ANDERSON, S.C. (April 29, 2025) — Rookie pro angler Paul Marks made a statement at the Whataburger Bassmaster Elite at Lake Hartwell, capturing his first Elite Series title with a winning total of 68 pounds, 8 ounces. The 23-year-old from Cumming, Georgia, held strong all four days of the tournament, clinching the victory by a narrow 14-ounce margin over fellow rookie Tucker Smith and taking home the $100,000 grand prize.
Marks started the event hot with a 19-7 limit on Day 1 — including a 5-pound largemouth off a bed using a white Zoom Z Craw Jr — securing third place. He maintained his momentum through Days 2 and 3 with weights of 17-4 and 16-5, then added 15-8 on Championship Sunday to seal the deal.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet,” Marks said. “Winning an Elite event has been a dream of mine since I was a kid. To do it fishing for spotted bass, my favorite, makes it even more special.”
Strategic Offshore Success
After a strong start bed fishing, Marks pivoted to an offshore spotted bass pattern, capitalizing on the blueback herring spawn. Early each day, he threw a Zoom Fluke Stick Jr and Super Fluke rigged on a 5/0 round bend worm hook, targeting active bass feeding on herring.
Once the morning bite slowed, Marks shifted deeper — fishing in 10 to 30 feet of water using a 3/16-ounce SPRO Skip Gap shaky head paired with the Zoom Fluke Stick Jr. He covered ground from the Green Pond Landing area all the way to the Hartwell Dam, focusing on brush piles and offshore points.
“These herring fish don’t stay put. I ran hard every day, looking for new feeding activity,” he said. “I didn’t think I had enough weight on the final day, but it ended up being just enough.”
Tucker Smith Closes In
Tucker Smith of Birmingham, Alabama, finished a close second with 67-10. Starting in 24th place after Day 1 with 16-4, he climbed the leaderboard with limits of 18-9, 17-2, and 15-11 across the next three days.
Smith focused on the herring spawn as well, using a 5-inch Yamamoto Senko in both morning dawn and green pumpkin on shaky head, wacky rig, and Neko rig setups. His biggest Day 2 bed fish came on a white Yamamoto craw, while a chartreuse D-Shad helped him boat a few aggressive herring chasers.
“I’ve only been fishing Hartwell for about a year, but I found some good areas that just kept producing,” Smith said.
Luke Palmer Finishes Third
Luke Palmer of Coalgate, Oklahoma, claimed third with 66-10, after consistent daily limits of 18-15, 14-15, 17-0, and 15-12. Committed to finesse tactics, Palmer used an 8- to 10-pound Sunline fluorocarbon setup paired with a Falcon spinning rod and YUM Sonar Minnow.
“I stuck to my game plan and it worked — sometimes being stubborn pays off,” Palmer said, who also secured $3,000 in Toyota Bonus Bucks as the top eligible finisher.
Additional Awards and Standings
Randy Howell won the $2,000 Phoenix Boats Big Bass Award with a 7-pound, 15-ounce largemouth on Day 1.
Howell also claimed the Rapala CrushCity Monster Bag Award for his 21-11 Day 1 limit.
Jay Przekurat leads the Progressive Angler of the Year standings with 368 points, ahead of Will Davis Jr. (340) and Bryant Smith (337).
Tucker Smith currently leads the Dakota Lithium Rookie of the Year race with 294 points.
As part of the Yamaha Power Pay Program, Marks earned an additional $4,000, while Palmer added $1,500.
The tournament showcased intense competition and solidified the potential of rising stars like Paul Marks and Tucker Smith. With the 2025 Elite Series season heating up, all eyes are on the leaderboard as the AOY and ROY races take shape.
Visit Anderson hosted the tournament.
Connect with #Bassmaster and the #BassmasterClassic on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
Discover the ultimate resource for bass fishing enthusiasts with Bass Angler Magazine! Packed with expert tips, the latest cutting-edge techniques, and in-depth articles, our magazine is your go-to guide for mastering the art of bass fishing. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, Bass Angler Magazine delivers the insights and inspiration you need to reel in the big ones. Subscribe today and elevate your angling game!
