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North Carolina’s Todd Walters Leaps Ahead to Lead Day 2 at Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 2 at West Point Lake

North Carolina pro brings 5-ounce lead into final day of competition

LAGRANGE, Ga. (March 2, 2024) – Weighing 18 pounds, 15 ounces on Day 2, Todd Walters of Kernersville, North Carolina, rocketed up from 32nd place to take the lead Saturday at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 2 Presented by Suzuki on West Point Lake. With a total of 31 pounds, 10 ounces, Walters is 5 ounces ahead of Concord, Virginia’s Derik Hudson and 11 ounces ahead of Day 1 leader Tyler Stewart of Dubach, Louisiana, entering Championship Sunday. Less than 4 pounds separates first place from ninth, so the final day of the event promises to be thrilling.

The three-day tournament, hosted by Visit LaGrange , featured a roster of 150 anglers competing for a top prize of up to $115,000 and an invitation to compete at REDCREST 2025. The field is now trimmed to 30 and the winner will be determined on Championship Sunday by heaviest three-day cumulative weight.

Link to Photo Gallery of Day 2 Afternoon Highlights
Link to Video of Fish-Catch Highlights of Day 2 on West Point Lake

Dock talk entering the event suggested that big largemouth would be key for the top performers, though perhaps difficult to find consistently. That has proven to be the case through the first two days, with each of the top four pros in the hunt thanks to one strong day keyed by big largemouth.

On Day 1, Walters weighed two largemouth and three spotted bass for 12-11. Today, he blasted up the leaderboard with four largemouth and one spot.

“I dedicated myself to staying shallow,” he said of Day 2.  “I was trying to fish brushpiles and crank and throw moving baits and stuff. But dead slick calm like today, there was only one way to catch them. You could see them in the trees and the brushpiles and stuff, just targeting them with LiveScope, and you could throw different stuff to them. I could see them go down for it — a lot of them are going down for it, but not a lot of them are getting it.”

Fishing shallow wood for the most part, Walters did most of his damage on a homemade jig, a Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver and a Neko rig. According to the North Carolina pro, a big key is fishing in the right water clarity, which has changed a lot since practice, as the lake is clearing in some places and further muddying in others.

“I think I’ve got something figured out, but the water clarity is changing throughout the lake,” he said. “So, I’m trying to stay in the right water clarity. It seems like the fish are more active, more aggressive, feeding better in the right stuff. It’s right in between — if it’s too clear, they won’t commit to the bait. They’ll go down to it, but they won’t commit. If it’s the right clarity, they’ll go down to it, and 50 percent of them will bite.”

Though Walters is one of many in the field who had never been to West Point prior to this week, he likened it to some of the lakes along the Yadkin River in North Carolina. He’s optimistic about his ability to stay steady tomorrow, which has been tricky for the leaders so far.

“They’re around; I just have to get them to bite,” he said. “I might have to switch up and do more finesse stuff tomorrow. I noticed late in the day they were reacting to the Neko better. I just need to do what I’ve been doing. I need to just fish and trust my instincts. That’s been the biggest thing, not relying on a specific spot or a specific lure, just knowing that I’m around the right group of fish and figuring out through the day how to catch them.”

The top 30 pros advancing to the final day of competition on West Point Lake are:

1st:        Todd Walters, Kernersville, N.C., 10 bass, 31-10
2nd:       Derik Hudson, Concord, Va., 10 bass, 31-5
3rd:       Tyler Stewart, Dubach, La., 10 bass, 30-15
4th:        Ethan Greene, Eufaula, Ala., 10 bass, 29-12
5th:        Colby Miller, Elmer, La., 10 bass, 29-5
6th:        Troy Stokes, Trenton, Mich., 10 bass, 29-1
7th:        Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., 10 bass, 28-15
8th:        Ken Thompson, Roaring Springs, Penn., 10 bass, 28-14
9th:        Jake Lawrence, Buchanan, Tenn., 10 bass, 28-6
10th:      Taylor Parker, Lake View, Ala., 10 bass, 27-12
11th:      Alex Davis, Albertville, Ala., 10 bass, 27-7
12th:      Keith Carson, DeBary, Fla., 10 bass, 27-0
13th:      Cameron Mattison, Benton, La., 10 bass, 27-0
14th:      Alec Morrison, Peru, N.Y., 10 bass, 26-14
15th:      Cole Breeden, Lebanon, Mo., 10 bass, 26-13
16th:      Brody Campbell, Oxford, Ohio, 10 bass, 26-12
17th:      Jack Daniel Williams, Kingsport, Tenn., 10 bass, 26-11
18th:      Chris Blair, Newnan, Ga., 10 bass, 26-8
19th:      Brock Reinkemeyer, Warsaw, Mo., 10 bass, 26-8
20th:      Kelly Jordon, Flint, Texas, 10 bass, 26-4
21st:      Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., 10 bass, 25-10
22nd:     Kyle Cortiana, Broken Arrow, Okla., 10 bass, 25-8
23rd:     Brian Gay, LaGrange, Ga., 10 bass, 25-7
24th:     Spike Stoker, Cisco, Texas, 10 bass, 25-4
25th:     Marshall Hughes, Hemphill, Texas, 10 bass, 25-2
26th:     Brett Carnright, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 10 bass, 25-1
27th:     Charlie Williams, LaGrange, Ga., 10 bass, 24-15
28th:     Michael Harlin, Sunrise Beach, Mo., 10 bass, 24-13
29th:     Bobby Padgett, LaGrange, Ga., 10 bass, 24-12
30th:     Brad Jelinek, Lincoln, Mo., 10 bass, 24-10

Complete results for the entire field can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Jeff Harper of Fleming Island, Florida, earned Saturday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass award with a largemouth bass that weighed in at 7 pounds, 7 ounces.

Overall, there were 637 bass weighing 1,361 pounds even caught by 136 pros Saturday. The catch included 109 five-bass limits.

In Tackle Warehouse Invitational competition, the full field of 150 anglers competed in the two-day opening round on Friday and Saturday in a five-fish, weigh-in format. Only the top 30 pros, based on their two-day cumulative weight, now advance to the final round on Championship Sunday, where they will compete for the grand prize of up to $115,000. The winner of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 2 at West Point Lake Presented by Suzuki will be determined by the heaviest three-day cumulative weight and will receive an invitation to compete at REDCREST 2025 on Lake Guntersville in Huntsville, Alabama.

The final 30 anglers will launch at 7 a.m. ET Sunday from the Pyne Road Park Mega Ramp, located at 4481 Roanoke Road in LaGrange. Sunday’s Championship weigh-in will also be held at the ramp and will begin at 3 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 MLFNOW! broadcast team of Chad McKee and Rob Newell will break down the extended action live on Championship Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. ET. MLFNOW! will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.

Television coverage of the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Stop 2 at West Point Lake Presented by Suzuki will air as a two-hour episode, premiering at 9 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Oct. 12 on CBS Sports Network.

Tackle Warehouse Invitationals anglers will compete throughout the 2024 season for the prestigious Fishing Clash Angler of the Year award and its $50,000 payday. After  Stop 1 Presented by Power-Pole MOVE on Sam Rayburn, pro Drew Gill  of Mount Carmel, Illinois, is in the lead.

Fishing Clash – an interactive 3D fishing simulation game that’s played by more than 80 million people worldwide – is the official AOY sponsor of the Bass Pro Tour, Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, Toyota Series and Phoenix Bass Fishing League. You can download Fishing Clash for free in the App Store and on Google Play or log on to  www.fishingclash.game for more information.

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

For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com . For regular Tackle Warehouse Invitational updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at FacebookInstagram  and YouTube.



Another big day puts McKinney on the verge of history in Bassmaster Elite Series event at Lake Fork

Rookie Trey McKinney maintains the lead on Day 3 of the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork with a three-day total of 97 pounds, 5 ounces.

Photo by Andy Crawford/B.A.S.S.

March 2, 2024

Another big day puts McKinney on the verge of history in Bassmaster Elite Series event at Lake Fork

Elite_eventLogo_2024_LakeFork.png

YANTIS, Texas — Trey McKinney already is the youngest angler ever on the Bassmaster Elite Series. Now, he’s only a day away from possibly winning the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork and scratching his name into another chapter of the B.A.S.S. record books.

