Elite Angler Kyle Patrick sidelined by tick borne illness

 

An enlarged heart caused by a tick bite has ended Kyle Patrick’s second year on the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series. Read the “The Daily Limit” article on Bassmaster.com to gain exclusive insight from KGP Fishing and his plans for the future.

ICAST 2025: TATULA is Tops

 DAIWA goes all out with new 23 model lineup of 2025 TATULA cork handle bass rods and wins coveted Best Freshwater Rod at ICAST 2025

While DAIWA’s 2025 TATULA Bass Rods was voted Best Freshwater Rod by the fishing industry last week at ICAST, what’s even more significant to retailers nationwide is how the perfectly-priced, technique-specific rods are already flying off the racks.

“Since the TATULA Bass Rod series was introduced in late spring, sales have been incredibly strong,” said DAIWA Senior Marketing Manager, Marc Mills. “The price is perfect, especially for a rod that brandishes the TATULA name – anglers have long associated TATULA with premium quality.”

Mills also mentioned the juxtaposition between technology and kickin’ old school. “We really loaded the TATULA Bass Rods with fundamental DAIWA rod technology like SVF and Braiding X, but at the same time outfitted the entire series with classic cork handles.”

“Ultimately, it’s a lot of fishing rod for under $200. That’s why it was voted best and is selling so well.” From skipping docks with the utmost accuracy, to bombing lures long-distances to cover more water, anglers can rely on DAIWA’s new 23 model 2025 TATULA bass rod series, each designed for specific fishing situations and techniques.

All featuring cork handles, the new TATULA rods are as much as 15% lighter than the previous TATULA series. DAIWA employs its exclusive SVF (Super High Volume Fiber) Nanoplus Technology to lighten and strength the blank. They are also reinforced with DAIWA’s X45 bias carbon technology and Braiding X construction process to resist twisting, provide needed hook-setting power, and maintain rod integrity during high-stress situations. The TATULA series includes two specialized casting models for cranking – the TATULA 701MHRB-G and 721HRB-G, where DAIWA uses its advanced GLATECH construction process with the fiberglass blanks.

Chris Johnston Wins 2025 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Stop 6 Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches!

By Jody White, Invitations Press Release

MASSENA, N.Y. – Technically, the Johnston family is not inevitable on the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario, but this weekend, they looked pretty hard to beat. On Lake Ontario, Cory and Lynn Johnston won the Thousand Island Open out of Kingston – with more than a 5 1/2 -pound average per fish. Meanwhile, running nearly to Lake Ontario every day, Chris Johnston weighed 76 pounds, 1 ounce over three days to win Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Stop 6 Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches in fine style. 

Finishing second (again!) Hayden O’Barr tallied 68-8 on the week, and Banks Shaw, Brent Anderson and Clay Reece all got over 67 pounds, but nobody was really close to Johnston after he sailed through Day 2. The win is Johnston’s second at the FLW Tour or Invitationals level, his first coming back in 2018 on the Harris Chain. For this win, he pocketed $80,000 and burnished his already sterling record on the big river. 

Quick recovery puts Johnston on top 

After making a long run on Day 1, Johnston wasn’t exactly feeling the love from his favorite river early on. 

“I went to some spots that were new to me, to be honest,” he said. “I found them in practice and made a long run to them, and they were pretty loaded in practice. I was pretty excited. And, I had four spots where I thought they were all 4 1/2-plus, and there were five to 10 fish per spot. 

“Some of them were gone, some wouldn’t bite, and the wheels started spinning,” he said. “It was 11:00. I had two hours left to fish. And I’m like, ‘I’ve got to get out of this area.’”

Luckily, Johnston is long on experience on the St. Lawrence, and he had some good backup stuff in the tank. 

“I went to a different section of the river, and I landed on a couple spots, and they were biting every spot,” he said. “I just stayed in the other zone where I caught them at the end of the day, and it produced every day. I probably shouldn’t leave that area again, to be honest.”

