If the opens allow you to chase your goals, fit your schedule and budget it's a no brainer. I hope Core Tackle and your channel continue to grow so you can continue pursuing the classic as long as it takes. Wishing you the best of luck!
@MattStefanFishing why are you doing the opens? Wouldn't you take a pay cut going to BASS? I thought you had qualified for BPT. NPFL is starting look like a better organization than when they first came out
Best video on your channel was when your wife said you were born to do this. I’ll be rooting for you, good luck. My favorite tournament videos are the Wednesday nighters with the kids, payouts in those are priceless.
This is the 1st time I have watched one of your videos, and I must say....I loved it! This video was just what my soul needed today. You two are awesome, and I am going to subscribe to your channel.
Matt, I’m super excited for you to go to Bass. It’s the pre-eminent series and you belong there! I’ll be rooting for you big time! Oh, and more Sarah, she’s a treat. Excited for what’s to come!
Matt, Sarah is the bomb. It's great to see such a good rapport between a wife and husband in these times. Have been following you for a long while and enjoy your tube content immensely. You guys will make the right decision. Would like to see you in the BASS tournaments in the future. Hope to meet you guys at the Classic on my homewater here in Texas. Y'all be safe and good luck.
You are the man regardless on what you choose to do. I'll still follow your videos and cheer you on. Btw tube season is still on fire here in southwest VA!!!!
Cant wait to see you fishing the opens this coming year. I would do heavy hitters too, since you are already qualified. Then tell Boyd to stuff it. lol. You have already been screwed by those guys at least twice, would not ever give them another chance to do it again. Good luck in whatever you decide to do Matt.
once I saw the 2025 roster released for BPT, I was extremely disappointed not to see your name and immediately was interested in what your plans would be for the following year, so thank you for this video. you & Sara make such a great team! good luck to you both next year and in any future endeavors!!
Great insight in to your decision Matt. Truly a tough choice, but I'll follow you wherever you fish Hammer! Thank you for your content! Makes me want to build a rod and slide to the river!
Bass is the right place. They are playing the long game in a few areas which is probably good business at the moment. They won’t be forced by comments on TH-cam to make drastic changes. I can appreciate that although I don’t always agree with the circuit. Having those goals is important you are setting the right example imo. I’ll be following, watching and rooting for ya the entire way!
I feel as though I have been involved in your family meeting. My contribution is this - follow the fish to the money! Good luck in which ever tour you choose.
great choice for you Matt. I think the new open format will be a good fit for you. But from a selfish point of view keep those new Core Tackle products coming out. Really like the quality of what I have so far.
Yes finally fishing bass! Sunday was pretty gloomy and the Bears didn't look good so it was a little worse. Will be following your opens journey for sure!
I like that your wife takes interest in your fishing beyond personal reasons and the fact that you consider family time in your tournament schedule. As with a lot of us somehow we went out of our league and found a perfect life partner. Best of luck this coming year with everything.
Dude, always vet your guests before having them on. 😁🤣💯👊 Love it when the wife joins in! I think you made the right decision! We'll be rooting for you!
I think its a great move Matt....... Especially given some of your past experience...... and that your internal fire is fueled towards Bass..... Awesome that you have a great support system and loved your wife's thoughts on the direction... Really good stuff...... I feel certain that you will be fishing in the EQ derbs and with your experience it could be one and done for the Elites....
Matt love your channel. We made it to Classic this year. It was an honor to meet you watching this video. I noticed your wife’s hoodie it’s a Miller highlife logo. Where did she get it? I would love to have one I live in Texas, but I am originally from Wisconsin, so I know about the Miller highlife logos
Hi Matt, You obviously have a great partner. Sounds like lots of thought went into the decision and if you've covered your goals with MLF not to mention being burned by them a few times; the road to your biggest? goal the Classic is via the Opens; it makes total sense. Best wishes for a successful 2025 season!
yay. finally great choice, i understand your issue with npfl. but dont miss out on CHANGE. i see bass making moves to become a 50 field tour (which i think u would be top 50) npfl and bass opens. npfl may be the most stable of the 3
Good decision, I was afraid if you fished the invitationals and re-qualified for the BPT and they do there cut down again and use the same criteria they used this past year It may put you back in the same situation you're in now. I think by this time next year you will be prepping for the Elite series schedule. And Qualifying for that Classic invite.
