March 8, 2025, Anderson, South Carolina – Lake Hartwell was the site of the 6th American Bass Anglers Couples Series, South Carolina Division #11 tournament. The fishing conditions were sunny with temperatures of 55 in the morning and 71 in the afternoon and high winds. Thirty-nine teams competed for top honors on beautiful Lake Hartwell.
Those honors went to our current points leaders, Ben and Ashley Sutton. They look well on their way to winning Anglers of the Year again for the South Carolina Couples and taking home the crystal.
The Suttons brought five bass to the scales for a total weight of 25.62 pounds, earning first place prize money of $1,112 and $185 for Ladies Big Bass weighing 6.17 pounds. While Ben and Ashley are no strangers to winning tournaments, this one was special. Ashley caught her personal best during this event, including a 6.17-, 5.50-, and 5.15-pound bass. Ben says he couldn’t be prouder, and we couldn’t agree more! Way to go, Ashley! The Suttons start out by fishing docks, moving on to big swim baits and crankbaits when the docks don’t produce. Ashley caught their first fish, a 5-pounder, followed up with a 6-pounder and another 5. Ben decided he didn’t have a problem being her net man just before he caught a 6-pounder. They caught their last fish at 3 o’clock to finish out a great day on the lake.
In second place were newcomers Blake and Laura Campbell, weighing 5 bass for a total of 25.32 pounds. Their sack was highlighted by the largest bass of the day, weighing 6.79 pounds and earning $190 for Men’s Big Bass. Blake shared that they had no idea they would catch what they did. It was one of the best days they’d had on Hartwell in many years, reminding him of the days before the spots took over the lake. He says it was a matter of being in the right place at the right time. They caught their limit by 10:30 on a shakey head or jig. Blake commented that the trail was well run, and everyone was very nice and made them feel welcome.
Brad and Ana Rutherford claimed third place with a total of 18.67 pounds. The Rutherfords caught their limit using Berkley’s Money Badger. While Brad and Ana don’t get to fish with the couples often, they said it’s always a blast to fish at the couples’ events.
Fourth place went to Cole Taylor and Addyson Hale, fishing their second event with the South Carolina Couples. Their five bass, weighing 17.31 pounds, earned $293 in prize money. Cole and Addyson caught their limit using a demi ki and drop shot in brush piles in 15 to 35 feet of water and roaming fish on isolated structures.
Fifth place went to Larry and Whitney Tankersley with 5 bass weighing 15.63-pounds, earning $232. Larry and Whitney fished main lake ditches early with jig-head minnows and secondary points later in the day with shakey heads and crankbaits.
Fun fact: This is Larry and Whitney’s second event with the SC Couples, and it is the second time they have taken home fifth-place money.
Sixth place went to the new team of Tucker and Bella Veronee, with five bass weighing 14.08 pounds earning $205 in prize money. When you stop by JC’s Outdoors in Gilbert, SC, you just might see Tucker or Bella working in the family sporting goods store. The Veronees targeted fish suspended out in front of spawning areas feeding on shad using a Crush City Mooch Minnow and Zoom 4” Winged Fluke on Treeshaker Tackle Dream Stroller jig heads. Tucker tells us it’s an awesome bait for targeting those suspended roaming fish.
The father and daughter team of Joey and Abbigale Outlaw finished up the teams that placed in the money on Lake Hartwell with 5 bass weighing 13.89 pounds, earning them $88 in prize money. Joey shared that any day he gets to spend running his Mercury outboard and fishing with Abbigale is truly a blessing. They caught fish from start to finish on Abby’s favorite Frittside crankbait, Alabama rig, spinnerbait, and jig head minnow. However, it became very apparent at weigh-in that they weren’t on the right end of the lake with the big weights that came to the scales.
Top 25
The South Carolina Couples is blessed to have many generous sponsors. Our sponsors make our trail weigh-ins more exciting by allowing most teams that are out of the money to go home with a drawing prize. Our members enjoy sponsor items from our Division sponsors: ALX Rods, Berkeley Outdoors, Berkley Baits, Choo Choo Custom Lures, Five Bass Tackle, GLine Batteries, JC’s Outdoors, Lew’s, Kissel Krafts Custom Rods, McElveen GMC Buick, Mule Skinner Baits, Phantom Outdoors, Strike King, TruCarts and Yo-zuri.
Ben & Ashley Sutton finished in 1st place, earning them the $100 GLine Bounty.
Chris & Genevra Fields finished in 25th place but still took home $50 thanks to Berkeley Outdoors’ Smallest Limit prize!
Looking Ahead
The next event for the South Carolina Division 11 will take place March 22nd at Mile Creek on Lake Keowee. Stay tuned for more exciting action and updates. For more information about the American Bass Anglers Couples Series and upcoming events, visit South Carolina Couples Bass Trail on Facebook or 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.
About American Bass Anglers
American Bass Anglers is dedicated to organizing affordable, local tournaments for weekend anglers while offering opportunities for individual angler advancement. To learn more about American Bass Anglers, including the Team Series, American Fishing Tour, American Couples Series, annual Military Team Bass Tournament, ABA Team Series, Top 150 Solo Tour, and Professional League, all presented by Caymas Boats, please visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256) 232-0406.
American Bass Anglers is proud to be sponsored by Caymas Boats, Mercury Marine, T-H Marine, Power Pole, WattCycle Batteries, Hotel Planner.com, and LurePartsOnline.com.
For more information, visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256) 232-0406
