Toyota Owners Tournament: Editors’ perspective

Bassmaster editors James Hall and Thomas Allen entered the fourth annual Toyota Owners Tournament on Toledo Bend. It was entertaining!

Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – James Hall and Thomas Allen, editors for Bassmaster and Bassmaster.com respectively are on the water attempting to identify a pattern for Sunday’s Toyota Owners tournament on famed Toledo Bend. In this photo Hall is showing his devotion to the Texas Longhorns, who had a game scheduled that afternoon—Hook ‘Em Horns as they say. Texas would go on to beat #19 Oklahoma Sooners 17-24, which Hall claimed this was good ju-ju for tournament day.
Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – James Hall and Thomas Allen, editors for Bassmaster and Bassmaster.com respectively are on the water attempting to identify a pattern for Sunday’s Toyota Owners tournament on famed Toledo Bend. In this photo Hall is showing his devotion to the Texas Longhorns, who had a game scheduled that afternoon—Hook ‘Em Horns as they say. Texas would go on to beat #19 Oklahoma Sooners 17-24, which Hall claimed this was good ju-ju for tournament day.
Saturday, 12:12 p.m. – Hall and Allen are looking for a clue. The Humminbird 1198 helped them identify likely bottom composition and structure that should hold fish.
Saturday, 12:12 p.m. – Hall and Allen are looking for a clue. The Humminbird 1198 helped them identify likely bottom composition and structure that should hold fish.
Saturday, 12:15 p.m. – After finding several threadfin shad floating in a certain area, the guys had a better idea what to throw.
Saturday, 12:15 p.m. – After finding several threadfin shad floating in a certain area, the guys had a better idea what to throw.
Saturday, 12:45 p.m. – Hall connects on the first quality fish during practice. Shortly after finding the floating shad he switched to a squarebill crank, which proved to be a good decision.
Saturday, 12:45 p.m. – Hall connects on the first quality fish during practice. Shortly after finding the floating shad he switched to a squarebill crank, which proved to be a good decision.
Saturday, 12:46 p.m. – The very next cast landed the crankbait along side Thomas’ Minn Kota Talon and busted it in half. Nice work James! The bad news of this was that lure was the only one he had. Back to the drawing board.
Saturday, 12:46 p.m. – The very next cast landed the crankbait along side Thomas’ Minn Kota Talon and busted it in half. Nice work James! The bad news of this was that lure was the only one he had. Back to the drawing board.
With the midday sun turning hot, the guys thought the massive docks could be holding fish.
With the midday sun turning hot, the guys thought the massive docks could be holding fish.
Saturday, 1:04 p.m. – Three flips into the shadows produces a very nice fish. It ate a shaky head, which would remain on the menu for tournament day. At that point, they turned the boat back towards Cypress Bend Resort where registration was to begin in a few hours. James was to emcee the event, so some preparations were in order.
Saturday, 1:04 p.m. – Three flips into the shadows produces a very nice fish. It ate a shaky head, which would remain on the menu for tournament day. At that point, they turned the boat back towards Cypress Bend Resort where registration was to begin in a few hours. James was to emcee the event, so some preparations were in order.
Saturday, 3:06 p.m. – Before registration officially began, Hall enjoyed some time with the new, and very sharp, Toyota Tundra. It’s almost his color, considering his favorite college football team is the Texas Longhorns. The event staff had to pry him from the front seat of this truck. It’s easy to see why, however.
Saturday, 3:06 p.m. – Before registration officially began, Hall enjoyed some time with the new, and very sharp, Toyota Tundra. It’s almost his color, considering his favorite college football team is the Texas Longhorns. The event staff had to pry him from the front seat of this truck. It’s easy to see why, however.
Saturday, 3:15 p.m. – Every angler received a nice swag package from Costa del Mar, Carhartt, Leer Truck Accessories and, of course, Toyota! It’s fair to assume every competitor shared the same level of excitement as Mr. Hall.
Saturday, 3:15 p.m. – Every angler received a nice swag package from Costa del Mar, Carhartt, Leer Truck Accessories and, of course, Toyota! It’s fair to assume every competitor shared the same level of excitement as Mr. Hall.
Saturday, 3:40 p.m. – The legend himself sporting the new Toyota lid and his favorite Costa sunglasses.
Saturday, 3:40 p.m. – The legend himself sporting the new Toyota lid and his favorite Costa sunglasses.
Saturday, 3:45 p.m. – Alan McGuckin of Dynamic Sponsorships had a hand in coordinating this event, which included writing a speech for Bassmaster Editor James Hall to present to the anglers following registration.