I wish you the best of luck! Can't past on the Xtra family time. And orcourse my absolute favorite tackle company. Core tackle. Il miss you on mlf as it's fun to watch with real time scoring. I don't watch b.a.s.s. but il check in on you
Great video guys. Always enjoy having Sarah on and hearing her perspective on things. Congrats on your Bass decision and we're behind you 100% really looking forward to the 2025 season
You got to do your goals ! The payouts suck in Bass now ? But they are working on fixing it ??? Its great Sarah is with you ! Hopefully it all works out ! Peace !
Matt: Love the move to Bass! Not because of the fishing, but because it works best for you and Sara and the boys love the idea. More time with family out weighs the headaches of being on the road. In addition growing Core Tackle will pay dividends well into the future. Build on what you have already developed. I think it safe to say your fan base will follow you and enjoy the ride. God Bless!
I joined B.A.S.S. this week so I could follow the Opens and Elites. I haven’t been a member since the 70’s. Yes, I’m getting old. Looking forward to seeing you compete. I definitely would like to see you fish Heavy Hitters. You earned it. There were anglers in it last year that didn’t fish the BPT so you should be able to. Do you have to maintain your membership in MLF?
You'll do great in the 2025 opens. Fits you perfectly. FYI, my wife wants to know where your wife got her sweatshirt? It's not in your merch store, or I missed it. Thanks!
Panger is now in 10th after day 1! If your goal is making the Classic and possibly the Elites, you should consider adding fishing one or possibly more BASS Nation qualifiers, if needed? One was at Lacrosse this year too. Top 20 at each make the no entry fee championship. If you win the championship you make the elites and the top 3 make the Classic! 2 and 3 also get to shortcut the Opens and go straight to the EQs. If you did qualify for heavy hitters you definitely should be included! Jordan Lee WON in 2024 and he was fishing the Elites at the time! There is a lot of money to be made in that event alone. Big fish bonuses are up to $100K for 1 fish!! I would put up a big stink, possibly even consider legal action if you are left out of that event after legitimately qualifying!!
I 😂😂😂😂😂 love the way you finished with Matt and a cooking show 😂😂😂😂 but in all serious Ness you and Sarah are the best qualified to make those decisions but I have to send you a message; you ain't messing with the wensday nighters. Matt I think is great that you're including us with imput but I know your compus is headed in the correct direction 2025 here we go 👍👍👍
I am new to this world and all the tournaments and options. Would love to see a video where you break down all the various leagues, systems, tournaments, levels, etc. What is all this?
Fish the circuit and do well. Then use that as a platform to showcase new core tackle stuff saying look guys I did this well and it's all because of my core tackle products. Imagine winning a classic on a new bait. Or a tush or the swim jig etc. Could even do a series of mud hole rods for Matt Stefan techniques. Viola. Win win win.
Love the interaction! Whatever you decide I wish you the best. I hope you qualify for the Elites in 2026. BASS is good and the Classic is definitely better than MLF & Redcrest. The Classic is the Super Bowl of Bass fishing & winning it changes lives.
Matt, I love your wife's attitude. You have a tremendous partner and support system in her. You did good indeed.
Yes i did
Bless your wife for supporting you the way she does.
She’s special!
If the opens allow you to chase your goals, fit your schedule and budget it's a no brainer. I hope Core Tackle and your channel continue to grow so you can continue pursuing the classic as long as it takes. Wishing you the best of luck!
I hope so too!
@MattStefanFishing why are you doing the opens? Wouldn't you take a pay cut going to BASS? I thought you had qualified for BPT. NPFL is starting look like a better organization than when they first came out
I won’t be following BASS anymore, but I’ll surely keep up on this fantastic channel. Great content and best of luck with your decision!
Thank you for the support!
I love you guys and your videos especially with the boys in there. Good luck with whatever you choose to do next year!! Go pack!!!
Go pack go!
met you at lake cumberland years ago when my one of my best friends drew you. Been a fan since then and will support you where ever you fish!
I like your plan to fish Bass Opens, good decision!! Look forward to following you.
Awesome thank you!
Best video on your channel was when your wife said you were born to do this. I’ll be rooting for you, good luck. My favorite tournament videos are the Wednesday nighters with the kids, payouts in those are priceless.
Thanks for the support
This is the 1st time I have watched one of your videos, and I must say....I loved it! This video was just what my soul needed today. You two are awesome, and I am going to subscribe to your channel.
Fabulous to watch you both! Thank you for sharing your plans for 2025. I wish you and your family all the best!
