David Lowery Wins Central Georgia Division 72 Championship

May 17, 2026, Milledgeville, Georgia. The AFT Division 72 Two-Day Championship delivered an exciting weekend of Georgia bass fishing competition as anglers battled across two of the state’s premier fisheries, with David Lowery of Milledgeville, Georgia, taking the divisional championship after two consistent days on Lakes Sinclair and Oconee.

The championship, held May 16–17, 2026, tested anglers on two very different but highly respected reservoirs in central Georgia. Day One competition took place on Lake Sinclair, a lake known for its healthy largemouth population, abundant docks, grass lines, and consistent spring fishing opportunities. Anglers then transitioned to Lake Oconee on Day Two, a larger and more diverse fishery famous for its offshore structure, creek channels, and reputation for producing quality largemouth bass.

Lowery put together one of the most solid two-day performances of the event. He opened the tournament with a five-bass limit weighing 13.50 pounds on Lake Sinclair before following it up with an impressive 17.88-pound limit on Lake Oconee. His two-day total of 31.38 pounds secured the championship title, the first-place trophy, and $1,280 in winnings.

Carl Hayes of Eatonton, Georgia finished a close second with an outstanding two-day total of 30.57 pounds, earning the runner-up trophy and $778 cash. Hayes also landed a strong 5.64-pound bass on Lake Oconee during the final day of competition.

Big Bass honors were split between the two fisheries. On Day One at Lake Sinclair, Niles Murray of Griffin, Georgia brought in a massive 6.02-pound largemouth to win the Big Bass award along with $260 cash and the Day One Big Bass trophy. On Day Two at Lake Oconee, Les Charles of Milledgeville, Georgia answered with an even larger 6.34-pound largemouth bass, earning the second Big Bass trophy and another $260 payday.

A total of 26 anglers competed in the championship event, battling for four paid positions and a total payout of $2,548.

The championship atmosphere continued during the final weigh-in at Lake Oconee, where anglers and families enjoyed pizza provided by Mellow Mushroom. In a special presentation, a custom wooden flag crafted by Captain Kidd’s Designs was presented to William, owner of Sugar Creek Marina, recognizing the marina’s support of local tournament fishing.

Several season-ending awards were also handed out during the event. Niles Murray received a $100 award for fishing the most tournaments during the season, while Matthew Blackwell earned a $100 award for recording the Big Bass of the season.

Additional draw prizes donated by Sugar Creek Marina were awarded to anglers in attendance, including gift cards won by Travis Clay, Carl Hayes, and Larry Cason.

A tremendous amount of credit also goes to Division 72 Directors Benny Howell and Joyce Howell, who continue to do an outstanding job organizing and operating one of the most respected divisions in the trail. From tournament organization and angler communication to weigh-ins and overall event management, the Howells have built a division known for its welcoming atmosphere and professionalism. Their dedication, along with the many volunteers and helpers who assist throughout the season, has played a major role in the continued success and growth of Division 72.

Special thanks were also extended to Les Charles and David Mitchell for assisting with morning registration duties and helping manage the weigh-in scales throughout the championship weekend.

For additional information about AFT Division 72 events, anglers may contact Director Benny Howell at 770-365-4795.

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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.