Derreck Burnam of Albany, GA, Secures Victory in American Fishing Tour Division 74 Tournament
November 11, 2023 – Cordele, GA – Derreck Burnam emerged as the winner in the American Fishing Tour Division 74 tournament, sponsored by American Bass Anglers. The event, held on Lake Blackshear out of Veterans State Park in Cordele, GA, saw Burnam returning with a catch of five fish, weighing a total of 13.22 pounds. His accomplishment earned him a prize of $313.
Burnam attributed his success primarily to the use of spinnerbaits, noting that the windy conditions were favorable for this technique. He commended the weather conditions, which were ideal for the time of year.
Harry Cooper secured the second place with a catch of three fish, totaling 9.34 pounds. He also achieved the Big Fish honor with a catch weighing 4.60 pounds, earning $128 in prize money. Cooper remarked that his largest fish was caught on his first cast, but he only managed to catch two additional keepers throughout the day.
Dwayne Smith claimed the third position with a total catch weight of 7.16 pounds. Smith reported catching his fish using plastics around docks.
The top five finishers of the tournament were:
Derreck Burnam – 13.22 lbs.
Harry Cooper – 9.34 lbs., including the Big Fish at 4.60 lbs.
Dwayne Smith – 7.16 lbs.
Brett Mathis – 4.79 lbs.
Paul Anthony – 3.67 lbs.
The next event for this division is scheduled for December 9, 2023, at Lake Blackshear, launching from the Gum Creek Ramp.
For additional details about this event or the division, please contact the local director, Henry Starks, at 478-808-9701 or visit the American Bass Anglers website at www.americanbassanglers.com.
It is worth noting that these dedicated anglers earn valuable points toward the divisional Angler of the Year title. The points champion from each division will have the opportunity to compete in the annual American Bass Anglers AFT Angler of The Year Final Round at the AFT Championship. Furthermore, the top 500 anglers across various divisions will earn the privilege of competing in the prestigious three-day ABA 2024 AFT National Championship tournament.
About American Bass Anglers: American Bass Anglers is dedicated to providing affordable and locally accessible tournaments tailored for weekend anglers. These events also offer a progressive pathway for individual angler development.
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.
For more information about American Bass Anglers, including the American Fishing Tour, American Couples Series, annual Military Team Bass Tournament, Professional League, ABA Team Series, and Top 150 Solo Tour, all proudly presented by Caymas Boats, please visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256) 232-0406.
