A tragic boating crash during a professional bass fishing event has left three people dead and several others injured on Alabama’s Lewis Smith Lake. The incident, which occurred during Major League Fishing’s Tackle Warehouse Invitational, has sent shockwaves throughout the angling community and sparked renewed calls for increased boating safety protocols during tournaments.
Early Morning Collision on Smith Lake
According to Thomas Schlachter of CNN, the deadly accident happened just after 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16, during the second day of the MLF tournament. The crash occurred near the Miller Flats area of Smith Lake, in Cullman County. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) confirmed that two vessels were involved in the collision, one of which was a Nitro Bass Boat being operated by a tournament angler. The other was a Center Console boat carrying three men, including 58-year-old Joey M. Broom from Altoona, Alabama.
Broom was fatally injured in the crash and pronounced dead at the scene. Later that day, ALEA identified the two other men aboard the same vessel – John K. Clark, 44, of Cullman, and Jeffrey C. Little, 62, of Brandon, Mississippi – both of whom drowned after being thrown overboard.
The Tournament Was Immediately Canceled
Following the tragedy, Major League Fishing quickly issued a statement acknowledging the incident and confirming that a “serious boating accident” had taken place during Day 2 of the tournament. MLF subsequently canceled the final day of competition, scheduled for Thursday, out of respect for the victims and their families.
Kathy Fennel, Executive Vice President and General Manager of MLF, issued a heartfelt message: “Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by this tragedy.” The organization has said it will release no further details at this time and is cooperating with law enforcement officials during the ongoing investigation.
Angler Flint Davis Confirms His Involvement
One of the event’s participating anglers, Flint Davis of Leesburg, Georgia, confirmed via Instagram that he had been involved in the crash. In his post, Davis thanked the public for their support and asked for continued prayers. “I’ll let you guys know more when I can,” he added. ALEA has not confirmed whether Davis was operating the Nitro Bass Boat that struck Broom’s vessel, though Schlachter’s report notes that Davis was treated and released.
Conditions at the Time: Was Fog to Blame?
Multiple reports suggest that the weather may have been a factor in the deadly crash. As Dieter Melhorn pointed out in a video on his YouTube channel, several eyewitnesses and local reporters cited foggy conditions on the lake that morning. Though not officially confirmed by law enforcement, the presence of heavy fog could have significantly reduced visibility – just as boats were leaving launch sites and heading toward their fishing spots.
Melhorn, a longtime fisherman and content creator, expressed concern over how fog and high speeds can be a dangerous mix in tournament settings. “Speed doesn’t cause collisions,” Melhorn said, “but it does make them much harder to avoid.”
Bass Boats and the Need for Speed
Randy Blaukat, host of Intuitive Angling and a veteran tournament angler himself, added context from his years on the water. In a video posted shortly after the crash, Blaukat shared that he had witnessed six or seven fatal accidents during tournaments over his career. He warned that bass boats, designed for high speeds, become extremely dangerous when operators fail to exercise caution – especially during poor visibility.
“Fog is the most dangerous situation you’re ever going to encounter as a boat driver,” Blaukat warned. “You need at least 50 yards of visibility to safely run on plane. If you don’t have that, you need to idle. It’s not worth trying to save five minutes.”
Guide Boat vs. Tournament Boat: What Happened?
While official details are still under investigation, Blaukat stated that the boat carrying Broom, Clark, and Little was believed to be a guide boat – potentially leading clients on a fishing trip. If accurate, that could explain why it was stationary or traveling slowly when it was struck by a high-speed bass boat. Blaukat said the guide boat may have been rounding a point when it was hit.
This scenario echoes the concerns raised by both Melhorn and Blaukat about tournament practices that reward speed. With bass boats capable of reaching speeds upwards of 70 mph, a momentary lapse in judgment or limited visibility can be catastrophic.
Similar Incident in North Carolina
Adding to the shock, Melhorn reported that another boating accident occurred around the same time at a separate professional fishing event in North Carolina. The crash happened during a National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) tournament on Lake Norman, and while it resulted in serious injuries, no fatalities were reported.
Jesse Ayers, a competitor in the NPFL tournament, was found at fault and charged by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Both anglers involved in that collision were hospitalized but are expected to recover. Melhorn remarked on the timing: “Two crashes in two different tournaments, on the same morning, right around blastoff – it’s a bad deal.”
Industry Response: Silence or Reform?
While tournament organizers expressed sympathy and canceled events in the wake of the crash, neither MLF nor the broader tournament community has yet addressed larger safety reforms. As Melhorn pointed out, discussions about imposing speed limits in bass fishing tournaments have been floated before, but major sponsors – often motor manufacturers – may be resistant.
Blaukat echoed similar frustration, emphasizing that high-performance motors are a central part of the sport’s identity and marketing. But he also stressed that lives should take priority. “It’s time for a serious look at safety,” he said.
The Emotional Fallout
Beyond the policy conversations, the human toll of this accident is immense. Families of the deceased – Broom, Clark, and Little – are now left grieving after what should have been a peaceful day on the lake. The surviving anglers will likely carry the trauma of the incident with them for years to come.
Blaukat, visibly shaken in his video, summed it up best: “Everybody who bass fishes is just sick to their stomach when they see this news. It could’ve been any of us.”
Investigations Ongoing
ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division continues to investigate the accident, and details about potential charges or citations have not yet been released. Meanwhile, MLF has declined to comment on whether fog delays or stricter morning protocols might be implemented in future events.
The community now watches with bated breath, wondering whether the accident will prompt reforms – or if it will be quietly remembered as just another tragedy in a sport that’s growing faster, bigger, and, perhaps, too risky.
A Gut Punch
As someone who appreciates both the adrenaline and the serenity of fishing, this crash feels personal. The bass fishing world is a tight-knit one, full of camaraderie, competition, and shared passion for the outdoors. To lose three people in one moment is not just a news item – it’s a gut punch to everyone who’s ever launched a boat at dawn.
This should be a turning point. Safety cannot take a back seat to speed. Whether through new rules, better training, or simply a cultural shift in how anglers approach early-morning starts, something needs to change. Because no trophy is worth a human life.
Gary’s love for adventure and preparedness stems from his background as a former Army medic. Having served in remote locations around the world, he knows the importance of being ready for any situation, whether in the wilderness or urban environments. Gary’s practical medical expertise blends with his passion for outdoor survival, making him an expert in both emergency medical care and rugged, off-the-grid living. He writes to equip readers with the skills needed to stay safe and resilient in any scenario.