Tommy Wood is a rising star in tournament fishing, hailing from Queensland, Australia. With a strong track record in Australia’s tournament circuits—including BARRA, BREAM and BASS events—he’s now making waves in American Bassmaster tournaments in his quest to reach the Elite Series.

🐟 Early Career Down Under

Growing up fishing in Queensland, Australia, Tommy began his competitive journey in the Australian Bass Tournaments (ABT) focusing on the BARRA Tour circuit. His keen eye for structure and lure presentation, combined with powerful gear like Garmin Livescope and mapping tools, helped him secure multiple wins at Peter Faust Dam, multiple runner-up finishes in the BARRA Australian Open (Lake Awoonga/Monduran Dam) and BASS Australian Opens. Tommy is a consistent top placer across ABT events.

His prowess in various species also grew his reputation for versatility—whether targeting Bream in estuaries, chasing classic Aussie predators like Barramundi or heading offshore —he has earned respect as an “all‑rounder with accolades in Bream, Bass, Barramundi and Game Fishing”.

Heading Stateside: The American Gamble

In late 2022, after mentorship from fellow Aussie Carl Jocumsen—who’d broken ground as the first Australian Elite Series qualifier—Tommy decided to test himself in the U.S. Bassmaster Opens as a co-angler. His debut season in 2023 was eventful:

  • Wheeler Lake, AL: In just his third American event, Tommy won the Co‑Angler division, bagging a two‑day limit against nearly 200 competitors.
  • He was leading on Day 1 there with 10 lb, 1 oz of bass, earning applause from the crowd and affirmation that “the Aussies have what it takes to give the Americans a run for their money”.

This success gave Tommy the confidence and momentum to return to the U.S. for early 2025, targeting both Division 1 and 2 Bassmaster Opens with eyes set on Elite qualification.

2025 Season Launch & Future Plans

By early 2025, Tommy was firmly immersed in the U.S. circuit. He competed in Sam Rayburn (though disrupted by weather, he still claimed prize money and was sitting in 10th in AOY points after the Division 2 opener), and prepared for upcoming events at Kentucky/Barkley Lakes, Tombigbee River, Upper Chesapeake Bay, St. Lawrence River, and Leech Lake.

His goal is crystal clear: earn an Elite Series berth and become the second Australian boater in the Bassmaster Elite field. With support from mentors like Jocumsen, and a meticulously crafted co‑angler-to-boater progression plan, Tommy is mapping out a path based on experience, adaptability and consistent performance.

What Sets Tommy Apart

  • Skill Transferability: Successful multi-species angler in Australia, Tommy has proven he can carry his techniques overseas.
  • Tech-Savvy Approach: He leverages advanced electronics and data-driven tactics—using Garmin technology with confidence.
  • Driven & Mentored: Under mentorship from Elite level Aussies, he’s avoided pitfalls common to newcomers and is strategically targeting EQ qualification.
  • Competitive Resilience: Quick to find success in the Bassmaster Opens, Tommy demonstrated both mental toughness and technical skill under pressure.

Looking Ahead

Tommy Wood is at the cusp of major accomplishment. With an eye on Elite qualification, he’ll continue using tournament experiences to refine techniques and deepen understanding of American bass fisheries. Success in the Bass Open Qualifiers could propel him into season ending top tier. Off the water, Tommy’s charisma and story—Australia’s first Bassmaster Open Co‑Angler champion, aiming for Elite—make him a compelling ambassador for the sport.

Tommy’s journey illustrates hard work, cross-continental adaptation and the drive of a mentor-backed, tech-forward angler breaking through international barriers. Whether you’re an Aussie angler following homegrown talent or an American bass fan tracking rising newcomers, Tommy Wood is one to watch in 2025 and beyond.

Keep up with Tommy’s progress on the website.