I’m Fishing These Tournaments In 2025! Might Surprise You!

[@mikeharris130]

Matt, I love your wife's attitude. You have a tremendous partner and support system in her. You did good indeed.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yes i did

[@Twangtown7]

Bless your wife for supporting you the way she does.

[@MattStefanFishing]

She’s special!

[@IV-fad]

If the opens allow you to chase your goals, fit your schedule and budget it's a no brainer. I hope Core Tackle and your channel continue to grow so you can continue pursuing the classic as long as it takes. Wishing you the best of luck!

[@MattStefanFishing]

I hope so too!

[@jessecooper9795]

​@MattStefanFishing why are you doing the opens? Wouldn't you take a pay cut going to BASS? I thought you had qualified for BPT. NPFL is starting look like a better organization than when they first came out

[@chaddrumm6809]

I won’t be following BASS anymore, but I’ll surely keep up on this fantastic channel. Great content and best of luck with your decision!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thank you for the support!

[@danlaur7973]

Good luck fishing the opens Matt, BASS is still the top dog & the competition is fierce, but the reward is worth it

[@MattStefanFishing]

I totally agree!

[@BassmasterSteven]

I love you guys and your videos especially with the boys in there. Good luck with whatever you choose to do next year!! Go pack!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Go pack go!

[@dalereed658]

Best video on your channel was when your wife said you were born to do this. I’ll be rooting for you, good luck. My favorite tournament videos are the Wednesday nighters with the kids, payouts in those are priceless.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for the support

[@Brannok812]

Fabulous to watch you both! Thank you for sharing your plans for 2025. I wish you and your family all the best!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thank you so much!

[@fisherman438]

Yay! I am delighted with your decision and I’ll looking forward to your KZbin content next summer. Best wishes to you and your family.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome thanks

[@mikem8502]

Matt, I’m super excited for you to go to Bass. It’s the pre-eminent series and you belong there! I’ll be rooting for you big time! Oh, and more Sarah, she’s a treat. Excited for what’s to come!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha I’ll have her on more!

[@tomperry7345]

I like your plan to fish Bass Opens, good decision!! Look forward to following you.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome thank you!

[@F.Ronnie]

Great attitude and I believe you have made the right decision. Thanks Matt for allowing us to listen to your thought process.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I appreciate that!

[@sonar5676]

Awesome guys.. Love the REAL family situation and love that LADY!! You are one lucky young Man!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yes i am!

[@oldschoolfishing4194]

Sounds like a plan. Look forward to following you. Love it when Sarah is on!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Me too!

[@loaf21]

once I saw the 2025 roster released for BPT, I was extremely disappointed not to see your name and immediately was interested in what your plans would be for the following year, so thank you for this video. you & Sara make such a great team! good luck to you both next year and in any future endeavors!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for the support!

[@Carolinafishingtales]

Matt, you do you. Whatever you decide to do, I'm going to be rooting for you.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thank you!

[@KeithLandrum-ys6mo]

Thanks for sharing the process for choosing what direction that is best for you and your family. I really enjoy your videos.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnrayner5599]

Great seeing you and Sara together, I have been asking for this since forever, you got this, now go make the Elites already!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thats the goal!

[@umi415]

Looking forward to watching and rooting for you next year

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks

[@brettoverton5455]

Great insight in to your decision Matt. Truly a tough choice, but I'll follow you wherever you fish Hammer! Thank you for your content! Makes me want to build a rod and slide to the river!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@bill7949]

I’m rooting for you.GOD BLESSINGS BE UPON YOU.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thank you!

[@NelsonBurtonIV]

So stoked for you, man! I have a feeling it will be a great season!!🙏🏽💪🏽

[@MattStefanFishing]

Hope so!

[@Nate_Higgins]

Good call man I agree. I dig Sarah's hoodie. Highlife inspired.

[@MattStefanFishing]

It’s awesome

[@HeavenlySnipez]

Excited for your move to BASS! I'm a huge fan of yours. Might have to come up to Leech just to say hi! Good luck next year! 💪❤️

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome!

[@alanhore1834]

Cant wait to see you fishing the opens this coming year. I would do heavy hitters too, since you are already qualified. Then tell Boyd to stuff it. lol. You have already been screwed by those guys at least twice, would not ever give them another chance to do it again. Good luck in whatever you decide to do Matt.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha thanks!

[@swimbaitonaprairie9359]

Love listening to your family dynamics great Video good luck!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks so much!

