2026 Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite at Arkansas River Day 1: Anaya Scores Lead with 20-04lbs!

Canadians Gustafson 29th, Cory Johnston 29th, Chris Johnston  60th, Gallant 69th & Kung 71st

By David A. Brown

BASS Press Release

MUSKOGEE, Okla. — Fisher Anaya ran away from most of the field, but meeting back in the middle salvaged his day and positioned him atop the Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite at Arkansas River with a 20-pound, 4-ounce limit.

With the event based on Pool 16, tournament boundaries also comprise pools 17 and 15. The largest percentage of the field locked downriver to Pool 15, for what is generally considered the greatest concentration of quality fish in this region of the river.

Anaya, a Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series rookie from Eva, Ala., calculated the considerable time required for locking into Pool 15, versus the shorter time he’d need to reach Pool 17. Factoring in his practice results, plus his experience at the previous Elite event, he chose the upriver option.

“I locked down at the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway with like 50 other guys and I was like, heck with traffic,” Anaya said. “I locked up today and there was eight or nine of us in the lock. It wasn’t bad.

“I had a better practice up there (Pool 17). I caught 20 pounds the first day of practice and when I went down to Pool 15, I had four fish one day and 15 pounds the next. I just canned that area because I didn’t feel like making a long run.”

As Anaya explained, time management ultimately determined his game plan.

“I didn’t think I could catch them fast enough in the short time I’d have to fish,” he said. “I just gave myself more time to fish.”

Anaya, the 2025 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Angler of the Year, reached Pool 17 and found that lower water conditions had altered the scenario. He was able to catch two big fish that he had marked in practice, but around midday, Anaya realized he needed to make a change.

After that, he returned to Pool 16 where he found greater productivity with fish relating to grass patches and a few fry guarders (male bass protecting hatchlings).

“I found one patch of grass and caught three big ones on three casts,” Anaya said. “I got a little bit lucky, but I think luck plays a big factor on this place.

“I caught the two fish from Pool 17 on a 3/8-ounce ChatterBait, but in Pool 16, it was a little bit of everything. I caught one on a ChatterBait, one on a swim jig, one on a wacky rig, one on a jerkbait. I weighed two from Pool 17 and three from Pool 16.”

Abu Garcia Unlocks True Casting Potential With New Digital Revo VoltiQ Reels

 New VoltiQ technology delivers real-time casting adjustments for unmatched distance and precision

At the core of the VoltiQ reels is a 10-setting digital braking system designed to adapt across techniques, line types, and skill levels. Unlike standard digital cast control braking systems on the market that apply constant resistance throughout the cast, VoltiQ adjusts throughout offering a more refined, efficient experience with greater casting distance and overall control. The result is a linear brake curve that creates predictable outcomes at every level, delivering consistent casting performance across all 10-settings. 

“With VoltiQ, we wanted to give anglers more control and unlock even greater casting distance than ever before without overcomplicating the process,” said Andrew Wheeler, Director of Brand and Product at Abu Garcia. “VoltiQ offers 10 distinct settings that allow anglers to fine-tune performance for any condition – from beginners looking for maximum control to experienced anglers wanting to maximize their casting distance. This is the first digital casting reel to enhance your casting potential, not restrict it.”

 

For advanced anglers, settings 1-3 unlock “Pro Mode,” where braking is paused during spool acceleration and then sparingly applied during deceleration, allowing anglers to achieve maximum casting distance. In optimal conditions, this gives capable anglers the opportunity to make “bomb casts” for the first time ever with a digital reel. While other digital cast control reels and traditional systems tend to restrict casting distance, VoltiQ is specifically engineered to enhance it – giving skilled anglers the ability to fully capitalize on their casting potential.

 

When the angler selects a setting in the 4-6 range, the software applies braking throughout the cast, giving the angler the best balance of performance and distance – making it the ideal all-around choice for most anglers. When the reel is tuned to settings 7-9, increased braking is applied during both the acceleration and deceleration phases, providing enhanced control throughout the cast, especially in windy conditions or when using air-resistant baits and heavier fluorocarbon line. Setting 10 applies maximum braking throughout the entire casting process, delivering the highest level of control and making it best suited for large baits in high wind.

