Jacob Wheeler Wins 2026Bass Pro Shop REDCREST Presented by Mercury & Lowrance!

Jacob Wheeler won his first REDCREST title in seven tries on Table Rock Lake. Photo by Rob Matsuura. Angler: Jacob Wheeler.

By Mitchell Forde, 

Bass Pro Press Release

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — With 2 1/2 hours left to fish in Bass Pro Shops REDCREST Presented by Mercury & Lowrance, Jacob Wheeler sat on the front deck of his bass boat and made a phone call. Trying to distract himself from the fact that the $300,000 prize and REDCREST trophy that had long eluded him were within reach, Wheeler FaceTimed his wife, Alicia, and their two children, Olivia and Hudson, during the final period break.

At that point, Wheeler led his nearest pursuer by more than 17 pounds. With postfrontal conditions making for a tough bite on Table Rock Lake, just about everyone knew that the title that had long seemed inevitable was now imminent – including Olivia. The 7-year-old asked, “Daddy, you’re going to win, right?”

“I’m just like, ‘Honey, I’m going to try, but it’s not a guarantee,’” Wheeler said with a laugh. “’It’s OK if I don’t. We’re going to try our hardest.’”

Was that Wheeler trying not to get ahead of himself? Sure. But he had good reason not to get too excited. Since winning the Forrest Wood Cup in 2012 at age 21, Wheeler has accomplished just about everything there is to accomplish in tournament bass fishing: 11 Bass Pro Tour wins, a Bassmaster Elite Series win, four Fishing Clash Angler of the Year titles. But despite four top-six finishes, he had yet to win Major League Fishing’s championship event. 

Sunday, he finally got it done.

After pulling away from the rest of the Championship Round pros early, Wheeler cruised to a 51-pound, 11-ounce total on 21 scorable bass. That topped runner-up Takahiro Omori by 13-3 and earned Wheeler the one piece of hardware he’s been missing – the REDCREST trophy.

“It’s just been the thorn in my side,” Wheeler said. “I’ve had some really close calls. The ball has not bounced my way in these tournaments.

“It means the world. It really does.”

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

1. Jacob Wheeler – 51-11 (21)
2. Takahiro Omori – 38-8 (15)
3. Zack Birge – 32-15 (12)
4. Brent Ehrler – 29-7 (12)
5. Drew Gill – 28-1 (12)
6. Alton Jones Jr. – 24-14 (9)
7. Mark Daniels Jr. – 23-14 (10)
8. Spencer Shuffield – 20-9 (8)
9. Jeff Sprague – 17-3 (7)
10. Dustin Connell – 12-8 (5)

Full results

Jacob Foutz Wins 2026 Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite at Arkansas River!

Canadians Cory Johnston 5th

BASS Press Release

MUSKOGEE, Okla. — Family’s important to Jacob Foutz, so when he made a promise to his great grandmother Judy Fisher, he intended to keep it. Two years after her passing, Foutz fulfilled his oath by winning the Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite at Arkansas River.

After tallying a four-day winning total of 72 pounds, 4 ounces, Foutz linked a transitional moment in his final day to that longstanding family commitment.

“This afternoon, I had 30 minutes before I locked (back to Pool 16 from Pool 15) and I had gone back for a big one I had seen on bed,” said the 27-year-old from Philadelphia, Tenn. “My great grandma was my biggest fan. Every time I saw her, I promised her a blue trophy.

“That big fish wasn’t there and I said, ‘Grandma, if you’re watching, I can use a 5-pounder right now.’ About 5 minutes later, I caught a 6-1. You can’t script it any better than that.”

Foutz placed seventh on Day 1 with a bag of 18-1 and moved up to second a day later with 18-15. Adding 20-10 on Semifinal Saturday, Foutz took over the lead by a margin of 6-9.

2026 Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite at Arkansas River Day 3: Foutz Out Front with 57-10lbs!

Canadians Cory Johnston 5th, Chris Johnston 20th & Gustafson 49th

Tennessee's Jacob Foutz has taken the lead on Day 3 of the Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite at Arkansas River with a three-day total of 57 pounds, 10 ounces. (Photo: Seigo Saito/ BASS)

BASS Press Release

MUSKOGEE, Okla. — On a day marked with significant weather impact, Jacob Foutz looked like he was fishing different waters than the other 49 semi-finalists competing in the Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite at Arkansas River.

In a way, he actually was, as the pro from Philadelphia, Tenn., has enjoyed three days of complete solitude in a backwater area of the Illinois River branching off the east side of Kerr Lake (Pool 15). During that time, Foutz has amassed a total of 57 pounds, 10 ounces, which sends him into Championship Sunday with a cozy lead of 6-9 over the first two days’ leader Fisher Anaya.

“It feels like I’m fishing in a different fishery; clean water, big ole bass — I can’t complain,” Foutz grinned. “Where I caught them today, I found it yesterday, but it’s part of the same backwater area I’ve been fishing.”

Keeping himself in the hunt, Foutz started with a seventh-place bag of 18-1 and moved up to second with a Day 2 limit that went 18-15. Adding his best effort — a third-round limit of 20-10 — puts him squarely in the driver’s seat.

A major storm system, which brought big winds toward the end of Friday’s weigh-ins, dropped air temperatures by about 15 degrees and lingered the blustery conditions throughout Day 3. Fortunately, Foutz was fishing in protected backwaters.

2026 Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite at Arkansas River Day 2: Anaya Maintains Whisper Thin Lead!

Canadians Cory Johnston 12th, Chris Johnston 31st, Gustafson 43rd, Kung 80th & Gallant 90th

Alabama's Fisher Anaya maintains the lead on Day 2 of the Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite at Arkansas River with a two-day total of 37 pounds, 1 ounce. (Photo: SEigo Saito/ BASS)

BASS Press Release

MUSKOGEE, Okla. — Fisher Anaya adjusted his Day 2 game plan in an effort to maximize his first-round findings, but when that strategy showed signs of fracturing, the pro from Eva, Ala., regrouped and caught what he needed to maintain his lead in the Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite at Arkansas River.

After leading the field with a Day 1 limit of 20-4, Anaya carried a lead of 1-3 into the second round. Adding 16-13 today, he held on to the top spot with a two-day total of 37-1 and heads into Semifinal Saturday with only an ounce margin over Jacob Foutz.

“I’m gonna have to find some more fish, if I’m gonna have a shot at this thing, because I’m running low,” Anaya said. “Today, I didn’t get very many bites. I could see the fish on ’Scope (forward facing sonar), but it’s just going downhill. There are not many there and a lot of them are smaller.”

With the event based on Pool 16, tournament boundaries also comprise pools 17 and 15. Avoiding the big crowds that locked downriver to Kerr Lake (Pool 15), Anaya started Day 1 in Pool 17, caught two of his weight fish and then finished his day with greater productivity in 16.

Day 2 saw Anaya commit to Pool 16. While he was targeting largemouth, which typically grow bigger, Anaya was thankful for a spotted bass rally that got his day going.

“I ran to my area where I caught my big ones yesterday and they were gone,” Anaya said. “I don’t know where they went. I caught like 13-pounds of spots out of there on a jerkbait and a frog and just kinda went looking.

“There were a lot of 2 1/2- to 2 3/4-pounders there, so I caught them while I could to calm my nerves and then went looking.”

Later in the day, Anaya shifted to his big-fish areas.

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)