Tackle Warehouse Pro Championship hits Toho chain Friday
The top pros of Major League Fishing (MLF) will kickoff the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Friday with its Pro Circuit Championship on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. It’s the first eight stops on the circuit that will see the anglers fish as far west as Oklahoma and as far north as New York.
The event runs Friday through Sunday, with a total purse of $453,000, a top prize of up to $135,000, qualification for REDCREST 2027 and the 2026 Pro Circuit Championship trophy up for grabs.
Anglers will launch at 7:30 a.m. each day from Big Toho Marina. Weigh-ins will be held at the marina and will begin at 3:30 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and weigh-in events and are also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day at MajorLeagueFishing.com. Television coverage will premiere as a two-hour episode at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18 on VICE TV.
September will provide a much different look at the Kissimmee Chain than competitors typically see during Florida’s traditional winter and spring tournament season in February and March. Lakeland pro Bobby Lane, who has spent a lifetime fishing Central Florida, said an extended drought has left the chain exceptionally low and diminished much of the shallow vegetation that often defines tournaments there. That should push more attention offshore, particularly during the three-hour daily window in which competitors are permitted to use forward-facing and 360-degree sonar.
“I’d say the ‘Scope is going to 100% be a factor during all three days,” Lane said. “But I’m going to go out on a limb and say that you’re not going to be able to win it on just the ‘Scope. And I feel pretty confident saying that.”
Lane believes the eventual champion will likely have to supplement those offshore fish with at least one quality bite each day using another technique. “I’m pretty confident that you’re going to have to catch at least another 4- to 8-pounder a day doing something else,” he said.
Lane said significant rainfall —particularly enough to raise water levels and generate current—would completely change the complexion of the fishery and improve many of the shallow-water patterns Florida is known for. Without that rain, Lane expects anglers to grind through tougher conditions and believes roughly 21 to 24 pounds per day could put someone in position to win. Even then, both Lane and Bakewell know the Kissimmee Chain can change in a hurry. “It’s got a lot of big fish, it’s really healthy, but it’s fishing – it can be super tough, too,” Bakewell said. “That’s the beautiful thing about Florida. Your next cast could be an 8- to 10-pounder, and it completely changes your day and the outcome of the whole tournament.”
Information for this report was provided by the fine folks at Major League Fishing.
