Sam Dyal Takes Oconee Win

Buckhead, GA, On May 11, 2024, Sam Dyal from Baxley, GA, clinched first place in the American Fishing Tour Georgia Division 72 tournament held at Lake Oconee. Dyal topped the leaderboard with a five-bass limit, weighing a total of 18.06 pounds. This impressive catch earned him the first-place trophy and a prize of $796. Among his catch was a notable 6.60-pound bass, which secured him an additional $410 and the Big Bass trophy.

Jamie Fountain of Dublin, GA, also showcased a strong performance by bringing in five bass that weighed 14.96 pounds, earning him the second-place trophy and $513 in prize money. His haul included a 4.90-pound bass caught during the event.

The tournament saw a robust turnout, with 41 anglers vying for a total payout of $2,009, which was distributed across six places.

In addition to the competition, the event included a raffle, in which three anglers won $50 each. The winners were Todd Stewart, Travis Clay, and Anthony Widener. Other prizes included a $50 gift card to Sugar Creek Marina, won by Mike Blackshear, a custom wooden flag awarded to Randy Woodham, and a custom rod from Kissel Krafts, won by Adam Windham.

Special appreciation was extended to Danny Taylor and Bob Clark for their assistance with morning registration, boat checks, and fish weighing.

The next event for this division is scheduled as a Two-Day Divisional Championship. It will take place on June 1, 2024, at Lake Sinclair, launching from Dennis Station DNR ramp, and will continue on June 2, 2024, at Lake Oconee, launching from Sugar Creek Marina. For further details, please contact Director Benny Howell at 770-365-4795.

Benny Howell is the current reining King of the Hill, an award presented at the end of each season to the top director of that season. 

About The American Fishing Tour

Anglers earn valuable points toward the divisional Angler of the Year title. The points champion from each division will compete in the American Bass Anglers AFT Angler of The Year Final Round at the AFT Championship. The top 500 anglers from various divisions will qualify for the three-day ABA AFT National Championship tournament.

The American Fishing Tour offers affordable, local bass tournaments designed for weekend anglers. Participants compete for both money and points, which advance them to their divisional championship and potentially the national championship held this fall on Lake Hartwell in Anderson, SC.

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 on the Military Team Bass Tournament and all other other series, visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256) 232-0406.

American Bass Anglers is proud to be sponsored by Caymas Boats, Mercury Marine, T-H Marine, Power Pole, RT Outdoors, Optima Batteries, Hotel Planner.com, and LurePartsOnline.com.