North and South Divisions Unite for Season Opener at Geist Reservoir

FISHERS — There’s something about the start of a fishing season that brings a certain kind of anticipation—boats lined up in the early morning stillness, rods rigged with confidence, and anglers chasing that first solid limit to set the tone for the year. That tradition held strong Saturday as the Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail Indiana North and South divisions came together on the ever-popular Geist Reservoir to kick off their 2026 campaign.

A total of 28 teams converged on the Fishers, Indiana water, with a unique twist to start the season—anglers were given the option to fish strictly within their division or double up and compete in both. Four teams from the North Division took on the added challenge, testing their skills across both fields.

That decision paid dividends for Al Hopkins and Steve Nicholson, who turned in one of the day’s most complete performances. The duo claimed first-place honors in the South Division with a five-bass limit weighing 16.55 pounds, anchored by the tournament’s South Division big bass—a stout 4.78-pound kicker. Not content with just one showing, Hopkins and Nicholson also secured a second-place finish in the North Division, proving consistency across both sides of the field.

Still, the top spot in the North Division belonged to Sam Maxwell and James Pitts, who set the early-season benchmark with an impressive five-fish limit totaling 20.48 pounds. Their bag stood as the heaviest of the day, showcasing both size and depth in a lake that continues to reward anglers who can adapt.

Big bass honors in the North Division went to Jason “Moose” Smith, who brought in a near six-pound largemouth tipping the scales at 5.91 pounds—one of those fish that can turn heads at any weigh-in. However, Smith and partner Brandon Garnett were unable to round out a full five-fish limit to complement the standout catch, finishing ninth with a total weight of 11.65 pounds.

Among the teams pulling double duty, Gary Straber and Jeffery Hackler of the North Division made their presence known. The experienced pair turned in a five-bass limit weighing 14.52 pounds, good for second place in the South Division while landing fourth in the North standings—a strong showing across both brackets.

As the scales settled and the final weights were tallied, the combined event marked a fitting start to the season—competitive, well-attended, and rooted in the kind of camaraderie that has long defined the Fishers of Men trail.

With opening day now in the books, the two divisions will go their separate ways for the remainder of the season. The North Division will travel 91 miles north from Geist to Lake Freeman in Monticello for its next stop on May 2, while the South Division will follow a week later, heading to Brookville on May 9.

And just like that, the season is underway—lines in the water, stories beginning to take shape, and plenty of fishing still ahead.