Waldorf, Md. — Bryan Schmitt of Deale claimed his seventh Toyota Series victory on September 14, 2025, at the Northern Division event on the Potomac River, reinforcing his reputation as America’s premier tidal fisherman. The win, his fourth on the Potomac, came with a three-day total of 44 pounds, 15 ounces, edging out Samuel Fish by 1 pound, 6 ounces. The event, hosted by Charles County along the river’s tidal stretches, showcased Schmitt’s mastery of local waters, a skill honed over years of competition.
Schmitt, who first set the Toyota Series wins record in 2021 at Lake Toho, extended his own mark with this triumph. His Day 3 weigh-in of 15 pounds, 4 ounces, the heaviest bag of the tournament, sealed the victory after consistent daily gains. Fish mounted a strong challenge, landing 17 pounds, 7 ounces on the final day for a 43-pound, 9-ounce total, while Christian Greico finished third with 43 pounds, 4 ounces. Most competitors saw fluctuating leaderboard positions, but Schmitt steadily climbed, leveraging his deep knowledge of the Potomac’s diverse habitats.
The tournament, spanning September 12-14, tested anglers across 123 miles of river from Washington, D.C., to Southern Maryland. Schmitt adapted to shifting conditions, starting with a “no-brainer approach” on Day 1 under cloudy skies. He targeted overlooked grass stretches with shallow hydrilla, using a 3/8-ounce Hayabusa Lil’ Schmitty Swim Jig paired with a Missile Baits Chunky D trailer to land decent 3-pounders. A drop-shot rig with a Missile Baits Magic Worm off a dock post added variety, setting a 14-pound, 11-ounce opening bag.
Day 2 brought sunnier weather, slowing the grass bite. Schmitt shifted to hard structure—docks and deep logs—before punching mats for 2.5 hours, landing a key fish to maintain his lead with 15 pounds, 2 ounces. On Day 3, he replicated this pattern, securing 13 pounds early from wood and docks. Sensing a need for more, he revisited a spot from 20 years ago—an underwater rock jetty—where he and his wife once fished. A quick 3-pound, 6-ounce catch, followed by a co-angler’s 4-pounder and another 3-pounder on a SPRO Bronzeye Poppin’ Frog, pushed his total over the top.
Schmitt’s versatility shone through his tackle selection. Beyond the swim jig, he employed a SPRO Little John MD for structure and a Missile Baits D Bomb for mat fishing. His signature Fitzgerald swim jig rod complemented the approach, reflecting a strategy rooted in river history. “It was 100 percent history of the river, knowledge of the river, and having a few things different up my sleeve,” he said.
The Potomac, a 405-mile tidal river flowing through Southern Maryland, offered a complex fishery. Grass beds, rock jetties and docks provided diverse cover, with water levels influenced by tides and weather. Schmitt’s ability to read these conditions stood out, especially as competitors struggled with the sun’s impact on fish behavior. The event drew 150 anglers, with weights reflecting the river’s productivity—mid-teens bags were common among leaders.
For Southern Maryland residents in Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties, Schmitt’s win highlighted local pride. The tournament, supported by the Charles County Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism, boosted the region’s economy, with anglers and spectators filling hotels and restaurants in La Plata and Waldorf. The Potomac’s fishery, managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, sustains a $1.2 million annual recreational impact locally, per 2024 data.
Schmitt’s emotional victory speech underscored personal stakes. “I put a lot of pressure on myself when we come around here, and there was a definite opportunity,” he said. “I wanted it real bad. I feel very rewarded.” The win, witnessed by family and friends, added $32,000 to his earnings, bringing his career total past $500,000. His record, now seven Toyota Series titles, remains a benchmark in professional bass fishing, dating to the circuit’s inception in 2019.
Historically, the Potomac has been a proving ground for tidal experts. Schmitt’s four wins here surpass the previous high of two by local legend Cliff Pace. The river’s largemouth bass population, estimated at 1.5 million by the Maryland DNR, thrives on a diet of bluegill and shad, with spawning peaks in April and May influencing late-season patterns. His success builds on a 2023 Potomac win, where he edged the field by 2 pounds using similar tactics.
The Toyota Series, part of Major League Fishing’s professional ladder, continues through October, with the next event on Lake Champlain. For Southern Maryland, Schmitt’s dominance reinforces the region’s angling legacy, with community events like the Charles County Fair in August fostering youth interest. His approach—blending tradition with innovation—sets a standard for future competitors.
The top 10 pros at the Toyota Series at the Potomac River finished:
1st: Bryan Schmitt, Deale, Md., 15 bass, 44-15, $33,869
2nd: Samuel Fish, Chelsea, Ala., 15 bass, 43-9, $14,028 (includes $1,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus)
3rd: Christian Greico, New Bern, N.C., 15 bass, 43-4, $11,086
4th: Anthony Buzzeo, Bel Alton, Md., 15 bass, 41-3, $8,405
5th: Matt McCluskey, Ashburn, Va., 15 bass, 41-3, $7,564
6th: Bryan Labelle, Hinesburg, Vt., 15 bass, 40-15, $6,724
7th: Aaron Dixon, Bel Alton, Md., 15 bass, 40-14, $5,883
8th: Brady Lunsmann, Citrus Springs, Fla., 15 bass, 40-14, $5,043
9th: Jason Burger, Bridgeton, N.J., 15 bass, 40-8, $4,202
10th: Emil Wagner, Marietta, Ga., 15 bass, 39-12, $3,362
