ANDERSON, S.C. – Takahiro Omori delivered a breakthrough performance at Lake Hartwell, securing his first career Major League Fishing® (MLF) Bass Pro Tour victory and the ninth tour-level win of his professional career. The Yamaha Pro earned $125,000 for the win, marking his first tour triumph since 2018 after 57 Bass Pro Tour events.
The angler admitted he didn't anticipate being able to contend at Hartwell while staying within his power-fishing wheelhouse, much less earning his long-awaited first Bass Pro Tour win. Despite those expectations, Omori committed fully to his strengths. The Tokyo, Japan, native spent all four days fishing shallow in the Tugaloo River, targeting cover in the backs of creeks. While much of the field relied on forward-facing sonar offshore, Omori never activated the technology.
That approach produced consistent results throughout the event. Omori opened the tournament in second place, won the Qualifying Round to advance directly to Championship Sunday, and closed with 36 pounds, 6 ounces on 12 scorable bass to edge Jacob Walker by 2 pounds, 10 ounces.
"I felt I could catch more fish just fishing shallow," he said. "With this group, I expected it to be close. I know they are going to catch fish, so it was a lot of stress."
As conditions improved throughout the week, Omori's shallow-water pattern continued to build momentum. He posted 47 pounds, 7 ounces on the opening day of qualifying and followed with 40 pounds, 12 ounces on Day 2 to secure the Qualifying Round win by a 9-ounce margin.
Championship Sunday brought cold temperatures and gusting winds that limited offshore productivity and kept the leaderboard compressed. Omori capitalized during the middle periods, became the only angler to surpass 10 pounds in Period 2, and took the lead midway through the final frame. A late largemouth extended his advantage, and no challenger was able to respond.
After officials confirmed the victory, Omori acknowledged the significance of earning his first Bass Pro Tour win by competing entirely on his terms.
"I know that technology is important and efficient," Omori said. "It's harder and harder to just make a Top 10. So, this win means a lot."
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