Thank you so much!
Matt, I’m super excited for you to go to Bass. It’s the pre-eminent series and you belong there! I’ll be rooting for you big time! Oh, and more Sarah, she’s a treat. Excited for what’s to come!
Haha I’ll have her on more!
Looking forward to watching and rooting for you next year
Thanks
I met you at the Classic and by far my favorite part of the classic was watching my son in that environment. Take the boys to the Classic!
Elites or bust!🏆🎣 Fish the opens and get in there! You’re a great angler!
That's the plan!
Yay! I am delighted with your decision and I’ll looking forward to your TH-cam content next summer. Best wishes to you and your family.
Awesome thanks
Sounds like a plan. Look forward to following you. Love it when Sarah is on!
Me too!
Good decisions in a new year ! Good luck Sarah and Matt !!
thank you!
Matt, Sarah is the bomb. It's great to see such a good rapport between a wife and husband in these times. Have been following you for a long while and enjoy your tube content immensely. You guys will make the right decision. Would like to see you in the BASS tournaments in the future. Hope to meet you guys at the Classic on my homewater here in Texas. Y'all be safe and good luck.
Love you guys together! Really appreciate you guys “talking” through this with your subscribers! God bless!
Much appreciated
You are the man regardless on what you choose to do. I'll still follow your videos and cheer you on. Btw tube season is still on fire here in southwest VA!!!!
Cant wait to see you fishing the opens this coming year. I would do heavy hitters too, since you are already qualified. Then tell Boyd to stuff it. lol. You have already been screwed by those guys at least twice, would not ever give them another chance to do it again. Good luck in whatever you decide to do Matt.
Haha thanks!
Awesome guys.. Love the REAL family situation and love that LADY!! You are one lucky young Man!!
Yes i am!
Great seeing you and Sara together, I have been asking for this since forever, you got this, now go make the Elites already!!!
thats the goal!
Good luck fishing the opens Matt, BASS is still the top dog & the competition is fierce, but the reward is worth it
I totally agree!
Great attitude and I believe you have made the right decision. Thanks Matt for allowing us to listen to your thought process.
I appreciate that!
Matt, you do you. Whatever you decide to do, I'm going to be rooting for you.
Thank you!
once I saw the 2025 roster released for BPT, I was extremely disappointed not to see your name and immediately was interested in what your plans would be for the following year, so thank you for this video. you & Sara make such a great team! good luck to you both next year and in any future endeavors!!
Thanks for the support!
Can't wait to follow you in the Opens - you're gunna kill it 💯
Thanks
I’m rooting for you.GOD BLESSINGS BE UPON YOU.
Thank you!
So stoked for you, man! I have a feeling it will be a great season!!🙏🏽💪🏽
Hope so!
Hey Matt! You forgot about the Wednesday Nite League! 😀
nope those are a given
Great insight in to your decision Matt. Truly a tough choice, but I'll follow you wherever you fish Hammer! Thank you for your content! Makes me want to build a rod and slide to the river!
Thanks!
Matt I think fishing in Bass opens is a great move. The 5 fish tournament are right up your alley.
Thanks!
Bass is the right place. They are playing the long game in a few areas which is probably good business at the moment. They won’t be forced by comments on TH-cam to make drastic changes. I can appreciate that although I don’t always agree with the circuit. Having those goals is important you are setting the right example imo. I’ll be following, watching and rooting for ya the entire way!
Thank you!
I feel as though I have been involved in your family meeting. My contribution is this - follow the fish to the money! Good luck in which ever tour you choose.
i like that logic
Excited for your move to BASS! I'm a huge fan of yours. Might have to come up to Leech just to say hi! Good luck next year! 💪❤️
Awesome!
BASS OPENS sounds like a great choice!!!
thanks!
I totally enjoy your TH-cam channel and will always keep watching no matter where you fish..
Thank you!
Good call man I agree. I dig Sarah's hoodie. Highlife inspired.
It’s awesome
Are we getting a Matt & Matt House with podcasts from the road!? Look forward to following you next year in the Opens
Could be!
Sounds like a great up coming season for you Matt never did any tournaments like you guys do must be tense and stressful at times. Keep Rockin Matt 👍🏻
They can be
Great choice!!! Fish the Bass! Need to see you in a classic!! The original and best!
Thanks so much!!
You and your wife make a great team Matt. Good choice and best of luck!