Saturday, 3:45 p.m. – Alan McGuckin of Dynamic Sponsorships had a hand in coordinating this event, which included writing a speech for Bassmaster Editor James Hall to present to the anglers following registration.
Saturday, 5:44 p.m. – A classy meal was provided for the entire crew thanks to Toyota! It is said that consuming baked chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans on the eve of a bass tournament will help an angler make good decisions when on the water the next day. The carnivore within believes this to be true!
Saturday, 5:44 p.m. – A classy meal was provided for the entire crew thanks to Toyota! It is said that consuming baked chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans on the eve of a bass tournament will help an angler make good decisions when on the water the next day. The carnivore within believes this to be true!
Sunday, 6:05 a.m. – A quick stop at the local gas station and bait shop before launching the boat is a good idea. He’s looking to replace that crankbait the broke in half yesterday morning. Coffee and breakfast sandwiches are a bass-tournament angler’s staple.
Sunday, 6:05 a.m. – A quick stop at the local gas station and bait shop before launching the boat is a good idea. He’s looking to replace that crankbait the broke in half yesterday morning. Coffee and breakfast sandwiches are a bass-tournament angler’s staple.
Sunday, 6:57 a.m. – Rigs loaded down with rods, reels, lures and anxious competitors begin to fill the bay awaiting their number to be called out.
Sunday, 6:57 a.m. – Rigs loaded down with rods, reels, lures and anxious competitors begin to fill the bay awaiting their number to be called out.
Sunday, 6:58 a.m. – The cool air mixed and the rising sun mixed with the smell of 2-stroke exhaust is a favorite combination among tournament anglers. It’s that magical time of day filled with wonder and expectations, anyone who loves to fish bass tournaments knows this to be true.
Sunday, 6:58 a.m. – The cool air mixed and the rising sun mixed with the smell of 2-stroke exhaust is a favorite combination among tournament anglers. It’s that magical time of day filled with wonder and expectations, anyone who loves to fish bass tournaments knows this to be true.
Sunday, 7:00 a.m. – As Allen and Hall are awaiting their number to be called; a few last-minute adjustments need to be made.
Sunday, 7:00 a.m. – As Allen and Hall are awaiting their number to be called; a few last-minute adjustments need to be made.
Sunday, 7:05 a.m. – Coffee on the boat always tastes better!
Sunday, 7:05 a.m. – Coffee on the boat always tastes better!
Sunday, 7:26 a.m. – Do rally caps really work? We’re about to find out. One thing is for sure, the coffee is working as Hall’s intensity—or whatever you want to call it—is intensifying!
Sunday, 7:26 a.m. – Do rally caps really work? We’re about to find out. One thing is for sure, the coffee is working as Hall’s intensity—or whatever you want to call it—is intensifying!
Sunday, 7:31 a.m. – The final flight is about to leave.
Sunday, 7:31 a.m. – The final flight is about to leave.
Sunday, 7:38 a.m. – Allen and Hall are finally turned loose.
Sunday, 7:38 a.m. – Allen and Hall are finally turned loose.
Sunday, 7:38 a.m. – High hopes and big fish are on their minds.
Sunday, 7:38 a.m. – High hopes and big fish are on their minds.
Sunday, 7:38 a.m. – But first, a moderate boat ride is required to access the right docks.
Sunday, 7:38 a.m. – But first, a moderate boat ride is required to access the right docks.
Sunday, 7:38 a.m. – Toledo Bend is awake and showing her beauty. It’s no surprise that this lake is hailed as the nation’s top bass fishery.
Sunday, 7:38 a.m. – Toledo Bend is awake and showing her beauty. It’s no surprise that this lake is hailed as the nation’s top bass fishery.
Sunday, 8:08 a.m. – The first bait of the morning for Allen and Hall is in the water. Time to catch some fish!
Sunday, 8:08 a.m. – The first bait of the morning for Allen and Hall is in the water. Time to catch some fish!
Sunday, 8:09 a.m. – This is the same dock that produced a nice fish for them yesterday. But, being fun-driven guys, they notice a swing that just screams “fun.”
Sunday, 8:09 a.m. – This is the same dock that produced a nice fish for them yesterday. But, being fun-driven guys, they notice a swing that just screams “fun.”
Sunday, 8:09 a.m. – The sign behind the swing makes a reasonable claim: “Go jump in the lake,” it looks like fun! Back to fishing.
Sunday, 8:09 a.m. – The sign behind the swing makes a reasonable claim: “Go jump in the lake,” it looks like fun! Back to fishing.
