Top 10 AOY Profile: Jonathan Kessler
SIKC Director Jonathan Kessler finished 4th in the 2025 Angler of the Year standings with a season built on consistency, resilience, and deep-water strategy. Learn more about his story, favorite techniques, and goals for 2026.
Rank: #4
Hometown: Evansville, IL
Favorite Lake: Cedar Lake
Kayak / Setup: Hobie PA14 “Ike Edition” with Lowrance HDS Live 9 and AT1
Sponsors: State Team Member for Kistler Rods
Social Media: Facebook | YouTube – Lake Logic
Season Highlights
For Jonathan Kessler, the 2025 season was about perseverance and consistency. After missing the first two trail events due to personal circumstances, he made a strong return at Sangchris Lake — notching a solid finish and staying steady through the rest of the year. Kessler placed inside the Top 7 in every remaining stop, earning him a 4th place finish in the 2025 SIKC Angler of the Year standings.
Approach to Tournament Day
Kessler is methodical on the water. He approaches each event by creating a structured game plan that adapts throughout the day.
“I typically try to game plan each tournament for the given pattern by setting timers and adjusting to the conditions throughout the day. I typically try to find them deep,” he explains.
That disciplined style reflects his engineering and analytical background — every move is part of a broader strategy.
Favorite Baits & Techniques
“Everyone knows that my favorite technique is the flipping jig.”
A power-fishing approach that fits perfectly with the diverse Illinois fisheries, Kessler’s confidence in the jig continues to play a key role in his success.
Memorable Moment of 2025
“My most memorable moment in the SIKC season was actually catching a new personal best while prefishing for the Newton tournament.”
Moments like these remind him why he loves the sport — the thrill of discovery and the reward of preparation.
Goals for 2026
Looking ahead, Kessler plans to balance competition with leadership:
“My goal for 2026 is to focus on tournament directing and still finding a way to be competitive on the water. I know it’s a challenge doing both, but I’m excited to see how I can contribute to the larger organization and continue the growth that Josh developed over the past five years.”
Off the Water
Away from the tournaments, Kessler’s life is equally full.
“Off the water, my life has been crazy and full of changes this year. I’m starting a new job in November related to AI and pharmacology. I’m always working on new projects like my steering device for stern-mount motors and, now, directing SIKC through the offseason and into next year.”
A lifelong engineer, educator, and innovator, Kessler brings that same curiosity and drive to every aspect of his work and his time on the water.
About the Series
This post is part of the SIKC Top 10 Angler of the Year Spotlight — a winter feature celebrating our 2025 Top 10 finishers and sharing their stories with the SIKC community.
Follow the full series at sikcfishing.org.
Top 10 AOY Profile: Christopher LaValle
Christopher LaValle secured a Top 5 finish in the 2025 SIKC AOY race with a career-best 90" bag at Sangchris Lake and a methodical approach built on discipline and preparation.
Rank: #5 (tied)
Hometown: Urbana, Illinois
Favorite Lakes: Sangchris Lake & Homer Lake
Kayak / Setup: Vibe Shearwater 125
Season Highlights
Consistency and commitment defined Christopher LaValle’s 2025 SIKC season. His highlight came at Sangchris Lake, where he posted his best bag ever — 90 inches — and a 4th-place finish against a stacked field. That performance anchored a Top 5 run in Angler of the Year and solidified his place among the club’s elite.
On the Water
Chris’s tournament style is built on discipline and trust in his preparation. He’s known for sticking to his game plan and pre-mapped routes, even when other anglers change patterns mid-day. It’s that unwavering focus that often puts him on fish when the bite gets tough.
Favorite Techniques
Chris mixes power and finesse, relying on double buzzbaits, chatterbaits, and wacky rigs to cover different parts of the water column. The combination gives him flexibility without sacrificing confidence.
Memorable Moment
Not every memory is about victory — sometimes it’s about the story. Chris recalls losing the biggest fish he’s ever seen in a tournament right at the kayak. The fight alone was enough to make it unforgettable — a reminder of how fine the line can be between heartbreak and glory.
Goals for 2026
Chris’s mindset heading into the new season is simple: always improve. Even if it doesn’t show in the final standings, his goal is to raise his personal bar on every lake the club revisits.
Off the Water
When he’s not chasing bass, Chris stays busy balancing work and preparation for the next event — a rhythm that mirrors his methodical approach to competition.
About the Series
This post is part of the SIKC Top 10 Angler of the Year Spotlight, a winter feature celebrating our 2025 Top 10 finishers and their stories on and off the water.
Follow the full series at sikcfishing.org.
