Zach Pocos from 8th Ranked McKendree University Takes Day 1 Lead in the Bass Pro Shops Big Bass Bash presented by Berkley

Paris, TN (September 21, 2024) – Close to 600 of college fishing’s top anglers launched onto Kentucky Lake today for Day 1 of tournament competition at the Bass Pro Shops Big Bass Bash presented by Berkley.  This tournament marks the first event of the 2024-25 Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series, the Association of Collegiate Anglers’ historic 20th season. The no-entry-fee, nationally televised event will pay out over $40,000 in prizes and contingencies over two days, as well as award double points to count towards the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia.  Day 1 of tournament competition consisted of four weigh-in sessions, with each one paying out prizes to the Top 10 biggest fish.

The day got off to a quick start during Session 1 presented by Berkley.  Zach Pocos from 8th ranked McKendree University won the session with a largemouth bass weighing 6.21 pounds that he caught on the Berkley Choppo.  For winning the session, Zach received a $300 Bass Pro Shops gift card, Abu Garcia Veritas PLX casting rod, and a Trailer Valet jack.

Carson-Newman University placed three anglers in the Top 10 for Session 1 presented by Berkley(3rd, 7th, 10th). 

The second session of the day was presented by Bajio Sunglasses.  Each angler in the Top 10 received a pair of sunglasses, a Bajio prize package, with several places receiving additional items. Carter Nutt from 3rd ranked University of North Alabama took top honors in Session 2 with a bass weighing 5.40 pounds.  By winning Session 2 presented by Bajio Sunglasses, Carter received a pair of Bajio Sunglasses, a Bajio prize package, and a $300 Bass Pro Shops gift card.

The second session proved to be one of the most closely contested sessions on Day 1 of the Bass Pro Shops Big Bass Bash presented by Berkley, as 1st thru 10th were separated by less than 1.50 pounds.

Day 1 Session 3 was presented by Bass Pro Shops.  Every angler in the Top 10 received a Bass Pro Shops gift card of varying values and a Bass Pro Shops tackle tray, with 1st place earning a $1,000 Bass Pro Shops gift card.  Barrett Broomfield from Top 25 ranked LSU-Shreveport brought in a bass going 5.36 pounds to claim the session victory.

Alex Gore from 4th ranked Carson-Newman University won Session 4 presented by Garmin with 6.06 pounds.  The session victory earned Alex a $1,500 Garmin credit.

Carson-Newman anglers finished 1st and 2nd for Session 4 presented by Garmin.  Joe Vaulton placed 2nd with 5.37 pounds.  Joe receives a $1,000 Garmin credit for the 2nd place finish.

Day 2 will mark the final day of tournament competition for the Bass Pro Shops Big Bass Bash presented by Berkley.  The field of close to 600 anglers will be going out onto Kentucky Lake permitted to use only Berkley baits.  Weigh-in will be streamed live all day on the ACA website.  Additional live coverage and content will be shared via the live blog and social media channels.