.A.S.S.

April 9, 2025

Bassmaster Open shaping up to be intriguing event in return to Tombigbee River

Opens_StCroix_Sevin_4C-RASTER.png

COLUMBUS, Miss. — Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series pro Justin Atkins has competed on some of America’s best bass fisheries in his five years on the world’s top tour, but never on the Tombigbee River, which he considers home water.

He had a chance this year as the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Tombigbee River presented by SEVIIN will be held April 16-18. But Atkins couldn’t fit this particular tournament into his schedule and, truth be told, he’s not happy about it.

“I’m really sick I’m not fishing it,” Atkins said. “I fished a lot of bass tournaments there when I was a kid. I mean, a lot. I saw my first wrapped boat running down that river. So, the nostalgia of it, and a tournament finally being back there, I really want to be there. But I would have to leave the (2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound in North Carolina) then hurry down to Columbus just to turn around and go back to the Elite at Hartwell (in South Carolina) the next week. I just couldn’t make it make sense.”

A full field of some of the sport’s best anglers will be in Columbus, though, fighting for a Bassmaster Open victory on the 234-mile man-made waterway connecting the Tennessee River with the confluence of the Black Warrior and Tombigbee rivers. It’ll be the first major B.A.S.S. event held on the Tombigbee River since 2004 when Paul Elias weighed in a 34-pound, 3-ounce total to win, with his final-day bag anchored by an 8-9 largemouth.  

This year’s three-day tournament on the Tombigbee River is the second of the four Opens events comprising the Division 1 schedule. The first was held in January on Georgia’s Clarks Hill Reservoir and two additional derbies are scheduled July 23-25 on Upper Chesapeake Bay in Maryland and July 31-August 2 on the St. Lawrence River in Upstate New York.

The Top 50 anglers from both the Division 1 and Division 2 series of the Bassmaster Opens will qualify for the Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers (EQ), which consists of three tournaments scheduled for this fall. The Top 10 anglers in the EQ standings will earn invitations into the vaunted Bassmaster Elite Series in 2026 where they’ll fish against veteran pros like Atkins and 100 or so world-class bass anglers.

Besides more than $300,000 in cash going to top competitors on the Tombigbee River, including more than $50,000 to the winner, the champ also will clinch a berth in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour to be held March 13-15 on the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tenn.

Atkins said the anglers who best manage the Tombigbee River lock system could have an advantage in the tournament.

“There’s a game to it, and it’s a really awesome part of it all really, the strategy that goes into it,” he said. “When you lock and run a long way, you could have water to yourself. But it’s a major risk with barge traffic. You might (miss) a lock. A guy can do two locks, maybe, but if you lock three times, that would only leave you with about 45 minutes of fishing. And like I said, the timing is a thing because the locks open every other hour depending on if you’re going north or south.”

Atkins said, much like the event held there 21 years ago, 13 to 15 pounds per day could be enough to win now.

“I could be wrong, but what I usually see is someone catches 17 or 18 (pounds) but then catches 10,” Atkins said. “So, the person who has 40 to 45 pounds in the end will be really strong.”

Atkins said largemouth bass are typically caught on the southern pools of the Tombigbee River. There’s a mix of largemouth and spotted bass in the 25-mile stretch between Columbus and Aberdeen, with the number of spots increasing the farther an angler wends northward. As for lures, Atkins said he anticipates the best bites will come on spinnerbaits, frogs, wacky-style worms, shaky head worms and the like.

“It’ll be an old-school fishing tournament,” he said. “In mid-April, you’ll have some fish still spawning and you’ll have a shad spawn going. It’s a good river for junk fishing. I learned so much on that river living 10 minutes from it for 25 years of my life. Honestly, ever since I moved to Pickwick Lake, I don’t think I’m as good an angler as I was when I was having to figure out the different things happening (on the Tombigbee River).”

“Whatever happens, it’s gonna be an intriguing tournament,” he added. “And I really hope B.A.S.S. comes back. I won’t miss it again.”

Daily takeoffs in the St Croix Bassmaster Open at Tombigbee River presented by SEVIIN are scheduled to begin at 6:15 a.m. CT, with weigh-ins set for 3:15 p.m., all from Columbus Marina. Only the Top 10 anglers will advance to fish on Day 3 of the tournament.

Visit Columbus Mississippi is hosting the event.





XTRATUF Named “Official Boot” Of The 2025 Sport Fishing Championship

Brian Carter
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XTRATUF Named “Official Boot” Of The 2025 Sport Fishing Championship

XTRATUF Named “Official Boot” Of The 2025 Sport Fishing Championship

  • By FTR Industry Wire
  • April 8, 2025

Events to Kick Off in April with “The Catch” NFL Angler Competition in Fort Lauderdale.

