NSKA

2026 NSKA NWA H2 Heat & Air Lake Tenkiller Recap: Old School Grind vs. New School Tools

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The third stop of the 2026 NSKA NWA season, fueled by Eco Fishing Shop, took us to the clear, rocky waters of Lake Tenkiller on April 25th. This event marked a crucial pivot point in the season, moving away from the “no-FFS” rules of the last event and letting the “video gamers” turn their screens back on. Was that decisive to the outcome? Turns out both types of anglers were able to find success in Oklahoma on Lake Tenkiller.

Conditions were challenging, to say the least. While it was a beautiful 74°F day under post-front, mostly sunny skies, the wind was a major factor, gusting from the South all day long with gusts approaching 30 miles per hour. This wind, combined with a 5:15 AM launch time and the presence of the Oklahoma Bass Nation High School Boat Tournament on the water, made for a chaotic environment that tested the patience and stamina of the 47 anglers who launched that morning.

Jeff Mallott’s Big Bass from Lake Tenkiller

By the Numbers

  • Total Anglers: 47
  • Total Fish Caught: 235
  • Fish Per Angler: 5.00
  • Anglers with at least one fish: 94% (44 of 47)
  • Limit %: 57.7% (27 of 47 anglers brought in a 5-fish limit)

The Leaderboard (Top 10)

The competition was incredibly tight, with the top spots separated by mere fractions of an inch. Kyle Long took home his first trophy of the year for first place with 85.50″, followed by Chris Jones with 84.75″, and Levi Schneider with 84.25″ on the day. Here is how the top of the pack shook out:

  1. Kyle Long – 85.50″
  2. Chris Jones – 84.75″
  3. Levi Schneider – 84.25″
  4. Jobie Vee – 83.75″
  5. Justin Malott – 83.50″
  6. John Hall – 83.50″
  7. William Atchison – 83.25″
  8. Dwain Batey – 82.25″
  9. Jason Adams – 82.25″
  10. James Haeberle – 81.75″

Big Bass / Heavy Hitters

The Advanced Automotive Big Bass of the event belonged to Jeff Malott. He managed to trigger a beautiful 19.50″ smallmouth. Jeff reported that the fish was so aggressive it came up right beside his boat and absolutely nailed a spinnerbait.

Jeff took home $141 and a custom swimbait from GiffGlidez Custom Swimbaits for his big fish.

Lurenet Fishing Headquarters Discount

Angler Roundtable: Top 3 Q&A

As is tradition, NSKA top finishers sat around the campfire to share how their day went down. Read how Kyle, Levi and Chris made it happen!

1. Where did you launch on Tenkiller and why?

  • Kyle Long: I went to the dam. Since I don’t prefish, I didn’t have any reason to go any place in particular. I didn’t feel like fighting the wind and other boats, and I love to catch smallmouth, I figured this was my best chance for all of those things. Proved pretty true. I never saw one pleasure boat down there and only 3 other bass boats all day. It was pretty pleasant.
  • Chris Jones: I went up North to the Caney area. I was looking for dirtier water so I could try to fish shallow and faster.
  • Levi Schneider: I went to the dam because I’d done a lot of map study before hand and found lots of pre-marked offshore structure. I also noticed the distance between the dam, Pine, and Strayhorn was close enough to be able to hit all three in one day so I made the gamble.

2. What were the primary baits and techniques you used?

  • Kyle Long: I tried to make some moving baits work throughout the day. But the shakey head was the only thing I could get bit on and really only in a couple of pretty specific areas. I moved into the wind to try and upgrade but still nothing and really not much action on anything other than in my best spots.
  • Chris Jones: I used a popper, buzzbait, chatterbait and a spinnerbait. All my keepers were on the buzzbait.
  • Levi Schneider: I lost one early on a pink spook and also had some missed opportunities on a Chad Shad but ultimately ended up catching every fish on a shatter glass Nichols Flutter Spoon once the sun came out.

3. What was the key decision you made that made a difference?

  • Kyle Long: Since I had planned to be down there a good portion of the day, I probably stayed in one spot way more than I normally would and really broke down the area. Missed my first bite of the day and caught almost back to back 17.5 and 15.75 early on a little point which helped me stay around even longer than normal. Then I found another little ledge and caught a couple of 17.25” fish which made me bounce back and forth between these two spots for the first 5 hours since nothing else was working and I was pretty much alone.
  • Chris Jones: Early in the morning I had a few 12-13” fish on a popper but I got it hung up and wrapped around a tree. When I went over and got the limb broken off I was untangling the line and a fish busted up the bank and so I grabbed a buzzbait and threw down there and in 1 second my biggest fish of the day hammered it and then that’s the go to for me anytime I found shad activity. There was shad spawning back there and I got a lot of short strikes and swipes at it but I just kept with it knowing the bigger fish would bite it. Once I got out to clear(ish) water I saw fry all over the place and caught 2 to cull out some small ones and the other 18” fish to get me into second.
  • Levi Schneider: My most important fish was my 19.25” around 2 PM. It was nothing crazy I had just happen to find this unmarked brush pile I’d say around 9-10 AM. When I came back around 2 there was a group of largemouth that had pulled up on the brush pile and they were actually willing to eat.

4. How much did you watch the leaderboard throughout the day?

  • Kyle Long: I looked a couple times once I had 82” early just to see where I was. When I culled up to 85.5” I looked again but as the day went on and I stopped culling, I stopped looking. I was too nervous lol. I usually don’t even look unless I feel like I’m doing really good or really bad.
  • Chris Jones: I’m wishy washy on the leaderboard. If I’m struggling I look to see if anyone else is. If I’m doing well I often assume everyone else is so I don’t look to add pressure. Standard for me is when I get 5 I submit and look and then go about my business.
  • Levi Schneider: I’m an avid leaderboard watcher for strategical purposes of influencing how I need to adjust my gameplan throughout the day. Mostly to know if I just need to keep doing what I’m doing or if I can/need to take more extreme gambles.

AOY Race Update

The consistency shown by John Hall and Seth Jones has paid massive dividends. John Hall moves into the #1 spot, but the defending AOY champion Levi Schneider is making a statement, vaulting into the Top 3 with this 3rd-place finish.

Ketch Angler of the Year Race: Grind or Go Home

Three events are now complete, and the grind is beginning to show who has the stamina for a season-long hunt. Consistency isn’t just a trend; it is the entire rulebook in multi-event trails, and right now, John Hall is writing it.

John Hall solidified his top spot with another stout performance (95 pts) at Tenkiller. He leads the field with a total of 286 points, proving that avoiding the dreaded ‘bomb’ event is more valuable than any single trophy when points are totaled. He leads Tyler Zengerle and Justin Malott, who are both within striking distance at 277 points.

The Chase is On: Points-and-Trend Breakdown

Kyle Long leveraged his win (100 pts) at Tenkiller to rocket into the Top 10, now sitting at 6th place with 272 points. Jobie Vee used his fishing skills to land his monster 97-point rookie performance, moving himself firmly into 18th place.

