Lucas, Ehrler conquer Cross Lake to claim Summit Cup

 

Justin Lucas and Brent Ehrler of Team Ferguson totaled 29-9 on 15 Cross Lake bass to win the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni. Photo by Tyler Brinks

Joe Opager • Fishing Clash Team Series 

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY, La. — Justin Lucas and Brent Ehrler of Team Ferguson powered through a stingy Championship Round on Cross Lake to claim the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni with a gritty, wire-to-wire performance.

Lucas led the way with 10 scorable bass for 19 pounds, 1 ounce, while Ehrler’s late surge pushed the team to a total weight of 29-9, securing the title over Team Lucas Oil – defending Summit Cup champs Drew Gill and Marshall Robinson – by more than 12 pounds.

Lucas, who now calls Guntersville, Alabama, home but grew up in California, noted how special it was to win alongside Ehrler, a fellow West Coast product he looked up to as a young angler.

“This one feels special,” Lucas said. “Brent and I kind of came up in the same circles back home, and to win this one together – especially in Louisiana – that’s something I’ll never forget. Today wasn’t easy. Nobody was running away with it, and we had to grind every single minute.”

Late surge seals the win

The four-team field competed on Cross Lake for the first time this week, and the Louisiana fishery proved challenging. Early rain, muddy water and scattered bait made it difficult to identify a standout pattern or area and prevented any team from running away with it.

Everything you need to know about MLF’s 2026 forward-facing sonar rules

 

Starting in 2026, Major League Fishing will restrict the use of forward-facing sonar at all professional and boater/co-angler levels of competition, from the Phoenix Bass Fishing League to the Bass Pro Tour. The decision to limit the technology was made in response to positive feedback from fans and anglers about the forward-facing sonar restrictions implemented on the Bass Pro Tour in 2025 as well as feedback from participants at lower levels.

The goal of these restrictions is to promote multi-dimensional angling – allowing anglers to utilize the latest technology while also creating an environment in which traditional techniques remain highly competitive. MLF believes these rules will make for more dynamic, entertaining competitions and will drive tournament participation, thus enhancing payouts. The league strongly believes that the fracturing of the sport caused by forward-facing sonar is unhealthy and unsustainable. The goal of this solution is a compromise that brings everyone back together for the benefit of anglers, fans and sponsors.

The 2026 rules regarding forward-facing sonar for each circuit will be as follows:

Bass Pro Tour

• No changes from 2025
• Anglers will only be allowed to utilize forward-facing/360-degree sonar for one of three competition periods per day and must declare in advance which period they intend to use it.
• The technology will not be restricted during B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters or Fishing Clash Team Series competition, as anglers in those events compete in identical, league-issued boats.

Anaya leads the charge into the 2026 Elite Series

 

CLEWISTON, Fla. — It was only last July when Fisher Anaya wrapped up his final high school tournament. Now, the 19-year-old is achieving his dream of becoming a professional angler.

Anaya claimed the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier presented by Bass Pro Shops points race, earning 264 points during the three-tournament gauntlet. He and nine other Elite Qualifiers earned invitations to the 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series. 

“It’s awesome. I’m ready to go. I wish we started tomorrow,” Anaya said. 

Hailing from Eva, Ala., Anaya has been fishing as a boater in adult-level tournaments for several years, racking up impressive results in BFL’s and Toyota Series events as well as Alabama Bass Trail tournaments with his father Ryan. 

Even still, Anaya wasn’t quite sure how he would stack up against an impressive group of St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN pros. Turns out, he was top of the class.

“I knew I had a chance,” he explained. “Like, if you are going to fish this stuff you have to bet on yourself. You have to have confidence. I told myself I could do it. I came out here, worked my rear end off daylight to dark every day and it paid off.”

Conditions for Division II, and the EQ schedule for that matter, were volatile. But each tournament, Anaya found one area that he felt could produce quality bites. Nothing seemed like it came easy, however.

“I would land on one area each tournament that would have big ones and I could bank on those to help me survive,” Anaya said. “Really and truly, it looks great on paper, but all my tournaments were super slow and were always a grind.

“I think it bettered me.”

The ability to fight through those grimy days will no doubt serve him well at the Elite Series level. 

Let’s take a look at how the Top 10 finishers in EQ points got to this point.

1st place - Fisher Anaya (264 points; $45,000)

Anaya was one of the 50 anglers who best navigated a tumultuous Division II schedule, finishing second in the regular season to Pake South by two points. He opened the season with a 9th place finish at Sam Rayburn, which he feels set the tone for the season. 

“After catching them in the first one, I was like, ‘I can do this,’” Anaya said. “I caught them at a place I’d never seen before. I just had to carry my momentum and keep going.”

Hudson Wins 2025 Nitro Bassmaster Elite Qualifier at Lake Okeechobee presented by Bass Pro Shops.

