Bass Don't Have Eyelids

Written by David A. Brown    Photography by Andy Crawford

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — Hank Cherry, turned 52 today, so it’s fitting that the pro from Lincolnton, N.C., employed a straight-up old-school technique to win the FXR Bassmaster Elite at Lake Guntersville with 88 pounds, 11 ounces.

January 31, 2026 • Jody White • Toyota Series

CLEWISTON, Fla. – The hottest angler in bass fishing, Banks Shaw, earned his third major win in three years with MLF, edging Kyle Cortiana on Saturday for the top spot in the Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Southern Division season-opener event on Lake Okeechobee.

There’s nobody fishing hotter than Banks Shaw right now. Photo by Rob Matsuura.

The February 2026 edition of the Southern Fishing News newsletter has been published and is available for reading/download.

I’ll get straight to it. Our latest audience audit—765,887 verified anglers as of January 31, 2026—shows exactly why brands partner with Southern Fishing News when they want real reach, real engagement, and real buyers. We’re not just fishing but connecting with anglers.

By Roger Brown, The Bass Coach

Every day, it seems that more and more of the general public are starting to take notice that there may be just a bit more to bass fishing than meets the eye.

Show up at the boat landing with this kit in one hand and a soft-sider bursting with cold ones in the other, and your buddies will jettison someone else in the drink to make room for you. EGO’s new TIDEWATER Tool Kit is that awesome.

Across his three days on Guntersville, Walker landed 11 bass of 5 pounds or more.

B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 Presented by Mercury delivered a thrilling start to the 2026 Bass Pro Tour season. Legendary Lake Guntersville served up plenty of big bass. 

Jacob Walker caught the four biggest bass of the day during the Championship Round. Photo by Tyler Brinks

Neese Realty Waterfront Property maintains listings of prime lakefront properties in North Alabama. All are on bass-rich waters. You can contact them and look at properties through their website at neesere.com or email Shirley at shirley@neesere.com. Or, give them a call at 256-335-6789. Neese Realty Waterfront Property has the keys to the next place to park your boat!