Kaden Buchmann emerged victorious in the first Bassmaster Elite Qualifier of the season at Norfork Lake, Arkansas, by redefining strategy. Over three days, Buchmann secured 42 pounds, 7 ounces of bass and won by finding an unconventional way to identify promising fishing spots.

Unlike most tournaments, forward-facing sonar was prohibited at Norfork. So, Buchmann adapted by observing deer on the shoreline to spot areas less disturbed by other anglers. When he saw deer near the water, he inferred the area had not been fished recently.

“If I saw 15 deer in a pocket, I’d say, ‘I’m getting bit here,'” Buchmann shared with Bassmaster.

This method paid off, as he noticed more than 30 deer, including a 9-point buck, on the first day of competition. This led him to unpressured areas where he weighed in 16 pounds, 7 ounces, putting him in the lead.

By the second day, Buchmann continued using deer sightings to his advantage, managing to catch two quality bass in a spot where deer had been sighted earlier. This strategic deer-watching approach allowed him to navigate without the usual tech aids.

Buchmann’s success was credited to not just his observational techniques but also his speed, determination, and knack for avoiding crowded areas. His aggressive coverage of the lake, with tactics like using a topwater bait and skipping jig, played a significant role in his wire-to-wire victory.

His performance culminated from consistent efforts, starting with 16-7 pounds on day one, 14 pounds on day two, and finishing with 12 pounds despite a tougher final round. He amassed a total of 42-7, surpassing second-place finisher Cody Stahl by 1 pound, 14 ounces.

In addition to a $71,317 winning prize, Buchmann earned a spot in the 2027 Bassmaster Classic at Lake Hartwell. Though two more qualifiers remain for the year, his fresh approach might influence other anglers to watch the shoreline more intently in future events.