Top 10 AOY Profile: Jerry Bryson
Jerry Bryson finished tied for 5th in the 2025 SIKC AOY race with a relaxed, fun-first approach. His 3rd-place finish at Cedar Lake — sharing the podium with his son Nick in 2nd — was a true highlight of the season and a reminder of what makes tournament fishing special.
Rank: #5 (Tied)
Hometown: St. Joseph, Illinois
Favorite Lake: Cedar Lake
Kayak / Setup: Recon Wilderness 120 HD Pedal
Season Highlights
With an easygoing attitude and a focus on enjoying the sport, Jerry Bryson turned in another impressive season, finishing tied for 5th in the 2025 SIKC Angler of the Year standings. His highlight came at Cedar Lake, where he finished 3rd overall — made even better by the fact that his son Nick took 2nd. Sharing the podium with family made the day one he won’t forget.
On the Water
Jerry’s tournament philosophy is refreshingly simple: just go fishing and don’t take it too seriously. He knows that when he treats it like work, the joy fades — and he fishes best when he’s having fun.
Favorite Techniques
Bryson keeps his tackle straightforward but effective. His confidence baits include a wacky worm for finesse fishing and a chatterbait for covering water when the bite is aggressive.
Memorable Moment
Jerry’s favorite moments this season weren’t tied to trophies, inches, or standings — they were tied to time spent fishing with his son, Nick. Whether in practice or competition, those shared days on the water are what fuel his love for kayak fishing.
Goals for 2026
Jerry’s next goals are clear: win a tournament and catch a 22-inch bass. With the consistency he’s shown, both are well within reach.
Off the Water
Away from tournaments, Jerry enjoys spending time with his family, keeping the balance between fishing and home life that grounds him as both an angler and a father.
About the Series
This post is part of the SIKC Top 10 Angler of the Year Spotlight, a winter series celebrating our 2025 Top 10 finishers and their stories on and off the water.
Follow the full series at sikcfishing.org/.
Top 10 AOY Profile: Larry Horne
Larry Horne secured a 7th-place finish in the 2025 SIKC AOY race with a standout runner-up showing at Sangchris Lake. His steady results, efficient fishing style, and straightforward approach made him one of the most consistent anglers of the year.
Rank: #7
Hometown: San Diego, California
Favorite Lakes: Sangchris Lake & Coffeen Lake
Kayak / Setup: Old Town Topwater 120 with Humminbird Helix 7
Season Highlights
Larry Horne’s 2025 season blended California composure with Midwestern grind. His standout moment came at Sangchris Lake, where he locked down a second-place finish—a result that propelled him solidly into the Top 10 for AOY. Whether fishing at Sangchris or Coffeen, Larry’s steady improvement all season showed the payoff of persistence and precision.
On the Water
Larry’s approach to tournament days revolves around covering water efficiently. His NK-180s allowed him to keep moving and adapt on the fly, maximizing time in productive areas. That blend of mobility and decision-making has become part of his signature style within the club.
Favorite Techniques
When it comes to bait choice, Larry keeps things straightforward and effective. His confidence baits include bladed jigs and Texas-rigged stick baits, tools that helped him find consistency across different conditions throughout the trail season.
Memorable Moment
Breaking the 90-inch mark for the first time was a personal milestone for Larry—a reminder that his time on the water is paying off and that he can hang with the best in SIKC competition.
Goals for 2026
Larry’s focus heading into next year is simple: win, chase AOY, and bring home more trophies. He’s also looking forward to upgrading to a new kayak to keep pushing his performance on the water.
About the Series
This feature is part of the SIKC Top 10 Angler of the Year Spotlight, a winter series highlighting the dedication and stories behind our 2025 Top 10 finishers.
Follow the full series at sikcfishing.org.
Top 10 AOY Profile: Wil Abbott
Wil Abbott closed out his rookie season strong, tying for 8th place in the 2025 SIKC AOY race after a breakout second-place finish at Newton Lake.
Rank: #8 (Tied)
Hometown: Granite City, Illinois
Favorite Lake: Newton Lake
Kayak / Setup: Native Titan X 12.5
Season Highlights
In only his first full year with the Southern Illinois Kayak Club, Wil Abbott made his mark with consistent performances across the trail — finishing tied for 8th in the 2025 AOY standings. His biggest moment came at Newton Lake, where he earned a strong second-place finish to close out the season.
On the Water
Wil’s tournament approach is built around adaptability. He starts with topwater baits, transitioning to chatterbaits and jigs as conditions change throughout the day. That flexibility paid off in the season finale and has quickly become his calling card among club anglers.
Favorite Techniques
Abbott’s go-to confidence bait is a Texas-rigged creature bait — a versatile presentation that he can throw around grass, wood, or deeper structure depending on the bite.
