CLEWISTON, FL – Happy New Year! We’re getting a jump on things before the Christmas trees even hit the curb. Welcome to the 2026 Roland Martin Marine Center Series presented by HUK – Winter Edition.
Of course, this is Florida, so it’s not exactly a winter wonderland—more like an SPF-30, tiki-style celebration. And here on Lake Okeechobee, we celebrate the season with big bass and big checks.
The first qualifier of the 2026 season took place on Saturday, January 3rd, and all the ingredients were lining up for a full-blown big-bass bonanza. Then Mother Nature rolled in with a cold front and threw off the bedtime of our “fat mothers” (said with respect—smile). They just weren’t in the mood.
But, as always, the big sticks of the RMMC Series found a way.
With a top bag of 23.59 pounds of Lake Okeechobee bass, the winning team of Martin and Nelson ended up on top.
“The first fish of the day was a seven-pounder and second was a six” Nelson said. “It was a great way to start the day.”
“We were flipping all day with senkos,” Martin said. “Just three rods on the deck with june-bug the primary color.”
They kicked off the New Year with a big check for $6,000. That’s how you get the season started.
With a little less than a pound behind the leaders, the team of VanDyke and Chamberland brought 22.78 pounds to the stage for second place and a check for $3,000.
Rounding out the top three was the team of Lundgren and Solis Jr. Their 22.28 pounds gave them the 3rd place finish and a payday of $2,000.
As the highest paying team tournament trail in Florida, the payouts continued deep into the field.
Along with their winning check, Martin and Nelson also collected $150 in Bruiser Bucks for the Mega Bag of the event and $250 as the highest finisher to cross the stage in HUK GEAR. Martin also collected $250 as the highest finishing Mercury owner. With the biggest bass of the event coming in at 8.06 pounds, U.S. Sugar awarded the team of VanDyke and Chamberland $500. 2nd Big Bass of 7.69 pounds belonged to White and White earning them $100 Gambler Bucks. Justin Jones collected $250 as the highest finishing Gilbert Chevrolet owner. Coming in as the highest Lady Angler, Esperanza Picos took home a new pair of Bajio Sunglasses. As the highest youth angler, Hunter Deka also collected a pair of Bajio Sunglasses. And winning big for going small, the team of Janis and Janis turned the smallest limit of 6.78 pounds into $300 from AV Inspection.
If you missed it, check out the Gallery and Final Weigh-in to see for yourself. Be sure to join us as we turn up the heat all season long leading up to the Championship where the winning team could possibly take home a record $50,000. So mark your calendar. Our next qualifier is April 4th. We’ll see you then.
