The Starting Spot: Big BFL Changes, 1 Trophy Bass Caught 4 Times, and John Cox Loves Bream

In this edition of The Starting Spot:

-Major League Fishing has announced some pretty big changes for the 2026 BFL series. Included are lower entry fees but deeper payouts. Interesting!

-The Toldeo Bend Lake Association in Texas has undeniable proof that catch and release bass fishing works. They have one specific bass that has been caught three separate times as a ten-plus pounder, and they believe that same fish was caught when it was a nine-and-a-half.

-John Cox’s track record speaks for itself. He’s gained a reputation as the absolute king of low-tech, shallow-water bass fishing domination. If he wants to explain to you why he throws bluegill imitating baits almost exclusively, you should listen.

MLF announces lower entry fees, bigger payouts for 2026 Phoenix Bass Fishing League

by MLF

Huge 11-Pound Toledo Bend Bass Caught and Released Four Times

by Bob McNally

From a story on Wired2Fish.com: If anyone has ever doubted the value of catch-and-release fishing to sustain important gamefish populations, they should contact the folks at Texas’ Toledo Bend Lake Association (TBLA). Since 2006, the group has tagged and released hundreds of bass over 10 pounds caught from Toledo Bend.

All about that bream

by John Cox

From an article on the Bassmaster.com: I’ll admit it – I am a bream freak. 

Thanks for starting your day with Fishing On SI. Lines in!

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