McKinney, a 19-year-old Elite Series rookie from Carbondale, Ill., maintained his lead on Semifinal Saturday at this 27,000-acre big-bass factory in the northeast corner of the Lone Star State. He caught a Day 3 limit of five bass that weighed 30 pounds even, giving him 15 total bass for 97 pounds, 5 ounces.

BassTrakk had McKinney falling out of first place with only 5-3 caught after 75 minutes of fishing. His confidence shot skyward, however, after hooking a chunky 8-8 largemouth an hour later.

“The nerves were getting to me,” McKinney said. “I was trying to stay calm. When I finally hooked that big one, I said ‘This bass is what’s going to get me through.’ It took the pressure off me and I was able to fish better.”

It’s almost unfathomable that McKinney flirted with the Century mark (a 100-pound total or higher) through only three days of the four-day derby. In fact, the Top 10 anglers who survived the Phoenix Boats Cutline after Saturday’s fishing all are within striking distance of the celebrated Century Club, with the 10th-place angler having 86-5 after three days on Fork.

Still, the tournament appears McKinney’s to win or lose. Only a teenager, he’s displayed wisdom beyond his years in this tournament, making key switches when needed and maintaining focus with the spotlight shining squarely on him.

After calming down with the 8-8, McKinney caught a trio of 5-pounders over the next few hours to build a 7-pound cushion on the field. But Louisiana’s Tyler Rivet hooked a crucial 8-15 largemouth just after 11 a.m. to complete his limit and reel McKinney back to the pack.

Tyler Williams, a 22-year-old Elite Series rookie from Belgrade, Maine, is in second place with a three-day total of 94-11. Williams posted 33-14 on Saturday, following limits of 30-4 and 30-9 earlier in the tournament, and he and McKinney are the only two anglers to catch 30 pounds each day of the derby.

Williams’ 33-14 was the third-heaviest total caught Saturday. He hooked a pair of 7-pounders early and ended with a flourish, catching an 8-5 lunker on his last cast.

“I’m fishing in 40 feet of water sometimes and in 2 feet of water other times,” he said. “The big one today came really shallow. If the water was clear enough, I probably could have seen it with my eyes.”

Williams is covering a lot of water, but he’s doing so methodically. On Saturday, he trolled parallel to the bank and leaned on a 3/4-ounce Greenfish brown jig to boat his best bass.

“I put my trolling motor down about 7:15 a.m. (just after takeoff) and picked it up at about 2:45 p.m. (just before weigh-in,)” he said.

Rivet, a 29-year-old Elite angler from Raceland, La., is in third place with a 92-15 total. He followed limits of 31-5 and 29-13 with a 31-13 stringer on Semifinal Saturday.

“I just keep moving,” Rivet said, responding to how he’s maintained consistency in an event featuring a 40-degree temperature drop to start the tournament, bluebird skies and rapidly climbing temps on Day 2 and steady 15 mph winds on Day 3.

“I’ve been catching them where there’s a lot of timber in a pretty long pocket, and I’m getting new fish every day,” Rivet continued. “I think I can get another big bag. I’m confident.”

Others surviving the Phoenix Boats Cutline were Stetson Blaylock, fourth, 92-7; fifth, Justin Hammer, 91-3; sixth, Kyle Patrick, 90-5; seventh, Justin Atkins, 90-0; eighth, Cooper Gallant, 88-0; ninth, Ben Milliken, 87-3; and 10th, Wesley Gore, 86-5.

Five of the remaining Top 10 are Elite Series rookies (McKinney, Williams, Patrick, Milliken and Gore). Gore still has the Phoenix Boats Big Bass (a 10-9 caught on Day 1), while Milliken caught a 9-10 for the Big Bass on Day 3.

With the remarkable totals on the board, it’s realistic (if not probable) that each of the 10 remaining anglers will crack the 100-pound mark on Championship Sunday. That’s happened only once before in the era of four-day tournaments and five-bass limits — in 2008 on Falcon Lake in Texas when 12 Elites caught 100 pounds or more. Paul Elias caught 132-8 that year on Falcon, a four-day B.A.S.S. record that still stands.  

It’s worth noting that the 2008 Falcon event was limited to 12 anglers on the final day of fishing instead of 10. Under similar circumstances on Fork, that record would likely be equaled — and there’s no telling how many 100-pound totals would be caught if the full field fished Sunday.

“Getting a Century belt is just about the coolest thing I can think of,” McKinney said, noting he still has 2-11 to get to that storied milestone. “That’s something you can’t do every day. But this tournament has been something special.

“And if they bite again tomorrow like they have the first three days, it’ll be a fun day. If not, I’ll have to tooth-and-nail them every minute of the day.”

FS1 will have live action from Championship Sunday from 8-11 a.m. There also will be live coverage on Bassmaster.com from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

This event is being hosted by Wood County Texas.

2024 AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork 2/29-3/3
Lake Fork, Yantis  TX.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 3

