If you look over the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings for the 2025 Bassmaster Elite Series tournaments thus far, you’ll have to scroll far down the list to see my name sitting there in 83rd place. With only one event left in the season, I’m too far below the 2026 Bassmaster Classic cutline to be on the roster for bass fishing’s premier event.
It has been an unusually tough year for me, and I can’t put a finger on exactly why. But I still have a chance to qualify for the Classic at the final Elite tournament on the mighty Mississippi River at La Crosse, Wis.
Thankfully, B.A.S.S. rewards the winner of that event with a Bassmaster Classic berth. Despite all the mishaps, lost fish and bad luck this year, I can save my season by winning that tournament.
I’ve competed in several events on the Mississippi River since becoming an Elite Series angler in 2012. A few tournaments didn’t go well, but I’ve had mainly good finishes there. I learned a ton about the Mississippi at those events, including the techniques that can win on that river system. I can count them on one hand.
My California Delta background
As with any river system, conditions on the Mississippi are in a constant state of flux. The water level, water clarity and current speed are just some of the factors that can change from week to week and even day to day.
I grew up learning how to deal with these challenges by fishing the California Delta. The Elite event on the Mississippi will be a “water reader’s tournament.” Anglers who are good at reading the water, particularly how the current affects the vegetation, will have a leg up on the competition.
Many past Elite winners on the Mississippi have been river rats who are excellent grass fishermen. I’m a confirmed river rat thanks to cutting my teeth on the diverse California Delta during my first 10 years as a bass addict.
A few days before official practice started for the Mississippi tournament, which takes place on pools 7, 8 and 9, I fished Pools 5 and 6. I had only three rods on the deck of my Nitro; fast-moving jigs, frogs and punching rigs. Those techniques can produce the 20-pound bags needed to win on the Mississippi.
Staying focused
The Mississippi is absolutely loaded with 2- and 3-pound bass. During the official practice days and the tournament, I’ll need to avoid the trap of going for numbers of fish that result in 15-pound limits. I have to set a goal of at least 18 pounds every single day.
The techniques capable of sacking that much weight typically don’t yield a lot of bites. That’s exactly my style of fishing. Even if I go for two hours without a bite, I’ll have to bear down and stick with baits and techniques that consistently catch bigger bass.
I intend to be on the water from sunup to sundown on all three official practice days. I’ll spend all my time in areas I believe can produce quality bass. If I ever have thoughts about trying something sneaky or of out of the box, I must remind myself to stick to proven areas and big-fish tactics.
From past tournaments on the Mississippi, I know several locations that consistently give up big bass. I can’t get into the details about where they are now. But if I pull off a last-minute miracle and win, I’ll will be happy to share what I know.
Should I manage to hoist that coveted blue trophy, I’ll be in the 2026 Classic. Win and I’m in — that’s a heck of deal!