 

Chris Decker, Bassmaster Press Release

CLEWISTON, Fla. — Last September, Caleb Hudson didn’t know what direction he wanted to take in life. He came just short of winning the College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’s, what he assumed would be his best chance at qualifying for the Bassmaster Classic, at least in the foreseeable future. 

But with the support of his family and a few good sponsors, the USC-Union grad decided to fish Division I of the 2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN and it was the best decision he ever made. 

“I feel like I’m on top of the world right now,” he said. 

With a three-day total of 52 pounds, 6 ounces, Hudson claimed the victory at the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier presented by Bass Pro Shops. The win not only sends him to the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, but it also vaults him into the Top 10 in Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier presented by Bass Pro Shops points. 

Opening the tournament in 25th with 10-9, Hudson brought 25-7 to the scales on Day 2 before landing 16-6, which was enough to outlast Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series pro Robert Gee, who finished with 51-12. 

“This was never in my 2025 bingo card. It is the best kind of blindside. This is the last event on the schedule I would have ever thought I would win,” Hudson said. “God is the reason for this. Day 2 I was blessed, and it carried me the rest of the way. This is exactly what needed to happen to get me into the Elite Series. I sent it and it worked out.”

Despite warming temperatures, the final day proved to be just as difficult as the previous two. Only one 20-pound bag hit the scales on Saturday, while five limits under 10 pounds were brought in. 

6 Trolling Motor Accessories You May Need

Minn Kota has a compiled a great list of 6 trolling motor accessories you may need. Most think that once they buy a reliable Minn Kota motor that it. That's true but there are few key upgrades that make your motor work better and last longer. 

LINK HERE TO CONTINUE TO LEARN

DAIWA’s versatile 2025 TATULA X TW 100 baitcaster

 DAIWA’s versatile 2025 TATULA X TW 100 baitcaster offers legacy TATULA performance at a price that’s right for the times

Consider the new 2025 TATULA X TW 100, the least expensive model in the TATULA reel family. It maintains the series’ key genetic building blocks and is priced with a sharpened pencil. “It’s a pretty special baitcaster at its price – really, any price,” said DAIWA Field Marketing Manager, Chris Martin. 

The centerpiece of the new TATULA X TW 100 is DAIWA’s storied HYPERDRIVE System, previously found on only more expensive models. “Our HYPERDRIVE System is a suite of advanced technologies that enhance overall performance, durability, and smoothness,” said Martin. “It starts with our HYPER Armed Housing – a durable, lightweight, precision tooled, and corrosion-resistant aluminium frame and sideplates that provide a forcefield for our famous HYPDERDRIVE DIGIGEAR.”

HYPERDRIVE DIGIGEAR grants a three point interaction between the pinion and drive gear to provide continuous gear contact, spread the load to eliminate chatter, and extend the life of the reel. Besides the TATULA X TW 100, three-point gear contacts are otherwise unheard of at this price.

Fitzpatrick takes 2025 Toyota Series Championship by tiebreaker on Grand Lake

Fishing near home, Roger Fitzpatrick had family on hand for the win. Photo by Rob Matsuura

By Jody White, Toyota Series 

GROVE, Okla. – The final day of the Toyota Series Championship Presented by Phoenix Boats on Grand Lake will go down as one of the tightest of all time. Entering Championship Saturday, four Ozark stalwarts were ounces apart – in theory shooting it out with jigs and spinnerbaits for the win. Then, the power fishing bite crumbled, and Drew Gill, Tucker Smith and Riley Harris blitzed up the leaderboard, picking off fish after fish with forward-facing sonar.

At weigh-in, Smith and Gill both weighed over 14 pounds, by far the biggest bags of the day. But, with 11 pounds, 7 ounces, Roger Fitzpatrick had just enough to hang on, moving up from second to first with 41-1 and beating Gill for the win via tiebreak, which is previous day’s standing first and then heaviest single-day catch, both of which favored the veteran angler.  

For the win, which is his 13th with MLF in nearly 250 events, Fitzpatrick took home $200,250 plus a berth in REDCREST 2026 – which just to happens to be at Table Rock Lake, where he’s won twice before with MLF. Though Fitzpatrick had come oh so close many times in the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American, he’d never won it or a Toyota Series event until now. Throw in a Fishing Clash Angler of the Year title in the Plains Division, and it’s clear that Fitzpatrick waited until age 61 to have his best year yet.

Fitzpatrick is sure the win was meant to be

As someone who has been cashing checks with MLF/FLW since 1995, Fitzpatrick has plenty of experience when it comes to winning, but he’s probably going to need to fish for another 30 years or so to replicate this one.

