Top 10 AOY Profile: Christopher LaValle

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.