Family members at Bassmaster Classic weigh-ins — that’s nothing new, But for Cody Stahl, it’s not only about the moment; it’s about the journey, the sacrifice, and the day that changed his trajectory.
A little over a year ago, Stahl made a deal with his father, Opens co-angler Chad Stahl: “If you want us to travel together, you have to pay for lodging, because I can’t afford it.”
The 26-year-old from Barnsville, Ga. had previously enjoyed traveling and fishing the Opens with his father, but fledgling careers often face economic challenge and the younger Stahl knew 2024 would present a financial burden.
He was mentally prepared to sleep in his truck and continue the familiar routine of peanut butter sandwiches for breakfast, lunch, and dinner until his dad stepped up and made the season a little more comfortable.
“Dad was really adamant about traveling with me and he was like, ‘I’ll cover lodging so we’ll have a bed to sleep in.’ That was a huge blessing, because a lot of the tournaments we’ve fished had really nasty weather.”
The Change
Even with air conditioning, hot showers and soft beds, the tournament road remained lean and mean, until September 14. That’s the day Stahl won the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Mississippi River presented by SEVIIN
And not a moment too soon.
“I had just quit a job at TDS Molds in Eufaula, Ala., and I was about to start my current job as a design engineer with Pure Fishing,” Stahl said. “Financially, I was really tight.
“I was super stressed all the time about working really hard to make sure I was making enough money to pay my bills and making sure I had enough money for entry fees.”
A $40,000 payday dramatically altered Stahl’s outlook.
The Impact
Notching his first major win propelled his career forward with funding for the 2025 Opens season, boosted his confidence and gave him a berth in the sport’s biggest event.
“That win was really huge because it not only got my name out there, it allowed me to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic — something I’ve wanted to do since I was 7,” Stahl said. “All my life, I’ve had to work really, really hard every step of the way to get to where I was at.
“Winning an Open and qualifying for the Classic was a dream come true and it assured me that I was on the right track.”
Moreover, with a significant chunk of his 2025 tournament expenses covered by that Opens prize, Stahl enters his career’s biggest event relatively relaxed and ready for the week’s business.
“Before I won at La Crosse, financial (challenges) took up 50% of my thoughts in the Opens,” he said. “Being able put all those worries behind keeps me 100% focused on what I’m doing.
“This is the one tournament where second place doesn’t matter. You get to go do what you want to do and you’re guaranteed a paycheck.”
Proud to Represent
Stahl’s ready to give Lake Ray Roberts his all, confront the week’s windy weather and lock horns with big Texas bass. He’ll be the only angler in his boat, but that doesn’t mean he’ll feel alone.
“My dad’s been a huge help with the Opens and this week with the Classic,” Stahl said. “Especially on a long drive, it’s so nice to have someone with you when you’re traveling, working on the boat, working on the truck. Having another set of hands to do everything — he’s truly been a huge blessing.”
Toeing the precipice of top-shelf competition, with a guaranteed last-place paycheck bigger than most prize purses offered in the countless local events through which he cut his teeth, Stahl’s hoping his performance pays homage to his dad’s influence.
At this point, tears streamed past his sunglasses.
“He is what started it all with me, so it means a lot to know that he’s living his dreams through me,” Stahl said. “When I was 7 years old, we’d wake up super early to watch all the Bassmaster tournaments on his bed.
“To now be here and knowing that he’ll be in the stands when I’m on stage; it’s incredible.”