Sunday, 8:28 a.m. – Thomas finds the first keeper of the morning on the far side of the first dock. The 2-pounder ate a black and blue chatterbait. A good sign? Four more fish to go.
Sunday, 8:28 a.m. – Thomas finds the first keeper of the morning on the far side of the first dock. The 2-pounder ate a black and blue chatterbait. A good sign? Four more fish to go.
Sunday, 9:19 a.m. – A couple of short fish were caught, and Hall lands one that is a quarter of an inch from meeting the 14-inch minimum. That’s how it always goes, though.
Sunday, 9:19 a.m. – A couple of short fish were caught, and Hall lands one that is a quarter of an inch from meeting the 14-inch minimum. That’s how it always goes, though.
Sunday, 9:38 a.m. – Hall with another short, but this one is actually closer than it looks. There aren’t many spotted bass in Toledo Bend, but there are some and the minimum length is 12 inches. This one measured 11 3/4.
Sunday, 9:38 a.m. – Hall with another short, but this one is actually closer than it looks. There aren’t many spotted bass in Toledo Bend, but there are some and the minimum length is 12 inches. This one measured 11 3/4.
Sunday, 10:05 a.m. – Allen with another short bass. This one was just a 16th of an inch from making the cut and it ate a Strike King Denny Brauer Structure Jig.
Sunday, 10:05 a.m. – Allen with another short bass. This one was just a 16th of an inch from making the cut and it ate a Strike King Denny Brauer Structure Jig.
Sunday, 12:10 p.m. – After catching quite a few short bass, Hall finally catches the team’s second keeper, a fine 3-pounder on the shaky head. There’s still time!
Sunday, 12:10 p.m. – After catching quite a few short bass, Hall finally catches the team’s second keeper, a fine 3-pounder on the shaky head. There’s still time!
Sunday, 1:04 p.m. – Mr. Hall is also the emcee of this event and that means he’ll be introducing the anglers and calling out their weights. So, the guys had to head in an hour early to get set up and prepared for the entire 130-boat field. The bite seemed to be improving as the day went on, but the guys weren’t able to fill a limit of five bass. But, it was a lot of fun!
Sunday, 1:04 p.m. – Mr. Hall is also the emcee of this event and that means he’ll be introducing the anglers and calling out their weights. So, the guys had to head in an hour early to get set up and prepared for the entire 130-boat field. The bite seemed to be improving as the day went on, but the guys weren’t able to fill a limit of five bass. But, it was a lot of fun!
Sunday, 1:25 p.m. – The time for Allen and Hall to weigh-in has come.
Sunday, 1:25 p.m. – The time for Allen and Hall to weigh-in has come.
Sunday, 1:26 p.m. – Tournament Director Chuck Harbin calls it out: Two fish for 5-9, which landed them in 61st place. Not bad for a couple of guys who hadn’t really fished Toledo Bend before.
Sunday, 1:26 p.m. – Tournament Director Chuck Harbin calls it out: Two fish for 5-9, which landed them in 61st place. Not bad for a couple of guys who hadn’t really fished Toledo Bend before.
Sunday, 1:27 p.m. – This is clearly not a fine representation of how good this lake really is. Both editors said they had the fish on to full out their limit, including a very nice fish that came unbuttoned by the boat. Thomas said it was all of 5 pounds or better, of course.
Sunday, 1:27 p.m. – This is clearly not a fine representation of how good this lake really is. Both editors said they had the fish on to full out their limit, including a very nice fish that came unbuttoned by the boat. Thomas said it was all of 5 pounds or better, of course.
Sunday, 3:06 p.m. – After the weigh-in concluded, there was a meal hot and ready for the participants, of course Hall visited numerous times.
Sunday, 3:06 p.m. – After the weigh-in concluded, there was a meal hot and ready for the participants, of course Hall visited numerous times.
Sunday, 1:04 p.m. – It should also be noted that James Overstreet and Steve Bowman—very solid anglers in their own right—might have wagered that they would out fish Allen and Hall. The two editors vs the two photographers? Of course that bet couldn’t be turned down. Write it down in the history books: Team Allen/Hall did indeed beat Team Bowman/Overstreet.
Sunday, 1:04 p.m. – It should also be noted that James Overstreet and Steve Bowman—very solid anglers in their own right—might have wagered that they would out fish Allen and Hall. The two editors vs the two photographers? Of course that bet couldn’t be turned down. Write it down in the history books: Team Allen/Hall did indeed beat Team Bowman/Overstreet.