Watts Bar, Tennessee, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Matthew Rock from Bristol, Virginia, clinched victory at the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League tournament on Watts Bar by catching 10 bass weighing a total of 34 pounds, 2 ounces. This event, held over two days, marked the end of the BFL Volunteer Division season. Rock’s strategic targeting of main-river channel swings with advanced LiveScope technology contributed to his success. He earned a prize of $4,604 for his performance, outpacing competitors including Bryce McDonald and Jeremy Gordon, who came in second and third, respectively.
Watts Bar, Tennessee
Boater Matthew Rock from Bristol, Virginia, triumphed at the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) tournament held on Watts Bar. Rock secured his victory with a remarkable total of 10 bass weighing 34 pounds, 2 ounces over a period of two days of competition. This tournament, which took place from September 20-21, 2025, served as the final event of the BFL Volunteer Division season.
For his successful outing, Rock was awarded a prize of $4,604. His winning strategy involved targeting main-river channel swings located in depths of 25 to 35 feet of water using advanced LiveScope technology. Interestingly, he noted that his catches were not related to any specific structure, and no distinct pattern emerged during his fishing.
During practice sessions leading up to the tournament, Rock identified a crucial 300-yard stretch that yielded all his weight on Saturday. Although he boated “nine or 10” keepers on Saturday, his performance on Sunday was less prolific, as he only landed five keepers. Nonetheless, these catches were sufficient for him to achieve his first win as a BFL boater, with his fifth keeper being caught at 2:40 PM on Sunday, solidifying his confidence in winning.
Standout Performers
Rock’s closest competitor at the tournament was Bryce McDonald from Paintsville, Kentucky, who finished second with a total of 10 bass weighing 31 pounds, 15 ounces and earned $2,452. Third place went to Jeremy Gordon from Rutledge, Tennessee, who also caught 10 bass for a total weight of 31 pounds, earning $2,036 (this included a $500 Phoenix Bonus).
The complete results for the top 10 boaters in this competition are as follows:
- 1. Matthew Rock, Bristol, Va., 10 bass, 34-2, $4,604
- 2. Bryce McDonald, Paintsville, Ky., 10 bass, 31-15, $2,452
- 3. Jeremy Gordon, Rutledge, Tenn., 10 bass, 31-0, $2,036 (includes $500 Phoenix Bonus)
- 4. Turner Tharpe, Dayton, Tenn., 10 bass, 30-13, $1,074
- 5. Michael Morrison, Stamping Ground, Ky., 10 bass, 30-4, $1,461
- 6. Corey Neece, Bristol, Tenn., 10 bass, 30-2, $844
- 7. Jeffery Moore, Harriman, Tenn., 10 bass, 29-12, $767
- 8. Terry Ford, Harriman, Tenn., 10 bass, 28-8, $691
- 9. Josh Lee, Powell, Tenn., 10 bass, 28-4, $614
- 10. Camdyn Cranfill, Dayton, Tenn., 10 bass, 28-4, $537
Co-Angler Division
In the co-angler division, Chuck Lyons of Riner, Virginia, emerged victorious with five bass weighing 13 pounds, 3 ounces, taking home $2,572. The top-performing co-anglers included:
- 1. Chuck Lyons, Riner, Va., five bass, 13-3, $2,572
- 2. Christopher Davis, Huntsville, Ala., four bass, 10-15, $1,151
- 3. Dewayne Drummonds, Gray, Ky., four bass, 10-0, $767
- 4. Konnor Sweet, Abingdon, Va., four bass, 9-5, $537
- 5. Kasey Hunley, Sharps Chapel, Tenn., three bass, 9-3, $460
- 6. Billy Joe Wheat, Evensville, Tenn., four bass, 8-13, $422
- 7. Steve Ouellette, Knoxville, Tenn., four bass, 7-15, $384
- 8. Luke Shrader, Monticello, Ky., three bass, 7-8, $395
- 9. Howard Smith, Hamilton, Ohio, three bass, 6-9, $307
- 10. Don Carmack, Middlesboro, Ky., two bass, 5-7, $269
Lyons also won the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award for catching a bass that weighed 3 pounds, 6 ounces, receiving an additional $270.
Season Highlights
Jeremy Gordon from Rutledge, Tennessee, clinched the Angler of the Year title for the Fishing Clash Volunteer Division, gathering 1,360 points and a prize of $1,000. Meanwhile, Kasey Hunley of Sharps Chapel, Tennessee, earned the Co-Angler of the Year title with 1,335 points, receiving a $500 prize.
The top 60 boaters and co-anglers have qualified for the upcoming BFL Regional tournament scheduled for October 24-25 at Dale Hollow Lake in Byrdstown, Tennessee. The grand prize for boaters at this regional event includes a Phoenix 819 Pro boat outfitted with a $50,000 Mercury or Suzuki outboard.
The BFL circuit encompasses 24 divisions and features 134 events throughout the season, showcasing competitive bass fishing at its finest.
FAQ
Who won the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League on Watts Bar?
Boater Matthew Rock from Bristol, Virginia, won the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) tournament on Watts Bar.
How much did the winner earn?
Matthew Rock earned a prize of $4,604 for his victory.
What was the total weight of bass caught by the winner?
Matthew Rock caught a total of 10 bass weighing 34 pounds, 2 ounces over two days.
When did the tournament take place?
The tournament took place on September 20-21, 2025.
Who won the co-angler division?
Chuck Lyons of Riner, Virginia, won the co-angler division with five bass weighing 13 pounds, 3 ounces.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Winner | Matthew Rock, Bristol, Va. |
| Total Weight Caught | 34 pounds, 2 ounces |
| Prize Amount | $4,604 |
| Tournament Dates | September 20-21, 2025 |
| Co-Angler Winner | Chuck Lyons, Riner, Va. |
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Additional Resources
- Major League Fishing: Virginia’s Rock Holds Off Field for Victory at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Watts Bar
- Wikipedia: Watts Bar
- Major League Fishing: 2025 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Watts Bar Lake Super Tournament Weigh-In Day 2
- Google Search: Phoenix Bass Fishing League Watts Bar
- Major League Fishing: Watts Bar Set to Show Out in Volunteer Division Super Tournament
- Google Scholar: Phoenix Bass Fishing League Watts Bar
- Major League Fishing: Turano Clinches All-American at Lake Hamilton
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Phoenix Bass Fishing Watts Bar
- Major League Fishing: What to Expect at the All-American on Lake Hamilton
- Google News: Phoenix Bass Fishing Watts Bar
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