In this exclusive BAM Podcast episode, Bass Angler Magazine CEO and BAM Tournament Trail President Mark Lassagne joins the mic to share insights on the evolution of the BAM Trail. Now entering its second year, the trail has expanded rapidly—introducing new divisions and becoming the premier bass fishing series on the West Coast.

Mark walks us through how BAM went from a bold idea to a full-fledged tournament organization, complete with multiple formats for anglers of all levels. The trail now includes the flagship Super 60 Pro Tour, College Series, High School Series, and Kayak Division, offering more paths than ever for competitive anglers to get involved.

With a deep commitment to the future of the sport, Mark discusses the importance of bringing young anglers into the fold. The BAM College and High School events not only offer structured competition but also open doors to scholarships, sponsorships, and national recognition.

Mark breaks down what it takes to qualify for the Super 60, BAM’s elite-level tournament series designed for the best of the best. With TV coverage, major sponsor support, and big money on the line, the Super 60 is quickly becoming the destination for serious West Coast bass anglers.

From enhanced media coverage to bigger payouts and expanded national recognition, Mark shares his vision for where the BAM Trail is headed—and how anglers and fans alike can expect even more innovation, opportunity, and excitement in the coming years.

So crack open a cold one, kick back, and turn up the volume! Whether you're a tournament pro, a weekend warrior, or just love following the sport, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look into what makes BAM the fastest-growing tournament trail on the West Coast.
Don’t forget to tell your friends and fellow anglers to listen in!

About BAM Podcasts

Bass Angler Magazine's is a bi-monthly podcast series its available free on Simple Cast, iTunes, Spotify, Google Play and Amazon. Stay tuned as we discuss the latest in bass fishing, lure trends, ways to catch fish, tournament wins and things of interest to bass anglers.

BASS ANGLER MAGAZINE (BAM), a veteran owned quarterly print and digital magazine, designed, and printed in the U.S.A. Covering largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, Bass Angler was created specifically to help you become a better, more informed bass fisherman. As the industry’s most informative bass fishing magazine, we provide you in-depth exclusive new features with the world’s top anglers.

Subscribe to Bass Angler Magazine print and or digital here

Lake Mohave is a challenging and dynamic body of water that demands adaptability, especially for anglers used to different fisheries. Karl, who hails from the glacier-fed lakes of Idaho, faced a steep learning curve. But instead of being intimidated by the change in conditions, he embraced it.

In this episode, he shares:

How he prepped for the tournament from afar

What surprised him most about fishing the Colorado River system

How he adjusted his techniques to match Mohave's structure and clarity

Karl dives into the strategies and mindset that helped him overcome unfamiliar territory. From water temperature shifts to dealing with fluctuating clarity and depth changes, his success was built on constant evaluation and adjustment.

Boat positioning in deep, clear water

Fine-tuning presentations to target pressured fish

The lures and tackle that made the difference

How forward-facing sonar played a role—but didn’t dominate

With some of the West Coast’s top anglers competing for a huge payday, the pressure was intense. Karl breaks down how he stayed focused during each day of the event and how his decision-making and timing led to a consistent, winning performance.

“You have to make the right move at the right time—and trust your gut,” Karl says in the interview. “That’s what wins these kinds of events.”

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or chasing your own pro-level dreams, Karl’s story is packed with valuable insights. His dedication, focus, and humility make this episode a must-listen for any serious bass angler.

🎧 Stream the full episode on your favorite podcast platform or at BAMTrail.com. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!

Stay tuned for more exclusive interviews with BAM Trail champions and rising stars.

About BAM Podcasts

Bass Angler Magazine's is a bi-monthly podcast series its available free on Simple Cast, iTunes, Spotify, Google Play and Amazon. Stay tuned as we discuss the latest in bass fishing, lure trends, ways to catch fish, tournament wins and things of interest to bass anglers.

BASS ANGLER MAGAZINE (BAM), a veteran owned quarterly print and digital magazine, designed, and printed in the U.S.A. Covering largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, Bass Angler was created specifically to help you become a better, more informed bass fisherman. As the industry’s most informative bass fishing magazine, we provide you in-depth exclusive new features with the world’s top anglers.

Subscribe to Bass Angler Magazine print and or digital here

The future of bass fishing is in good hands. In our previous episode, Greg Gutierrez and Big Ed emphasized the importance of supporting young anglers. This episode picks up that thread by highlighting the impact of driven, young competitors like Nathan Phillips, Luke Johns, Asher Haynes, Tyler Madden, and of course, Ty Manterola. These names are lighting up the West Coast tournament scene and reshaping what it means to be a professional angler today.

Fresh off a second-place finish at Don Pedro, Ty shares his thoughts on the tournament, what worked for him on the water, and how he’s sharpening his skills for future events. Beyond fishing, Ty opens up about balancing competitive angling with his life as a new father and what the sport means to him and his family.

Ty offers a unique perspective on what it will take to grow bass fishing in the West. He talks about how the BAM Trail is helping provide vital opportunities for young anglers like himself to gain exposure, sharpen their craft, and compete on big stages. His insight is both thoughtful and hopeful—a testament to the trailblazing role he's already beginning to play.

So kick back, crack a cold one, and get ready to be inspired. Ty's enthusiasm is contagious, his gratitude is genuine, and his vision for the future of bass fishing is one every fan of the sport should hear. Whether you're a longtime angler or new to the game, this episode is packed with passion, heart, and a whole lot of bass talk.

🎧 Don’t miss it—stream now on your favorite podcast platform!

About BAM Podcasts

Bass Angler Magazine's is a bi-monthly podcast series its available free on Simple Cast, iTunes, Spotify, Google Play and Amazon. Stay tuned as we discuss the latest in bass fishing, lure trends, ways to catch fish, tournament wins and things of interest to bass anglers.

BASS ANGLER MAGAZINE (BAM), a veteran owned quarterly print and digital magazine, designed, and printed in the U.S.A. Covering largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, Bass Angler was created specifically to help you become a better, more informed bass fisherman. As the industry’s most informative bass fishing magazine, we provide you in-depth exclusive new features with the world’s top anglers.

Subscribe to Bass Angler Magazine print and or digital here