Ben Milliken Fishing: When you talk about modern bass fishing influencers who successfully crossed into professional tournament circuits, one name stands out — Ben Milliken. Known for his high-energy YouTube videos, trophy largemouth bass hunts, and aggressive forward-facing sonar strategies, Milliken has become one of the most recognized faces in American bass fishing.
Ben Milliken Fishing: Born on June 28, 1989, in New Caney, Texas, Ben Milliken built his brand by blending professional angling, digital storytelling, and cutting-edge fishing technology. From massive 60-pound five-bass limits caught on film to competing in the Bassmaster Elite Series, Milliken’s journey represents the evolution of fishing in the social media era.
However, his career hasn’t been without controversy. In 2024, a fishing-related legal issue made headlines, sparking debate across the bass fishing community.
In this complete 2026 guide, we break down Ben Milliken’s background, professional achievements, techniques, YouTube empire, controversies, sponsorships, net worth, and future plans.
1. Who Is Ben Milliken? Early Life & Background
Ben Milliken Fishing: Ben Milliken grew up in Texas, a state famous for legendary bass fisheries like Lake Fork, Toledo Bend, Sam Rayburn, and Lake Naconiche. From a young age, he developed a passion for chasing big bass in public waters.
Unlike many traditional pros who climbed slowly through local circuits, Milliken’s rise was different. He built his reputation online first.
Early Passion for Bass Fishing
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Raised near Houston, Texas
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Influenced by public lake trophy bass culture
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Self-taught in many advanced techniques
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Developed a love for targeting giant largemouth bass
Milliken often describes himself as an “everyman angler,” relatable and direct. He references:
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His love for family
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Outdoor adventures
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Nebraska Huskers football
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Cold beer and real-life moments
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Representing the “402” (Omaha area code)
This blend of personality and authenticity helped him connect deeply with viewers.
2. Ben Milliken’s Professional Bass Fishing Career
Milliken transitioned from content creator to competitive angler in the 2010s, eventually qualifying for one of the sport’s most elite platforms.
Bassmaster Elite Series Journey
In 2023, Milliken qualified through the Bassmaster Opens Elite Qualifiers (EQs) and joined the Bassmaster Elite Series in 2024.
As of early 2026:
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30 total tournaments
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2 Bassmaster Classic appearances
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15 in-the-money finishes
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1 first-place victory
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Top 25 finish at 2025 Bassmaster Classic
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6th place at Sabine River (2025)
He showed strong early momentum, particularly at Lake Fork in 2024, where he led the Rookie of the Year race after a standout Day 1.
Departure from Bassmaster (2025 Shift)
In 2025, Milliken announced he would not return to the Elite Series, citing:
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Personal reasons
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Desire to focus on content creation
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Building an independent tournament format
He revealed plans to create an online fishing tournament series open to boat, kayak, and bank anglers, aiming to democratize competitive fishing.
This marked a major shift from traditional professional tours toward community-based competition.
3. Ben Milliken’s Fishing Techniques & Style
Ben Milliken is known for aggressive, tech-heavy bass fishing strategies.
Forward-Facing Sonar (Livescope Expert)
Milliken heavily utilizes:
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Garmin Livescope
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Forward-facing sonar for deep-water targeting
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Bed fishing visualization
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Structure-focused precision fishing
He frequently teaches viewers how to interpret sonar for real-time fish positioning.
Signature Techniques
Milliken specializes in:
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Big swimbaits
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Glide baits
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Alabama rigs
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Speed glide presentations
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Heavy winter fishing tactics
One of his most talked-about videos features the “BIGGEST 5 Bass Limit EVER Caught on Film” — a 60-pound bag from a public lake.
He also caught his personal best smallmouth using the SHINDO lure in 2025.
Urban & Spillway Fishing
Milliken often fishes unconventional locations:
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Urban spillways during flash floods
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Small overlooked ponds
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Public pressured lakes
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Ice fishing trips
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Multi-species content (bass, bullfrogs, etc.)
His viral video “FLASH FLOOD Draws BIG Fish to Urban Spillway” remains one of his most iconic uploads.
4. Milliken Fishing YouTube Channel & Online Empire
Milliken’s YouTube channel, “Milliken Fishing,” has:
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599K+ subscribers
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1.6K+ videos
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Millions of cumulative views
His content style focuses on immersion — making viewers feel like they’re on the boat.
Popular YouTube Videos
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BIGGEST 5 Bass Limit EVER Caught on Film (60 Pounds)
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GIANT Fish in a Tiny Pond
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Desert Fishing for $170,000 Tournament
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I Got ARRESTED After Filming This Fishing Video
His shorts include:
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Bed fishing Livescope tips
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Tackle modifications
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Bait keeper hacks
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Hard bait tweaks
Sponsorships & Brand Collaborations
Milliken works closely with:
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6th Sense Fishing
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Milliken Pro Series Rods
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Masterclass Series Rods
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Apparel collaborations (“Been Gettin’ Any” tees)
He also partners with gear and apparel brands aligned with bass fishing innovation.
5. 2024 Arrest & Tournament Fraud Controversy
In December 2024, Milliken was arrested in Nacogdoches County, Texas, on a misdemeanor charge related to freshwater fishing tournament fraud.
What Happened?
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February 2024 catch at Lake Naconiche
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Submitted a 13+ lb bass to Texas Parks & Wildlife ShareLunker Program
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Allegedly lacked a valid fishing license
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Accused of falsifying entry documentation
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Arrested and released within 29 minutes
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Disqualified from the program
Milliken’s Response
In his YouTube video titled:
“I got ARRESTED after Filming this Fishing Video…”
He explained:
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The arrest was tied to a misunderstanding
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It was unrelated to the Toledo Bend footage in the video
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He intended to clarify once the investigation concluded
As of early 2026, no further major legal updates have been publicly detailed, though the event sparked significant debate in fishing forums and social media.
Despite the controversy, Milliken retained a large portion of his audience and continued producing content.
6. Net Worth, Influence & What’s Next in 2026
Ben Milliken’s estimated net worth is between $1–2 million, though exact figures are unconfirmed.
Income sources include:
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Tournament earnings
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YouTube ad revenue
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Brand sponsorships
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Affiliate partnerships
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Apparel sales
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Rod collaborations
Impact on Modern Bass Fishing
Milliken represents a new era:
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Blending content creation with professional competition
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Emphasizing forward-facing sonar innovation
His decision to leave traditional circuits may signal a broader shift in professional fishing — where independent creators build their own competitive ecosystems.
Conclusion
In 2026, Ben Milliken stands as one of the most influential figures in modern bass fishing. From dominating Texas waters to competing in the Bassmaster Elite Series and building a nearly 600K-subscriber YouTube channel, he has reshaped how fishing content connects with audiences.
While his 2024 legal controversy added complexity to his story, his innovation, authenticity, and dedication to trophy bass hunting continue to define his brand.
Whether you admire his tech-driven style or follow his journey for entertainment, one thing is clear:
Ben Milliken Fishing has changed the digital bass fishing landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How old is Ben Milliken in 2026?
He is 36 years old, born June 28, 1989.
2. Did Ben Milliken leave the Bassmaster Elite Series?
Yes, in 2025 he announced he would not return and shifted focus to independent ventures.
3. What fishing techniques is Milliken known for?
Forward-facing sonar (Livescope), swimbaits, glide baits, Alabama rigs, and trophy bass hunting.
4. What happened in the 2024 arrest?
He was charged with a misdemeanor related to tournament fraud involving a ShareLunker entry and license issue.
5. How many subscribers does Milliken Fishing have?
As of 2026, approximately 599,000+ subscribers.