Harrison, TN - Jacob Wheeler Triumphs at Kentucky Lake, Dedicates Emotional Victory to Late Father
KENTUCKY LAKE, KY — In a moment filled with both triumph and tears, Harrison native Jacob Wheeler captured a stirring victory at Kentucky Lake over the weekend, winning the prestigious pro bass tournament and dedicating the win to his late father.
Wheeler, a veteran on the professional fishing circuit and one of the sport’s most recognizable faces, outpaced a competitive field with a five-bass total weighing in at 23 pounds, 11 ounces. But the real weight he carried was emotional — this was his first tournament win since the passing of his father, Curtis Wheeler, earlier this year.
Fighting back tears at the weigh-in stage, Wheeler said, “This one’s for Dad. Every cast I made, I could hear his voice. He taught me everything I know about fishing. I wouldn't be here without him.”
The victory marked Wheeler’s first win at Kentucky Lake, a location that held personal significance. It was where he and his father had spent countless hours fishing together over the years.
“He always told me Kentucky Lake would be the one,” Wheeler recalled. “He believed in me — even when I didn’t believe in myself.”
Wheeler used a combination of topwater lures and deep-diving crankbaits to target largemouth bass holding near submerged structure, adapting to tough conditions that challenged even the most seasoned anglers. His strategic adjustments on day two proved critical, as he vaulted from third place into the lead with a final-day surge.
Fellow anglers and fans applauded Wheeler’s performance, not just for the win, but for the heartfelt tribute to a father-son bond forged on the water.
With this win, Wheeler adds another trophy to an already impressive career, but it’s clear this one holds a place above the rest.
“This wasn’t just about fishing,” Wheeler said. “It was about honoring a man who gave me a love for this sport — and a reason to keep chasing these dreams.”
Wheeler will return to the circuit next month, but he says this win will always stand apart.
“This one will stay with me forever,” he said. “I know he was out there with me.”
Wheeler, a veteran on the professional fishing circuit and one of the sport’s most recognizable faces, outpaced a competitive field with a five-bass total weighing in at 23 pounds, 11 ounces. But the real weight he carried was emotional — this was his first tournament win since the passing of his father, Curtis Wheeler, earlier this year.
Fighting back tears at the weigh-in stage, Wheeler said, “This one’s for Dad. Every cast I made, I could hear his voice. He taught me everything I know about fishing. I wouldn't be here without him.”
The victory marked Wheeler’s first win at Kentucky Lake, a location that held personal significance. It was where he and his father had spent countless hours fishing together over the years.
“He always told me Kentucky Lake would be the one,” Wheeler recalled. “He believed in me — even when I didn’t believe in myself.”
Wheeler used a combination of topwater lures and deep-diving crankbaits to target largemouth bass holding near submerged structure, adapting to tough conditions that challenged even the most seasoned anglers. His strategic adjustments on day two proved critical, as he vaulted from third place into the lead with a final-day surge.
Fellow anglers and fans applauded Wheeler’s performance, not just for the win, but for the heartfelt tribute to a father-son bond forged on the water.
With this win, Wheeler adds another trophy to an already impressive career, but it’s clear this one holds a place above the rest.
“This wasn’t just about fishing,” Wheeler said. “It was about honoring a man who gave me a love for this sport — and a reason to keep chasing these dreams.”
Wheeler will return to the circuit next month, but he says this win will always stand apart.
“This one will stay with me forever,” he said. “I know he was out there with me.”