Bass fishing heats up in Bainbridge, Georgia, as the MLF Toyota Series brings elite anglers to Lake Seminole for a high-stakes tournament, April 24–26. Hosted at the Earle May Boat Basin, this major event showcases some of the South’s best bass fishermen competing for up to $100,000 in prizes. Whether you’re a local fan, visiting the area, or tuning in online, Lake Seminole promises exciting spring bass fishing action you won’t want to miss.
The Toyota Series on Lake Seminole
This week, Bainbridge will be buzzing as the Major League Fishing Toyota Series rolls into town. Anglers from across the region and beyond are locking in their sights on Lake Seminole for what promises to be a pivotal stop in the Southern Division. The action kicks off April 24 and runs through April 26, with serious money and bragging rights on the line.
The tournament, hosted by Visit Bainbridge, marks the final regular-season event in the Southern Division. For pros, there’s a shot at $100,000, and for co-anglers, the grand prize includes a Phoenix 518 Pro boat rigged with a 115-hp motor plus a $5,000 kicker.
Among those keeping a close eye on this event is Matt O’Connell, a hammer out of Brooks, Georgia. Usually a regular in the Central Division, O’Connell has been on a tear lately—17 top-10 finishes in just two seasons, and last year’s Fishing Clash Angler of the Year. Now, he’s bringing his game to Seminole.
“Seminole should be in a good window,” O’Connell said. “I’m expecting a mix of mid-spawn and post-spawn fish. The southern part of Georgia warms up earlier, but the colder winter probably delayed things a bit. So, we’ll likely see fish still up shallow and others already sliding back out deep.”
That transitional phase opens the door for a wide mix of tactics. O’Connell expects competitors to play to their strengths.
“You’re gonna see a buffet of bait choices—ChatterBaits, jerkbaits, Carolina rigs, big swimbaits,” he said. “And of course, forward-facing sonar is going to play a role. Places like Spring Creek have clean water and a ton of submerged timber for scoping. But someone could very well stay shallow with a topwater all day and catch ‘em good too.”
As for weights, O’Connell predicts we won’t see record-breaking bags, but it’s still going to take solid numbers to make it to Championship Saturday.
“One 25-pound day is almost mandatory,” he said. “I think 36 to 38 pounds over the first two days gets you into the final 25, and around 70 pounds total might win it. But it’ll come down to whoever finds the best post-spawn areas where fish are starting to group up.”
Launch and Weigh-In Info:
Anglers blast off at 7 a.m. ET each day from the Earle May Boat Basin (100 Boat Basin Circle, Bainbridge). Weigh-ins start at 3 p.m. and are open to the public. If you can’t make it in person, tune in to “MLF Live” for full coverage and updates on MajorLeagueFishing.com.
What’s at Stake
Payouts shift depending on how many boats enter. A 160-boat field sets the pro division top prize at $75,000, with a boost to $100,000 for larger fields. Co-anglers, regardless of field size, will be casting for that Phoenix 518 and a cash bonus.
Eyes on the Championship
This stop is part of a broader season that spans five divisions Central, Northern, Plains, Southern, and Southwestern plus International and Wild Card groups. The top 25 anglers from each qualify for the Toyota Series Championship, where the stakes skyrocket. Set for Nov. 6-8 on Grand Lake in Grove, Oklahoma, the no-entry-fee championship is a chance to win up to $235,000 and punch a ticket to REDCREST 2026.
Co-anglers can win a fully rigged Phoenix 518 at the championship as well.
Sponsors & Support
The 2025 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats is backed by major names in the fishing and outdoor world Abu Garcia, Berkley, Strike King, Minn Kota, Mercury, Suzuki, Power-Pole, and many more, including Toyota and YETI.
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