Three local anglers are headed to the championship round after a strong performance in the inaugural High School Bass League Gladiator Tournament.

The team of Brody Tong, Eli Hinson, and boat captain Buddy Gaston competed in the unique two-day, head-to-head elimination tournament, where teams advanced through a 1-on-1 bracket format.

The opening round was held on Lake Bistineau, where the team weighed in five bass totaling 5.20 pounds, earning a narrow victory and advancing to the second round.

The competition then moved to Caddo Lake, where the team put together an impressive catch. Before penalties, they weighed in 19.20 pounds. After a dead fish penalty, their official tournament weight was 18.68 pounds, more than enough to secure a spot in the championship.

Brody Tong led the team’s catch on Caddo Lake, landing five bass during the day. While two fish fell within the slot limit and could not be counted, his three scoring fish included one weighing more than 5 pounds, another around 4½ pounds, and a third weighing about 1 pound.

With fishing slowing during the heat of the afternoon, boat captain Buddy Gaston gave the team a much-needed boost by catching two quality bass—a 5½-pounder from a fallen cypress tree and another weighing approximately 3½ pounds.

Although Eli Hinson did not record a catch during the tournament, he played an important role by netting fish and helping ensure the team’s catches made it safely into the boat.

The team will now advance to the championship round, where the location will remain a secret until the evening before the tournament, adding another exciting challenge to the competition.

Congratulations to Brody Tong, Eli Hinson, and Buddy Gaston on an outstanding performance, and best of luck as they compete for the inaugural High School Bass League Gladiator Tournament championship.

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