In a display of ingenuity and skill, 22‑year‑old Arkansas native Kaden Buchmann claimed the first Bassmaster Elite Qualifier of the season at Norfork Lake on Friday. The young angler finished the three‑day tournament with a total weight of 42 pounds, 7 ounces, edging out runner‑up Cody Stahl by just 1 pound, 14 ounces.
Deer as Unlikely Spotters
Because forward‑facing sonar (LiveScope) was prohibited for the event, Buchmann turned to a creative alternative: watching the shoreline for whitetail deer. “If I saw 15 deer in a pocket, I’d say, ‘I’m getting bit here,'” he explained to Bassmaster. The logic was simple—areas where deer gathered were likely less pressured by other anglers, offering untouched bass habitats.
During the opening day, Buchmann counted more than 30 deer, including a prized 9‑point buck, and used their presence to pinpoint promising pockets. He hauled in 16 pounds, 7 ounces that day, taking the early lead.
Consistent Success Over Three Days
On Day 2, the deer‑watching tactic paid off again. Buchmann reported catching two quality bass in a pocket where he had spotted a herd. “We can’t use forward‑facing sonar this week, so you just have to fish where you think they’re gonna be,” he told Bassmaster.
Beyond the deer strategy, Buchmann covered extensive stretches of the lake, keeping his trolling motor at high speed and employing a mix of topwater baits and skipping jigs. He fished from the Missouri shoreline all the way to a pocket near the Norfork Dam, saying, “I fished the whole lake.” On the final day alone, four of his fish came from areas he had never previously fished.
Victory and Future Opportunities
Buchmann’s total of 42 pounds, 7 ounces secured him a wire‑to‑wire win, a $71,317 prize, and an invitation to the 2027 Bassmaster Classic at Lake Hartwell. The victory also earned him a spot among the ten anglers who will receive invitations to the 2027 Bassmaster Elite Series, pending the outcomes of the remaining two qualifiers.
With his deer‑scouting secret now public, other anglers may adopt the technique, adding a new layer of strategy to future tournaments on Norfork Lake and beyond.
About the Bassmaster Elite Qualifier
The Bassmaster Elite Qualifier series determines which anglers will compete in the prestigious Bassmaster Elite Series and ultimately the Bassmaster Classic. Each qualifier spans three days, and anglers must adapt to varying lake conditions and tournament rules, such as the ban on forward‑facing sonar at this event.
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Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