[@garyplowman5838]

Sounds like a great up coming season for you Matt never did any tournaments like you guys do must be tense and stressful at times. Keep Rockin Matt 👍🏻

[@MattStefanFishing]

They can be

[@martyaustin6545]

Good luck to you and panger, take care, its hard to beat those very young guys with live scope

[@MattStefanFishing]

Lots of talent

[@joepworther2284]

Good decisions in a new year ! Good luck Sarah and Matt !!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thank you!

[@dtffishingmi]

Can't wait to follow you in the Opens - you're gunna kill it 💯

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks

[@joeb7508]

You and your wife make a great team Matt. Good choice and best of luck!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks 👍

[@BattleattheBank]

Bass is the right place. They are playing the long game in a few areas which is probably good business at the moment. They won’t be forced by comments on KZbin to make drastic changes. I can appreciate that although I don’t always agree with the circuit. Having those goals is important you are setting the right example imo. I’ll be following, watching and rooting for ya the entire way!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thank you!

[@pinhookfishingclub]

Elites or bust!🏆🎣 Fish the opens and get in there! You’re a great angler!

[@MattStefanFishing]

That's the plan!

I totally enjoy your KZbin channel and will always keep watching no matter where you fish..

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thank you!

[@wiscocoaltrain1955]

Best of luck to you sir! Cant wait to see get to the elites💪

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@BassandFurious]

My wifes answer “you just gonna do what you wanna do, so go ahead and do it, why you askin me” 🤣🤣 video over😂

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha

[@wingort9]

Good for you , Matt. I will be routing for you and your family.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Much appreciated!

[@kendalllunsford775]

I think its a great move Matt....... Especially given some of your past experience...... and that your internal fire is fueled towards Bass..... Awesome that you have a great support system and loved your wife's thoughts on the direction... Really good stuff...... I feel certain that you will be fishing in the EQ derbs and with your experience it could be one and done for the Elites....

[@MattStefanFishing]

That's the plan!

[@emoutdoors5661]

Great choice!!! Fish the Bass! Need to see you in a classic!! The original and best!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks so much!!

[@MarkHough-lw6kb]

What a great couple you guys are do what your gut feels be with your famliy & your business more is the Thanks you two

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks so much

[@kentbrown5369]

Matt I think fishing in Bass opens is a great move. The 5 fish tournament are right up your alley.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@BassHead1322]

I like that your wife takes interest in your fishing beyond personal reasons and the fact that you consider family time in your tournament schedule. As with a lot of us somehow we went out of our league and found a perfect life partner. Best of luck this coming year with everything.

[@MattStefanFishing]

It’s crazy how everything works out sometimes

[@palerider3800]

Good choice. Keep knocking out the content

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks! Will do!

[@jasonpaiva7381]

Nice switch! Hopefully you can get that Classic berth done this coming season!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep!

[@Tommy-h4b]

Thank you both very much for the video.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Our pleasure!

[@bgriffin511]

I feel as though I have been involved in your family meeting. My contribution is this - follow the fish to the money! Good luck in which ever tour you choose.

[@MattStefanFishing]

i like that logic

[@zacharyhubbard9200]

I think you made the best decision for your career and family. Good luck. I'll be following you.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks

[@joeromans1836]

Matt love your channel. We made it to Classic this year. It was an honor to meet you watching this video. I noticed your wife’s hoodie it’s a Miller highlife logo. Where did she get it? I would love to have one I live in Texas, but I am originally from Wisconsin, so I know about the Miller highlife logos

[@MattStefanFishing]

It’s made by Matthew Stockton. Check out his website

[@NeilGraham.I.M.F]

Lol sounds like you had a plan. Said welcome back to the channel. And it went out the window. Love the dynamic between you two

[@MattStefanFishing]

Hahaha yep

[@sheepdad556]

Great video guys. Always enjoy having Sarah on and hearing her perspective on things. Congrats on your Bass decision and we're behind you 100% really looking forward to the 2025 season

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@JimHickeyFishing]

Hi Matt, You obviously have a great partner. Sounds like lots of thought went into the decision and if you've covered your goals with MLF not to mention being burned by them a few times; the road to your biggest? goal the Classic is via the Opens; it makes total sense. Best wishes for a successful 2025 season!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks

[@mikeeller557]

Nice, Great Luck Matt , Where is the boat ?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Sold it

[@ellieswofford7285]

Mike Swofford Great Video , Good luck to you and your family.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks 👍

[@TangierFly]

I joined B.A.S.S. this week so I could follow the Opens and Elites. I haven’t been a member since the 70’s. Yes, I’m getting old. Looking forward to seeing you compete. I definitely would like to see you fish Heavy Hitters. You earned it. There were anglers in it last year that didn’t fish the BPT so you should be able to. Do you have to maintain your membership in MLF?