TOP 10 BELOW

MLF announces 2026 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals schedule

 

BENTON, Ky. – Major League Fishing announced today the 2026 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals schedule, which features six high-stakes regular-season events with a top award of up to $115,000 each and the no-entry-fee Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Championship, where anglers compete for a top prize of $135,000 and a coveted berth to REDCREST 2027.

The 2026 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals will once again spotlight professional anglers battling across six stops for a share of some of the sport’s best payouts and qualification into the prestigious Bass Pro Tour, where every stage features a top award of $150,000. The Bass Pro Tour’s live catch, weigh and immediate-release scoring that has produced some of the sport’s most memorable moments, including Tackle Warehouse Invitationals alum Jake Lawrence’s buzzer beater win over Jacob Wheeler at Stage 4 on Nickajack Lake this season. 

“No other circuit prepares professional anglers for the next step in their career like the Invitationals,” said Kathy Fennel, MLF Executive Vice President and General Manager. “That makes the Invitationals popular among veteran and up-and-coming pros alike, and this season fans responded to our format, which restricts the use of forward facing and 360-degree sonar to half the qualifying days, with record MLFNOW! viewership at every stop. We’re looking forward to carrying that momentum into the 2026 season as we visit some outstanding fisheries.”

B.A.S.S. announces 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series schedule

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Bass fishing’s biggest stage has been set for 2026 with the return of the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, featuring a dynamic schedule that will test the world’s best anglers on some of the nation’s most storied waters — and a few that haven’t hosted an Elite event in years.

The 2026 slate includes nine regular-season events across six states, plus the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour on the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tenn., March 13-15. From grass-laden Southern reservoirs to sprawling Northern smallmouth factories, the season promises drama, big bass and fierce competition from start to finish.

“This is one of the most well-rounded Elite Series schedules we’ve ever built,” said Chase Anderson, CEO of B.A.S.S. “We’re hitting iconic fisheries, revisiting challenging venues we haven’t seen in a decade or more and returning to some fan-favorite locations. This lineup will not only push our anglers to their limits but also deliver incredible action for fans both on the water and watching from home.”

The season kicks off February 5-8 on Alabama’s famed Lake Guntersville in Scottsboro. Known for its sprawling grass mats, giant bass and historic tournament moments, Guntersville is a perennial favorite among both fans and anglers. The last time the Elites visited in 2021, Wisconsin’s Caleb Kuphall claimed victory with 85 pounds, 14 ounces, navigating the thick hydrilla and milfoil to perfection.

MLF announces 2026 Bass Pro Tour Schedule

BENTON, Ky. – Major League Fishing announced today the 2026 Bass Pro Tour schedule, ushering in a new chapter for the sport’s premier professional bass fishing circuit. Featuring a roster of 51 pros, the 2026 season will spotlight some of the country’s most diverse fisheries and record-setting payouts as the field competes for Fishing Clash Angler of the Year honors and qualification into REDCREST 2027 and the MLF Heavy Hitters all-star event.

The new season kicks off Jan. 15 at Lake Guntersville in Alabama and winds through fisheries in South Carolina, Texas, Arkansas, Florida, Oklahoma and Ohio, introducing multiple new venues and back-to-back dual-lake events that will push competitors to the limit.

“Our 2026 schedule showcases everything we love about the Bass Pro Tour – challenging new waters, high-stakes competition and a roster of the most accomplished anglers in the sport,” said Kathy Fennel, MLF Executive Vice President & General Manager. “We’re especially excited about several new stops on the Tour next season, and working on some exciting developments for REDCREST 2026, which we’ll be announcing soon. There’s never been a better time to be a fan of the sport of professional bass fishing.”

Humminbird XPLORE Wins Best in Category for Marine Electronics at ICAST 2025

Outshining the competition in one of ICAST’s most innovative categories, Humminbird’s XPLORE Series claimed the 2025 Best in Category award for Marine Electronics. This prestigious win further solidifies Humminbird’s position at the forefront of innovation in fishing marine technology.

Selected by respected media and industry retailers, the Best in Category award highlights standout products that deliver ground breaking innovation, performance, and value to anglers. The XPLORE series of fish finders rose to the top in a field packed with cutting-edge entries, reinforcing Humminbird’s reputation of pushing boundaries in marine electronics.

