Jones Wins on Weiss Lake
Leesburg, AL – On June 10, 2023, Michael Jones from Rome, GA, emerged as the winner in the Boater Division of the American Bass Anglers Open Series, Presented by Caymas Boats, held at Weiss Lake. The tournament, which marked the fourth event of the season for North Alabama Division 1, saw Jones launch from Leesburg Landing in Leesburg, AL. Jones showcased his angling prowess by presenting a five-bass limit weighing 18.72 pounds, ultimately securing first place. Additionally, his catch included a remarkable 5.74-pound largemouth bass, earning him the big fish honors.
Reflecting on his strategy, Jones shared, "I encountered some difficulties until around lunchtime when I stumbled upon brush piles that held fish. Subsequently, I targeted brush piles in 10 to 15 feet of water, alternating between crankbaits, shaky heads, and drop shots to secure my limit."
Tracy Robinson from Gadsden, AL, secured the second position among the boaters, presenting a five-bass limit weighing 17.49 pounds. His catch included a 4.93-pound kicker, contributing to his success.
Robinson stated, "My co-angler and I spent the day dragging a jig. We had about five locations that held fish, and we rotated between them to secure our limits. Congratulations to my co-angler on his victory."
Rick Peek from Galesville, AL, claimed the third-place spot with his five-fish haul weighing 13.25 pounds. His catch included a notable 4.43-pound lunker.
Peek described his experience, saying, "I struggled to get a bite until around 10 o'clock when the sun came out and warmed things up. From then on, I stuck with a jig and focused on docks and grass beds."
Completing the top five among boaters was Bailey Dukes from Rainsville, AL, who secured fourth place with a five-fish total of 12.82 pounds, earning a prize of $400.00. Doug Orazine from Gadsden, AL, followed closely in fifth place with five fish weighing 12.67 pounds.
In the Co-Angler Division, Danny Moss from Glencoe, AL, fishing with Tracy Robinson, claimed victory by landing a three-bass division limit totaling 10.85 pounds. Moss also caught a notable 4.36-pound fish, securing the big fish honors.
Moss explained his approach, stating, "I fished behind Tracy, my boater, and managed to catch the remaining fish. I used a horny toad on topwater throughout the day."
Josh Green from Cartersville, GA, took second place among the co-anglers, presenting three good keepers weighing 10.10 pounds.
Green shared his technique, saying, "I focused on flipping shallow grass all day, using a Texas rig worm and creature bait. By noon, I only had one fish in the boat, but then I caught four more. I'm satisfied with my catch."
Wallace "LJ" Brown secured third place with a limit of three fish weighing 6 pounds, followed by Cody Dean from Rome, GA, in fourth place with a three-bass limit totaling 4.68 pounds. Kevin Schrader from Valley Head, AL, rounded out the top five co-anglers with a three-bass limit weighing 4.35 pounds.
Looking ahead, the division will conclude the season with the 2-day divisional championship at Weiss Lake on September 9-10, 2023. This highly anticipated event will feature doubled points. Anglers will launch their boats from Leesburg Landing, located on Riverside Street in Leesburg, AL. The public is cordially invited to attend the free weigh-in and witness the excitement firsthand.
American Bass Anglers is sponsored by Caymas Boats, Mercury Marine, MotorGuide, T-H Marine, Power Pole, RT Outdoors, Optima Batteries, Hotel Planner.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.
