Alabama angler’s consistency pays off to win Lake Tenkiller event

TAHLEQUAH — Ten months ago, Wes Logan found himself in a hospital bed with a gash across his head and a set of broken bones after hitting an unknown object on Day 2 at the Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain. Logan knows how fortunate he is to even still be alive, making his second Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series trophy all the more meaningful.

“I could be dead,” Logan said. “That is the reality of it. The good Lord wants me here for some reason. I’m truly blessed to be here.”

Arguably the most consistent angler all week, Logan won the Lowrance Bassmaster Elite at Lake Tenkiller, which took place Thursday through Sunday, with a four-day total of 63 pounds, a Father’s Day gift for his father Doug. It is the second win of Logan’s five-year career, the first coming at the 2021 Bassmaster Elite at Neely Henry Lake on Mother’s Day.

“I don’t deserve this,” the Springville, Ala., native said. “I got to fish how I wanted to. I got to pitch a jig like how I grew up with my dad.”

Opening the tournament in 11th place with 14 pounds, 12 ounces after Thursday’s Day 1 action, Logan climbed to fifth on Day 2 with 15 pounds, 13 ounces before jumping into third on Semifinal Saturday with 15, pounds, nine ounces. He then landed the biggest bag of Championship Sunday, a 16-pound, 14-ounce limit anchored by a five-pound, one-ounce largemouth, edging out fellow Elite Series pro Andrew Loberg, who had led the first three days, by an ounce.

This victory couldn’t have come at a better time for the “Little Ball of Hate.” After two good tournaments to start the 2025 season, Logan has struggled outside of the state of Florida, so much so that he questioned if he still belonged on the Elite Series stage. He entered Lake Tenkiller in 40th place in Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings.

“This year has not been easy,” Logan said. “I hit a wall and didn’t even know my last name. After Lake Hartwell (in South Carolina), I sat in Bill Lowen’s boat and cried my eyes out because I wanted to quit. I didn’t know if I was good enough to be here.

“Practice wasn’t that great for this tournament, but I got a few bites doing what I like to do, and I ran with it.”