Top 3 Baits from the Ultimate Angler Championship
The inaugural Ultimate Angler Championship wrapped up, with Tucker Smith claiming the $500,000 top prize after three days of fierce competition. The event showcased a mix of power fishing, precision, and local knowledge and these three baits stood above the rest.
3rd Place – Randy Howell
Black & Blue Z-Man JackHammer + Green Pumpkin Yamamoto Zako
Livingston Lures Walking Boss
Veteran pro Randy Howell leaned on two proven confidence baits to secure a strong third-place finish. He started with a black and blue JackHammer ChatterBait, pairing it with a green pumpkin Yamamoto Zako trailer for that perfect blend of vibration and subtle action. When the fish pushed shallow or the wind laid down, Howell switched gears to the Livingston Lures Walking Boss, a topwater bait that’s no stranger to the Howell family. The Walking Boss’s unique sound and walking action produced critical bites that sealed his Top-3 finish.
2nd Place – Jacob Wall
Punch Setup – 1.5 oz Weight + Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver (Black/Blue & Green Pumpkin Laminate)
Thump Gel “Glow” Formula
Jacob Wall focused entirely on matted vegetation, keeping a single rod in his hands throughout the event. He relied on a 1.5-ounce tungsten weight to punch through the thick mats, paired with a Sweet Beaver in black and blue and green pumpkin laminate. One key adjustment was his use of Thump Gel’s new Glow Formula, which helped him stand out from the crowd and coax a few extra bites in the pressured grass. His local knowledge and ability to locate the right mats with quality fish were crucial in earning the runner-up spot.
1st Place – Tucker Smith
3/4-oz Football Jig + 3” Yama Craw Trailer
When it comes to finding big fish in overlooked areas, Tucker Smith proved once again why he’s one of the most versatile young anglers in the game. Tucker kept things simple and effective. His primary weapon was a 3/4-ounce football jig paired with a 3-inch Yama Craw trailer. He targeted off-the-wall places in small creek, pockets, and hidden stretches that held bigger, less pressured bass. Combined with a few key schools he located earlier in the week, that simplicity led to an impressive 71 pounds, 6 ounces, and a $500,000 payday.
Final Thoughts
From Howell’s topwater magic to Wall’s mat-punching persistence and Smith’s offshore precision, the Ultimate Angler Championship highlighted how different techniques can all lead to success at the highest level. Each angler played to their strengths, trusted their baits, and adapted to changing conditions — and in the end, Tucker Smith’s steady approach earned him his second check for $500,000!