[@MattStefanFishing]

No clue

[@joeyhelton7114]

Love the content with you guys. You guys are hilarious.

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha two peas in a pod

[@midwest4616]

yay. finally great choice, i understand your issue with npfl. but dont miss out on CHANGE. i see bass making moves to become a 50 field tour (which i think u would be top 50) npfl and bass opens. npfl may be the most stable of the 3

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing

[@JAK-qk3dd]

#FBD, you guys are great and wish you nothing but the best wherever you fish Matt and Sara

[@MattStefanFishing]

thank you!

[@nunyabusiness102]

Great choice! I like their new format.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@scottburgo9778]

However it plays out Matt, you will kill it. Will be following for sure.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks

[@larrystolzman9337]

Matt: Love the move to Bass! Not because of the fishing, but because it works best for you and Sara and the boys love the idea. More time with family out weighs the headaches of being on the road. In addition growing Core Tackle will pay dividends well into the future. Build on what you have already developed. I think it safe to say your fan base will follow you and enjoy the ride. God Bless!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Very true!

[@tomstenbeck8265]

great choice for you Matt. I think the new open format will be a good fit for you. But from a selfish point of view keep those new Core Tackle products coming out. Really like the quality of what I have so far.

[@MattStefanFishing]

That's the plan!

[@vancegordon9140]

Glad you were able to come to a conclusion. MLF seems to be in a funk lots of anglers seem to be leaving. Good luck

[@MattStefanFishing]

they are leaving for a reason

[@CD2Fishing]

Are we getting a Matt & Matt House with podcasts from the road!? Look forward to following you next year in the Opens

[@MattStefanFishing]

Could be!

[@NeilGraham.I.M.F]

I wish you the best of luck! Can't past on the Xtra family time. And orcourse my absolute favorite tackle company. Core tackle. Il miss you on mlf as it's fun to watch with real time scoring. I don't watch b.a.s.s. but il check in on you

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@grantschimek6506]

Would luv to see you in the classic bass!! Good dudes!

[@MattStefanFishing]

i fished it a few years ago and loved it

[@gibby9209]

Moynagh, your Bridgford teammate, has been fishing those. It's a great circuit. Good luck in all that you do!

[@fujboy8365]

Hey Matt! You forgot about the Wednesday Nite League! 😀

[@MattStefanFishing]

nope those are a given

[@bkr5ky1]

Love the schedule and.. I still say use the practice time and tournament recaps as the content

[@MattStefanFishing]

Sounds good!

[@user-iy6rz1eq9x]

Awesome can't wait to see you fishing in BASS it seems like a good choice for you Let's Go ❤❤

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@rickhensley2251]

Good decision, I was afraid if you fished the invitationals and re-qualified for the BPT and they do there cut down again and use the same criteria they used this past year It may put you back in the same situation you're in now. I think by this time next year you will be prepping for the Elite series schedule. And Qualifying for that Classic invite.

[@MattStefanFishing]

im done with them for awhile

[@chickenliquor]

I am new to this world and all the tournaments and options. Would love to see a video where you break down all the various leagues, systems, tournaments, levels, etc. What is all this?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good idea

[@ryanvarner6520]

BASS OPENS sounds like a great choice!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@erniebrightfishing]

Fish the circuit and do well. Then use that as a platform to showcase new core tackle stuff saying look guys I did this well and it's all because of my core tackle products. Imagine winning a classic on a new bait. Or a tush or the swim jig etc. Could even do a series of mud hole rods for Matt Stefan techniques. Viola. Win win win.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I like it!

[@MrJohnB-qs6dp]

Great decision!!! Like that you are putting your family first instead of second!! Best to you in 2025 Opens!! Stay Safe & God Bless!!! 🤠👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thank you! You too!

[@raynaldosoliz6755]

Classic bound is what i say,as a participant good choice ,

[@MattStefanFishing]

fingers crossed

[@johnm2617]

You got to do your goals ! The payouts suck in Bass now ? But they are working on fixing it ??? Its great Sarah is with you ! Hopefully it all works out ! Peace !

[@MattStefanFishing]

thank you!

[@josephammons7309]

Go for it, sounds great!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks

[@scotthanaman7849]

Love your You tube content good luck

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks

[@ThumperSpinnerbaits]

In my opinion, you are making the best choice. I and many others look forward to seeing you in the Elites.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@timmcc1044]

You'll do great in the 2025 opens. Fits you perfectly. FYI, my wife wants to know where your wife got her sweatshirt? It's not in your merch store, or I missed it. Thanks!

