Maybe it’s because I’m getting older (born in 1965), but certain things jump out at me when watching outdoor content on YouTube. I’ve been a fan of Bassmaster since the mid 1970s, and I enjoy keeping up with who’s winning tournaments, the tactics used, etc.

While I don’t sit back and watch hours of live coverage on YouTube, I do check out the highlights, and that’s what I’m showcasing below. This midday report is from day No. 1 of the recent 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite tournament on the St. Lawrence River (New York) and connected Lake Ontario.

You might not have the time (or desire) to watch the entire 10.5-minute YouTube video, so allow me to suggest a couple points of interest.

Fast-forward to the 50-second mark and check out Michael “Ike” Iaconelli, a veteran Bassmaster competitor and former Bassmaster Classic Champion (2003). Ike said he was going to stay in the St. Lawrence River, which wouldn’t have the massive swells because it’s more protected from the wind, but as you can see, he decided to head out onto massive Lake Ontario to battle the viscous waves. I don’t know how he can stay planted in his boat with it rising and falling like that between swells.

After the part of the video showcasing Ike, the recap shows two anglers catching fish the St. Lawrence River, which is much calmer. Next, fast-forward to the 4:16 mark and you’ll Cory Johnston, who like Iaconelli is out on Lake Ontario.

Finally, fast-forward to the 5:27 mark and check out Trey McKinney, who eventually ends up taking second place in this event but wins the season-long Angler of the Year title due to his high finish. Like Iaconelli and Johnston, McKinney is battling the monster waves of Lake Ontario.

So, why do I draw attention to these three specific anglers who caught their bass on Lake Ontario? And what critical gear difference jumped out at me when I watched the video?

Of the three anglers who braved the high winds and headed out onto the big lake, only Johnston wore his personal flotation device (PFD) while casting. Bassmaster rules state that all competitors must wear a Coast Guard-approved PFD at all times whenever the outboard motor is running. Failure to do so results in disqualification. It’s a good rule.

(FYI: Johnston is using the Mustang Survival Elite 120 Inflatable PFD that will automatically inflate if he falls into the water.)

I’m sure that Ike and Trey would say that a PFD gets in the way when fishing, and as an angler with 55 years of experience on the water (and six summers of guiding), I can understand their opinion. That said, there comes a time when you simply have to do the smart thing and wear one while casting, too. And in my view, those conditions on Lake Ontario warranted wearing a PFD while standing on the front deck.

Enjoy the fall fishing season — and be safe on the water!