Lake Okeechobee lived up to its legendary status as 50 anglers battled through scattered thunderstorms, shifting winds, and tough conditions in the Florida Bass Nation Kayak Series two-day state championship, held September 6–7, 2025. Despite weather challenges, Okeechobee produced quality limits across the field, with anglers forced to adjust strategies each day to stay in contention.

Florida angler Matt Vogt rose above the field with a dominant 186.50-inch total across two days, securing the win and cementing his place as the State Champion of Florida. Vogt’s performance was anchored by an impressive 100.75 inches on Day 1, the only angler to break the 100-inch mark in one day over the two day event. He followed it up with 85.75 inches on Day 2, holding off a hard-charging field to claim victory with 12 fish submitted over the weekend.

The final top six anglers were:

1. Matt Vogt (FL) – 100.75” + 85.75” = 186.50”

2. Adam Chancey (GA) – 81.75” + 81.00” = 162.75”

3. Seth Taylor (FL) – 81.75” + 76.00” = 157.75”

4. Richard White III (FL) – 62.50” + 94.50” = 157.00”

5. Derek Matusch (FL) – 72.00” + 84.75” = 156.75”

6. Blake Abbey (FL) – 92.50” + 63.00” = 155.50”

Scattered thunderstorms and gusty winds defined much of the weekend. Day 1 saw multiple storms push through the lake, forcing anglers to abandon productive stretches and regroup. On Day 2, heavy winds limited access to offshore grass and open-water areas, creating a grind for consistent bites. Despite the conditions, several anglers adjusted brilliantly. Richard White III bounced back in a big way with 94.50 inches on Day 2, one of the longest single-day totals of the tournament. Meanwhile, Seth Taylor and Derek Matusch showcased consistency, each landing 16 fish across both days, proving that steady numbers could still keep an angler near the top in tough conditions.

Along with the trophies and paychecks, this event carried major stakes: the top five finishers earned qualification for the 2026 Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship on Lake Chickamauga, Tennessee. That means Matt Vogt, Adam Chancey, Seth Taylor, Richard White III, and Derek Matusch all punched their ticket to the national stage. However, since Seth Taylor had already secured his spot with a second-place finish earlier this year at Dale Hollow Lake, Tennessee, his Okeechobee qualification rolled down to sixth place finisher Blake Abbey, who will now join the group headed to Chickamauga. This roll-down adds another exciting storyline as Florida sends a strong contingent of anglers to represent the state on one of the most renowned fisheries in the country on the biggest stage of kayak bass fishing.

The tournament highlighted not just the trophy bass potential of Lake Okeechobee, but also the depth of talent in the Florida Bass Nation Kayak Series. With five anglers finishing within just two inches of each other for third through seventh place, the battle for standings was as tight as it gets. From Vogt’s early statement on Day 1 to White’s late surge on Day 2, the event delivered everything anglers expect from a championship weekend on one of Florida’s most iconic fishery.

This event marked the conclusion of the 2025 Florida Bass Nation Kayak Series season. The 2026 season is set to launch on November 1st at the Harris Chain of Lakes, and it promises to be bigger than ever with increased payouts, larger prizes, and the strongest field of competitors the trail has seen to date.

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