TOP FINISHERS BELOW

Minn Kota® Introduces the All-New Riptide Kayak Terrova for Saltwater

Anglers can command the motor from anywhere on the boat using the Micro Remote, connected Humminbird® fish finder, or the One-Boat Network® App, providing effortless kayak control for every fishing situation. The motor comes standard with an advanced GPS trolling system—including Spot-Lock®, Autopilot, Drift Mode, and Follow Mode—so users are ready to fish right out of the box and can instantly hold their exact position on the water. Integration with Humminbird fish finders ensures seamless navigation and total system control. With an extremely durable composite 36” Shaft, and a weedless prop, this motor is built to handle whatever the day throws at you.

"The Riptide Kayak Terrova is built to elevate the saltwater kayak fishing experience," said Hannah O'Connor, Brand Manager at Minn Kota. "With Minn Kota’s trusted precision control, plug-and-play Humminbird integration, and Spot-Lock to hold your kayak in place, anglers can fish longer and more efficiently, keeping their kayak exactly where they need it."

Key Features & Benefits:
• 12V, 55 lb Thrust Motor with 36" Shaft – Powerful, reliable performance designed for optimal kayak control
• Advanced GPS Trolling System – Includes Spot-Lock, Autopilot, Drift Mode, and Follow Mode for precise boat control and hands-free navigation
• Advanced Corrosion Protection – Riptide motor lower unit housings are grit-blasted and coated in aluminum to prevent rust and oxidation
• Effortless Stow & Deploy – Simple lever  for smooth stow-and-deploy action
• Humminbird Integration – Seamlessly connects with select Humminbird fish finders out of the box

MSRP: $1,899.99
Available: October 15, 2025

No Idea What to Get the Angler in Your Life? Berkley’s Got You Covered.

 Great Gifts for the Angler 

This holiday season, Berkley is making it easy to shop for the anglers who are impossible to buy for. The Berkley Haul of Fame and Tool Kits are ready-to-go packages built to make any angler grin, from bait and tool-specific kits to clever drink sets for celebrating the day’s biggest catch. Packed with high-quality gear, practical tools, and a few playful extras, these kits take the guesswork out of gifting, letting gift givers easily cross names off their shopping list.

From essential tools to popular species-specific baits, Berkley has a kit for every type of angler. The Angler Essential Tool Kit and the Plier Kit provide must-have gear for day-to-day fishing. The Catch & Cook Fillet Kit makes prepping your catch a breeze. Topwater, Swimbait, Froggin’ and Crankbait Haul of Fame kits feature award-winning baits, while the Swigs for Bigs sets pair select lures with fun drinkware to celebrate your biggest catches.

Angler Essential Tool Kit – $49.99

• 50lb digital scale
• XCD scissors (stainless steel, ergonomic handles)
• 6” chrome-plated pliers

Angler Essential Plier Kit – $49.99

• 11” XCD pliers
• 6” XCD pliers
• XCD Superline cutters (braided/nylon line)

Catch & Cook Fillet Kit – $49.99

• 7” XCD fillet knife (stainless steel, semi-flex)
• Portable rubber fillet mat (textured for grip)
• Bonus maintenance kit: handheld sharpener + micro-fiber towel

Advanced Tech Meets Everyday Performance as Abu Garcia Expands the Max Series

 New Max reels and combos deliver Revo-inspired technology, refined design, and unmatched value across five performance tiers

“The Max Series represents a complete evolution of the Max lineup,” said Andrew Wheeler, Director of Brand and Product at Abu Garcia. “By bringing Revo-inspired technology into a more accessible platform, we’re giving every angler the chance to experience true Abu Garcia top-end performance at a competitive price point that fits their needs.” Max X Low Profile Reels and Combos

Delivering proven Abu Garcia performance at an incredible value, the Max X low profile reels feature a lightweight asymmetric body design, Duragear brass gear, and the dependable MagTrax braking system. The Power Disk Drag System offers up to 15 pounds of smooth drag, while a 90mm aluminum handle with co-molded soft touch knobs ensures comfort and control all day long. The Max X Combos feature rods with lightweight graphite composite construction and an EVA split grip design in a variety of sizes to meet the needs of every angler. ABU GARCIA MAX X KEY FEATURES: Max X LP Reel Specs • 5+1 bearing system • Lightweight A-Sym body design • Graphite frame and side plates • Duragear brass gear • 90mm aluminum handle • MagTrax braking system • Power Disk Drag – 15lb max drag • Co-molded soft touch knobs • Gear Ratio - 6.8:1 Max X LP Combo Specs • Lightweight graphite composite construction • High density EVA split grip handle • PVD coated one-piece guides for increased durability MSRP: $69.99 - Reel | $89.99 - Combo Available: October 2025

Daiwa's improved CROSSFIRE LT spinning reels

 Vastly improved CROSSFIRE LT spinning reels and combos now feature core DAIWA technologies while maintaining attractive pricing

DAIWA introduced its inaugural CROSSFIRE reel in 2007, making a huge mark in affordable, entry-level reels. The CROSSFIRE line underwent a major redesign in 2017 with the launch of the CROSSFIRE LT (Light & Tough) series, which featured a lighter composite body, DAIWA’s signature DIGIGEAR™ gearing system, and improved drag performance.