   Angler                   Hometown              No./lbs-oz  Pts   Total $$$

1.  Trey McKinney          Carbondale, IL          15  97-05  103
  Day 1: 5   33-11     Day 2: 5   33-10     Day 3: 5   30-00   
2.  Tyler Williams         Belgrade, ME            15  94-11  102
  Day 1: 5   30-04     Day 2: 5   30-09     Day 3: 5   33-14   
3.  Tyler Rivet            Raceland, LA            15  92-15  101
  Day 1: 5   31-05     Day 2: 5   29-13     Day 3: 5   31-13   
4.  Stetson Blaylock       Benton, AR              15  92-07  100
  Day 1: 5   37-06     Day 2: 5   19-04     Day 3: 5   35-13   
5.  Justin Hamner          Northport, AL           15  91-03   99
  Day 1: 5   33-05     Day 2: 5   27-08     Day 3: 5   30-06   
6.  Kyle Patrick           Cooperstown, NY         15  90-05   98
  Day 1: 5   31-15     Day 2: 5   28-05     Day 3: 5   30-01   
7.  Justin Atkins          Florence, AL            15  90-00   97
  Day 1: 5   32-11     Day 2: 5   29-02     Day 3: 5   28-03   
8.  Cooper Gallant         Bowmanville Ontario CAN 14  88-00   96
  Day 1: 4   28-04     Day 2: 5   30-13     Day 3: 5   28-15   
9.  Ben Milliken           New Caney, TX           15  87-03   95   $1,000.00
  Day 1: 5   32-13     Day 2: 5   25-04     Day 3: 5   29-02   
10. Wesley Gore            Clanton, AL             15  86-05   94   $1,000.00
  Day 1: 5   32-02     Day 2: 5   26-14     Day 3: 5   27-05   
11. Matty Wong             Honolulu, HI            15  85-12   93  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   33-02     Day 2: 5   30-08     Day 3: 5   22-02   
12. Patrick Walters        Eutawville, SC          15  84-13   92  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   18-06     Day 2: 5   32-08     Day 3: 5   33-15   
13. JT Thompkins           Myrtle Beach, SC        15  84-07   91  $11,000.00
  Day 1: 5   25-13     Day 2: 5   35-01     Day 3: 5   23-09   
14. Kyle Welcher           Valley, AL              15  84-07   90  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   20-15     Day 2: 5   33-02     Day 3: 5   30-06   
15. Jordan Lee             Cullman, AL             15  83-14   89  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   21-05     Day 2: 5   32-14     Day 3: 5   29-11   
16. Jay Przekurat          Plover, WI              15  82-13   88  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   21-09     Day 2: 5   24-08     Day 3: 5   36-12   
17. Kyoya Fujita           Yamanashi CA JAPAN      15  82-10   87  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   29-06     Day 2: 5   22-05     Day 3: 5   30-15   
18. Will Davis Jr          Sylacauga, AL           15  82-00   86  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   29-09     Day 2: 5   27-01     Day 3: 5   25-06   
19. Jonathan Kelley        Old Forge, PA           15  79-12   85  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   25-10     Day 2: 5   25-05     Day 3: 5   28-13   
20. Paul Mueller           Naugatuck, CT           15  79-07   84  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   24-11     Day 2: 5   31-04     Day 3: 5   23-08   
21. Taku Ito               Dalton GA JAPAN         15  79-00   83  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   39-01     Day 2: 5   22-09     Day 3: 5   17-06   
22. Logan Parks            Auburn, AL              15  78-03   82  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   23-04     Day 2: 5   30-10     Day 3: 5   24-05   
23. Brandon Palaniuk       Rathdrum, ID            15  77-09   81  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   26-02     Day 2: 5   24-04     Day 3: 5   27-03   
24. Cory Johnston          Otonabee CANADA         15  77-05   80  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   29-12     Day 2: 5   27-09     Day 3: 5   20-00   
25. Buddy Gross            Chattanooga, TN         14  77-01   79  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 4   14-13     Day 2: 5   31-00     Day 3: 5   31-04   
26. Hank Cherry Jr         Lincolnton, NC          15  76-10   78  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   21-15     Day 2: 5   25-10     Day 3: 5   29-01   
27. Jacob Foutz            Charleston, TN          15  76-01   77  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   26-01     Day 2: 5   29-09     Day 3: 5   20-07   
28. John Garrett           Union City, TN          14  74-12   76  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 4   20-11     Day 2: 5   30-04     Day 3: 5   23-13   
29. Keith Combs            Huntington, TX          15  73-05   75  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   31-04     Day 2: 5   17-14     Day 3: 5   24-03   
30. KJ Queen               Catawba, NC             15  73-02   74  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   22-15     Day 2: 5   24-01     Day 3: 5   26-02   
31. Shane LeHew            Catawba, NC             15  72-13   73  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   21-04     Day 2: 5   26-01     Day 3: 5   25-08   
32. Kyle Norsetter         Cottage Grove, WI       14  72-10   72  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   35-08     Day 2: 4   16-11     Day 3: 5   20-07   
33. Jacob Powroznik        North Prince George, VA 15  71-15   71  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   24-01     Day 2: 5   24-10     Day 3: 5   23-04   
34. Derek Hudnall          Zachary, LA             15  70-12   70  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   29-05     Day 2: 5   19-03     Day 3: 5   22-04   
35. Cody Huff              Ava, MO                 14  70-11   69  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 4   12-01     Day 2: 5   33-05     Day 3: 5   25-05   
36. Chris Zaldain          Fort Worth, TX          15  70-04   68  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   21-15     Day 2: 5   23-00     Day 3: 5   25-05   
37. Hunter Shryock         Ooltewah, TN            15  68-09   67  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   30-11     Day 2: 5   15-15     Day 3: 5   21-15   
38. Chris Johnston         Otonabee Ontario CANADA 15  68-08   66  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   20-01     Day 2: 5   35-11     Day 3: 5   12-12   
39. Greg Hackney           Gonzales, LA            15  67-09   65  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   23-02     Day 2: 5   22-04     Day 3: 5   22-03   
40. Brock Mosley           Collinsville, MS        15  67-03   64  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   20-01     Day 2: 5   23-09     Day 3: 5   23-09   
41. Seth Feider            New Market, MN          15  65-00   63  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   24-08     Day 2: 5   24-12     Day 3: 5   15-12   
42. Drew Benton            Panama City, FL         15  64-14   62  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   20-15     Day 2: 5   23-05     Day 3: 5   20-10   
43. Jason Williamson       Aiken, SC               15  63-10   61  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   23-13     Day 2: 5   21-00     Day 3: 5   18-13   
44. Drew Cook              Cairo, GA               15  62-15   60  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   25-12     Day 2: 5   21-03     Day 3: 5   16-00   
45. Matt Arey              Shelby, NC              15  62-12   59  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   25-00     Day 2: 5   19-04     Day 3: 5   18-08   
46. Cole Sands             Calhoun , TN            15  62-04   58  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   14-10     Day 2: 5   28-05     Day 3: 5   19-05   
47. Brandon Cobb           Greenwood, SC           15  60-09   57  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   19-10     Day 2: 5   30-02     Day 3: 5   10-13   
48. Mark Menendez          Paducah, KY             15  57-11   56  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   27-07     Day 2: 5   16-14     Day 3: 5   13-06   
49. Brandon Card           Salisbury, NC           11  56-13   55  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 4   28-05     Day 2: 5   23-04     Day 3: 2   05-04   
50. Bryant Smith           Roseville, CA           13  52-13   54  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 4   13-01     Day 2: 5   30-02     Day 3: 4   09-10   
———————————————————————–

PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS 
Day
 1   Wesley Gore              Clanton, AL         10-09      $1,000.00
 2   JT Thompkins             Myrtle Beach, SC    09-13      $1,000.00
 3   Ben Milliken             New Caney, TX       09-10      $1,000.00

———————————————————————–
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
 1        83       474      2224-07
 2        81       464      2126-14
 3        48       246      1204-14
———————————-
         212      1184      5556-03



March Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Report by Captain Chad Green

SMITH MOUNTIAN LAKE FISHING REPORT
By: Captain Chad Green
www.lastcastguideservicesml.com


March is here and the big fish have the menu in their sight. A lot of big fish are being caught right now of all species. The migration has started over the last week and fish are everywhere and vulnerable to many presentations. The colder days will be more productive this month and windy days are preferable. This is the month to catch a citation if that’s what you are looking for. Water temps are still on the cold side, take safety precautions as necessary.


Visit https://missilebaits.store/ and check out all they have to offer.
Special Thanks to Brian Carter at the https://thebasscast.com/
Check out Smith Mountain Boat and Tackle Penhook for your boating needs
https://www.smboats.com, Visit Captains Quarters Marina

PRACTICE CATCH AND RELEASE ON CITATION SIZE FISH

Largemouth Bass/Smallmouth Bass
The last 2 weeks have been on fire for bass fishing with numbers and great quality. Citation LM have showed up the last week as they always do in March. It will not last long if it stays warm so get out soon while its time to catch the bigger fish. Once the water temp reaches 55 degrees the 8 lb plus fish rarely get caught on SML. The fish are in many depths as they are migrating but the larger fish have been shallow since January. Jerkbaits are still producing early in the morning along with Crankbaits. The Jig bite has really picked up in the last week and a great way to catch big fish. Half ounce GP with trailer is the bait of choice on SML and heavy rods and line in shallow water will produce. Many fish can be caught on shad imitation baits like swimbaits, A rigs etc. can be great choices. Damiki rigs has been a great bait for numbers but has not known for producing many quality fish. Rocks and Docks in staging areas are where most of the fish are and close to deep water as they migrate. Smallmouth have been biting fairly well also.
Striped Bass


Striper fishing has been on fire as well with many fish surfacing in the evenings. Some citation size fish have been showing up over the last week. They are on the prowl traveling in smaller schools but larger areas. I have found fish in just about every part of the lake. It should not be hard to locate fish casting to bank with a slow retrieve with Shad imitation baits and long stick baits. They have been feeding just about all day but as usual the better times are morning and late evening. Night bite has been producing fish as they normally do. Target areas that have baitfish present and you should have some luck. There are still some bigger schools in deep water during the mid day times, Stripers typically stay on the move a lot due to their oxygen needs so if aren’t finding them keep moving until you do.


Crappie
Most of the Crappie have been in the 15-25 foot range. The crappie fishing has been a lot better the last month or so. There are plenty of crappie to be found. Small Jigs and Minnows will be baits of choice.
Tournaments
Catt trail 3-3,3-10, 3-24
FLW BFL 3-9
Bass Nation 3-16,3-17
Anglers choice 3-16



Louisiana’s Tyler Stewart Leads Day 1 at Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 2 at West Point Lake

Dubach pro takes 2-pound, 2-ounce lead into second day of competition Saturday

LAGRANGE, Ga. (March 1, 2024) – According to the locals, Day 1 of the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 2 Presented by Suzuki on West Point Lake went about as planned. For Dubach, Louisiana, pro Tyler Stewart, it went a lot better than he’d planned. With 21 pounds, 5 ounces, Stewart is squarely in the lead as the only pro to crack the 20-pound barrier. Still, the event is far from over – keeping up the pace figures to be a challenge at West Point and the rest of the Top 10 is packed pretty tight.