KEY FEATURES BELOW

ICAST 2025: Power Pro Max-8 Best Line!

 The Power Pro Mox-8 wins best line for 2025! Built for offshore anglers seeking smooth casting and control, PowerPro Max 8 features an 8-carrier Spectra HT construction that cuts through current with ease for precise vertical jigging. It maintains high tensile strength with a 25% thinner diameter. Enhanced Body Technology (EBT) infuses each fiber with resin for a rounder, smoother, and more durable line—boosting castability, line management, and abrasion resistance to maximize your time on the water.

2025 Winners of ICAST!

 

ICAST the world's leader in the sport fishing industry is wrapping up. The New Product Showcase embodies the sportfishing industry’s innovative and entrepreneurial spirit and rewards that ingenuity with awards in several categories. Check out the ICAST 2025 Category winners.

LINK HERE 

ICAST 2025: Fuzzy NuggetZ™

 

The Z-Man Fuzzy NuggetZ mimics tiny pelagic prey like zooplankton and insect larvae, staying lively even when deadsticked. Its 12-sided ElaZtech® body offers versatile rigging and unmatched durability, while premium silicone skirt fibers deliver nonstop tentacle action. The best value in dice-style baits. 

• Designed for dropshot or weighted wacky rigging
• Dodecahedron (12-sided) shape for multiple hooking points and max   lifespan
• Imitates zooplankton, insects, crayfish and other invertebrates
• 10X Tough ElaZtech® formula for long-lasting durability
• Hand-threaded premium silicone skirt material
• 6 pro-selected colors
• Compact 1/2” bait size

Fuzzy NuggetZ™ (Available Fall 2025)

ICAST 2025:BOOYAH Builds Flash Point Arsenal

 

BOOYAH Bait Company, which redefined jerkbait fishing when it launched the innovative Flash Point Jerkbait, is building the Flash Point arsenal to fulfil angler needs with the release of smaller versions of the Flash Point and Flash Point Deep.

 

The Flash Point Jr and Flash Point Jr Deep are 1/4 inch smaller than the original versions.

Downsizing helps match diminutive forage and adds appeal to fish turned fussy by weather, water conditions or added fishing pressure. Having shallow and deep versions in the smaller size equips anglers for a vast range of situations.

 

Both new models feature the Flash Point’s custom, embedded blade, which creates strike-triggering flash and provides an unparalleled return on forward facing sonar. The new Flash Point Jr and Flash Point Jr Deep also boast the narrow profile, broader rounded back and belly, etched scales and fins that characterize Flash Point Jerkbaits, along with a nose-down suspending posture, irresistible action and tungsten-weight casting system.

 

The Flash Point Jr and Flash Point Jr Deep are 4 inches long and weigh 3/8 ounce and come equipped with three ultra-sharp, carbon steel, SS finish No. 8 trebles and come in the same 12 outstanding and highly popular colors as the original Flash Point.

MSRP: $14.99

ICAST 2025: Scumfrog's BassRat

Expertly Designed: Its unique balance allows anglers of all skill levels to easily walk it nearly 180 degrees with minimal forward movement.

The Softest Frog: Soft, pliable body for instant compression to enhance hook up percentage.  Length 2.5"   Weight: 1/2oz

Custom Hook: Precision-engineered, custom fitted hook for maximum performance.

Realistic Colors: Meticulously designed, realistic rat & mouse prints to enhance lifelike appeal.

ICAST 2025: Lunker Hunt Rumbl Frog

 

Introducing the Lunkerhunt Rumbl Frog, part of our all-new Black Series, launching at ICAST2025. This hollow-body beast is engineered for anglers who grind it out in the gnarliest weed mats and the heaviest cover.

The Rumbl Frog features an internal “Rumbl” bearing that emits a distinct rattle, calling fish in from beyond the strike zone. It’s not only meant to mimic nature, it’s made to provoke violence. When subtle doesn’t cut it, this frog gets loud.