NELSONVILLE, OH. – Leading fishing footwear and apparel brand, XTRATUF, partners with The Sport Fishing Championship (SFC) as the “Official Boot” of its 2025 tournaments. SFC will host 14 tournaments from April through October across the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, including: The Walker’s Cay Open, The MidAtlantic, and Mobile Big Game Fishing Club’s Labor Day Invitational. The 2025 event circuit will premiere in April with “The Catch, Powered by Verizon”, an offshore fishing competition that pairs current NFL greats with SFC star anglers in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

“Proven across the most epic conditions and locations, XTRATUF has become a badge of preparedness for fishermen across the globe,” said Zach Castagnola, marketing manager for XTRATUF. “We are excited to kick off the 2025 season as the official boot of the Sport Fishing Championship to literally put boots on the ground during offshore competitions. SFC is a platform that will allow us to reach an additional audience of fishing fans and be a part of the fun throughout the year.”

The events will kick off in April with “The Catch” which pairs NFL stars with SFC anglers in an exciting competition in Fort Lauderdale. XTRATUF will provide the classic 6-inch Ankle Deck Boot and the Ankle Deck Boot Sport to all competitors and their crew providing a trustworthy boot for the competition. 

“Having XTRATUF as our Official Boot partner is an incredible opportunity for SFC and all of the fishermen participating in our competitions this year,” said Mark Neifeld, CEO and commissioner of SFC. “Each event location offers a unique venue to share stories and products with professional anglers. XTRATUF is a great partner that makes incredible footwear, and we are stoked to have them as a central part of this year’s events.”

About XTRATUF

XTRATUF is built for the most epic conditions across the globe. It’s built for a community of passionate water lovers everywhere who want the best footwear and gear to keep them dry, comfortable and sure footed, no matter what they face. XTRATUF enables and empowers us all to keep going, to keep working, to keep doing. ALASKA PROVEN. BUILT FOR ALL.  It is a division of Rocky Brands, a publicly traded company on NASDAQ® under the symbol: RCKY. www.xtratuf.com; @Facebook.com/xtratuf; @xtratuf on Instagram. 

About the Sport Fishing Championship

Founded in 2021, the Sport Fishing Championship (SFC) is a competitive sports fishing league representing 16 regions across North America. With a focus on growing the sport and engaging fans through innovation, SFC+ offers a direct-to-consumer OTT platform that delivers unparalleled access to live events, fishing content, and its celebrity-driven team format





“Reely” Great Idea

Brian Carter
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“Reely” Great Idea
“Reely” Great Idea
Protect your spinning reel investments with DAIWA’s new NEO Reel Covers
FOOTHILL RANCH, CA (April 8, 2025) – For anglers, opening a freshly purchased reel from the box is hard to beat. There’s the new reel smell and all that virgin polished metal, and then screwing in the handle for the first time…ahhh. You next slide it into the chosen rod’s reel seat and twist it tight. In a symbolic gesture you shake the rod a few times, because everyone does.Sadly, the newness ends there. Or does it? DAIWA doesn’t think so.Enter DAIWA’s new spinning NEO Reel Covers. Developed to protect a reel while mounted on a rod, the durable and fitted neoprene cover comforts and protects your reel from everyday hazards. Go ahead and stuff them in the back of the truck or crowd your combos in a rod locker. The NEO Reel Cover doesn’t care.
Besides protection, NEO Reel Covers also prevent your spinning reels from mysteriously interlacing into some metallic modern art. Ever had a spinning handle wedge under the bail of another? Feels like they’re never coming apart. And speaking of handles, NEO Reel Covers also feature a side pocket for storing the handle.Forget to rinse your reels before pouching them? No problem. The reel cover’s mesh sides let you spray water right through, rinsing the reel, and afterwards offering ventilation so they dry out.Cloaking and cloning your reels in lookalike covers will make them unidentifiable, right? No so, because DAIWA cleverly included an exterior ID pocket for naming each reel. Maybe something like, “My Lucky 3000 EXIST” or “6000 SALTIGA Slayer”. Available in three sizes, accommodating reels from 2500- to 20000-size, prices range from $20.99 to $26.99
2500-5000 SIZE REELS (SMALL)
6000-10000 SIZE REELS (MEDIUM)
14000-20000 SIZE REELS (LARGE)
NEO Reel Cover FEATURES:Durable and protective neoprene materialMesh sides for rinsing and ventingPocket for handleName tag and pocket for IDWraps around reel on the rodVelcro closure2500-5000 SIZE REELS MSRP $20.996000-10000 SIZE REELS MSRP $22.9914000-20000 SIZE REELS MSRP $26.99
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





B.A.S.S. taps Tennessee’s Cherokee Lake as site of 2025 Bassmaster College National Championship

Brian Carter
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B.A.S.S. taps Tennessee’s Cherokee Lake as site of 2025 Bassmaster College National Championship

Tennessee’s Cherokee Lake will be the site of the 2025 Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops July 10-12 in Jefferson City, Tenn.

