February 21, 2026, Greenwood, South Carolina – Cole Taylor and Addyson Hale emerged as the winning team at the fifth tournament of the American Bass Anglers Couples Series, South Carolina Division 11, held on beautiful Lake Greenwood. With a strong field of returning couples and new faces alike, the event was filled with high energy as anglers aimed to secure top catches and claim the day’s bragging rights.
Cole Taylor and Addyson Hale, of Spartanburg, SC, delivered an impressive performance, securing first place with a total weight of 23.28 pounds. Earning them the coveted 200 points and $788 in prize money. The team credited their success to a jig head minnow, drop shot and Neko rig in 12-20 ft of water on stumps and brush piles. Their standout catch included Men’s Big Bass of 6.74 pounds and Ladies Big Bass weighing in at 4.86 pounds, earning them each $105 for Big Bass payouts. Their winning bag came in 9.51 pounds ahead of the second-place team.
In second place, Trad and Daelyn Whaley, our father / daughter team, brought in a total of 13.77 pounds, anchored by Trad’s 3.80-pound bass. Their efforts earned them 199 points and $394.
Trad loves that Daelyn still enjoys fishing with the “old man”. He considers the tournaments they fish together to be the best tournaments of the year. Most of their catch came from one stretch of docks, fished with shakey heads and blades. Brush produced smaller spots and boat traffic didn’t help, but that’s fishing.
Tom and Missy Bancroft secured third place with 12.64 pounds, featuring Tom’s Big Bass weighing in at 4.15 pounds. Earning 198 points and $235. During practice they located 67-degree water up the Reedy River producing nice fish on spinner baits and traps in the flat. With the drop in temperature due to overnight rain, the bite slowed down. They changed to shakey heads rigged with scuppernong green worms and caught all of their fish off dock posts in less than 2-foot depth.
The returning team of Hunter & Katie Eubanks made a strong impression with their fourth-place finish, weighing in a 12.19-pound sack. Katie’s solid 3.55-pound catch added to their success and created an unforgettable moment for the team. Earning 197 points and $158.
Top 10 Results
Division Point Standings
Ladies Big Bass was awarded to Addyson Hale for her 4.86-pound catch earning $105. Men’s Big Bass was awarded to Cole Taylor for his 6.74-pound catch earning $105.
Everyone has those days on the water when you catch fish but they all seem to be fanners or you just never get that kicker you’ve been looking for. Well, thanks to Berkeley Outdoors, one of our generous sponsors, our couples can still get a payday if they weigh in the smallest 5-fish limit. Ben and Ashley Sutton were the recipients of the Berkeley Outdoors $50 Smallest Limit Award with 5 bass weighing 8.17-pounds.
Thanks to our local sponsors, we can provide drawings for those teams that do not earn a paycheck.
The South Carolina ABA Couples Serie is honored to be sponsored by ALX Rods, Berkeley Outdoors, Berkley Baits, Choo Choo Custom Lures, Five Bass Tackle, JC’s Outdoors, Kissel Krafts Custom Rods, Lew’s, McElveen, Mule Skinner Baits, Phantom Outdoors, StrikeKing, and Yo-zuri.
Looking Ahead
The next event for the South Carolina Division 11 trail will take place March 7th out of Black’s Camp on Santee. Stay tuned for more exciting action and updates. For more information about the South Carolina American Bass Anglers Couples Series and upcoming events, visit the Facebook page: South Carolina ABA Couples Trail.
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, committed to providing low-cost, close-to-home tournaments, offers an exciting platform for individual angler progression. With the support of industry-leading companies, ABA continues to advance the sport of bass fishing.
For more information about the American Fishing Tour and other series, visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256) 232-0406.
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, please visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256) 232-0406.