Meanwhile, the defending champion, Levi Schneider (276 pts), is creeping back into the top conversation, sitting in 4th place after his third-place Tenkiller finish (98 pts).

The gap between Hall and 6th place (Long) is just 14 points. This race is wide open, and with the ‘drop’ factor still in play, the next couple of events will completely scramble this entire leaderboard.

20 different anglers have at least one score in the 90s, while 8 have two scores in the 90s, and only John Hall has all three in the 90s!

Heavy Hitters Standings

Arvest Heavy Hitters: Hammer Time

The Arvest Heavy Hitters race isn’t a grind; it is a shootout. This competition tallies the biggest individual fish from each tournament, rewarding explosive size over a solid average.

Jason Adams continues to hold the #1 position with a combined total of 56.50 inches. He built this lead with a consistent average across all three lakes, refusing to take a zero in the kicker department. Levi Schneider follows in 2nd place with 55.50 inches, demonstrating he has both the consistency for AOY and the big-stick potential for Heavy Hitters.

The key to winning Heavy Hitters is to stack in big ones early. So far the giants haven’t come out to play in big numbers. We have four anglers with a 20 inch fish, and only 3 others with a 19 or above. There is a lot of runway for other anglers to make a move. Nobody has a strangle hold on things yet.

Fishing Baits & Tips

NSKA Tenkiller Preview: What History Tells Us for This Saturday’s Tournament

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Natural State Kayak Anglers heads back to Lake Tenkiller this Saturday, May 16. It’s a stop most anglers know well, but it’s also one that rarely fishes easy. The results over the past few years show a lake that is consistent—but also tight—when it comes to the leaderboard. This year’s H2 Heat & Air Lake Tenkiller bass tournament is setting up to be a smash-fest!

If you look at the last four events, the winning totals were 89.50, 86.75, 87.25, and 88.25 inches. That’s a narrow range, and it gives a pretty clear benchmark for what it usually takes to win here in May.

What does it take to win a bass fishing tournament on Lake Tenkiller in May?

To win on Tenkiller in May, many anglers typically need:

  • A five-fish limit totaling 86–90 inches
  • Targeting a mix of shallow and transition fish
  • Fishing secondary points, rock, and nearby depth
  • Using moving baits early and slowing down to upgrade

Spring setup on Tenkiller

Mid-May on Tenkiller almost always puts anglers in a transition. Some fish are still shallow, especially around pockets, cover, and protected areas. At the same time, a good portion of the population has already started moving out to main lake or deeper water.

Those fish tend to show up on secondary points, rock, and the first drop just outside spawning areas.

It’s also worth remembering that Tenkiller is a mixed fishery. Largemouth are still the primary player for most anglers, especially shallow. Smallmouth tend to factor more on rock and clearer water, particularly on the lower end. Spotted bass aren’t usually the headline, but they can fill out a limit when things get tough.

Because of that mix, there’s rarely just one pattern or one area that dominates the entire field in a Lake Tenkiller bass tournament.

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Weather outlook

Right now, the forecast for Saturday looks like a fairly typical spring setup. Morning temperatures should start in the upper 60s, with highs reaching into the 80s.

Cloud cover is expected early, with a chance of storms later in the day.

That combination usually puts more weight on the early part of the day. Anglers who can take advantage of the morning window may be able to build a stronger starting limit before conditions shift.

Kayak fishing Tenkiller Lake Tenkiller bass tournament

Past NSKA Lake Tenkiller bass tournament results

2025

The 2025 event was won with 88.25 inches. Second and third both came in at 82.75, and the top 10 cut was 77.25.

There’s a noticeable gap between first and the rest of the field. That points to one angler finding a better quality pattern, not just catching more fish.

At the same time, the group from second through tenth was fairly tight. A lot of anglers found fish, but the difference came down to upgrades. That’s been a recurring theme.

2024

In 2024, the winning total was 87.25 inches, followed by 84.50 and 84.25. The top 10 cut landed right at 80 inches, and big bass measured 20 inches.

This event had more depth from top to bottom. It took a full limit of quality fish just to stay near the top of the standings.

Various parts of the lake showed up again as a productive area, and the data suggests that multiple parts of the lake were in play. The big bass helped, but the leaderboard was built more on consistency than one standout fish.

2023

The 2023 event was one of the closest finishes. First place came in at 86.75, second at 86.25, and third at 86.00. The top 10 cut reached 83.50.

Less than an inch separated the top three. In a Lake Tenkiller bass tournament, that usually means the lake was fishing well across the board.

Multiple anglers found quality fish, and small differences—missed bites, lost fish, or a single upgrade—likely made the difference in the final standings.

2022

In 2022, the winning total reached 89.50 inches. Second place had 88.00, and third had 87.75. The top 10 cut was 80.25, and big bass went 20.75.

This was the strongest showing of the four years in terms of overall numbers for an NSKA Lake Tenkiller bass tournament.

Even with higher totals, it was still tight at the top. That event also showed how much a big fish can help—but it still took a full, balanced limit to win.

Kayak fishing Lake Tenkiller bass tournament

Across these four events, the pattern is consistent. Winning takes something in the upper 80s. A limit around 80 can keep you in the mix, but it usually won’t be enough to contend for the top spot.

This is not a lake where one lucky fish carries the day. It’s usually about putting together five solid fish and finding ways to improve that limit.

Different anglers have been successful in different areas, but the approach tends to look similar. Start shallow, then adjust. Use moving baits to locate fish, and slow down when it’s time to upgrade.

For kayak anglers, that matters even more. You’re often working within a smaller area, so finding something repeatable is key.

Areas to watch

Chicken Creek continues to be one of the more consistent areas on the lake. It has a mix of pockets, structure, and nearby depth, and it has shown up in multiple events.

Mid-lake areas like Burnt Cabin, Elk Creek, Snake Creek, Six Shooter, and Sizemore Landing and surrounding areas set up in a similar way. They give anglers access to both shallow and transition fish without having to move far.

The lower end near the dam can also be a factor, especially for anglers looking for clearer water or targeting smallmouth and spotted bass.

The river end is more dependent on conditions. If the water color is right, it can produce a lot of shallow largemouth.

What to expect this Saturday

The most likely setup is a split pattern.

Some anglers will get bit shallow early, especially if the cloud cover sticks around. As the day goes on, the better fish may come from secondary points, rock, or the first drop outside spawning areas.

The anglers who recognize that shift—and make the right move at the right time—should have the best chance to separate.

Predictions

Winning total: around 88 to 89 inches
Big bass: around 20 inches

Projected top three:
1st: 88.50
2nd: 87.75
3rd: 85.75

What are the best baits for bass fishing on Lake Tenkiller in May?

The most effective baits for Tenkiller in May typically include:

  • Spinnerbaits for covering shallow water and windy banks
  • Chatterbaits for active fish around rock and transition areas
  • Topwater lures during low light periods
  • Smaller baits like Ned rigs and other finesses lures
  • Jigs for fishing structure and upgrading fish

Final thought

Tenkiller tends to reward anglers who stay flexible.

