Terry Adams from Mansfield, Georgia, won the American Fishing Tour (AFT) Division 72 tournament on November 18, 2023, at the scenic Lake Oconee. Adams secured the top spot with a five-bass limit totaling 15.79 pounds. His win earned him the first-place trophy and a cash prize of $765, bolstered by a notable 3.93-pound bass.
Mark Burns, hailing from Good Hope, Georgia, was a close second, finishing with a 15.49-pound catch. His performance, featuring a 4.13-pound bass, netted him the second-place trophy and $487 in winnings.
Notably, Wayne Garner from Buckhead, Georgia, made a splash with a hefty 6.04-pound bass, claiming the Big Bass pot of $380 and the corresponding trophy.
The tournament attracted 38 competitive anglers, vying for a total payout of $1,863 distributed across six places. The top ten finishers, led by Adams and Burns, showcased the high level of skill and dedication prevalent in the tournament.
The event concluded with the distribution of trophies and cash awards. Additionally, draw prizes, including cash, a Sugar Creek Marina gift card, a prop cover, and a custom rod certificate from Kissel Krafts Rods, were awarded to lucky participants. A custom wooden American flag added a unique touch to the prize pool.
- Terry Adams 15.79 pounds
- Mark Burns 15.49 pounds
- Aaron Batson 13.61 pounds
- Wayne Garner 13.52 pounds
- Randy Bush 13.00 pounds
- John Duvall 12.62 pounds
- Derek Johnson 12.01 pounds
- Scott Jeffers 11.90 pounds
- Lance Collins 11.15 pounds
- Todd Stewart 10.89 pounds
Special appreciation was extended to Danny Taylor and Robert Bennett for their contributions to the smooth running of the event, including registration, boat checks, and weigh-in assistance.
Looking ahead, the division’s next tournament is scheduled for November 25 on Lake Sinclair, launching from the Dennis Station DNR ramp. Director Benny Howell remains available for any inquiries regarding the upcoming event.
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.
These anglers earn valuable points toward the divisional angler of the year title. The points champion from each division will compete in the annual American Bass Anglers AFT Angler of The Year Final Round at the AFT Championship. In addition, the top 500 anglers from the various divisions will earn the right to compete in the three-day ABA, AFT National Championship tournament.
American Bass Anglers is sponsored by Caymas Boats, Mercury Marine, T-H Marine, Power Pole, RT Outdoors, Optima Batteries, Hotel Planner.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