Stewart brought a five-bass limit to the scale Friday weighing 21 pounds, 5 ounces, to take the early lead on Day 1, holding a 2-pound, 2-ounce lead over pro Derik Hudson of Concord, Virginia, who sacked 19-3 to end the day in second. Albertville, Alabama, pro Alex Davis sits in third with 18-13 and Troy Stokes of Trenton, Michigan, is fourth with 17-3. Behind them are a handful of 14- and 15-pound bags, and 12 pounds goes all the way down to 40th – which is really strong for West Point Lake, though there’s obviously very limited recent tournament history to compare to.

The full field of 150 anglers will conclude the two-day opening round on Saturday, with only the top 30 pros based on their two-day cumulative weight advancing to Championship Sunday. The three-day tournament, hosted by Visit LaGrange , features a roster of 150 anglers competing for a top prize of up to $115,000 and an invitation to compete at REDCREST 2025.

Link to Photo Gallery of Day 1 Highlights
Link to Video of Fish-Catch Highlights of Day 1 on West Point Lake

Weighing three largemouth over 4 pounds, Stewart turned around a miserable practice in a big way.

“My roommates are gonna call me sandbagger so bad,” Stewart joked. “I told them yesterday that if I have 10 pounds, I’ll be pretty happy. I don’t know if they just bit really good in the rain (today), but it was a lot better than I was expecting.

“It was just one of those days where you couldn’t make a wrong decision,” he added. “I had a terrible practice and just went out with a clear mind and put my head down. I ran into a couple good areas with some big fish and got them in the boat.”

The smallest lake on the schedule, there’s not much you can do to get away from other anglers. That could be cause for concern as the week goes on as pressure might get to the fishing in a big way. Still, Stewart hopes he can replicate what worked on Day 1 (maybe not to 20 pounds again, but to some degree).

“There’s a lot of fish in the areas I’m fishing; I think they could definitely replenish, because fish are moving in and out of those areas,” he said. “I got a lot of bites today that I didn’t hook, fish just slapping the bait and stuff, so I know there’s more fish in the area.”

Worst case scenario, Stewart thinks he’s got some backup spotted bass figured out.

“This afternoon, I went and targeted some spotted bass,” he said. “I caught four or five and some 2-pounders I had to throw back. My game plan tomorrow is to go and try to catch a few big ones, and if I have to go catch some spots, I don’t know that I will, but I feel like I can.”

The top 20 pros after Day 1 on West Point Lake are:

1st:          Tyler Stewart, Dubach, La., five bass, 21-5
2nd:        Derik Hudson, Concord, Va., five bass, 19-3
3rd:        Alex Davis, Albertville, Ala., five bass, 18-13
4th:         Troy Stokes, Trenton, Mich., five bass, 17-3
5th:         Brad Jelinek, Lincoln, Mo., five bass, 15-15
6th:         Brock Reinkemeyer, Warsaw, Mo., five bass, 15-8
7th:         Charlie Williams, LaGrange, Ga., five bass, 15-6
8th:         Keith Carson, DeBary, Fla., five bass, 15-3
9th:         Colby Miller, Elmer, La., five bass, 14-15
10th:      Jake Lawrence, Buchanan, Tenn., five bass, 14-13
11th:      Alec Morrison, Peru, N.Y., five bass, 14-10
11th:      Darrell Ivey Jr., Lebanon, Mo., five bass, 14-10
13th:      Jaden Parrish, Liberty, Texas, five bass, 14-5
14th:      Brian Gay, LaGrange, Ga., five bass, 13-12
15th:      Matt Baty, Bainbridge, Ga., five bass, 13-8
16th:      Kelly Jordon, Flint, Texas, five bass, 13-7
17th:      Taylor Parker, Lake View, Ala., five bass, 13-6
17th:      Kyle Cortiana, Broken Arrow, Okla., five bass, 13-6
17th:      Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill, five bass, 13-6
20th:      Ryan Armstrong, Robinson, Ill., five bass, 13-5

Complete results for the entire field can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Baty earned Friday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass award with a largemouth bass that weighed in at 6 pounds, 9 ounces.

Overall, there were 662 bass weighing 1,420 pounds, 13 ounces caught by 143 pros Friday. The catch included 117 five-bass limits.

In Tackle Warehouse Invitational competition, the full field of 150 anglers compete in the two-day opening round on Friday and Saturday 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 Sunday, where they will compete for the grand prize of up to $115,000. The winner of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 2 at West Point Lake Presented by Suzuki will be determined by the heaviest three-day cumulative weight and will receive an invitation to compete at REDCREST 2025 on Lake Guntersville in Huntsville, Alabama.

Anglers will launch at 7 a.m. ET each day from the Pyne Road Park Mega Ramp, located at 4481 Roanoke Road in LaGrange. Weigh-ins will also be held at the ramp and will begin at 3 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 MLFNOW! broadcast team of Chad McKee and Rob Newell will break down the extended action live all three days of competition from 7:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. ET. MLFNOW! will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.

Television coverage of the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Stop 2 at West Point Lake Presented by Suzuki will air as a two-hour episode, premiering at 9 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Oct. 12 on CBS Sports Network.

Tackle Warehouse Invitationals anglers will compete throughout the 2024 season for the prestigious Fishing Clash Angler of the Year award and its $50,000 payday. After  Stop 1 Presented by Power-Pole MOVE on Sam Rayburn, pro Drew Gill  of Mount Carmel, Illinois, is in the lead.

Fishing Clash – an interactive 3D fishing simulation game that’s played by more than 80 million people worldwide – is the official AOY sponsor of the Bass Pro Tour, Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, Toyota Series and Phoenix Bass Fishing League. You can download Fishing Clash for free in the App Store and on Google Play or log on to  www.fishingclash.game for more information.

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

For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com . For regular Tackle Warehouse Invitational updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at FacebookInstagram  and YouTube.



Another big catch gives McKinney the lead at Bassmaster Elite Series event on Lake Fork

Rookie Trey McKinney has taken the lead on Day 2 of the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork with a two-day total of 67 pounds, 5 ounces.

Photo by Andy Crawford/B.A.S.S.

March 1, 2024

Another big catch gives McKinney the lead at Bassmaster Elite Series event on Lake Fork

Elite_eventLogo_2024_LakeFork.png

YANTIS, Texas — Just when you thought the fishing at the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork couldn’t get better, it did.

Fifteen of the 103 anglers in the field caught 30 pounds or more on Day 2 of this four-day derby in the northeast corner of the Lone Star State. That was up from a total of 14 who caught 30 pounds or more on Thursday to start competition on the 27,000-acre fishery.

Trey McKinney, the 19-year-old wunderkind from Carbondale, Ill., leads with 10 bass totaling 67 pounds, 5 ounces. He was in fourth place after Day 1 with a 33-11 limit and held steady with a nearly identical 33-10 limit a day later.

McKinney is an Elite Series rookie who qualified for the tour through the 2023 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN. After finishing third in the Tackle Warehouse Elite Qualifiers division of the Opens, he’s the youngest angler to ever qualify for the Elites — and he’s already displaying a mastery beyond his years.

Not only does he have the lead at the halfway point of this tournament, but he has the best story of the derby to date, too.

It happened early Friday when a heavy 5-pounder broke off one of his favored jerkbaits. The misfortune briefly dampened the 19-year-old’s spirits. But an hour later, he caught the same bass, adding nearly 6 pounds to his Day 2 total.

He also got his jerkbait back — part of another amazing day for the teenager on this fabled fishery.

“I grabbed his lip and my jerkbait is staring me in the face,” McKinney said, shaking his head in near disbelief. “And I caught him the second time on the same kind of jerkbait. It was crazy. He had two baits in his mouth. He could barely fit the second one in there, but he was determined.”

McKinney didn’t offer specifics about which jerkbaits he’s using, but he did say he’s deploying them in two different ways.

“I’ve got one that sinks and one that suspends” he said. “It just depends on what kind of mood they’re in. You have to read them to know which one to use … It’s a feeling really. For the less active fish, I like to use the suspended one.”

McKinney also said he’s opting occasionally for a Strike King Z Too to excite Fork’s best bass.

Friday began much like Day 1, with temperatures in the 40s. The weather warmed throughout the day, however, and by midday, it was in the mid-60s and Day 1’s stiff winds had dissipated.