The numbers show that it takes a full, quality limit to compete, and usually a few upgrades to win. Most years, the difference comes down to small decisions and execution.

That’s likely to be the case again this weekend.

2025 NSKA NWA Lake Tenkiller Recap / AOY / Heavy Hitters
Reviews

P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon Review: Why This Line Is My Go-To After Years of Testing

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After several years of putting P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon through everything from delicate drop-shot presentations to aggressive flipping, I can confidently say this line has earned its permanent spot on my reels. While the fluorocarbon market is crowded with premium options, P-Line Tactical stands out for reasons that matter most to serious bass anglers.

First Impressions: What Sets P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon Apart

The fluorocarbon market is saturated with brands claiming superior performance. However, after spooling up multiple reels with various weights, the differences became apparent within the first few fishing trips.

The line feels substantially different in your hands compared to stiffer alternatives like Seaguar AbrazX or Berkley Vanish. Moreover, the suppleness doesn’t sacrifice the backbone you need for power fishing applications.

P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon spools showing different pound test weights for bass fishing

Line Weight Recommendations for Bass Fishing Applications

Finesse Techniques (6-10 lb test)

For drop-shot, ned rigs, and shaky heads, P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon in 6-8 pound test delivers exceptional sensitivity. The line transmits bottom composition changes clearly while maintaining enough strength for hook sets. Furthermore, the 8-pound test handles most finesse situations without being overkill for spooky fish.

When targeting suspended bass with finesse presentations, 10-pound test provides the perfect balance. Additionally, this weight works excellently for light Carolina rigs in clear water situations where line visibility matters most.

‘Single Hook’ Applications (12-15 lb test)

For what I call ‘single hook’ baits, they require specific line characteristics that P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon delivers consistently. The 12-pound test works perfectly for standard Texas rigs, jigs, as well as swimbaits, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, and swim jigs.

15-pound test offers the backbone needed for aggressive fish. Consequently, you can fish with confidence around cover without worrying about break-offs during explosive strikes.

Power Fishing (15-20 lb test)

Heavy jigs, giant worm texas rigs, and flipping require serious line strength. P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon in 17-20 pound test handles most power fishing scenarios effectively. The line’s abrasion resistance shines when dragging jigs through rocky structure or punching through vegetation.

Superior Knot Strength: Real-World Performance

Knot reliability separates good fluorocarbon from exceptional fluorocarbon. P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon consistently outperforms competitors in this critical area. Over countless fishing trips, I’ve experienced fewer break-offs at knots compared to previous fluorocarbon lines.

Recommended Knots for P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon

Palomar Knot: This remains my go-to for most applications. The double line through the hook eye creates exceptional strength with P-Line Tactical. Additionally, this knot maintains approximately 90% of the line’s rated strength when tied correctly. This is the one I use the most, by far.

Improved Clinch Knot: For finesse applications with smaller hooks, the improved clinch knot works perfectly. The line’s suppleness allows clean knot formation without the stiffness issues that plague other fluorocarbons.

FG Knot: When connecting P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon leaders to braided mainlines, the FG knot creates an incredibly strong connection. This combination provides the best of both worlds for various fishing situations.

Casting Performance That Changes Everything

Casting performance often gets overlooked in fluorocarbon reviews, yet it’s crucial for fishing success. P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon casts significantly better than stiffer alternatives like Sunline Super FC Sniper or Gamma Edge.

The line flows off spinning reels with minimal memory, reducing frustrating wind knots that plague other fluorocarbons. Moreover, baitcasting applications benefit from the line’s manageable characteristics, especially in cooler weather when other fluorocarbons become unruly.

Best Bait Pairings for P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon

Drop Shot Rigs

Roboworms, Zoom Finesse Worms, and other drop-shot plastics work exceptionally well with 6-8 pound P-Line Tactical. The line’s sensitivity enhances subtle bite detection while providing enough strength for solid hooksets.

Jig Fishing

Football jigs, casting jigs, and swim jigs paired with Tactical Fluoro creates an unbeatable combination. Furthermore, the line’s abrasion resistance prevents break-offs when fish dive into cover after hookup.

Texas Rigged Soft Plastics

Creature baits, worms, and beaver-style baits work perfectly with 12-17 pound test. The fluorocarbon’s invisibility gives these presentations a natural appearance that draws more strikes in clear water.

Comparison to Leading Competitors

While Seaguar InvizX offers excellent invisibility, it lacks the casting performance of P-Line Tactical. Similarly, Berkley Vanish provides good strength but suffers from memory issues that P-Line Tactical avoids.

Sunline Super FC Sniper delivers outstanding abrasion resistance but feels considerably stiffer, making it less versatile for finesse applications. In contrast, P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon maintains excellent abrasion resistance while remaining manageable across all techniques.

Durability and Value Proposition

After extensive use, P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon maintains its properties longer than many competitors. The line resists nicking and abrading, extending its usable life significantly. Additionally, the price point makes it accessible for anglers who want premium performance without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts: Why P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon Earned My Trust

Three years of intensive testing across various bass fishing scenarios have proven P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon’s superiority. The combination of strength, castability, and knot reliability creates a fluorocarbon line that simply performs when it matters most.

Whether you’re finessing pressured bass in gin-clear water or flipping heavy cover for aggressive fish, P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon delivers consistent results. The line has become my standard for fluorocarbon performance, and I recommend it without hesitation to serious bass anglers seeking a reliable upgrade.

Mastering BFS: Unlock the Power of Bait Finesse System for Bass Fishing
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Bass Fishing Main Lake: When to Choose Deep Structure Over Creek Arms

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Understanding bass fishing main lake versus creek strategies can dramatically improve your catch rates. While creek arms offer obvious advantages, mastering main lake patterns separates successful anglers from those struggling to find consistent fish.

Main lake bass fishing focuses on primary structure like points, humps, and deep ledges connected to the main body of water. However, knowing when to abandon creek fishing for main lake opportunities requires understanding seasonal transitions and fish behavior patterns.

Why Bass Fishing Main Lake Dominates Certain Seasons

During spring transition, bass fishing main lake areas provides several key advantages over creek fishing. First, main lake structure holds larger concentrations of staging bass preparing for spawning activities. Additionally, these areas offer more predictable seasonal movements as bass follow established migration routes.

Furthermore, main lake areas typically maintain more stable water conditions compared to creek arms that fluctuate with weather changes. Consequently, bass fishing main lake locations often produces larger average fish sizes due to deeper water sanctuaries and abundant forage.

Seasonal Strategies: Main Lake vs Creek Timing

Early Spring (Water 45-55°F)

Initially, bass fishing main lake requires targeting deep structure in 15-25 feet of water. Meanwhile, creek arms may seem appealing due to slightly warmer temperatures, but main lake points hold concentrated schools of lethargic bass.

