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

[@mw8270]

@@MattStefanFishingyeah I’m with Mike, what’s your secret bro?

[@Twangtown7]

Bless your wife for supporting you the way she does.

[@MattStefanFishing]

She’s special!

[@fishlakecumberlanddalehollow]

met you at lake cumberland years ago when my one of my best friends drew you. Been a fan since then and will support you where ever you fish!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks so much i love that lake

[@cra-bassint.v.5664]

"Pay you in other ways... cookies if you want" Matt~ the devious savage 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha

[@Rick-shortround]

Matt, Sarah is the bomb. It's great to see such a good rapport between a wife and husband in these times. Have been following you for a long while and enjoy your tube content immensely. You guys will make the right decision. Would like to see you in the BASS tournaments in the future. Hope to meet you guys at the Classic on my homewater here in Texas. Y'all be safe and good luck.

[@MattStefanFishing]

She is awesome

[@DarrelThomasFishing]

This is the 1st time I have watched one of your videos, and I must say....I loved it! This video was just what my soul needed today. You two are awesome, and I am going to subscribe to your channel.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you enjoyed and appreciate you subscribing

[@chrishampton8842]

We will be there Matt. Thanks for having Sarah along!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@erichildreth7562]

I would say stick with what works the best for you! It's really awesome to see how supportive your wife is, she is amazing!! Really enjoy your channel Matt, looking forward to more stuff and the core tackle stuff is great!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thank you! Will do!

[@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!

[@cerebraltackle]

Dude, always vet your guests before having them on. 😁🤣💯👊 Love it when the wife joins in! I think you made the right decision! We'll be rooting for you!

[@MattStefanFishing]

no controlling her

[@cerebraltackle]

@MattStefanFishing 🤣🤣

[@mcvideo8686]

Matt , I'm so glad your wife gives you permission to fish ...awesome!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Me too!

[@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

[@timvaughan8518]

I met you at the Classic and by far my favorite part of the classic was watching my son in that environment. Take the boys to the Classic!

[@MattStefanFishing]

I know they would love it

[@JimGLopez67]

That's great news. I'm looking forward to watching along. Awesome decision with family support.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks

[@tomperry7345]

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

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome thank you!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@pinhookfishingclub]

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

[@MattStefanFishing]

That's the plan!

[@ClayWilliamson]

I hate to be making a decision like this while the industry is going up in flames. Good luck Matt!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thats part of why its a tough decision

[@Carolinafishingtales]

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

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thank you!

[@sonar5676]

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

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yes i am!

[@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!

[@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!

[@joepworther2284]

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

[@MattStefanFishing]

thank you!

[@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

[@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

[@kirkreusch5704]

Love you guys together! Really appreciate you guys “talking” through this with your subscribers! God bless!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Much appreciated

[@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!

[@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

[@oldschoolfishing4194]

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

[@MattStefanFishing]

Me too!

[@bill7949]

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

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thank you!

[@roanoke_yak_angler]

You are the man regardless on what you choose to do. I'll still follow your videos and cheer you on. Btw tube season is still on fire here in southwest VA!!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Love tube season

[@roanoke_yak_angler]

@MattStefanFishing oh yeah!!

[@Bobby12many]

Matt - I need that hoodie your wife is wearing!!! Where can I find it!?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Matthewstockton.com but i dont think he is out of stock at the moment but he has other cool designs!

[@wingort9]

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

[@MattStefanFishing]

Much appreciated!

[@kentbrown5369]

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

[@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!

[@Nate_Higgins]

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

[@MattStefanFishing]

It’s awesome

[@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!

[@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

[@emoutdoors5661]

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

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks so much!!

[@johnpliwko9261]

Yes finally fishing bass! Sunday was pretty gloomy and the Bears didn't look good so it was a little worse. Will be following your opens journey for sure!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Bears need to put it together

[@johnpliwko9261]

@MattStefanFishing they will......when they get o line help.

[@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!

[@zacharyhubbard9200]

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

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks

[@nextlevelangling]

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

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks

[@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!

[@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!

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

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thank you!

[@jeffporter100]

I like the plan and having both of you on to get some behind the scenes commentary. Nice

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@johnnymassengale6275]

Long time subscriber here, but I don't comment very often. I think the move to the BASS Opens is a good move even though I hate FFS. If getting to the Elites and The Classic is your goal, then it's a no brainer. The NPFL is going to take off like crazy with their decision to ban FFS. Best of luck and your wife's support is monumental. Not to mention the excitement of your boy for the opens.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing

[@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!

[@martyaustin6545]

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

[@MattStefanFishing]

Lots of talent

[@ryanvarner6520]

BASS OPENS sounds like a great choice!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@fujboy8365]

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

[@MattStefanFishing]

nope those are a given

[@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

[@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

[@raynaldosoliz6755]

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

[@MattStefanFishing]

fingers crossed

[@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

[@NelsonBurtonIV]

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

[@MattStefanFishing]

Hope so!

[@scottburgo9778]

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

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks

[@Itz1Adam12]

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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@herbsteiner1013]

Your conversation resembles a man/wife discussion of which hotels to hit on their next trip to Vegas, and rationally computing the odds of success at each of a dozen casinos. Your fans, myself included, are awaiting your decision. 😂And I think that growing your KZbin viewership and Core tackle development will ultimately bring way more mailbox money than chasing little green fish, but that's just me. 😁

[@MattStefanFishing]

Hahah

[@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

[@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!

[@palerider3800]

Good choice. Keep knocking out the content

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks! Will do!

[@eddiepayne8533]

Good stuff Matt, I do believe you got the look on one comment! Best of luck on what you decide to fish next year. I think you bride might know you!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha yeah a little bit

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@ellieswofford7285]

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

[@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!

[@JEB_FISHING]

I truly believe for how talented of a angler u are, id love to see u have a tv show along the lines of pro versus the average Joe. All in the Midwest

[@MattStefanFishing]

That would be fun!

[@JEB_FISHING]

@@MattStefanFishing u could start here in ND 🤘

[@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

[@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

[@jasonpaiva7381]

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

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep!

[@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!

[@robertthierry8297]

I believe BASS will be best option for furthering your long term goals elite series classic AOY ect. And if you win a open auto classic qualifying.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks

[@JAK-qk3dd]

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

[@MattStefanFishing]

thank you!

[@Tommy-h4b]

Thank you both very much for the video.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Our pleasure!

[@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 😁

[@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!

[@swimbaitonaprairie9359]

Love listening to your family dynamics great Video good luck!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks so much!

[@KennyWright-bv7sr]

Your blessed to have a wife that supports you

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yes i am

[@bkr5ky1]

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

[@MattStefanFishing]

Sounds good!

[@wiscocoaltrain1955]

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

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@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!

[@rvfishingyet]

Look forward to the ride. Bass sounds like a fun change of pace. Cheers!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Hope so!

[@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

[@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

[@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!