Leesburg, FL – February 13-16, 2025
Stage Two of the 2025 Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour lands at the storied Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Florida, where top anglers face a dynamic mix of shallow vegetation, offshore structure, and the aggressive Florida-strain largemouth bass. With strategic adjustments and unpredictable conditions, this event is set to challenge even the best in the sport.
Tournament Landscape and Key Factors
Following an intense opening stage, competitors arrive at the Harris Chain with both momentum and pressure to adapt. The 2025 season introduces new strategic dynamics, particularly with the forward-facing sonar restrictions, which limit its use to only one of the three daily periods. This regulation shifts the focus back to traditional techniques such as flipping, sight fishing, and reaction baits, all of which will be critical in Florida’s clear, vegetation-heavy waters.
Anglers must also navigate fluctuating weather patterns. With water temperatures hovering in the pre-spawn range, bass behavior will be dictated by fronts and warming trends. The ability to locate transitioning fish between deep winter haunts and shallow spawning flats will separate the top performers from the field.
Anglers to Watch
Several contenders have a strong track record on Florida fisheries and enter Stage Two with significant expectations:
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Jacob Wheeler: The Versatile Favorite
Wheeler’s consistency and ability to adapt make him a top pick. His history of strong finishes in Florida, paired with his versatility in both power and finesse techniques, could be the key to another high placement. -
Ott DeFoe: History of Success at Harris
The winner of the last Bass Pro Tour event at the Harris Chain in 2021, DeFoe has a deep understanding of the lake’s shifting conditions. His ability to efficiently break down water and locate high-percentage areas will be an asset. -
Keith Carson: Home-Water Advantage
A Florida native with extensive experience on these waters, Carson has the local knowledge to capitalize on subtle changes in bass movement, especially if conditions become challenging. -
Dustin Connell: The Big Bite Hunter
A dominant force on the Bass Pro Tour with multiple career victories, Connell’s aggressive fishing style and knack for locating big bites could prove valuable in a tournament where ounces make the difference.
Key Lures for Harris Chain
Given the current pre-spawn conditions and the lake's diverse habitats, selecting the right lures will be crucial for success:
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Lipless Crankbaits – Ideal for covering water quickly and targeting bass in offshore grass beds near spawning areas. These baits can effectively trigger reaction strikes from active fish.
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Vibrating Jigs (ChatterBaits) – Effective in penetrating vegetation and enticing bites from bass holding in grassy areas. Pairing them with soft plastic trailers can enhance their appeal.
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Soft Plastic Worms (Speed Worms) – Versatile for various presentations, including swimming through grass or working along the bottom. Dark colors are often preferred in these waters.
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Topwater Baits – During warmer periods of the day, topwater lures like walking baits or poppers can provoke explosive strikes, especially in shallow areas with vegetation.
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Flipping Jigs and Texas-Rigged Soft Plastics – For targeting bass in dense cover such as lily pads and Kissimmee grass, these setups allow anglers to present baits precisely into heavy vegetation where big bass often reside.
Adjusting lure selection based on daily weather conditions and bass behavior will be essential. Anglers who remain versatile and observant are likely to find success during the tournament.
Keys to Victory
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Locating the Right Vegetation – Hydrilla, eelgrass, and lily pad fields play a crucial role in bass positioning. Anglers who find productive vegetation that holds both baitfish and big bass will have a distinct advantage.
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Adjusting to Weather Variations – Cold fronts can push fish deeper, while warming trends can activate an early spawn. Competitors must be ready to adjust techniques daily.
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Maximizing the Limited Use of Forward-Facing Sonar – With new restrictions in place, the decision of when to deploy sonar technology will be pivotal. Choosing the right period to utilize it could lead to key catches.
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Efficient Fish Management – The catch-weigh-release format means every fish counts. Capitalizing on high-percentage bites while maintaining a fast pace will be critical.
What’s at Stake?
With crucial Angler of the Year (AOY) points on the line, Stage Two represents a defining moment in the season. A strong finish can set the stage for a championship-caliber run, while a tough event could put competitors in a must-rebound scenario heading into later stages.
The 2025 Bass Pro Tour continues to showcase the best anglers in the world as they battle evolving tournament dynamics, unpredictable fisheries, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. With the Harris Chain primed for high-stakes action, expect an intense and strategic competition from start to finish.
Stay tuned for live coverage, weigh-in updates, and exclusive content throughout the event. The race for dominance in the Bass Pro Tour is just heating up.