On lakes like Table Rock and Beaver Lake, focus on main lake points where creek channels intersect deeper water. Similarly, Tenkiller’s main lake humps produce better early spring results than shallow creek arms.

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Peak Spring Transition (Water 55-65°F)

As spring progresses, bass fishing main lake becomes even more critical. During this period, bass use main lake structure as highways between winter sanctuaries and spawning areas. Moreover, main lake points adjacent to creek mouths create perfect ambush locations.

Subsequently, target transitional areas where main lake structure meets spawning flats. These locations concentrate bass during their most aggressive feeding periods before spawning activities begin.

Post-Spawn Period (Water 65°F+)

After spawning, bass fishing main lake excels because exhausted bass seek deep water recovery areas. Unlike creek arms that may lack sufficient depth, main lake structure provides immediate access to deeper sanctuaries.

Additionally, post-spawn bass often school on main lake humps and points, making them easier to locate than scattered creek fish. Therefore, focus your efforts on main lake areas during summer transition periods.

Proven Bass Fishing Main Lake Baits and Techniques

Deep Water Presentations

For bass fishing main lake structure effectively, use football head jigs in 1/2 to 3/4 ounce sizes. These baits excel on rocky main lake points common on Table Rock and Beaver Lake. Furthermore, brown and green pumpkin colors match natural crawfish found around main lake structure.

Carolina rigs also dominate bass fishing main lake scenarios, particularly on deeper humps and ledges. Use 1/2 to 1 ounce weights with 18-24 inch leaders to cover expansive main lake flats efficiently.

Transitional Area Tactics

Medium diving crankbaits prove essential for bass fishing main lake points and channel swings. Specifically, target 8-15 foot depths where bass stage during seasonal movements. Natural shad patterns work exceptionally well on clear lakes like Tenkiller.

Drop shot rigs excel when bass fishing main lake suspended over deep structure. This technique particularly shines on main lake humps where bass hold at specific depths above bottom structure.

Advanced Main Lake Location Strategies

Successful bass fishing main lake requires understanding structure relationships. Look for main lake points that intersect creek channels, creating depth and cover combinations. These areas concentrate bass during multiple seasonal periods.

Additionally, focus on main lake humps with quick access to spawning areas. Bass use these structures as staging areas before and after spawning activities. On Beaver Lake, underwater humps between major creek arms consistently hold bass throughout spring.

Moreover, target main lake ledges and channel drops that provide thermal refuges. These areas become critical during temperature fluctuations when creek areas become too unstable.

Kayak-Specific Main Lake Considerations

Bass fishing main lake from kayaks presents unique challenges and opportunities. Initially, main lake areas expose you to larger waves and weather changes compared to protected creek arms. Therefore, always monitor weather conditions closely and plan escape routes to protected areas.

However, kayaks offer stealth advantages when bass fishing main lake structure. Your quiet approach prevents spooking bass on main lake points that receive heavy boat traffic. Additionally, kayaks allow precise positioning over specific structure that larger boats cannot access effectively.

Fishing Tips

Bass Fishing Secondary Points in Spring: Hidden Structure for Big Bass

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When bass fishing secondary points spring season, most anglers miss the best opportunities. While everyone crowds main lake points, smart anglers target secondary points – subtle underwater ridges that hold unpressured bass during spring transitions.

Secondary points are smaller structures extending from main points or running perpendicular to shorelines. During spring, these areas become critical staging zones as bass move from deep winter locations toward spawning areas.

bass fishing secondary points spring

Why Secondary Points Dominate Spring Bass Fishing

Bass fishing secondary points spring success comes from understanding fish behavior. Unlike main points that drop quickly into deep water, secondary points offer gradual depth changes perfect for transitioning bass. These fish are aggressive feeders positioned to ambush baitfish using the same migration routes.

Therefore, secondary points receive less pressure because they’re harder to identify than obvious main lake structures. This means more opportunities for consistent catches when other anglers struggle.

Types of Secondary Points for Spring Bass

Finger Ridges: Narrow underwater ridges extending from shorelines into deeper water, typically found in creek arms and secondary coves.

Saddle Points: Areas connecting two ridges, especially transition zones where bass stage during spring movement patterns.

Inside Turn Points: Points facing protected coves that warm faster in spring and concentrate baitfish.

Hump Extensions: Small ridges running off main lake humps, receiving minimal fishing pressure.

Creek Channel Points: Inside bends where old creek channels turn, combining depth, structure, and current flow.

Finding Secondary Points with Electronics

Successful bass fishing secondary points spring requires proper electronics use. Such as side imaging that reveals underwater ridges invisible from the surface. Look for subtle depth variations and bottom composition changes indicating secondary structure.

Down imaging helps understand exact bottom composition and locate specific targets like stumps or rocks. Study contour maps carefully – secondary points appear as subtle extensions in depth lines where multiple contours converge.

Best Baits for Bass Fishing Secondary Points Spring

Jigs

Jigs excel for bass fishing secondary points spring because of their versatility. Use 1/2 oz football head jigs, like a War Eagle Pro, with craw trailers on rocky secondary points, or 3/8 oz flipping jigs around wood and vegetation. Green pumpkin, brown/orange, and black/blue are proven colors. Jigs work multiple depths and handle various bottom compositions perfectly.

Carolina Rig

The Carolina rig dominates deeper secondary points where bass stage before moving shallow. Therefore, ig 1/2 to 3/4 oz weights with 18-24 inch leaders tied to 3/0 or 4/0 hooks. Soft plastics like YUM lizards, brush hogs, or creature baits in natural colors work best. Carolina rigs excel at fishing deeper edges where larger bass often stage.

Medium Diving Crankbaits

Medium diving crankbaits like a Bandit 200 series cover water efficiently on secondary points. Choose running depths matching your secondary point depth – typically 6-12 feet in spring. Natural shad patterns work in clear water, while chartreuse/blue or fire tiger produce in stained conditions.

Kayak-Specific Secondary Point Strategies

Bass fishing secondary points spring from kayaks offers unique advantages. Your stealth allows quiet approaches that don’t spook fish. Approach from deep water and work shallow, using your paddle as an anchor in soft bottom.

Cast parallel to secondary point edges rather than straight at them. This keeps baits in strike zones longer and appears more natural to staged bass. Your lower profile enables casting angles impossible from larger boats.

Mount fish finders where you can see them while paddling and fishing. Drop waypoints immediately when marking fish or structure – secondary points can be subtle and difficult to relocate.

Timing Your Secondary Point Approach

Early Morning: Start with medium diving crankbaits to cover water and locate active fish in low light conditions.

Mid-Day: Switch to jigs and Carolina rigs as bass move to deeper edges. Work slowly as fish become less aggressive in bright conditions.

Late Afternoon: Return to crankbaits as bass move up to feed during changing light conditions.

Seasonal Timing for Maximum Success

Early Spring (45-55°F): Focus on deeper secondary points in 12-18 feet. Bass are staging but not committed to moving shallow. Carolina rigs and slow jigs produce best.

