2025 FXR Pro Fish Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River Day 2: Bill Lowen Take Leads

Canadians Kung 5th, Chris Johnston 26th, Cory Johnston 37th, Gallant 57th & Gustafson 83rd

BASS PRESS RELEASE

PALATKA, Fla. —  When the necessary became the nemesis, Bill Lowen’s patient persistence delivered a clutch catch that typified his amazing day.

Bolstering a Day 1 limit of 21 pounds, 5 ounces with a second-round bag that went 24-4, the seasoned pro from Brookville, Ind., leads the 2025 FXR Pro Fish Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River with a two-day total of 45-9. Lowen heads into Semifinal Saturday with a 7-14 margin over Day 1 leader Jay Przekurat.

“It was an amazing day; you just can’t explain it when it happens,” Lowen said. “You look for those days all the time, and I had one of those days today.”

Lowen has been targeting shallow wood with a flipping jig and swim jig. When he hooked a solid bass around noon, the fish became entangled in a pile of limbs. After a couple of minutes of Lowen tugging and carefully poking his rod tip toward the snare, the fish suddenly found its way free.

“I saw the fish run a bream up against the bank, so I threw my jig over there, and as soon as the jig hit the water, she ate it,” Lowen said. “I was going to the back of the boat to land her and she just got stuck in a (submerged tree). I could feel her pulling, so I knew she was still there, but I couldn’t gain on her.

2025 FXR Pro Fish Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River Day 1: Przekurat Leads with 24-15lbs

Canadians Kung 8th, Gallant 29th, Cory Johnston 53rd, Chris Johnston 67th & Gustafson 91st

BASS PRESS RELEASE

PALATKA, Fla. —  Jay Przekurat of Plover, Wis., was just happy to finally hit the water, but his winter-weary enthusiasm lead him to a five-bass limit of 24 pounds, 15 ounces that leads Day 1 of the 2025 FXR Pro Fish Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River.

Przekurat, who won the 2022 Dakota Lithium Elite Series Rookie of the Year title, leads Texan Lee Livesay by 2-2.

Not the least bit intimidated by takeoff temperatures in the upper 40s, or Friday’s forecast for 34 degrees at sunrise, Przekurat ignored the traditionally gloomy outlook associated with cold fronts and notoriously weather-sensitive Florida bass. The result was a nearly flawless day far surpassing his expectations.

“What a day; I couldn’t do any wrong today,” Przekurat said. “All I have to say is ‘I’m so happy to be fishing in Florida.’ At home yesterday they cancelled school because it was so cold. Whatever tomorrow is, I know everybody at home will be watching me fishing in Florida, wishing they were fishing in Florida.

“I’m just happy to be fishing. Prior to this tournament, I hadn’t wet a line since before October, so I was really anxious to get out.”

KAGE Welcomes its First Baitcaster

The new freshwater/saltwater crossover KAGE SV TW 150 is founded on DAIWA’s pioneering SV Concept and HYPERDRIVE^® Design

"It's the first baitcaster in the KAGE collection, so we really wanted to load it up,” said DAIWA Field Marketing Specialist, Chris Martin. “In my mind, foremost is the inclusion of the SV Spool.” The KAGE SV TW 150’s features an SV (Stress-Free, Versatile) 34mm A7075 aircraft grade spool, which offers casting control like no other. The design of the spool, as well as how the spool interacts with the braking system, gives maximum control on the cast while simultaneously increasing casting distance.

KAGE SV TW 150’s second significant feature-set is HYPERDRIVE® DESIGN. Once limited to more expensive models, DAIWA employed “trickle down technology,” bringing HYPERDRIVE DESIGN to the KAGE SV TW 150. HYPERDRIVE DESIGN involves a combination of advanced manufacturing techniques, which considerably improve the performance and lifespan of the reel. More about individual HYPERDRIVE components below. 

DAIWA’s new KAGE SV TW 150 also owns “crossover” status, as it’s designed for both freshwater and saltwater use. Martin explained: “We included corrosion resistant ball-bearings (CRBB) to make it saltwater grade. It’s a great benefit for anglers who fish in both environments.”

Chris Miller Wins 2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn Reservoir presented by SEVIIN

Canadian Joey T. grabs 11th! 

