NSKA

NSKA NWA Road Runner History: What the Past Several Years Tell Us About Winning

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There may not be another NSKA NWA tournament format that creates more second-guessing than the Road Runner. A normal lake tournament asks one big question: Where on this lake can I catch them? A Road Runner asks something bigger: Which lake gives me the best chance to beat everybody else?

That sounds simple until you start looking at the history. The winning water has changed over time, especially when the format has changed. The radius and eligible waters have shifted. The scoring has moved from five-fish events into the current ten-fish version and now into MLF-style unlimited fish catches. But one thing has stayed the same: Road Runners reward anglers who understand both the lake and the math.

Looking back from 2017 through 2025, the Road Runner history tells a clear story. The winners were rarely just lucky, they also had a good strategy. They usually made the right water choice, understood what that year’s rules demanded, and then caught the right class of fish for that format.

Historical Results Snapshot

Year / EventFormatWinnerWinning TotalBig Historical Note
2017 NWA Road Runner5 fishDwain Batey93.75″Lake Elmdale was the big player, producing the five fish winner.
2017 King of the StringAll-fish / MLF-styleRoy Roberts27 fish / 344.25″Beaver Lake showed out with a giant total for the first MLF style event for NSKA.
2018 NWA Road Runner5 fishBo Sarratt93.50″Siloam City Lake took over the spotlight, producing first and second. Justin Brewer had Big Bass with a 22.00″ fish from Lincoln Lake.
2019 NWA Road Runner5 fishBo Sarratt91.25″Another Siloam-era event, with 64 anglers and a strong but not runaway winning total for five fish.
2020 Road Runner5 fishJustin Brewer94.25″COVID-era rules expanded the radius, and the winning water was not disclosed by the winner (but was not in NWA)
2020 King of the StringAll-fish / MLF-styleRoy Roberts28 fish / 375.75″A different scoring format, MLF-Style. Indian Creek area of Beaver Lake took the prize.
2021 Shogun Road Runner5 fishDwain Batey93.25″Siloam City Lake won again, continuing one of the strongest five fish lake-specific runs in club history.
2022 Las Fajitas Road Runner5 fishJustin Brewer92.00″Lincoln Lake bounced back in a big way for five fish, with 1st, 2nd, and Big Bass.
2023 ZPro Road Runner10 fishDwain Batey170.75″The ten-fish era began with a another win on Siloam City Lake, does that mean it can play in MLF?
2024 Jackson Safety Systems Roadrunner10 fishKyle Long173.25″The ten-fish winning mark settled into the low 170s on Pumpback Lake.
2025 Capps Road Runner10 fishAustin Nims204.25″A historic outlier with an insane total!: Nims broke the event open with seven bass over 20 inches. Can Lincoln break 400?

The pattern seems to be fairly obvious. In a five fish event, chances are one of Siloam, Lincoln, or Elmdale is going to play well. 10 fish opens things up a bit with Pumpback taking a win due to the number of fish available. MLF-style, all bets are off and bigger bodies of water and more fish available seem to change the equation with Beaver Lake taking the win in both instances.

The First Era: Five Fish, One Great Lake Choice

From 2017 through 2022, the standard Road Runner was mostly a five-fish game. In that format, one or two big bites could change everything.

That is why the early Road Runner years were so lake-driven. You could win by choosing a small lake with enough quality fish, even if it did not have the biggest population. The question was not always, “Where can I catch the most?” It was often, “Where can I catch five that average 18 inches or better?” Only five bites were needed.

That explains the run by places like Siloam City Lake, Lincoln Lake, and Elmdale – with brief high points by Lake Atalanta, Elk River, Illinois River, and Pumpback.

The key lesson from that era is simple: in a five-fish Road Runner, quality beats numbers. You did not need a lake full of 14-inch fish. You needed a lake that could give you five tournament fish, and preferably one or two over 20.

The Siloam City Lake Dynasty

No lake has defined the NSKA NWA Road Runner quite like Siloam City Lake.

By 2021, the pattern was impossible to ignore. In five of the previous six NWA Road Runner events, Siloam City Lake had produced the winning bag. Even more impressive, it had put nine anglers inside the top four during that stretch. That is not a fluke. That is a dynasty.

The reason Siloam was so dangerous is that it fit the five-fish Road Runner format almost perfectly. It had enough quality to win, enough familiarity for the right anglers to fish with confidence, and enough history that serious contenders knew they had to consider it.

The 2021 Shogun Road Runner was the clearest example. The event had 73 anglers. A delayed start because of thunderstorms made the day even trickier, but Dwain Batey still won with 93.25″ and also had Big Bass at 21.50″. Sam McClish finished second with 86.50″, and Carson McBride was third with 86.25″.

That event showed something important about Road Runners: bad weather, late starts, and pressure do not always level the playing field. Sometimes they make local knowledge even more valuable.

2020: The Strange Year

The 2020 Road Runner deserves its own chapter because COVID changed the event.

That year’s Road Runner expanded to a 60-mile radius from Siloam Springs, and there was no normal captain’s meeting or weigh-in. Participation and catches were down compared to 2019: 41% of anglers caught a limit and 77% submitted at least one fish, compared with 52% limits and 83% with fish in 2019. Justin Brewer won with 94.25″, Devin Mathews was second with 90.50″, and Roy Roberts was third with 88.00″.

The 2020 result matters because it interrupted the expected Siloam/Elmdale/Lincoln script. It proved that when the map expands, the Road Runner becomes more of a scouting contest. More water creates more opportunity, but also more ways to choose wrong. Brewer won on a body of water that has not since seen the leaderboard.

The 2020 King of the String added another layer, and showed what can be done on a bigger lake like Table Rock, Tenkiller, or in this case, Beaver Lake. Roy Roberts won that format with 28 fish for 375.75″ in the Indian Creek area of Beaver. That event was not a normal five-fish Road Runner, but it is valuable history because it shows the opposite scoring pressure. Instead of hunting five giants, anglers had to keep catching and keep upgrading their total body of work from start to finish.

That is the heart of Road Runner strategy: the rules decide what kind of lake is best.

2022: Lincoln Lake Returns

By 2022, the Road Runner story shifted again.

Justin Brewer won the Las Fajitas Road Runner with 92.00″. Jason Kincy was second with 90.25″, Dwain Batey was third with 88.75″, Cole Sikes was fourth with 84.50″, and Kyle Long was fifth with 84.25″. Jason Kincy also had Big Bass at 20.75″.

This was a classic five-fish Road Runner leaderboard. The winning number was not wildly different from the earlier era. The winner still needed a five-fish average over 18 inches. The runner-up was right there. Third place was one good upgrade from making things very interesting.

