NATICK, Massachusetts (June 27, 2026) — Sheron K. Brown delivered a strong performance to capture first place at the American Fishing Tour (AFT) Division 5 tournament held on scenic Lake Cochituate in Natick, Massachusetts. Brown brought a five-bass limit to the scales weighing 13.25 pounds, anchored by the tournament’s Big Bass weighing 4.22 pounds, to earn the first-place trophy and $478.00.
Brown’s outstanding day on the water didn’t end with the tournament victory. His 4.22-pound largemouth also claimed Big Bass honors, adding an additional $340.00 to his winnings. A respected competitor on the Division 5 trail, Brown’s consistency and local knowledge proved to be the difference on a day when every quality bite mattered.
Finishing in second place was Joe Raposo, who continued what has been an impressive 2026 campaign. Raposo weighed a five-fish limit totaling 11.98 pounds, earning the runner-up plaque along with $268.00. His strong finish adds to an already successful season, as he has consistently been among the top performers across every Division 5 event this year.
Rounding out the top three was Kyle Whitcomb, whose five-bass limit weighed 11.19 pounds, good for third place and a payout of $86.00. Whitcomb’s solid catch kept him firmly in contention throughout the event and demonstrated the competitive depth of the Division 5 field.
One of the highlights of the tournament was the continued success of two of the trail’s youngest competitors. Nate Hare brought in an impressive five-fish limit weighing 10.59 pounds, while Jake Stukowski followed closely with a five-bass limit totaling 10.32 pounds. Competing against a field of experienced tournament anglers, both young competitors continue to gain valuable experience while proving they can compete at a high level.
Top Finishers
- 1st Place: Sheron K. Brown – 13.25 lbs – $478.00
- 2nd Place: Joe Raposo – 11.98 lbs – $268.00
- 3rd Place: Kyle Whitcomb – 11.19 lbs – $86.00
- Big Bass: Sheron K. Brown – 4.22 lbs – $340.00
A Classic Massachusetts Tournament Fishery
Located just west of Boston in Natick, Lake Cochituate is one of eastern Massachusetts’ premier public bass fisheries. The lake consists of three connected basins covering nearly 625 acres and offers anglers a diverse mix of shallow vegetation, docks, rocky shorelines, submerged structure, and open-water habitat. Managed as part of Cochituate State Park, the fishery is known for producing healthy populations of largemouth bass and regularly hosts local and regional bass tournaments. Success on Lake Cochituate often requires anglers to adapt throughout the day, making strategic adjustments as changing weather, fishing pressure, and summer patterns influence bass behavior.
Tournament conditions featured beautiful weather, providing participants with an enjoyable day on the water while still presenting enough of a challenge to reward those who made the right decisions throughout the competition.
The next stop for American Fishing Tour Division 5 will be its two-day championship on September 5–6, 2026, at legendary Lake Champlain in Swanton, Vermont. Widely regarded as one of the finest bass fisheries in North America, Lake Champlain will provide anglers with the opportunity to compete on a world-class venue as they close out the Division 5 season.
Division Directors Jim and Dan thanked all of the anglers who participated and look forward to another competitive finish to the 2026 season. Current standings, tournament information, and updates are available at www.abad5.com.
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.
