IBASSIN

World Bass Enterprises The Champions 2026 on Old Hickory Lake Day 1: Matt Roberston Scores 20lbs!

2026-10-30T01:30:00.000-04:00

BASS Elite Angler Matt Robertson only one to secure 20lb limit!

Luigi De Rose, IBASSIN.com

Nashville, Tenn. USA,

World Bass Enterprises spent the last year creating the most lucrative payout in professional bass fishing of all time. This event will help answers the question most bass fans wonder, “Which tour has the best anglers: Bassmaster Elites or MLF Bass Pro?

This tournament marks the first time since 2016 that top finishers from the AOY standings of the two leading trails are facing off in a unification style event. An added feature is that two “average Joe” anglers have been invited through a lottery to fish against their heroes.

Four days at Old Hickory Lake with $3.25 million on the line, won't come easy. Late autumn has the fishing challenging. Another limitation is the 18 inch minimum length for smallmouth adding another level of difficulty to the event as Old Hickory does have a decent population of smallmouth but most are smaller than the legal length.

The 62-man field will be reduced to 15 after Friday and the weights will be zeroed for the final round on Saturday when the remaining anglers will fish for the richest purse in the history of the sport.

LEADERBOARD BELOW

The top 15 after day 1 looks like this (number of fish each angler weighed in was not provided):

Matt Robertson (Elite Series): 20-00
Fisher Anaya (Elite Series): 15-7
Michael Neal (Bass Pro Tour): 13-9
Bob Downey (Elite Series): 13-7
Bryant Smith (Elite Series): 13-3
Chris Johnston (Elite Series): 12-1
Jay Przekurat (Elite Series): 11-15
Ron Nelson (Bass Pro Tour): 11-13
Wesley Strader (Bass Pro Tour): 11-13
Cole Sands (Elite Series): 11-11
Mark Rose (Bass Pro Tour): 11-10
Bryan Thrift (Bass Pro Tour): 11-7
Cody Meyer (Elite Series): 11-4
Brent Ehrler (Bass Pro Tour): 11-4
Takahiro Omori (Bass Pro Tour): 11-2

The Champions five-day world championship starts October 28th!

2026-10-27T01:30:00.000-04:00

Nashville is set to host one of the richest events in professional bass fishing this fall. The Champions, a five-day world championship, will take place October 28 through November 1, 2026, on Old Hickory Lake at Sanders Ferry Park in Hendersonville. Organizers have put up $3.25 million in total prize money, with the winner expected to take home roughly $1.25 million — billed as the largest single payout in the sport's history. The event pairs three days of elite competition with a multi-day fan festival, live music, and a large-scale expo.

The field will be loaded. The Champions brings together the top 25 anglers from the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series and the top 25 from Major League Fishing's Bass Pro Tour for head-to-head competition, with media day and expo activities planned at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. The format centers on three competition days at Sanders Ferry Park, wrapped in family programming and live entertainment tied to the daily weigh-ins.

Ethan Fields Wins 2026 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier at Toledo Bend presented by Bass Pro Shops

2026-10-26T01:30:00.000-04:00

With a three-day total of 73 pounds, 3 ounces, Ethan Fields wins the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier at Toledo Bend presented by Bass Pro Shops!

(Photo: BASS)

David A Brown, BASS Press Release

MANY, La. — Ethan Fields came to the dock convinced he had blown it. An hour later, he was holding the first-place trophy at the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier at Toledo Bend Reservoir presented by Bass Pro Shops.

Following two consistent days with limits of 28 pounds, 2 ounces and 27-4, which put him in fourth place, then first, the pro from Carlyle, Ill., entered Championship Friday with a 3-6 lead.

After two days of showing off its impressive quality and quantity, Day 3 saw Toledo Bend feeling the full effects of a lake turnover that started with a pre-event cold front. With the fish clearly having a bad hair day, Fields managed only 17-13, but that was enough to tally a winning total of 73-3, that edged Buddy Benson of Dahlonega, Ga., by 2-7.

For his efforts, Fields won the $71,317 top prize. He also received an invitation to fish the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, March 19-21 at Lake Hartwell.

“I was confident that I didn’t have it; 17 pounds on this lake — there’s no way,” Fields said of his unexpected win. “My family left at 4 in the morning and drove down. This is so special. I can’t believe it.

“With these guys in the Top 10, I thought there was no way I could keep up with them. I don’t know what to say, this is so incredible.”

Fields caught all of his final-round fish in the same area where he caught his first two days’ limits. Working a creek north of the Pendleton Bridge, uplake from the tournament site, Fields fished a variety of habitat features including timber flats and docks.

“I was just doing big circles in there,” Fields said. “I only left the creek twice to go try some new stuff and it wasn’t working, but that was one place where I knew there was fish. So, I went back to that creek, hunkered down and got it to work.

The first two days, Fields also caught fish cruising the bank and hunting big gizzard shad. On the final day, however, his bank fish were nowhere to be found.

“I had a really slow day, it was really tough on me,” Fields said. “The conditions didn’t bother me until today. The lake finished turning over and the fish were running from my baits. They did not want to eat today.

“It’s a good thing the tournament started a couple days earlier or it might have been a really poor tournament for Toledo Bend.”

Fields caught most of his fish on a Hideup Coike Fullcast rigged on a 1/0 BKK Hyperlatch treble hook with a 1/8-ounce weight. He also caught fish on a jighead minnow with a Big Bite Baits Spotlight Minnow on a 1/4-ounce head or a larger minnow on a 3/8-ounce head.

With either bait, precision casts and quick retrieves were the key ingredients.

“It seemed like you had to hit these fish right on the head this week,” Fields said. “With the docks, I was staying a couple of feet out in front of the docks, because the closer you are, the better you can see them on forward facing sonar.

“Even if I was fishing super shallow, it seemed like they wanted the bait moving quickly past them.”

At the Day 2 weigh-ins, Fields stated that he felt very confident throughout his day. Suffice to say, Day 3 brought a very different vibe, as his bites were less frequent, and he never found what Toledo Bend standards would call a big bite — something 7-plus.

Fortunately, Fields started his morning with a 5-pounder 30 minutes into his day and quickly followed with one about 2 3/4. After that, his day yielded only four more bass, but one of them was another 5.

Benson enjoyed a strong start with a Day 1 limit of 30-3 that put him in third place. Adding 21-13 in the second round kept in the No. 3 spot, but Benson gained one notch on Championship Friday by adding 18-12 for a tournament total of 70-12.

“I felt like I kinda fumbled today, but I came in and checked BassTrakk and I was like, ‘Wow, everybody kinda struggled,’” Benson said. “The first day, I could do no wrong and the last two days, it just got tougher and tougher.

“Today, it was hard to see one on the screen to throw at. It seemed like they were leaving me by the minute.”

Benson caught one of his fish on an urchin bait and the others on a jighead minnow. For the latter, he used a 1/8-ounce jighead with a 7-inch Deps Sakamata Shad to weed out smaller fish and appeal to the big ones that were eating gizzard shad.

Jace Lindsay of Beckville, Texas finished third with 69-1. His daily weights were 28-1, 19-11 and 21-5.

Lindsay said he caught all but one of his 15 tournament weight fish on a Deps Sakamata Shad with a 1/8-ounce head. A Hideup Coike Fullcast rigged on a quad hook with a 1/16-ounce weight produced one of his limit fish.

“They weren’t really set up on the spots like they normally are, so I was just trolling around good areas and (using forward facing sonar),” Lindsay said. “Maybe a wolf pack chasing gizzard shad would roll through and I’d catch one on the minnow.

“Once the sun got up, I’d rotate brushpiles and timber stretches that I know are good.”

Ty Faber of Pagosa Springs, Co., won the $500 Phoenix Boats Big Bass award with a 9-0.

2026 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier at Toledo Bend presented by Bass Pro Shops Day 2: Ethan Fields Takes Lead!

2026-10-23T01:30:00.000-04:00

With a two-day total of 55 pounds, 6 ounces, Ethan Fields moves into the Day 2 lead at the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier at Toledo Bend presented by Bass Pro Shops!

David A. Brown

BASS Press Release

MANY, La. — On a day that seemed to defy consistency, Ethan Fields stayed on pace and moved atop the Day 2 leaderboard in the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier at Toledo Bend Reservoir presented by Bass Pro Shops.

While many of the first day’s top performers struggled to reconnect with their first-round quality, the pro from Carlyle, Ill., backed up his opening limit of 28 pounds, 2 ounces with a Day 2 sack that went 27-4. With a two-day total of 55-6, Fields rose from fourth place to the top spot.

“I felt so calm today, which is kinda weird, because I was thinking about how I needed to back up yesterday,” Fields said. “This morning, I felt a little jittery but once I got to my area, I was calm and steady.”

