Laker Howell Wins 2025 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier at Wheeler Lake presented by Bass Pro Shops.

Howell's double Classic qualification secures Classic spot for  Kyle Norsetter

David A. Brown, BASS PRESS Release

DECATUR, Ala. — For a guy who finished first, the number two came up a lot in Laker Howell’s victory story.

After three days of competition, the pro from Guntersville, Ala., tallied 65 pounds, 11 ounces and won the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier at Wheeler Lake presented by Bass Pro Shops.

“I feel like a weight has been lifted off my back, because this morning when I got up, I was so nervous, I literally woke up (nauseous),” Howell said. “The whole day, I was just a cat trying to catch a bass. But right now, I can’t even describe how incredible this is.”

By the numbers, Howell caught 21-6 on Day 1 and placed second to Matt Adams. In the second round, Howell caught 25-4 — the event’s heaviest bag — and moved ahead of Adams by 4 ounces. Championship Saturday saw the 6-foot-5 pro stood tall with a final limit of 19-1.

His winning margin — 2 ounces.

Continuing the numerical theme, Howell has won two of the last three tournaments he’s fished. In mid-August, he won the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Leech Lake presented by SEVIIN.

Finally, Howell’s family has claimed two wins at this Tennessee River impoundment. In 1998, Laker Howell’s father, Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series angler Randy Howell won his first major event at Wheeler Lake.

And if the story wasn’t already good enough, Randy Howell was 24 when he won his Wheeler Lake trophy. His son’s age — 24.

“That’s why this tournament is so special to me,” the younger Howell said. “I literally watched that video during practice with my roommate. I said, ‘Wouldn’t it be crazy if I won this tournament.’”

All week, Howell committed to a section of the Decatur Flats about 2 miles from takeoff. He focused on a saddle with shell bottom between two bars near the river channel.

Cold Weather Preventative Boat Maintenance with IBASSIN

Learn how to prevent boat and motor problems during the fall and winter.  Follow these tips will ensure your motor, pumps and fuel remains safe. This video will explain some preventative boat maintenance that will keep you on the water and your rig out of trouble.

Five Fabulous Fall Baits for Bass

IBASSIN's guide to autumn bass fishing

By Luigi De Rose

This week IBASSIN will be highlighting five fabulous fall baits. Each day, one lure will be promoted on its merits of being an essential bass lure for this time of year. IBASSIN has readers from all over the world. These guidelines work best when integrated with local fishing conditions. Remember to  adjust accordingly but don’t neglect subtle daily changes. A few degrees up or down can kill or resurrect a day on the water.

Autumn can be some of the best or worst fishing of the year but it can also be one of the best times to catch a lot of giant bass. Weather is usually unpredictable making boating and fishing a challenge. Try keeping your spirits high during lulls in the action because your luck can change in a heartbeat.  Use this guide to help transform your fall bass fishing. 

Lake Simcoe Open Today!

The Bass Pro Shop Lake Simcoe Open starts today.
This 5-bass limit, one day tournament is arguably the most dramatic
tournament of the year. Giant smallmouth are out there and everyone is ready
to catch them. This tournament is where the largest smallmouth bass in Canadian
tournament history 8.05 lbs was caught. It is also home to the largest single day tournament
limit of just over 31lbs.

Today should be equally amazing!
Come back for tournament news. 

Fall Fishing: Top Water fun with Jackall Trigger Boil 100

By Luigi De Rose

Autumn is a great time to fish. The fish are active and the crowds have dissipated. One surprising presentation that doesn't get much hype is topwater during this time of year. If the conditions are correct, topwater action can be amazing. 

One new bait to his stores this year was the Jackall Trigger Boil 100. A truly unique bait, it is a popper that can be easily walked plus it has jointed action.  A little longer than most poppers, it is the perfect treat for bass.  Amazingly, it can be snapped quickly or slowly walked without much work. Jackall is a dominate Japanese tackle manufacture that prides itself in quality and innovation. This might be your new fall favourite. 

A nicely cupped mouth and two, super sharp treble hooks. Rear hook is feathered. 

Its jointed action works well at a range of speeds. 

Long and slender, this bait provides a strong profile without the bulk.

IBASSIN's day on the water: Lake Z Saturday, Sept 17, 2011

By Luigi De Rose

 Mid September is a tricky time of year to catch bass. They are in transition; forcing anglers to find them. Some lakes are still in summer mode, while others are in some phase of autumn.

This day on the lake will be a done through a photo essay. I cannot reveal the name of this lake. It is a true gem. Too much fishing pressure will kill it. It is well known lake which gets enough pressure from the odd tournament and local guys, I don't want to add a whole lot more. I spent the day with my wife and she was the videographer while I got to fish. 
A few of you asked for more details on the fishing, particularly the baits and rigs. I will provide links to products to help you identify what I am using.

I went after smallmouth, after trying a row of docks near the launch. Water temp was 62.3 degrees F, so I expected the smallmouth to be on the hunt along shallower drops. When I fished this lake in mid August, I notice a water level drop of about 1 foot from my first trip to the lake in late June. Now the lake is at least triple that. I estimate, from the dangerously, shallow boat ramp and the exposed overhanging trees, that the lake is down almost 1 metre (3 feet).

This Rapala jerkbait is all the rage with my friends in northern Ontario. So, I tried to see how well it would work for me.