National Guard pro Scott Martin discusses the significance of winning the Forrest Wood Cup, offers advice on how to prepare for tournament fishing, gives tips on his favorite baits and gear, and much more
National Guard pro Scott Martin discusses the significance of winning the Forrest Wood Cup, offers advice on how to prepare for tournament fishing, gives tips on his favorite baits and gear, and much more.

Kellogg’s team pro Dave Lefebre provides an inside look at the Aug. 11-14 Forrest Wood Cup on Lake Ouachita
The 2011 Forrest Wood Cup on Lake Ouachita, Ark., was a huge success! I don’t know how many were in attendance, or how many actually visited the Expo over the weekend, but I know it was extremely crowded and that the Kellogg’s team signed thousands of autographs.

National Guard pro sacks 61 pounds from brush to claim Forrest Wood Cup
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Despite having three Walmart FLW Tour wins, it was easy to recognize Scott Martin as the son of legendary angler Roland Martin. But after claiming the 2011 Forrest Wood Cup on Lake Ouachita, it’s clear Martin has stepped out of his father’s shadow and is carving his own remarkable career.

A look at the significance of National Guard pro Scott Martin's victory
2011 Forrest Wood Cup wrap-up

Forrest Wood Cup, Lake Ouachita, Day 4
While others fished shallow, National Guard pro Scott Martin goes deep for the 2011 Forrest Wood Cup win.

Martin takes the crown, Rose nets back-to-back fantastic finishes, and Tharp ends up in second place … again
Although Scott Martin came into the finals with a nice 5-pound cushion, by 1 p.m. he only had three fish in the boat. It was at that time that Martin acknowledged that the nerves finally started to get to him.

Day 3 Forrest Wood Cup, Lake Ouachita
The tide has turned in favor of pros fishing deep.

Connecticut co-angler wins Forrest Wood Cup
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Clichéd as it may sound, the third time really was the charm for Paul Mueller, whose third appearance in the Forrest Wood Cup ended victoriously for the Southbury, Conn., co-angler.

Martin takes commanding lead, Mueller crowned co-angler Cup champion and Clausen puts himself in contention
After two days of intense competition on Lake Ouachita, the top-10 pro field was separated by just over 5 pounds. As a result, it appeared that it undoubtedly would be a wide open competition for the pro title heading into the final day of 2011 Forrest Wood Cup action. But then two things happened to dramatically change that outlook.

Oklahoma pro leads day two of 2011 Forrest Wood Cup
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Bass Fishing 101 states that the day after a front is the toughest. And that proved true on day two of the 2011 Forrest Wood Cup as the weather returned to normal and Lake Ouachita became stingy. While the weights fell substantially, a handful of pros continue to figure them out. Ironically, the one leading the tournament had an absolutely terrible practice.

Close race for Forrest Wood Cup co-angler field
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – With Lake Ouachita returning to its typical summer complexion after a cloudy, rainy and much cooler day one, Forrest Wood Cup co-anglers knew their standings would likely change, but few could have predicted the tight groupings at the top end.

Big movers as top-20 cut announced, Christie grabs overall lead and another BFL All-American makes some waves
Although the top two spots on the pro leaderboard remained fairly stable after the second day of Forrest Wood Cup action, the story of the day was the dramatic movement of a handful of pros who rocketed up the standings with a series of stellar catches to remain in the hunt for a title.

Shallow bite holds great potential for Forrest Wood Cup anglers
ROYAL, Ark. – Like a cowboy camp chef vigorously clanging the dinner bell, the big, bright moon that will hang full tomorrow night has ushered a wave of bass from their cooler deeper haunts into the shallow zone where Forrest Wood Cup anglers will likely find some of the best action of day two.

National Guard pro leads 2011 Forrest Wood Cup with 19 pounds, 2 ounces
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – With a breeze, periodic showers and overcast skies, day one of the 2011 Forrest Wood Cup provided a rare reprieve from the oppressive summertime heat. And as many predicted, Lake Ouachita responded favorably, churning out several sacks in the upper teens. The biggest came from 10-time Cup qualifier Scott Martin.

Arkansas co-angler takes Forrest Wood Cup lead
GAINESVILLE, Ga. – Despite its dismal appearance today, Lake Ouachita’s reputation as a bass factory shone through the cloudy, rainy conditions and delivered several quality catches to co-anglers competing on day one of the Forrest Wood Cup.

Martin takes control, the weather takes its toll, and a father and son find success both on and off the water
So far at least, the 2011 Forrest Wood Cup competition has turned out to be a competition between the haves and have nots. With the day’s inclement weather throwing a monkey wrench into a good number of championship game plans, only five anglers managed to secure five-fish limits greater than 15 pounds.

2011 Forrest Wood Cup commences under thunderstorms, cloudy skies
ROYAL, Ark. – During each of the past two Walmart FLW Tour qualifiers, it was common knowledge that the tournament would be dominated on deep, offshore ledges. But as the 2011 Forrest Wood Cup gets under way on Lake Ouachita, several patterns have the potential to go the distance.

The 2007 Forrest Wood Cup Champion Scott Suggs breaks down his home lake, Lake Ouachita, for this year's Cup.

National Guard pro Brent Ehrler won the FLW Tour event on Lake Ouachita in 2010. Does he think things will be similar for this Forrest Wood Cup?

Western pro Cody Meyer has finished 3rd and 2nd respectively in his two Forrest Wood Cup appearances. Could this be the year for Meyer?

The General is making his battle plan for revenge on Lake Ouachita

Wurm, Suggs say fishing is better than in 2007
Many bass fishing fans remember the 2007 Forrest Wood Cup on Lake Ouachita as a stingy, yet historic tournament. In suffocating summertime heat, Scott Suggs took home the top prize despite catching only two keepers the final day. While the weather will once again be oppressive, most signs point to heavier weights this year. Here to explain why are Suggs and fellow Arkansan Mike Wurm, both of whom call Ouachita home.

Practice has begun at Lake Ouachita - hear what the Forrest Wood Cup qualifiers have to say.

Don't miss any of the championship action!
FLW Outdoors host Jason Harper lets fans know where to find all the information they need to follow along with the 2011 Forrest Wood Cup championship of bass fishing -- whether from home or at the event site in Hot Springs, Ark.