On our 14hr drive back to Wisconsin my dad (who was the guy in the front row who won a SUF box for being the oldest guy there) commented the retreat felt more like a family reunion. I couldn’t agree more with that. We’re a community but we’re also a family.

My first retreat and what an awesome experience of fishing and fellowship it was. It was really great to meet all of you and put names to faces. I learned a lot from everyone and made some new friends along the way. With Hartwell being my home lake, some of the local guys think you have to lock certain baits in to effectively fish this lake but seeing you guys come down with specific skill sets and still executing really well made me realize just how versatile it is.

Thank you to everyone who helps put these together and BLat for being such a great coach and ambassador for this community. I’ll see yall at the next one!

I had an awesome week with you guys.. Got home last night, charged all my batteries, and hit the Oconee river for about 12 hours.tiday..lol. Caught a variety too... catfish, striper, bream, Spotted bass and largemouth...and all I wanted was a big ole largemouth so I could post it for yall..!! 🤣

Many years overdue, but I finally made it to my first retreat this past weekend. It was great catching up with BLat and finally putting faces to names I’ve been talking with for a while.

As good as the weekend was, there was still a piece missing without my little brother Tron there. Being able to bring home his “Most Inspiring” award meant more than I can really put into words—because that’s exactly who he was and always will be.

I’m grateful for every single person in this community who showed him love along the way. That doesn’t go unnoticed.

Already looking forward to next year—this is definitely something I’ll be making a yearly tradition.

Tight lines, SUF fam 🎣

Ok, so I attended the 2026 Spring Retreat and BLat said “ Don’t be fancy or cool out there fishing”. Well, those that know me know that I have plenty of fancy and cool lures. So I listened for once and committed to techniques that I don’t usually fish.

Barde is master at the jig so I fished it often the past few days and caught several fish. Learning along the way.

I then caught most of my fish Sunday on a Carolina Rig. While I have fished the rig before , I had zero confidence or real experience in the rig. Now, I have confidence in the rig, learned a lot in several hours, refined my skills in the presentation and actual caught numerous fish. Moving forward I now have a tool that will enable me to catch fish in a confident manner. This was definitely outside my comfort zone and I am thankful that BLat encourages us to try something.

SUF Family- It was such a great pleasure to meet everyone in person. This is truly a unique community and I am so thankful for being a member. We came together because of a bass fishing interest but we stay together because we truly care for one another. BLat shines as our ambassador to truly teach everyone to catch more bass. In these times, this community is bringing people together through conversations, experiences and in person retreats. Friendships are be developed, skills are being refined and smiles are upon community faces. All good things.

Blat- thank you for your time and energy for the community. Each of us have a purpose in life and it is evident this is your purpose. You are teacher in your heart, authentic, passionate, inspiring to the future of bass fishing and building a community to pay it forward. Blessed and grateful to be a part of it.

Thanks Brian and everyone that makes these events and meet ups possible, that includes all the attendees that are very inviting and willing to provide advice. Picked the hobby up 4 years ago and with 3 active kids, full time job and a few side jobs I only get about 2-3 hours a week to fish. This particular event on clear water and taking in all the info of what to look for and what fish reactions mean I was able to put a lot of mental puzzle pieces together. Definitely want to join as many events as possible. Thanks again to everyone!

This was my first time attending the retreat. I've had the SUF app for a while now but haven't been very active. My good fishing buddy and friend John Wilson is who inspired me to come join the app, fish the monthly tournaments and come to the retreat. I had a blast and will definitely be coming back. I love Brian's way of teaching. It's not overcomplicated. But yet it's super insightful and made me realize just how much I've been overlooking things on the water and with baits because of how much I tend to overthink things. I look forward to the next one.