PHOTO BY SEIGO SAITO / B.A.S.S.

“I don’t think it has really set in yet,” Welcher told Bassmaster. “I can’t believe it is true yet. It is my biggest accomplishment so far. I’m super proud of it and I feel like it will be a good kickstarter.”
Welcher outlasted South Carolina pros Brandon Cobb and Patrick Walters to win the AOY title and the $100,000 prize that comes with it.