Elite Series welcomes Legendary qualifiers Pace and Howell back

Former Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic champions Randy Howell and Cliff Pace will rejoin the ranks of Elite anglers in 2025 via Legends invitations.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —  B.A.S.S. tournament officials today announced former Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic champions Randy Howell and Cliff Pace will rejoin the ranks of Elite anglers in 2025 via Legends invitations. Two Legends spots opened with the retirement of Rick Clunn and the fact that all current Elite anglers with Legends eligibility requalified via Elite Series requalification criteria.

“We are excited to welcome back two legends to the Bassmaster Elites,” said Lisa Talmadge, tournament director for the Elite Series. “We can’t wait to see the incredible moments they’ll bring. Here’s to celebrating their legacy and the excitement of what’s to come.”

New format for Opens, Elite Qualifier Series announced

 B.A.S.S. has announced format enhancements for the 2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN and Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers series.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The popularity of the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN and Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers series has surged over the past two years. Today, B.A.S.S. announced enhancements to both properties that will inspire even more anglers to compete for the opportunity to walk across bass fishing’s biggest stage.

Beginning with the 2025 season, the Opens will evolve into an eight-event season comprised of two divisions, each featuring four tournaments. Anglers placing in the Top 50 in each division’s Angler of the Year race will advance to the newly installed Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers series. This stand-alone series will feature three events, spanning from September through November, to qualify anglers for the Bassmaster Elite Series.

IBASSIN RULES Rules #3 Smallmouth Spinnerbaits

 IBASSIN RULES. Rule #3 is Smallmouth Spinnerbaits. Learn what is needed to catch giant smallmouth. This is a how-to video on what tackle and styles of spinnerbaits are needed plus insight on where to find big smallmouth bass.

Hall of Fame's online auction gets under way

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Bucket-list fishing trips, exotic vacations, autographed tournament jerseys, original artwork, premium fishing tackle and a boat package are among the exclusive auction items up for bids as part of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame’s annual "Celebrate Bass Fishing Week."

Bidding for the Celebrate Bass Fishing online auction, presented by Major League Fishing, begins today and concludes Thursday. To view items and participate in the bidding, click here or text ‘BFHOF’ to 243-725.

Up for bid for the first time is a 2025 G3 Boats 15 DK Duck Boat with an all-aluminum and welded camo hull. The package includes a Yamaha 25-HP electric start tiller motor with a trailer. The boat is rigged with a duck-bill platform with LED lights, trolling motor wiring, side gun box, front storage and a portable fuel tank.

Also notable on the bucket list of exclusive items:

> Trips to Texas big bass fisheries O.H. Ivie and Lake Fork; a fishing trip with Whiskey Myers lead singer Cody Cannon; guided smallmouth trips on Idaho’s Snake River and a two-day fishing getaway to the greater Niagara Region in western New York;

Your Voice Matters! Canadian Boaters Pushed Towards Mandatory PFDs!

 

The Canadian Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has a survey looking for community input. The only problem is that the survey is very biased and forces you to agree that Personal Flotation Devices must be worn 100% of the time while on a boat. If they get their way, everyone will have to wear their PFD 100% of the time while boating and fishing or face a huge fine. 

The MTO is determined to push through the PDF ruling even with no clear evidence for a need of mandatory use of PDFs. 

Please fill out the survey and add your NO in the comments section. 

Link over here 

Shaping the Future of Fishing: Minn Kota & Humminbird’s Dedication to Next Generation of Anglers

 

The growth of college fishing over the last several years has been substantial, with events typically drawing between 200-250 boats from around the country. At the high school level, participation is even greater, with events often seeing up to 300 boats. This high level of engagement showcases the growing interest in competitive fishing among young anglers and highlights the crucial role that Johnson Outdoors plays in supporting these anglers and tournaments. For over 13 years, the Minn Kota and Humminbird brands have been a steadfast supporter of young anglers, going above and beyond to lead the charge. Their commitment to fostering young talent is evident through their unparalleled presence and contributions at key events, significantly impacting the growth and development of college and high school fishing. Expanding Support to High School Building on the success of the collegiate fishing program and recognizing the overlap in event schedules, Minn Kota and Humminbird seized the opportunity once again to continue their support of B.A.S.S. high school fishing tournaments in 2024. The initiative closely mirrors their commitment to college fishing by attending these events and ensuring younger anglers benefit from their support.

Cody Stahl Wins St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Mississippi River; Mc Garry 9th!

Cody Stahl claims the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Mississippi River presented by SEVIIN with a three-day total weighing 53 pounds, 1 ounce. 

By David A Brown

BASS Press Release

LA CROSSE, Wis. — At Thursday’s tournament commencement, Cody Stahl was one of 213 pros in the hunt. Two days prior, a completely different hunt gave him the clues he needed to amass a three-day total of 53 pounds, 1 ounce and win the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Mississippi River presented by SEVIIN.

Placing 29th on Day 1 with 15-09, Stahl added a second-round limit of 18-0 and moved up to fifth. Day 3 saw the pro from Barnsville, Ga., weigh 19-8 — the event’s biggest bag — and edge Day 2 leader Chris Hellebuyck by 10 ounces.

