Angler Credits Deer for Guiding Him to Victory in Bassmaster Qualifier

Kaden Buchmann secured a wire-to-wire victory at the first Bassmaster Elite Qualifier of the season on Norfork Lake in Arkansas, attributing some of his success to observing local whitetail deer. The tournament, which prohibited the use of forward-facing sonar, required anglers to employ alternative methods to find bass.

Buchmann, 22, explained that with numerous boats on the relatively small lake, he began watching the shoreline for deer. He reasoned that areas frequented by deer were less likely to have been recently disturbed by other anglers. "If I saw 15 deer in a pocket, I'd say, 'I'm getting bit here,'" Buchmann told Bassmaster.

This unconventional strategy proved effective. On the first day, Buchmann spotted more than 30 deer, including a nine-point buck, and used these locations to his advantage. He weighed in 16 pounds, 7 ounces that day, taking the initial lead. He continued this approach on the second day, catching two quality bass in an area where he had seen deer.

While deer sightings played a role, Buchmann's victory was also attributed to his speed, mental fortitude, and ability to avoid crowded fishing spots. He covered significant portions of the lake, using a topwater bait and skipping jig on various structures, including docks and shaded shorelines. He noted that four of the fish he weighed on the final day came from previously unfished areas.

Buchmann's total weight for the three-day tournament was 42 pounds, 7 ounces. This performance earned him $71,317 and an invitation to the 2027 Bassmaster Classic at Lake Hartwell. His winning margin over runner-up Cody Stahl was 1 pound, 14 ounces.

Two Elite Qualifiers remain in the season, which will determine the final 10 invitations to the 2027 Bassmaster Elite Series. Buchmann's unique tactic of observing wildlife to gauge fishing pressure may inspire other competitors in future tournaments.