January 16, 2025
BENTON, Ky. – Fishing has been a way of life for MLF Toyota Series Tournament Director Mark McWha since he was a teenager. Growing up in Hot Springs, Ark., McWha spent countless hours casting lines into local waters like Lake Hamilton and Lake Ouachita. Back then, it wasn’t about big wins or national acclaim. It was about night tournaments, friendly rivalries and being on the water as much as possible.
“I’d fish two or three night tournaments a week, then maybe hit one over the weekend,” McWha recalled with a laugh. “It was a grind, but I loved every second of it.”
That passion ultimately led McWha to MLF in 2004, starting as a part-time field staff member for the BFL circuit. His enthusiasm and work ethic quickly earned him a full-time role as a BFL tournament director in 2006. Over the next decade, McWha became a cornerstone of MLF’s tournament operations, overseeing countless events and building relationships with anglers and colleagues alike. In 2019, he took the reins of the Toyota Series.
Under McWha’s leadership, the Toyota Series has flourished, attracting anglers from all backgrounds. From seasoned touring pros to local fishing legends, the Toyota Series offers a competitive environment where the best of the best test their skills.
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“What makes the Toyota Series so special is its hybrid nature,” McWha said. “You get the best local hammers and a mix of the Invitational and Bass Pro Tour professionals, creating a level of competition that is unmatched by any other circuit. If you earn a victory in a Toyota Series event, you’ve really accomplished something.”
McWha knows a thing or two about memorable moments. One of the highlights of his career was overseeing a Toyota Series Central Division tournament at Lake Guntersville in 2022 that drew a staggering 326 boats – one of the largest fields in MLF history. And while that tournament ran flawlessly and is certainly a moment to be proud of, McWha said his favorite memory is a more personal one – watching his longtime friend Hunter Baughman win a Toyota Series event at Truman Lake.
“I’ve known Hunter for years, and seeing him take home that trophy was incredible,” McWha said. “It’s those moments that stick with you.”
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When he’s not running fishing tournaments, McWha is just as active outdoors. He’s an avid deer hunter and a die-hard Razorbacks fan, whether it’s football in the fall or baseball in the spring. Most of his free time, though, is spent with his wife, Stephanie, and stepson, Fisher, who’s making waves of his own as a standout high school football player.
For McWha, the Toyota Series is more than just another fishing circuit – it’s an opportunity to bring people together, create unforgettable experiences, and inspire the next generation of anglers.
“If you’ve been thinking about getting into tournament fishing, now’s the time,” he said. “The Toyota Series is where local legends and touring pros come together. It’s an experience like no other.”
Registration is now open for the 2025 Toyota Series. To sign up, click here
– MLF Communications Staff
