Cadiz, KY, July 6, 2023 – Despite predictions of severe weather, the ABA Couples Series tournament held on June 25, 2023 on Kentucky Lake, witnessed no such climatic disturbances. However, participants had to contend with extreme heat as they embarked on a challenging day of angling. A total of 12 teams valiantly battled the scorching temperatures on the lake, necessitating a conservation effort that implemented a three fish limit for this particular tournament. The competition remained fierce throughout the day, resulting in a collective catch of 21 bass weighing in at 58.68 pounds. The tournament disbursed a total prize pool of $900, with an additional $120 awarded for the Men’s and Ladies’ Big Bass categories.
Emerging as the triumphant duo, Jay and Shari Holsapple claimed the top spot with a three fish limit weighing 10.23 pounds. Employing jigs, the Holsapples strategically fished the main lake and targeted secondary points throughout the day. Shari’s mid-day catch of a 4.91-pound smallmouth bass propelled them to victory, securing her the title of Ladies’ Big Bass winner. As returning Division Champions, the Holsapples walked away with a well-deserved $475 cash prize. Shari also earned an extra $60 for her exceptional smallmouth bass capture.
Coleton and Taylor Jennings secured second place, exhibiting their angling prowess with a three fish limit weighing 9.68 pounds. Taylor’s impressive 3.75-pound largemouth bass provided a significant boost to their overall weight. Beginning their day by fishing a Chatterbait with a 4-inch tremor shad trailer around shallow willow fly hatches, the Jennings later transitioned to targeting brush piles in depths ranging from 6 to 12 feet. They skillfully employed a Jenko Trick Tube Head to elicit strikes. Their efforts were rewarded with a cash prize of $300.
With a three fish limit weighing 9.39 pounds, Mike and Donna Roe secured the third position, anchored by Mike’s 4.59-pound largemouth bass. Starting their day in the shallow waters of Blue Springs Bay using a white Jenko Offspring Buzzbait, the Roe’s later relocated to secondary points in Little River. There, they skillfully utilized a Carolina rigged green pumpkin craw by Bizzbait on a Jenko Gambler Rod. Their performance earned them a cash prize of $125.
Robert and Cindy Linton claimed the fourth position with a three fish limit weighing 8.09 pounds.
Travis Richey and Dana Martin secured the fifth place with a two fish haul weighing 7.22 pounds. Travis landed the day’s most impressive catch, a beautiful 5.40-pound largemouth bass, for which he was awarded $60 as the Men’s Big Bass winner. Larry Bailey and Tammy Hoffner rounded out the leaderboard in sixth place, having caught three fish totaling 7.14 pounds.
| PL | Angler | Fish | Big Bass | Total | Points | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jay Holsapple-Shari Holsapple | 3 | 3.71 | 10.23 | 192 | 475 |
| 2 | Coleton Jennings-Taylor Jennings | 3 | 9.68 | 191 | 300 | |
| 3 | Michael Roe-Donna Roe | 3 | 4.59 | 9.39 | 190 | 125 |
| 4 | Robert Linton-Cindy Linton | 3 | 8.09 | 189 | ||
| 5 | Travis Richey-Dana Martin | 2 | 5.40 | 7.22 | 188 | |
| 6 | Larry Bailey-Tammy Hoffner | 3 | 7.14 | 187 | ||
| 7 | Troy Courtney-Tammy Courtney | 2 | 4.31 | 186 | ||
| 8 | Joey McCuiston-Marcella McCuiston | 2 | 2.79 | 2.62 | 185 |
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the generous division sponsors, namely Jenko Fishing, Duckett Fishing, and FISH:30 Apparel, for their invaluable support. These esteemed companies not only offer exceptional fishing products but also donate prizes throughout the year, culminating in a grand celebration at our annual banquet. Once again, we extend our sincere appreciation to Jenko Fishing, Duckett Fishing, and FISH:30 Apparel for their gracious generosity, which is highly cherished.
We would like to express our gratitude to all the participants who attended the tournament. We eagerly anticipate the next event, scheduled for July 9 at the Big Jonathan Creek Ramp on Kentucky Lake. The tournament will commence with a 6:00 AM launch, and the official weigh-in will take place at 2:00 PM. Participants are advised to arrive at the ramp for boat check and late registrations no later than 5:00 AM.
This upcoming event promises another thrilling day of competitive angling, as participants from across the region gather to showcase their skills on the renowned Kentucky Lake. With its abundant fish population and picturesque surroundings, the Big Jonathan Creek Ramp provides the perfect setting for a captivating tournament.
Anglers are encouraged to come prepared with their preferred fishing techniques and equipment, as they navigate the expansive waters of Kentucky Lake in pursuit of their elusive targets. The tournament organizers are dedicated to promoting responsible fishing practices, emphasizing the importance of conservation and sustainable angling efforts.
As the excitement builds for the forthcoming event, participants can expect fierce competition, camaraderie, and the opportunity to witness remarkable displays of angling expertise. The Kentucky Lake Couples Series tournament continues to be a highly anticipated fixture on the fishing calendar, attracting both seasoned anglers and enthusiastic newcomers alike.
Mark your calendars and join us on July 9 for an unforgettable day of fishing excellence at the Big Jonathan Creek Ramp. Whether you are a dedicated angler or simply enjoy the thrill of competitive sportsmanship, this tournament promises an experience that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. See you there!
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
