Dustin Connell won Stage Six of the 2022 Bass Pro Tour on Cayuga Lake, so he's looking forward to returning in 2023 for Stage Five. Photo by Garrick Dixon. Angler: Dustin Connell.

September 30, 2022 • Tyler Brinks • Bass Pro Tour

UNION SPRINGS, N.Y. – The fifth event of the 2023 Bass Pro Tour season will bring the 80-angler field back to New York’s Cayuga Lake, site of Bally Bet Stage Six Presented by Minn Kota in 2022. The early timing of the 2023 event is unique for northern events and will fall under New York’s catch-and-release angling season.

The Bass Pro Tour format of catch, weigh and immediate release is the only way to hold a tournament during the season. Because of the format, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has approved the event.

In June of 2022, angler Thomas Russell Jr. caught an 8-pound, 6-ounce smallmouth on Cayuga to set the New York state record. Dustin Connell, who won the 2022 Bass Pro Tour stop on the lake, believes the record is in danger during their event. Also, Dakota Ebare landed a 7-10 smallmouth during the August event.

“There are so many 5- to 7-pound smallmouth in there and some that are much bigger,” Connell said. “Sight fishing should be a big factor, and I wouldn’t be surprised if someone catches a new record. It will be fun – the lake is full of big bass, and most of them will be up shallow.”

Traditionally, largemouth have been the way to win, but Connell changed that mindset with his victory with smallmouth. This time, he expects a split and says both can produce a winning total.

“It’ll be a battle between the species and nobody knows how it’s going to turn out,” Connell said. “Fishing for big smallmouth may be a good option, but you can also go down a stretch and catch a bunch of largemouth. The grass should just be starting to grow, and the fishing should be incredible no matter which species you decide on.”