Coffeen Lake Kicks Off a Record-Breaking 2025 Season for SIKC
The Southern Illinois Kayak Club is officially back in action — and what a way to kick off the 2025 season! Coffeen Lake delivered everything an angler could hope for: perfect weather, great company, and bass that were absolutely fired up from start to finish.
We had an incredible turnout, with 22 anglers breaking the 80” mark and seven of them topping 90”. Talk about setting the bar high for the rest of the year! It was awesome seeing so many new faces alongside our returning members — proof that the SIKC community is growing stronger than ever.
Wade Hobaugh Dominates with a Record-Breaking 98.50”
Taking home 1st place and setting a new SIKC record for Coffeen Lake was Wade Hobaugh, with an unbelievable 98.50” limit! Not only was it the biggest bag ever recorded at this lake — it was also the largest payout in SIKC history. Wade got it done with a Louisiana Shad crankbait, and the bass didn’t stand a chance. Welcome to the club, Wade — you’ve officially arrived in style!
Rookies on Fire: Keith Gressler’s Breakout Performance
In 2nd place, another rookie made major waves — Keith Gressler with 95.50”! Encouraged by some of our veteran members to give tournament fishing a try, Keith wasted no time proving he belongs. With this finish, he’s already a front-runner for both Rookie of the Year and Angler of the Year honors. We’ll be keeping a close eye on his next moves!
Veteran Power: Darren Hemker Back on the Hunt
Rounding out the top three, 2023 Angler of the Year Darren Hemker showed why he’s always a threat, landing 94.75” on a chatterbait fished as shallow as humanly possible. Darren’s laser focus and consistent success prove that he’s gunning hard to reclaim the AOY title in 2025.
Big Bass and Big Thanks
The Heads Up Taxidermy Big Bass Award went to Joe Burchett, who hauled in a 21.00” largemouth near one of the lake’s few docks — also on a chatterbait. Along with the Big Bass payout, Midwest Kayak Company sweetened the deal with an extra $50. Huge thanks to both sponsors for helping make this moment even better!
We also want to give a special shoutout to RAILBLAZA, who showed up strong with awesome prize support. Two lucky anglers took home premium gear, including a Hexx Live Pole and a C-Tug Cart — some serious upgrades for future trips.
And of course, a massive thank you to all our incredible sponsors for helping SIKC thrive and grow:
Kayak Bass Fishing • Kayak Bass Connection • Da Bomb Anchor Company • Ketch Products Inc. • P-Line • Missile Baits • Thrasher Sports Apparel • Spittin Image Jigs (Darin Roddick-Small) • Kayak Kushion • Heads Up Taxidermy • Midwest Kayak Company • RAILBLAZA