Packed with performance-driven features:

• Internal “Rumbl” Bearing to attract fish through sound and vibration

• Hand-tied nose to 8-pin system for less water intake and maximum durability

• Nano-coated, heavy gauge double frog hook

• Froggin’ trailer hook for serious hook-up assurance included

• Soft, collapsible body that folds away fast for better strikes

• Shrink-wrapped hook to keep water out and performance in

• Traditional and custom paint patterns built to match your water

The Rumbl Frog isn’t just a new bait, it’s a statement. Built for the anglers who don’t back down from cover, and who know that the biggest hits come from the meanest spots.

ICAST 2025: Great Lakes Finesse's New Micro Series Soft Plastics

Great Lakes Finesse, the industry leader in creating small, premium-quality baits and terminal tackle for heavyweight smallmouth bass, has taken finesse to a new level with its new Micro Series. The Micro Series was created for those times when high-pressure systems, heavy fishing pressure or other conditions make the fish extra finicky.

Like everything GLF ever releases, the Micro Series has been tested extensively on big, finicky Great Lakes smallmouth bass and proven itself as an important solution for certain situations.

 

The Micro Series includes downsized versions of GLF’s most popular soft-plastic baits and terminal gear. The baits average 40 percent smaller than the original versions. Unchanged are the shaping, color selections, matte finishes, true neutral buoyancy and toughness that characterizes every GLF bait. Micro Series terminal gear features the same premium components as the original versions.

 

Micro Series soft plastics include a 2.0-inch Juvy Craw, 2.25-inch Drop Minnow and 1.7-inch Snack Craw. Micro terminal tackle includes Mini Micro Tube heads in four sizes ranging from 1/8 to 3/8 ounce, and Micro Sneaky Underspins in three sizes ranging from 3/32 to 3/16 ounce.

MSRP: 6.99

ICAST 2025: Yamamoto"s New Dice Bait: The Uni

The Yamamoto Uni is designed to be absolutely irresistible to bass.

This urchin-style bait features bulbed appendages that catch water and shimmy with every twitch, falling with a lifelike quiver that triggers bites. Its custom Yamamoto formula delivers ideal buoyancy and subtle action, bringing a fresh spin to finesse fishing.

While it gets bit by all bass, the Uni is especially deadly on smallmouth and spotted bass. 🎯 Available Colors: Green Pumpkin Baby Bass Green Pumpkin Purple Copper Natural Shad Green Pumpkin Purple Green Watermelon Red Black & Blue Fading Watermelon Try it on a drop shot, Neko rig, or free rig — the Uni is built to perform.

Drew Cook Wins 2025 NPFL St. Lawrence River!

Cook delivered a commanding wire-to-wire performance, taking the lead early and never letting go.

NPFL Press Release

 It took three days and nearly 700 miles of running, but Drew Cook conquered the mighty St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario, going wire to wire to earn his first NPFL victory and a cool $100,000.

With three calm and sunny days—something rare this spring and summer in New York—the NPFL arrived in Massena at the perfect time, and the anglers capitalized on it. Many chose to make the long run to the mouth of the lake, with some venturing into Ontario, setting new records in the process.

Running nearly the furthest and fishing a different area each day to stay on fresh fish, Drew Cook’s three-day total of 77-6 gave him a 2-11 margin of victory. In second place, Kyle Welcher fought to maintain his Progressive Angler of the Year lead. He spent the first two days in third place before moving up to second today, extending his lead from 5 to 7 points, unofficially, over Patrick Walters, who dropped to fourth. Andrew Upshaw capped off his event with his biggest bag on the final day, finishing in third.

South Carolina angler Patrick Walters finished in fourth with 71-13 and Alabama pro Justin Atkins finished fifth with 71-3.

Both Drew Cook and Jesse Wise shared the big bass honors, each landing a massive 6-pound, 10-ounce smallmouth on day two.

Cook Goes Wire-to-Wire

Committing to Lake Ontario and the mouth of the St. Lawrence River, Georgia pro Drew Cook earned his first NPFL victory with a three-day total of 77-6. He took the Day 1 lead with 27-2, the biggest bag of the tournament, and when most struggled to catch big bags on Day 2, he added 25-8 and extended his lead.