The biggest takeaway from 2022 was that Lincoln Lake was still capable of producing a winning Road Runner result. It had always been known as a place with big fish potential, but Road Runners are not won on reputation. They are won by matching the right lake to the right day. In 2022, Lincoln was the right call.

The Ten-Fish Era Changes Everything

The biggest historical dividing line is the move to ten fish. Starting in 2023, the Road Runner became a different tournament. A five-fish event allows an angler to win with one special stretch, one good school, or one big bite mixed into a solid limit. A ten-fish event demands more. You need depth. You need enough fish to fill the board. You need a lake that can survive pressure, produce numbers, and still give you quality.

The 2023 ZPro Road Runner showed that immediately. Dwain Batey won with 170.75″. Cole Sikes was second with 170.50″. Jason Adams was third with 155.00″. That quarter-inch margin between first and second is one of the best examples of how precise kayak tournament fishing can be. Cole also had Big Bass with a 22.25″ fish, but even that was not enough to overcome Batey’s total. That is one of the best lessons from the ten-fish era: Big Bass can help you, but it cannot carry you by itself.

2024: The New Baseline

The 2024 Jackson Safety Systems Roadrunner helped define the new standard.

Kyle Long won with 173.25″. Dwain Batey was second at 170.75″, and Jacob Simmons was third at 166.00″. The top of the leaderboard showed that the ten-fish Road Runner target had settled around the low 170s. That number matters.

In the five-fish era, the magic number was usually somewhere around 92 to 94 inches. In the ten-fish era, the normal winning target appears to be around 171 to 174 inches. That means an angler needs to average roughly 17.25 inches per fish across ten fish to win most years. That is a very different challenge.

A five-fish average of 18.50″ can win almost any Road Runner. A ten-fish average of 17.25″ requires more total production. It rewards anglers who can find multiple quality bites, not just one magic dock, one brushpile, or one morning flurry.

2025: The Austin Nims Outlier

Then came 2025 when a 200″ plus mark blew out the new standard. Austin Nims won the Capps Road Runner with 204.25″. Justin Brewer was second with 170.00″. Tony Sorluangsana was third with 169.75″. Jason Kincy was fourth with 165.75″, and Levi Schneider was fifth with 165.00″. The event had 48 anglers, a 4.81 fish-per-angler average, and 42% of the field caught ten-fish limits.

The 2025 event was not just a win. It was a historical break from the pattern. Nims had seven bass over 20 inches. That is almost impossible to overcome in a ten-fish format. In most years, 170 inches puts an angler right in the winning conversation. In 2025, 170 inches was second place by more than 34 inches.

That tells us two things. First, the ten-fish Road Runner ceiling is much higher than the early results suggested. Second, the 2025 result should not be treated as the normal target. It was the kind of day that happens when an angler chooses the right lake, adjusts quickly, and lands on the right class of fish.

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The first major trend is that the five-fish winning number was remarkably stable. From 2017 through 2022, the winning totals generally lived in the low-to-mid 90s. The lakes changed, but the winning math did not. You needed about five fish averaging 18 to 19 inches.

The second trend is that Siloam City Lake was the defining water of the early Road Runner era. By 2021, it had built a résumé that no other lake in the format could match.

The third trend is that Lincoln Lake has become one of the most important swing lakes in the format. It has produced big bass, winning bags, near-winning bags, and the historic 2025 runaway. It may not always be the safest choice, but it has one of the highest ceilings.

The fourth trend is that the ten-fish era has raised the floor. In 2023, 170.50″ was not enough to win. In 2024, 170.75″ was second. In 2025, 170.00″ was second by a landslide. That is a brutal standard.

2026 NSKA NWA H2 Heat & Air Road Runner Preview: Every Bass Counts

The 2026 H2 Heat & Air Road Runner is not just another Road Runner. It is a different animal. For years, the Road Runner format has been one of the best tests on the NSKA NWA schedule because it starts with a decision before the first cast is ever made. Where do you go? What lake gives you the best chance? Do you chase history, comfort, numbers, big fish, or something off the wall?

This is an MLF-style event. Any bass over 12 inches counts toward your total. No five-fish limit. No ten-fish limit. Just catch every scorable bass you can catch from 5:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

That changes everything, because 2026 is not five fish. It is not ten fish. It is every fish.

The best historical comparison is the King of the String format. In 2021, 62 anglers caught 541 bass for an average of 8.7 fish per angler. Roy Roberts won with 28 bass for 373 inches, almost matching his 2020 winning total of 28 bass for 375.75 inches. Josh Howard was second with 27 fish for 358.25. That tells us the number: if you want to win this style of event, you probably need to catch close to 30 scorable bass and push toward 380 inches or more.

What Wins This Format?

In a regular Road Runner, one 22-inch bass can change your day. In this format, it helps, but it does not save you. A 22-incher is great. But two 12-inch bass beat it. Four 13-inch bass are better than 2 giants. That is the cold math of an MLF-style event. If there’s ever been an event designed for the scopers out there – this is it.

The best water will have three things: numbers, scorable size, and just enough upside. That is why multi-species water could be a major factor. The 2017 and 2021 King of the String results pointed out that Roy Roberts leaned on an area with a strong population of all three bass species, and that ability to change techniques and target different groups of fish was key to getting consistent bites all day.

Water to Watch

With a 55-mile radius from Springdale and a long list of public water in play, anglers have options. The obvious names from five and 10 fish events will get some, but less attention: Lincoln, Elmdale, Siloam Springs, and Pumpback. The format should make some anglers look at the map differently.

Table Rock becomes interesting because of numbers and spotted bass and Smallmouth. Beaver and Tenkiller have enough quality and variety to matter. Rivers and creeks could be sneaky good if the water is right, especially because 12-inch fish count and current can group bass up and blow away a 400″ mark. Small lakes can still win, but only if they have enough scorable fish to keep the scoreboard moving all day, which is a gamble. The key is not just picking “the best lake.” The key is picking the best lake for this scoring system.

Predictions

My best guess is that the winning total lands somewhere between 400 and 450 inches, likely with 32 to 35 scorable bass. If someone really gets on them, it could go higher.

If the bite is tougher than expected, the winning number may look more like 350 to 375 inches, which lines up closer to the King of the String history. But if someone gets on a true numbers deal with decent size mixed in, 430 inches or more is absolutely possible.

For the rest of the field, I would set the rough marks like this:

Finish RangeProjected Total
Winning total400-450″
Top 3370–400″
Top 5325–370″
Top 10275–320″
Big Bass22.00–22.75″

Big Bass could absolutely break 22 inches, although 20+ fish have been scarce so far in 2026. Road Runner history has already shown it can produce giants. But in this format, the most important fish in the winner’s bag may not be a 22. It may be the 13.25-incher caught at 2:47 p.m. when everyone else is out of ideas.

