June 6, 2026, Candlewood Lake — Keith Edwards claimed the win at the final American Fishing Tour Division 6 regular season event of the year, held Saturday, June 6, 2026, on Candlewood Lake.
Hot early-summer conditions greeted the anglers, with air temperatures climbing into the upper 80s and low 90s throughout the day. Many bass were in a post-spawn transition, while others were still guarding fry. The conditions created several productive patterns across the lake and kept anglers moving in search of quality bites.
Edwards brought a five-fish limit weighing 13.57 pounds to the scales to secure the victory. His winning catch earned him $245 and the first-place trophy. After grinding throughout the day, a late upgrade proved to be the difference.
“I fished hard all day and caught a key cull fish late in the day,” Edwards said. “I culled out a 2-pounder with another 3-pounder with about 45 minutes left. That ended up being the winning fish.”
Finishing in second place was Greg Del Russo with a five-fish limit weighing 13.43 pounds. Del Russo’s mixed bag included three smallmouth and two largemouth.
“I must have caught 30 keepers throughout the day and culled up by ounces, but just never could run into one of those real difference makers,” Del Russo said.
Big Fish honors went to Greg Capozzi with a 4.51-pound largemouth. Capozzi earned $75 for the Big Fish award.
With the regular season now complete, attention turns to the Division 6 Two-Day Championship. The championship will be held Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14, 2026, on Candlewood Lake, launching from Lattins Cove.
Registration and pairings will take place at 6:45 a.m. before the 7:00 a.m. blast-off. Check-in is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. each day. Anglers must have competed in at least four regular season events to be eligible to register.
The Angler of the Year race has tightened heading into the two-day championship.
AFT Division 6 Top 5 Points
American Bass Anglers thanks everyone who came out and supported Division 6 throughout the regular season. We look forward to seeing everyone at the championship as the 2026 season comes to a close.
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, 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.