“Today, I think the fish were feeling the pressure,” McKinney said. “These conditions have been crazy, so the fish are moving around a lot. They want the bank, but they can’t quite get there. So, these next two days are going to be very interesting. We’ll have to make some changes, no question. Hopefully I make the right ones.”

Matty Wong, who was in sixth place after Day 1, caught his second 30-pound limit in as many days, and is in second place with 63-10. The 36-year-old Honolulu native caught 33-2 on Thursday and was hoping for some of the same cold and blustery weather that aided his bite.

Warmer temps and bluebird skies didn’t hurt his bite one bit, though, as he tacked on a 30-8 limit Friday. A personal best of 9-3, which he caught just before 10 a.m., anchored his Day 2 bag.

“I’m keying on prespawning fish and I think these cold mornings have got them up where they need to be,” Wong said. “These fish are trying to feed up their eggs, and I think I’m cutting them off as they move in … And there are more fish coming. I dumped two really good ones today that could’ve given me 40 pounds.”

Justin Atkins, a 33-year-old pro from Florence, Ala., is in third place with 61-13. He followed a 32-11 total on Thursday with 29-2 on Friday.

“The wind made it harder to fish, but I think it got them more active,” Atkins said of the main difference he saw between the first two days of the derby.

“When you get your bait out there by them, they seem a little more anxious to just get it. But today, I really had to coax them. The biggest one I caught, I bet my bait had been out there more than a minute before it finally bit. The slick conditions today just made them come up, get high on the timber, get on the bed — all the things you want. I’ll take these conditions the next two days, without a doubt.”

Wesley Gore, of Clanton, Ala., maintains his lead for the Phoenix Boats Big Bass prize with the 10-9 largemouth he caught on Day 1. Rookie JT Thompkins, of Myrtle Beach, S.C., had the big bass on Day 2 (a 9-13 lunker).

Four Elite Series rookies are in the Top 10 heading into Semifinal Saturday, including six of the Top 12. The Top 50 anglers after Friday’s action survived the Phoenix Boats Cutline and will fish on Day 3.

After Saturday’s competition, the Top 10 will advance to Championship Sunday to fish for the tournament title and the accompanying $100,000 prize.

Follow all the live action on FS1 from 8-11:30 a.m. and on Bassmaster.com from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. On Championship Sunday, watch live coverage on FS1 from 8-11 a.m. and on Bassmaster.com again from 9-4 p.m.

This event is being hosted by Wood County Texas.

2024 AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork 2/29-3/3
Lake Fork, Yantis  TX.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2