Berkley Upgrades and Expands the Nessie Platform

 Berkley Nessie adds a new 11-inch size, upgraded hook harness system and three new colors

Since its 2023 debut, the Berkley Nessie has built a reputation as a proven soft-bodied glide bait known for triggering aggressive strikes. After listening closely to angler feedback, Berkley has now evolved the Nessie platform with key hardware upgrades, expanded color offerings and the addition of a commanding new 11-inch size.

 

Headlining the features on the new 11-inch profile is a redesigned hook harness system that integrates a built-in stinger hook secured by a magnet slotted into the back portion of the bait. This new configuration improves hook-up ratios on this large profile bait while maintaining the natural glide and profile that anglers expect from the Nessie. An updated tail adhesion method further enhances durability, allowing anglers to land multiple fish without compromising action or appearance.

 

The addition of the new 11-inch size builds on the Nessie’s natural attraction and delivers even more drawing power for anglers targeting larger fish, while three new colors expand the bait's versatility across varying fisheries. Combined with its slow-sinking design and refined balance, the updated Nessie gives anglers more control and confidence when fishing high-percentage areas.

Gamakatsu named title sponsor of 2026 Bassmaster Elite at Arkansas River

 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. announced today that Gamakatsu will serve as the title sponsor of the 2026 Bassmaster Elite at Arkansas River, scheduled for April 16-19 out of Muskogee, Okla.

The event marks a new stop on the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series schedule and will bring the sport’s top professional anglers to the Arkansas River for four days of competition. Launching from Muskogee, the tournament is expected to showcase both the fishery and the local community while highlighting one of the most challenging and dynamic river systems in the country.

“We’re excited to welcome Gamakatsu as the title sponsor for this Elite Series event,” said Phillip Johnson, B.A.S.S. Chief Operating Officer. “Gamakatsu has built a reputation for quality and innovation across the fishing industry, and their continued investment in the Bassmaster platform speaks to their commitment to the sport. This partnership helps us elevate the Elite Series while introducing a new venue that will challenge our anglers and create exciting opportunities for our fans.”

Stretching through Oklahoma, the Arkansas River system offers a unique mix of current, navigation pools, backwaters and shallow cover that will test anglers’ versatility. Seasonal conditions in mid-April could create a wide range of patterns, with prespawn and spawning bass both potentially playing a role. Competitors will need to manage fluctuating water levels, current flow and changing weather conditions as they pursue a blue trophy and valuable Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year points.

Daiwa's New Tournament D-FIN Swimbaits

 DAIWA adds new 3-, 4-, and 5-inch sizes to the popular Tournament D-FIN Swimbait Series

Available in 3 sizes and 7 colours 

DAIWA USA introduced the Japanese conceived and manufactured Tournament D-FIN in 2024, instantly setting a new highwater mark in swimbait design.

At its release, DAIWA Field Marketing Manager, Chris Martin said, “Its paddletail has an exceptional swimming action, regardless of the speed of retrieve. It wobbles wide whether slow-rolled or clipped along. The catalyst is an oversized paddletail combined with a narrowly tapering body, which allows the tail to maximize its side-to-side action. That same wide swing produces more sonic vibrations than your typical swimbait as well.”

Downsized Profiles, Upsized Potential

Those performance benchmarks now extend to the new 3-, 4-, and 5-inch 2026 Tournament D-FIN swimbaits. These reduced profiles open the menu to a vast array of freshwater species—including walleyes, crappies, and bass of all varieties—as well as saltwater staples like redfish, speckled trout, and snook. On the West Coast, these smaller sizes are a natural fit for calico bass and spotted sea bass.

he Straight Shooter

Martin also highlighted the Tournament D-FIN’s legendary stability. “It tracks incredibly well, running on a straight path whether fished weightless, on a weighted swimbait hook, or rigged on a jig. It simply stays on track.”

Tournament D-FIN FEATURES:

• New 3-, 4-, and 5-inch sizes
• Remarkably real swimming action
• Oversized paddletail with narrow body connection for maximum motion
• Tracks straight rigged weightless, with weighted swimbait hook, and on a jig
• Special salt and squid blend attractant
• Colors won’t bleed while stored
• 7 natural patterns with UV treatment: Lime Pearl, UV Flake Pearl, Green Pearl, Rainbow Shad, Pepper Ghost, Motor Oil Ayu, and Smoke Shad

MSRP $8.99 (3-inch/10 per pack, 4-inch/7 per pack, and 5-inch/5 per pack)

Poke South Wins 2026 Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Lake Eufaula Presented by Battery Tender!