Memorable Moment
Wil still remembers his first SIKC event at Otter Lake — cold, tough conditions, and not knowing a soul. By the end of that day, he’d gained new fishing partners and found a community that would shape the rest of his season.
Goals for 2026
Looking ahead, Wil’s focus is on improving consistency and locking in full limits at every event. Off the water, he enjoys camping with his wife, fun fishing with friends, and simply spending time outdoors — keeping the sport fun while continuing to grow as a competitor.
About the Series
This feature is part of the SIKC Top 10 Angler of the Year Spotlight, a winter series celebrating the 2025 Top 10 finishers and their stories on and off the water.
Follow the full series at sikcfishing.org.
Top 10 AOY Profile: Dustin Siegel
Dr. Dustin Siegel capped off another memorable SIKC season with an 8th-place finish in the 2025 Angler of the Year race. Known for his dry humor, love of jigs and tubes, and unfiltered take on tournament life, Siegel’s approach to fishing is equal parts science, simplicity, and fun.
Rank: #8 (Tied)
Hometown: Newark, Ohio
Favorite Lake: St. Claire
Kayak / Setup: Hobie PA14 360 (“vomit green”)
Season Highlights
Dustin Siegel’s 2025 SIKC season was marked by humor, persistence, and a knack for keeping things interesting. Whether sharing the water or friendly banter with other anglers, Siegel’s highlight came while on the phone with fellow competitor Dalton Williams — listening to reports of big bites while he, in classic Dustin fashion, joked that all his seemed to measure twelve inches.
On the Water
When asked about strategy, Siegel admits that this year wasn’t one for overthinking. His approach was simple: stay patient, fish confidently, and let the results speak for themselves. His go-to confidence baits remain unchanged — jigs and tubes — a pairing he trusts enough to joke that if fish won’t bite them, “life gets hard.”
Memorable Moments
Among countless tournaments and pre-fishing trips, one memory still stands out: hooking into a near-22-inch smallmouth while pre-fishing with Darren and James a few years back. It’s the kind of catch that sticks in an angler’s head and keeps them chasing that next perfect day.
Off the Water
Away from the kayak, Siegel brings the same wit and curiosity to his professional life. A biologist by trade, he’s known for his research on salamander gonads — work he describes as “riveting.” He’s also never one to shy away from debate, famously campaigning to convince SIKC leadership that “a cold beverage” shouldn’t be off-limits during competition days.
About the Series
This article is part of the SIKC Top 10 Angler of the Year Spotlight, a winter feature celebrating the club’s 2025 Top 10 finishers and their stories on and off the water.
Follow the full series at sikcfishing.org.
Top 10 AOY Profile: Nate Barto
Nate Barto secured a Top 10 finish in the 2025 SIKC AOY standings through steady execution and confidence on the water. A finesse specialist with a laid-back style, Nate balances competition with family, hunting, and plenty of time outdoors.
Rank: #10
Hometown: Staunton, Illinois
Favorite Lake: Coffeen Lake
Kayak / Setup: Native Titan 10.5 and NuCanoe U10
Season Highlights
Nate Barto closed out his 2025 SIKC season with a calm, confident approach that earned him a Top 10 spot in the AOY race. One of his favorite moments came at Coffeen Lake, cheering on a friend’s Big Bass win—a reminder that competition and camaraderie can coexist on the same water.
On the Water
Nate’s tournament philosophy is simple: fish confidence baits and keep them in the water. That mindset defines his consistency. He doesn’t overcomplicate things—he focuses on presentation, precision, and staying patient when bites are scarce.
Favorite Techniques
Whether he’s fishing from the Titan or the NuCanoe, Nate relies heavily on finesse and subtlety. His go-to choices include a wacky-rigged Senko and Texas-rigged soft plastics, versatile tools that keep him in the game across changing lake conditions.
Memorable Moment
At Otter Lake, Nate hooked what might have been the fish of a lifetime. Skipping a wacky Senko under a tree, the water erupted when he set the hook. The fish peeled drag before snapping the line—a likely musky encounter. Nate laughs about it now, but he’s already planning to return in the spring for a rematch.
Goals for 2026
Looking ahead, Nate’s goal is to fish an entire tournament using only BFS gear—a challenge that will test finesse and focus. Off the water, he’s a family-first outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, time with his grandkids and dogs, and knocking items off his never-ending Honey-Do list—all while thinking about the next day on the water.
About the Series
This post is part of the SIKC Top 10 Angler of the Year Spotlight, a winter series celebrating our 2025 Top 10 finishers and their stories on and off the water.
Follow the full series at sikcfishing.org.