Fresh off his victory at the 2026 BAM Northwest Pro-Am on Moses Lake, Darryl Burkhardt joins Big Ed Everhart on the BAM Podcast to discuss how he outlasted the field and captured the championship along with a $40,000 Vexus/Mercury prize package. Darryl takes listeners through his practice strategy, how he avoided putting pressure on fish before the event, and the adjustments he made throughout the tournament as weather conditions changed. From frog fishing in stained water to targeting fry balls under docks with a Cinco-style bait, Darryl explains the key decisions that led to his victory. The conversation also covers tournament suspense, big bags brought to the scales, the impact of a major storm before competition, and why Moses Lake continues to produce outstanding bass fishing. Darryl shares his thoughts on the challenges facing Pacific Northwest tournament participation, possible solutions for growing event attendance, and his expectations for upcoming BAM events including the Potholes Pro-Am and Brownlee Super 60. Whether you’re a tournament angler looking for winning strategies or simply a fan of Western bass fishing, this episode provides valuable insight from one of the Northwest’s top competitors.
In this episode of the BAM Podcast:
• Darryl Burkhardt discusses winning the 2026 BAM Northwest Pro-Am on Moses Lake.
• How a conservative practice approach helped him locate fish without burning productive areas.
• Fishing frogs in stained water and targeting fry balls under docks.
• Why a white and chartreuse laminate Cinco became a key bait during the event.
• Adjusting to changing weather and wind conditions throughout the tournament.
• The effects of a major windstorm that struck Moses Lake before competition began.
• Darryl’s Day One 21-pound limit and the adjustments that led to victory.
• Discussion about tournament suspense and BAM weigh-in presentation strategies.
• Why Senko-style baits continue to dominate in many Northwest fisheries.
• Challenges facing bass tournament participation in the Pacific Northwest.
• Discussion on entry fees, angler recruitment, and growing future events.
• Looking ahead to the Potholes Pro-Am and the BAM Super 60 at Brownlee Reservoir.
• Darryl’s appreciation for his sponsors including Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Outboards, and Nixon’s Marine.
Listen now and learn how the 2026 Moses Lake champion put together a winning pattern against one of the strongest fields in Northwest bass fishing.
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