Along with the top prize of $40,607, Stahl received an invitation to fish the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors March 21-23 on Lake Ray Roberts.

“I’m speechless,” a clearly emotional Stahl said. “To start the season out with a 187th place at Lake Okeechobee, I didn’t think I deserved to be here and compete with these guys. After all the years of hard work and time on the water, it feels good to finally bring one home. I feel like I belong here.

“It’s been a phenomenal week. I never would have thought this would happen.”

As Stahl explained, his tournament unfolded much differently than he had originally planned. Upon arriving, he decided he’d avoid the often-crowded Pool 8 and lock up to Pool 7.

Peanut Bunker Jigging Spoon

 

Thundermist Lures isn't well know for great bass lures but they sure have some. This YouTube sensation offers some great baits that are ideal for deep water fishing like Great Lakes smallmouth or spotted bass.

See the new Thundermist Peanut Bunker Jigging Spoon. Check them out at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmz-NT1dtjcVzigo8PylDBw

MLF announces forward-facing sonar rules for 2025

New MLF rules embrace forward-facing and 360-degree sonar while protecting traditional tournament fishing

BENTON, Ky. – Major League Fishing announced Friday updates to its 2025 rules that will allow tournament anglers to utilize the fish-catching power of forward-facing and 360-degree sonar technology while preserving traditional fishing techniques enjoyed by millions of anglers and fans. 

Starting in 2025, all boats, across all MLF circuits, will be limited to two forward-facing or 360-degree sonar transducers in any combination. Additionally, no bow-mounted screen may extend vertically more than 18 inches off the surface of the front deck at its highest point when the boat is on plane, and no screen mounted at the console may extend vertically more than 16 inches off the top of the steering column where it protrudes from the console. 

Pros competing on the 2025 Bass Pro Tour will be allowed to use forward-facing and 360-degree sonar for only one of three periods each day. Anglers will declare their use of the technologies before the start of the period of their choice, and fans watching on MLFNOW! will see an indicator on SCORETRACKER® next to each angler’s name showing who is actively using the technologies, has used them or still has them available. This rule applies to all seven regular-season Bass Pro Tour stages and REDCREST 2025. There will be no restrictions in the General Tire Heavy Hitters or General Tire Team Series, where anglers compete out of similarly equipped, league-provided boats that level the playing field. Use of forward-facing and 360-degree sonar will be permitted during practice.

2025 BASS Elite Schedule Announced

 

The opener visits St. Johns River in Palatka, Fla., Feb. 20-23. In 2024, a four-day total of 93 pounds, 6 ounces gave Cory Johnston of Otonabee, Canada, a winning margin of 21-2 over Texan Brad Whatley. Of note, Johnston’s Day 3 total — 73-13 — would have edged Whatley’s tournament total of 72-4 by 1-9.

The Elites will travel south to Okeechobee, Fla., Feb. 27-March 2 to return to Lake Okeechobee, which covers 730 square miles and has an average depth of only 9 feet. Louisiana pro Tyler Rivet called his win in 2023 on Day 1 of the competition. Rivet coaxed a four-day total of 86 pounds, 15 ounces from the largest freshwater lake in Florida by throwing a jerkbait and punching mats and grass.

From Okeechobee, Elite anglers will take a break from the Elite trail for the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors on Lake Ray Roberts in Fort Worth, Texas, March 21-23.

B.A.S.S. announces technology standardization for Elite Series, Classic

Technology Standards: FFS reduction, trolling motor restrictions and total inches enforcement

By Luigi De Rose

The controversy has been at fever pitch throughout the 2024 Bassmaster Elite season and now Bassmaster has made their ruling.  Consider the new standards for the 2025 B.A.S.S. Elites and 2025 BASSMASTER CLASSIC more of a compromise than a ban. The overall focus is to standardize technology to ensure anglers compete under a more level or equal playing field. 

Here are the highlights to the new rules for B.A.S.S. Elite and Classic anglers:

1. Only 1 Live, Forward Facing Sonar Unit per boat and it must be mounted to the bow trolling motor. 

2. Only 1 trolling motor per boat. 

3. A total of 55 inches of screen (bow and dash unit heads) per boat.

4. Providing more diversity in venues for B.A.S.S. Elite events. 

Click for the full press release

The National Professional Fishing League Bans Live Sonar for 2025!

Starting with the 2025 season, the NPFL will prohibit the use of real-time imaging units (FFS).

By Luigi De Rose

There always has to be someone to go first and The National Professional Fishing League has announced the outlaw Forward Facing Sonar (FFS) for the 2025 season. Speculation has been running white hot on the future of FFS. Debates have raged for the last few years and many cite the BASS allowing Elite anglers unlimited electronics on their rig a tipping point. 

Love it or hate it, the NPFL has made their decision. The NPFL states 4 main areas of concern with FFS and they openly accept that technology cannot be bridled nor that every stakeholder will be happy. They envision this restriction as a professional judgment that will ensure the purity of the sport such as no aluminum bats in the Major Leagues or restrictions in motor racing. 

Will other tournament organizations follow? Time will tell. 

Here is the link to the full NPFL press release.