Final Takeaway

In this Road Runner, the best strategy may be simple: Find them fast. Catch them all. Never stop moving the number upwards! Regardless how it goes, just have fun in a format where every fish counts and you can fish for any and all of them!

Fishing Tips

How to Catch Spotted Bass on Beaver Lake, Table Rock, and Ozark Reservoirs

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Spotted bass don’t always get much respect.

Most tournament anglers would rather run into a big largemouth or a brown fish. I get that. Five average spotted bass probably aren’t winning many tournaments on Beaver Lake or Table Rock. But spots matter.They can save a bad day. They can help you build a limit. And some days, they are the most dependable fish in the lake.

If you fish Ozark reservoirs much, especially clear highland lakes like Beaver, Table Rock, Bull Shoals, or Tenkiller, you’re going to deal with spotted bass. Some days you might be trying to avoid them. Other days you better be glad they’re there.

The trick is understanding where they live, how they feed, and when it makes sense to chase them. For more on what a spotted bass is, read What is a Spotted Bass? How to Identify and Catch Spotted Bass in Ozark Lakes.

How to Catch Spotted Bass on Beaver Lake, Table Rock, and Ozark Reservoirs kayakfishingfocus.com Kayak Fishing Focus

What makes spotted bass different?

Spotted bass act a little different than largemouth. They are usually more comfortable around rock, deeper water, and clearer water. They also seem to be more willing to chase bait, especially when wind or current gets things moving. A largemouth might bury up in a dock, bush, laydown, or shallow piece of cover.

A spotted bass is more likely to be around:

  • points
  • bluff ends
  • rock transitions
  • brush near deep water
  • baitfish
  • wind-blown banks

That doesn’t mean spots never get shallow. They do. Especially in spring, early summer, and fall. But even when they move shallow, they usually aren’t far from deeper water. That is one of the biggest things to remember.

Where to find spotted bass on Beaver and Table Rock

If I’m trying to catch spotted bass on Beaver Lake or Table Rock, I usually start with rock near depth. That sounds simple, but it narrows things down a lot. Not every bank is equal. Not every point is worth fishing. The best places usually have two or three good things happening at once.

A plain gravel point might hold a few fish. A gravel point with wind, bait, chunk rock, and deeper water close by is a lot more interesting. Some of the best areas to check are:

  • main lake points
  • secondary points
  • bluff ends
  • channel swing banks
  • rocky pocket mouths
  • deep docks
  • brush piles near points
  • windy gravel or chunk rock banks

On Beaver, spotted bass are a big part of the lake. You can catch them in a lot of areas, but they really show up around those classic highland reservoir places: points, bluff ends, and rock with bait nearby.

Table Rock is similar, although it also has a strong smallmouth factor in a lot of areas. Still, if you’re fishing rock, wind, and bait on Table Rock, spots are always in play.

Wind can make a big difference

Wind can be a pain in a kayak. It messes with boat control. It makes casting harder. It can turn a clean area into a frustrating one pretty fast. But for spotted bass, wind is usually your friend. Spots like to chase. When wind pushes bait across a point or into a bluff end, those fish will often set up and feed.

That’s one reason clear water lakes can fish better with some wind. On a slick, sunny day, those fish can get a good look at everything. Add a little chop, and they get more comfortable. The best wind areas are usually not the nastiest places on the lake. I don’t love being blown straight across the lake in a kayak. I’m looking for the useful part of the wind.

Places like:

  • the edge of a windy point
  • a pocket mouth with wind pushing in
  • a bluff end with bait nearby
  • a windy stretch that still lets me fish clean
  • a bank where the wind adds just a little stain

There’s a difference between wind helping the bite and wind making you fish sloppy. For kayak anglers, that line matters.

Best baits for spotted bass

Spotted bass will eat a lot of things, but there are a few baits I trust more than others on Ozark reservoirs.

Topwater

Topwater is one of the most fun ways to catch spots. A walking bait is hard to beat when they are chasing shad around points, bluff ends, or open-water breaks. A popper can be good too, especially when the fish are feeding on smaller bait or when the water is a little calmer.

Spots will sometimes miss a topwater badly. They’ll swipe at it, roll on it, or knock it sideways. But even that tells you something. If they show themselves, you can often follow up with a shaky head, Ned rig, or small swimbait. Topwater is not just a catching bait. It’s also a good way to find active fish.

Shaky head

If I had to pick one dependable spotted bass bait for Beaver or Table Rock, a shaky head would be high on the list. It catches fish when things get tough. You can throw it around points, docks, bluff ends, brush, and rock transitions. It is not always the fastest way to fish, but when you need bites, it is hard to ignore.

For tournaments, this is a bait that can keep you from spinning out. Maybe you wanted to catch largemouth shallow. Maybe that plan didn’t happen. Maybe you have two fish at 10:30 and need to settle down. That’s when a shaky head around spotted bass water can save your day.

Ned rig

The Ned rig is not exciting, but it catches them. It is especially good when the lake is slick, the fish are pressured, or they won’t fully commit to moving baits.

I like it around flatter rock, gravel, and places where I know fish are there but they aren’t chasing. It can also be a good follow-up bait. If a spot blows up on topwater and misses, or you see fish chasing but can’t get them to eat, a Ned rig can pick off a few.

Small swimbait

A small paddle tail is a good choice when spots are chasing bait but not coming all the way to the surface. You don’t have to overthink it. Keep it natural. Keep it around bait. Try to make it look like one more shad that got separated from the group.

Seasonal spotted bass patterns

Spotted bass move with the seasons, but they usually stay connected to rock, bait, and depth.

Spring

In spring, spots use secondary points, rocky pockets, and staging areas near spawning places. They may not always be as far back in the pockets as largemouth, but they still move up.

Good spring areas include:

  • secondary points
  • gravel pockets
  • chunk rock banks
  • bluff ends near pockets
  • rock transitions

This is a good time for jerkbaits, topwater, swimbaits, and shaky heads.

Post-spawn

Post-spawn can be one of the best times to catch spotted bass. A lot of fish are moving out of spawning areas, and spots will often start feeding around shad. This is when points and bluff ends can get good.

If you see bait, don’t ignore it. A walking bait, popper, swimbait, shaky head, or Ned rig can all work here. The key is figuring out if the fish are looking up, chasing, or sitting closer to the bottom.

Summer

In summer, spotted bass often slide deeper, but that doesn’t mean you have to fish 40 feet all day. Early and late, they may still feed shallow around points and bluff ends. During the day, they may get around brush, deeper rock, or suspended bait.

