Bass Angler Magazine Podcast

BAM Podcast: Potholes Pro-Am Championship Recap

Episode Summary

The BAM Podcast heads to Potholes Reservoir following an exciting championship weekend as tournament winners and top finishers break down the patterns, decisions, and adjustments that led to success. Joining the show are Pro Champion Aaron Ecthernkamp, who successfully defended his home waters to claim the 2026 BAM Potholes Pro-Am title, Co-Angler Champion Adrian Ghione, who went wire-to-wire atop the co-angler standings, and second-place pro finisher Carty Schoen. Aaron discusses how he put together over 55 pounds to capture the victory and a new Vexus 1880 powered by Mercury, while Adrian shares the keys to maintaining consistency all three days from the back deck. Carty explains the adjustments that kept him in contention throughout the event and what it took to challenge for the win on a fishery loaded with multiple patterns. From shallow grass and beaver huts to offshore structure and reaction bait patterns, the trio breaks down the techniques, locations, and tournament strategy that produced big limits during one of the Northwest’s premier bass fishing events. They also discuss changing conditions, Championship Sunday pressure, and what anglers can expect as BAM shifts its focus to Brownlee Reservoir.

Episode Notes

Featured Guests

• Aaron Ecthernkamp – 2026 BAM Potholes Pro-Am Champion
• Adrian Ghione – 2026 BAM Potholes Pro-Am Co-Angler Champion
• Carty Schoen – 2nd Place Pro

Topics Covered

• Aaron’s winning pattern and key areas
• Defending home waters at Potholes Reservoir
• How Adrian Ghione stayed on top of the co-angler division from start to finish
• Carty Schoen’s tournament strategy and runner-up finish
• Best baits and presentations during the event
• Grass fishing, offshore fish, and shallow-water opportunities
• Adjusting to changing conditions throughout the tournament
• Championship Sunday mindset
• Biggest fish catches and missed opportunities
• Lessons learned from the event
• Looking ahead to the BAM Super 60 at Brownlee Reservoir

Tournament Highlights

• Aaron Ecthernkamp captured the Pro Division title with 55.86 pounds and earned a new Mercury-powered Vexus 1880 boat package.
• Adrian Ghione led the co-angler division throughout the tournament to secure the championship.
• Potholes Reservoir showcased multiple productive patterns including shallow cover, grass, reaction baits, and offshore structure fishing.

Listen If You Want To Learn

• How to approach Potholes Reservoir in June
• Tournament decision-making under pressure
• Co-angler strategies for maximizing opportunities
• Adapting to changing bass behavior
• How top pros locate and manage fish over a three-day event