Banks Shaw is proving that momentum is the most dangerous tool in a professional angler’s arsenal. The Harrison, Tennessee, native secured his third major Major League Fishing (MLF) victory in as many years on Saturday, Jan. 31, narrowly defeating Kyle Cortiana to claim the Toyota Series Southern Division title on Lake Okeechobee. Shaw’s three-day total of 49 pounds, 5 ounces was just enough to slip past Cortiana by a razor-thin 3-ounce margin.
The victory earned the University of North Alabama student a $79,250 payday and a guaranteed spot in the Toyota Series Championship this fall on Pickwick Lake.
A Test of Patience and Strategy
While Lake Okeechobee is often known for “big bag” shootouts, a week of cold weather turned the event into a grind of consistency. Shaw’s winning strategy relied on a solitary approach, focusing on a secluded area to avoid the heavy boat pressure typical of Florida tournament fishing.
“I kind of focused on the one area where I knew there wouldn’t be many people,” Shaw said following the weigh-in. “I caught ‘em the first day … then after that, it was tough to even get a limit.”
Shaw utilized forward-facing sonar to navigate the mid-week slump, noting that Day 2 was his most efficient performance. However, by the final day, shifting winds and muddied water forced him to adapt.
“The wind picked up … all of a sudden the water just dirtied up,” Shaw explained. “You couldn’t really even see the fish, and they weren’t acting right.”
On the final day, Shaw leaned on a Rapala Mavrik 110 jerkbait to anchor his 13-pound, 12-ounce bag, a performance that kept him just ahead of a surging Cortiana.
The Rookie Rising
Shaw’s victory comes during a remarkably dense competitive stretch. Currently a rookie on the Bass Pro Tour, he is also defending his Angler of the Year title on the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit—all while balancing a full college course load.
The win at Okeechobee provides a sigh of relief for the young pro, who admitted the narrow margin of victory was a departure from his usual style.
“I told my cameraman on the way down here, ‘I’m due for a win,’” Shaw said. “Usually when I win it’s by a decent margin, so this was nerve-racking. But I’m glad to pull it away.”
Looking Ahead
The fishing world won’t have to wait long to see if Shaw can maintain his pace. He is slated to compete in the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit opener at the Harris Chain of Lakes starting Feb. 6.
With a Top 10 finish already under his belt to start the Bass Pro Tour season, Shaw heads into the next event with a target on his back and plenty of confidence.
“I’m definitely off to a good start, riding the momentum from last year,” Shaw said. “The Harris Chain is one of my favorite fisheries … I’m pumped up.”
Top 10 Finishers from Toyota Series at Lake Okeechobee
- Banks Shaw, Harrison, Tenn., 15 bass, 49 pounds, 5 ounces, $79,250 (includes $35,000 Phoenix MLF bonus)
- Kyle Cortiana, Broken Arrow, Okla., 15 bass, 49 pounds, 2 ounces, $17,000
- Val Osinski, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., 14 bass, 44 pounds, 11 ounces, $12,750
- Tim Wilson, Marion, Ind., 13 bass, 42 pounds, 2 ounces, $10,750
- Parker Knudsen, Shakopee, Minn., 15 bass, 40 pounds, 4 ounces, $9,750
- Doug Wooldridge, Williston, S.C., 15 bass, 39 pounds, 11 ounces, $8,375
- Adriano Theriot, Lake Charles, La., 15 bass, 38 pounds, 12 ounces, $7,300
- Brian Holder, Conover, N.C., 15 bass, 37 pounds, 9 ounces, $6,300
- Connor Macdougall, Cape Coral, Fla., 15 bass, 37 pounds, 5 ounces, $5,300
- Tyler Nekolny, Coral Springs, Fla., 15 bass, 36 pounds, 15 ounces, $4,700