Mid-Spring (55-65°F): Prime time for bass fishing secondary points spring. Bass actively use these areas as highways to spawning locations. All three baits can produce depending on conditions.

Late Spring (65°F+): Secondary points become holding areas for post-spawn bass recovering from spawning stress. Target points with deeper water access where bass can quickly escape pressure.

Putting It All Together

Success with bass fishing secondary points spring requires systematic approach and patience. Start by studying electronics and maps to identify potential areas. Once on water, begin with medium diving crankbaits to cover water and locate active fish.

When you contact bass, slow down and work the area thoroughly with jigs and Carolina rigs. Pay attention to specific depth ranges and bottom composition where fish are holding – this pattern often repeats on similar secondary points throughout your fishing area.

Remember that secondary points shine brightest during spring transition periods. While other anglers fight crowds on obvious structure, you’ll be catching bass from overlooked areas that receive minimal pressure.

The key to consistent bass fishing secondary points spring success is understanding that these subtle structures serve as highways for moving bass. Position yourself to intercept these fish during their spring movements, and you’ll discover some of the most productive and underutilized fishing spots on any lake.

Secondary points represent the perfect combination of fish-holding structure and low fishing pressure. Master these techniques, and you’ll have a significant advantage during spring bass fishing season.

Carolina Rig Summer Bass Fishing Setup
Fishing Tips

Flipping Lily Pads from a Kayak: How to Work Heavy Cover Without Getting Stuck

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There’s something about lily pad fishing that gets every bass angler fired up. Maybe it’s the visual – knowing bass are lurking under that green canopy. Or maybe it’s the challenge of getting your bait through the slop without losing half your tackle box.

Flipping lily pads from a kayak becomes a whole different game. You’re sitting low to the water, working tight spaces, and dealing with cover that can turn into a nightmare if you don’t have the right approach.

Flipping lily pads from a kayak kayakfishingfocus.com

Why Lily Pads Hold Bass

Bass use lily pads the same way we use umbrellas – they provide shade, cover, and ambush points. The stems create structure underneath, and the canopy blocks sunlight while providing oxygen. During summer months, lily pads become bass magnets because they offer everything fish need: cover, food, and cooler water temperatures.

The key is understanding that not all lily pad areas are created equal. You want to find edges, pockets, and transitions rather than just bombing casts into the thickest stuff you can find.

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Setup for Flipping Lily Pads from a Kayak

Rod Selection A 7-foot heavy action flipping stick minimum. I prefer 7’3″ or 7’6″ for the extra leverage when pulling fish out of cover. From a seated position in a kayak, that extra length helps with hook sets and keeping fish from diving back into the pads.

Line Choice Straight 17-25 lb fluorocarbon or 50-65 lb braid. Forget about leader setups – you need the strength to horse bass out of cover. Fluorocarbon gives you better abrasion resistance against stems, while braid cuts through vegetation better. My preferred brand for line is P-Line – for both fluoro or braid.

Reel Considerations High-speed retrieve reel, 7:1 gear ratio or higher. When a bass hits in the pads, you need to get them moving toward open water immediately.

Bait Selection That Actually Works

Beaver-Style Baits YUM Wooly Bug, or similar style baits. These baits push water, have good bulk, and the appendages create action even on a slow fall. Rig them Texas style with a 1/2 to 3/4 oz tungsten weight.

Creature Baits YUM Christie Critter or similar designs work well when bass want something with more subtle action. The key is matching bait size to cover thickness – heavier cover needs bigger baits.

Color Selection Black and blue in stained water, green pumpkin in clearer conditions. When fishing thick mats, darker colors show better contrast against the green background.

Kayak Positioning and Approach

Here’s where flipping lily pads from a kayak gets tricky. You can’t just paddle into the middle of a pad field and start flipping. The vegetation will grab your paddle, spin your kayak, and turn the whole experience into a wrestling match.

Work the Edges First Start on the outside edges and work your way in. Look for natural openings, creek channels that cut through the pads, or areas where the cover breaks up. These transition zones hold the most active fish.

Use Wind to Your Advantage Let the wind push you along the edge rather than fighting it with constant paddle corrections. This keeps you quieter and lets you focus on fishing instead of boat control.

Anchor Points In thicker cover, use the vegetation itself as an anchor. Grab a handful of stems to hold position, make your casts, then move to the next spot. Don’t try to paddle through – work with the cover.

Presentation Techniques

The Flip and Rip Method Make short, accurate flips into pockets and openings. Let the bait fall, give it a couple twitches, then rip it back out if nothing happens. Don’t waste time working dead water.

Punching Through When you need to get through the mat, use a heavier weight (1 oz or more) and punch straight down. Let it fall to the bottom, work it a few times, then bring it back up. Bass often hit on the fall or as the bait breaks back through the surface.

Walking the Edges Focus on irregular edges where the pads meet open water. Bass use these transition areas as highways. Work parallel to the edge, hitting every pocket and indentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Fighting Fish in the Pads The biggest mistake is trying to finesse a bass out of heavy cover. When you get bit, lean into that fish immediately. Get their head up and moving toward open water. Hesitate for even a second, and they’ll wrap you around every stem in the area.

Ignoring Water Depth Not all lily pads are created equal. Focus on areas where the pads grow in 3-8 feet of water rather than the shallow stuff. Deeper pads usually hold bigger fish and more of them.

Reading Lily Pad Water

The best lily pad areas have variation. Look for:

  • Depth changes along the edge
  • Creek channels cutting through the pads
  • Areas where the pads thin out or thicken up
  • Points and pockets in the vegetation line
  • Isolated patches separated from the main pad field

When to Fish Lily Pads

Early morning and late evening produce the best action, but don’t ignore midday fishing. Bass often move tighter to cover during bright conditions, making them easier targets for flipping presentations.

Overcast days can turn lily pad fishing into an all-day affair. The low light conditions keep bass active and feeding throughout the pad edges.

Making the Most of Limited Time

From a kayak, you can’t cover as much water as a bass boat, so efficiency matters. Pick one section of pads and work it thoroughly rather than bouncing around. Spend 15-20 minutes in an area before moving on.

Focus on the highest percentage spots first – edges, points, and openings. Save the experimental fishing for when you’ve worked the obvious stuff.

Bringing It All Together

Flipping lily pads from a kayak takes practice, but once you dial it in, it becomes one of the most productive techniques in your arsenal. The ability to get into areas that bigger boats can’t reach, combined with the stealth advantage of a kayak, gives you access to bass that rarely see lures.

Start with the basics – heavy gear, the right baits, and smart positioning. Work the edges before diving into thick cover. And remember, when you get bit in the pads, there’s no such thing as being too aggressive on the hookset.

The explosion of a bass coming through lily pads never gets old. Neither does the satisfaction of pulling a 4-pounder out of cover that looked impossible to fish.

Get out there and flip some pads. Your biggest bass of the season might be sitting under the next patch of green.