   Angler                   Hometown              No./lbs-oz  Pts   Total $$$

1.  Trey McKinney          Carbondale, IL          10  67-05  103
  Day 1: 5   33-11     Day 2: 5   33-10   
2.  Matty Wong             Honolulu, HI            10  63-10  102
  Day 1: 5   33-02     Day 2: 5   30-08   
3.  Justin Atkins          Florence, AL            10  61-13  101
  Day 1: 5   32-11     Day 2: 5   29-02   
4.  Taku Ito               Dalton GA JAPAN         10  61-10  100
  Day 1: 5   39-01     Day 2: 5   22-09   
5.  Tyler Rivet            Raceland, LA            10  61-02   99
  Day 1: 5   31-05     Day 2: 5   29-13   
6.  JT Thompkins           Myrtle Beach, SC        10  60-14   98   $1,000.00
  Day 1: 5   25-13     Day 2: 5   35-01   
7.  Justin Hamner          Northport, AL           10  60-13   97
  Day 1: 5   33-05     Day 2: 5   27-08   
8.  Tyler Williams         Belgrade, ME            10  60-13   96
  Day 1: 5   30-04     Day 2: 5   30-09   
9.  Kyle Patrick           Cooperstown, NY         10  60-04   95
  Day 1: 5   31-15     Day 2: 5   28-05   
10. Cooper Gallant         Bowmanville Ontario CAN  9  59-01   94
  Day 1: 4   28-04     Day 2: 5   30-13   
11. Wesley Gore            Clanton, AL             10  59-00   93   $1,000.00
  Day 1: 5   32-02     Day 2: 5   26-14   
12. Ben Milliken           New Caney, TX           10  58-01   92
  Day 1: 5   32-13     Day 2: 5   25-04   
13. Cory Johnston          Otonabee CANADA         10  57-05   91
  Day 1: 5   29-12     Day 2: 5   27-09   
14. Stetson Blaylock       Benton, AR              10  56-10   90
  Day 1: 5   37-06     Day 2: 5   19-04   
15. Will Davis Jr          Sylacauga, AL           10  56-10   89
  Day 1: 5   29-09     Day 2: 5   27-01   
16. Paul Mueller           Naugatuck, CT           10  55-15   88
  Day 1: 5   24-11     Day 2: 5   31-04   
17. Chris Johnston         Otonabee Ontario CANADA 10  55-12   87
  Day 1: 5   20-01     Day 2: 5   35-11   
18. Jacob Foutz            Charleston, TN          10  55-10   86
  Day 1: 5   26-01     Day 2: 5   29-09   
19. Jordan Lee             Cullman, AL             10  54-03   85
  Day 1: 5   21-05     Day 2: 5   32-14   
20. Kyle Welcher           Valley, AL              10  54-01   84
  Day 1: 5   20-15     Day 2: 5   33-02   
21. Logan Parks            Auburn, AL              10  53-14   83
  Day 1: 5   23-04     Day 2: 5   30-10   
22. Kyle Norsetter         Cottage Grove, WI        9  52-03   82
  Day 1: 5   35-08     Day 2: 4   16-11   
23. Kyoya Fujita           Yamanashi CA JAPAN      10  51-11   81
  Day 1: 5   29-06     Day 2: 5   22-05   
24. Brandon Card           Salisbury, NC            9  51-09   80
  Day 1: 4   28-05     Day 2: 5   23-04   
25. John Garrett           Union City, TN           9  50-15   79
  Day 1: 4   20-11     Day 2: 5   30-04   
26. Jonathan Kelley        Old Forge, PA           10  50-15   78
  Day 1: 5   25-10     Day 2: 5   25-05   
27. Patrick Walters        Eutawville, SC          10  50-14   77
  Day 1: 5   18-06     Day 2: 5   32-08   
28. Brandon Palaniuk       Rathdrum, ID            10  50-06   76
  Day 1: 5   26-02     Day 2: 5   24-04   
29. Brandon Cobb           Greenwood, SC           10  49-12   75
  Day 1: 5   19-10     Day 2: 5   30-02   
30. Seth Feider            New Market, MN          10  49-04   74
  Day 1: 5   24-08     Day 2: 5   24-12   
31. Keith Combs            Huntington, TX          10  49-02   73
  Day 1: 5   31-04     Day 2: 5   17-14   
32. Jacob Powroznik        North Prince George, VA 10  48-11   72
  Day 1: 5   24-01     Day 2: 5   24-10   
33. Derek Hudnall          Zachary, LA             10  48-08   71
  Day 1: 5   29-05     Day 2: 5   19-03   
34. Hank Cherry Jr         Lincolnton, NC          10  47-09   70
  Day 1: 5   21-15     Day 2: 5   25-10   
35. Shane LeHew            Catawba, NC             10  47-05   69
  Day 1: 5   21-04     Day 2: 5   26-01   
36. KJ Queen               Catawba, NC             10  47-00   68
  Day 1: 5   22-15     Day 2: 5   24-01   
37. Drew Cook              Cairo, GA               10  46-15   67
  Day 1: 5   25-12     Day 2: 5   21-03   
38. Hunter Shryock         Ooltewah, TN            10  46-10   66
  Day 1: 5   30-11     Day 2: 5   15-15   
39. Jay Przekurat          Plover, WI              10  46-01   65
  Day 1: 5   21-09     Day 2: 5   24-08   
40. Buddy Gross            Chattanooga, TN          9  45-13   64
  Day 1: 4   14-13     Day 2: 5   31-00   
41. Cody Huff              Ava, MO                  9  45-06   63
  Day 1: 4   12-01     Day 2: 5   33-05   
42. Greg Hackney           Gonzales, LA            10  45-06   62
  Day 1: 5   23-02     Day 2: 5   22-04   
43. Chris Zaldain          Fort Worth, TX          10  44-15   61
  Day 1: 5   21-15     Day 2: 5   23-00   
44. Jason Williamson       Aiken, SC               10  44-13   60
  Day 1: 5   23-13     Day 2: 5   21-00   
45. Mark Menendez          Paducah, KY             10  44-05   59
  Day 1: 5   27-07     Day 2: 5   16-14   
46. Matt Arey              Shelby, NC              10  44-04   58
  Day 1: 5   25-00     Day 2: 5   19-04   
47. Drew Benton            Panama City, FL         10  44-04   57
  Day 1: 5   20-15     Day 2: 5   23-05   
48. Brock Mosley           Collinsville, MS        10  43-10   56
  Day 1: 5   20-01     Day 2: 5   23-09   
49. Bryant Smith           Roseville, CA            9  43-03   55
  Day 1: 4   13-01     Day 2: 5   30-02   
50. Cole Sands             Calhoun , TN            10  42-15   54
  Day 1: 5   14-10     Day 2: 5   28-05   
51. Bill Lowen             Brookville, IN          10  42-05   53   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   17-03     Day 2: 5   25-02   
52. Frank Talley           Belton, TX              10  42-04   52   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   26-01     Day 2: 5   16-03   
53. Scott Martin           Clewiston, FL           10  42-01   51   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   24-01     Day 2: 5   18-00   
54. Bryan Schmitt          Deale, MD               10  41-15   50   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   21-10     Day 2: 5   20-05   
55. Jamie Hartman          Newport, NY             10  41-12   49   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   23-02     Day 2: 5   18-10   
56. Koby Kreiger           Alva, FL                10  41-10   48   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   13-11     Day 2: 5   27-15   
57. Wes Logan              Springville, AL         10  41-10   47   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   25-05     Day 2: 5   16-05   
58. Brandon Lester         Fayetteville, TN        10  41-05   46   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   27-14     Day 2: 5   13-07   
59. Jeff Gustafson         Kenora, ON Ontario CANA 10  41-00   45   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   20-14     Day 2: 5   20-02   
60. Caleb Sumrall          New Iberia, LA          10  40-15   44   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   22-12     Day 2: 5   18-03   
61. Alex Redwine           Blue Ash, OH             8  40-10   43   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   25-05     Day 2: 3   15-05   
62. David Gaston           Sylacauga, AL           10  40-10   42   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   20-01     Day 2: 5   20-09   
63. Kenta Kimura           Osaka OK JAPAN          10  40-06   41   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   20-12     Day 2: 5   19-10   
64. Matt Herren            Ashville, AL            10  40-04   40   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   21-09     Day 2: 5   18-11   
65. Bryan New              Leesville, SC           10  39-00   39   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   21-02     Day 2: 5   17-14   
66. Marc Frazier           Newnan, GA               8  38-08   38   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 3   11-00     Day 2: 5   27-08   
67. Michael Iaconelli      Pitts Grove, NJ         10  38-03   37   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   21-14     Day 2: 5   16-05   
68. Jason Christie         Dry Creek, OK           10  38-03   36   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   19-14     Day 2: 5   18-05   
69. Luke Palmer            Coalgate, OK            10  38-00   35   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   21-11     Day 2: 5   16-05   
70. Timothy Dube           Nashua , NH              9  36-14   34   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   20-09     Day 2: 4   16-05   
71. John Cox               Debary, FL              10  36-09   33   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   19-00     Day 2: 5   17-09   
72. Todd Auten             Clover, SC              10  36-06   32   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   19-03     Day 2: 5   17-03   
73. John Soukup            Sapulpa, OK              8  36-05   31   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 3   11-12     Day 2: 5   24-09   
74. Clark Wendlandt        Leander, TX             10  36-05   30   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   20-00     Day 2: 5   16-05   
75. Scott Canterbury       Odenville, AL           10  35-13   29   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   19-05     Day 2: 5   16-08   
76. Gregory DiPalma        Millville, NJ            7  35-12   28
  Day 1: 5   26-09     Day 2: 2   09-03   
77. Jake Whitaker          Hendersonville, NC      10  35-12   27
  Day 1: 5   19-13     Day 2: 5   15-15   
78. Chad Pipkens           Dewitt, MI               9  35-07   26
  Day 1: 5   23-11     Day 2: 4   11-12   
79. Pat Schlapper          Eleva, WI                8  34-13   25
  Day 1: 5   23-13     Day 2: 3   11-00   
80. Mike Huff              London, KY               9  34-03   24
  Day 1: 5   21-03     Day 2: 4   13-00   
81. Ray Hanselman Jr       Del Rio, TX             10  33-12   23
  Day 1: 5   17-07     Day 2: 5   16-05   
82. Lee Livesay            Longview, TX             8  32-10   22
  Day 1: 3   08-04     Day 2: 5   24-06   
83. Steve Kennedy          Auburn, AL              10  32-04   21
  Day 1: 5   20-07     Day 2: 5   11-13   
84. Brad Whatley           Bivins, TX               8  31-10   20
  Day 1: 5   22-00     Day 2: 3   09-10   
85. Joey Cifuentes III     Clinton, AR              8  30-13   19
  Day 1: 3   07-11     Day 2: 5   23-02   
86. Logan Latuso           Gonzales, LA             7  29-02   18
  Day 1: 4   15-06     Day 2: 3   13-12   
87. Robert Gee             Knoxville, TN            6  28-10   17
  Day 1: 1   02-09     Day 2: 5   26-01   
88. Bob Downey             Detroit Lakes, MN        9  28-10   16
  Day 1: 5   20-06     Day 2: 4   08-04   
89. John Crews Jr          Salem, VA                8  28-07   15
  Day 1: 5   22-09     Day 2: 3   05-14   
90. Carl Jocumsen          Queensland TN AUSTRALIA  7  28-05   14
  Day 1: 2   08-03     Day 2: 5   20-02   
91. Bernie Schultz         Gainesville, FL          6  28-00   13
  Day 1: 5   19-00     Day 2: 1   09-00   
92. Rick Clunn             Ava, MO                  7  26-03   12
  Day 1: 5   19-11     Day 2: 2   06-08   
93. Gerald Swindle         Guntersville, AL         7  26-01   11
  Day 1: 3   08-00     Day 2: 4   18-01   
94. Austin Felix           Eden Prairie, MN         7  24-15   10
  Day 1: 5   16-14     Day 2: 2   08-01   
95. Caleb Kuphall          Mukwonago, WI            8  24-11    9
  Day 1: 3   07-13     Day 2: 5   16-14   
96. Cliff Prince           Palatka, FL              7  24-09    8
  Day 1: 3   09-06     Day 2: 4   15-03   
97. Joseph Webster         Hamilton, AL             7  22-14    7
  Day 1: 5   18-12     Day 2: 2   04-02   
98. Alex Wetherell         Middletown, CT           6  22-09    6
  Day 1: 1   04-02     Day 2: 5   18-07   
99. Clent Davis            Montevallo, AL           6  18-15    5
  Day 1: 5   16-13     Day 2: 1   02-02   
100. Ed Loughran III        Richmond, VA             5  18-01    4
  Day 1: 1   05-15     Day 2: 4   12-02   
101. Matt Robertson         Kuttawa, KY              5  16-08    3
  Day 1: 5   16-08     Day 2: 0   00-00   
102. Clifford Pirch         Payson, AZ               4  12-00    2
  Day 1: 2   06-08     Day 2: 2   05-08   
103. David Mullins          Mt Carmel, TN            3  08-06    1
  Day 1: 3   08-06     Day 2: 0   00-00   
———————————————————————–

PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS 
Day
 1   Wesley Gore              Clanton, AL         10-09      $1,000.00
 2   JT Thompkins             Myrtle Beach, SC    09-13      $1,000.00

———————————————————————–
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
 1        83       474      2224-07
 2        81       464      2126-14
———————————-
         164       938      4351-05



David Winters & Derek Lilley Win CATT Lake Wylie, SC Feb 24, 2024

Next Lake Wylie CATT Spring Qualifier is March 9 at Buster Boyd Bridge!

