Kaden Buchmann won the first Bassmaster Elite Qualifier of the season Friday at Norfork Lake in Arkansas, securing the wire-to-wire victory with a three-day total of 42 pounds, 7 ounces. Forward-facing sonar was banned for the event, forcing the 22-year-old angler to track down unpressured fish by watching shoreline deer activity.
How Buchmann Used Shoreline Wildlife to Find Bass
With more than 130 boats competing on a relatively small reservoir without the aid of LiveScope, Buchmann needed an alternative method to locate fish and avoid crowded pockets. He turned to the shoreline. If he spotted herds of deer hanging close to the water, he figured other competitors hadn’t recently sped through and spooked the area.
“If I saw 15 deer in a pocket, I’d say, ‘I’m getting bit here,'” Buchmann told Bassmaster. On the opening day, he spotted over 30 deer—including a 9-point buck—and weighed 16 pounds, 7 ounces to capture the early tournament lead. He repeated the strategy on Day 2, pulling two quality bass from a pocket where he had observed deer earlier that morning.
Winning Strategy Across Norfork Lake
Beyond wildlife scouting, Buchmann relied on high-speed coverage and mental toughness to stay ahead of the field. He ran his trolling motor on high and targeted everything from docks to shaded shorelines using topwater baits and skipping jigs. His territory spanned nearly the entire reservoir, stretching from about three miles south of the Missouri border down to a pocket near the Norfork Dam.
On the final day, four of the fish he brought to the scales came from water he had never previously fished. Buchmann weighed 14 pounds on Day 2 and closed out the tournament with a 12-pound bag in the tougher final round.
Payout and Bassmaster Classic Qualification
Buchmann’s total weight of 42 pounds, 7 ounces held off runner-up Cody Stahl by 1 pound, 14 ounces. The victory earned Buchmann a $71,317 payout and an automatic invitation to compete in the 2027 Bassmaster Classic at Lake Hartwell. The event at Norfork Lake is the first of three Elite Qualifiers scheduled to determine 10 invitations to the Bassmaster Elite Series.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Norfork Lake Tournament
Why was forward-facing sonar banned at Norfork Lake?
Forward-facing sonar was prohibited for this specific Bassmaster Elite Qualifier, requiring anglers to rely on traditional fishing methods and environmental cues.
How much did Kaden Buchmann win?
Buchmann earned $71,317 for his first-place finish, along with an invitation to the 2027 Bassmaster Classic.
Who finished second behind Buchmann?
Cody Stahl finished as the runner-up, trailing Buchmann by 1 pound, 14 ounces.
How many total pounds did Buchmann weigh over three days?
Buchmann finished the tournament with a total weight of 42 pounds, 7 ounces.
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