Matt Robertson Wins Historic Bass Fishing Tournament

In Nashville, Matt Robertson achieved a major victory by winning the World Bass Enterprises’ inaugural The Champions tournament. Despite earning $1.25 million, the Kentucky bass fishing pro has no plans to upgrade his living situation. With pride, he expressed his continued dedication to his current lifestyle, saying, “We ain’t moving out the trailer, baby. Trailer trash for life!”

During the tournament held on Old Hickory Lake in Tennessee, Robertson made a significant impact by catching 20 pounds, 2 ounces of bass, securing the largest first-place prize in professional bass fishing history. He reflected on the moment, saying, “Dude, it’s freaking insane. I don’t think it’s really hit me yet.”

Pake South came in second with 13 pounds, 7 ounces, winning $500,000. Wesley Strader placed third, taking home $300,000. This event combined top anglers from the Bassmaster Elite Series and Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour and included two amateur qualifiers, with a total purse of $3.25 million.

While the financial reward is significant, Robertson values other benefits of the win. He plans to buy a new vehicle for his wife and invest in two trailers near his home, priced at $60,000 and $80,000 respectively. Robertson’s victory is rooted in his past struggles, which prepared him for competing in high-pressure situations. “I didn’t grow up with much,” he said, recalling working paycheck to paycheck.

The winning strategy involved a calculated risk. Robertson bypassed the main lake, opting to fish in the tailwater below Old Hickory Dam. This move proved decisive, allowing him to catch the tournament’s only 20-pound bag on Thursday. His plan of targeting smallmouth bass paid off, and despite the competition’s intensity, he excelled.

An unexpected camaraderie developed between Robertson and fellow angler Ron Nelson during the event. They both fished near each other, demonstrating mutual respect and integrity. Nelson refrained from infringing on Robertson’s fishing area, a gesture that Robertson appreciated greatly.

Robertson also credited his faith and cooperation from the lock operators as crucial elements of his success. The navigation lock was under maintenance, posing a threat to his strategy. After praying for its reopening, he discovered the lockmaster had been trying to contact him to inform him that it was operational again.

The tournament also featured a team competition, with Bassmaster’s Team Stars defeating MLF’s Team Stripes. Robertson praised the organization of the event by WBE and CEO Brian Bird, declaring it the “Super Bowl of bass fishing.” Despite his achievement, Robertson remains grounded, choosing to live simply despite his financial success.