Poke South Wins 2nd BASS Open in 2026 and claims Eufaula with last day 31lbs limit!

By Christopher Decker, BASS Press Release

EUFAULA, Ala. — Pake South was a last-minute entrant to the 2026 Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Lake Eufaula presented by Battery Tender. He knew very little about the lake other than his buddies Fisher Anaya and Jace Lindsay were both fishing the event too and on paper, it set up for how he likes to fish. 

Did it ever.

The Winnsboro, Texas pro wrote another chapter in the B.A.S.S. history books, claiming back-to-back Opens titles with a three-day total of 84 pounds, 1 ounce, the third-heaviest winning weight in Opens competition behind only to his own record at Sam Rayburn (96-15) and Scott Martin at Okeechobee in 2024 (90-6). 

“It was one of those weeks where it all just kind of happened. I wasn’t really on them that great (after practice), I just found them during the tournament,” South said. “It feels great. This is the first one I have won outside of (Texas). I just showed up. The feeling of winning like this will never get old.”

He also becomes only the fourth angler to win multiple Opens in a single season, joining Randall Tharp, Terry Scroggins and Easton Fothergill in that exclusive club. 

In 10 Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens presented by Battery Tender or Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops events, the 21-year-old has two victories, six Top 10s and eight Top 25 finishes. 

Opening the tournament in second-place with 28-0, South caught 24-10 on Day 2 to move into the lead before blasting 31-7 on the final day, the biggest bag of bass that local and Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series pro Kyle Welcher has ever seen caught on Lake Eufaula. South’s smallest bass in his Day 3 limit was a 5 3/4 with the rest weighing over 6 pounds. 

Happy Easter

 

Wishing all our readers a very special Easter. 

B.A.S.S. Disqualifies Angler for Life!

BASS Press Release

B.A.S.S. has disqualified angler Yuming Gao from the upcoming Lake Eufaula Bassmaster Open following a violation of the Bassmaster Code of Conduct. After a thorough review, B.A.S.S. determined that an attempt was made to track a fellow competitor’s movements in order to gain a competitive advantage, which is strictly prohibited.

Due to the severity of the infraction, the violation has been classified as a Level 4 offense. This ruling was appealed and upheld by the appeals committee, a group of two independent anglers and one B.A.S.S. staff member. As a result, Mr. Gao has been banned from participation in all future B.A.S.S. events, effective immediately.

B.A.S.S. is committed to maintaining the integrity of competition and ensuring a fair playing field for all anglers.

Jason Christie Wins 2026 Mountain Dew Bassmaster Elite at Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway!

“It’s funny, in the previous Elite tournament (Lake Martin), I finished dead last and I win this one. Last year, I finished dead last (in another trail) and then I won.” — Jason Christie (Photo: Andy Crawford/ BASS)

BASS Press Release
COLUMBUS, Miss. — Despite his 30-plus years of tournament fishing, Jason Christie was delighted to admit he was wrong about the Mountain Dew Bassmaster Elite at Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.

Nevertheless, the decorated pro from Dry Creek, Okla., pulled off a nail-biting win to claim his ninth Bassmaster title with a four-day total of 58 pounds, 2 ounces.
“I thought there was zero chance I’d win,” Christie said. “When I was idling in, I figured somebody had caught ’em.

“It’s funny, in the previous Elite tournament (Lake Martin), I finished dead last and I win this one. Last year, I finished dead last (in another trail) and then I won.”
Tackling a tough, riverine fishery known as the Tenn-Tom, Christie started Day 1 by running north, locking twice and catching a limit of 12-5 that left him tied with Brandon Cobb for 37th place. The second round saw Christie change strategies and fish closer waters where he’d catch a limit of 16-10 and rise to fifth.

On Semifinal Saturday, Christie returned to his Day 2 spot and moved into the lead with another bag of 16-10. A painfully slow Championship Sunday saw Christie holding a small limit into the early afternoon, but two key bites — a 2-pounder at 1 o’clock and a 3-12 at 1:30 — lifted his final limit to 12-9 and pushed him across the finish line.