With the club’s first official trip to Nolin, members faced two days of soggy competition. While two days of practice under bluebird skies seemed to paint a clear picture of how Nolin would fish, the remnants of Hurricane Michael had other plans once tournament day arrived. Conditions changed dramatically, leaving anglers searching for bites they had found during practice.

The only thing biting at Indian seemed to be the mosquitoes. Making the bites few and far between, but despite a tough bite. The club managed to capture 18 fish for a total of 27.48 lbs. With Ron Crabtree putting his batteries to the test after other electrical issues turned Crabtree’s boat into the most expensive canoe ever conceived. The heavy paddling would not detour Ron from weighing in a nice 3.08 lbs BASS and 6.45 lbs to take the win. Despite a tough bite, Jake Baker proved you can find 5 fish, capturing the only limit and finishing 2^nd with 5.12 lbs of Large Mouth bliss and Jake Donhoe would grab Crabtree’s paddle with his 3.42 lb Large Mouth and Big Bass of the day.

With 2 tournaments remaining, the Angler of the Year competition gets even tighter as the club head south to Nolin Lake. A first time visit for the club. With just over a pound separating 1^st and 2^nd for Angler of the Year. Will Nolin be the lake that lock in Angler of the Year for Herman Baker or Rob Crabtree, or will it come down to the wire at the final tournament at Rocky Fork. Only time will tell.

Despite a heavy week of rain, the river offered clearer water than expected. Despite decent water clarity, the fish weren’t having it and made every bite feel like you won the lottery only to realize, your were a few numbers short of the winning ticket. Despite a tough dink bite. The club still managed to capture 17 fish for a glorious river weight of 18.67 lbs total. Of that, Ron Crabtree would grab his 2^nd win this season with 3.82 lbs and Matthew Townsley nipping at his heels with an even 3.00 lbs to grab 2^nd and James Owens would close out the top 3 with 2.16lbs. Guest Angler Bobbie Donahoe would capture the Big Bass of the tournament weighing 1.84 lbs.

With only 3 tournaments remaining. Time is running out to catch currently Angler of the Year leader Herman Baker. Who still maintains a comfy 6.45 lb lead. Out next tournament heads north to the much regarded Indian Lake. Can Crabtree and Tobe gain some ground on Indian, or will Herman continue to pad his lead. Only time will tell.

Bobby Farmer proves you can accomplish your goals so long as you’re willing to commit to the task. Early in the season stating he was going to figure out SUMMIT and figure it out he did. Taking 1^st place with his 5 fish limit weighing 9.16 lbs. With Herman Baker hot on his heals with 8.21 lbs, and Jake Donahoe with the only other limit of 7.48 lbs to close out the top 3 finishers. Tony Vieson would capture the biggest BASS of the day with 2.45 lbs.

The AOY standings remain mostly unchanged except for Bob Farmer climbing out of the cellar breaking into the TOP 5. Summer is in full swing with the unforgiving heat and the bi-polar weather of Ohio. Don’t like the weather, wait an hour. Eagle Creek is the next destination due for a visit from Butler County. Will mother nature play nice and allow the club on the river, or will she send the club back to the inland reservoirs. Only time will tell.

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/