Big Ed Sits Down With the 2026 BAM Northwest Pro-Am Champion
Fresh off his victory at the 2026 BAM Northwest Pro-Am on Moses Lake, Darryl Burkhardt joins Big Ed Everhart on the BAM Podcast to discuss how he put together three solid days of fishing to capture the championship and take home a Mercury-powered Vexus prize package.
Burkhardt shares the details behind his tournament-winning strategy, the adjustments he made as conditions changed, and why staying flexible proved critical on one of the Northwest’s premier bass fisheries.
A Practice Strategy Built for Tournament Success
Like many successful tournament anglers, Burkhardt focused on gathering information during practice without putting excessive pressure on fish.
Instead of trying to catch large numbers of bass, he used practice to identify productive areas, locate fish populations, and develop confidence in multiple patterns while avoiding sore-mouthing fish before competition began.
That approach paid off when tournament time arrived.
Frogs, Fry Balls and a Winning Cinco Pattern
One of the most interesting topics discussed during the episode was Burkhardt’s transition from one pattern to another as the tournament progressed.
Early in the event, frog fishing played a key role in stained water areas. However, after observing large numbers of fry balls around docks, Burkhardt adjusted his approach and picked up a white and chartreuse laminate Senko-style bait.
The lure proved highly effective for both largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Using 30-pound braid and targeting fry-guarding fish, Burkhardt was able to capitalize on opportunities that many anglers overlooked.
Adjusting to Wind and Changing Conditions
Tournament fishing often comes down to making adjustments, and Moses Lake was no exception.
After weighing over 21 pounds on Day One, Burkhardt faced changing weather conditions and increased wind throughout the event.
Rather than forcing a pattern that was fading, he adapted by incorporating a spinnerbait and relocating to a productive stretch of water where bass had grouped together.
The area measured only about 100 to 150 yards long, but it produced enough quality fish to help secure the victory.
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The Storm Before the Tournament
One of the biggest stories leading into the event was a severe weather system that swept through the region the night before competition began.
High winds reportedly reached nearly 90 miles per hour, causing many anglers to wonder how the fishery would react.
According to Burkhardt, the storm ended up helping more than hurting. The low-pressure system seemed to activate the fish, creating strong fishing conditions once the tournament got underway.
Tournament Suspense and Big Bags
The conversation also touches on several standout performances from the event.
Burkhardt discusses competitors who brought impressive limits to the scales, including a 24-pound bag that had anglers paying attention throughout the field.
Big Ed also explains why BAM continues to create suspense during weigh-ins by limiting scoreboard information and allowing the drama to unfold naturally on stage.
The result is a more exciting experience for both anglers and fans following the competition.
Why Are Northwest Tournament Fields Smaller?
One of the more important discussions in the episode centers around bass fishing participation in the Pacific Northwest.
Despite world-class fisheries, strong tournament organizations, and significant prize payouts, many Northwest events continue to see smaller fields than expected.
Burkhardt believes financial barriers may be a major factor and suggests that surveying regional anglers could provide valuable insight into what is keeping more competitors from entering events.
The discussion offers an honest look at the challenges facing tournament fishing while exploring possible solutions for future growth.
Looking Ahead to Potholes and Brownlee
The episode concludes with discussion about upcoming BAM Trail events, including the Potholes Pro-Am and the highly anticipated Super 60 event at Brownlee Reservoir.
Burkhardt believes Brownlee will present a unique challenge for competitors while rewarding anglers who can adapt and make smart decisions throughout the event.
For fans of tournament bass fishing, the upcoming Northwest swing promises plenty of excitement.
Thanks to the Sponsors
Burkhardt also takes time to recognize the companies that support his fishing career, including Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Outboards, Nixon’s Marine, and his other valued partners.
Their support has helped him compete at a high level and continue pursuing success across the West.
Listen to the Full BAM Podcast
Want to hear exactly how Darryl Burkhardt won the 2026 BAM Northwest Pro-Am at Moses Lake?
Listen as he joins Big Ed Everhart to break down his winning pattern, discuss tournament strategy, and share his thoughts on the future of Northwest bass fishing.
About BAM Podcasts
Bass Angler Magazine’s BAM Podcast is a bi-monthly podcast series is available free on Simple Cast, iTunes, Spotify, Google Play and Amazon. Stay tuned as we discuss the latest in bass fishing, lure trends, ways to catch fish, tournament wins and things of interest to bass anglers.
BASS ANGLER MAGAZINE (BAM), a veteran owned quarterly print and digital magazine, designed, and printed in the U.S.A. Covering largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, Bass Angler was created specifically to help you become a better, more informed bass fisherman. As the industry’s most informative bass fishing magazine, we provide you in-depth exclusive new features with the world’s top anglers.
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