Kyle Welcher Achieves Historic Victory at Pasquotank River Elite Tournament

In a stunning display of skill and strategy, Kyle Welcher secured his first title in the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series during the tournament held at Pasquotank River and Albemarle Sound. With a remarkable four-day total weight of 118 pounds and 12 ounces, Welcher's victory was highlighted by his ability to maintain the lead from Day 1 onwards.

Starting the tournament with an impressive catch of 30 pounds and 11 ounces, Welcher established his dominance early on. He followed this with strong performances on subsequent days, recording weights of 30-3 and 34-0, ultimately concluding the tournament with a limit of 23-14, which included a remarkable 7-3 largemouth. "I didn't think I would get a Century Belt, for sure," Welcher reflected on his win.

Welcher, who has a deep affinity for river fishing, expressed his excitement about this event, which was set in a location with minimal historical data. The fact that he felt comfortable in rivers gave him an edge, despite initial concerns related to the weather conditions leading up to the practice sessions. He managed to navigate the temperature drop due to a cold front and the strong winds that complicated the fishing conditions for many competitors, proving his adaptability and expertise in this specialized fishing arena.

The tournament's format was indeed challenging, especially with competing anglers making risky long runs to other rivers while facing unfavorable weather. Welcher's strategic choice to focus on a mile-long stretch of the Pasquotank River allowed him to maximize his fishing efforts while staying close to the launch point. He skillfully identified a key area featuring stumps and cypress trees where prespawn female bass were located.

Utilizing advanced techniques, such as forward-facing sonar, Welcher pinpointed the specific structures that bass preferred for spawning. He employed a customized setup featuring a 7-foot-6 heavy Khaotic Kustom Rod paired with an 811 gear ratio reel, using 22-pound Sunline Shooter fluorocarbon. His bait of choice was a black and blue Rapala CrushCity Bronco Bug, meticulously rigged to ensure optimal performance in snag-prone areas.

On Championship Sunday, Welcher entered with a significant lead, allowing him to fish with a relaxed mindset. He quickly surpassed the 100-pound mark, showcasing his fishing prowess early in the day by catching a mix of 4 and 7-pound bass. Despite expressing disappointment at one point during the day for not matching his previous totals, he ultimately maintained a strategic approach that allowed him to secure victory.

The tournament concluded with Welcher not only earning a whopping $100,000 prize but also multiple bonuses for his noteworthy catches during the event, including the Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Tournament for his 10-8 bass caught on Day 3. Welcher's victory margin of 45-7 over second-place contender Brandon Lester set a new record for the largest gap in Elite Series history, surpassing the previous record.

Lester, who finished second with a total of 72-1, praised the tournament's unique setting, stating how refreshing it felt to compete in a newly explored area. His creative dual-approach fishing strategy allowed him to secure his best finish of the year, showcasing the talent and competitiveness within the field.

Third place went to Trey McKinney, who exhibited promising skill as a young competitor. His innovative fishing techniques and adaptability throughout the event demonstrated his emerging talent in the sport.

Overall, this event not only showcased Kyle Welcher's remarkable abilities as an angler but also highlighted the dynamic and competitive nature of tournament fishing by bringing together skilled fishermen ready to innovate and adapt to any situation. Welcher's victory at the Pasquotank River will undoubtedly be a significant chapter in his career and one that sets the stage for a promising future in professional bass fishing.