On Beaver and Table Rock, electronics can help a lot in the summer. But even without making it complicated, the same basic idea holds up. Find bait. Find structure close to deep water. Fish the places where those two things come together.

Fall

In fall, spotted bass follow bait. That can make them fun and annoying at the same time. They may be here one day and gone the next. They may push shad into the backs of pockets. They may roam around the mouths of creeks. They may school on points.

This is a good time to keep a moving bait in your hand. Topwater, swimbaits, small crankbaits, and spinnerbaits can all work when they are chasing.

Are spotted bass good tournament fish?

Yes and no. They are good tournament fish when you need a limit. They are not always good tournament fish if you need to win. That’s the decision. On Beaver Lake, for example, you may be able to catch a limit of spots on points and rock. That might get you through a tough day. It might even put you in decent shape if the lake is fishing hard.

But if other anglers are catching quality largemouth in dirtier water, shallow cover, or around docks, a limit of average spots probably won’t hold up. So you have to know what you’re trying to do. Sometimes spots are the main plan. Sometimes they are the backup plan. Sometimes they are the “I need five fish before I make a bad decision” plan. That last one matters more than people admit.

A good kayak approach

From a kayak, I like spotted bass because they can be pattern fish. If you catch one on a windy point, there may be another one close by. If you catch one on a bluff end with bait, you can often run that same pattern somewhere else.

Throw topwater, a swimbait, or a jerkbait around the active zone. If you get bites or see fish, slow down with a shaky head or Ned rig. Then move to the next similar place.

The important part is paying attention to the exact detail.

Not just “I caught them on points.” Everybody fishes points. You need to know what kind of point.

Final thoughts

Spotted bass may not be the fish everyone is looking for, but they are a big part of fishing Beaver Lake, Table Rock, and other Ozark reservoirs. They are aggressive. They fight hard. They’ll eat topwater. They’ll eat finesse. And on tough days, they can keep you in the tournament.

You still may need largemouth or smallmouth to win, depending on the lake and conditions. But ignoring spotted bass is usually a mistake. If you want to catch more of them, keep it simple. Look for rock, bait, wind, and nearby depth.

That combination works on Beaver. It works on Table Rock. And it works on a lot of clear Ozark reservoirs.

Tournaments

2026 NSKA NWA Southtown Sporting Goods Beaver South Recap: Slick, Soggy, and Shaky

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The fourth stop of the 2026 NSKA NWA season, presented by Southtown Sporting Goods, brought the tournament trail back home to northwest Arkansas. This time, the field descended on the river arms and winding bluffs of Beaver Lake South. After a beautiful tournament day on Tenkiller, this event forced anglers to contend with a massive, atmospheric variable: a relentless, soaking rainstorm.

Conditions were anything but comfortable. Anglers faced soggy skies, high humidity, and water temperatures hovering in that transitional post-spring phase. For many, a downpour like this signals a fast-moving power fishing bite. But Beaver Lake has a reputation for being finicky, and the torrential downpours had the opposite effect on the bass, forcing some competitors in many areas to dial back the speed and pick up a grind mentality to secure their limits, while anglers in the river seemed to be able to keep ripping and running to catch fish.

James Haeberle’s Big Bass won a tiebreaker and the trophy. Source: TourneyX

By the Numbers

  • Total Anglers: 44
  • Total Fish Submitted: 308
  • Fish Per Angler: 7.00
  • Anglers with at least one fish: 93% (41 of 44)
  • Limit percentage: 75% (33 of 44 anglers brought in a 5-fish limit)

The Leaderboard (Top 10)

The standard of competition on this trail remains razor-thin and is a slug-fest every event. Fractions of an inch once again decided who took home the heavy checks and who went home with a wet kayak. Seth Jones took first place with 87.00″, with James Haeberle taking second with 85.75″, and Justin Malott finishing third with 83.75″ on the day.

  1. Seth Jones – 87.00″
  2. James Haeberle – 85.75″
  3. Justin Malott – 83.75″
  4. Cole Sikes – 81.75″
  5. Tyler Zengerle – 81.00″
  6. Josh Landreth – 79.50″
  7. Dwain Batey – 79.25″
  8. Chris Jones – 77.75″
  9. Kyle Long – 77.75″
  10. Fanny Phomsopha – 76.50″

Big Bass & Side Pots

The Advanced Automotive Big Bass honors belonged to runner-up James Haeberle. He fooled a gorgeous 19.25″ largemouth out of a shallow creek arm, earning him $132 in cash plus a custom swimbait from GiffGlidez Custom Swimbaits.

On the completely opposite end of the spectrum, Josh Goforth won the smallest bass side pot, cashing a $42 check for a microscopic 7.50″ monster.

The Eco Fishing Shop Trash Fish award went to Tyler Zengerle for wrestling a beautiful 26″ striped bass into the kayak.

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Angler Roundtable: Top 3 Q&A

As is tradition, our top three finishers gathered around the kayak launch ramp and talked about their day. Awesome sportsmanship to take us all along with them on their winning patterns.

1. What part of south Beaver Lake did you fish, and why did you go there?

  • Seth Jones: I launched at Beaver Shores so I could focus on bluffs in or around the thermocline.
  • James Haeberle: I went to Twin Bridges because I checked the water color the evening before and it looked good. Plus, it’s only a 15-minute drive for me.
  • Justin Malott: I launched out of Beaver Shores since it’s an area I’m familiar with and have had success fishing in before.

2. It was destined to be a very rainy day. How did that impact your game plan?

  • Seth Jones: Knowing the rain was on the way, I decided to try some shallower docks in hopes that some fish would move up.
  • James Haeberle: I was actually excited to see the rain and clouds for tournament day. Especially this time of year when I know the fish will be chasing bait. Bad weather usually works well with my style of fishing.
  • Justin Malott: I was pretty excited when the rain rolled in. I thought it would set up a solid spinnerbait bite, but when it started pouring, I struggled to get anything going.

3. What were the main techniques you used to catch your fish?

  • Seth Jones: I noticed during practice that some docks had several fish of different sizes, but often the smaller fish would pick the bait up first. To remedy this, I switched to 1/4 and 1/2 oz shaky heads. When a small fish picked it up, they felt the heavy weight and dropped it, letting the big fish grab it right behind them.
  • James Haeberle: The only bait that produced quality bites for me was a Strike King Sexy Dawg topwater in sexy shad. I was able to fish it all day with the weather we had.
  • Justin Malott: I junk fished for most of the day, mixing it up and catching fish on a little bit of everything—worms, swimbaits, jerkbaits, you name it. Eventually, I had to slow down and start dragging my bait when the downpour killed the fast bite.