Heading into Championship Friday with a lead of 3-6 over Riley Harris, Fields said his second day actually delivered a steadier flow than his first.

“Yesterday, it was a really slow morning and the afternoon was when it really turned on,” Fields said. “Today, I’d say it was a bite every hour, so I kinda pieced it together one by one. I never had any big flurries.”

Fields has done all of his work in a creek at the lake’s lower end. Clearly, his area fits the criteria for big bass making their fall transition and chasing bait schools.

“The first day of practice, I had 25 pounds in that creek; I didn’t go there the second day, but I went back to check it the last day of practice and had 32,” Fields said. “I had 28 yesterday and 27 today, so it’s a good spot.

“I’m bouncing around between 20 different little zones within the creek. I’m mixing in a bunch of sand flats, standing timber, docks and a bunch of different stuff. Not all of them have bass; only certain stretches.”

Fields said he caught his fish on finesse style baits. An urchin bait rigged on a treble hook with a 1/8-ounce nail weight was his top producer.

“I was definitely trying to stay as far away from the fish as possible,” Fields said. “I’m working it just like you would a jerkbait — I’m snapping it away from them and waiting for them to come up and eat it.

As Fields explained, his opportunities for quality fish were few and far between. Realizing this, he adjusted his approach to make the most of every one.

“I was just moving slow, but I wasn’t seeing a ton of big ones,” Fields said. “I’m not moving super fast, so every time I see one, I can be really precise and make sure I can make the absolute perfect cast.”

Looking ahead to the final round, Fields said he sees no reason to change what has worked for two days.

“I’m gonna do the same thing tomorrow,” Fields said. “I’m not sure what I have left, but hopefully another 28 pounds.”

After placing second on Day 1 with 30-10, Harris added 21-6 and held that position with a two-day total of 52 pounds.

Hailing from Orange, Texas, Harris said he believes he was still around the same quality fish as he caught on Day 1, but increased fishing pressure had them in an uncooperative mood.

“I personally believe that these Toledo Bend fish are some of the smartest on the planet,” Harris said. “Once they start getting some pressure, they get really wise. I’ll try to make some adjustments tomorrow.”

Harris said he started on his offshore school first thing in the morning, but the fish were not set up properly, so he moved to this shallow pattern. He caught his biggest fish, a 7-pounder, shallow. The rest came from deeper spots.

“I had 20 rods on my deck today,” Harris said of the diverse effort his day required.

Buddy Benson of Dahlonega, Ga., is in third place, also with 52 pounds. Ties are broken by heaviest single day weight and Benson’s limits went 30-3 and 21-13.

“I caught a lot of fish, but I never came across one of those true Toledo Bend big ones today,” Benson said. “Both mornings, I’ve struggled ’til lunch time and then both afternoons, I’ve caught ’em really good.

“This afternoon, I caught more than I caught yesterday. I had two big ones yesterday, but I never came across one today. Those make a difference.”

Benson caught one of his fish on an urchin bait and the others on a jighead minnow. For the latter, he used a 1/8-ounce jig head with a 7-inch Deps Sakamata Shad to weed out smaller fish and appeal to the big ones that were eating gizzard shad.

Ty Faber of Pagosa Springs, Co., holds the Phoenix Boats Big Bass lead with a 9-0.

Kaden Buchmann of Troutman, N.C., leads the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier presented by Bass Pro Shops standings with 244 points. Brody Robison of Dawson, Ala., is in second place with 240, followed by Brennan Flick of West Monroe, La., with 223, Peyton Harris of Birmingham, Ala., with 221, and Cody Abbott of Woodruff, S.C., with 220.

A field of 131 anglers competed in the second of three “EQ” events. The series began at Norfork Lake (Sept. 23-25) and concludes at Lake Guntersville(Nov. 11-13). After the final event, the top-10 anglers in EQ points standings will qualify to fish the 2027 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series.

Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. CT at Cypress Bend Park. The weigh-in will be held at the park at 3 p.m.

Coverage of the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier at Toledo Bend Reservoir presented by Bass Pro Shops can be found on Bassmaster.com. Bassmaster LIVE will be available on Friday, Oct. 23 from 8-11 a.m. ET and Noon-3 p.m. on Bassmaster.com and Roku Sports Channel.

2026 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier at Toledo Bend presented by Bass Pro Shops Day 1: Luke Palmer Leads!

2026-10-22T05:32:04.062-04:00

Luke Palmer takes the Day 1 lead at the 2026 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier at Toledo Bend presented by Bass Pro Shops with a whopping 32 pounds, 14 ounces!

David A. Brown

BASS Press Release

MANY, La. — Luke Palmer admitted he did not carry much optimism onto Toledo Bend Reservoir and his morning’s disappointing start deepened the despair. Thankfully, Palmer’s perseverance was rewarded with a massive limit of 32 pounds, 14 ounces that leads Day 1 of the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier at Toledo Bend Reservoir presented by Bass Pro Shops.

Clearly demonstrating why it’s consistently ranked among the nation’s top lakes, this Sabine River impoundment kicked out 29 limits over 20 pounds, 10 of which broke 25, including a trio of “Dirty 30s.” Heading into Day 2 with a 2-4 lead over Riley Harris, Palmer said he’s elated with the contrast between his practice and the tournament.

“My practice was horrendous; I was almost ready to pack up and head back home,” said the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series pro from Coalgate, Okla. “You never know with fishing. It changes every day and I just made the right moves today.

“I had some offshore stuff and they showed up. It was fun.”

Noting that his day’s final tally belied a round of early frustration, Palmer said his fortune changed at just the right moment.

“It was a struggle,” he said of his morning’s start. “It looks good on paper, but I lost my first three fish this morning and I was very frustrated.

“I caught a 7-pounder not too long after that and got the ball rolling. That was my first fish and I was just tickled to death to have her in the box. Everything I did today just went right.”

Palmer did his work in the lake’s lower end. He was mostly looking for bass that were following bait schools and he found good numbers of quality fish spread throughout his target zone.

“After that 7, I caught some 3-pounders with it, then I’d go a little farther and I caught a 6, then I went a little farther, and I caught another 6,” he said. “It was very random, but there’s a lot of fish there.

“There might not be (anything) there tomorrow. It’s one of those iffy things, but I have a few areas where I think I can at least go scrounge out a limit if I need to just to make the Top 10.”

Palmer attributed his main area’s appeal to an abundance of sizable forage.

“It’s the only place that I have found that has giant gizzard shad, like 8- to 10-inch gizzard shad,” Palmer said. “I caught some of my fish flipping; I caught some cranking. I’m really trying to stay away from what everybody else is doing.

“I also have a couple of deep schools and if they pan out, things can get wild in a hurry.”

Palmer said he’ll give his areas another look on Day 2. He’s confident that he left plenty of good fish untouched, so he’ll be looking for another hefty limit.

“I’m looking forward to it tomorrow,” he said. “Hopefully, we can go catch at least 25 pounds and stay in this deal.”

That being said, Palmer said he knows this time of year often rewards flexibility.

“I’m gonna keep my mind open, because it’s changing every day,” he said. “We’re in the fall and everything’s scattered. We’re just gonna have to stay on top of ’em and keep moving with ’em.”

Hailing from Orange, Texas, Harris is in second place with 30-10. Reporting what he called a tough, grinding day, Harris anchored his bag with a pair of 7-pound kickers.

“I was able to put some things together and made some changes,” Harris said. “The lake turned over, so that has made it really funky, as far as the fishing goes. It’s kind of unpredictable.

“There are some things that you can pattern, but with the turnover, I’m having to cover a lot of water and see what has settled down and where the fish are starting to move back into. I had a lot of offshore fish in practice, but they’re gone, so I’m just trying to relocate them.”

Harris kept his specifics guarded, but he said a mix of baits produced his limit.

Buddy Benson of Dahlonega, Ga., is in third place with 30-3. With a 7-14 as his biggest bass, Benson said the first half of his day was a desert.

“I’ve never had a 30-pound bag,” Benson said. “It was the craziest day ever. I barely had a bass a 12 o’clock and I just pulled into one area and I didn’t see a boat for 2 hours.

“It seemed like every fish I saw, I caught ’em and they were all big. I left them biting, so hopefully, I can get back in that area tomorrow.”

Benson said he caught most of his weight in about an hour. Working a pocket in the lower lake region, he caught a couple of his fish in 20 feet, then he moved into the 10-foot range and caught the rest.

Benson caught his fish on a jerkbait. A slower presentation worked best.

Ty Faber of Pagosa Springs, Co., holds the Phoenix Boats Big Bass lead with a 9-0.

