Pat Schlapper proved once again that confidence and the right gear make all the difference on the water. His impressive performance at the Bassmaster Elite Series on the Mississippi River earned him his second Elite Series win of the 2025 season. With a four-day total of 66 pounds, 5 ounces, Schlapper showed how adapting to conditions and leaning on dependable equipment like Sunline braid can lead to championship moments.

From frogging through thick vegetation to making precise long casts to schooling bass, Schlapper trusted Sunline on every cast. His win was not just a display of raw talent, it was a case study in using the right line for the right situation.

Dialing In a Championship Game Plan on the Mississippi River

The Upper Mississippi is no joke when it comes to diverse conditions. Backwaters, current seams, and vegetation-choked slop test every angler’s ability to adapt. That’s exactly what Schlapper did. He didn’t lock into one pattern. Instead, he switched between power and finesse tactics depending on the moment. And with every adjustment, Sunline braid played a crucial role in how he presented each bait and landed fish from the thickest cover.

“Every cast, every hookset, I had total confidence in my line,” Schlapper said. “Whether I was throwing a frog, working a Jerk Minnow, or punching mats, Sunline gave me the strength and precision I needed to win.”

Throwing Frogs Where Others Won’t: Xplasma Asegai Braid Delivers

When the tournament called for covering water and triggering big bites from heavy vegetation, Schlapper picked up a SPRO Bronzeye Frog and tied on 60lb Sunline Xplasma Asegai Braid. Frogging is one of the most demanding techniques in bass fishing. Thick mats, explosive strikes, and buried hooksets can turn into heartbreak fast without the right setup.

With Xplasma Asegai, Schlapper didn’t have to worry. The braid’s superior abrasion resistance, combined with its ultra-slick surface, let him cast deep into cover and pull fish out cleanly, even when they buried themselves in the thick stuff.

Built with patented Xplasma technology, this braid is engineered for peak performance in brutal conditions. It's slick, strong, and resistant to the kind of wear that would shred most lines.

Schooling Bass and Long Casts: SX1 Braid in Finesse Situations

When bass started schooling and feeding aggressively in the current, Schlapper shifted gears. He reached for a Big Bite Baits Jerk Minnow, rigged on a 5/0 round bend hook, and spooled with 50lb Sunline SX1 Braid. In open water scenarios, casting distance and precise lure control are everything, and SX1 delivered.

Developed with direct input from Sunline pros Aaron Martens and Brent Ehrler, SX1 Braid was designed to be ultra-sensitive, ultra-durable, and extremely manageable on both spinning and baitcasting setups. Unlike coated braids that lose performance over time, SX1 is constructed using ULT-PE fibers that are naturally abrasion-resistant and slick, with no coatings to wear off.

This allowed Schlapper to launch long casts into current seams and confidently work the Jerk Minnow at just the right speed to trigger reaction bites.

Punching Through Goose Pond’s Thickest Mats

When the bass buried themselves in the heaviest mats Goose Pond had to offer, Schlapper brought out the punching gear; a creature bait, a 1.5-ounce tungsten weight, a 4/0 heavy-duty hook, and once again, 60lb Xplasma Asegai Braid.

Punching is high-risk, high-reward. You need a braid that slices through hydrilla and duckweed like a knife, holds up against repeated abuse, and gives you the power to turn a fish the second it bites. With Asegai, Schlapper had all that and more.

Thanks to its tight eight-strand PE weave and proprietary coating process, Asegai isn’t just strong, it’s also hydrophobic, which means it repels water and stays light and responsive, even in wet or cold conditions. That means longer life, longer casts, and more control. Everything you want when you're pitching a 1.5-ounce weight into a jungle.

Under the Hood: Why SX1 Braid Stands Out

Sunline SX1 is a braid that punches above its weight in versatility. It’s perfect for anglers who need sensitivity and strength across a wide range of techniques, from topwater to finesse to power fishing.

Rather than relying on a thick external coating like many other braids, SX1’s strength and durability come from its raw ULT-PE construction. That means no flaking, no gunk buildup in guides, and no loss of performance over time.

It also features:

• Ultra-low stretch for better sensitivity

• Minimal surface fuzzing, even after repeated use

• Slick, tightly woven finish that maximizes casting distance

• Reliable knot strength, even in lighter pound-tests

If you’re looking for a line that performs in high-pressure scenarios, from tournament trails to weekend missions, SX1 is the kind of braid that doesn’t cut corners.

Xplasma Asegai: The Flagship Braid Trusted by Pros

Sunline poured four years into developing Xplasma Asegai, and it shows. The result is a braid that’s not only durable and smooth but also designed with input from some of the top anglers in the world: Aaron Martens, Brent Ehrler, Brett Hite, Jason Christie, Todd Faircloth, and Dean Rojas.

What sets Asegai apart?

• 370% slicker than traditional braid

• 260% smoother, reducing guide wear and increasing casting performance

• 240% more hydrophobic, making it ideal for all-weather fishing

• Tight, eight-strand weave for better abrasion resistance and strength

Available in Light Green and Dark Green, and in sizes ranging from 6lb to 100lb, Asegai gives anglers the versatility to tackle everything from finesse fishing in clear water to pulling lunkers out of timber and pads.

Why Pros Like Schlapper Choose Sunline

Pat Schlapper’s second Elite Series win of the season is more than just a trophy, it’s a testament to the kind of gear that gives pros an edge. In a sport where one lost fish can cost thousands, there’s no room for second-guessing your line.

Whether it’s the ultra-sensitive SX1 or the ultra-tough Xplasma Asegai, Sunline braid continues to set the bar for performance and reliability. From finesse to frogging, light cover to thick mats, Sunline is built for those who demand the best on every cast.