SHREVEPORT, La. — For a second consecutive year, Rus Snyders from Tennessee has claimed the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year title. With an impressive 730 points across the five-event season, Snyders not only earned a $5,000 prize but also made history as the first angler to win the title twice in the series’ history.
“I’m just grateful to do what I love,” Snyders shared. “We had big-time attendance at all of the events this year, averaging around 200 anglers per event. This year’s Kayak Series featured the highest level of talent in the tournament’s history.”
Top Competitors in the Kayak Series
Finishing second in the standings was Casey Reed of Virginia with 717 points, while Jason Isaacs of Ohio took third with 711 points. Rounding out the top five were Clint Pippen of Mississippi with 709 points and Derek Brundle of Massachusetts with 707 points. Reflecting on his close competition with Reed, Snyders noted, “Casey is a fantastic angler and very respectful. We’ve shared waters in the past, and he’s someone I know will treat others the way he wants to be treated.”
Support from Dakota Lithium Fuels Snyders’ Success
As a Dakota Lithium angler, Snyders has seen the company become a prominent supporter of kayak fishing. “Dakota Lithium has been a great supporter of kayak fishing for years and continues to contribute to Bassmaster, not only in the Kayak Series but also in the bass boat series. They’re a huge support to the kayak community and really take care of their pro staff.”
Consistent Performance Throughout the Season
Fishing from his Bonafide PWR 129 kayak equipped with a Torqeedo motor, Snyders remained focused on consistent performance. He cashed checks in four of the five events and just missed out in the season’s final event at Caddo Lake/Lake Bistineau by two places. “My goal was consistency — to secure solid catches each event rather than aiming for big swings. This approach helped me stay in check range throughout the season.”
The 2024 season was ideal for Snyders, a shallow-water power angler. The schedule allowed him to play to his strengths while integrating finesse techniques when necessary. Among his go-to strategies was a squarebill crankbait for quality bites, but he adapted with finesse methods, especially when conditions demanded it.
Season Highlights: Key Events and Memorable Catches
Snyders’ season began with a solid 12th-place finish at Lake Murray. His momentum surged when a last-minute catch of a 22-incher propelled him into check range and set a positive tone for the season. He followed up with a fourth-place finish at Possum Kingdom, where he used LiveScope and shakey head and Texas-rigged worms to work brush piles in deeper waters, a slight pivot from his usual approach.
Snyders then competed at two of his favorite fisheries: Lake Guntersville in May and the Susquehanna River in July, finishing ninth and 10th, respectively. At Guntersville, a crankbait was his top tool, while a weightless Senko was his primary choice at the Susquehanna, drifting it with the current and targeting ambush points.
“I had a little more of a finesse approach at the Susky,” he explained. “I let the Senko drift with the current. I had to find as many ambush points as I could in practice and hit as many waypoints as I could.”
Finally, Snyders secured the title with a 21st-place finish at Caddo Lake/Lake Bistineau, a cypress swamp fishery he regards as an ideal fall fishing spot. “I love fishing cypress trees,” he remarked. “It’s one of my favorite things to do.”
A Historic Win and a Bright Future for Kayak Fishing
Rus Snyders’ second consecutive Angler of the Year title not only cements his legacy but also shines a spotlight on the growing popularity of kayak fishing. His accomplishments underscore his adaptability, strategic approach, and deep passion for the sport.
2024 Bassmaster Kayak Series Title Sponsor: Yamaha Rightwaters
2024 Bassmaster Kayak Series Partner: MotorGuide, YakGear
2024 Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year Sponsor: Dakota Lithium
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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 515,000-member 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.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series, TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Series, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series powered by TourneyX, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota.
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