COLUMBIA, S.C. – Yamaha Pro Paul Marks captured his second Bassmaster® Elite series win during the fourth event of the 2026 season on Sunday, May 10, at Lake Murray. With a four-day total weight of 90 pounds, 14 ounces, the Cumming, Ga. native earned the $101,000 top prize. He won his first blue trophy in 2025 on South Carolina's Lake Hartwell.
Today was just spectacular, it was one of those days you dream of," Marks said. "Everything went perfectly. [Dave Mercer] said I needed to bring the motherlode for Mother's Day and I did. Happy Mother's Day, mom."
Notably, Marks notched both of his Elite wins on "herring lakes," water bodies where blueback herring are the dominant forage. These fast-paced baitfish greatly impact predatory behavior, most noticeably increased pelagic tendencies and decreased consistency. Marks, who guides on Georgia's Lake Lanier, another noted herring lake, said his deep immersion in this style of fishing prepared him for a week of changing weather and finicky fish. He also said a lifetime of fishing the techniques relevant to Lake Murray provided the insight he needed to effectively adjust his locations, baits and presentations based on his understanding of herring fish preference.
"I really wanted to win this so I could say I'm the 'Herring Master' or the 'Herring King'," Marks said. "I struggled a little bit the first day, but I made up for it today."
Marks placed 14th on Day 1 with 21-14 and rose to second with a second-round limit of 22-15. Adding a Semifinal Saturday bag that weighed 20-15 sent Marks into the final round in third place. Marks dominated the final round with the day's heaviest bag, a limit of 25 pounds, 2 ounces that pushed him to the top.
Yamaha Pros once again took seven of the top 10 spots during the tournament. Brandon Cobb finished third with 86 pounds, 7 ounces, followed by Robert Gee in fourth at 85 pounds, 11 ounces. Emil Wagner placed sixth with 84 pounds, 2 ounces, while Jordan Lee finished seventh with 83 pounds, 4 ounces. Andrew Loberg earned eighth place with 82 pounds, 6 ounces, and Drew Benton placed ninth with 80 pounds, 6 ounces. The Yamaha Pro Team returns to South Carolina for the next Bassmaster Elite at Santee Cooper Lakes, May 14-17. Marks won the $4,000 Yamaha Power Pay contingency award for the highest-placing eligible angler. Cobb won $1,500 for being the second highest-placing eligible angler.
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