Bowman Takes Win on Kentucky Lake
Kuttawa, KY - July 23, 2023
The American Couples Series held another exciting fishing tournament on Kentucky and Barkley Lakes, where anglers faced challenging conditions on a hot midsummer day. As part of their conservation efforts, the tournament continued with a three-fish limit for all participants. This not only ensured the safe release of live fish but also kept the competition intense. Twelve teams took part in the event, collectively catching 19 fish with a total weight of 45.12 pounds. The total prize purse for the tournament amounted to $900, with an additional $60 each awarded for Men's and Ladies' Big Bass. All caught fish were successfully released back into the lakes.
David Bowman secured victory in the tournament despite having to fish alone due to Paula's absence, who was away for work-related training. Remarkably, David managed to triumph with a three-fish limit, weighing 8.55 pounds. Additionally, he claimed the Men's Big Bass prize with a 3.23-pound largemouth catch. David employed soft plastics and targeted main lake points and ledges for his successful haul, earning him $475 for his first-place finish and an additional $60 for the Men's Big Bass award.
Finishing in second place for the second consecutive tournament were Larry Bailey and Tammy Hoffner, who recorded a three-fish limit weighing 8.04 pounds. They utilized crankbaits and jigs to fish shallow points and docks, earning a total of $300 for their efforts.
The third position went to Jay and Shari Holsapple, whose three-fish limit weighed 7.11 pounds. They focused on shallow riprap in north Barkley, using crankbaits and soft plastics for their catch. Shari also claimed the Ladies' Big Bass title with a 2.81-pound largemouth, adding $125 for the third-place finish and an extra $50 for the Ladies' Big Bass award.
Coleton and Taylor Jennings secured the fourth position with a three-fish limit weighing 6.48 pounds, while Joey and Marcella McCuiston grabbed fifth place with 2 fish at 4.53 pounds.
In other news, Scott and Brandi Vanover emerged as the big winners of the month, welcoming a healthy baby girl weighing 7 pounds and 0 ounces. Congratulations poured in for the couple on their first child.
Top Teams PL Angler Fish Penalty Big Bass Total Points Payout 1 David Bowman-Paula Keller 3 3.23 8.55 192 475 2 Larry Bailey-Tammy Hoffner 3 3.02 8.04 191 300 3 Jay Holsapple-Shari Holsapple 3 7.11 190 125 4 Coleton Jennings-Taylor Jennings 3 6.48 189 6 Joey McCuiston-Marcella McCuiston 2 2.64 4.53 187 5 Troy Courtney-Tammy Courtney 2 3.81 188 7 Scott Vanover-Brandi Vanover 1 2.50 2.50 186 8 Wes Dunn-Sydnie Swinford 1 2.46 2.46 185 9 Jerrod Easley-Tammy Easley 1 1.64 184 The tournament organizers expressed their gratitude to the division sponsors—Jenko Fishing, Duckett Fishing, and FISH:30 Apparel—for their generous support and donation of fishing products for prizes throughout the year and at the year-end banquet.
Participants and enthusiasts alike are looking forward to the next and final event, scheduled for August 6th at the Paris Landing Ramp. The tournament will kick off at 6:00 AM, with the weigh-in set for 2:00 PM. Boat check and late registrations will begin at 5:00 AM at the ramp. Following the weigh-in, all attendees will gather for a BBQ and Awards Ceremony at the picnic/shelter area of Paris Landing State Park.
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
