LUNENBURG, Mass. — American Fishing Tour Division 5 anglers were greeted with ideal summer conditions on June 20, 2026, as they competed on Lake Shirley in Lunenburg, Massachusetts. When the scales closed, it was veteran angler Joe Raposo (on left in photo) who rose to the top of the leaderboard with an impressive five-bass limit weighing 20.43 pounds.
Raposo’s winning catch was anchored by a 4.94-pound bass and earned him the first-place plaque along with $406 in tournament winnings. Facing a field that included several anglers familiar with the fishery, Raposo entered the event determined to perform well on Lake Shirley and capitalized on the opportunity with one of the strongest bags weighed in by the division this season.
“Joe was determined to place on this body of water, knowing the field had some good local sticks,” tournament officials noted following the event. The victory further adds to an already impressive season for Raposo and strengthens his position as one of Division 5’s most consistent competitors.
Finishing in second place was Corey Gillis with a solid five-fish limit weighing 15.32 pounds. Gillis earned $200 and a second-place plaque for his efforts. A familiar contender whenever Division 5 visits Lake Shirley, Gillis once again demonstrated why he is regularly among the anglers to watch in Massachusetts East competition.
Third place went to Sheron K. Brown, who brought a five-bass limit weighing 14.72 pounds to the scales. Brown’s catch was highlighted by a quality 4.03-pound bass and earned him $79. Tournament officials praised Brown’s strong performance against a competitive field on a fishery known for producing both largemouth and smallmouth bass opportunities throughout the season.
The tournament’s Big Bass honors went to Mark Shultz, whose impressive 6.04-pound largemouth topped all fish weighed during the event. Shultz earned $280 for the tournament’s largest bass, showcasing the quality fish that Lake Shirley continues to produce.
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About Lake Shirley
Located in north-central Massachusetts, Lake Shirley is a popular 355-acre fishery situated between the communities of Lunenburg and Ayer. The lake is known throughout the region for its healthy largemouth bass population and abundant aquatic vegetation, providing anglers with a variety of productive patterns throughout the year. Expansive weed beds, shoreline cover, docks, and offshore structure combine to make Lake Shirley a challenging yet rewarding destination for tournament competitors.
During late June, bass on Lake Shirley are typically transitioning into summer feeding patterns, often relating to deeper vegetation edges and shaded cover as water temperatures rise. The lake’s ability to consistently produce quality fish was once again evident with multiple double-digit limits and a tournament-leading 6.04-pound big bass.
Division 5 Season Continues
The victory by Raposo adds another chapter to what has been a highly competitive 2026 season for AFT Division 5 Massachusetts East. Throughout the year, anglers have battled on a diverse lineup of Massachusetts fisheries, with several different competitors finding success and keeping the Angler of the Year race tightly contested.
With only a handful of events remaining, every point becomes increasingly important as anglers pursue divisional standings, year-end recognition, and qualification opportunities. The competition continues on June 27, 2026, when Division 5 travels to Lake Cochituate in Natick, Massachusetts, one of the state’s most popular and historic bass fishing destinations.
Tournament directors Jim and Dan look forward to a competitive 2026 season for the ABA – D5 trail. We thank all of our participants! Please check www.abad5.com for updates and standings during the 2026 season.
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.
