Category: Tournament News

2024 Season Teaser

As many of you saw, we had some technical issues with last week’s livestream. We will re-address what we discussed then on our next livestream.

Until then, here is a quick teaser on some of the changes we have planned for 2024 and beyond…


In the Hunt: Lake George (S2 E6)

Check out season two, episode six, of In the Hunt! The final episode of 2023!

Please like and subscribe! We’ll see you in 2024…


2024 Schedule Reveal and Livestream Discussion

We are excited to visit some new locations in 2024!

If you want a more in-depth look into the 2024 season, check out our livestream below…


Ryan Matylewicz Wins Angler of the Year After Epic 2023 Season

Consistency is one of the defining characteristics of any Angler of the Year. To earn the title, one must be consistent not for one event, not for two, but for an entire season.

This year, Ryan Matylewicz had one of those seasons.

The 2023 EKF season took us to some of the Northeast’s most premier fisheries, and Cayuga lake is arguably at the top of that list. Known for its world-class fishing and trophy bass, Cayuga Lake churned out fifteen limits over 90 inches, and many more close to it, at our first event of the year. Ryan’s limit of 96.75 inches, however impressive, was only good enough for third place—the first of four top-three finishes in 2023.

Following Cayuga Lake, EKF stopped at the famed Lake Champlain where challenging weather presented difficult fishing conditions. Ryan’s ability to adapt allowed him to net a limit of 97.75 and a second-place finish.

The third event of the season took EKF anglers to the St. Lawrence River, known to many as Smallmouth Disneyland. With many anglers fishing the river for the first time, the competition was wide open for those who located quality fish. Ryan’s 92.75 inches of fierce river smallmouth was enough to secure his first-ever EKF victory!

The final regular-season event of the year took anglers to scenic Messalonskee Lake and Great Pond. With both bodies of water known for their impressive smallmouth bass population, it presented anglers with a difficult decision on tournament day. Ryan decided that Great Pond would provide him the best opportunity for success, a decision that would pay off, landing him once again in third place with a limit of 94.5 inches.

With four strong finishes, Ryan was well-positioned in the Angler of the Year standings heading into the championship event on Lake George.

October brought shorter days and dropping temperatures after a period of record-breaking highs in the Adirondack region of upstate New York. Anglers had to come up with multiple strategies to provide them with the best chance to take home the championship trophy.

After day one, Ryan found himself sitting in sixth place and well-positioned in his pursuit of Angler of the Tear.

The second day of the championship saw anglers resorting to their backup plans and making on-the-fly adjustments. While Ryan remained consistent between both days, other anglers stumbled on day two. This opened the door for a fifth-place championship finish and the well-earned title of 2023 EKF Angler of the Year!

Congratulations on a steller season!


The Road to the 2023 Championship

Five events, 336 combined anglers, nearly 2,000 fish submitted, over $40,000 in payouts, one event remaining!

It all goes down on Lake George, October 14–15, where we will crown a new Champion and Angler of the Year!

Please join us in congratulating the following anglers for qualifying for our championship…

Ryan Matylewicz
Nick Audi
Jake Angulas
Rey Morales
John Ferreira
Ken Wood
Matthew Conant
Kevin Amaral
Donald Davis
Nelson da Costa

Those Top 10 anglers earned a free entry into our championship!

Adam Rourke
Ari Stonehill
Benjamin Bornhorst
Brandon Brylinsky
Brian Baulsir
Bruce Levy
Chris Pendergast
Christopher LaCourse
Daryl Martin
David Otero
Domenic Eno
Francis Matylewicz
Gary Ward
Gerard Elias
Ivan Diaz
Jeremiah Savely
Jonathan Richardson
Joseph D’Addeo
Joseph Horgos
Justin Rednour
Matthew Lee
Matthew Zapala
Mike Morcone
Nate Chagnon
Pat Veomett
Ray Figueroa
Russell Beeson
Sarah Pendergast
Scott Rhodes
Shawn Marston
Shelby Morgan
Simon Morgan
Stephen Hedges
Stephen Mazza
Stephen Smith
Tammy Sanchez
Todd Brothers
Todd Dyer
Torrence Davis
William Muir

Congratulations once again!

If you qualified, registration is open now on Fishing Chaos. We’ll see you next month!


In the Hunt: Messalonskee Lake/Great Pond (S2 E5)

Check out season two, episode five, of In the Hunt!

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In the Hunt: St. Lawrence River (S2 E4)

Check out season two, episode four, of In the Hunt!

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In the Hunt: Connecticut River/Moore Reservoir (S2 E3)

Check out season two, episode three, of In the Hunt!

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In the Hunt: Lake Champlain (S2 E2)

Check out season two, episode two, of In the Hunt!

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In the Hunt: Cayuga Lake (S2 E1)

Season two of In the Hunt is here!

Please like and subscribe!