Photo by Shane Durrance/B.A.S.S.

April 8, 2025

B.A.S.S. taps Tennessee’s Cherokee Lake as site of 2025 Bassmaster College National Championship

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. officials announced today that the 2025 Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops will take place on Cherokee Lake July 10-12 in Jefferson City, Tenn. Visit Jefferson County TN will host the prestigious event, which will showcase the country’s best up-and-coming student anglers.

“Jefferson County is beyond excited to host the Bassmaster College Series National Championship in 2025 on the beautiful Cherokee Lake,” said Lauren Hurdle, director of tourism for Visit Jefferson County TN. “This event not only highlights the incredible fishing opportunities our area has to offer, but also brings together a community passionate about the sport and the great outdoors. We’re proud to welcome anglers, families and visitors from all over, and we look forward to showcasing the natural beauty and hospitality that make our region truly special.”

B.A.S.S. last visited Cherokee Lake in a College Series event held there in 2023. The picturesque lake located in east Tennessee is a reservoir of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and features 28,000 acres of largemouth water surrounded by 400 miles of shoreline. Takeoffs and weigh-ins will be at Cherokee Dam Boat Ramp on Renfro Road in Jefferson City.

As many as 160 teams of anglers representing universities across the nation will compete for the title of national champions. Teams qualify through two divisions — Legends and Lunkers — with each division offering three tournaments throughout the season. The divisions were created in 2024 to allow more teams to qualify for the National Championship and Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’s.

For 2025, the Legends Division features stops at Harris Chain of Lakes in Florida, Smith Lake in Alabama and Oklahoma’s Lake Eufaula. The Lunkers Division schedule visits Florida’s Lake Okeechobee, Buggs Island Reservoir in Virginia and Chickamauga Lake in Tennessee.

“I’m super-excited about this event,” said Glenn Cale, B.A.S.S. tournament manager for the College, High School and Junior Series. “Not only is the national title on the line, but the championship will fill the remaining four spots in the College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’s and determine an overall Team of the Year.

“We are truly watching the best anglers in the country in the Bassmaster College Series grow into future pros. Sharing the stage with these young men and women has truly blessed me and our brand.”

For more information about the 2025 Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops, please visit Bassmaster.com.





Cullman Set to Host Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 3 at Lewis Smith Lake Presented by Phoenix Boats

Brian Carter
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Cullman Set to Host Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 3 at Lewis Smith Lake Presented by Phoenix Boats

CULLMAN, Ala. (April 8, 2025) – The third Major League Fishing (MLF) Tackle Warehouse Invitational event of the season is set to take place next week, April 15-17, at Lewis Smith Lake – the Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 3 Presented by Phoenix Boats.

The three-day tournament, hosted by Visit Cullman, Alabama, will feature a field of professional bass anglers competing for a top prize of up to $115,000. Anglers will take to the water to catch their five biggest bass each day, and the winner will be determined by the heaviest three-day cumulative total.

“We are thrilled to welcome Major League Fishing and the Tackle Warehouse Invitational to Cullman County,” said Harmony Heard, Executive Director for the Cullman County Tourism Bureau. “Our lakes and outdoor spaces provide the perfect backdrop for a world-class tournament, and we look forward to showcasing our hospitality to anglers and fans from across the country. This event not only highlights our incredible fishing resources but also brings a positive economic impact to our community. We can’t wait to see some of the best anglers in the sport compete right here next week in Cullman.”

Local standout pro Jordan Wiggins of Cullman, who has three top-10 finishes on Smith Lake in MLF competition – including two victories – knows this lake better than most, but he says even anglers who are extremely familiar with the lake will have to stay on their toes.

“Right now, the lake is five feet flooded. If the tournament was this week, it’d be unreal. But the water’s going to be falling, which could make things a little tougher,” Wiggins explained. “Still, I believe it’s going to be a really good event and we are going to catch a ton of fish.”

Wiggins said that right now Smith Lake has fish in all stages of the spawn.

“We’re probably going see a little bit of everything – pre-spawn, spawn, and post-spawn,” Wiggins said. “You’ll be able to catch plenty of spawning spotted bass, even if you can’t actually see them. There are key stretches they use every year, and that’s where you’ll find ‘em.”

