The Baker family brought the heat to Rocky Fork, battling out for a close race for first. Jacob with his opening 5 fish limit of 12.38 lbs and nice 4.26 Big Bass, look to be the Angler to beat. With over half the field weighed in, Ron Crabtree dethroned Jacob’s Big Bass with a very respectable 4.75 lbs. However, Jacob still appeared to be untouchable until a little family rivalry in Herman Baker came to the scales. Knocking not only Jacob out of 1st, but taking the wind out of Crabtree’s sails with his 5.25 lbs Large Mouth. Taking not only the BIG BASS title for the tournament, but giving Jacob Baker an additional boot, as Herman Baker now holds the BIG BASS for the 2026 Season. With the season officially being half over. Herman Baker increases his lead for Angler of the Year, while Andy Tobe and Jacob Baker gain ground on Ron Crabtree. With 5 tournaments remaining, the Angler of the Year race is far from over.

Jacob Baker grabs his first win of the season with 7.36 lbs, with Ron Crabtree falling a few ounces short with 7.25 lbs to finish 2nd, and Herman Baker bringing up the rear and squeezing Ron in the middle with 6.98 lbs and grabbing this 2nd BIG BASS title for the season with 3.68 lbs. After 4 tournaments, Herman continues to hold off runner up Ron Crabtree. Andy Tobe loses a little ground, but manages to hold onto 3rd, while Jacob Baker moves to 4th and Bill Schneider drops to 5th. Angler of the Year is still far from over as the club heads to Tanners Creek.

Saturday on Indian offered up decent weather with subtle winds most of the day. While it appeared, the larger fish hadn’t moved up quite yet. It did stop the glub from limiting out. Capturing 46 fish total with a club weight of 63.04 lbs total. With the largest limit belonging to one Bill Schnieder who take an arrow to the hearts and souls of runner up, Andy Tobe and Herman Baker. Who would finish 2nd with 8.21 lbs and 3rd 8.09 lbs. Andy Tobe flexed is bow, capturing the biggest BASS of the tournament weighing a respectable 3.49 lbs.

With 3 tournaments now in the book. The run for the 2026 Angler of the Year is far from a runaway at this point. With the top 3 Anglers being within 4 lbs of each other. Next stop, Alum Creek just outside of Columbus. Will we see a shake up or shake down as we draw closer to the seasons halfway point.

In typical Ohio, Indiana fashion. The weather decided to have a bi-polar moment and drop a cold front on today’s fishing. Making for chili blue bird skies and water temps in the mid to high 50’s. However, a little chill doesn’t hamper this group and despite cold temps, the club walked away with 20 fish and total daily weight of 38.75 lbs. Ron Crabtree had the warmest bag of the day, capturing 5 fish for a total of 8.75lbs. Herman Baker wouldn’t be denied, finishing 2nd with 8.15 and the BIG BASS of the day weighing 3.90lbs. Briar Crabtree make his entry into the AOY standings with a 3rd place finish totaling 6.39 lbs. Last but not least, a shout out to rookie club member James Owens. Weighing in his first club bass at 1.32lbs.

The season opener at Guist Creek start off with tight race with last years defending Angler of the Year Herman Baker. Grabbing the win by ounces over the three peat Andy Tobe. Followed closely by Josh Zehler, Ron Crabtree, and Jacob Baker, whom captured this tournaments BIG BASS with a weight of 5.17 lbs. A lot of really good fish captured and returned safely to the waters to provide the opportunity for the next set on Anglers. The 2026 season for Butler County is off to a great start as we head to Brookville Lake for our next tournament.

With the conclusion of our February meeting, we have established yet another exciting schedule of lakes and rivers for our 2026 season covering Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. We maybe seeing the progress of 2 of our youngest co-anglers as they transition from co-anglers to running their own boat this year. An exciting and stressful time for any Angler. Last but certainly not least. The club will once again be making an appearance at this years Ohio Bass Federation Regionals. Competing for the chance to represent the state team.

Below you will find our 2026 schedule. If you like the schedule or want to come fish with us. We are accepting new members, both Angler and C0-Angler. Send us a message via our contact form located at https://butlercountybassmasters.com/contact-us/

We have come to the end of the 2025 fishing season. Brookville gave up some nice fish. Andy Tobe made a run to try and land another AOY. Andy weighed in 5 fish for 8.59lbs and took first place. Congrats Andy and nice fishing. Ernie Shuler would finish 2nd with 3 fish and 5.91lbs. Nice job Ernie. Rounding out the top 3 Herman Baker would weigh in 2 fish for 5.33lbs. Herman would also take big bass with a 3.74lb bass. Great fishing Herman.

2025 Fish Off was held at two different locations. Day 1 was held at Brookville Lake and Day 2 was held at Tanners Creek. Andy Tobe would weigh in 10.15lbs to take the overall win! Congratulations to Andy! Ron Crabtree would post a total weight of 6.80lbs to take 2nd place! Nice job Ron! Bob Farmer would round out the top 3 with an overall weight of 5.68lbs. Congrats Bob! Day 1 Big Bass belongs to Andy Tobe with a 2.11lb bass and Ron Crabtree would take Big Bass honors on day 2 with a nice 4.61lb bass from Tanners Creek. Great job to both of you! Congrats to everyone who weighed in bass.