Looking for quality flipping gear that can handle heavy cover? Check out Lurenet.com for tackle that’s built to last – and don’t forget to use code KINCY15 for 15% off your order.

Spring Bass Flipping: Target Shallow Cover for Spawning Bass
Fishing Tips

Best Kayak Fishing Baits for May: 5 Proven Bass Catchers for Spring

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May bass fishing from a kayak is something special. Water temps are hitting that sweet spot. Post-spawn bass are settling into summer patterns. Your kayak can sneak into shallow coves where the action heats up. After spending countless mornings paddling Ozark highland reservoirs, I’ve figured out which spring bass fishing baits actually work from the kayak seat.

These aren’t just random tackle box suggestions – these are the baits that have consistently put bass in my kayak during May fishing season, year after year.

kayak fishing baits for May

1. Yum Dinger (Wacky Rigged Senko Style)

This plastic worm dominates my May kayak fishing for one simple reason – it catches bass when nothing else will. The Yum Dinger’s slow fall drives lethargic post-spawn bass crazy, especially in 3-6 feet of water around shallow cover.

From a kayak, you can position yourself right over productive spots without spooking fish. I’ll wacky rig a 5-inch green pumpkin Dinger. Then, I’ll work it through submerged timber or around rocky points where bass are recovering from the spawn.

Why it works from a kayak: Easy casting from a seated position, snag-resistant, and deadly effective in the shallow water highland reservoirs where kayaks excel.

2. Texas Rigged Plastic Worm – The Reliable Producer

Sometimes the old school approach just works. When May bass get finicky – and they will – a simple Texas rigged plastic worm keeps producing. I’m talking about a basic 7-inch ribbon tail worm in watermelon or junebug, rigged with a 1/4 oz bullet weight.

The methodical presentation that kayak fishing allows makes this bait shine. You can thoroughly work every piece of cover along the shoreline. This is something harder to do from a bass boat moving at higher speeds.

Highland reservoir tip: Focus on chunk rock banks and steep points in 8-12 feet of water during late May as bass transition to summer patterns.

Discount on Lurenet, Booyah Baits, YUM baits, Rebel Lures, Great Lakes Finess, war eagle lures, great lakes finesse, Bobby Garland

3. Heddon Zara Spook – Morning Topwater Magic

Starting May mornings with topwater is non-negotiable. The Zara Spook consistently outperforms other walking baits on clear highland reservoir water. The key is using a 7-foot rod minimum to get proper leverage for that walk-the-dog action from a seated position.

Early May mornings, when water temps hit 65-70 degrees, this bait triggers explosive strikes in shallow coves and around spawning flats.

Kayak advantage: You can follow moving schools of bass and work topwater baits in tight spaces where larger boats can’t maneuver.

4. Spinnerbait – The Search Bait

A 3/8 oz white spinnerbait with double willow blades covers water efficiently when you need to locate active May bass. This bait works around cover without constant hang-ups and adapts to different retrieve speeds as you work along structure.

In highland reservoirs, slow roll it over submerged timber in 6-10 feet of water. Or burn it past shallow rock piles during low-light periods.

Spring bass fishing tip: Chart and white spinnerbaits work well in slightly stained water after May thunderstorms.

5. Rebel Pop-R – Pocket Topwater

When the Zara Spook isn’t triggering strikes, switch to the Pop-R’s different action. This popping topwater bait excels in tight pockets and around shallow structure where post-spawn bass might be guarding fry.

The smaller profile works great from a kayak because you can make accurate casts to specific targets without overwhelming smaller areas with a massive surface disturbance. When considering the top kayak fishing baits for May, a Pop-R has to be in the list!

May Kayak Bass Fishing Strategy

Water temperature matters: Target 65-75 degree water for the most active bass. Use a fish finder or water thermometer to locate the right zones.

Structure focus: Creek channels, rocky points, and shallow flats near deeper water hold the most May bass on highland reservoirs.

Time of day: Start with topwater at dawn, transition to slower presentations as the sun gets higher.

Get Out There and Make It Happen

Here’s the thing about May bass fishing – you can read every article and watch every video, but none of it matters until you get that kayak on the water. May is hands down one of the best months to be paddling around highland reservoirs, chasing bass that are active and predictable.

Start simple. Grab a pack of Yum Dingers, tie on a spinnerbait, and hit the water early. Don’t overthink it. Some of my best May days happened when I stuck with just one or two baits and really focused on working them right.

The beauty of kayak fishing this time of year? Even when the bass aren’t cooperating, you’re still out there learning the water, finding new spots, and getting better at reading what the fish are telling you.

Water’s warming up, bass are moving shallow, and your kayak can get you places other anglers can’t reach.

Time to make it count.

Ready to gear up for your next kayak fishing trip? Check out Lurenet.com for quality tackle that actually works – and don’t forget to use code KINCY15 for 15% off your order.

Fishing Tips

Spring Bass Flipping: Target Shallow Cover for Spawning Bass

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That chilly spring morning reminded me why flipping shallow cover remains one of my favorite techniques for targeting pre-spawn and spawning bass. The 19-inch largemouth that crushed my YUM creature bait didn’t just happen by accident – it was the result of understanding spring bass behavior and putting the right presentation in the right place when spring bass flipping. Originally posted on Instagram as part of my Throwback Thursday series

Spring Bass Flipping

Why Spring Flipping Works

When water temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s, bass migrate from deeper winter spots toward shallow spawning areas. This creates incredible opportunities for anglers who understand where to look and how to present their baits.

Spring bass concentrate around specific shallow cover types: fallen trees, boat docks, brush piles, and rocky banks where current hits the shoreline. These areas provide protection, ambush points, and zones that warm faster than surrounding water.

Key Areas and Presentation

Target zones: Focus on laydowns, dock corners, brush piles in 3-8 feet, and rocky current breaks. Bass use these as staging areas before moving even shallower to spawn.

Bait selection: Creature baits excel for spring flipping. Their bulky profile and natural action trigger strikes from both active and neutral fish. Let the bait fall on controlled slack line, feeling for any tick or change in fall rate.

Essential gear: Heavy power rod, 17-20lb fluorocarbon line, and high gear ratio baitcaster. Heavy tackle is crucial for pulling fish out of thick cover. I use P-Line fluoro around wood, but will choose P-Line braid for heavy vegetation.

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Timing and Behavior

Bass spawn when water reaches the low to mid-60s, but start moving shallow in the upper 50s. This pre-spawn period often provides the best flipping action. Males move up first to prepare beds, followed by females – both become territorial and more likely to strike baits in their space.

Cold fronts push bass tighter to cover, making them perfect flipping targets. Don’t overlook midday periods during spring as water temperatures rise and bass become more active in shallow areas.

Gear Savings Tip

You can save on quality flipping baits like the Christie Critter at Lurenet.com using my discount code: KINCY15.