A field of 131 anglers competed in the second of three “EQ” events. The series began at Norfork Lake (Sept. 23-25) and concludes at Lake Guntersville(Nov. 11-13). After the final event, the Top 10 anglers in EQ points standings will qualify to fish the 2027 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series.

Thursday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. CT at Cypress Bend Park. The weigh-in will be held at the park at 3 p.m. Coverage of the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier at Toledo Bend Reservoir presented by Bass Pro Shops can be found on Bassmaster.com. Bassmaster LIVE will be available on Friday, Oct. 23 from 8-11 a.m. ET and Noon-3 p.m. on Bassmaster.com and Roku Sports Channel.

Toledo Bend Lake Country is hosting this event.

Daiwa's XBRAID FULLDRAG X9 Expands!

2026-10-21T01:30:00.000-04:00

Premier 9-carrier architecture of XBRAID FULLDRAG X9 transitions from a specialized, metered braid to the ultimate all-purpose line

Last year, Japan’s legendary 9-strand line technology hit the market and immediately altered the high-end braid category. Built by craftsmen with a lineage tracing back to 1945, this advanced architecture gives serious anglers a weapon that stubbornly refuses to flatten under the most extreme loads.

While the original five-color metered version was a masterclass in depth tracking for deep jigging, trolling, and long-lining, the response from the angling community was immediate: We need FULLDRAG X9 for every style of fishing.

That demand has now been answered with the introduction of a requested, low-visibility solid: XBRAID FULLDRAG X9 in Marsh Green.

This new offering transitions the industry's most advanced 9-carrier configuration from a specialized deep-water and big-game tool into a premier crossover braid. This solid profile delivers maximum performance to every fishery. Bass anglers can punch heavy mats and skip docks with confidence. Inshore specialists can grind redfish out of shallow grass flats. Northwoods musky hunters get the absolute line integrity they demand.

The planet's most advanced round-profile braid is now built for every scenario.

The Structural Reality Of Standard Braids

The average braided line is subjected to intense physics forces on the water. Under repeated heavy casting or the sustained pressure of a hard fight with big fish, standard configurations can flatten over time.

When a braid loses its round profile, it fundamentally changes how the line behaves. The line can fail to lay as smoothly or evenly on the reel spool, creating weak spots that encourage fraying. Friction increases dramatically as the flattened surface area rubs against rod guides and blanks during a cast. This increased friction ultimately restricts casting distance, robs the angler of accuracy, and creates excessive, scratchy noise through the guides.

True 8-Around-1 Core Engineering

XBRAID’s next-generation lineup completely bypasses these performance limitations by restructuring the physical architecture of the line. Rather than simply bundling strands together to hit a marketing number, this FULLDRAG X9 configures nine precision-engineered carriers with absolute exactness. Eight outer strands are wrapped tightly around a single, solid central core strand.

Why The New Colorway Unlocks The Crossover Market

The introduction of the solid Marsh Green colorway is the catalyst that brings this entire ecosystem of advanced technology out of the deep ocean and into the mainstream multispecies market.

Low-Vis Subsurface Stealth: The rich, natural green hue blends seamlessly into freshwater vegetation, stained river currents, and coastal inshore waters, eliminating line-shy refusals.

Maximum Application Crossover: By swapping the original five-color metered tracking for a stealthy, solid profile, the elite casting efficiency, heightened sensitivity, and extreme abrasion resistance of the 8-around-1 design are instantly optimized for freshwater bass, musky, walleyes, panfish, trout and more, as well as inshore environments.

The new solid Marsh Green configuration of XBRAID FULLDRAG X9 will will launch in a comprehensive range of 10 weights—spanning from finesse-ready 8-pound test up to heavy-duty 100-pound test. Spool sizes include 165-yard, 330-yard, 660-yard, and 3,300-yard bulk spools ,with an MSRP ranging from $35.99 to $349.99.

ZMan's Finesse Chatterbait

2026-10-19T01:30:00.000-04:00

Z-Man® Unveils Premium, Micro-Sized Bladed Jig

Several years of testing with renowned Bait Finesse System (BFS) enthusiast Jimmy Ly helped refine the bait’s final form, but the focus of the design is simple: deliver reliable ChatterBait action in a smaller, more responsive package that excels with panfish, trout, bass, and other BFS and ultralight‑tackle targets.

"I began working on this project with Z-Man when I sat down with them at ICAST in 2023," said Ly. "The following fall, they sent me some new prototypes to test. We went through several iterations and changes and eventually landed on this model."

Micro Size, Major Performance

The Micro Finesse ChatterBait bladed jig is built around a custom needlepoint black‑nickel hook that delivers the strength and sharpness most micro‑sized baits lack. A stamped stainless‑steel bait keeper with two sharp keeper points makes rigging simple, even with ElaZtech superplastics, and grips trailers firmly so they stay put through repeated strikes and multiple fish catches. Its compact stainless‑steel ChatterBlade® connects directly to the head and engages the moment the retrieve begins, producing immediate vibration without the need to pop the rod or accelerate the reel.

The result is a small‑profile bladed jig that thumps hard, responds quickly, and appeals to everything from bluegill and crappie to stocked trout and pond bass.

"It doesn't foul up on the retrieve, it begins working the second you start retrieving it, and most importantly, it gets bites," said Ly. "Anything under the sun, really. Trout, all sunfish species, bass, perch. Whatever you'd like to catch, this lure will do it."

Better Build, Better Value

“The FlashBack Mini is a classic, but this new Micro Finesse ChatterBait is just built better,” Harder adds. “The hook is stronger, it’s got a solid keeper, and the Baby BallerZ trailer gives it more life and lasts way longer. Getting all that for less money is a win for ultralight anglers.”

Available in 1/16-, 1/8-, and 3/16-ounce sizes and six proven Micro Finesse color patterns, the Micro Finesse ChatterBait bladed jig is available now at an MSRP of $3.99.

ElaZtech Enhanced

Each Micro Finesse ChatterBait lure comes pre‑rigged with a 2‑inch Baby BallerZ™ trailer molded from Z-Man’s proprietary ElaZtech superplastic. The softness of the material allows the trailer to transmit blade vibration more effectively than traditional plastics, and its profile is tailor‑made to match with a micro‑sized bladed jig. A thick, ribbed body makes it easy to rig, while the tapered tail and bulbous tip sway and kick with every pulse of the blade, adding subtle vibration and movement.

The long‑lasting durability of ElaZtech makes the Baby BallerZ the ideal companion for a micro-sized bladed jig. It resists tail nips, takes hit after hit without tearing, and outlasts traditional soft plastics by a wide margin. As part of the Micro Finesse lineup, replacement Baby BallerZ trailers are readily available—if you can even wear one out.

“The Baby BallerZ enhances the action without getting in the way,” said Ryan Harder, Director of Brand Strategy for Z‑Man. “It moves easily, holds up to repeated strikes, and completes the Micro Finesse ChatterBait package.”

Late Fall is Drop Shot Time: Time to Invest in a New Hook!

2026-10-16T01:30:00.000-04:00

The new Nishine Lure Works DS drop shot hook is really something new. This new style of hook ensures baits run straight and swim naturally. You do have to use a specific knot but don't worry, it's easy to tie. Come along and learn all about the new
Nishine Lure Works DS Drop Shot Hook.

Expertly crafted with precision and innovation, the Nishine Lure Works DS Hook Drop Shot Hooks rely on a specialized construction that is enhanced for the Drop Shot technique. Unique from other drop shot hooks on the market, these feature a modified 90-degree bend that is purpose-built to be a platform for the Snell Knot with an elongated tag end. The Snell Knot and modified bend work in tandem to hold your favorite finesse plastic in a perfectly horizontal position to tempt the most lethargic fish into biting. In addition to their innovative bends, the Nishine Lure Works DS Hook Drop Shot Hooks also feature extended shanks that are longer that most traditional drop shot hooks. These longer shanks enable anglers to use slightly bigger finesse baits while simultaneously optimizing hook up ratios thanks to the wider gaps that hook fish deeper in the lip rather than the teeth. An exciting improvement to the productive Drop Shot rig, the Nishine Lure Works DS Hook Drop Shot Hooks will help you put more fish in the boat when the conditions are challenging.

Justin Kerr Wins the 2026 WON BASS US Open!

2026-10-14T01:30:00.000-04:00

Sean Coffey Finishes in Second Place, Matthew Keats Wins AAA Division

WON BASS Press Release

VEGAS, Nev. – October 10, 2026 –– As reported earlier in the day, with Tropical Storm Rachel approaching through the Southern Border carrying unsafe conditions to Lake Mead, the National Park Service made the call to pull the day three permit for the event, resulting in the cancelation of the scheduled final day of the 2026 WON Bass U.S. Open presented by Ranger Boats and Mercury on Sunday.

