Top 3 Big Fishing Stories of the Week: Pam Martin-Wells, Tragic Boat Crash and Bass on Sports Illustrated Cover

From the passing of pioneering Bassmaster competitor Pam Martin-Wells, to a tragic boat crash involving a Tackle Warehouse Invitational angler on Lewis Smith Lake, and football star Travis Hunter holding largemouth bass on the cover of Sports Illustrated, these stories captured our Sports Illustrated fishing reader’s attention on Fishing on SI this past week.

It's been quite a week in the fishing world with some exciting highs and devastating lows. | B.A.S.S. | MLF | Sports Illustrated

1.) Pam Martin-Wells, Pioneering Female Bass Fishing Icon, Passes Away

Pam Martin-Wells, the first woman to compete on the final day of a Bassmaster Classic and a legendary figure in tournament bass fishing, has passed away. Her legacy as a pioneer and champion lives on. | B.A.S.S.

Pam Martin-Wells, the first woman to compete on the final day of a Bassmaster Classic and a legendary figure in tournament bass fishing, has passed away. Her legacy as a pioneer and champion lives on.

As a longtime fan of the sport, I had heard her name mentioned in competitive bass angling conversations many times over the years. Perhaps most famously according to the history books, she was the first female angler to qualify for and compete on the final day of a Bassmaster Classic. But if the outpouring of prayers, condolences and tributes on her Facebook page today are any indication, she will be fondly remembered for so much more. Clearly, her presence will be missed, but her impact on the sport will live on…GET THE REST OF THE STORY HERE.

2.) 3 Killed in Tragic Boat Accident During Lewis Smith Lake Tackle Warehouse Invitational Bass Tournament

Major League Fishing: Lewis Smith Lake Boat accident | Major League Fishing

Local ABC News 33/40 is reporting that a total of three men have died and three more are injured as a result of a two-boat crash just after 7:00 a.m. this morning on Lewis Smith Lake…GET THE REST OF THE STORY HERE.

3.) Travis Hunter Brings Bass Fishing to the Cover of Sports Illustrated

Travis Hunter lands the Sports Illustrated cover with a nod to his bass fishing obsession. | Sports Illustrated

A football player on the cover of Sports Illustrated is no surprise. The fact that instead of a football he’s hoisting up a couple big largemouth bass he caught himself—now, that’s exciting!

Reigning Heisman winner, wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter is an oddsmaker’s favorite to be the No. 2 overall pick in next week’s 2025 NFL Draft. But after seeing a preview of the May cover of Sports Illustrated, I think he’s got to be this bass geek’s number one…GET THE REST OF THE STORY HERE.