The PDS Equipment team of Steve Weist, Christian Bellomo and Trevor Bates, brought a three-bass limit totaling 17 pounds, 3 ounces to the stage to win the 2023 ICAST Cup at Lake Toho Presented by Major League Fishing (MLF) last week. The tournament was the kick-off event to ICAST 2023 and raised a total of $9,200 to benefit the industry’s angler advocacy program, Keep America Fishing™. The field totaled 46 boats.
Although many teams ran across the lake and even locked down to Cypress Lake throughout the morning, the PDS Equipment team stayed in the same general area on the south side of Lake Toho for the entirety of the event.
“This win is just a great feeling,” said Bates. “We come to this event every year and you always hear about guys catching these ‘Florida big bags’ and you just wonder when you’re going to have one of those days – and today it was our turn.
“We come to this trade show every year, selling equipment that prints on some of the top favorite baits within the industry,” said Bates. “We started coming to the show because we love fishing and wanted to work with the companies in this industry, so being able to compete against those guys and represent PDS Equipment, and do it well, is an amazing feeling.”
Become a Florida Friendly Angler
Through this free online course, anyone who enjoys fishing can learn more about what they can do to help conserve Florida’s marine resources. Designed for both new and seasoned anglers wanting to up their game, the course includes videos, narrated slides and interactive quizzes that teach skills and practices to help ensure fishing opportunities for the future. In just under two hours, you can become a certified Friendly Florida Angler regardless of previous experience.
Not only is this course a great way for new anglers to become more familiar with fishing but it is also beneficial for anglers unfamiliar with Florida waters.
The course is comprised of three modules that cover environmental ethics, best fishing practices and fisheries management, which are essential for any angler who wants to protect fisheries and the environment. These modules can be accessed any time after registration and, upon completion of the course, you will receive an electronic certificate and a commemorative weatherproof Florida Friendly Angler decal that will be mailed to you by providing your contact information.
Florida Friendly Angler was created through the partnership of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), UF/IFAS Extension and Florida Sea Grant.
Lake Toho among top Southeastern fishing lakes
Lake Tohopekaliga was named No. 7 on the BASSMasters Top 25 list of Southeastern lakes.
“This lake remains the crown jewel of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes,” its BASSMasters description states. “Take a quick glimpse at the Florida TrophyCatch lunkers caught here in the past year and you’ll find 19 entries, with an (11-pound, 13-ouncer) currently wearing the crown. Although data doesn’t suggest that Toho is in its prime, there was an Xtreme Bass Series event held here in May that was won with a limit just shy of 31 pounds. Most other events are being won with limits in the 22-pound range.”
Stick Marsh/Kenansville Lake (No. 2) and Lake Okeechobee (No. 4), also made it on the list of Top 10 Best Bass Lakes in the nation.
Bassmaster’s annual rankings are highly regarded within the angling community and serve as a testament to the incredible fishing opportunities available in the Sunshine State.