While numbers shouldn’t be a problem, Wiggins noted that size will be the difference-maker.

“You usually have to cull through a lot of little ones to get a decent bag. The key will be finding those sections where the bigger ones have pulled up.”

When it comes to baits, Wiggins is keeping it simple.

“I’ll have a shaky head with a green pumpkin Reaction Innovations Flirt Worm—that five-inch finesse worm is my go-to,” he said. “I might also throw a Neko rig with the seven-inch, but more than likely, it’s gonna be that shaky head doing the work.”

As for weights, Wiggins predicts consistency will be crucial.

“You’re gonna see a lot of 13-pound bags, but I think it’ll take around 16 pounds a day to win. I predict the winner is going to have right around 48 pounds total over three days.”

Anglers will launch at 6:30 a.m. CT each day from Smith Lake Park, located at 403 County Road 386 in Cullman, Alabama. Weigh-ins will be held at Smith Lake Park and will begin at 2:30 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and weigh-in events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® live stream and coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The 2025 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals feature a field of professional anglers competing across six invitational tournaments around the country, for a total purse of $4.3 million and valuable Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) points to qualify for the Invitationals Championship, set for Sept. 5-7 on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, and a coveted spot on the MLF Bass Pro Tour – the sport’s premier circuit.

In Tackle Warehouse Invitationals competition, the full field compete in the two-day opening round on Tuesday and Wednesday in a five-fish, weigh-in format. Only the top 30 pros, based on their two-day cumulative weight, advance to the final round on Championship Thursday, where they will compete for the grand prize of up to $115,000. The winner of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 3 at Lewis Smith Lake Presented by Phoenix Boats is determined by the heaviest three-day cumulative weight.

Forward-facing and/or 360-degree sonar is limited to only days 1 and 3 of competition. No forward-facing and/or 360-degree sonar will be allowed on day 2 of competition.

The MLFNOW! broadcast team of Chad McKee and Rob Newell will break down the extended action live all three days of competition from 7 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. CT. MLFNOW! will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app and Rumble.

Television coverage of the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Stop 3 at Lewis Smith Lake Presented by Phoenix Boats will air as a two-hour episode, premiering at 9 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Oct. 18 on CBS Sports Network.

Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Bubba, Deep Dive, 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, VOSKER, WIX Filters and YETI.







Gill Launches New Infinity Tops: Performance Meets Sustainability

Brian Carter
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Gill Launches New Infinity Tops: Performance Meets Sustainability

Gill Launches New Infinity Tops: Performance Meets Sustainability

Jacksonville, FL – Gill, a leading provider of high-performance apparel, is proud to announce the launch of its new Infinity Long Sleeve and Hoodie, a versatile garment that seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with environmental consciousness.

The Infinity Long Sleeve and Hoodie are crafted from 90% recycled polyester, demonstrating Gill’s commitment to sustainable practices. This eco-friendly material doesn’t compromise on performance, offering exceptional comfort and a reduced environmental footprint.

Designed for the demands of active anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, the Infinity Long Sleeve and Hoodie incorporates advanced features to enhance functioning:

  • UPF 50+ Protection: Provides superior defense against harmful ultraviolet rays, allowing for extended hours outdoors.
  • Quick-Drying Technology: Ensures rapid moisture evaporation, keeping you comfortable during intense activity.
  • Moisture-Wicking Technology: Effectively draws sweat away from the skin, promoting a cool and dry feel.

The Infinity Long Sleeve and Hoodie are also designed for practicality and ease of care. Its machine-washable fabric simplifies cleaning, making it suitable for both rugged outdoor adventures and everyday wear.

“The Infinity represents Gill’s dedication to innovation and sustainability,” says Jane Scott, Design Manager “We’re excited to offer our customers a high-performance garment that not only meets their needs but also aligns with their values and adventures.”

Whether you’re casting a line, hiking a trail, or simply enjoying the outdoors, the Gill Infinity Hoodie offers the perfect combination of style, function, and environmental responsibility.

About Gill

Trusted on the water for 50 years Gill did not start as a brand or business, it started as a solution to find better more capable sailing clothing using the best fabrics possible. Combined with innovative design to increase performance and tested on elite athletes in the most challenging of conditions it means you can rely on Gill on or off the water – only you limit how you use our products.

Our collection of fishing apparel and gear is specially designed to cover all bases, with fishing clothing and accessories that can truly help you focus on the task at hand, rather than worrying about protecting your body and staying comfortable. Our fishing apparel comes with the best design features and fabrics to allow you to stay warm, dry, and able to concentrate fully on your fishing. Engineered for all elements. 





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