2025 Bassmaster Classic qualifier Dylan Akins may be new to the big stage but he’s ready for the challenge.
The 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour is provin
g to be an exciting and unpredictable event and one angler who’s ready to create some more buzz is Dylan Akins.
As the College Series Classic Bracket Champion, Akins is taking his skills and experience to the highest stage in professional bass fishing. But as anyone who's ever participated in the Classic can tell you, it’s not all smooth sailing. Dylan Akins' journey through practice at this year’s Bassmaster Classic has been full of highs and lows, marked by tough conditions, unpredictable fish patterns and the overwhelming presence of the event itself.
The challenges of practice at the 2025 Bassmaster Classic
When Akins first hit the water for practice, the conditions were less than ideal.
“The wind has been brutal which has made it hard to move around,” Akins said.
Factors like trees, wind and dingy water were complicating everything. With so much dead water in the mix, the odds of finding consistent fish were slim. But Akins pressed on, determined to figure out how to unlock the secrets of Lake Ray Roberts.
"Some areas have been muddy, while others are just dingy." Akins said.
For an angler who thrives on the details, these inconsistent water conditions can be frustrating. It’s a game of patience, relying on finding subtle clues, whether that’s the depth of the water, the temperature or just the way the fish react to different lures.
Despite the difficult conditions, Akins was able to catch a few fish here and there, but the consistency was missing. In between the bites, he found himself covering a lot of ground.
“I saw 49-degree water and some up towards the mid 60-degree range,” Akins said. "I'm seeing them moving towards spawning areas, but it’s been tough to find a consistent pattern. The majority of the fish are in the pre-spawn phase.”
With all the challenges of weather, water clarity and fish movement, Dylan Akins will have to adapt his strategy as the event unfolds.
From college champion to professional: A new chapter
Though Akins is still a relatively new face in the Bassmaster stratosphere, his rise has been meteoric. After becoming College Team of the Year with his partner Chase Carey in 2024 and then emerging as the Classic Bracket winner last fall, his career trajectory took a sharp turn.
"It’s been a wild ride since the bracket and the use of a new Toyota has been huge” Akins said.
A year ago, he wasn’t even thinking about competing in the Bassmaster Classic. But the recognition of his talent has opened doors for him and now he’s here, at one of the biggest stages in competitive bass fishing. For Akins, it's a surreal experience, but also one that he’s clearly taking in stride.
His support from Toyota and Bass Pro Shops has been a big part of his success, too.
"I always know I get to come back to a good truck and boat,” Akins said. “For an angler competing on the Opens, comfort and reliability on the road are crucial. The right equipment helps me focus on what matters—being on the water, day in and day out.”
The home waters influence
Dylan Akins' home body of water provides a perfect contrast to the challenges he faces in the Bassmaster Classic. Akins hails from the waters of Lake Lanier and Hartwell; both areas known for their clear water and unpredictable conditions.
“There’s a ton of standing timber in every creek on this lake and once you go past a certain point, I’m just having to idle,” Akins said.
This experience growing up fishing on these types of lakes has taught Akins to rely on both technology and old-school skills.
The Classic environment
One of the most exciting and surreal aspects of the Bassmaster Classic is the presence of fishing legends—heroes who many anglers, including Akins, have watched on TV for years.
"It’s a lot different when you’re looking around and seeing your heroes," Akins said, acknowledging how strange it is to be in the same arena as the giants of the sport. "You see them catch fish on TV and you know they’re going to catch ‘em here, too."
As the 2025 Bassmaster Classic continues to unfold, Dylan Akins is a force to be reckoned with—balancing the excitement of being part of the event with the pressures of competing at the highest level. The tournament may be unpredictable, but Akins’ focus, work ethic and competitive spirit will undoubtedly see him through.