On the final day, Cook returned to the big lake and fished another new area, but it took a bit of time to get going. Once he settled around lunchtime, he got into a “newish” area and started catching fish.

“Today was a grind,” he said. “I had a few good fish, but I had to really keep moving to find bigger ones than the high 3s, low 4-pounders I was around. I fished different areas each day, but today I fished a new area I hadn’t been to yet, and caught three of my weigh fish from it.”

2025 NPFL St. Lawrence River Day 2: Drew Cook Leads with 27-07lbs!

Cook Expands NPFL Lead at St. Lawrence River, Welcher Maintains Narrow AOY Lead.

NPFL Press Release

With launch in Massena, New York, the top anglers continue to make the long run toward Lake Ontario, battling big smallmouth cruising the shallow sand flats.

Leading the charge for two consecutive days, Georgia pro Drew Cook has extended his lead at Stop Five of the 2025 NPFL Season at the St. Lawrence River in Massena, New York to 3 pounds, 2 ounces.

South Carolina angler Patrick Walters, who started in second place, remains there with 22-8 on a tougher Day Two, keeping him in contention. Alabama pro Kyle Welcher stayed consistent with 24-3 on Day Two, maintaining third place and, more importantly, holding onto his lead in the Progressive Angler of the Year race. All three anglers are making significant runs and have relied on mild weather conditions to catch better-than-average-sized bass.

Robert Wroblewski led the big bass race on Day One with a 6-7 lunker, but Drew Cook took over the big bass honors with a 6-10 smallmouth today.

Cook Cruising in New York

With a two-day total of 52-10, Drew Cook is one day away from earning his first NPFL victory. He started on Day One with a solid 27-2 limit and followed it up on Day Two with 25-8, anchored by a 6-10 big bass. His consistent performance has him 3 pounds, 2 ounces ahead of second-place Patrick Walters.

Like the other top anglers, Cook is focusing his efforts around the mouth of Lake Ontario, and several spots further up the river, rotating through flats where smallmouth are both spawning and roaming. As the tournament goes on and anglers spread out, the pressure is making things tougher.

TOP 10 BELOW

2025 NPFL St. Lawrence River Day 1: Drew Cook Leads with 27-07lbs!

Drew Cook jumps out on top after day one on the St. Lawrence River.

Drew Cook makes long run to Lake Ontario (Photo: NPFL)

NPFL Press Release

Long runs and giant smallmouth – that’s the story of Day One and, frankly, the entire event. Launching in Massena, New York, about 95 miles from Lake Ontario, the early summer conditions are perfect for catching big bass. Drew Cook leads the pack with a 27-2 bag, anchored by a 6-pound smallmouth.

In second place by just 2 ounces, South Carolina angler Patrick Walters weighed in 27-0 and capitalized on a strong start this morning. Kyle Welcher sits in third place with 24-13, while Andrew Ready and Andrew Upshaw are tied for fourth with 24-8.

Robert Wroblewski leads big bass with a 6-7 lunker. Progressive AOY leader Kyle Welcher is in third place with 24-13 on Day One. Greg Hackney, who started the event in second place for AOY, is in 13th, keeping the top anglers tight in contention. Coming into the event, Cook was in 8th place and is now looking to climb the leaderboard with a strong performance this week.

Cook Crushes Day One

Fully committed to fishing “near the mouth” of Lake Ontario, Drew Cook decent run and bounced between several spots, catching better-than-average smallmouth at each. With no forward-facing sonar in the NPFL, he kept things simple—targeting hard structure and keeping a bait around fish.

“It took me a little while to get to my fish, but I stopped and hit a couple of places on the way,” he said. “I’m not doing anything special—just fishing typical smallmouth stuff and targeting areas where they’re setting up.”

He caught his leading limit in about three hours and feels confident heading into Day Two, with similar conditions in the forecast.

“The hardest part is getting there, getting back, and being efficient with my time,” he said. “Yesterday, the forecast showed clouds and rain, but now it looks like tomorrow might be similar to today—and I’m good with that.”