4. How’d you catch your biggest bass?

  • Seth Jones: I decided to target the front of docks directly under the walkway cables where most boaters avoid casting. Three of my final fish came from this method.
  • James Haeberle: I saw a big tree washed up in a small creek in a couple feet of water. I threw my topwater around the root ball several times and gave up to fish up the creek. On my way back out, I made one last cast at the deeper water around those roots, and she came out and hammered it.
  • Justin Malott: I spotted two smallmouth blowing up on shad right against the bank. I already had a 3-inch swimbait in my hand, cast right at them, and it got smoked almost instantly.

Ketch Angler of the Year (Top 10 Standings)

What a difference a soggy day on Beaver makes. Taking advantage of the chaos, Justin Malott has made a move to the top of the rankings. By backing up his hot streak with a 98-point showing, he has officially seized the AOY lead with 375 total points. He is arguably the hottest angler on the trail right now, but breathing room at the top is nonexistent.

Tyler Zengerle and Beaver South champion Seth Jones are practically breathing down his neck, tied for the runner-up spot just two points back at 373 points. Levi and Kyle are lurking just behind, within 10 points in the lead. AOY is still up for grabs for lots of anglers.

AOY Standings (Top 10)

  1. Justin Malott – 375 pts
  2. Tyler Zengerle – 373 pts
  3. Seth Jones – 373 pts
  4. Levi Schneider – 365 pts
  5. Kyle Long – 364 pts
  6. John Hall – 356 pts
  7. Dwain Batey – 355 pts
  8. James Haeberle – 353 pts
  9. Josh Landreth – 349 pts
  10. Jason Adams – 346 pts

Crucial AOY Trends

  • The Logjam at the Top: Only 11 points separate 1st from 5th. Malott, Zengerle, Jones, Schneider, and Long have all proven they can score big points in any given event.
  • Sleepers: Every week there’s a new leader, proves nobody is safe. On the flip side, keep an eye on James Haeberle (8th – 353 pts) and Dwain Batey (7th – 355 pts). They both used huge scores at Beaver South to put themselves squarely in the conversation.

Arvest Heavy Hitters (Top 10 Standings)

We also have a massive shakeup in the big fish race. Jason Adams, who has used his 21-inch giant from the season opener to bully the field all year, has finally been passed by Levi.

Defending AOY champ Levi Schneider went to work at Beaver South, landing an 18.50-inch kicker to bring his four-fish cumulative total to a very strong 74.00 inches, sliding past Adams by a single inch.

The biggest upward moves came from Justin Malott and Dwain Batey, who are now tied for 3rd place at 72.25 inches. Both of them found massive 19.25-inch bass in the rain at Beaver South to rocket up the leaderboard.

Heavy Hitters Standings (Top 10)

  1. Levi Schneider – 74.00″
  2. Jason Adams – 73.00″
  3. Justin Malott – 72.25″
  4. Dwain Batey – 72.25″
  5. Tyler Zengerle – 70.75″
  6. Seth Jones – 70.50″
  7. Jeff Malott – 69.25″
  8. Josh Landreth – 68.75″
  9. Nate Higgins – 68.25″
  10. Kyle Long – 68.25″

The upcoming Road Runner is when anglers will drop several giants on the board. We’ll see after that event who are the contenders and who are the pretenders.

Up Next: Get ready for a change of pace. We are switching to an MLF-style Road Runner format on June 27th. No keeping fish in a digital livewell all day—every ounce and every score counts in real-time. This is going to completely change how the field strategizes!

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

How Wind Positions Bass on Highland Reservoirs

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Wind is one of those things bass anglers love to complain about until it helps them catch fish.

On highland reservoirs like Beaver Lake, Table Rock, Bull Shoals, and Tenkiller, wind bass fishing can turn a dead-looking stretch of bank into one of the best areas on the lake. It can also make kayak fishing a pain if you pick the wrong side of it.

That is the tradeoff. Wind can help the fishing, but it has to be managed to make it productive.

For kayak anglers, it matters even more. You can’t just run the whole lake until something looks right. You have to think about where the wind is helping, where it is hurting, and where you can still fish effectively.

Wind bass fishing. Spinnerbaits can be a great wind driven bait. Source: kayakfishingfocus.com
Spinnerbaits can be a great wind driven bait. Source: kayakfishingfocus.com

How does wind affect bass fishing?

Wind affects bass fishing by pushing baitfish, breaking up light penetration, creating surface disturbance, and making bass more comfortable feeding shallow. On clear highland reservoirs, wind often improves the bite on points, bluff ends, rocky banks, and shallow flats where bait is pushed into ambush areas.

That is the simple version. The real answer is a little more complicated, because not all wind is good wind.

A light breeze across a point can make fish bite. A hard wind blowing straight into a muddy pocket can make it almost unfishable. Somewhere between those two is where a lot of the best bass fishing happens.

Why wind matters so much on clear water lakes

Clear water can be tough. Bass see well, baitfish roam, and calm sunny days can make fish spooky. Wind changes that.

It puts a ripple on the surface and reduces visibility just enough to make bass more willing to feed. It also moves plankton and baitfish, which can start the whole food chain. On lakes like Beaver and Table Rock, that can be the difference between fishing empty-looking water and suddenly seeing bait flicker against the bank.

A calm point might not look like much. That same point with wind hitting it can become a place where bass set up and feed.

This is especially true for spotted bass and smallmouth. They seem more willing to chase in wind than largemouth at times, especially around rock and deeper water. Largemouth will also use wind, but they often need the right cover or water color to go with it.

Wind-blown points are usually worth checking

If there is one place most anglers think of first with wind, it is a point. That is usually a good starting place. Wind blowing across or into a point can push bait into a predictable area. Bass may sit on the corner, the downwind side, or just off the break waiting for something to come by.

On highland reservoirs, the best points often have something extra:

  • chunk rock instead of smooth gravel
  • a brush pile nearby
  • a channel swing close
  • a saddle or flat on one side
  • baitfish activity

You don’t need all of those. One or two can be enough.

A windy point is also a good place to pick up a moving bait. A spinnerbait, crankbait, swimbait, or walking topwater can all work depending on the season and water temperature.

The key is not just casting at the point. It is making different angles until you figure out where the fish are sitting. Sometimes they are on the windward side. Sometimes they are just around the corner where the wind is still moving bait but not crashing straight into the bank.

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

Bluff ends can be better than the bluff itself

On Ozark lakes, bluff banks get a lot of attention. They should. They hold fish year-round. But when the wind is blowing, the ends of bluffs often matter more than the long bluff wall.

A bluff end gives bass a place to trap bait. It usually has quick depth change, rock, and a natural edge where fish can slide up or down without moving far. If wind is hitting a bluff end or sweeping across it, that is worth a few casts.

