Greg Hackney Wins 2025 NPFL on Lake Norman!

 

Hackney's last day heroics best KJ Queen by 10 ounces.
(Photo: by Tanner & Travis Lyons/ NPFL)

By Justin Brouillard, NPFL Press Release

After weigh-in on Day Two, Gonzales, Louisiana pro Greg Hackney predicted that the consistent weather would improve the bite across the board, and his forecast proved true. Catching his biggest bag of the week—17 pounds—on the final day, Hackney secured his first NPFL victory with a total weight of 47 pounds, 11 ounces.

Finishing in second, North Carolina angler KJ Queen began Day One with 15 pounds, 8 ounces, added 14 pounds on Day Two despite a big lost fish that hurt his chances at victory, and then delivered the second-largest bag of the event on Finale Friday with 17 pounds, 9 ounces. His total weight of 47 pounds, 1 ounce kept him just shy of Hackney’s lead.

Kyle Welcher overcame a slow Day One and came back strong with 19 pounds, 13 ounces on Day Two. However, a tougher Day Three weight of 12 pounds, 8 ounces, and a total weight of 45 pounds, 1 ounce, moved him to third. After his Bassmaster Elite win in North Carolina the week before, Welcher continues to build on his momentum.

Patrick Walters, who started and finished in fourth, earned 44 pounds, 13 ounces, securing another NPFL top-5 finish and a solid payday. Seth Ellis rounded out the top five with a total of 42 pounds, 14 ounces.

Kyle Welcher’s 5-pound, 10-ounce largemouth on Day Two was the big bass of the event.

Largemouth Seal The Deal

Leading after Day One with 16 pounds, 6 ounces, Greg Hackney struggled to find largemouth on Day Two, finishing with a limit of spotted bass weighing 14 pounds, 5 ounces. But the largemouth returned in full force on the final day, and Hackney found his rhythm when it mattered most.

“I went to my spotted bass holes this morning to try and get a solid start, and the largemouth showed up again,” Hackney said. “I looked in the same area yesterday, which was a great day for sight fishing, and only saw one fish. Today was slow and steady—one good one here, one good one there—and I never got shaken up.”

2025 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Stop 3 Presented by Phoenix Boats at Lewis Smith Final Day Cancelled Due to Fatal Boat Accident

 Major League Fishing cancels final day of Invitational Stop 3 at Lewis Smith Lake

MLF Press Release

CULLMAN, Ala. – Following this morning’s tragic boating accident, Major League Fishing (MLF) announced the cancellation of the final day of competition at Invitational Stop 3 scheduled for Thursday on Lewis Smith Lake.

“This is a heartbreaking moment for our entire organization,” said Kathy Fennel, MLF Executive Vice President and General Manager. “Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by this tragedy.”

Major League Fishing (MLF) confirms that a serious boating accident occurred this morning on Lewis Smith Lake during Day 2 of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational. The incident involved one of the event’s competing anglers, Flint Davis of Leesburg, Georgia.

Emergency personnel and local authorities responded immediately and remain on scene managing the situation.

Out of respect for those involved, and to ensure the accuracy of all information, no further details will be released at this time. MLF is working closely with law enforcement and emergency officials. Additional updates will be provided as they are confirmed by the appropriate authorities.

Our thoughts, prayers and deepest concern are with everyone affected by this tragic incident.

2025 Strike King's New Tumbleweed Dice Bait

Ideal for several different rigging applications, the Strike King Tumbleweed leverages a unique 'fuzzy dice' creature bait profile to deliver a highly effective offering that produces on even the most pressured fisheries. Crafted with ten long skirt-strand appendages that move and quiver even on a dead-sticking presentation, the foundation of the Strike King Tumbleweed consists of a ten-sided ball that’s loaded with salt for added density, weight, and taste to keep fussy bass holding on longer.

Designed to sink and heavier than the floating version, the Strike King Tumbleweed has the versatility to be rigged on a drop-shot, jig head, Neko rig, or even fished weightless on its own. Sporting an unusual appearance and unique movement, the Strike King Tumbleweed blows the doors open to a whole new realm of finesse fishing.

