 The 2025 HP Bass Series launched at Woodland Flowage in one of the wildest and most unpredictable season openers we've ever hosted. 31 anglers registered from across the Maritimes, including a wave of new faces and a strong showing from Nova Scotia, ready to battle bugs, fog, rain, and bass. The Conditions: Daybreak brought an eerie calm, shrouded in fog that clung to the water and muffled every sound. As rods were rigged and kayaks launched, it quickly became clear: the black flies were back… and they meant business. Anglers battled swarms of kamikaze bugs all day—eyes, ears, mouth… nothing was safe. Add in the unmistakable scent of the pulp mill, a surprise cold snap with rain, and yes, even visible breath in May, and this one had it all. The sun teased us, but the skies stayed stubbornly overcast, which by the sounds of pre-fishing horror stories, perhaps turned the bite on? RESULTS – Top 5 Anglers: 1st – Justin Hines (NS) – 88.50” Justin secured the win with a commanding performance, anchored by a 19" smallmouth, which also gave him 5 Bonus points, adding to his steady catches throughout the day. Hines’ technique? Something new we’re calling “Nymph Scoping” – part finesse, part wizardry, and apparently deadly effective. $871.88 cash payout! 2nd – Matthew Fast (NS) – 81.50” Fast lived up to his name, posting strong early fish and holding second with a solid bag. His biggest bass taped in at 17.5”. $523.13 3rd – Rene Pelletier (NB) – 81.25” Rene was in the mix all day, just a quarter inch off second place. His top fish was an 18” bruiser, and he kept the pressure on with consistent upgrades. $348.75 4th – David Owen (NB) – 72.75” 5th – Travis Melanson (NB) – 70.75” It was a tight field across the leaderboard with multiple anglers landing full limits and improving throughout the day, a testament to the fishery and the evolving skill level in the series. FULL LEADERBOARD STANDINGS https://tourneyx.com/app/dashboard/view-standings/23325 Highlights: – Tons of first-time HP anglers showed up ready to compete – Nova Scotians made a statement with two podium finishes – The fog, flies, and weather didn’t stop anyone from chasing big bags – The HP community once again proved: it’s more than a tournament—it’s a test of grit Next Stop: HP BASS SERIES ~ MACTAQUAC ~ – July 2025 Bring your A-game and hopefully you won't need a bug net helmet... Big thanks to everyone who competed, battled the elements, and made Stop #1 unforgettable. See you at the next much safer and friendlier launch! Shout out to 506 Tackle Supply as the HP Bass presenting sponsor, and Nate from Cutting Etch Designs for the awards! 
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