ATHENS, Ala- John “Brad” Stalnaker won the 2024 American Bass Anglers Professional League, Presented by Caymas Boats, Georgia Division 8 tournament, held March 9th, 2024 on Lake Oconee.
Running out of Spring Creek Marina in Buckhead, GA the Eatonton, GA angler caught five bass weighing 18.51 pounds. For the victory, Stalnaker took home a check for $4600 for his win.
“I fished from up the river all the way down to the dam. I probably ran half a tank of gas out today, but that’s my style of fishing, I run and gun. I’m looking for a fish that wants to bite not one that I have to make bite. I caught fish flipping a jig, throwing a spinnerbait, swim-jigs, topwater, you name it. I fished grass, wood, docks, and seawalls. There wasn’t a specific pattern. Just put the trolling motor down and get it. These fish are moving up and ready to do their thing. I’m thankful that I had a daddy that took me fishing when I was young. Without him taking me and showing me the way, it’s so important to take kids out and do things with them outdoors. “Stalnaker said.
Grant Kelly of Milledgeville, GA landed a 5-bass limit weighing 17.75 pounds to take second place. He earned $2500 for his catch.
“I started out pretty good first thing this morning. I had a few flurries where I caught several fish then it slowed down and it was one bite here, one bite there. I ran down to the lower end of the lake and looked for some cleaner water.” Kelly said.
Martie Murphy of Thomaston, GA took the third spot. He landed a 5-bass limit going 17.67 pounds including a 6.70-pound kicker largemouth. Murphy took home a check for $1800 for his finish and an additional $700 for the big bass award.
“I was on the south end of the lake today; I’ve never fished down there before but I couldn’t get any bites up the river and I wasn’t going to be hard-headed so I ran down to the lower end. I went to the back of a creek that had a little stain and started throwing a chatterbait and I began catching some fish. My third fish was that big bass between a dock and the seawall. “Murphy said.
Finishing fourth, Jason Parker of Mansfield, GA landed a 5-pass limit weighing 17.45 pounds. Mike Cleveland of Jackson, GA rounded out the top five with a 5-bass limit weighing a total of 17.34 pounds.
Top 25
At the end of the season, the best anglers from across the nation advance to the Ray Scott Championship to be held at Lake Eufaula in April 2025.
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 ABA Professional League and other series, visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256) 232-0406.
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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, including the Team Series, American Fishing Tour, American Couples Series, annual Military Team Bass Tournament, ABA Team Series, Top 150 Solo Tour, and Pro League, all presented by Caymas Boats, please visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256) 232-0406.
