Buchanan, TN, August 6, 2023 – The culmination of the 2023 series unfolded with intense competition on Kentucky Lake, ultimately deciding the points championship for the Kentucky Lake Division. In an effort to promote conservation, the final midsummer tournament adhered to a three-fish limit. This strategy not only aids the preservation of live fish but also maintains fierce competition. A field of eleven teams participated, collectively reeling in 12 fish with a total weight of 29.06 pounds.
Enduring challenging fishing conditions, Coleton and Taylor Jennings distinguished themselves with a remarkable performance. Their three-fish limit of smallmouth bass tipped the scales at an impressive 10.68 pounds. Notably, their victory secured both the tournament title and the Division Points Championship. A highlight was a magnificent 4.44-pound smallmouth, which earned Coleton the Men’s Big Bass distinction. Employing Jenko topwater baits, the Jennings duo skillfully targeted points to land their catch. Their triumph earned them $450 for the first-place finish, an extra $55 for Men’s Big Bass, and a prestigious Championship Plaque, marking a superb year for the duo.
Larry Bailey and Tammy Hoffner exhibited tenacity by capturing second place once again. Presenting a three-fish limit weighing 6.55 pounds, they strategically fished shallow points and docks, deploying plastics and jigs. Their hard work earned them a total prize of $275.
Treye and Carol Ward narrowly missed securing second place, their three-fish limit registering a weight of 6.51 pounds, a mere .04 pounds behind Bailey and Hoffner. Employing crankbaits and soft plastics, they concentrated on shallow points and ledges. Their efforts secured a $100 reward for their third-place finish.
Joey and Marcella McCuiston claimed fourth place with a single fish, weighing in at 2.20 pounds. Marcella’s impressive catch earned her the Ladies’ Big Bass honor and a prize of $55.
The post-tournament festivities continued with a grand banquet at Paris Landing State Park, where a delectable spread of pulled pork, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, and fruit awaited the participants. The spotlight shone on Coleton and Taylor Jennings, as they were bestowed with the Kentucky Lake Couples Points Championship plaque. The event witnessed the distribution of prizes and gifts worth nearly $3000 among all participants. Each attendee received a Jenko rod or a Duckett rod and/or reel, complemented by an array of baits courtesy of Jenko Fishing. Additional miscellaneous prizes were also awarded.
Heartfelt gratitude was extended to dedicated division sponsors whose unwavering support was instrumental: Jenko Fishing, Duckett Fishing, FISH:30 Apparel, and Brown Duck Outlet of Madisonville. These companies, known for their exceptional fishing and other products, generously contributed to the division’s prize pool, both throughout the year and notably during the year-end banquet. Their benevolence is deeply appreciated and recognized.
The conclusion of the event marked a triumphant finale to a thrilling and enjoyable year on Kentucky Lake. The eagerly anticipated 2024 schedule is expected to be released soon. Enthusiasts are encouraged to mark their calendars for the National Championship on Lake Weiss in October, promising another exciting chapter in competitive angling.
In the American Couples Series, anglers pair up for a team effort. Most teams consist of a husband and a wife, but that’s not a rule. Teams can consist of a boyfriend and girlfriend combination, a father and daughter duo, or any combination of one male and one female.
The teams compete in several regional or state divisions throughout the year. Once a pair forms a team, however, the two must fish together as a team throughout the season to be eligible to accumulate points and qualify for the annual national championship.
The entry fee for the American Couples Series one-day events is $100, and the top teams are invited to compete in the championship each fall.
American Bass Anglers is sponsored by Caymas Boats, Mercury Marine, T-H Marine, RT Outdoors, Atlas Hydraulic Jackplate, Power Pole, Optima Batteries, HotelPlanner.com, and LurePartsOnline.com.
About American Bass Anglers: American Bass Anglers is committed to providing low-cost, close-to-home tournaments for the weekend angler and, at the same time, offering each competitor an upward path for individual angler progression.
For more information about American Bass Anglers, the Open Series, the American Fishing Tour, the American Couples Series, the annual Military Team Bass Tournament, and the Top 150 Solo Tour, all presented by Caymas Boats, visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256) 232-0406