This is where a jerkbait, small swimbait, crankbait, or jig can be good depending on the conditions. If fish are chasing, keep moving. If they just follow or swipe, slow down and fish the edges more carefully.

A lot of times, the bite is not halfway down the bluff. It is right where the bluff changes into a flatter bank or pocket. That transition is where fish can feed.

Wind can make shallow banks better

Not every windy bank is good, but some of them get much better when the wind hits. This matters in spring and early summer when fish are around spawning pockets, fry, shad, and shallow cover.

A bank with a little wind may help hide your bait and make bass less cautious. It can also push shad tight to the bank or into the back corner of a pocket. That is when a spinnerbait can still be hard to beat.

Even on clearer lakes, a spinnerbait becomes more useful when the wind bass fishing. It lets you cover water, stay in contact with shallow targets, and draw reaction bites from fish that might not eat something slower.

Other good windy-bank baits include:

  • chatterbait around stained water or cover
  • squarebill around rock and wood
  • swim jig around shallow cover
  • walking bait if fish are looking up
  • buzzbait when water is warm and fish are shallow

For kayak anglers, boat control is the hard part. It is easy to get pushed too fast down the bank and start fishing sloppy. Sometimes the best move is to position upwind and drift, making controlled casts as you go. Other times, it is better to tuck behind a point and fish the edge of the wind instead of sitting right in the middle of it.

When wind hurts instead of helps

There are times when wind makes fishing worse. If wind blows into the back of a muddy creek, it can make the water dirtier and push debris into the area. If it is blowing straight down a long arm of the lake, it can make kayak fishing unsafe or at least miserable.

Wind can also scatter bait too much. Instead of concentrating fish, it spreads everything out. That is when I start looking for protected water near wind, not necessarily protected water far away from it.

There is a difference. A totally calm pocket may look comfortable, but it can be lifeless. A pocket just around the corner from wind may have enough bait movement and still be fishable. That is often the better compromise.

Best baits for windy bass fishing on highland reservoirs

Wind usually makes me think about baits that either move water, flash, or cover water. A few that make sense on Beaver, Table Rock, Tenkiller, and similar lakes:

Spinnerbait

Still one of the best wind baits ever made. It works around rock, shallow cover, bushes, and windy banks. In stained water or low light, it can be especially good. Save 15% on Booyah and War Eagle Spinnerbaits at Lurenet.com with code KINCY15

Crankbait

A crankbait is a good choice when fish are on rock transitions or windy points. Match depth to the bank. Don’t overthink it.

Walking topwater

If fish are chasing shad or feeding early, a Spook-style bait can be good around windy points and pockets. It can be harder to fish in heavy wind, but in a moderate chop it can get bigger bites. Save 15% on Heddon Zara Spooks at Lurenet.com with code KINCY15

Swimbait

A small paddle tail works well when fish are chasing bait but not fully committing to topwater. Good around points, bluff ends, and suspended fish near bait.

Shaky head or jig

When the wind has fish positioned but they won’t chase, slow down. A shaky head around rock or a jig around a transition bank can still catch fish after the moving bait bite fades. Save 15% on War Eagle or Booyah jigs at Lurenet.com with code KINCY15

Wind direction matters, but fishability matters too

Anglers can get too locked in on wind direction. South wind, north wind, west wind — it all matters to a point. But for kayak fishing, the better question is often:

Can I fish this area well? A perfect wind-blown point does not help much if you are getting blown off it every 20 seconds. I like to find areas where the wind helps the fishing but does not completely control the kayak. That might mean fishing a smaller pocket, a shorter point, or the protected side of a larger structure.

It may not be the most obvious place on the map, but it is often the place you can fish the cleanest. And in tournament fishing, clean fishing matters.

Final thoughts

Wind is not automatically good or bad. It is a tool. On highland reservoirs, wind can position bait and make bass more aggressive, especially around points, bluff ends, rocky banks, and shallow cover. It can also make kayak fishing difficult if you do not pick the right areas.

The trick is finding the wind that helps the fish without ruining your ability to present a bait. A little chop can make a clear lake fish smaller. It can hide your presence, push bait into predictable places, and turn inactive fish into feeding fish.

For kayak anglers, the best windy areas are usually not the wildest areas. They are the fishable edges — the places where bait is moving, bass are positioned, and you can still make the cast you need to make.

Mastering Shallow Bass Fishing: Seasonal Tips and Techniques
Fishing Tips

What is a Kentucky Bass? How to Identify and Catch Spotted Bass in Ozark Lakes

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If you spend much time bass fishing around the Ozarks, especially on lakes like Beaver and Table Rock, you’ve probably heard anglers use the terms “Kentucky bass” and “spotted bass” almost interchangeably. Early on in my fishing career I heard someone keep referring to catching a “Kentucky” and I was very confused and had to ask.

Most of the time, they’re talking about the same fish when using Kentucky or Spot. But depending on where you fish — and who you’re talking to — there’s still a surprising amount of confusion around them.

On Ozark reservoirs, spotted bass are common and often aggressive. They may not get the same attention as largemouth or smallmouth, but they play a major role in a lot of tournament limits, especially when conditions get tough. There are also days when the spots are the only fish willing to cooperate.

What is a Kentucky bass?

A Kentucky bass is another name commonly used for a spotted bass, especially in the Ozarks and southern reservoirs.

Technically, there are a few different subspecies and regional variations of spotted bass across the country. But on lakes like Beaver, Table Rock, Bull Shoals, and Tenkiller, most anglers still casually refer to them as “Kentuckies” or “spots.”

The name has stuck around for years in the Ozarks, even though “spotted bass” is the more technically correct name today.

How do you identify a spotted bass?

Spotted bass can look very similar to largemouth, especially smaller fish, but there are a few differences that usually stand out once you catch enough of them. The biggest giveaway is usually the mouth.

A largemouth’s jaw extends well past the eye. On a spotted bass, the jaw typically stops closer to the middle of the eye. Spots also tend to have:

  • rows of dark spots below the lateral line
  • a rough patch on their tongue
  • more streamlined bodies
  • smaller mouths than largemouth

On Ozark lakes, they also tend to fight differently. A spotted bass usually pulls harder than its size suggests and rarely comes to the kayak calmly. They have a habit of making one more surge at the net or turning sideways on the measuring board right when you’re trying to submit a fish. Tournament kayak anglers know that routine pretty well.

Where are spotted bass found in Ozark lakes?

On highland reservoirs like Beaver and Table Rock, spotted bass tend to relate heavily to:

  • rock
  • bluff ends
  • transition banks
  • secondary points
  • current
  • wind-blown structure

They often position around areas where bait gets pushed. Wind can activate them fast. So can generation current. That’s one reason spotted bass are often easier to catch when largemouth fishing gets difficult. They tend to stay more active and are usually more willing to chase.

