Lake Mohave cemented its reputation as one of the best fisheries on the West Coast this weekend, producing three bags over 23 pounds and a staggering 7.70-pound largemouth.

The Nevada ABA Region Event #3 drew a record-breaking 61 teams from across the West Coast, each vying for a first-place prize exceeding $10,000—a payout that has become the norm in recent events.

The weather remained calm, with light breezes picking up later in the day. Teams benefited from an extra 30 minutes of fishing time, as the extended daylight allowed for the first flight to check in at 3:00 PM instead of 2:30 PM—a small change that could make a big difference.

Early Excitement and Big Catches

With the weigh-in scales set, cameras rolling, and staff in place, the first flight of teams began arriving. It didn’t take long for the fireworks to start.

One of the day’s biggest surprises came from Clayton Meyer, fishing his first event of the season—solo. Around 1:00 PM, Clayton called to confirm the correct time, unsure if his GPS had adjusted to Arizona time. When asked how he was doing, he casually mentioned he had a limit and a big one. That “big one” turned out to be an absolute monster—a 7.70-pound largemouth, the largest bass recorded on Lake Mohave in at least 15 years, anchoring his 19.82-pound bag.

The excitement continued as the first 20+ pound bag hit the scales. Last month’s event winners, Justin Kerr & Jay Wright, weighed in at 21.62 pounds, momentarily taking the lead.

That lead, however, didn’t last long. Roy Hawk and Mark White stepped up with a monster bag of 23.03 pounds, setting a new benchmark for the day.

A Tight Battle to the Finish

Just when it seemed like Roy and Mark would hold onto the top spot, Kyle Grover and Garrett Howard weighed in a 23.33-pound bag, narrowly edging ahead. With only a few teams left, it looked like they might hold onto the win.

But Lake Mohave had one more surprise in store.

Local angler Murph McBride, who calls Searchlight home, and his longtime fishing partner Mike Bird, stepped up as the final competitors. Their five smallmouth weighed an incredible 23.87 pounds, securing a dramatic last-minute victory. Their winning weight—just over half a pound more than Kyle and Garrett—earned them $10,466 in prize money.

Final Thoughts

Lake Mohave continues to prove itself as one of the premier bass fisheries in the West, delivering record-breaking weights and unforgettable moments. Congratulations to Murph McBride and Mike Bird on their well-earned victory!