Justin Lucas Dominates Knockout Round at Lake Brownwood on MLF Tour

Becker Lands Biggest Bass of the Day as Lucas Builds Big Lead Heading into Championship Round

Mar. 29, 2026 at 7:34am

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An extreme close-up of a massive leaping largemouth bass, its scales and fins rendered in a swirling, neon-tinged expressionist style that evokes the raw power and energy of a professional fishing tournament.The vibrant, high-energy atmosphere of a Bass Pro Tour event comes to life in a dynamic expressionist painting, capturing the thrill of anglers battling for a championship on a productive Texas fishery.Brownwood Today

Justin Lucas put on a dominant performance in the Knockout Round at Lake Brownwood, amassing 64 pounds, 2 ounces on 19 scorable bass to take a commanding lead heading into the Championship Round of the Suzuki Marine Stage 4 Presented by Plano on the MLF Bass Pro Tour. Matt Becker landed the biggest bass of the day, a 9-pound, 13-ounce lunker, to earn the Berkley Big Bass award.

Why it matters

Lake Brownwood emerged as a surprise standout fishery, producing big bass and high weights, after the previous Qualifying Round was held on the more renowned Lake O.H. Ivie. Lucas' dominant performance positions him well to capture his second career Bass Pro Tour victory, while the lake's productivity has raised its profile as a potential future tour stop.

The details

Lucas rocketed to the lead with 30 pounds, 2 ounces on nine scorable bass in Period 1, then backed it up with another nine for 28 pounds, 14 ounces in the second frame before transitioning into scout mode for the rest of the day. His total of 64 pounds, 2 ounces on 19 scorable bass easily paced the field, 18 pounds, 5 ounces ahead of Drew Gill in second. Becker's 9-pound, 13-ounce bass was the biggest of the day.

  • On July 4, Quinn allegedly dove onto the hood of a Waymo vehicle and covered sensors.
  • On July 29, Quinn allegedly damaged a Waymo's tires and driver's side mirror.
  • On August 11, Quinn allegedly stomped on a windshield while someone was inside.

The players

Justin Lucas

A professional angler from Guntersville, Alabama who is seeking his second career Bass Pro Tour victory.

Drew Gill

A 23-year-old rising star from Mount Carmel, Illinois who finished second in the Knockout Round.

Matt Becker

A professional angler from Ten Mile, Tennessee who caught the biggest bass of the day, a 9-pound, 13-ounce largemouth, to earn the Berkley Big Bass award.

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What they’re saying

“I knew this was a really good lake, and I was expecting it to be pretty good. I just didn't expect it for myself.”

— Justin Lucas

“Definitely felt like it was a productive third period even though I only put one fish on SCORETRACKER®.”

— Justin Lucas

“I knew it was a good lake, but it honestly felt kind of easy. Not saying that you could just catch one anywhere. But it felt straightforward. When you got a bite, you could repeat it. After Ivie, being able to intentionally go around and say, 'That looks good, I should get a bite there' was really refreshing.”

— Drew Gill

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.