Lake Mohave Tournament Recap – January 2025
After an incredible kickoff to the 2025 season last month—where first place took home $10,000—we had high expectations for our January event at Lake Mohave. As tournament day approached, I was hopeful we’d hit the magic 60-team mark, which would have triggered contingency payouts for some anglers. We came close, with a final count of 58 teams, including 23 out-of-state competitors eager to test their skills on Mohave’s crystal-clear waters.
The weather cooperated, and at 6:45 AM, we launched the boats, with the first flight due back by 2:30 PM. After the launch, our staff followed tradition and headed to Denny’s in Searchlight for a game plan review over breakfast. Once finished, we returned to the ramp to set up for weigh-in.
Tough Fishing Conditions & Big Catches
Although the scales were ready by 2:00 PM for any early arrivals, the bite proved tough, with only 16 teams bringing in full (5-fish) limits. One team, however, brought just three fish—but they weighed an impressive 12.33 lbs, including the event’s Big Fish, a 4.75 lb largemouth. This fish met the qualifying weight for entry into the Heavy Hitter Tournament at the end of the season. Congratulations to Kyle & Bridger Richins—keep an eye on this team in February; they are always tough to beat at Mohave.
Tight Battle for First Place
Former Bassmaster Classic qualifier and US Open winner Justin Kerr, along with Jay Wright, secured the win by just 0.10 lbs over local team Ray Arbesu & Don Iglinski. Ryland Ogle & Asa Stephenson were also in contention, finishing third with 15.58 lbs, just half a pound from victory.
Top 5 Results & Payouts
🏆 1st – Justin Kerr & Jay Wright – $9,938
🥈 2nd – Ray Arbesu & Don Iglinski – $2,126 (That’s an expensive tenth of a pound!)
🥉 3rd – Ryland Ogle & Asa Stephenson – $2,296 (Slightly more than second place since they also caught the second-biggest bass, a 5.57 lb smallmouth.)
🏅 4th – Jeff Hudson & Patrick McLaren – 15.57 lbs (Includes the 3rd biggest fish at 4.51 lbs.)
🎣 5th – Ryan Siebert & Coy Nelson – 15.00 lbs (Currently ranked 2nd in the Team of the Year standings after two events—most improved team so far!)
A Huge Thank You
To our amazing staff: Wayne, Tim, Judy, Lexi, Belle, Brandon, and Darren—thank you for your hard work, dedication, and the countless laughs we share throughout the day.
A special thanks to our sponsors, who continue to make this circuit so great. Your unwavering support helps keep this sport thriving, and we truly appreciate all that you do!
24/7 Heating & AC
Polar Shades / Somfy
Champion Recycling
Action Plumbing
Snap Towing
P&L Sales Group
Last Chance Performance Marine
Dock Defenders
Mtn Pine Construction
Aloha Specialties
The Iglinski Family
See you all at the next tournament!