When you pull into Lake Guntersville this time of year, you can feel the hum of anticipation. The Tennessee River fog hangs low over the mats, the hum of outboards echoes through the morning stillness and there’s a camaraderie in the air that feels a lot like home. For Bassmaster Elite Series pro and Team Toyota angler Matt Arey, that feeling never gets old.
The 2025 Toyota Owners Tournament, one of the sport’s most beloved gatherings, rolled into Guntersville and for Arey, it’s not just another event. It’s a reunion, a celebration and a reminder of why so many anglers proudly drive with the Toyota badge on their front grills and tailgates.
“For what Toyota gives back, they are by far the leading vehicle manufacturer that does this much for the sport,” Arey said, leaning back against his wrapped Tundra between interviews. “The people who come to this tournament are diehard anglers and just fantastic human beings. That goes along with the folks who work so hard to make this tournament happen, as well.”
Arey’s been part of countless tournaments over his career, but this one holds a special place in his heart. He’s quick to point out that it’s not only the competition that makes it special. It’s the community.
“Solid payouts and great fellowship,” he said. “There are always a ton of return anglers and it’s for good reason. It’s hard to find any other event that’s this much fun and rewarding.”
That kind of loyalty doesn’t always come easy in professional fishing, where schedules are packed and commitments run deep. But year after year, anglers of all levels, from weekend warriors to seasoned veterans, circle this date on their calendar.
Guntersville magic
This year’s stop at Lake Guntersville felt like a perfect storm of timing and potential. October on the famed Tennessee River impoundment is a time when the lake can show its teeth or open its arms wide. Arey’s fished Guntersville enough to know that when the stars align here, the results can be legendary.
“With this year’s tournament being on Guntersville, we knew there would be some big bags,” he said. “Even with a sharp cold front landing on tournament day, you knew it was going to take some serious weight.”
Guntersville’s reputation precedes it. It’s the kind of place where twenty-pound sacks barely raise eyebrows and where one key stretch of grass or a single bridge piling can change an angler’s weekend.
“We had guys who fish BFL tournaments, local hammers and everything in between,” Arey said with a grin. “On Lake Guntersville, anything is possible.”
That “anything” is what keeps anglers coming back. The lake is an ever-evolving puzzle with grass mats shifting, baitfish migrating and bass moving with the current. For Arey, that challenge is part of the fun.
The Toyota connection
While most fans see Toyota’s logo on trucks, boats and jerseys, Arey sees something deeper. To him, Toyota’s investment isn’t about marketing but rather passion.
“I never want to miss one of these tournaments,” he said. “It is so rewarding and so well run. I haven’t even left here yet and I’m genuinely looking forward to next year.”
That kind of statement says everything you need to know about the Toyota Bonus Bucks Owners Tournament. It’s a rare example of a corporate partnership that genuinely enhances the sport. It represents a shared belief in what makes bass fishing special. Things like hard work, good people and a deep respect for the outdoors.
Toyota doesn’t just put on a tournament. They create a space where anglers and fans can celebrate the sport together. The payouts are solid, the organization is top-notch and the atmosphere is electric.
The energy at each of these events is palpable and whether someone is a seasoned angler, a brand-new tournament partner or a full-time professional, everybody is somebody at the Toyota Owners tournament.