[@MattStefanFishing]

It’s made by Matthew Stockton check out his website

[@basstrixlureco.3033]

Great call !! 👏👏

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks

[@dmacc9299]

When MFL first started I was excited. I loved watching the show when it was just 10 anglers. Now it’s gone to shit. Have no idea what the different events are, the team stuff is just plan stupid and Boyd is, well he’s Boyd. I’ll continue to follow you where ever you fish. You’re one of the most genuine dudes in the sport.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for the support

[@mjgergely6201]

Great decision and best of luck, I don’t comment a lot but the Open path makes sense. Love Sara’s sweatshirt how can I purchase one? Thank you…

[@MattStefanFishing]

Matt Stockton puts them out www.matthewstockton.com/

[@RichDrennen]

Matt, I THINK the entry fee for the Open is 2000 for the boaters and 500 for a co-angler. So you may have a co-angler with you if that even matters. Hope to see you at Leech in August.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I’ll be therw

[@RichDrennen]

@@MattStefanFishing hope to draw you as my pro

[@mulder5118]

Bass would be awesome foe ya I think. Maybe you'll end up coming back to lake champlain and I can come watch ya win it. Best of luck to you bub.

[@MattStefanFishing]

i like that lake

[@markblackstad8705]

Panger is now in 10th after day 1! If your goal is making the Classic and possibly the Elites, you should consider adding fishing one or possibly more BASS Nation qualifiers, if needed? One was at Lacrosse this year too. Top 20 at each make the no entry fee championship. If you win the championship you make the elites and the top 3 make the Classic! 2 and 3 also get to shortcut the Opens and go straight to the EQs. If you did qualify for heavy hitters you definitely should be included! Jordan Lee WON in 2024 and he was fishing the Elites at the time! There is a lot of money to be made in that event alone. Big fish bonuses are up to $100K for 1 fish!! I would put up a big stink, possibly even consider legal action if you are left out of that event after legitimately qualifying!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Agreed

[@ct5465]

Congrats on your wife. She’s awesome. I would have said go fish NPFL because I think they are really onto something and I think the guy running it is solid. Anglers have said they are the best far as treatment of anglers. I wish everyone go fish there and make it the biggest league. But based on your options and wanting the classic so bad, which makes sense, BASS is a must. Could maybe have tried NPFL once and then done BASS? I can’t wait to see how you do no matter what. I hope you consider recording your tournament fishing and posting it. Good luck

[@MattStefanFishing]

She is awesome

[@RickyCarter-ro8fr]

Good Luck with whatever you choose to do !!!!!!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks

[@robertfalls6178]

Matt your Wife is Cute So… Make Her Happy and Everything Else WillFall Into place.

[@robertfalls6178]

Always fish your Strengths Sir and Challenge your meeknesses.

[@jamesschnell4919]

Best of luck with your decision!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@TheFishingCoach]

Yeah after when you told me you have a dream at competing at the Classic, I have said go to BASS. Now is the time! Lets go!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yeah buddy!

[@marksanko6138]

Are you going to guide at all in Wisconsin next year?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Nope

[@geraldkoth654]

I really like you Matt, I get a lot out of your content and you seem very down to earth. I would still watch your channel but would not be very happy for you to go to a system that kills all the big fish. 70% of released fish from a tournament die. If you were keeping the small ones to eat, good on ya. That is a something that needs to be done to have big fish grow.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@samuelschult985]

I 😂😂😂😂😂 love the way you finished with Matt and a cooking show 😂😂😂😂 but in all serious Ness you and Sarah are the best qualified to make those decisions but I have to send you a message; you ain't messing with the wensday nighters. Matt I think is great that you're including us with imput but I know your compus is headed in the correct direction 2025 here we go 👍👍👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thank you so much 😁

[@yankeebass1]

It doesn't matter so much what we think. The most important thing is how you and the family feel about it. Good luck next year and hopefully you can get a classic birth.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@farrzmd3038]

I’ll be along to watch. Try it out. If it doesn’t work, like you said you’ll have the same choices next year.

[@MattStefanFishing]

i hope so!

[@mattkraemer471]

Looking forward to following you at B.A.S.S. I think it’s a good move for you.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I think so too!

[@diminshedlives1960]

Rooting for you!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks

[@gwo8th211]

Good luck we are for ya.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@robertblackeby237]

Wow, she's a good sort Matt. Hittin above your belt there mate.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha

[@jasonbarclay3294]

Great call.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks

[@derek0t0briske]

Heck yeah buddy let's go!

[@MattStefanFishing]

yes sir