June 01-02, 2024, McCormick, SC— South Carolina Division 25 of the American Fishing 2024 season came to an exciting close as Justin Raines took the wins of the Divisional two-day championship with 34.50. On Saturday, the anglers fished Clark’s Hill Reservoir out of Dorn Fishing Facility in McCormick, SC. The first day of the Championship proved successful, with 28 anglers bringing back five-fish limits. The second day saw similar outcomes, with 27 limits and some heavier weights.
When the scales closed on day two, Justin Raines from Easley, SC, emerged victorious. Raines brought in a five-fish limit daily, totaling ten bass with a combined weight of 34.50 pounds. His impressive haul included a 4.55-pound kicker fish from day two. Raines received $1,592 for his win, a plaque for his first-place finish, and an additional $198 in prize money from the first-place option pot, bringing his total to $1,790. Congratulations, Justin!
Blake Campbell from Anderson, SC, secured second place. He also filled a limit each day, weighing in ten fish with a combined weight of 31.37 pounds. His catch included a 4.08-pound anchor fish on day one and another weighing 4.83 pounds on day two. Campbell took home a plaque, $1,026 in cash, and an additional $132 in prize money from the second-place option pot, bringing his total to $1,158. Well done, Blake!
Matthew Benson of Watkinsville, GA, claimed third place. Benson brought a limit each day, totaling ten fish with a combined weight of 31.02 pounds. His day-one catch included a notable 4.43-pound largemouth. Benson earned $492 in cash for his third-place finish.
Bradley Day of Anderson, SC, took fourth place with a limit each day. His ten bass weighed in at 29.01 pounds, earning him $374 in prize money. Colton Wilson of Hartwell, GA, finished fifth, weighing in ten fish for a total of 28.82 pounds. His second-day catch featured a hefty 5.63-pound largemouth, earning him $302 in cash.
Lane Clark from Anderson, SC, rounded out the top six and secured the last paid position. Clark brought a limit each day, totaling ten bass with a combined weight of 28.56 pounds, earning him $230.
Each day, the tournament also awarded a Big Bass prize. On day one, Mike Guilbeau of Evans, GA, caught a 4.83-pound largemouth, earning him $190 and a plaque. On day two, Colton Wilson of Hartwell, GA, brought in a 5.63-pound largemouth, also earning $190 and a plaque.
The Angler of the Year title was a close race all season, but Justin Raines’ first-place finish solidified his dominance in the division. His hard work throughout the season earned him the 2024 Division 25 Angler of the Year status and trophy. Raines will represent the division at the AFT National Championship on Lake Murray this October. Great job, Justin!
Tournament director Zach Green expressed his gratitude to everyone who participated this season, noting the joy of reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones. He looks forward to seeing everyone next season and wishes them a great summer.
Top 25
The next tournament in this division will take place in September 2024, marking the beginning of the 2025 fishing season. The date, lake, and ramp details will be announced as soon as they are available.
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 American Fishing Tour Championship 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.