That meant that Saturday’s competition would be the culminating day of the event. With the most important bass fishing tournament in the Western United States now being a two-day event, the anglers knew there would be no holding back and they would have no choice but to step on the accelerator and catch everything they could.

Mesa, Ariz. pro Sean Coffey took his place in the Ranger Boats Hot Seat midway through the final weigh-in after climbing from his second-place position from the first day. Coffey posted an 11.39-pound limit to bring his total weight to 26.22 pounds. That weight would hold strong until the final angler to come to the scales at Calville Bay Marina.

That person was none other than 2008 U.S. Open Champion Justin Kerr from Lake Havasu City, Ariz. needed 13.34 pounds to take the lead, and when the scales tipped at 13.41, Kerr had won his second WON Bass U.S. Open title and the keys to a 2026 Ranger Z520R powered by a Mercury ProXS250 valued at $90,000 and a $70,000 cash prize.

Brandon Keuhl of Peoria, Ariz. finished third in the pro division with 25.64 pounds, he was followed by Jason Borofka of Lavon, Tex. in fourth place with 23.90 pounds while fifth place went to Hermie Romero of Boulder City, Nev. with 23.78 pounds.

Kerr said that he made the run to the Overton Arm and targeted clumps of Spiny Niad grass with a pair of lures. “I caught six of my keepers on a Morning Dawn Baby Jackhammer and Bullpoint Shad as a trailer,” he said. “I caught the rest of the keepers I weighed on a jig I tied with my mentor Aaron Martens years ago. It was a handmade black and blue jig with a matching Rage Craw trailer.”

Kerr said his main stretch of grass was one he had to make multiple presentations to create strikes. “I had one really good stretch of grass that I caught quite a few of my fish from that patch, but I had to make at least 25 casts to it to get bites,” he said. “I had a good one chase my bait out today and miss my Jackhammer, I told my co-angler to throw in there quick, and our biggest fish of the day ate it.”

He said that he is thrilled to win his second U.S. Open, and that he felt the presence of two of his greatest friends and mentors throughout the event. “Having that jig be a part of things today really made me feel like Aaron was with me today,” he said. “I also felt like my friend Mike Brakebill was with me today too. Both of those guys were major influences on me, and they were on my heart today.”

Coffey, who led the second day of the 2025 U.S. Open before being overtaken said that he knew he was a fish short after he put his boat on the trailer. “I had a 1.43 in my bag and I had a strong feeling that it was going to cost me,” he said. “I didn’t lose any good fish that cost me, I just didn’t get as many bites today and I just fell short.”

He said he targeted Spiny Niad grass in the Overton Arm both days with a trio of reaction baits. His primary bait was a 1/2-ounce white and chartreuse spinnerbait with nickel and gold double willowleaf blades that he makes for himself, a self-made 1/2-ounce white bladed jig and matching trailer and a Berkley J-Walker Topwater bait. “I caught most of my fish on the spinnerbait and bladed jig, but my two biggest bites came on the topwater bait.“

I really did everything I could and am pleased with the performance despite falling short, Justin is the man and it doesn’t surprise me that he came through – congratulations to him.”

In the AAA Division, Matthew Keats took the title with a two-day total of 24.15 pounds. He earned $8,000 cash plus a Honda Fourtrax ATV from Huntington Beach Honda. Ross Gebhardt of Sunset, Tex. finished second with 26.22 pounds. Third pace went to James Boston of Collinsville, Okla. With 21.83 pounds. Terry Peterson of West Jordan, Utah placed fourth with 21.74 and Brandon Scott of Englewood, Colo. Rounded out the top five in the AAA Division with 21.53 pounds.

The full scheduled payout will be made to the field at Sunset Station Casino in Henderson, Nev. following the day two weigh-in. The day three big bass prizes of $1,000 each for the top 10 big bass in each division will be divided evenly amongst the winners from day one and day two.

2027 Shootout Tournaments Schedule Announced

2026-10-13T01:30:00.000-04:00

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!

2026-10-09T01:30:00.000-04:00

IBASSIN.com goes fall smallmouth fishing with fellow outdoor writer Don Sangster. It is Canadian Thanksgiving and we hope the smallmouth are eating more than turkey. Come along and check out how Luigi De Rose and Don Sangster figure out how to catch smallmouth from a deep, clear lake.

This is one of the original IBASSIN.com videos we shot over Thanksgiving. Cool nights and sunny afternoons can make fishing challenging if you don't get the timing down right.

Minn Kota Unifies Technology and Brands into One!

2026-10-08T01:30:00.000-04:00

Minn Kota integrates its fish finder technology, mapping, trolling motor system and precise boat positioning into one system titled Minn Kota. By integrating Talong, Minn Kota and Humminbird into one, anglers can expect easy compatibility and flawless total boat control. The heart of the system is the Minn Kota fish fishers and that deliver sonal and imaging building that developed over the last 40 plus years. For the angler, expect easy setup and use between screens, motor and Talon technology.

Learn more here.

Coin flips set live-sonar designations for 2027 Bassmaster Elite Series and next two Classics

2026-10-07T01:30:00.000-04:00

The 2028 Bassmaster Classic will not permit live sonar, regardless of the fishery selected to host the championship.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The coin has spoken. B.A.S.S. revealed the live-sonar designations for all nine events of the 2027 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series during Tuesday’s live Bassmaster Coin Flip Show presented by Walls, setting the stage for another season that will challenge the world’s best anglers to compete both with and without the technology.

The show also determined the live-sonar format for the next two Bassmaster Classics. Live sonar will be permitted during the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour on Lake Hartwell, March 19-21, while the 2028 Bassmaster Classic will be contested without live sonar.

Under the 50/50 technology format introduced in 2026, a coin flip determines whether live sonar can be used at each Elite Series event. The format is designed to test the complete skill set of Elite anglers across a variety of fisheries and fishing styles.

The 2027 coin flips produced the following results:

LIVE SONAR

Feb. 11-14, Lake Okeechobee, Okeechobee, Fla.
March 19-21, 2027 Bassmaster Classic, Lake Hartwell, Greenville, S.C.
April 22-25, Lake Fork, Yantis, Texas
May 20-23, Santee Cooper Lakes, Clarendon County, S.C.
June 17-20, Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, Columbus, Miss.
Aug. 19-22, Mississippi River, La Crosse, Wis.

NO LIVE SONAR

Feb. 18-21, Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Kissimmee, Fla.
April 8-11, Sabine River, Orange, Texas
May 6-9, Lake Seminole, Bainbridge, Ga.
Aug. 5-8, Lake St. Clair, Macomb County, Mich.
Date TBD, 2028 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic

Of all the results, perhaps none creates more intrigue than Lake St. Clair.

One of the premier smallmouth fisheries in the country, St. Clair has become synonymous with the electronics-driven techniques that have transformed modern smallmouth fishing. When the Elite Series returns to Macomb County Aug. 5-8, however, anglers will have to unlock the massive fishery without live sonar.

That could make the eighth event of the season — with Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year points and Bassmaster Classic qualification increasingly important — one of the most fascinating tests of the 2027 Elite season.

“The first year of the 50/50 format showed us exactly what we hoped it would — that our anglers are incredibly versatile and that compelling competition can look very different from one tournament to the next,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “Now we know what those challenges will look like in 2027. Lake St. Clair without live sonar immediately jumps off the schedule, but every one of these results creates a different strategic challenge. That unpredictability is part of what makes this format so interesting for both our anglers and our fans.”

The season begins with contrasting technology rules during back-to-back Florida events. Live sonar will be available Feb. 11-14 on Lake Okeechobee before anglers move to the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Feb. 18-21, where the technology will not be permitted.

After the Bassmaster Classic, the Elite Series resumes April 8-11 on the Sabine River in Orange, Texas, without live sonar. Anglers will then have access to the technology April 22-25 on Lake Fork in Yantis, Texas.

Live sonar will again be prohibited May 6-9 on Lake Seminole in Bainbridge, Ga., before being permitted for consecutive events on Santee Cooper Lakes in South Carolina, May 20-23, and the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway in Columbus, Miss., June 17-20.

Following the summer break, anglers will face the no-live-sonar challenge on Lake St. Clair before live sonar returns for the Aug. 19-22 season finale on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wis., where the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year race will be decided.

For the first time, the Bassmaster Classic was included in the Coin Flip Show.

A single flip determined the live-sonar rules for the next two editions of the World Championship of Bass Fishing, ensuring that consecutive Classics will showcase both styles of competition.

The result means live sonar will be permitted at the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, March 19-21 on Lake Hartwell. Greenville, S.C., will host Classic festivities, with competition taking place on Hartwell and takeoffs from Green Pond Landing in Anderson.

The 2027 championship will mark the fifth time Lake Hartwell has hosted the Bassmaster Classic, more than any other fishery in Classic history.