Spring flipping requires patience and precision, but understanding bass behavior and making small adjustments based on conditions leads to success. Every cast into shallow cover is an opportunity to connect with quality bass that have moved up from deeper water. Good luck this spring, especially flipping up close and hooking a big one!

Follow along on Instagram and Facebook for honest fishing reports, gear thoughts, and the occasional lesson learned the hard way. Save on quality fishing gear at Lurenet.com using discount code: KINCY15.

NSKA

2026 NSKA NWA Grime Away Table Rock West Recap: Wacky Wild West

The second stop of the 2026 NSKA NWA season, sponsored by Grime Away NWA and fueled by Eco Fishing Shop, took us to the rugged west end of Table Rock Lake on April 11th. This event threw a challenge at the field for this one: a total ban on Forward Facing Sonar (FFS). For one day, the “video gamers” had to put down the remote and pick up the old-school intuition and playing hide and seek with the bass. For those that picked up the Wacky worm rig – they had a good day.

Conditions were quintessential Ozarks spring. We saw a high of 81°F and a low of 57°F under mostly cloudy skies, with a manageable 9 mph breeze. Table Rock historically has produced a lot of bass year round, the west end showed out for those who could read transition banks without a screen telling them where to throw. It was an incredible day for fish catches!

By the Numbers

  • Total Anglers: 43
  • Total Fish Caught: 402
  • Fish Per Angler: 9.35 (Insane total, maybe an all-time high?)
  • Anglers with at least one fish: 98% (42 of 43)
  • Limit %: 93% (41 of 43 anglers brought in a limiit)

The Leaderboard (Top 10)

The competition was incredibly tight, with the top spots separated by mere fractions of an inch. Jeriamy Vann took 1st place, with Seth Jones in 2nd, and Chris Robbs in 3rd. All three had big totals! Here is how the top of the pack shook out:

  1. Jeriamy Vann – 89.75″
  2. Seth Jones – 89.50″
  3. Chris Robbs – 88.25″
  4. Justin Mallot – 85.25″
  5. Tony Sorluangsana – 85.25″
  6. John Evans – 85.00″
  7. John Hall – 84.25″
  8. Jim Hall – 84.25″
  9. Tyler Zengerle – 84.25″
  10. Maurilio Gutierrez – 84.00″

Big Bass / Heavy Hitters

The Advanced Automotive Big Bass of the event belonged to our tournament winner, Jeriamy Vann. He landed a stout 20.25″ largemouth that anchored his winning bag.

Angler Roundtable: Top 3 Q&A

Recapping the 2026 NSKA NWA Table Rock West event are your top anglers – Jeriamy, Seth, and Chris, who share with us how they caught such big bags on Table Rock Lake in April.

1. What part of Table Rock did you go to and why?

  • Jeriamy Vann: I put in at Holiday Island Marina. I picked out a couple spots during the week, but I couldn’t make my mind up, so I made the decision to go there while driving in Saturday morning.
  • Seth Jones: I went to Eagle Rock. I had planned to mark brush piles with LiveScope during pre-fishing (since FFS was banned for the event), but those spots were private or closed. I settled on Eagle Rock as my backup.
  • Chris Robbs: I fished more towards the main lake. I was familiar with the area, and my pre-fish spots didn’t give me the confidence that winning fish were there.

2. What were the primary baits and techniques?

  • Jeriamy Vann: I caught all 5 keepers on a Watermelon Candy Senko worm, wacky rigged. They were in 2 feet of water or less on 10 to 30-degree banks with gravel and chunk rock.
  • Seth Jones: I started with a wacky rig but it was too slow. I actually bought a new rod and reel specifically for crankbaits for this event and stuck with that until noon.
  • Chris Robbs: My best 5 fish all came on a custom painted topwater bait by Council Bluff Crankbaits.

3. What was a key decision that made the difference?

  • Jeriamy Vann: Keying in on the specific bank angle and rock composition. Once I found they liked that gravel/chunk mix, I just hunted similar stuff the rest of the day.
  • Seth Jones: I marked every spot I caught a fish on the crankbait, then circled back later in the day with a 2.5-inch Hula Grub. That’s when the big upgrades happened.
  • Chris Robbs: Since I hadn’t pre-fished my primary area, I decided to cover water fast until I keyed in on how they were set up. Once I found them, it was on fire.

If you read these recaps and enjoy them, please do me a favor and take advantage of my discount code KINCY15 at Lurenet.com to buy War Eagle, Booyah, YUM, Bandit, Rebel, Heddon, Bobby Garland, or many other brands. Saves you 15% and helps me out. Thank you!

Ketch Angler of the Year (Top 25 Standings)

Two events are in the books for the 2026 NSKA NWA season, and the race for the Ketch Angler of the Year is already starting to separate the grinders from the one-hit wonders. In the Ozarks, consistency is the hardest thing to catch, and the current Top 25 represents the guys who have figured out how to pivot from the clear waters of Beaver to the rugged banks of Table Rock.

Here is the official Top 25 standings as we head toward the mid-season stretch after the 2026 NSKA NWA Table Rock West tourney.

2026 Ketch Angler of the Year: Top 25 Standings

RankAnglerBeaver NorthTable Rock WestTotal Points
1Seth Jones9699195
2John Hall9794191
3Tyler Zengerle9892190
4Maurillio Guitierez9391184
5Justin Malott8497181
6Levi Schneider10078178
7Danny Dutton9286178
8Tony Sorluangsana8196177
9Jason Adams9974173
10Kyle Long9181172
11Dwain Batey8979168
12Terrill Standifer9572167
13Josh Landreth8382165
14Jim Hall7293165
15James Haeberle7390163
16Nate Higgins9464158
17Jason Kincy6889157
18John Evans6295157
19Josh Goforth8667153
20Jose Abraham Garcia8271153
21Jeff Malott7675151
22Justin Wright7180151
23Justin Smith (R)7470144
24Richard Souvanaraj5885143
25Jamie Shumate6973142

Arvest Heavy Hitters (Top 25 Standings)

While the Angler of the Year race is about the grind and building up solid point totals, the Heavy Hitters race is about monster catches. This is the hunt for your biggest individual fish of each event, where a single cast can vault an angler past the field in the totals. Do it consistently through the season and you might just become a Heavy Hitters champion.

After two stops, the leaderboard is starting to see some separation between those who find the “dinks” and those who find the “kickers.” Jason Adams sits on top after two events with a golden 21″ in his bag that is a strong advantage early in the season. Danny Dutton, Seth Jones, and Nate Higgins all have 20″ or better in their totals so far.

