Gulfport's Willoughby wins Phoenix BFL Regional on Watts Bar with 50-13

James Willoughby of Gulfport, Mississippi, won the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional on Watts Bar Lake out of Spring City, Tennessee. He finished Saturday, Oct. 24, with 15 bass weighing 50 pounds, 13 ounces over three days. Major League Fishing said the win earned him a $50,350 prize package that includes a Phoenix 819 Pro boat. His 6-pound, 10-ounce bass was also the biggest of the event. Rex Reagan of Livingston, Tennessee, was second with 49-14, and Levi Kohl of Edinburg, Illinois, was third with 49-4.

Willoughby said he didn't know Watts Bar well and spent practice learning one section of the lake. He fished a Zara Spook on shallow spots in the morning, a bladed jig in isolated grass in 8 to 12 feet of water, and then wood and other isolated cover with forward-facing sonar. On the final day he caught most of his key fish on a jerkbait, which he said the pressured fish preferred over the minnow-style baits most anglers were using.

Barry Gunter of Trafalgar, Indiana, won the co-angler division with eight bass for 21-5. The top seven boaters and co-anglers qualified for the 2027 BFL All-American, set for June 5-7 on the Kissimmee Chain in Florida.

Photo: Boater winner James Willoughby and co-angler winner Barry Gunter. Credit: Major League Fishing.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: Major League Fishing: Mississippi's Willoughby secures elusive victory at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional on Watts Bar Lake (Oct. 26, 2026).