The 2028 Bassmaster Classic will not permit live sonar, regardless of the fishery selected to host the championship. The destination for the 2028 Classic has not yet been announced.

The 50/50 technology format debuted during the 2026 Elite Series season and produced strong fan engagement across both types of competition. Lake Guntersville, where live sonar was not permitted, was the most-viewed Elite event of the regular season across B.A.S.S. digital platforms, while the live-sonar event on the St. Lawrence River ranked second.

The contrasting results reinforced the premise behind the format: Elite anglers must demonstrate the ability to locate and catch bass using the full spectrum of skills required at the highest level of the sport.

Fans can follow all nine 2027 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series events and the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour through coverage on Bassmaster.com, including Bassmaster LIVE, real-time leaderboards, photo galleries and tournament analysis.

For more information, visit Bassmaster.com.

2026 Bassmaster Elite Series Title Sponsor: Progressive

2026 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Progressive, Toyota
2026 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Humminbird, Mercury, Mountain Dew, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2026 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Lew's, Lowrance, Phoenix Boats, VMC, Yokohama

Nick LeBrun Wins the 2026 The Ultimate Angler World Championship on Lake Guntersville!

2026-10-05T01:30:00.000-04:00

Frog bite key to Nick LeBrun win!

The entire LeBrun clan celebrating one of the largest payouts in fishing history.
(Photo: The Ultimate Angler World Championship facebook page)

By Luigi De Rose, IBASSIN.com

Scottsboro, Alabama: The bass fishing world has a new millionaire, well half-millionaire! Nick LeBrun became $500 000 richer after winning the The Ultimate Angler World Championship on Lake Guntersville, Alabama this past weekend.

This Bossier City, Louisiana, angler made a last day charge like no other. As the rains fell on Sunday, Nick hunted the thick grass mats that choke Lake Guntersville with his Frog Factory Ribbit Top Toad Frog and smashed a 5-bass limit to the tune of 28-pounds. LeBrun three day total for 15 bass 69-02lbs was enough to leapfrog Day 2 leader Bryan Schmitt who sacked 67-08lbs. The remaining Top Five anglers were Buddy Benson 64-08lbs, Ron Nelson 62-12lbs and Canadian angler, Cory Johnston with 62-04lbs in 5th.

The Ultimate Angler World Championship event pitted anglers from national bass fishing circuits and top-tier state anglers. Anglers were forbidden to use forward facing sonar or 360 Image technology and only given 2 days of official practice.

The field of anglers experienced late summer fishing at Guntersville despite the event being held in early October. With the south remaining gripped in summer heat, the anglers found the majority of the bass in the grass. Thick weed beds had the anglers casting over it with topwaters, punching through it or patrolling the lanes that intersect these enormous grassbeds with vibrating jigs.

Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens presented by Battery Tender unveils 2027 schedule

2026-10-01T01:30:00.000-04:00

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. officials have announced the 2027 Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens presented by Battery Tender schedule, featuring eight tournaments across two divisions and a diverse lineup of fisheries stretching from Florida to Michigan.

The Bassmaster Opens have long served as a proving ground for aspiring professional anglers, providing competitors a pathway toward the highest levels of tournament bass fishing. The 2027 schedule will test anglers across a variety of fisheries, from Southern reservoirs and grass-filled lakes to Northern smallmouth waters. The Opens will once again provide competitors a route toward the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops and ultimately the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series.

Division 1 Schedule

Jan. 28-30 — Harris Chain of Lakes (Leesburg, Fla.)
April 1-3 — Lake Guntersville (Scottsboro, Ala.) *
May 26-28 — Douglas Lake (Dandridge, Tenn.)
Aug. 26-28 — Oneida Lake (Syracuse, N.Y.) *

Division 2 Schedule

Jan. 14-16 — Sam Rayburn Reservoir (Brookeland, Texas)
Feb. 25-27 — Lay Lake (Columbiana, Ala.) *
April 29-May 1 — Table Rock Lake (Branson, Mo.)
June 23-25 — St. Marys River (Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.) *

*Forward-facing live sonar will be permitted at these events.

Forward-facing live sonar will again be permitted at select Bassmaster Opens in 2027, with two tournaments in each division allowing the technology. Lake Guntersville and Oneida Lake will permit FFS in Division 1, while Lay Lake and the St. Marys River will permit FFS in Division 2. The approach continues the format used in 2026, when B.A.S.S. designated two FFS events in each division.

“Each year, we work to build a Bassmaster Opens schedule that challenges anglers on different types of fisheries while giving them the opportunity to demonstrate the versatility it takes to compete at the next level,” said Phillip Johnson, B.A.S.S. Chief Operating Officer. “The 2027 schedule accomplishes that with a tremendous mix of venues from the South to the North. These events will test anglers in very different ways throughout the season, and we’re excited to visit communities that understand the value and excitement a Bassmaster tournament brings.”

A significant competition update for 2027 will also affect how anglers prepare for each event. The off-limits period will now begin 10 days before the start of Official Practice. The updated rule will create a consistent preparation window for competitors leading into each Bassmaster Opens tournament.

The schedule begins early with Division 2 visiting Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Brookeland, Texas, Jan. 14-16. Division 1 gets underway two weeks later, Jan. 28-30, on the Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Fla.

Spring competition will take anglers to several proven tournament destinations. Division 2 visits Lay Lake in Columbiana, Ala., Feb. 25-27 before Division 1 heads to Lake Guntersville in Scottsboro, Ala., April 1-3. Table Rock Lake in Branson, Mo., follows April 29-May 1, while Division 1 competitors will take on Douglas Lake in Dandridge, Tenn., May 26-28.

The schedule turns north for its final two events, including a historic first for B.A.S.S. The June 23-25 event on the St. Marys River in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., will mark the first time B.A.S.S. has held a tournament on the St. Marys River. The Division 2 season finale will give Opens anglers an opportunity to compete on the expansive Northern fishery and target the smallmouth bass for which the region is known.

“We are thrilled to welcome B.A.S.S. to Sault Ste. Marie for the first time and showcase everything the St. Marys River has to offer,” said Linda Hoath, executive director of the Sault Ste. Marie Convention and Visitors Bureau. “This is an incredibly beautiful and unique fishery, and we’re excited for the anglers, fans and viewers around the world to experience it. Our community is eager to embrace this event and make everyone feel at home. We look forward to an unforgettable week of competition and showing the Bassmaster family what makes Sault Ste. Marie such a special destination.”

Division 1 will close the 2027 regular season Aug. 26-28 on Oneida Lake in Syracuse, N.Y. The event will give anglers one final opportunity to make their move in the standings on a fishery offering both largemouth and smallmouth bass opportunities.

The stakes will be high throughout the 2027 season, with multiple paths available for anglers to advance to the 2027 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops. The Top 50 anglers in the points standings from each division, along with the Top 35 anglers in the overall Bassmaster Opens points standings, will qualify for the EQs.

Tournament winners will also earn an automatic berth into the 2027 EQs, provided they compete in all four tournaments within a division. Those winners will also earn a berth in the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, provided they meet the full-division participation requirement. The 2027 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops schedule will be announced at a later date.

The Bassmaster Opens have a proven history of providing anglers with opportunities to advance their professional careers. Opens champions and top competitors have gone on to earn Elite Series berths and compete on the sport’s biggest stage, the Bassmaster Classic. In 2026, the Opens qualification structure also rewarded anglers competing across a full division and provided multiple avenues for competitors to advance to the EQs.

Registration for the 2027 Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens presented by Battery Tender will open at 9 a.m. CT on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Details will be available on Bassmaster.com.

Additional information regarding registration, qualification procedures, payouts, Official Practice and competition rules for the 2027 Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens presented by Battery Tender will be available on Bassmaster.com.

2026 Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: Turtlebox

2026 Bassmaster Opens Series Presenting Sponsor: Battery Tender

2026 Bassmaster Opens Series Platinum Sponsor: Progressive, Toyota
2026 Bassmaster Opens Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mountain Dew, Nitro Boats, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2026 Bassmaster Opens Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Lew's, Lowrance, Phoenix Boats, VMC, Yokohama

The 2026 Black Bass World Championship Starts Now!

2026-09-30T01:30:00.000-04:00

As the world descends on Lake Hamilton, Arkansas, USA, for the 2026 Black Bass World Championship, cheer on your nation,. TEAM CANADA has arrived and practice is underway. As anglers get dialed in for the three days of competition, this team style event on challenging Lake Hamilton will test every angler's skills.

Watch Black Bass World Championship 2026 Live Stream Online

Autumn Punching: Use this Power Fishing Technique for Big Fall Bass!

2026-09-30T01:30:00.000-04:00

Punching works great during the fall transition. Don't think that all bass go deep. Many largemouth, especially the biggest ones, stay shallow and try to soak in as much warmth as possible. Remember, afternoons can be best!