2026 Arvest Heavy Hitters: Top 20 Standings

RankAnglerTable Rock WestBeaver NorthTotal Inches
1Jason Adams21.00″18.00″39.00″
2Danny Dutton20.50″17.00″37.50″
3Jason Kincy18.50″19.00″37.50″
4Seth Jones17.25″20.00″37.25″
5John Hall18.25″18.25″36.50″
6Levi Schneider18.50″17.75″36.25″
7Nate Higgins20.00″15.75″35.75″
8Terrill Standifer17.75″17.25″35.00″
9Maurillio Guitierez16.75″18.25″35.00″
10Justin Malott16.75″18.00″34.75″
11Tyler Zengerle17.00″17.25″34.25″
12Dwain Batey16.25″18.00″34.25″
13Jeff Malott15.00″19.00″34.00″
14Kyle Long16.50″17.25″33.75″
15Josh Goforth17.50″15.75″33.25″
16Justin Smith16.75″16.50″33.25″
17Jamie Shumate16.00″17.25″33.25″
18Josh Landreth15.75″17.25″33.00″
19Jose Abraham Garcia15.25″17.75″33.00″
20Tony Sorluangsana14.75″18.00″32.75″

A huge thank you to Eco Fishing Shop for being our title sponsor and supporting the NSKA NWA trail!

NSKA

2026 NSKA NWA Thai Spice Beaver Lake North Tournament Recap | Results, Patterns, and Big Bass

The 2026 NSKA NWA Thai Spice Beaver Lake North kayak fishing tournament brought 55 anglers to one of Arkansas’ most challenging bass fisheries. With water temperatures in the mid-50s and pre-spawn bass beginning to stage throughout the lake’s creeks and rocky transitions, competitors had to balance covering water with slowing down around high-percentage areas. In the end, consistent keeper bites—not giant bass—proved to be the winning formula.

Kayak bass anglers launched across the northern end of Beaver Lake chasing a five-fish limit measured by total inches. While limits were possible, the leaderboard revealed a tournament defined by consistency over giants. Many anglers found solid keeper bites in the mid-teens, but very few fish eclipsed the 18–20 inch mark that typically separate the top finishers from the rest of the field.

Beaver Lake Kayak Tournament Results

Levi Schneider put together the most consistent bag of the day, securing first place with 88.75 inches. Schneider’s winning limit was built on a series of high-quality Beaver Lake keepers:

  • 18.50″
  • 17.75″
  • 17.75″
  • 17.50″
  • 17.25″

Rather than relying on a giant kicker, Schneider’s victory came from stacking five fish between 17 and 18 inches—exactly the type of bag that often wins early-spring events on Beaver.

Jason Adams claimed second place with 83.75 inches, anchored by the biggest fish in the tournament, a 21.00″ largemouth. Tyler Zengerle rounded out the podium with 81.50 inches, while John Hall finished fourth with 81.00 inches and Seth Jones completed the top five with 80.25 inches.

Top 10 Finishers

  1. Levi Schneider – 88.75″
  2. Jason Adams – 83.75″
  3. Tyler Zengerle – 81.50″
  4. John Hall – 81.00″
  5. Seth Jones – 80.25″
  6. Terrill Standifer – 79.50″
  7. Nathan Higgins – 79.00″
  8. Maurilio Gutierrez – 78.25″
  9. Danny Dutton – 78.00″
  10. Kyle Long – 76.75″

The Big Bass award for the tournament went to Jason Adams, who landed a 21.00″ largemouth during the event. Large fish were relatively scarce during the tournament, making Adams’ 21-inch bass one of the standout catches of the day.

Out of the 55 anglers in the field, 45 anglers submitted at least one fish, meaning 81.8% of competitors recorded a catch.

However, filling a full five-fish limit proved much tougher.

Only 26 anglers landed a complete five-fish limit, meaning 47.3% of the field managed to fill a limit.

Across the entire field, anglers submitted 204 bass totaling approximately 3,083 inches of fish.

Breaking that down further:

  • Average fish per angler: 3.71
  • Average fish per angler who caught fish: 4.53
  • Average inches per angler: 56.1″
  • Average fish length: 15.1″

These numbers reinforce a classic Beaver Lake scenario—anglers could find keeper fish, but locating the larger pre-spawn females proved far more difficult.

Angler Roundtable

Once again, the top anglers of the tournament open up and share how it went down in a Beaver Lake kayak tournament in March!

1. What area did you fish and why go there?

Levi Schneider:
“I went to Indian Creek because I found a few coves that had a large population of fish and never found anything better elsewhere.”

Jason Adams:
“We fished Rocky Branch on Beaver Lake. I chose that area because it has a good mix of docks, rock, and deeper water close to the bank. This time of year the fish can slide up or pull back depending on conditions, and that area gives them that option.”

Tyler Zengerle:
“I chose to fish Prairie Creek simply because I have more familiarity with that area in the winter and early spring months than other parts of the lake. The thought of the boat tournament launching out of Prairie Creek almost made me change my mind the night before, but I decided to stick with my gut.”

2. Any techniques that worked for you to catch your fish?

Levi Schneider:
“I caught all of my fish on a 4.25″ Rapala Mooch Minnow and a Berkley Stunna +1.”

Jason Adams:
“Most of my fish came on a jig fishing docks and rock transitions. The biggest fish of the day came on a Neko rig with a morning dawn trick worm and a heavy nail weight. Slowing down and fishing deeper docks seemed to help.”

Tyler Zengerle:
“I started with a custom painted crankbait, painted by none other than Dwain Batey himself. I caught my first three fish off of it in back-to-back-to-back casts in the first fifteen minutes.”

3. What fish was most important?

Levi Schneider:
“My most important fish was probably my 17.75″ smallmouth that reassured me my smallies were still close to where I had found them before, which led to my 18.50″ smallmouth.”

Jason Adams:
“The last fish of the day without question. Catching that smallmouth on the final cast and getting the picture submitted with seconds left is what gave me a full limit.”

Tyler Zengerle:
“My most important fish was probably the 16.25″ chunky spotted bass that came at 11:45 and helped me secure third. That was my last cull of the day. Without it I would have placed fifth.”

4. Who has influenced you the most regarding your love for bass fishing?

Levi Schneider:
“I couldn’t necessarily say one person influenced me more than the others, but my dad for sure got me started with trout, crappie, and multiple saltwater species. In high school the Googan Squad got me more into bass fishing, and then all the top pro level events got me hooked to where I’m at today.”

Jason Adams:
“My dad started it all for me. He put a fishing rod in my hands when I was young and we spent a lot of time on the water together. These days getting to fish tournaments with Mandie and share that experience with her has made it even better.”

Tyler Zengerle:
“My mom was my biggest influence growing up. She had a 17-foot aluminum Tracker boat that she would take me fishing in, and we’d go catch whatever would bite nightcrawlers.”

Discount on Lurenet, Booyah Baits, YUM baits, war eagle lures, great lakes finesse, Bobby Garland

AOY Race and Heavy Hitters

It’s the first event of the year, so not much news on the AOY front beyond the top 10 finishers. More to come down the road. Until then, here is the Angler of the Year sheet for your reference.

Heavy Hitters is off and running as well, this one had some big fish caught, especially for Beaver Lake. Jason Adams, Danny Dutton, and Nate Higgins are out of the gate with giants in this first one. Complete Heavy Hitters Standings for your reference.

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