A lot of anglers accidentally catch spots while targeting smallmouth around rock and clearer water. Others intentionally target them just to put together a quick limit during tougher tournament days.

Are spotted bass good in tournaments?

That depends on the lake. On Beaver and Table Rock, spotted bass are important because they help fill limits consistently. The problem is they usually don’t grow as large as largemouth or smallmouth. A keeper spot is valuable.

Five average spots usually won’t win. That creates an interesting balance during tournaments. There are days when catching spots can save an event, especially when conditions get tough. But most anglers are still looking for largemouth or smallmouth upgrades eventually.

Still, spotted bass have probably helped more Ozark anglers avoid bad tournament finishes than they get credit for.

How to catch spotted bass in Ozark reservoirs

One thing that makes spotted bass fun is that they’re usually willing to bite moving baits. They tend to feed aggressively, especially around baitfish activity. Topwater can be excellent during low-light periods, especially around:

  • gravel points
  • bluff ends
  • windy banks
  • shallow rock transitions

Walking baits like a Zara Spook or smaller poppers can produce some really fun bites around active fish. Spots also tend to suspend and roam more than largemouth, especially in clearer water. That’s why they’ll often show up chasing bait unexpectedly. When the fish stop chasing, finesse techniques usually take over.

A shaky head or Ned rig around:

  • rock transitions
  • bluff ends
  • secondary points
  • brush near depth

…can still produce spotted bass consistently throughout the day.

One thing a lot of anglers notice is how often spots position where wind or current pushes bait onto structure. That may be a point corner, bluff end, or isolated stretch of chunk rock. Sometimes the best clue isn’t the structure itself — it’s the bait activity around it.

Kentucky bass www.kayakfishingfocus.com

Why spotted bass seem easier to catch sometimes

There are definitely days on Beaver or Table Rock where largemouth can feel scattered or inactive while spotted bass stay aggressive. Part of that comes from how they position. Spots tend to school more and compete harder around bait. They also seem more comfortable in current and clearer water than largemouth.

That makes them more predictable at times, especially around:

  • wind
  • current
  • bait movement
  • rocky structure

They may not always be the fish tournament anglers are hoping for, but they can absolutely keep a day going.

Final thoughts

Spotted bass probably don’t get as much attention in the Ozarks as largemouth and smallmouth, but they’re a major part of fisheries like Beaver and Table Rock.

They’re aggressive, fun to catch, and often willing to bite when other fish won’t cooperate.

And while “Kentucky bass” may not be the technically correct term everywhere anymore, most Ozark anglers still know exactly what you mean when you say it.

Fishing Tips

How to Find Bass During the Post-Spawn Transition on Highland Reservoirs

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The post-spawn transition is one of the more frustrating times of the year for a lot of bass anglers. Fish can seem scattered, timing changes throughout the day, and patterns that worked a week earlier suddenly stop producing. Even as an experienced angler, any given day can be a difficult one this time of year.

On highland reservoirs like Beaver Lake, Table Rock, and Tenkiller, that transition can last several weeks depending on weather, water temperature, and lake conditions. Some fish stay shallow longer than expected, while others start moving toward summer areas surprisingly fast.

That’s why this time of year often feels inconsistent. But there are still a few reliable things that happen almost every year.

How to Find Post-Spawn Bass During the Transition

How to find post-spawn bass on highland reservoirs

To consistently know how to find post-spawn bass on Ozark area lakes like Beaver, Table Rock, and Tenkiller, anglers should focus on:

  • Shallow feeding windows early in the day
  • Secondary points near spawning pockets
  • Rock transitions and first drops
  • Wind-blown banks and points
  • Areas with baitfish activity

Most bass are moving gradually from spawning areas toward deeper summer structure. The best fishing usually happens along that transition route rather than at either extreme until they get settled in for summer.

What makes the post-spawn period difficult?

The biggest challenge is that bass are no longer grouped tightly like they are during the spawn.

Some bass are guarding fry, recovering from spawning, feeding aggressively, or hanging out offshore. You can catch fish shallow for an hour or two, then suddenly lose them completely. Often those fish didn’t disappear — they just repositioned.

That’s especially true on clear-water Ozark lakes. On Beaver, Table Rock, and Tenkiller, it’s common to see fish feeding shallow early before going to deeper water as the sun gets higher.

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

Start shallow early

One of the more reliable post-spawn patterns on highland reservoirs is still an early morning shallow bite.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the fish are living there all day. They’re often using those areas briefly to feed before repositioning.

This is where topwater can shine. Walking baits like a Heddon Zara Spook or a Rebel Pop-R can be really effective around shallow points, gravel banks, isolated wood, and pockets near deep water. A lot of the better bites happen around low light, especially when shad are active.

It’s also one of the better times to cover water quickly.

Pay attention to the “in-between” areas

One mistake anglers make this time of year is fishing either too shallow or too deep. The best catchable fish are often somewhere in the middle.

Secondary points become important because they act like stopping points as bass move away from spawning pockets. On highland reservoirs, those points may not look dramatic on a map, but small changes matter like chunk rock transitions to gravel or wind hitting one side of a point. This is where a shaky head with a YUM Dinger or a trick worm can be very important. Once the sun gets higher or the shallow activity slows down, slowing down on those transition areas often produces better quality fish.

Wind can completely change the day

On lakes like Table Rock and Beaver, wind during the post-spawn can reposition fish quickly. A windy secondary point or bank can suddenly become active, especially if baitfish get pushed there. That’s where a War Eagle spinnerbait still plays, even on clearer lakes.

A lot of anglers put the spinnerbait away too early in the year, but windy post-spawn conditions can set up perfectly for it on windy banks and points. Flooded bushes or other cover in the wind can also position good bass. It’s not usually an all-day deal, but it can help generate some of the better reaction bites of the day.

Offshore fish start becoming more important later in the day

As the morning progresses, many post-spawn fish start sliding toward drops, brush, and channel swings. This doesn’t necessarily mean “deep.” On many Ozark reservoirs, that can simply mean moving from 2 feet to 8–15 feet, or at least far enough down that the sun impact is reduced.

A lot of anglers overcomplicate offshore fishing this time of year. In reality, the best areas are often just close to spawning habitat. Those are often higher percentage areas than randomly searching offshore. Check out this previous article on fishing the main lake in late spring.

Baitfish activity matters more than exact structure

During the post-spawn, bait becomes a major factor. On Beaver, Table Rock, and Tenkiller, it’s common to see fish reposition daily based on where shad are moving. Sometimes the best clue isn’t structure at all — it could be flicking bait, schooling, or birds. This is one reason the morning bite can be more predictable and strong this time of year.