Kyle Welcher Wins 2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River/ Albemarle Sound!

Welcher puts finishing touches on dominating victory at Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound

Alabama's Kyle Welcher goes wire-to-wire to win the St. Croix Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound in Elizabeth City, N.C., with a weight of 118-12. (Photo: Seigo Saito/BASS)

BASS Press Release

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. —   Kyle Welcher loves fishing rivers. After the St. Croix Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound, it is easy to see why.

With a stunning four-day total of 118 pounds, 12 ounces, Welcher claimed the first title of his Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series career, earning a coveted blue trophy and the $100,000 first-place prize. The 2023 Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year opened the tournament with a bang, landing 30-11 to take the Day 1 lead, which he never relinquished. 

 

He backed it up with 30-3 on Day 2 and 34-0 on Day 3, the Rapala CrushCity Monster Bag of the Tournament, and capped off the week with a 23-14 limit, anchored by a 7-3 largemouth. 

 

“I didn’t think I would get a Century Belt, for sure,” Welcher said. “When I heard we were coming here, I was excited. I feel comfortable in rivers and was really excited to go to one without a lot of history. But when I saw the forecast about 10 days away from practice, that kind of took the wind out of my sails. (I didn’t think) it was going to set up for the way I like to fish. 

 

“It ended up falling right into my wheelhouse in a way I’m super comfortable fishing.”

2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River/ Albemarle Sound Day 3: Kyle Welcher Sacks 34lbs and Leads with Another 30lbs!

Canadians: Chris Johnston 21st, Cory Johnston 34th

 Kyle Welcher is utterly dominating the St. Croix Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound. (Photo: Seigo Saito/BASS)

BASS Press Release

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. —  Kyle Welcher is utterly dominating the St. Croix Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound.

The Opelika, Ala., pro caught the biggest bag of the tournament on Semifinal Saturday, a 34-pound limit anchored by a whopping 10-8 largemouth. With bags of 30-11 and 30-3 the first two days of the event, Welcher carries a total of 94-14 into the final day of competition. 

 

“I’ve never had one day of fishing like this,” Welcher said. “I hope there are a few more spawning because that’s the fun way to catch them.”

 

The 2023 Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year is on pace to achieve several milestones on Championship Sunday. Not only will he likely claim his first Century Belt, Welcher also could break the record for largest margin of victory in Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series history set by Patrick Walters at Lake Fork in the fall of 2020, a 29-10 difference.

 

He currently leads second-place Brandon Lester by 33-14.

 

Welcher achieved several personal bests on Saturday as well, including catching his biggest tournament bag ever in his Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series career. The 10-8 that now leads the Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Tournament honors is now his personal best, unseating the 10-1 he landed at the St. Johns River in 2020.

 

All this success comes after experiencing one of the worst practices of his career.

 

“A week like this is only possible when you have a bad (practice),” he said. “When they are in a migration pattern like they are right now, you need them to be coming to you. The area I have, I fished down it Day 3 of practice and had one bite down that stretch.

2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River/ Albemarle Sound Day 2: Kyle Welcher Drops Another 30lbs!

Canadians: Chris Johnston 14th, Cory Johnston 31st, Gustafson 74th, Gallant 77th, & Kung 98th

Alabama's Kyle Welcher leads Day 2 of the St. Croix Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound in Elizabeth City, N.C., with a weight of 60-14. (Seigo Saito/ BASS)

BASS Press Release

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. —  Kyle Welcher feels like the chosen one at the St. Croix Bassmaster Elite at the Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound. Not because he was expecting to do well after practice, but since the warm-up period ended everything has been almost perfect.

Welcher took a commanding lead over the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series field on Day 2 by adding 30 pounds, 3 ounces to his 30-11 limit from Day 1. His 60-14 two-day total is 22 pounds better than second place Trey McKinney. 

 

“I don’t feel like I have any kind of a secret figured out or a special area figured out,” the Opelika, Ala., native said. “For whatever reason, I have caught big ones for the past two days. I feel like I’m getting lucky.”

 

Day 2 brought waves of rain and storms across the Albemarle Sound, but it was an overall calmer day for anglers making longer runs across the system. The bite seemingly improved as well, with 84 limits and 1,285 pounds of bass caught. 

