Photo credit: Major League Fishing

By Steve Chaconas

Every pro athlete hopes to go out big. Much like a buzzer beater, walk off homer, or Hail Mary, a pro angler’s last cast comes with expectations of landing the big one.

Going out as the Major League Fishing Heavy Hitters Champion was unexpected by Erie, PA angler Dave Lefebre. His 25-year run was coming to an end after amassing $2.5 million in winnings, 6 major tournament trophies, and numerous top ten finishes. Lefebre failed to qualify for the 2026 MLF season, however, he did qualify for the much-anticipated Heavy Hitters event in Florida. This unique event pitted the top 32 anglers based on the total of their biggest fish from each of 7 tournaments in 2025. Lefebre departed the pro trails and competitive bass fishing in August 2025, leaving the wildcard event as his last hoorah.

This formerly formidable force struggled as big ones kept getting away. The last 5 years have been tough. Losing most of his longtime sponsors, Lefebre went back to using credit cards.  He never embraced the catch all you can format and forward-facing technology. Tournament events were cut to only 7 per year, which Lefebre says made the sport a hobby.  However, requalifications kept him hooked. The only luck he had was bad. Lefebre was ready to leave.

“It’s been an emotional, spiritual battle for the last five years,” Lefebre said. “And it feels like God’s way of telling me I’m doing the right thing by getting out – going out this way.”

After his career had essentially ended with the 2025 season, Lefebre and his wife Anne made plans to open The 814 Grounds café in Erie. He remains committed to his Band 814, comprised of local church leaders who “…spread the message of Jesus” through music. Lefebre’s Erie Extreme TV fishing show will release new video for season 7. Arranging funding for these enterprises was challenging.

While it was difficult to step away from the pro fishing life, Anne knew they’d make something work. “I wanted to have him happy. Couldn’t go with him all the time. At this stage of our lives, we can enjoy ourselves.” Anne was a tournament wife, managing sponsors, reserving hotels, making travel plans, and running a household while her husband spent months away from home.

While qualifying last August, Lefebre didn’t think about Heavy Hitters until a week before. He entered May’s tournament out of fishing shape. Even his boat hadn’t been tournament tested. His electronics weren’t in working order either.  “Who cares,” says Lefebre.

Things started going his way as he fished three straight days with clutch catches. He knew he was fishing the right areas, but still missed more fish than he caught, “Just stupid stuff, stuff you shouldn’t be able to overcome.” But each day Lefebre found himself barely making cuts to continue fishing, reaching the Championship final day.  He entered every event with the intent and expectation to win.

Thoughts of his career were on his mind. “I’d like to go out on top; it’s what God has been pointing to for the past 5 years. It wasn’t bad luck; it was God telling me to move on.” It was harder and harder to keep going after having so many things go wrong. Just as everything had to fall into place for the café, band, and TV show to prosper, the same went for the Heavy Hitters Championship. And things did fall into place.

One fish on the final day made the difference and ended years of frustration as the 9.3-pound bass not only allowed Lefebre to pick up a $100,000 check for the win, but it doubled up as the biggest fish in the event and stuffed another $100,000 into his pockets. “Winning was a religious experience and provided financial wiggle room money since we had everything in play for the café.” Winning $200k now is making a huge impact.

One of the hardest things about potentially fishing his last pro event is not seeing his friends anymore. “I’ve made so many over the past 25 years, and though many are other anglers, most are actually not.” He’s appreciative of the sponsors who stuck with him, Fishing Online, Lowrance Electronics, Power Pole, Bass Day Ever, and Solar Bat.

Dave and Anne’s son, Mitchell, was proud of his father enduring the long rocky road.  His father put in the time, money, and travel, to do what he loved. “I knew that he had it in him. If there are 2 things I admire the most about my father, it’s his immense faith in what he believes in. Most of all, he’s shown me my entire life, that it’s possible to follow your dreams and do what you love doing.” Dave and Anne are chatting about possibly fishing a seniors tour, cherry picking tour sites, or maybe not.

Storybook ending to a great career? Just another chapter for the kid who grew up in a tough fishing industry, doing it the right way, bringing home trophies on his dashboard. Lefebre says for the first time in nearly a quarter century, after being on the road March through August, “It’s nice to be home to see the buds coming out on trees.”

Potomac River Bassing in July

Summer patterns are heating up. Bass are seeking refuge in grass beds.

For jigs and bladed jigs, black/blue, craw, and white patterns will work. Use markers to paint blades black, except for white baits. Swim jigs with thinner weed guards, hooks, and lead heads…come through grass and hook fish easier. Use 14-20 pound test Gamma Edge fluorocarbon line and a 7’ rod.

Frog fishing, during the heat of the day. 50-pound test Gamma Torque braid and a 7’ rod helps haul fish out of grass.

Punch thick mats with 1 ounce tungsten weights, strong hooks, and small craw baits on 50-pound test Gamma Torque braid.

About the Author: Capt. Steve Chaconas is a Potomac bass fishing guide & freelance writer. Potomac river reports: nationalbass.com. YouTube channel NationalBassGuide.