Kaden Buchmann Wins 2026 Nitro Boats Bassmater Open EQ on Norkfork Lake

2026-09-28T01:30:00.000-04:00

With a three-day total of 42 pounds, 7 ounces, Kaden Buchmann wins the 2026 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier at Norfork Lake presented by Bass Pro Shops.

BASS Press Release

MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. — Kaden Buchmann followed the same script that had him headlining the first two days’ weigh-ins for the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier at Norfork Lake presented by Bass Pro Shops, but only Act 1 brought the applause.

Fortunately, that’s all the Troutman, N.C., pro needed to close out a wire-to-wire win with a three-day total of 42 pounds, 7 ounces.

“This is incredible,” Buchmann said. “I absolutely did not think I had it.”

Buchmann set the early mark with a Day 1 leading limit of 16-7 and held the top spot after adding a second-round bag that went 14 even. Buchmann found Championship Friday less generous, but his 12-pound limit allowed him to edge Cody Stahl by a margin of 1-14.

For his efforts, Buchmann won the top prize of $71,317. He also received an invitation to fish the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, March 19-21 at Lake Hartwell.

For two days, Buchmann made it look fairly easy on a notoriously tough lake that felt the complicating influence of an early season cold front. The slight cool down was just enough to nudge Norfork’s bass toward their summer/fall transition and bring the usual head-scratching moodiness.

Buchmann did not seem terribly bothered by the meteorological mayhem in the early goings, but Day 3 required more mobility.

“I fished the whole lake,” Buchmann said. “I fished from about 3 miles from Missouri, all the way down to a pocket by the Norfork Dam.

“Today, I caught four of my fish on places I’ve never fished.”

Same as the first two days, Buchmann fished the final-round with a black Berkley Choppo 105 topwater bait and a 1/2-ounce Queen Tackle skipping jig with a Zoom Z-Craw Jr. trailer. Today, the topwater did all the work.

“I had a decent limit of 10 to 11 pounds by about 11 o’clock,” he said. “The previous two days, I’d skip my jig around docks later in the day and catch a big one or two — or at least have a couple chances.

“Today I just never had those chances. I had a couple of little ones, pound-and-a-halfers, but somehow it was enough.”

Noting that he could tell the final day was considerably tougher than the first two, Buchmann said he ran as many shaded areas as he could. He looked at a variety of natural and manmade spots and ended up catching his topwater fish in 6 inches to 2 feet of water.

“I just kept my trolling motor on 10 and tried to cover as much water as I could, because I knew how spread out these fish were,” Buchmann said.

A field of 134 competitors took to this White River impoundment for the first of three “EQ” events, also including Toledo Bend (Oct. 21-23) and Lake Guntersville (Nov. 11-13). After the final event, the Top 10 anglers in EQ points standings will qualify to fish the 2027 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series.

Summarizing his plan for the next two EQ events, Buchmann said: “Just go fishing, find some big ones and try to catch them.”

Hailing from Barnsville, Ga., Stahl turned in daily limits of 14-3, 12-3 and 14-3 for a tournament total of 40-9.

Stahl, who won the Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Kissimmee Chain presented by Battery Tender in early February, started his mornings with topwater baits — plopper style, buzz bait, wakebait — but found the morning bite window diminishing daily. After the topwater effort, Stahl fished brushpiles with a 1/2-ounce Berkley flipping jig with a green pumpkin Berkley MaxScent Stank Bug trailer.

“I knew it was going to be a grinder, I knew the bites were going to be limited, but I knew the quality was in the area and all I needed was two or three kicker bites and I’d have another really good bag.

“That’s exactly what happened. I started the day with a big one, then stayed at it throughout the day with the jig. The last hour, I had two little ones I had to get rid of, but I had faith that I could get a couple more good topwater bites and that’s what happened.”

Finishing third with 39-4, Jack Dice of Lynchburg, Va., weighed limits that went 11-6, 15-6 and 12-8. After dialing in a pattern on Day 2, he did most of his work on deep brushpiles with a 3/4-ounce Buckeye Lures mop jig, but he had to expand the offering for his final-round limit.

B.A.S.S. continues 50/50 technology format for 2027 Elite Series

2026-09-25T01:30:00.000-04:00

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Following a successful debut that delivered compelling competition and strong fan engagement, B.A.S.S. announced today that the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series will continue using the same forward-facing live sonar structure introduced in 2026.

The 2027 season will again feature a split between tournaments in which live sonar is permitted and tournaments where live sonar is not allowed. A coin flip will determine the technology designation for each tournament on the 2027 schedule. The results will be revealed live during the Bassmaster Coin Flip Show on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 10 a.m. CT.

In additional news, for the first time ever, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic will also be included in the Coin Flip Show. The 2027 Classic field will be the first composed entirely of anglers who qualified under the 50/50 technology rule, making it a natural extension to apply the same format to the World Championship of Bass Fishing. One coin flip will determine the live-sonar rules for the next two Classics: If the 2027 Classic is designated a non-live-sonar event, the 2028 Classic will allow live sonar, and vice-versa. This ensures consecutive Classics will showcase both styles of competition.

“The first season of the 50/50 format showed us that great competition is not defined by a particular style of fishing,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “Our anglers were challenged to demonstrate their versatility, and our fans embraced the opportunity to watch and learn from both forms of competition. Continuing the format in 2027 allows us to celebrate innovation while preserving the broad range of skills that has always defined the Bassmaster Elite Series. With the success of this structure in the Elites and because it is how our 2027 Classic contenders qualified, it was a natural fit to continue the framework and allow a coin flip to determine the format for the 2027 Classic.”

The 2026 season produced record-setting audience engagement and demonstrated the appeal of both sides of the format. Lake Guntersville, where live sonar was not permitted, was the most-viewed Elite event of the regular season, generating more than 21 million minutes viewed across B.A.S.S. digital platforms. The season finale at the St. Lawrence River, where live sonar was permitted, ranked second with more than 20 million minutes viewed.

The two events could hardly have been more different in setting, species and strategy, but fans responded enthusiastically to both. Guntersville highlighted traditional decision-making, shallow-water instincts and the ability to adapt as conditions changed. The St. Lawrence showcased the precision, boat control and interpretation of electronics utilized to locate and catch roaming smallmouth.

Together, the results reinforced the purpose of the 50/50 format: to test the complete skill set of the world’s best bass anglers while giving fans access to a wider variety of strategies and educational content.

“Fans loved both tournaments and learned from both events,” Anderson said. “That is exactly what we hoped this structure would accomplish. It created different challenges for our anglers without diminishing the excitement of the competition.”

The 2027 schedule is positioned to deliver an equally diverse test. From the vegetation and heavyweight largemouth of Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes to the current-driven fisheries of the Sabine and Mississippi rivers, the season will challenge anglers across dramatically different environments. Stops at Lake Fork, Lake Seminole, Santee Cooper Lakes and the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway will add more opportunities for traditional and technology-driven approaches, while Lake St. Clair will provide a late-season smallmouth test.

Regardless of which events fall on either side of the format, the 2027 Elite Series will once again reward adaptability, decision-making and execution while giving fans two distinct ways to experience — and learn from — the highest level of professional bass fishing.

Be sure to tune in to the live Coin Flip Show on Bassmaster.com, 10 am CT on Oct. 6.

Drew Gill Wins 2026 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Championship on the Kissimmee Chain!

2026-09-23T01:30:00.000-04:00

Gill does it again, wins Pro Circuit Championship on the Kissimmee Chain

Drew Gill is no stranger to big moments, and winning the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Championship is one of his biggest wins yet. Photo by Jody White

By Jody White, Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit, Press Release

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Burnishing his already sterling record, Drew Gill earned his third major victory of the year – and his second in Florida – with a comeback win in the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Championship on the Kissimmee Chain. In sixth place after Day 1, Gill moved up to second on Day 2 with 22 pounds, 12 ounces, and he smashed his way to the top on Day 3 with 31-13 for a 75-3 total. For the win, Gill takes home $100,000, a superfluous REDCREST qualification and some serious momentum for the rest of the fall slate.

Fishing second, Levi Kohl dropped one spot with a solid final day that earned him $25,000, and Bobby Bakewell rallied back into third for a $20,000 payday. The 2027 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech season starts in February at Lake Murray, and the full schedule promises to be just as exciting as this season.

Mid-tournament adjustments earn Gill the win

After two days, five of the top six pros had caught most of their fish from the same community hole in Lake Toho, scanning through the area with forward-facing sonar and making the most of it. Kohl had the lead, but it was not insurmountable by Florida standards, and it was anyone’s guess how well that area would hold up.

Luckily for Gill, he had discovered a secondary zone, and it turned out to be excellent.

