Chad Marler Lands 8-Pound Giant to Win NPFL Stop Four at Eufaula

Eufaula, AL – After a storm-delayed start, the fourth stop of the 2025 National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) season wrapped in dramatic fashion. Texas pro Chad Marler stole the spotlight with a Finale Friday rally, hauling in a tournament-best 17 pounds, 11 ounces, anchored by a jaw-dropping 8-1 largemouth. The kicker catapulted him to first place with a two-day total of 33-12, edging out veteran Alabama angler Gerald Swindle, who finished second with 31-11.

Changing Spots, Catching Giants: Marler’s Bold Move Pays Off

Coming into the tournament with redemption in mind after a tough previous showing, Marler made a critical Day Two decision that sealed the win. Instead of returning to his productive Day One spot, he gambled on an untouched stretch of water last visited during practice.

“I didn’t know if it’d be clean or dirty,” Marler said. “But I had a gut feeling. When I got there, the water was just clear enough—and those big girls were ready.”

Armed with two versions of a custom Hilandero Blades spinnerbait, Marler committed to burning the bait through flooded bushes, triggering reaction strikes from pressured bass.

“I was going 4×4 with that spinnerbait—just crashing it through anything in my way,” he added. “That 8-pounder hit on my third cast. I just prayed she stayed hooked.”

His quick limit and monster kicker made the difference on a day when many anglers struggled to find big bites.

Swindle Nearly Steals It with a Bush-Flipping Masterclass

Finishing just over two pounds shy of the win, Gerald Swindle made a late push with a consistent flipping and spinnerbait combo. Relying on a Buckeye spinnerbait and a Zoom Brush Hog, Swindle targeted the outer, hidden bushes that others overlooked.

“The best bites came from places other guys weren’t touching,” Swindle explained. “I saw white birds working in the trees and just followed the signs.”

After a slower start on Day Two, Swindle adjusted by flipping heavier cover. With ten minutes left, he landed a crucial 4.5-pounder that solidified his runner-up finish.

“It was one of those miracle bites,” he said. “Didn’t win it, but I left it all out there.”

Top Five Round Out Tight Leaderboard

• Chad Marler – 33-12

• Gerald Swindle – 31-11

• Mike Quinlin – 30-9

• 4️⃣ KJ Queen – 30-4

• 5️⃣ Greg Hackney – 30-2

Fishing flooded cover remained the dominant pattern throughout, with most of the top finishers relying on spinnerbaits, flipping baits, and shallow-water structure.

Full Top 10 Results:

1. Chad Marler – 33-12

2. Gerald Swindle – 31-11

3. Mike Quinlin – 30-9

4. KJ Queen – 30-4

5. Greg Hackney – 30-2

6. Buddy Gross – 29-10

7. Brandon Cobb – 29-2

8. Tommy Biffle – 29-2

9. John Cox – 28-9

10. Hunter Baughman – 28-2

Final Thoughts

NPFL Stop Four delivered on all fronts—tight weights, big fish drama, and strategic brilliance from both veterans and up-and-comers. Marler’s bold gamble and Swindle’s bush-flipping clinic gave fans a finale to remember.

About the National Professional Fishing League (NPFL)

The National Professional Fishing League was established with a single, powerful mission: bring competitive fishing to more people and elevate the sport through innovation, transparency, and passion. With a strong emphasis on community building and accessible professional competition, the NPFL continues to redefine what tournament fishing can look like.

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Andrea Marini

Source: https://bassanglermag.com/chad-marler-lands-8-pound-giant-to-win-npfl-stop-four-at-eufaula/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=chad-marler-lands-8-pound-giant-to-win-npfl-stop-four-at-eufaula

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