And now, DAIWA raises its own bar with the 2025 CROSSFIRE LT Spinning Reel and Combo.

So, what’s the big deal about the improved CROSSFIRE LT? DAIWA has infused the value-priced reel with AIRDRIVE DESIGN and made it 20% lighter than previous models with its carbon light body, while enhancing durability.

The AIRDRIVE engineering concept centers on reducing weight, improving balance, and enhancing rotational efficiency across multiple reel components. It represents a fundamental rethinking of how the front section (rotor, spool, and bail) of a spinning reel should function, blending lighter materials, optimized geometry, and smoother mechanics, making it feel effortless to operate.

It’s equally shocking to find DAIWA’s famed TOUGH DIGIGEAR gearing system in a $35 reel. The advanced gear technology features larger, digitally designed and machine-cut gears, engineered for significantly increased strength, durability, and smooth rotation. TOUGH DIGIGEAR utilizes a high-precision cutting process and state-of-the-art materials to achieve extremely smooth gear mesh, higher torque transmission, and minimal resistance during reeling. 

 The Berkley PowerBait Chop Block and compatible Replacement Harness take soft-glide fishing to the next level, delivering wide glides and dynamic chopping action

Anglers looking for a soft glide with silent, subtle action and huge drawing power now have a new tool in their arsenal. The Berkley PowerBait Chop Block brings a wide, smooth glide paired with a hard-chopping finish, giving anglers dynamic control and lifelike action in every cast. Designed for a variety of applications, it also pairs seamlessly with the custom Fusion19 Replacement Harness for unmatched hook-up reliability. Building on the proven glide-bait techniques popularized by the Nessie, this new soft glide fills the gaps in profile and action. "The Chop Block delivers a soft glide with dynamic control, letting anglers confidently switch from smooth, sweeping glides to fast, erratic chopping action," said Nathan Ragsdale, Sr. Product Manager – Bass Bait. "It’s a versatile, easy-to-fish option that makes presenting a lifelike glide bait effortless." Continuing Berkley’s tradition of ongoing innovation and proven glide-bait techniques, the Chop Block gives anglers precise control over their presentation. Its mesh-reinforced joint maximizes lifelike movement while maintaining durability, and premium colors, brush-tail components, and optimized fall rate ensure the bait performs naturally through every cast and retrieve. KEY FEATURES: • Tall, broad profile mimics natural forage • Wide glide and chopping action for versatile retrieves • Custom stinger harness system • Integrated premium Fusion19 hooks • Mesh-reinforced joint for lifelike movement and durability • Optimized slow fall rate for natural descent Colors: Greenback, Burnt Bone, Chrome Gizzard, Hitch, Shad, Honey Pot, MF Shellcracker, MF Bluegill, MF Pumpkinseed, Raw (White), Golden Shiner, and Crappie MSRP: 6” - $15.99 | 8” $24.99 | 10” $29.99 Available: October 2025

Nick Trim goes wire-to-wire to win 2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship

Wisconsin's Nick Trim goes wire-to-wire to win the 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship at Upper Mississippi River presented by Lowrance with a four-day total of 77 pounds. (Photo: Mark Cisneros/BASS)

 

BASS Press Release

LA CROSSE, Wis. — Nick Trim had high expectations coming into the 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship at the Upper Mississippi River presented by Lowrance.

He lives, after all, in nearby Galesville, Wis., only a 20-mile drive from the La Crosse Municipal Harbor, site of tournament weigh-ins this week. He’s fished this stretch of the river a few thousand times in his 42 years and that’s given him insight here that few other anglers at any level can rival.  

And still, being favored to win on your home water is completely different than actually going out and doing it.

Trim shined under pressure, though, catching a total of 20 bass for a four-day weight of 77 pounds that earned him the win in this tournament that featured some 500 competitors from 48 states and seven foreign countries. Trim picked up a $50,000 cash prize, too, part of a total purse of more than $223,000 split among the top anglers this week, and he also won paid entry into the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series in 2026.

Finally, as one of the Top 3 anglers in the Nation Championship, Trim locked up a berth in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour when it’s held in Knoxville, Tenn., on the Tennessee River March 13-15.

It was a lot to process, both mentally and emotionally, Trim said, shortly after holding aloft the Bryan V. Kerchal Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the victorious boater in this prestigious tournament. The trophy is named, of course, for the only angler in history to qualify for, and win, a Bassmaster Classic following a victory in the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship.

“Today is just super special,” Trim said. “I had friends on the water and a big crowd to support me. Doing it on my home water was amazing. It’s not all set in yet — the Elite Series, the Classic.