Claremore's Roberts wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Okie Division Tournament at Lake Eufaula

Boater Elmer Roberts takes home $3,340 prize after flipping pattern dominates on Lake Eufaula

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:04am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a bass fishing tournament, with overlapping planes of green, blue, and brown representing the lake, boats, and fish.A cubist interpretation of the intense action and competition of a high-stakes bass fishing tournament on Lake Eufaula.Oklahoma City Today

Boater Elmer Roberts of Claremore, Oklahoma, brought five bass to the scale weighing 19 pounds, 4 ounces to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Eufaula. Roberts relied on a shallow-water flipping pattern to catch his limit and earned $3,340 for the victory.

Why it matters

The Phoenix BFL tournament series is a major regional fishing competition that draws top anglers from across Oklahoma and surrounding states. Roberts' win showcases his skill and local knowledge of Lake Eufaula, one of the premier bass fishing destinations in the region.

The details

Roberts said he dialed in quickly on the only presentation the fish would respond to, committing fully to a black and blue Strike King Rage Bug flipping bait throughout the day. After building an early limit, he simplified his approach even further, focusing on efficiency and fish care to secure the win.

  • The tournament was held on April 15, 2026.
  • After two events, Roberts now leads the 7 Brew Okie Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 488 points.

The players

Elmer Roberts

A boater from Claremore, Oklahoma, who won the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Eufaula.

Harold Frazier

The co-angler division winner, bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 10 pounds, 12 ounces.

Fred Fielder

The current leader in the Okie Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 498 points.

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What they’re saying

“Everything I caught today was flipping, probably 3 feet deep or less. Those fish were all locked in on hard cover and they were bedding.”

— Elmer Roberts, Winning Boater

“Nothing else wanted to work – I tried hard with a spinnerbait. The only thing I could get them to bite was a black and blue (Strike King) Rage Bug – I caught every fish on it.”

— Elmer Roberts, Winning Boater

What’s next

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 15-17 BFL Regional tournament on Kentucky Lake in Calvert City, Kentucky.

The takeaway

Roberts' victory on Lake Eufaula demonstrates the importance of adaptability and commitment to a single effective technique when facing challenging fishing conditions. His performance also highlights the competitive nature of the Phoenix BFL tournament series and the high caliber of anglers vying for the top prizes.