Walters Off to Strong Start

Making a strong start, South Carolina angler Patrick Walters kicked off his day in the river, quickly putting a couple of keepers in the well. Staying true to his style, he bounced between multiple spots around the river mouth, landing big smallmouth along the way.

TOP 10 BELOW

ICAST 2025: Mad Scientist Tackle New Nuclear Ned

 Mad Scientist Tackle coats Ned Head Jig with brilliant UV coatings to achieve maximum radiance

Bass fishing hasn’t been the same since legendary tackle-tinkerer and notorious fishing journal-keeper, Ned Kehde, introduced the world to the “Ned Rig.” Originally a truncated plastic worm affixed to Gopher jig head, the bait has evolved over the years and there are now myriad soft plastic shapes being fished on variations of that original jighead.

Yes, hats off to the overall Midwest Finesse Fishing movement for this fish-catching alternative to big baits and power fishing. Hats off to Z-Man, too, for providing the Ned Rig with a buoyant plastic body, which is prerequisite to achieving that upright Neddyness when stationed on the bottom.  

The second baseline for Ned effectiveness is employing a perfectly architected finesse jighead. The shape of its head needs to accommodate landing at different angles without rolling over – basically, a mushroom configuration. Moreover, a bonafide Ned jig must sport a fine and hazardously sharp hook with a reliable baitholder.  

Sure, reputable Ned-style jigheads are widely available, but Mad Scientist Tackle has upped the ante with specially-coated jigs that are seen in any water clarity and by fish from afar. The company’s distinctive APEX Vision coatings replicate the reflection real minnows and other critters emit, a game-changer on pressured waters and for whoppers that have seen it all.

Happy 4th of July!

 

Wishing all our American fans a wonderful 4th of July!!

Ott DeFoe Wins Zenni Stage 6 Presented by Athletic Brewing Company Championship Round

DeFoe takes down Stage 6 at Potomac for fifth Bass Pro Tour win 

Ott DeFoe topped the field on the Potomac River with 78 pounds, 11 ounces on 32 scorable bass. Photo by Phoenix Moore

By Tyler Brinks

Bass Pro Tour 

MARBURY, Md. – After a week that saw Ott DeFoe near the top of SCORETRACKER® every day he was on the water, the Tennessee pro finally shot to the top when it mattered most, taking down the Zenni Stage 6 Presented by Athletic Brewing Company Championship Round for his fourth Bass Pro Tour regular-season win and fifth BPT win overall.

With a dominant final-day performance, DeFoe stacked up 32 bass for 78 pounds, 11 ounces to beat his closest pursuer in Ron Nelson by nearly 27 pounds. Nelson finished as the runner-up, his best finish on the Bass Pro Tour since joining the ranks last season.

DeFoe is one of the winningest anglers in Bass Pro Tour history, behind only Jacob Wheeler and Dustin Connell, but this marks his first individual win since Heavy Hitters in 2022. It’s his fourth regular-season BPT win, the first since 2021 on Florida’s Harris Chain of Lakes. He did it in typical DeFoe fashion, too, escaping the bulk of the 66-angler field and fishing far up a creek in the Potomac River backwaters.

Here’s how the Top 10 pros finished the Championship Round:

1. Ott DeFoe – 78 – 11 (32)                

2. Ron Nelson – 51 – 13 (23)            

3. Bradley Roy – 44 – 11 (20)           

4. Cole Floyd – 43 – 11 (21)               

5. Zack Birge – 41 – 09 (20)

6. Adrian Avena – 40 – 12 (20)        

7. James Elam – 36 – 07 (18)           

8. Keith Poche – 35 – 07 (15)

9. Spencer Shuffield – 31 – 01 (15)               

10. Keith Carson – 30 – 01 (14)       

Complete results

DeFoe gets shallow and skinny for the win

Kicking off the event, DeFoe found himself in second place behind Keith Poche after catching 70-2 during the first day of qualifying, most of it early in the day in what would end being his winning area, the extreme backwaters of Neabsco Creek.