David Winters & Derek Lilley win Wylie with 5 bass weighing 16.81 lbs!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
David Winters/Derek Lilley4.2716.81$825.00110
Brandon Wingo/Hunter Waldrop4.8416.31$200.00109
Chris Bumgardner/Glenn Farrow3.8315.51$80.00108
Jason Rhodes/Jody Black4.1914.54107
Tony Talford/James Domham3.4213.75106
Jay Adams Jr4.0013.20105
Randy Williams/Clay Williams4.3113.12104
David Calbert/Bill Carothers4.9812.35$150.00103
Thomas Richmond/Jermaine Roach3.3811.63102
Roger Farrow2.4410.75101
Ryan Gee2.579.32100
Kareen White/Steve Gillespie1.959.1099
TJ Ford2.317.6498
Barry Burford/Cameron Lineback2.307.6197
Josh Pressley/Gabriel Klutte0.000.0087
Total Entrys$1,200.00
BONUS $$375.00
Total Paid At Ramp$1,255.00
Wylie 2024 Spring Final Fund$220.00
CATT$50.00
2024 CATT Championship Fund$50.00
2024 Wylie Spring Final Fund Total$550.00



USE JIGS IN SPRING TO CATCH MORE BASS!

During spring, jigs become a great tool for anglers due to their adaptability in various conditions and depths. This season witnesses a significant transition in fish behavior, prompting a shift towards much more versatile and subtle presentations. Jigs, with their customizable nature, enable anglers to mimic the life-like movements of prey, particularly as aquatic life becomes increasingly active. Effectiveness lies in the ability to modify action and appearance, making them ideal for the fluctuating temperatures and water clarity typical of spring. Anglers can exploit the versatility of jigs by adjusting their retrieval techniques to match the conditions, whether in cold post-winter waters or during the warmer pre-spawn phase. The unique attribute of jigs is their ability to appeal to fish in varying states of activity, from lethargic, cold-water bass to aggressive, pre-spawn feeders. By understanding the local environment and fish habits, anglers can select jigs and soft plastic bait that replicate the natural prey of bass, enhancing attractiveness and success rate. The Newest FreshBaitz Mandingo Trick Worms is the ultimate game-changer for anglers who love fishing! 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 early spring, anglers should focus on the deeper waters, the transitional areas where fish begin their move towards shallower spawning grounds. Jigs are particularly effective during this time due to their ability to be presented in deeper water with precision. The key is to mimic the natural prey that fish are targeting, which often means slower, more deliberate movements to reflect the still-cool water temperatures. Jigs allow for a controlled presentation, enabling anglers to reach those deeper zones where bass are staging before the spawn. Fishing these lures around structures such as drop-offs, ledges, and submerged points can be particularly productive as they are common areas for fish to congregate in early spring. The versatility of jigs means they can be adapted to the conditions, whether that involves using a heavier jig to maintain contact with the bottom in deeper water or altering the rate of fall to match the fish’s activity level. By paying close attention to water temperature and clarity, anglers can adjust their jig selection and presentation accordingly, improving their chances.The newest FreshBaitz Lizard delivers a realistic profile that excels in both power and finesse techniques. Act fact, we just released a new 10w30 Syntheic Lizard color! 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. Each HellaMite is made from long-lasting durable high-grade non-salted plastic for total and maximum attention-grabbing action underwater.
As the season progresses into mid-spring, the water temperatures start to warm, making bass move to shallower pre-spawn areas. This is an ideal time to utilize jigs for their versatility in shallow to intermediate depths. Anglers should concentrate on areas that offer transition points such as secondary drop-offs, creek channels, and sunken structures, where bass are likely to pause during their migration. Jigs can be effectively used to probe these areas, offering a blend of subtlety and directness in presentation that can trigger strikes from fish becoming more aggressive with the warmer temperatures. Adjusting the weight and action of the jig can make it more appealing as fish are more inclined to chase a lure. It’s important to experiment with different retrieval speeds, from slow drags to quick hops, to match the increasing activity level of the bass. Mid-spring presents dynamic fishing conditions, and the adaptability of jigs allows anglers to cover various depths and structures efficiently. The aim is to mimic the movements of prey items like crawfish.We use our Fresh Scorpion because it closely imitates a crawfish. Our newest 10w30 Synthetic , Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink Scorpion colors work wonders in the spring. The Scorpion is a revolutionary new look to soft plastics. Its intricate detailing and texture mimic the nuances of a real crawfish, making it hard for bass to resist. Of course, water clarity always plays a role in color selection but in any season, you can’t miss using colors such as Green Pumpkin Seed, Brown Bark, Magneto. This bait not only appears natural to fish but gives them something to become curious about. The Scorpion paired with a stand-up jig is deadly because the jig actually sits the bait upright in a defensive stance. The subtle color variations across the bait further enhance its appeal, mimicking the natural color shifts found in live prey. Each Fresh Scorpion has a unique and exclusive 3-axis tail design that is engineered like no other soft plastic bait. Our Scorpions are made from high-grade non-salt plastic to provide superior life-like action-triggering strikes!
During the spawn and immediate post-spawn periods, bass behavior shifts significantly, making this a critical time for tailored jig presentations. As fish move shallow to build nests, anglers can use jigs to target visible fish with precise, non-intrusive casts. The key is to present the jig in a manner that entices protective bass, often requiring a more finesse approach. Post-spawn, as fish recover and guard their fry, jigs can again be utilized effectively around cover such as docks, submerged vegetation, and other structures where bass may seek refuge. The versatility of jigs allows anglers to adjust size, color, and presentation to match the conditions and the particular stage of spawn. Anglers should focus on making subtle movements with the jig to mimic vulnerable prey, enticing strikes from guarding or recovering bass. During this time, it’s essential to respect the reproductive process and handle fish carefully, ensuring their safe return to the water. Jig fishing in the spawn and post-spawn periods demands sensitivity to the fish’s protective instincts.Each Fresh HellaMite is scented for complete and total attraction underwater along with being made in the USA by real fishermen just like you. Our newest 10w30 Synthetic HellaMite color is a must-have. We also just released new eye-catching colors including the Slimer Green and Barbie Pink HellaMite. Act fast, these colors won’t stay in stock for long. If you’re fast enough you can also grab our seasonal limited-release Pumpkin Spice HellaMite along with the Money HellaMite. We also recently restocked our Red Bug, Purple Rain, Brown BugElectric Chicken, and Goby Wan colors for those who’ve been waiting. Take this time to stock up! The HellaMite’s solid body and hyperactive ribbed tail design produce a life-like quivering action with every twitch of the rod. Additionally, 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. When the water is clear, the fish can see the bait more clearly and is more likely to look like real food, increasing strikes.  
The spring season is known for its unpredictable weather, and cold fronts can dramatically affect fish behavior. When a cold front passes, water temperatures can drop suddenly, making bass lethargic and less likely to chase bait. During these times, jigs become an invaluable tool due to their ability to be fished slowly and methodically. Anglers should focus on areas where bass may retreat, such as deeper water adjacent to spawning flats or within dense cover. A slow, deliberate jig presentation can entice these inactive fish, as it mimics an easy meal. It’s essential to maintain contact with the bottom and make subtle movements with the jig, as exaggerated actions are less likely to be successful under these conditions. Anglers should also consider downsizing their jigs to make them more appealing to finicky fish. Patience is crucial when fishing after a cold front; successful jig fishing during this time often involves waiting for the fish to come to the lure rather than actively seeking them out. By understanding how a cold front affects bass behavior, anglers can properly adjust their jigging technique to continue catching fish.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!
Selecting the proper colors can significantly impact your fishing success throughout the spring season. The key is to match the jig to the prevailing water conditions and forage types. In murky or stained waters, brighter or darker-colored jigs can provide the necessary contrast to attract bass. Conversely, in clearer waters, more natural, subdued colors can be more effective as they closely resemble the fish’s natural prey. Anglers should consider the primary forage in the area, such as crawfish or baitfish, and select jig colors that mimic these food sources. Seasonal changes, such as the blooming of aquatic vegetation or the clearing of winter runoff, can also influence the effectiveness of certain colors. Experimentation is often necessary, as the subtle differences between shades can be the key to eliciting strikes on a given day. By paying attention to the details and adjusting color choices based on conditions and observations, anglers can improve their jig fishing outcomes. Understanding the local ecosystem and the visual acuity of bass can guide anglers in making informed decisions ultimately leading to more strikes.Using a stick-styled worm is the most tried and true ways to catch fish. We have a wide variety of 5-inch Worms to choose from. You can experience our new wacky rigging kit while it’s ON SALE! The WACKY Pack offers our most popular colors and essential tools, featuring 24 high-quality worms in the popular Green Pumpkin, Watermelon Red, and Black & Blue, alongside four precision-crafted Owner Wacky Hooks 1/8oz. 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 our newest Brown Worm, Electic 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 just recently released new 6-inch Worms that catch some trophy bass. CharmeleonRainbow TRTBoneChocolate Mint, and Fire TGR are 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. Each Fresh Worm is scented for complete and total attraction underwater.
Practicing ethical fishing, particularly during the spring season, is crucial for the sustainability of fish populations. As bass move into shallower waters to spawn, anglers have a responsibility to handle fish with care and respect their reproductive processes. When using jigs, it’s important to ensure quick and safe releases, particularly for spawning fish, to minimize disruption to their nesting activities. Employing barbless hooks or practicing proper hook-set techniques can reduce harm to the fish and facilitate a smoother release process. Anglers should be mindful of their impact on the water and surrounding environment, avoiding sensitive spawning areas when possible. The practice of catch and release, especially during the critical spawning period, ensures that bass populations remain healthy and abundant for future generations. Educating fellow anglers about the importance of conservation and ethical fishing practices can help preserve the sport for years to come. By adopting a conservation-minded approach, anglers can enjoy the challenges and rewards of using jigs to catch bass in spring.We have a wide variety of terminal tackle to choose from. For Scorpions, we love to use the Stand-Up Jig because it sits your bait up-right in a defensive stance! The Owner All Purpose Hook is built with an extra-wide gap and is made to accommodate a wide range of soft plastics and can be paired with weights for excellent jig fishing along with the Mosquito Hooks which work best for drop-shotting and are perfectly designed to better accommodate a wide range of different 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 such as lizards and worms. 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 the biggest fish.

