Eastern KY Angler Matt Messer Qualifies for the Bassmaster Elite Series!
Eastern Kentucky just sent a success story to the national stage — Matt Messer, the young angler from Warfield who battled tough Appalachian Lakes on the come up and earned his spot on the Bassmaster Elite Series, an amazing accomplishment!
Growing up fishing our mountain lakes and pressured fisheries taught him the grit, adaptability, and decision-making needed to compete at the highest level. He has undoubtedly worked his tail off for this opportunity! That’s what makes his achievement so special — he’s proof that world-class anglers can come from right here in eastern Kentucky. Matt is an inspiration to the next generation of anglers to chase their dreams!
And that’s why improving our lakes matters.
Every time WE improve a fishery, improve habitat, enhance forage, harvest small bass or adapt regulations, we’re building the foundation for the next generation of anglers chasing big dreams. Healthier bass populations, and smart management decisions don’t just make for better weekends on the water — they open doors. They give mountain kids the chance to learn, grow, compete, and maybe follow the same path Matt just blazed. Every young angler with dreams doesn’t have the resources to travel to other states regularly to hone their skills, we should enhance those opportunities at home when possible!
We can do more for our lakes in Kentucky.
Good management and real stewardship today ensure that future anglers have better opportunities, the #1 goal of this group.
Let’s keep pushing forward for better fisheries, better opportunities, and more Eastern Kentucky kids proving they belong on the biggest stages in bass fishing.
Congratulations Matt, we can’t wait to follow you on the Bassmaster Elite Series next season!!! 
“Leave It Better Than You Found It”