“The community hole was sketching me out – eventually, it was going to give out,” said Gill. “Sometimes that doesn’t happen, but with that one, I felt like it was destined to get tricky. If it’s zero-zero, me and Levi are tied, I bet I start there. But when I’m at a 5-pound deficit, I wasn’t going to beat Levi enough there. I knew I had to do something different. After seeing three big ones yesterday, that’s the different I needed.”

The secondary area was like the first area, but it had a lot less competition – and, as it turns out, bigger bass.

“I had no idea how good that area was,” admitted Gill. “I knew it was solid, but it was arguably just decent going into the tournament. I got a little more dialed at what I was looking for in that zone – I wanted to be in areas with a little bit of a basin and a zone of clean bottom in columns of peppergrass. I figured out what I was looking for, and that is what got me around the big, big ones.

“I got a little bit dialed in the last 30 minutes yesterday – I saw three real big ones,” he explained. “So, I flicked on SideVü, and I scanned over that area to see what it looked like, and then I scanned over that area for about an hour and marked the places with really clean bottom around columns of peppergrass. That allowed me to expand through the area and know where that area started and stopped.”

Gill knew what to look for because that area set up much like the community zone, where he’d caught just about all his weight during the first two days.

“They were both a similar concept – places with peppergrass with really clean bottom in between,” he said. “The area I fished the first two days, that area was shallower, and it was more about fishing for fish in little groups. As I moved on to the other area, that was a little deeper, and those fish were a little more singular and a little more floaty. The ones in my second place – it turns out my better place – the average size ran really high.”

Relying on LiveScope to target groups and individuals, Gill got it done in his three hours with the technology every day.

“You had to have places where the peppergrass was more columns than in patches,” he explained. “They stayed in the area because of the peppergrass, but the narrower columns didn’t hide them as well. They were a little more mobile, where you could see ‘em.”

Going from good to great also required a bait adjustment. In hindsight, it seems obvious, but Gill wasn’t at all sure going into Day 3.

“I caught a 7-pounder on Day 2 that I made a few different presentations to,” Gill explained. “I hit it with a worm, and it paid attention; I hit it with an urchin, and it didn’t do anything, and then I caught it on a big minnow. They were acting really odd – I saw some big ones, and they didn’t act great.

“I knew I was around some big ones, but the 7-pounder I caught, I approached six or eight times,” he said. “Today, I went out with 38 rods on my deck, because I didn’t have a blockbuster deal on that area, and I’ll be danged, every fish in that area wanted to bite the urchin. It was lights-out – you hit one with it, and it bit.”

Gill’s primary bait on the first two days was the venerable 7-inch Big Bite Baits Nekorama in matte margarita on a drop-shot. He threw it on a 7-foot, 6-inch, medium-light Phenix K2 spinning stick with a 2000-size Johnny Morris Carbonlite Tech spinning reel and 22-pound braid with a 15-pound Seaguar Grand Max leader. His urchin of choice was a large one, which he rigged with two single hooks and a 3/32-ounce weight. He threw it with 40-pound braid and a 24-pound Seaguar Grand Max leader on a 7-1, heavy Phenix Recon Elite with a Johnny Morris Carbonlite Tech baitcaster.

Gill shines again in Florida

A winner this winter at the Harris Chain, and a winner with Marshall Robinson in the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches in 2024, Gill seems to have mastered the Sunshine State.

“Florida has been really nice to me, but I don’t overly love it,” he said. “There are single fish opportunities, lots of ‘other’ fish for confusion purposes (on forward-facing sonar). And, I’ll be honest, I tend to do really well when I’m on a place with really big largemouth. My wins are Kissimmee, Harris, Guntersville, Murray, Sam Rayburn – evidently, that’s my thing.”

Realistically, Gill’s thing is just winning, and he’s banked nearly $500,000 this year alone between MLF trails. Always excited to launch his boat, Gill isn’t taking his run for granted.

“It never, ever, ever, ever gets old,” he said of the win. “It feels extra nice after a few tournaments I was very unhappy with the results of – at the Bass Pro Tour on Lake Erie and the Pro Circuit at Lake Champlain. It feels really nice to get back on the right foot and remind myself that I am capable of smashing them when I’m around them.”

Top 10 pros

1. Drew Gill – 75 – 3 (15) – $100,000
2. Levi Kohl – 64 – 15 (15) – $25,000
3. Bobby Bakewell – 61 – 12 (15) – $20,000
4. Banks Shaw – 61 – 1 (14) – $16,000
5. Levi Thibodaux – 60 – 8 (15) – $15,000
6. Ryan Lachniet – 56 – 8 (15) – $14,000
7. Connor Jacob – 55 – 10 (15) – $13,000
8. Brody Campbell – 52 – 3 (15) – $12,000
9. Preston Kolisek – 51 – 14 (15) – $11,000
10. Kyle Austin – 48 – 8 (15) – $10,000

2026 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops

2026-09-22T01:30:00.000-04:00

132 anglers set to compete in 2026 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops

BASS Press Release

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The road to the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series enters its final stretch this week as 132 anglers prepare to compete in the 2026 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops, a three-event postseason that will determine the next group of anglers to advance to bass fishing’s highest level.

The 2026 EQ field features a mix of rising stars, veteran professionals and accomplished anglers from across the country and Japan, all pursuing one of 10 invitations to the 2027 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series. The roster was assembled through several qualification pathways, including the Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens presented by Battery Tender and the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series and the reigning Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour champion.

The three-event season begins Sept. 23-25 on Norfork Lake in Mountain Home, Arkansas, before moving to Toledo Bend Reservoir in Many, Louisiana, Oct. 21-23. The postseason concludes Nov. 11-13 on Lake Guntersville in Guntersville, Alabama. The diverse schedule moves competitors from a deep, clear Ozarks reservoir to the sprawling waters of Toledo Bend before finishing on one of the Tennessee River’s most celebrated bass fisheries.

“This field represents exactly what the Elite Qualifiers were created to showcase — talented anglers who have earned the opportunity to compete head-to-head with a place on the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series at stake,” said Hank Weldon, B.A.S.S. Executive Director of Tournaments. “Over three events, they’re going to have to prove they can adapt to very different fisheries, changing fall conditions and the added pressure that comes with knowing every fish matters. With only 10 Elite Series invitations available, consistency will be critical from the first day at Norfork through the final weigh-in at Guntersville.”

Adding another layer to the postseason will be the use of forward-facing sonar. The 2026 EQ format was established with one tournament allowing forward-facing sonar, one prohibiting its use and the status of the final event determined by a coin flip. The results have produced a schedule that will require competitors to demonstrate their abilities with and without the technology.

Angler List Below

Forward-facing sonar will not be permitted at Norfork Lake, while anglers will be allowed to use forward-facing sonar at Toledo Bend Reservoir. The coin flip for the season finale resulted in forward-facing sonar also being prohibited at Lake Guntersville.

That balance could make versatility particularly important during the three-event sprint. Norfork’s clear water and current drought conditions will open the season Sept. 23-25, with daily takeoffs scheduled for 7 a.m. CT from Buzzard Roost Boat Dock and weigh-ins at the same location at 3 p.m. Toledo Bend follows Oct. 21-23, bringing competitors to a massive reservoir known for hydrilla, submerged timber and trophy largemouth before Lake Guntersville provides the final test Nov. 11-13.

The EQs were introduced as a postseason-style pathway to the Elite Series, requiring anglers to carry their performance from the Opens into three additional high-pressure tournaments. At the conclusion of the Lake Guntersville event, the Top 10 anglers in the EQ standings will receive invitations to compete on the 2027 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series.

