PDF

Jacob Wheeler, Supported by Suzuki, Wins REDCREST 2026 Bass Fishing Tournament for the First Time

Jacob Wheeler, a professional bass angler sponsored by Suzuki Marine USA, Suzuki’s marine business subsidiary in the USA, has secured his first championship victory at REDCREST 2026, the annual championship event of the world’s premier Bass Fishing Series, the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour.
REDCREST is the pinnacle championship tournament in the MLF Bass Pro Tour series, in which only top anglers selected based on their season-long performance are eligible to compete. The 2026 tournament was held from 17 to 19 April at Table Rock Lake in Missouri, USA.
The competition employs MLF’s unique format, in which anglers compete based on the total weight of bass caught weighing 2 pounds (approximately 900 grams) or more. Each catch is immediately weighed by an official onboard the competitor’s boat, and results are updated in real time, providing an exciting experience not only for the anglers but also for spectators.

Bass fishing is a sport where not only anglers’ instantaneous decision-making and strategic skills are required but also the dependability of boats and outboard motors play a crucial role in determining the outcome. Wheeler competed using a bass boat equipped with Suzuki’s DF250ATLSS STEALTH LINE outboard motor, advancing steadily through the preliminary rounds thanks to its consistent performance and his precise judgment.
In the final championship round, Wheeler recorded a catch of 21 fish, totaling 51 pounds 11 ounces (approximately 23.4 kg), winning by a large margin and securing his first REDCREST title.
Suzuki outboard motors are used by top anglers competing at the highest level worldwide and are highly regarded for their dependability, durability, and performance. Suzuki will continue to steadily promote initiatives to further develop its marine business in global markets, including North America.

Comment from Shuichi Mishima, Managing Officer, Executive General Manager, Marine Operations

“We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jacob Wheeler on his victory at REDCREST 2026. We are delighted that he has finally achieved a long-awaited win at this tournament, where he had previously come so close. In bass fishing competitions, while engine performance is important, durability and reliability are even more critical factors that determine success. We firmly believe that Suzuki’s highly dependable and durable DF250ATLSS STEALTH LINE, combined with Wheeler’s proven skills and judgment, contributed to this victory. We look forward to your continued support for both Wheeler and Suzuki.”