Save $3 on regular admission when you buy online using promo code CSFL
Ontario’s premier fishing and boating event returns with three action-packed days of education, entertainment, and exclusive show-only giveaways.
Save $3 on regular admission when you buy online using promo code CSFL
The Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie of the Year race is one of the most closely followed storylines of the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series season, recognizing first-year competitors who demonstrate consistency, adaptability and competitive excellence at the sport’s highest level. As title sponsor, Pro-Guide Batteries will be integrated across Elite Series events, media coverage and points race updates throughout the season.
In addition, Pro-Guide Batteries’ support of the Bassmaster Kayak Angler of the Year award highlights the brand’s investment in one of the fastest-growing segments of competitive fishing. Kayak anglers depend on lightweight, efficient and reliable power solutions to run electronics and accessories in compact, demanding environments, making Pro-Guide’s lithium battery technology a natural fit for the discipline.
By David A. Brown
BASS Press Release
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Intuition plus determination plus
execution equalled a dominant victory for Cody
Stahl, who tallied a three-day total of 74 pounds, 6 ounces and earned the
wire-to-wire victory in the Turtlebox
Bassmaster Open at Kissimmee Chain presented by Battery Tender.
“That is one heckuva way to start the season,” Stahl said.
“It was just an unbelievable week.”
With all due respect to Stahl’s Top 10 competitors, the
Barnsville, Ga., pro could’ve slept in this morning and still won the event, as
he caught a Championship Saturday limit of 17-13 and finished with a 22-1
margin over second-place Stephen
Browning.
En route to that enviable position, Stahl took the Day 1
lead with the event’s heaviest bag — a limit of 28-9. He’d back up that strong
performance with an even 28 pounds to hold the lead and head into the final
round with a 19-pound, 7-ounce advantage.
“If you would’ve told me I’d be sitting in first place with
a 19-pound lead going into the third day, I’d put every single dollar in my
bank account on saying that’s not possible,” Stahl said. “Ultimately, things
just worked out and God blessed me with an amazing week.”
Clearly, Stahl would’ve lost that bet, but being wrong meant
adding $38,731 to his account — and receiving an invitation to fish the 2027
Bassmaster Classic.
All week, Stahl focused on a prespawn staging area at the
south end of Lake Toho. A good mix of grass species provided what he believed
would offer appealing habitat that would attract the right size fish.
Stahl located this area in practice and, even though he caught only small male bass prior to the event, he believed the week’s weather and the approaching full moon (Feb. 1) would invite the larger prespawn females.
After many long and thought out conversations with my wife Becky and our family, I have decided that 2026 will be my final year competing full-time on the Bassmaster Elite Series. This was not a quick or easy decision, but it was something that I always knew would happen one day when the timing was right. After decades on the road and on the water competing full time, it feels like the right time for a professional pivot, one that will open the doors to more opportunities and even bigger new creative projects while also allowing more time with my family. I want to be very clear that this is NOT a step back, it’s a step forward! It’s not retirement, it’s just a shift in priorities. Starting in 2027, I will continue with some competitive fishing trails, but with fewer weeks spent traveling and competing full time. I’ll be able to invest more time, more energy, and more focus into content creation, storytelling, live programing and meaningful brand partnerships than ever before. Between our existing platforms like Ike Live, Going Ike and Ike In The Shop; the work we’re doing through Professional Edge Fishing, Inc., and the return of City Limits Fishing, we already have a ton of exciting new initiatives underway.
The multi-year agreement reinforces Yamaha’s deep-rooted commitment to competitive fishing and its investment in anglers at every level — from youth and grassroots participation to the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series and the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour. Yamaha outboards are a trusted presence across Bassmaster events, powering anglers who rely on performance, reliability and efficiency in demanding tournament environments.
“B.A.S.S.’s reach, from high-school and grass-roots circuit events all the way to the Elite Series and Classic, embodies the passion and community that define bass fishing,” said Ben Speciale, President, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “The quality of competition, the connection to anglers of all ages and the role B.A.S.S. plays in growing participation across the country align perfectly with Yamaha’s commitment to delivering exceptional performance and experiences on the water. Together, we’re helping strengthen the sport at every level and inspiring the next generation of anglers.”
The Vanquish MagnumLite spinning reel is designed for anglers who demand ultimate sensitivity, responsiveness, and start-stop precision. Vanquish excels across various presentations, techniques, and especially any scenario where micro-control makes the difference between a cast and a connection with your bait.
“Vanquish gives anglers an immediate connection to their presentation,” said Kade Gewanter, Freshwater Marketing Manager at Shimano North America Fishing. “Its lightness and balance make it feel like an extension of the rod, while the INFINITY-series technologies deliver strength and line management.”
Annual entry fee for 2026 is $100 per participating angler.
Registered anglers must fish from their own warranty-registered Lund Boat and
be classified as a single participant in the Lund contingency program.
All registered anglers will receive:
- Official Champion’s Club hat
- Champion's Club Decal