Catching Up With All-American Champion Connor Cunningham

·46 min·4 clips

Conor Cunningham reveals how a topwater plopper pattern defied expectations to win the BFL All-American.

The episode begins with host Jody introducing Conor Cunningham, winner of the BFL All-American in June. Conor shares that the win hasn't fully sunk in yet. He discusses his fishing background, starting at age five with his dad and uncle in southwest Missouri. Conor explains how he entered BFLs two years ago, made the regional, and qualified for the All-American. At Lake Hamilton, he discovered a topwater plopper pattern during practice, which he used to catch most of his fish, despite it being an unusual choice for early June. He describes targeting main lake banks with flat, gravelly areas and avoiding docks. Conor details his gear preferences, including using a 7'3" to 7'6" heavy rod, 65-pound braid, and Gamakatsu round-bend hooks on Whopper Ploppers. He compares the Whopper Plopper and Choppo, noting the Choppo is louder and better for cloudy days, while the Plopper is subtler. Conor talks about retrieve speeds, adjusting based on water temperature and fish activity. He previews the Toyota Series event on Truman Lake, predicting a shallow bite as temperatures cool. Conor expresses his dream to fish professionally, with support from his employer, and thanks sponsors like Crocodile Bait Company and Halo Rods. The episode concludes with Conor promoting his sponsors and thanking Major League Fishing for the opportunity.

As heard by us

Conor Cunningham breaks down when the Choppo gets the nod and when the Whopper Plopper fits Lake Hamilton.

MLF Bass Fishing Podcast spends this episode with Conor Cunningham after his 2022 BFL All-American win, and the strongest material comes when the conversation moves from the result into how he thinks on the water.

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Why you'd press play

Want Conor Cunningham's read on when a Choppo belongs in the chop and when a Whopper Plopper fits quiet, clear Lake Hamilton water?

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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