Thanks 👍
Good luck to you and panger, take care, its hard to beat those very young guys with live scope
Lots of talent
My wifes answer “you just gonna do what you wanna do, so go ahead and do it, why you askin me” 🤣🤣 video over😂
haha
Good choice. Keep knocking out the content
Thanks! Will do!
Good for you , Matt. I will be routing for you and your family.
Much appreciated!
great choice for you Matt. I think the new open format will be a good fit for you. But from a selfish point of view keep those new Core Tackle products coming out. Really like the quality of what I have so far.
That's the plan!
Would luv to see you in the classic bass!! Good dudes!
i fished it a few years ago and loved it
Moynagh, your Bridgford teammate, has been fishing those. It's a great circuit. Good luck in all that you do!
Lol sounds like you had a plan. Said welcome back to the channel. And it went out the window. Love the dynamic between you two
Hahaha yep
Thanks for sharing the process for choosing what direction that is best for you and your family. I really enjoy your videos.
Thanks for watching!
I think you made the best decision for your career and family. Good luck. I'll be following you.
thanks
Love listening to your family dynamics great Video good luck!
Thanks so much!
Yes finally fishing bass! Sunday was pretty gloomy and the Bears didn't look good so it was a little worse. Will be following your opens journey for sure!
Bears need to put it together
@MattStefanFishing they will......when they get o line help.
Glad you were able to come to a conclusion. MLF seems to be in a funk lots of anglers seem to be leaving. Good luck
they are leaving for a reason
I hate to be making a decision like this while the industry is going up in flames. Good luck Matt!
thats part of why its a tough decision
What a great couple you guys are do what your gut feels be with your famliy & your business more is the Thanks you two
Thanks so much
However it plays out Matt, you will kill it. Will be following for sure.
thanks
Thank you both very much for the video.
Our pleasure!
I like that your wife takes interest in your fishing beyond personal reasons and the fact that you consider family time in your tournament schedule. As with a lot of us somehow we went out of our league and found a perfect life partner. Best of luck this coming year with everything.
It’s crazy how everything works out sometimes
Best of luck to you sir! Cant wait to see get to the elites💪
Thanks!
Look forward to the ride. Bass sounds like a fun change of pace. Cheers!
Hope so!
Dude, always vet your guests before having them on. 😁🤣💯👊 Love it when the wife joins in! I think you made the right decision! We'll be rooting for you!
no controlling her
@MattStefanFishing 🤣🤣
I think its a great move Matt....... Especially given some of your past experience...... and that your internal fire is fueled towards Bass..... Awesome that you have a great support system and loved your wife's thoughts on the direction... Really good stuff...... I feel certain that you will be fishing in the EQ derbs and with your experience it could be one and done for the Elites....
That's the plan!
Awesome can't wait to see you fishing in BASS it seems like a good choice for you Let's Go ❤❤
thanks!
Matt love your channel. We made it to Classic this year. It was an honor to meet you watching this video. I noticed your wife’s hoodie it’s a Miller highlife logo. Where did she get it? I would love to have one I live in Texas, but I am originally from Wisconsin, so I know about the Miller highlife logos
It’s made by Matthew Stockton. Check out his website
Mike Swofford Great Video , Good luck to you and your family.
Thanks 👍
Hi Matt, You obviously have a great partner. Sounds like lots of thought went into the decision and if you've covered your goals with MLF not to mention being burned by them a few times; the road to your biggest? goal the Classic is via the Opens; it makes total sense. Best wishes for a successful 2025 season!
Thanks
Great choice! I like their new format.
thanks!
yay. finally great choice, i understand your issue with npfl. but dont miss out on CHANGE. i see bass making moves to become a 50 field tour (which i think u would be top 50) npfl and bass opens. npfl may be the most stable of the 3
Thanks for sharing
Love the content with you guys. You guys are hilarious.
haha two peas in a pod
Nice switch! Hopefully you can get that Classic berth done this coming season!
Yep!
Good decision, I was afraid if you fished the invitationals and re-qualified for the BPT and they do there cut down again and use the same criteria they used this past year It may put you back in the same situation you're in now. I think by this time next year you will be prepping for the Elite series schedule. And Qualifying for that Classic invite.
im done with them for awhile
Love the schedule and.. I still say use the practice time and tournament recaps as the content
Sounds good!
I wish you the best of luck! Can't past on the Xtra family time. And orcourse my absolute favorite tackle company. Core tackle. Il miss you on mlf as it's fun to watch with real time scoring. I don't watch b.a.s.s. but il check in on you
Thanks!