 

Growing up on the Chattahoochee River in Alabama, Welcher is a river fisherman at heart, and he has been able to show off his roots this week in eastern North Carolina. 

2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River/ Albemarle Sound Day 1: Kyle Welcher Hammers 30lbs!

Canadians: Cory Johnston 33rd, Gallant 55th, Gustafson 63rd & Chris Johnston 84th (Kung unknown)

Alabama's Kyle Welcher leads Day 1 of the St. Croix Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound in Elizabeth City, N.C., with a weight of 30-11. (Photo: Seigo Saito/ BASS) 

BASS Press Release

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. —  Bites were hard to come by for Kyle Welcher during practice for the St. Croix Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound. He received only seven keeper bites on Day 1, but they resulted in the best bag of the day.

 

The 2023 Progressive Angler of the Year caught a limit of largemouth weighing 30 pounds, 11 ounces to take the Day 1 lead in eastern North Carolina. He anchored his impressive performance with three 7-pounders and a 6-pounder.

 

The Alabama native holds a nearly 7-pound lead over second-place Easton Fothergill.

 

“It was very fortunate,” he said. “My practice was terrible. I was really struggling with the confidence to catch a limit. The second one I caught was a 7-pounder, and that was the key to the puzzle for today. I’ve got a little clue now.”

 

After several cold nights to end practice, sunny and windy conditions persisted over the Albemarle Sound on Thursday. Navigating to the many rivers that flow into the Sound proved challenging for anglers, and the colder weather made the bite stingier than anticipated. Even with the tough bite, 71 limits were caught. 

 

Welcher’s best day in practice produced five to six bites, none as big as what he received on Day 1, and on the final day of practice he caught just two keepers.

 

“I didn’t get a good feel for the place, but something was telling me to go to this one area. That is where I went today,” Welcher said. “I really don’t know what changed.”

 

When he arrived in that one area today, he found the big ones waiting. Welcher landed two of his bigger bites when he first arrived at his area before suffering a long lull. After trying to adjust with little success, he returned to the same spot he landed his first two bites and caught his third quality keeper. 

13 Fishing Introduces New Oath Series Fishing Rods

 Where passion meets performance – that’s the intersection where 13 Fishing® has developed new Oath Series fishing rods for serious anglers from coast to coast.

Born from the depths of our angling obsession at 13 Fishing®, these rods represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship and innovation, while delivering at an incredible retail value. For us, fishing is more than just a hobby — it's a way of life, an oath we've sworn to uphold with every cast. It's a language we speak fluently, a bond that unites us in our love for the sport and reverence for the waters we inhabit. With the Oath Series of rods, the 13 Fishing Team invites you to embark on a journey of discovery, where each rod is a testament to our shared commitment and a promise to be the best at every level.

Inspired by 13 Fishing’s top anglers, Oath fishing rods are tournament-grade rods, that consistently deliver the performance that tournament anglers demand, whether you’re competing at the highest levels, or want to dominate your local Tuesday or Wednesday evening tournament.

Oath Series fishing rods come in three models – Casting, Cranking, and Spinning – which allows anglers to prepare for nearly every type of on-the-water presentation. Rods range in action from moderately fast to extremely fast, and power from moderately light to heavy. 

Second, Oath rods are built with high-quality components that provide consistent performance and durability that anglers need to handle catching a lot of fish and catch the monsters that every multispecies angler dreams of. 

OATH SERIES CASTING ROD

Oath Series casting rods are available in seven lengths, ranging from 6 ft. 8 in. to 7 ft. 11 in. They range in power from medium to medium-heavy and offer a range of action, from moderately fast to extra fast. Oath Series casting rods have a line rating from 10 to 25 lbs. and a lure rating from ¼ oz. to 1-1/2 oz., depending upon the specific rod. 

OATH SERIES CRANKING ROD

Oath Series cranking rods are available in three lengths, from 7 ft. to 7 ft. 9 in. They offer moderate action, have a line rating from 8 lbs. to 25 lbs., and a lure rating from 3/16 oz. to 2 oz., depending upon the specific rod.  