Final thoughts

The post-spawn transition can feel inconsistent, but there are still predictable movements happening for how to find post-spawn bass.

On highland reservoirs like Beaver, Table Rock, and Tenkiller, bass usually don’t move all at once. Some stay shallow longer than expected, while others start moving toward offshore structure quickly.

The anglers who tend to do best this time of year are the ones who stay flexible:

  • fish shallow early
  • pay attention to bait
  • adjust toward transition structure later in the day

Most importantly, focus on the areas between spawning pockets and summer structure. That’s where a lot of the better post-spawn fish tend to show up.

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The Top 5 Kayak Bass Fishing Lakes in Northwest Arkansas for Anglers of all Levels

If you’re new to kayak fishing or just moved to Northwest Arkansas, you’re in for a treat. This region offers some of the best kayak bass fishing in the country, with crystal-clear waters, stunning scenery, and plenty of accessible launch points. After spending over a decade exploring these waters in both recreational and tournament settings, I’ve narrowed down my top five destinations that offer the perfect combination of fishing quality, accessibility, and natural beauty. Some are for serious bass anglers wanting to catch a big limit, and others are renowned for their scenery and accessibility for a peaceful day on the water. Before I get blown up, yes, there are many, many, other great fishing options on the list. See one missing? Add it in the comments.

1. Lincoln Lake

Located about 25 minutes southeast of Fayetteville, Lincoln Lake offers a remote and rugged experience that feels worlds away from civilization. The natural rock formations create a distinctive fishing environment with plenty of structure for bass to hide. This lake has a wild, untouched feel that makes every trip feel like an adventure. The rocky shorelines and submerged boulders provide excellent cover for largemouth bass, and the scenery is absolutely stunning. While it requires a bit more effort to reach than some other options, the payoff in both fish quality and solitude makes it worth the drive. Fishing is not the easiest here depending on the mood of the bass, but you also have a chance to catch your personal best Largemouth in these waters.

Lincoln Lake, Arkansas

2. Lake Elmdale

Just outside Springdale, Lake Elmdale is the definition of convenience without sacrificing quality. The launch ramp is particularly easy to navigate with a kayak, making it perfect for solo trips or when you’re loading up multiple boats. What sets Elmdale apart is its diversity – while bass fishing is excellent, you’ll also find healthy populations of panfish and crappie, making it a great choice when you want to mix up your target species. The lake has good cover and the bass can be caught, especially during the spring and fall months. Don’t have a kayak? Also offers plenty of bank fishing options.

Lake Elmdale, Arkansas

3. Kings River

The Kings River offers some of the most gorgeous float fishing in Arkansas, and the smallmouth bass fishing is simply outstanding. The Tigger Gap and Rockhouse access points provide excellent starting locations for a day on the water. This isn’t your typical lake fishing – the river environment creates a completely different experience with moving water, gravel bars, and limestone bluffs. Smallmouth bass are abundant and fight like crazy in the current. The scenery along the Kings is breathtaking, with clear spring-fed water and towering bluffs that make every bend in the river a new discovery.

Kings River, Arkansas

4. Lake Fayetteville

This local gem sits right in Fayetteville and represents everything great about accessible kayak fishing. The launch area is extremely user-friendly, and the lake offers consistent bass fishing in a beautiful setting. Lake Fayetteville is perfect for beginners who want to cut their teeth on kayak bass fishing without venturing too far from town. The bass population can be cooperative, and the lake has enough structure and variation to keep things interesting. It’s also a great choice for after-work fishing sessions when you don’t have time for a longer drive. Great place for beginners.

Lake Fayetteville, Arkansas

5. Lake Fort Smith

Nestled in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains about an hour south of the Fayetteville area, Lake Fort Smith offers some of the clearest water and most stunning mountain scenery you’ll find in the region. The crystal-clear water creates a refreshing environment inhabited by bass, and the mountain backdrop creates an unforgettable fishing experience. Fishing isn’t always the easiest depending on the day, but the views are unmatched by other area lakes. The launch facilities are excellent, the State Park adds extra amenities, and the bass can be found, especially around the rocky points and creek channels.

Lake Fort Smith, Arkansas

Honorable Mentions

Beaver Tailwaters (White River Section): The Arkansas section of the White River below Beaver Dam offers excellent trout fishing with easy access and beautiful Ozark scenery. Further down from the dam, especially at Beaver, Arkansas and Holiday Island, Arkansas there are abundant bass and easy access points.

Lake Atalanta: Located in Rogers, this smaller lake provides convenient fishing close to the Bentonville/Rogers area with good bass populations and easy kayak access. A small lake, but perfect for trying out your kayak and wetting a line.

Siloam Springs City Lake: Another easily accessible option with good launch facilities and consistent bass fishing, perfect for quick trips. Not the easiest lake to catch bass, but there are giants in those waters.

Getting Started: Essential Bass Baits for Beginners

If you’re new to bass fishing from a kayak, keeping your tackle selection simple is key. Four versatile presentations will cover most situations you’ll encounter on these Northwest Arkansas waters. A Texas Rig with a YUM Thumpn’ Dinger is incredibly weedless and works around any structure. The Ned Rig using a YUM Ned Dinger is perfect for finicky bass and works year-round. A Booyah Finesse Spinnerbait covers water efficiently and triggers reaction strikes. Finally, a Great Lakes Finesse Underspin combines the best of both worlds with a jig head and swimbait that bass can’t resist. These four options will handle the vast majority of situations you’ll face on Arkansas waters. For these and other baits, save 15% off at Lurenet.com with discount code KINCY15!

Before You Go

Remember that you’ll need a valid Arkansas fishing license before hitting the water, and always wear your personal flotation device for safety. Kayak fishing opens up access to areas that bank anglers and larger boats can’t reach, giving you a significant advantage in finding less pressured bass.

Northwest Arkansas offers an incredible variety of kayak fishing opportunities, from remote mountain lakes to easily accessible city waters. Whether you’re looking for your first kayak fishing experience or want to explore new waters, these five lakes provide the perfect starting point for discovering what makes this region such a special place to be on the water. Each offers its own unique character and fishing opportunities, ensuring you’ll never run out of new places to explore.

The beauty of kayak fishing in this region is the diversity – you can fish a remote mountain lake one day and a convenient city lake the next, all while targeting quality bass in some of the most beautiful settings Arkansas has to offer. Get out there and start exploring – you’ll quickly discover why so many of us have fallen in love with kayak fishing in Northwest Arkansas.

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NSKA

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

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

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

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

Sharing News, Tips and Reviews for Kayak Anglers.