The Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour Stage 7 on Lake Erie was a record-breaking success for Sandusky, Ohio. From August 6–9, 2026, 51 of the world's top professional anglers brought excitement to Sandusky and Lake Erie for the Bass Pro Tour Suzuki Marine Stage 7 presented by B&W Trailer Hitches.
By the time the final bass was caught and the trophies were awarded, the event had delivered incredible competition on the water, and unprecedented media exposure that showcased the Shores & Islands Ohio region to fishing fans across the country.
Lake Erie Delivers: By the Numbers
Throughout the four-day tournament, anglers caught a combined total of 1,624 scorable bass weighing 4,872 pounds, 3 ounces. The average bass weighed approximately 3 pounds, while an incredible 190 bass tipped the scales at more than 4 pounds. Plus, 82% of all bass caught during the tournament were Smallmouth Bass.
Those numbers helped tell the story that anglers and fishing enthusiasts already know: Lake Erie is a world-class fishery capable of producing both quality and quantity. And on Championship Sunday, the lake saved some of its biggest moments for last.
Justin Lucas and Zach Birge Win Big in Sandusky
Justin Lucas secured his Bass Pro Tour Stage 7 victory by reeling in 25 scorable bass, weighing 98 pounds, 11 ounces, clinching his second career Bass Pro Tour victory and the $125,000 top prize. His winning day included six smallmouth bass weighing more than 5 pounds, including a 6-pound, 11-ounce smallmouth that earned Berkley's Big Bass award as the largest bass of the entire event.
The victory was particularly meaningful for Lucas, whose previous national victory on Lake Erie came in 2020.
“Lake Erie is one of the best smallmouth fisheries in the world, and every time we come to Sandusky, you know you’re going to have a chance to catch some incredible fish,” said Lucas. “I’ve only fished there a few times, but it’s a place that I jive with and have always loved fishing, so the fact that both of my Bass Pro Tour victories have come on Lake Erie makes it incredibly special.
While Lucas captured the Stage 7 trophy, another major championship was decided in Sandusky.
Zack Birge entered the event leading the season-long Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) race and secured the title during Saturday's Knockout Round. His fourth-place finish was enough to clinch his first Bass Pro Tour AOY championship trophy and earned the accompanying $100,000 prize.
Record-Breaking Media Exposure for Sandusky and Lake Erie
Bass Pro Tour Stage 7 showcased Sandusky, Lake Erie and the Shores & Islands Ohio region to fishing fans across the country through extensive television, livestream and digital coverage. Across video platforms including Brightcove, MyOutdoorTV (MOTV), Rumble, and Meta, the tournament generated 679,091 livestream views — the highest total in Bass Pro Tour Stage 7 history.
Fans spent an astounding 17,358,012 minutes watching tournament content, another Stage 7 record.
The event also generated 6,001,158 social media impressions, helping bring images of Lake Erie, Sandusky, and the Shores & Islands Ohio region to viewers and fishing fans.
“This was a tremendous week of competition and a fitting way to crown both our Suzuki Marine Stage 7 champion and the 2026 Bass Pro Tour Angler of the Year,” said Chris Hoover, MLF Sales Director. “Lake Erie once again proved why it's regarded as one of the premier bass fisheries in the world, delivering outstanding fishing, dramatic competition and a memorable finish. We were excited to come to Sandusky and are looking forward to coming back to the Shores & Islands region for the 2027 Toyota Series next year.”
“Jon and the entire team at Shores & Islands Ohio have been incredible partners. Their hospitality, professionalism and commitment to making this event a success are second to none, and we truly appreciate everything they do for Major League Fishing, our anglers and our fans.”
Missed the Action? Watch Bass Pro Tour Stage 7 on Discovery Channel
If you missed the excitement of the MLFNOW! livestream, there is still an opportunity to experience the action on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 7 a.m. ET, exclusively on Discovery Channel. Viewers can relive the championship performances, incredible Lake Erie smallmouth fishing and the moments that made Sandusky's Bass Pro Tour stop one for the record books.
Check the Major League Fishing TV Schedule for broadcast information and additional programming.