OATH SERIES SPINNING ROD

Oath Series Spinning Rods are offered in four lengths, from 6 ft. 10 in. to 7 ft. 6 in. These rods range in power from medium light to medium, and fast to extra-fast action. They have a line rating ranging from 4 lbs. to 12 lbs., and a lure rating from 1/16 oz. to 5/8 oz. 

Casey Scanlon Wins 2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Norfork Lake presented by SEVIIN

Weather, tornado and flood shorten event 

Scanlon's Day 1 lead holds true. 
(Photo: Andy Crawford/BASS) 

BASS Press Release

MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. — The water was murky, but Casey Scanlon’s clear understanding of bass behavior led him to victory in the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Norfork Lake presented by SEVIIN.

Due to forecasts for severe weather, including heavy thunderstorms, hail, and possible tornadoes, B.A.S.S. officials cancelled the event’s scheduled second and third days. Scanlon, an Ozarks veteran from Eldon, Mo., who led Day 1 with 18 pounds, 5 ounces was declared the winner.

Finishing with a margin of 1-8 over Doug Chapin, Scanlon took home the top prize of $52,086 and earned a berth in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, March 13-15 at the Tennessee River.

“It feels great to win,” Scanlon said. “Obviously, I would have loved to go three days, but I’ve been doing this a long time and you take these wins anyway you can get them.

“The Bassmaster Opens have become more competitive than ever before, so any time you can beat this caliber of competition, it’s an accomplishment.”

Heavy rains prior to the tournament sent muddy plumes into Norfork. Scanlon said he saw the lake rise only a foot and a half to 2 feet from the level he fished during practice, but turbidity levels were drastically different.

“The water level didn’t rise too badly, but it brought some current into the lake,” Scanlon said. “I think it helped me; it really positioned the fish a little better for me.”

Fishing the mid-lake region, Scanlon focused on the backs of major creeks where he knew the bigger fish would follow the rising water. With lots of floating debris he called “sawdust,” Scanlon located a key spot where current dynamics kept a prime habitat feature clear of the clutter.

Dustin Connell Wins 2025 Bass Pro Shops REDCREST Presented by Miller Tech

Dustin Connell goes back-to-back, claims third championship title on Lake Guntersville with 87-11

Dustin Connell captured his third REDCREST title with 87 pounds, 11 ounces on 27 Lake Guntersville bass. Photo by Phoenix Moore.

Mitchell Forde

BASS PRO TOUR Press Release

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The 2025 iteration of Bass Pro Shops REDCREST Presented by MillerTech on Lake Guntersville marked the third time Major League Fishing’s championship event has been held in the bass-fishing mecca of Alabama.

For the third time, Dustin Connell is keeping the trophy in his home state.

Connell ran away from the field on Championship Sunday, both figuratively and literally. After making a roughly 70-mile trek away from the history- and largemouth-rich waters of lower Lake Guntersville to the tailrace below the Nickajack Dam, Connell stacked up 87 pounds, 11 ounces on 27 scorable bass. The best single-day total of any angler at the event (despite a 65-minute delay due to weather), that was enough to hold off a late charge from Wesley Strader by 8-5.

Connell earned $300,000 for the win and further cemented himself as the best big-event performer going. The only angler to win REDCREST multiple times, he’s claimed the title in back-to-back years and three times total – he previously won on Lake Eufaula in 2021 and Lay Lake in 2024. He’s now just the third angler ever with three tour championship titles. Only Bass Fishing Hall of Famers Kevin VanDam and Rick Clunn have won more with four apiece.

This also marked his seventh total win on the Bass Pro Tour. Shortly after it became official, an emotional Connell said that, in some ways, it’s the most special one yet.

“I think just me winning the tournament doing my own deal, winning it with my style of fishing that I love, and then coming off of a couple tough tournaments and just a lot of adversity, I was very, very, very shook up,” Connell said.

