Marks masters Murray for second Bassmaster Elite Series win
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| Georgia pro Paul Marks has won the Tedy's Team Bassmaster Elite at Lake Murray with a four-day total of 90 pounds, 14 ounces. (Photo: Seigo Saito/BASS) |
BASS Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Paul Marks’ day did not begin the way he’d wanted, but it ended the way he’d dreamed. The difference — a gut call that changed his trajectory and put a second blue trophy on his mantle, this one from the Tedy’s Team Bassmaster Elite at Lake Murray.
Marks, who makes his home in Cumming, Ga., highlighted his rookie season by winning the 2025 Bassmaster Elite at South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell. A little more than a year later, a four-day total of 90 pounds, 14 ounces delivered blue trophy No. 2, along with a $101,000 top prize.
“Today was just spectacular, it was one of those days you dream of,” Marks said. “Everything went perfectly.”
Speaking of perfect, Marks told Bassmaster Emcee Dave Mercer the significance of winning on May 10, 2026: “You said I needed to bring the motherlode for Mother’s Day and I did. Happy Mother’s Day, mom.”
Notably, Marks notched both of his Elite wins on “herring lakes” — water bodies where blueback herring are the dominant forage. These fast-paced baitfish greatly impact predatory behavior, most noticeably increased pelagic tendencies and decreased consistency.
Marks, who guides on Georgia’s Lake Lanier, another noted herring lake, said his deep immersion in this style of fishing prepared him for a week of changing weather and finicky fish. After Day 1 brought clouds, rain and wind, the rest of the week brought a mix of clouds, sun and varying wind, concluding with Championship Sunday’s sunny, still makeup.
Marks said a lifetime of fishing the techniques relevant to Lake Murray provided the insight he needed to effectively adjust his locations, baits and presentations based on his understanding of herring fish preference.