By Andrew Canulette 

BASS PRESS RELEASE

JASPER, Texas — Foul weather trimmed the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn Reservoir presented by SEVIIN from a three-day tournament to a one-day derby. So, before competition even began, the 233 competing anglers knew they’d have to go big if they wanted to go home a winner.

Chris Miller of Spirit Lake, Iowa, found the right bites Friday, weighing a limit of five bass totaling 28 pounds, 10 ounces. That clinched the win for the 37-year-old homebuilder who’d fished in only eight B.A.S.S. events prior to his victory at Rayburn.

Miller collected a hefty $52,086 cash prize with the win, part of a $345,850 cash purse split among the top 45 anglers competing on the 114,500-acre reservoir in east Texas. 

Bobby Lane Wins 2025 Bass Pro Tour Suzuki Marine Stage 2 Presented by YETI on the Harris Chain of Lakes

Bobby Lane rallies to comeback win on Harris Chain

Celebrating a Stage 2 victory was a family affair for Bobby Lane. Photo by Joel Shangle.

By Mitchell Forde 

BASS PRO TOUR Press Release 

LEESBURG, Fla. — Across a decorated 17-year career that includes a REDCREST victory, one of the few accomplishments that had eluded Bobby Lane was a national-tour win in Florida. He’d come close – in fact, the last time the Bass Pro Tour visited the Harris Chain of Lakes, Lane finished second to Ott DeFoe – but had yet to lift a trophy in his home state.

Midway through the Championship Round at Suzuki Marine Stage 2 Presented by YETI at the Harris Chain of Lakes, it looked like Lane would have to keep waiting.

Matt Becker and Mark Davis shot out of the starting blocks, both amassing more than 30 pounds in the first period. Lane, meanwhile, started on the opposite end of Lake Apopka from where he’d caught most of his fish due to the strong south wind and struggled to gain traction. Halfway through Period 2, he’d tallied just 17 pounds, 6 ounces and trailed Davis by more than 20 pounds – and as the wind continued to increase in intensity, presenting baits and generating bites became more difficult by the minute.

2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Open at San Rayburn Reservoir presented by SEVIIN Now 1 Day only due to Weather!

 

JASPER, Texas — Due to severe weather threats and high winds forecast for Saturday, B.A.S.S. tournament officials have canceled Saturday’s competition day at the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn Reservoir presented by SEVIIN. The decision was made after officials consulted with local meteorologists.

“The National Weather Service is forecasting sustained winds out of the SSW of 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 25 mph,” said Executive Director of Tournaments Hank Weldon. “In addition, there is a significant threat of severe weather. The meteorologist I just spoke with is confident a severe line will come through early- to midafternoon, which will be before we can complete weigh-in for a full field.”

As a result, Friday will be the only day of competition for the Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn Reservoir, and the tournament will conclude at the end of the day.

Takeoff will be Friday at 7 a.m. CT at Umphrey Family Pavilion in Brookeland, Texas, with weigh-in at 3 p.m. at the same location.

The event is being sponsored by the Jasper County (Texas) Development District No. 1.

See You At The Show!

 

The countdown is on—The Spring Fishing & Boat Show starts on Friday! 

Get ready for an incredible weekend filled with the latest gear, exciting contests, and epic giveaways! Plus, don’t miss your chance to win a boat and motor package, courtesy of Suzuki Canada and Smokercraft!

Skip the line and save! Pre-purchase your tickets now at www.springfishingandboatshow.com and use code CSFL for a special discount.

Daiwa Canada Open for Business

 

We are excited to announce the opening of our brand new Daiwa Canada National Service Center. Now handling all rod and reel warranty claims and service needs across Canada! Contact info shown and all Canadian service request forms can be found on our website at Daiwa.us

The Bassmaster Classic returns to Knoxville for 2026

The Super Bowl of Bass Fishing is making its way back to one of the most electrifying destinations in the sport.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Super Bowl of Bass Fishing is making its way back to one of the most electrifying destinations in the sport. B.A.S.S. officials announced today that the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour will return to Knoxville, Tenn., for the third time on March 13-15, 2026.
With competition set on the Tennessee River’s Fort Loudoun and Tellico lakes, daily weigh-ins will take place at the University of Tennessee’s Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in downtown Knoxville. The Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by GSM Outdoors, featuring more than 200 exhibitors, will be held at the Knoxville Convention Center and World’s Fair Exhibition Hall, offering over 250,000 square feet of event space. Visit Knoxville will once again serve as the event’s host.