Jake & John Murdock Win CATT Lake Gaston, NC Feb 25, 2024

Next Lake Gaston Spring Qualifier is March 10 at Summit Landing!

2024 CATT Championship on Kerr is May 18-19, 2024!

Jake & John Murdock brought a limit weighing 20.10 lbs good enough for the win on Lake Gaston! They took home $1,523.00! The fishing is excellent on Lake Gaston! Come join us!

Use PHANTONCATT15 at check out and earn 15% off your next order!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Jake Murdock John Murdock5.4020.10$1,523.00110
Dennis Bradley Allen Mitchell5.4020.08$558.00109
Jt Palmore Nelson Mayton5.1218.58$510.00108
James Joyner Chris McDaniel0.0018.40$175.00107
Cason Price Andy Liles5.4417.74$154.00106
Mike Gunn Frank Pridemore4.5416.56105
Carl Enos David Enos4.6416.54104
Jay Wright Mikey Anderson0.0015.92103
Land Weaver John Edwards Jr0.0015.58102
Scott Golden Jesse Medlin0.0014.94101
Adam Richardson Bentley Richardson3.3814.38100
Shane Doughtie Evan White0.0014.2899
Joey Scott Dylan Lynch0.0013.908
Ivan Morris Janet Morris0.0013.5897
Anthony Jones Artie Jones3.6212.6496
Scott Griffin Jay Allen0.0012.6095
Jason Hughes Tommy Hughes0.0012.3694
Geno Mccree Vincent Jones0.0012.2893
Michael Pembleton Miles Gardner0.0010.8692
BRANDON Cross William Cross0.0010.7491
Steve Mele Kevin Sickenger0.000.0081
Davis Byrd Lee Tart0.000.0081
Allen Lifsey Caleb Eller0.000.0081
Total Entries$2,640.00
BONUS $$700.00
Total Paid At Ramp$2,920.00
2024 Gaston Spring Final Total$320.00
CATT$50.00
2024 CATT Championship Fund$50.00
20234 Gaston Spring Final Total$320.00



Ray & Channon Dowey Win CATT Lake Wateree, SC Feb 24, 2024

Next Lake Wateree CATT Spring Qualifier is this Saturday March 2 at Clearwater Cove Marina! Come join us! The bite if really good right now!

Ray & Channon Dowey took home 1st Place with 5 bass weighing 20.42 lbs!

2nd Place Paul Wells & Craig Haven with 18.71 lbs!

Shane Cantley & Michael Richardson 3rd with 18.06 lbs and the BF at 5.66 lbs!

Dearal Rodgers & Trent McLaughlin with another nice sack!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Ray Dowey & Channon Dowey4.5120.42$895.00110
Craig Haven & Paul Wells4.0618.71$210.00109
Michael Richardson & Shane Cantley5.6618.06$270.00108
Jeff Norris & Jacob Norris4.2217.84107
Dearal Rodgers & Trent McLaughlin5.5217.72106
Dylan Locklear & Keith Jones4.1214.82105
Freddie Gibbs & Clark Gibbs3.4414.75104
Jared Thopson & Brent Waynick3.6714.68103
Dean Benfield & Donnie Maiers3.8114.47102
Walt Almond & Chad Rabon0.0014.42101
Chad Gainey3.6013.03100
Chad Sinclair3.1312.8499
Butch Williams & Sonny Beam3.0112.2298
Steven Sparrow3.958.5697
Scott Williams & Robbie English3.908.2696
Randy Robson4.207.9195
Timmy Squires0.000.0085
Total Entrys$1,360.00
BONUS $$400.00
Total Paid At Ramp$1,375.00
2024 Wateree Spring Final Fund$285.00
CATT$50.00
2024 CATT Championship$50.00
2024 Wateree Spring Fund Total$535.00



Chris & Lucus Bowers Win CATT Lake Wateree, SC Open Feb 24, 2024

Next Lake Wateree Open is March 9 at Clearwater Cove Marina! WE have a few $60 entry Opens coming up!

Use PHANTOMCATT15 at checkout and earn 15% off your order! Tap on the link to view the Phantom Outdoors website!

Open Tournaments – $100 Entry, $25 Side Pot
Open Tournaments – $60 Entry, $25 Side Pot
Final Tournament – $130 Entry, $50 Side Pot
NO PAY ONLINE FOR THE $60 ENTRYS
Paying 1 BF
Must enter 6 Opens to be eligible to enter the Open Final
Fishing an Open solo will count for your teams Final Qualification
Must fish Wateree Open Final with your partner or a sub your team used
NO NEW SUBS AT FINAL & NO PAIRING UP AT FINAL WITH ANOTHER MEMBER
Safe Daylight – Weigh in Determined at Ramp
$100 Entry Optional $25 side pot at each event!

Plaques awarded to Point Winners & Final Winners
1st Place Points – Receive free entry to all 2025 Wateree Open Events
2nd Points -$500
3rd Points – $350
4th Points – $250
5th Points – $200
6th Points – $150

Chris & Lucas Bowers weighed in 5 bass at 20.54 lbs along with a Fat Wateree Hawg at 7.16 lbs to take 1st Place Saturday!

Fishing at Lake Wateree is great right now! Come join us!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Lucas Bowers & Chris Bowers7.1620.54$1,155.00110
Ray Dowey & Channon Dowey4.5120.42$290.00109
Craig Haven & Paul Wells4.0618.71$140.00107
Michael Richardson & Shane Cantley5.6618.06106
Jeff Norris & Jacob Norris4.2217.84105
Greg Atkinson & Zach Hughes3.9117.26104
Dylan Locklear & Keith Jones4.1214.82103
Freddie Gibbs & Clark Gibbs3.4414.75102
Jared Thompson & Brent Waynick3.6714.68101
Dean Benfield & Donnie Maiers3.8114.47100
Walt Almond & Chad Rabon0.0014.4299
Chad Gainey3.6013.0398
Butch Williams & Sonny Beam3.0112.2297
Jerry Freezon3.6311.4596
Cole Jackson & Jeff Robinson0.0010.8995
Scott Williams & Robbie English3.908.2694
Scott Floyd & Bob Weaver0.001.9993
Darrell Fenton0.000.0083
Mitchell Gordon0.000.0083
2024 Wateree Open Points$360.00
2024 Wateree Open Final$325.00