Great video guys. Always enjoy having Sarah on and hearing her perspective on things. Congrats on your Bass decision and we're behind you 100% really looking forward to the 2025 season
Awesome! Thank you!
Yeah after when you told me you have a dream at competing at the Classic, I have said go to BASS. Now is the time! Lets go!
Yeah buddy!
#FBD, you guys are great and wish you nothing but the best wherever you fish Matt and Sara
thank you!
You got to do your goals ! The payouts suck in Bass now ? But they are working on fixing it ??? Its great Sarah is with you ! Hopefully it all works out ! Peace !
thank you!
Great decision!!! Like that you are putting your family first instead of second!! Best to you in 2025 Opens!! Stay Safe & God Bless!!! 🤠👍
Thank you! You too!
Matt: Love the move to Bass! Not because of the fishing, but because it works best for you and Sara and the boys love the idea. More time with family out weighs the headaches of being on the road. In addition growing Core Tackle will pay dividends well into the future. Build on what you have already developed. I think it safe to say your fan base will follow you and enjoy the ride. God Bless!
Very true!
I joined B.A.S.S. this week so I could follow the Opens and Elites. I haven’t been a member since the 70’s. Yes, I’m getting old. Looking forward to seeing you compete. I definitely would like to see you fish Heavy Hitters. You earned it. There were anglers in it last year that didn’t fish the BPT so you should be able to. Do you have to maintain your membership in MLF?
No clue
You'll do great in the 2025 opens. Fits you perfectly. FYI, my wife wants to know where your wife got her sweatshirt? It's not in your merch store, or I missed it. Thanks!
It’s made by Matthew Stockton check out his website
Go for it, sounds great!
Thanks
Love your You tube content good luck
Thanks
Good stuff Matt, I do believe you got the look on one comment! Best of luck on what you decide to fish next year. I think you bride might know you!!!
haha yeah a little bit
Nice, Great Luck Matt , Where is the boat ?
Sold it
Panger is now in 10th after day 1! If your goal is making the Classic and possibly the Elites, you should consider adding fishing one or possibly more BASS Nation qualifiers, if needed? One was at Lacrosse this year too. Top 20 at each make the no entry fee championship. If you win the championship you make the elites and the top 3 make the Classic! 2 and 3 also get to shortcut the Opens and go straight to the EQs. If you did qualify for heavy hitters you definitely should be included! Jordan Lee WON in 2024 and he was fishing the Elites at the time! There is a lot of money to be made in that event alone. Big fish bonuses are up to $100K for 1 fish!! I would put up a big stink, possibly even consider legal action if you are left out of that event after legitimately qualifying!!
Agreed
Looking forward to following you at B.A.S.S. I think it’s a good move for you.
I think so too!
I’ll be along to watch. Try it out. If it doesn’t work, like you said you’ll have the same choices next year.
i hope so!
I 😂😂😂😂😂 love the way you finished with Matt and a cooking show 😂😂😂😂 but in all serious Ness you and Sarah are the best qualified to make those decisions but I have to send you a message; you ain't messing with the wensday nighters. Matt I think is great that you're including us with imput but I know your compus is headed in the correct direction 2025 here we go 👍👍👍
Thank you so much 😁
Great call !! 👏👏
Thanks
Best of luck with your decision!
thanks!
I am new to this world and all the tournaments and options. Would love to see a video where you break down all the various leagues, systems, tournaments, levels, etc. What is all this?
Good idea
Fish the circuit and do well. Then use that as a platform to showcase new core tackle stuff saying look guys I did this well and it's all because of my core tackle products. Imagine winning a classic on a new bait. Or a tush or the swim jig etc. Could even do a series of mud hole rods for Matt Stefan techniques. Viola. Win win win.
I like it!
Good Luck with whatever you choose to do !!!!!!!!
Thanks
Matt your Wife is Cute So… Make Her Happy and Everything Else WillFall Into place.
Always fish your Strengths Sir and Challenge your meeknesses.
In my opinion, you are making the best choice. I and many others look forward to seeing you in the Elites.
Thanks!
Love the interaction! Whatever you decide I wish you the best. I hope you qualify for the Elites in 2026. BASS is good and the Classic is definitely better than MLF & Redcrest. The Classic is the Super Bowl of Bass fishing & winning it changes lives.
I hope so too!
Rooting for you!
Thanks
I love the videos when your wife is a guest.
Me too!