The complete 2026 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops roster follows:

2026 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops roster

Cody Abbott — Woodruff, S.C.
Brooks Anderson — Marietta, Ga.
Yui Aoki — Minamitsurugun, Japan
Ty Austin — Rush, N.Y.
Colden Baker — Ridgeway, S.C.
Wesley Baxley — Conroe, Texas
Chris Beaudrie — Princeton, Ky.
Buddy Benson — Dahlonega, Ga.
Tripp Berlinsky — Florence, Ala.
Brock Bila — Republic, Mo.
Colt Blanton — Piketon, Ohio
John Branch — Magnolia, Ky.
Ryan Broughman — Corapeake, N.C.
Beau Browning — Hot Springs, Ark.
Stephen Browning — Hot Springs, Ark.
Erik Brztowski — Lemont, Ill.
Kaden Buchmann — Troutman, N.C.
Grae Buck — Green Lane, Pa.
Blaine Bunney — Claremore, Okla.
Wyatt Burkhalter — Coker, Ala.
Jaron Burr — Bowling Green, Ky.
Colby Bryant — Houston, Texas
Nate Caldwell — Fort Collins, Colo.
Blake Capps — Muskogee, Okla.
Chase Carey — Hoschton, Ga.
Doug Chapin — Tigerton, Wis.
Chase Clarke — Virginia Beach, Va.
Lonnie Cochran — Section, Ala.
Tyler Conde — Chepachet, R.I.
Michael Corbishley — Wake Forest, N.C.
Hugh Cosculluela — Magnolia, Texas
Kollin Crawford — Broken Bow, Okla.
Hunter Crossland — San Angelo, Texas
John Cox — DeBary, Fla.
Jack Dice — Lynchburg, Va.
TJ Edwards Jr. — Tremont, Miss.
Ty Faber — Pagosa Springs, Colo.
Dillon Falardeau — Hixson, Tenn.
Ethan Fields — Carlyle, Ill.
Brennan Flick — West Monroe, La.
Dylan Fogarty — Mechanicsburg, Pa.
Anthony Garcia — Los Angeles, Calif.
Bailey Gay — Union, Ky.
Billy Gilbert — Hamburg, N.Y.
Darold Gleason — Leesville, La.
Zach Goutremout — Chaumont, N.Y.
Tanner Hadden — Appling, Ga.
Rylan Hamlin — Jackson, Mich.
Sam Hanggi — Knoxville, Tenn.
Michael Harlin — Osage Beach, Mo.
Peyton Harris — Birmingham, Ala.
Rick Harris Jr. — Carlsbad, N.M.
Riley Harris — Orange, Texas
Charlie Hartley — Grove City, Ohio
Jordan Hartman — Benton, Ky.
Brian Hatfield — Spring City, Tenn.
Dalton Head — Moody, Ala.
Alex Heintze — Denham Springs, La.
Chris Hellebuyck — White Lake, Mich.
Brett Hite — Phoenix, Ariz.
Laker Howell — Guntersville, Ala.
Randy Howell — Guntersville, Ala.
Connor Jacob — Guntersville, Ala.
Brad Jelinek — Lincoln, Mo.
Chris Johnson — Farmington, Ark.
Andrew Jones — Trussville, Ala.
Seiji Kato — Outsu, Japan
Jonathan Kelley — Old Forge, Pa.
Kenta Kimura — Afton, Okla.
Justin Kimmel — Athens, Ga.
Jeremiah Kindy — Benton, Ark.
Jeremy Lawyer — Sarcoxie, Mo.
Easton Lindus — Woodville, Wis.
Jace Lindsay — Beckville, Texas
Lucas Lindsay — Auburn, Ala.
CJ Maddux — Birmingham, Ala.
Jake Maddux — Alpharetta, Ga.
Harmon Marien — Eagle River, Wis.
Wyatt Marler — Oldfield, Mo.
Cameron Mattison — Benton, La.
Cole McAusland — Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Mike McClelland — Blue Eye, Mo.
Garrett McWilliams — Florence, Miss.
Willie Mcmullen — Covington, Ga.
Mark Menendez — Paducah, Ky.
Ryan Michl — Newton, Ill.
Chris Miller — Spirit Lake, Iowa
Blake Milligan — Nashville, Tenn.
Matt Mosby — Dryden, Mich.
Lucas Murphy — West Columbia, S.C.
Grant Neubauer — Medford, Wis.
Andy Newcomb — Camdenton, Mo.
Riley Nielsen — Salt Lake City, Utah
Dylan Nutt — Nashville, Tenn.
Bryson Osteen — Live Oak, Fla.
Freddy Palmer — Estill Springs, Tenn.
Luke Palmer — Atoka, Okla.
Trent Palmer — Cumming, Ga.
Matt Pangrac — Shawnee, Okla.
Garrett Paquette — Canton, Mich.
Chad Pipkens — DeWitt, Mich.
Brian Post — Janesville, Wis.
Nathan Quince — Imperial, Pa.
Jeremy Radford — Huntly, Va.
Adam Rasmussen — Sturgeon Bay, Wis.
Nathan Reynolds — Nashville, Tenn.
Zac Ridenhour — Salisbury, N.C.
Brody Robison — Dawson, Ala.
Derek Rodriguez Jr. — Okemos, Mich.
Niko Romero — Coldspring, Texas
Cody Ross — Livingston, Texas
Fred Roumbanis — Russellville, Ark.
Ryan Salzman — Huntsville, Ala.
Yukihiro Sawamura — Harker Heights, Texas
Casey Scanlon — Eldon, Mo.
Trey Schroeder — Theodosia, Mo.
Garrett Smith — Mount Holly, N.C.
Cody Stahl — Barnesville, Ga.
Matt Stefan — Junction City, Wis.
Jacob Thompkins — Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Bo Thomas — Edwardsburg, Mich.
Ryan Thompson — Seymour, Mo.
Lucas Toliver — Paw Paw, Mich.
Colton Trotter — Dothan, Ala.
Jonathon VanDam — Gobles, Mich.
Brady Vernon — Sterrett, Ala.
Jacob Welch — Roach, Mo.
Alex Wetherell — Middletown, Conn.
Evan White — Roanoke Rapids, N.C.
Joe Wieberg — Freeburg, Mo.
Noah Winslow — Naugatuck, Conn.
Aaron Yavorsky — Palm Harbor, Fla.

2027 CSFL Season Events

2026-09-18T01:30:00.000-04:00

Z‑Man® ChatterBait® PZ2™: Premium Performance, Unbeatable Value

2026-09-16T01:30:00.000-04:00

Finding a bladed jig that flat-out catches bass without hammering your wallet just got a whole lot easier. The all-new ChatterBait® PZ2™ from Z-Man® replaces the longtime Project Z™ ChatterBait and delivers a next‑generation bladed jig with upgraded features, refined detailing, and enhanced durability—not to mention an accessible $7.99 MSRP.

Elevated Performance for Every Angler

Built to bridge the gap between the Original ChatterBait and the ChatterBait Elite EVO™, the PZ2 brings high‑end performance and refinement to a broader range of anglers. It maintains the aggressive vibration, erratic hunting action, and proven fish‑catching consistency that define the ChatterBait family.

A streamlined, swim-jig-style head design improves tracking and deflection around cover, while a custom 5/0 heavy-duty black nickel needlepoint hook and super-strong quick-clip line tie give anglers the confidence to winch big bass out of heavy cover without worrying about flex or failure. Whether you’re slow rolling the PZ2 through submerged vegetation or burning it over shallow flats, it’s built to hold up cast after cast.

The PZ2 is equipped with a molded multi-ridged trailer keeper that firmly locks both ElaZtech® and traditional soft-plastic trailers in place. That means less time adjusting baits after every fish catch and fewer torn-up trailers over the course of a long day on the water.

As with every ChatterBait bladed jig, the signature vibration is the star of the show. The direct head‑to‑blade connection and trademarked stainless hex‑shaped ChatterBlade® deliver instant startup, aggressive pulse, and the hallmark hunting action that consistently produces bites across all seasons and water conditions.

Brian Johnston and Cam Neville Win CSFL NATIONAL CLASSIC XXX - SEPT. 12 & 13, LAKE COUCHICHING

2026-09-14T10:48:02.102-04:00

Big weights on Couchiching Only CSFL Classic 2026

Photo: CSFL

Orillia, Ontario

The best of the CSFL 2026 season gathered on fame Lake Couching, Orillia, Ontario for the 2-day CSFL National Classic XXX. The weather was sunny with foggy patches each morning that burned off to expose high skies and high pressure. The weights were tight after Day 1 on Saturday. When the last of 78 boats weighed in Brian Johnston and Cam Neville bumped two power-house teams. Bassmater Elite angler Evan Kung and Jill Eppel of Pickering and Elite pro Cory Johnston captured 3rd.

The full final day weight-in seen here:

#	CAPTAIN	CO-ANGLER	DAY 1	DAY 2	TOTAL
1	BRIAN JOHNSTON	CAM NEVILLE	21.84	19.36	41.20
2	EVAN KUNG	JILL EPPEL	18.08	20.36	38.44
3	CORY JOHNSTON		18.14	20.26	38.40
4	DOM ALBANESE	MARIO PALERMO	18.36	19.54	37.90
5	JOEY TEOFILO	JOEY DICIENZO	17.56	19.58	37.14
6	ANDREW CAMPBELL	MATT CAMPBELL	18.68	18.28	36.96
7	HENRY NGUYEN	JAMIE KENNEDY	17.04	19.84	36.88
8	COLE VARDY	STEVE ROWSWELL	18.48	16.26	34.74
9	BARRY GRAVES	JOE MUSZYNSKI	21.86	12.72	34.58
10	TRAVIS GERRITS	ROB GERRITS	18.28	16.08	34.36

Remembering 9/11

2026-09-11T14:00:11.401-04:00