Longtime MLF fans likely tabbed Keith Poche as an angler to watch in the Bass Pro Tour format early in his career as the Louisiana native established himself as one of the most proficient competitors in the “every scorable bass counts” structure. He proved how versatile he can be on the water by winning the second five-fish format Bass Pro Tour event at Stage Two in 2023. His preference for fishing on a small boat allowed him to go places on Cherokee Lake that others couldn’t reach, allowing him to top the field with a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 35 pounds, 6 ounces.