Levi Kitchen Eyes Future in Professional Bass Fishing

Levi Kitchen recently clinched the 2026 Monster Energy SMX 250 Class World Championship, but at just 25 years old, he’s already considering what comes next. Spoiler: it’s professional bass fishing.

The Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider has a strong passion for fishing, often spending his free time on the water. While he aims to achieve more in motocross, Kitchen expressed to OutKick OutDoors that he hopes to compete in fishing tournaments once he steps away from riding.

Earlier this year, he got a glimpse into that world by participating in the Bassmaster Classic Celebrity Pro-Am. Partnering with pro angler Tristan McCormick, he didn’t exactly lead the competition but did manage to catch some fish and, perhaps more importantly, to forge a new friendship.

“It was amazing. Me and Tristan, we had a great time,” Kitchen recalled. “I didn’t know Tristan going into it. I’d just heard his name, but he’s a great dude.”

Interestingly, McCormick had a background in motocross, thanks to his upbringing near Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Tennessee. Kitchen felt pretty capable alongside him on the fishing front.

“He actually said I wasn’t like, you know, sometimes he gets people that say they can fish, but they really don’t know what’s going on,” Kitchen said. “But I was proud to at least catch a few fish. We didn’t do great, but it was a blast.”

The experience gave Kitchen a newfound respect for the effort that goes into professional bass fishing.

“It was an eye-opener,” he admitted. “I’ve always said that when I’m done racing, I want to give that a shot. I really do. But I have so much more respect for those guys. If I ever wanted to do that, I’d have to really buckle down. You have to put so much time into it.”

Kitchen isn’t a stranger to fishing. Growing up in Washington state, he developed a love for the outdoors, largely influenced by his father. Around 14, he stumbled upon an old fly rod in his dad’s shop, and after practicing casts in the yard, he quickly fell in love with fly fishing.

Now residing in Florida, bass fishing has become a major part of his life, yet he still makes time to head back to Washington each year for an annual steelhead fishing trip with his father and friends—a cherished tradition lasting about a decade.

“I still love it,” Kitchen said. “When racing is done down the road, you’ll probably find me on a river fly fishing a lot or on a bass boat. Just maybe not in Florida during the summer.”

Fishing offers a nice counterbalance to the high-pressure environment of motocross. Kitchen often chats about fishing with his fellow competitor Malcolm Stewart, noting that the sport seems to resonate with motocross athletes, likely due to its slower pace.

“We get to kind of calm down and be a little more present than when you’re just wide open on a dirt bike,” he explained.

That said, there’s still a competitive spirit involved, even outside of championship points.

“It’s another way to be competitive with yourself,” Kitchen noted. “You obviously don’t want to go out there and not catch a fish, but sometimes that happens.”

Kitchen also enjoys the unique atmosphere of competitive bass fishing. At the Bassmaster Classic Pro-Am, he mingled with athletes and celebrities, including NFL legend Randy Moss. He chuckled at Moss’ collection of fishing boats, remarking, “First, Randy Moss, I’m like, who’s this guy with two of the same specced-out, crazy sweet boats? And they’re like, ‘Oh, that’s Randy.'”

He also noticed a stark difference between the fishing environment and motocross. He appreciated how competitors relaxed together at the hotel bar before the big event.

“You do not see that in dirt bike racing,” he laughed. “They put their game face on when it’s time to fish, but the whole event and weekend is pretty laid-back, which is kind of my style.”

Looking Ahead to the 2027 Season

Despite these musings, Kitchen isn’t preparing to trade his Kawasaki for a bass boat just yet. The newly crowned 250 SMX World Champion, who put an end to a seven-year championship drought for Pro Circuit Kawasaki, is clear about wanting a lengthy career in motocross.

After recovering from a serious crash at Daytona in 2025, he has learned to race smarter and prioritize his long-term health in the sport.

“I want to race for many more years,” he said, looking ahead. And he’s not content with resting on his laurels. Kitchen aims to win both a Supercross and a Pro Motocross title in 2027 before eventually moving up from the 250 class.

So, no, Levi Kitchen isn’t leaving motocross anytime soon. But when the time does come to hang up his helmet, don’t be surprised if he swaps his dirt bike for a bass boat. It probably makes sense, especially since it aligns with something he’s truly passionate about.