Thursday, May 23 – 7:30 PM

Read the full recap article highlighting Day 1 of tournament competition at Wilson and Pickwick Lake for the Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops by clicking here.

Thursday, May 23 – 6:30 PM

View the complete Day 1 standings at the Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops at this link.

Thursday, May 23 – 4:15 PM

Dylan & Carter Nutt from 3rd ranked University of North Alabama take the Day 1 lead at the Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops with 27.80 pounds.

Thursday, May 23 – 12:55 PM

Yamaha is supporting anglers in a variety of ways this week, including with a service trailer.  Anglers participating in the ACA National Championship will be able to utilize the Yamaha Service Trailer to help assist with any mechanical issues they might incur throughout the tournament.  The service trailer will be set up at McFarland Park to assist anglers.

Thursday, May 23 – 12:50 PM

Dillinger & Hammond from Top 25 ranked Lander University have a limit for around 16 pounds.

Thursday, May 23 – 12:30 PM

In an hour and a half, at 2:00 PM, the first flight will be due back in to McFarland Park.  With that first flight returning, the live stream of weigh-in will begin at that time.  Weigh-in can be streamed live via this link. 

Thursday, May 23 – 12:10 PM

Since the reports earlier this morning, the bite has slowed down significantly.  Camera crews have also jumped to different teams, as they search for others who are having luck catching fish.

A good amount of clouds have moved into the Florence, AL area.  The wind has picked up as well.  With just a few hours remaining until anglers are due back in, these changing conditions could trigger a strong afternoon bite.

Thursday, May 23 – 11:55 AM

As we’ve mentioned throughout the week, one of AFTCO’s main goals is conservation.  The AFTCO Bass Bus encompasses this mentality and further AFTCO’s dedication to preserving resources.

The Bass Bus is on-site at Pickwick Lake in Florence, AL this week assisting with fish care efforts.  Upon weighing in on-stage, anglers will then make their way to the Bass Bus to drop off their fish to be returned back health and rejuvenated into Pickwick Lake.

Thursday, May 23 – 11:35 AM

Another crankbait in the SPRO lineup that would be a good selection is the Little John DD 60.  This bait’s smaller profile and diving depth make it ideal for fishing those in between areas that aren’t quite as deep.

The Little John DD 60 was designed by B. A. S. S. professional fisherman John Crews. John Crews designed the Little John DD to be a smaller profile deep diving crankbait that dives to depths of 12 ft. The Little John DD 60 has a unique sound by soft tungsten ball with a weight transfer system. The body has a flat sided shape for special action.

  • Size: 60 mm
  • Weight: 5/8 oz.
  • Depth: 9-12 ft.
  • Hooks: Gamakatsu #3 Treble Hooks

Thursday, May 23 – 11:20 AM

The presenting sponsor of today’s blog is Ranger Boats.  Ranger Boats has been a supporter of the ACA and collegiate anglers since the very beginning. Ranger Boats are top of the line, and provide anglers a great platform of which to fish from, a smooth ride out on the water, and dependability that is needed to compete at the highest levels.

Ranger Boats is currently offering spring savings for those looking to buy a new boat.  Now until Memorial Day, save up to $18,400 on select 2023 models at participating dealers and receive a free Bass Pro/Cabela’s gift card up to $2,000 on select models, for a limited time. Savings reflected in price as shown. Gift card offers vary by model. See dealer for details. Offers end May 27, 2024.  Find more details here.

Thursday, May 23 – 11:10 AM

With warming temperatures and summer here in full swing, the importance of a quality cooler can’t be stressed enough.  Whether it be to keep ice cold to assist with fish care or chill beverages for hydration out on the water, Engel Coolers offers a variety of products to assist you on your outdoor adventures.  One of their latest additions is the Engel UL60 Ultralite.

Discover the Engel UL60 Ultralite: a revolutionary high-performance, 60-quart cooler. Designed for camping, fishing, hunting, and road trips, it features advanced injection molding for unmatched durability and crack resistance. Its leak-resistant drain and non-slip base enhance functionality, while the included wire basket and divider optimize organization. The UL60 excels in ice preservation for up to 7 days, thanks to its ultra-light, closed-cell foam insulation. This hard-shell cooler is lightweight yet robust, equipped with a drain plug, built-in bottle opener, and tie-down slots for easy transport and use. Engel redefines outdoor cooling solutions with the UL60’s innovative design and practical features.

Features : 

  • 7 days of ice preservation with 2 inches of advanced, ultra-light, closed-cell foam insulation.
  • 60 qt cooler is the ideal companion for your camping adventures and social events. Measuring 29.5 inches (W) x 17 inches (H) x 18 inches (D)
  • The hard shell cooler is remarkably lightweight, ensuring easy carrying while offering superior durability to prevent cracking and leaking.
  • Includes removable wire basket for easy cleaning, cooler divider to separate food or drinks, drain plug for quick and easy water drainage, built-in bottle opener, and tie-down slots for securing cooler to a boat or paddleboard. 
  • Patent pending level floor with precision tapered drainage channels.

Thursday, May 23 – 10:10 AM

Mason & Brady from Purdue have a limit for approximately 15 pounds.

Malcolm & Kyle from Top 10 ranked Auburn University are also working on a quality limit.

Thursday, May 23 – 9:35 AM

BIG FISH ALERT!

Check out this fish, estimated at roughly 7 pounds, caught by anglers from the University of South Carolina.

Thursday, May 23 – 8:55 AM

Harris & Anderson from 2nd ranked Carson-Newman are finding a good deal of success this morning.

The full field of anglers are being greeted with light rain this morning, as well as light wind.  Wilson and Pickwick Lakes are diverse fisheries that offers anglers plenty of great high percentage areas to target, regardless of conditions.

If the conditions continue on the trajectory at which they’ve started, teams targeting bass out on the ledges of Pickwick Lake may have to adjust ever so slightly.  The cloud cover and forecasted rain may cause the fish to suspend and spread out more…as opposed to locking in on key spots for anglers to target.

For anglers fishing up shallow, on both Wilson and Pickwick Lakes, the cloud cover could really help that bite.  Throwing topwater and moving baits in areas where shad are prevalent could be successful tactics for anglers to try.

Thursday, May 23 – 8:20 AM

The University of Montevallo enters this week ranked number one in the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia.  A camera crew started with Montevallo angler Beau Browning.  Beau has three fish for roughly 11 pounds.

Thursday, May 23 – 8:20 AM

Harris and Anderson are continuing their good luck this morning.

Preston & Smith from 3rd ranked UNA also have several quality fish.

Thursday, May 23 – 7:45 AM

Will Harris and Caz Anderson from 2nd ranked Carson-Newman University are off to a hot start!  The duo has three fish in the livewell, including this nice smallmouth bass!

Thursday, May 23 – 7:25 AM

The full field of anglers is now out on Pickwick Lake for Day 1 of tournament competition at the Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops.  The first flight of boats is due back in at 2:00 PM (CT) this afternoon.  As soon as we have updates from out on the water, we will post those here promptly!

Thursday, May 23 – 3:45 AM

Good Thursday morning from Pickwick Lake in Florence, AL for Day 1 of the Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops!  This is the final stop of the 2023-24 season for the Association of Collegiate Anglers on the Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series.

400 anglers are set to begin tournament competition this morning, with official takeoff happening from McFarland Park.

CarecoTV camera crew members will start the day with the Top 3 teams in the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia; 1) University of Montevallo, 2) Carson-Newman University, and 3) University of North Alabama.

Stay tuned to today’s live blog presented by Ranger Boats to keep up with all of the Day 1 tournament action here at Pickwick Lake.