Dunn and Swinford Win On Kentucky Lake
Murray, KY - On June 3, 2023, the ABA Couples Series witnessed intense competition on a warm day at Kentucky Lake. In a remarkable debut, Wes Dunn and Sydnie Swinford emerged as the leading contenders, showcasing their abilities by landing a five-fish limit weighing 18.48 pounds.The couple earned $500 for their outstanding performance, and Sydnie further distinguished herself by winning the Ladies' Big Bass category with a 4.32-pound fish, earning an additional $65.
Dunn and Swinford reported an impressive tally of over 20 keepers throughout the day. They initially caught their fish using a frog bait, while the majority of their successful catches came later using jigs, Texas rigs, and crankbaits on deeper ledges.
Mark and Allison O'Brien secured second place in the tournament. Their five-fish limit weighed 12.44 pounds, with Allison's bass weighing 3.17 pounds acting as the anchor. The O'Briens spent their day strategically targeting main lake ledges in 10 to 15 feet of water, employing jigs, Texas rigs, and crankbaits. Their notable achievement earned them $325. Remarkably, this marked the O'Briens' return to the tournament after a couple of years' absence, making their performance even more commendable.
Robert and Cindy Linton claimed the third position with a five-fish limit weighing 10.55 pounds. The Lintons successfully caught their fish using jigs and crankbaits, focusing on ledges and points. Cindy's catch, weighing 2.74 pounds, played a pivotal role in anchoring their overall limit. The Lintons were awarded $150 for their commendable performance.
Mike and Donna Roe secured fourth place with a catch of three fish weighing 9.99 pounds after losing a pound due to two fish not being present for the weigh-in. Their catch was anchored by a notable 4.4-pound largemouth bass. These fish were caught in water less than four feet deep in the back of a bay, utilizing a Jenko white Offspring Buzzbait and a Carolina rigged green pumpkin craw by Bizzbait on a Jenko Gambler Rod.
Jerrod and Tammy Easley claimed fifth place with a catch of four fish weighing 9.76 pounds, while Danny and Dee Baggett secured the sixth position with a catch of three fish weighing 9.60 pounds. Danny Baggett's impressive 4.82-pound largemouth bass earned him the Men's Big Bass title, adding $65 to his winnings.
Top 10 Teams PL Angler Fish Penalty Big Bass Total Points Payout 1 Wes Dunn-Sydnie Swinford 5 4.68 18.48 193 500 2 Mark OBrien-Allison OBrien 5 12.44 192 163 3 Robert Linton-Cindy Linton 5 10.55 191 150 4 Michael Roe-Donna Roe 3 1.00 4.40 9.99 190 5 Jerrod Easley-Tammy Easley 4 9.76 189 6 Danny Baggett-Debbie Baggett 3 4.82 9.60 188 7 David Bowman-Paula Keller 4 7.67 187 8 Larry Bailey-Tammy Hoffner 3 3.76 7.45 186 9 Scott Vanover-Brandi Vanover 3 6.18 185 The organizers would like to express their gratitude to sponsors Jenko Fishing and Duckett Fishing for their generous support. These companies have consistently provided excellent fishing products and have contributed prizes for various events throughout the year, including the highly anticipated year-end banquet.
The organizers extend their thanks to all the participants who attended the tournament. The next event is scheduled to take place on June 25th at Lake Barkley, specifically at the State Park Ramp. Participants are required to launch their boats at 6:00 AM, and the official weigh-in will commence at 2:00 PM. Boat check and late registrations will be conducted at the ramp starting from 5:00 AM.
For more information on this event or division please get in touch with your local directors Mike Roe (859)552-4047 or Donna Roe (859)684-4322 or visit www.americanbassanglers.com
In the American Couples Series, anglers pair up for a team effort. Most teams consist of a husband and a wife, but that’s not a rule. Teams can consist of a boyfriend and girlfriend combination, a father and daughter duo, or any combination of one male and one female.
The teams compete in several regional or state divisions throughout the year. Once a pair forms a team, however, the two must fish together as a team throughout the season to be eligible to accumulate points and qualify for the annual national championship.
The entry fee for the American Couples Series one-day events is $100, and the top teams are invited to compete in the championship each fall.
American Bass Anglers is sponsored by Caymas Boats, Mercury Marine, T-H Marine, RT Outdoors, Atlas Hydraulic Jackplate, Power Pole, Optima Batteries, HotelPlanner.com, and LurePartsOnline.com.
About American Bass Anglers: American Bass Anglers is committed to providing low-cost, close-to-home tournaments for the weekend angler and, at the same time, offering each competitor an upward path for individual angler progression.
For more information about American Bass Anglers, the Open Series, the American Fishing Tour, the American Couples Series, the annual Military Team Bass Tournament, and the Top 150 Solo Tour, all presented by Caymas Boats, visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256) 232-0406
