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Michael Conley of Bainbridge, Georgia, triumphed at the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine Super Tournament on Lake Oconee, capturing first place with a two-day haul of 10 bass weighing 25 pounds, 10 ounces. This event marked the finale of the BFL Bulldog Division’s season, and Conley walked away with a prize of $4,869.

Conley described the fall season on Lake Oconee as experiencing a “false start,” which affected the fish’s behavior. “Typically, the water temperature drops this time of year, but it unexpectedly shot back up,” he said. During his pre-tournament practice, he noted water temperatures around 74 degrees, which climbed to 88 degrees by the end of the tournament, disrupting the fish’s seasonal movement.

“The fish seemed to halt their transition to shallow waters,” Conley explained. Adjusting his strategy, he focused on deeper docks and seawalls in areas with stained water instead of shallow creeks.

Morning fishing proved slow for Conley, but he took advantage of the midday sun. “I didn’t have a keeper by 10 a.m. on Saturday, but by 11:30, I had my limit,” he recalled. This strategic timing helped him cull three keepers between 1 and 3 p.m., including a crucial 5-pound bass on the second day.

Accurate casting played a vital role in his success. Conley used a mix of soft-plastic lures like the Zoom Brush Hog, Zoom Trick Worm, and Yamamoto Senko, but emphasized that presentation was key. “You had to hit them right on the head. When they bit, it was so subtle; they were just there,” he noted, highlighting the importance of precision.

Conley’s ability to adapt and keenly observe the fish’s behavior ultimately led to his well-earned victory in challenging conditions.