Story by Todd Goade | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons
As we get ready for Stop 3 of the NPFL on my home water—Douglas Lake—in Dandridge, Tennessee, I find myself reflecting on the first two events and the style of fishing that was used to win each one. In an era where most events are now won mostly by “shaking a minnow,” I personally found it refreshing to see “normal” techniques used (I’m not calling it “old school”) and instinctual bass fishing playing a key role in getting it done.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of the forward-facing technology. I think it has its place. I used it a lot in half of the events when I won Progressive Angler of the Year back in 2023. I’m pretty good at it and quickly learned what a catfish looked like over a brushpile instead of wasting casts and then getting your line slimed up!
However, it doesn’t have a place in the NPFL. The technology is prohibited for the 2025 season. I’m 100% good with that. Our schedule sets up this year to really showcase the decision-making and fish-finding skills of our anglers to the fullest.
The last morning before takeoff at Santee, I was shooting the breeze with Greg Hackney.
He asked me “What do you think about the no FFS after two days of the tournament?”
I said, “I find it refreshing that we are all going out fishing and we won’t get beat by a screen.”
Hackney said he couldn’t have said it better himself.
I saved Day 3 at Santee after not having a fish in the boat at 11:00 a.m. I pulled a spinning rod out of the box that I hadn’t used all week, tied on a shaky head with a Zoom Trick Worm, and proceeded to catch almost 19 pounds, saving the day and the tournament. Talk about an adjustment!
I’ve gone back and watched the coverage from the last two events and really enjoyed it. Good ol’ instinctual bass fishing, decisions on the fly, slinging baits like spinnerbaits, bladed jigs, buzzbaits, all the fun stuff. I know the fans are enjoying it as well.
Norman was fun to watch, and Hackney put on a hell of a show. I had some good things going in that event but just didn’t execute on three key fish that cost me. We got to see dock skipping, sight fishing, wake baits, topwater—all the fun stuff. The fans got to see another great display of anglers putting things together to have successful days and just figuring it out.
Douglas should be no different. Fish will be in all stages of the spawn, and there will be lots of ways to catch them. The fans will again get to see instinctual bass fishing and awesome fish catches. Timing and rotation will play a factor and I’m hoping to figure both of those out that week!
As an NPFL angler fishing my fourth season, I want to thank all the fans that have been on this journey with us. The culture here within the group from leadership to the anglers is really something special and I’m proud to be a part of it. I hope we continue to shine, and the fans continue to approve of what the NPFL is trying to do. So far, it is setting up just as they had hoped. Stay tuned!
See y’all on the water!
Todd Goade – Angler Profile