Here’s how the Top 10 anglers who qualified for the Championship Round finished:

1. Dustin Connell — 87-11 (27)
2. Wesley Strader — 79-6 (29)
3. Zack Birge — 44-12 (17)
4. Paul Marks Jr. — 43-5 (15)
5. Jake Lawrence — 38-10 (15)
6. Chris Lane — 38-10 (16)
7. Brent Ehrler — 37-12 (14)
8. David Dudley — 33-8 (10)
9. Ron Nelson — 15-2 (6)
10. Bobby Lane — 8-5 (3)

 

Scott Martin Withdraws from 2025 Elites due to possible 2nd disqualification

Scott Martin has withdrawn from the Bassmaster Elite Series.

BASS Press Release

B.A.S.S. officials confirm that Elite Series angler Scott Martin has voluntarily withdrawn from B.A.S.S. competition for the remainder of 2025. A formal protest was submitted on March 28 concerning Martin; however, he chose to step away from the Elite Series before the B.A.S.S. investigation process concluded and prior to the administration of an official truth verification exam.

Scott Martin's facebook video:

https://www.facebook.com/ScottMartinChallengeTV/videos/2004192520069052

Gene Larew Classic Baits Transitioning to YUM

Anglers will be the primary beneficiaries as the most popular baits from Gene Larew Lures transition to YUM Bait Company in 2025. The benefit will come in the form of savings because the YUM-branded versions of these beloved baits will sell for 3.99 instead of 6.99.

 

Soft plastic baits becoming part of YUM include the Salt Craw, Hammer Craw, Hoo Daddy Jr, Scutter Bug and Scutter Bug Jr, with the latter two being the baits known as the Biffle Bug and Biffle Bug Jr under Gene Larew. YUM also will offer Hard Heads in five sizes and Glass Rattles, both from the former Gene Larew brand.

 

“Closing out a Brand is never easy, but financially it was the best decision,” said Chad Warner, Vice President of Brand Management for PRADCO-Fishing. “We have taken the most successful shapes and terminal pieces and put those under the YUM brand. Those shapes and terminal choices compliment that brand extremely well, and from a price point perspective, it’s a win for the consumer!”

 

The transition will also strengthen the YUM brand and provide retailers with a broader selection of proven producers as YUM Baits. The YUM versions of these baits will be available in their most popular original colors, but also in some of YUM’s top colors.

 

"This transition aligns perfectly with our overall strategy for the YUM brand. By bringing these well-respected lures into the YUM family, we're strengthening our position in the market and providing anglers with a more comprehensive range of options," Warner said. "We understand that the Gene Larew brand holds a special place in the hearts of many anglers. We want to assure you that we're honoring that legacy by preserving the quality and performance of these classic lures."

Great Lakes Finesse Creates Ultimate Finesse Rods

 The team at Great Lakes Finesse often gets asked about rod recommendations for optimal performance with GLF Baits. That has been tough to answer, beyond recommending length, speed and action and describing some attributes, because they had not found perfect rods and had mostly leaned on custom builds. All that changes with the release of GLF Finesse CX Rods.

 

Created for the angler who wants the best tools in existence for presenting finesse baits and hooking and landing giant smallmouth bass, Finesse CX Rods are built to the GLF team’s highest standards for maximum sensitivity, extra-long casts, comfort and ideal combinations of length, power and action for finesse techniques.

 

Premium high-modulus carbon blanks are woven into an X pattern for maximum sensitivity, durability and crispness and left uncoated to reduce weight and eliminate glare for close-range fishing. One-piece, non-slip ergonomic carbon handles maximize sensitivity and comfort while minimizing weight. Durable matte black AT Microwave Air Guides allow for the longest possible casts and keep rod weight low.

 

Three spinning models of GLF Finesse CX Rods are available.

 

• FCX78ML – This 7-foot, 8-inch medium light, fast action rod is the longest casting and most parabolic in the line-up and ideal for finesse hair jigs, underspins, wacky rigs and Cindy rigs.
• FCX74ML – This 7-foot, 4-inch medium light, fast action rod can handle any finesse presentation and is the one to get if you can only have one!
• FCX78MH – This 7-foot, 8-inch medium heavy, extra-fast action rod is designed for bottom presentations like dragging a tube or Juvy Craw or fishing a heavy Ned rig or finesse jig and will allow you to connect with more fish and get them in the boat.

MSRP: 399.99