MLF Announces Tournament Directors, Opens Registration for 2025 Phoenix BFL
BENTON, Ky. (Dec. 2, 2024) – Major League Fishing (MLF) has officially opened registration for the highly anticipated 2025 Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine. As the sport’s premier grassroots tournament circuit for weekend anglers, the BFL continues to build excitement for its 24-division season featuring 134 tournaments. With the announcement of tournament director assignments for the upcoming season, MLF is poised to deliver another exceptional year of competitive bass fishing.
2025 Tournament Directors: Profiles of Leadership
Michael Bucy (Great Lakes, Northeast, Savannah River, South Carolina)
Newly promoted tournament director Michael Bucy brings a wealth of experience and passion to his role. A Gulf War veteran and MLF member since 2020, Michael has excelled in coordinating tournament logistics and weigh-in livestreams. A lifelong outdoorsman raised in Murray, Kentucky, Bucy credits his father, a seasoned BFL competitor, with inspiring his love for fishing. Beyond his work, he is an avid bowhunter, scuba diving instructor, and dedicated family man.
Robert Evans (Illini, LBL, Mountain, Volunteer)
A veteran of MLF since 2008, Robert Evans has been integral to operations, serving as a full-time tournament director since 2010. Known for his camaraderie and expertise, Robert resides on Kentucky Lake, where he enjoys waterfowl hunting and fishing. A proud father of two, Robert’s deep connection to the outdoors makes him an invaluable leader for the 2025 season.
Alan Gray (Choo Choo, Mississippi, Music City, Okie)
With over a decade of experience, Alan Gray has made his mark in MLF since 2008, transitioning to BFL tournament director in 2013. Based in Benton, Kentucky, Alan is also a certified personal trainer and competitive angler with a storied fishing history on Kentucky Lake. His dedication to helping anglers succeed is a hallmark of his leadership style.
Leroy Hensley (Buckeye, Bulldog, Gator, Hoosier)
Leroy Hensley, an MLF mainstay since 2007, has spent nearly 14 years as a BFL tournament director. Known for his warmth and enthusiasm, Leroy has cultivated lasting friendships across the fishing community. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Leroy plans to participate in BFL tournaments himself after retirement.
Steve Sizemore (Arkie, North Carolina, Piedmont, Shenandoah)
Since joining MLF in 1999, Steve Sizemore has risen through the ranks, earning a reputation as a fair and personable tournament director. With a strong background in logistics and event management, Steve’s passion for fishing and hunting complements his dedication to the anglers he serves.
Shannon Storms (Bama, Cowboy, Michigan, Ozark)
Starting in 2011, Shannon Storms gained valuable experience in the college program and Toyota Series before becoming a full-time BFL tournament director in 2024. Based in Cadiz, Kentucky, Shannon enjoys riding motorcycles and fishing while fostering relationships with anglers and staff alike.
Exciting Changes for the 2025 Season
The 2025 season introduces several updates aimed at enhancing fairness and competitiveness:
- Technology Limitations: Forward-facing and 360-degree sonar transducers are now limited to two per boat, ensuring a level playing field.
- Registration Adjustments: MLF has eliminated boat-on-boat draws, prioritizing paired entries for boaters and co-anglers.
- Co-Angler Rule Change: A new three-fish limit has been implemented, fostering greater competition and opportunity for co-anglers.
Awards and Payouts
BFL competitors will vie for impressive prizes throughout the 2025 season:
- Top Boater Award: Up to $13,000, including a $7,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus.
- Top Strike King Co-Angler Award: $3,000.
- Super Tournaments: Enhanced prizes of up to $16,000 for boaters and $4,500 for co-anglers.
2025 BFL Registration Details
Anglers can register for the upcoming season at MajorLeagueFishing.com or by calling 270.252.1000. Registration opens at 8 a.m. CT on the following dates:
- Dec. 2, 2024: Bama, Choo Choo, Cowboy, Gator, Savannah River.
- Dec. 3, 2024: Arkie, Bulldog, North Carolina, South Carolina, Volunteer.
- Dec. 4, 2024: LBL, Mississippi, Okie, Ozark, Piedmont.
- Dec. 5, 2024: Great Lakes, Hoosier, Mountain, Music City, Shenandoah.
- Dec. 6, 2024: Buckeye, Illini, Michigan, Northeast.
Phoenix Boat Owners Priority: Registration is already open for Phoenix boat owners with confirmed registrations or boats on order for BFL competition, as well as TBF members.
Explore the Complete Schedule and Rules
The full 2025 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine schedule, along with tournament rules and payout information, is available online at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
With exciting changes and a lineup of experienced tournament directors, the 2025 BFL season promises to deliver unparalleled opportunities for grassroots anglers to compete and showcase their skills. Let the season begin!
For complete details and updated information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV).
Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 13 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
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