Athens, AL, February 12, 2024 – The American Bass Anglers (ABA) is set to launch the inaugural season of the ABA Professional League in North Carolina. This groundbreaking initiative offers weekend anglers an extraordinary platform to showcase their talents at a professional level, empowering them to chart their own destiny in the professional, and with a better payout. The first North Carolina Division event is scheduled for February 17, 2024, at Lake Norman in Mooresville, NC Launching out of Pinnacle Landing.
The 2024 North Carolina Division Schedule: (LINK)
- Event 1: Lake Norman – February 17, 2024
- Event 2: Lake Norman – March 16, 2024
- Event 3: High Rock – April 13, 2024
- Divisional Championship: Kerr Lake – June 8-9, 2024
Michael D. Stephens used his Garmin electronics to find the winning weight in the season opener held Feb. 5, 2022, at Lake Norman. Launching at the Pinnacle Wildlife access ramp in Mooresville to fish the 32,475-acre impoundment on the Catawba River, the Gastonia, N.C. angler brought in a five-bass tournament limit going 17.06 pounds. He set the standard for the day with a 3.41-pound average.
“I started fishing shallow early, but then moved out to some deeper fish,” Stephens revealed. “I had all the fish I weighed in by noon. After that, the fishing slowed down. My Garmin electronics and Livescope was a big help in locating the fish.”
A New Professional Format
The ABA Professional League is distinguished by its unique solo competition format in a National Series, allowing anglers to compete individually and rely on their skills, instincts, and abilities. This format is designed to bring out the best in each angler, as they navigate the challenges of competitive fishing without a team or non-boater.
Unprecedented Rewards and Opportunities
The ABA Professional League offers an unparalleled payout structure with 80% of entry fees contributing to the prize pool, ensuring substantial rewards for participating anglers. The top prize for a one-day divisional event can reach a staggering $17,000, including the Caymas Cash program for Caymas Owners.
Proven Success for the Angler
In Florida on the Harris Chain just a few weeks ago, with 100 boats first placed paid exceptionally well vs the nearest national tournament trail. While the ProLeague paid out $6,700 to first place, the nearest competitor with 145 boats only paid out $4,800 for first place. (See Below) The Professional League paid out almost 40% more for first place with 2/3s of the same field size. The additional places paid were also much higher than the competitor’s, judge for yourself.
Top 20
| PL | Angler | Fish | BB | Total | Points | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Robert Mark M. Peiser | 5 | 6.68 | 27.49 | 250 | $6,700 |
| 2 | James Danny D. Inabnett | 5 | 4.48 | 17.22 | 249 | $3,200 |
| 3 | Neil C. Nix | 5 | 16.24 | 248 | $2,500 | |
| 4 | Robert Bobby S. Bakewell | 3 | 15.09 | 247 | $1,500 | |
| 5 | James B. Ford | 5 | 13.99 | 246 | $1,150 | |
| 6 | Jason P. Blair | 5 | 13.27 | 245 | $850 | |
| 7 | Fred D. Chivington | 5 | 13.04 | 244 | $700 | |
| 8 | Kurt W. Diesing | 5 | 12.32 | 243 | $675 | |
| 9 | Jesse E. Tacoronte | 5 | 12.25 | 242 | $625 | |
| 10 | James W. Williams | 5 | 12.06 | 241 | $575 | |
| 11 | Dennis Redd | 5 | 11.30 | 240 | $550 | |
| 12 | Kenny R. Garand | 5 | 11.19 | 239 | $525 | |
| 13 | Marlon Crowder | 4 | 6.45 | 10.97 | 238 | $500 |
| 14 | Blaine W. Partee | 4 | 10.88 | 237 | $475 | |
| 15 | Santana A. Moretto | 5 | 6.70 | 10.57 | 236 | $1,425 |
| 16 | David Frosty A. Frost | 5 | 10.36 | 235 | $400 | |
| 17 | Anthony Scott S. Kirsch | 5 | 10.15 | 234 | $380 | |
| 18 | Charles Tuck D. Tucker | 5 | 10.04 | 233 | $338 | |
| 18 | Jody D. White | 5 | 10.04 | 233 | $338 | |
| 20 | Anthony T. Ford | 5 | 9.94 | 231 | $325 |
Fewer Road Blocks for the Angler
The Professional League is a Solo Series, anglers do not have to sign up with co-anglers whereas in many cases the boaters end up paying the co-anglers way. The only one anglers have to rely on is themselves. This is why the Professional League exists. If you have the aspiration of becoming a professional angler, you need to fish like a professional angler and develop the skills needed to compete against the best anglers in the country. This format will allow you to do what professional anglers do, rely on their own skills, and intuition without any interferences.
Strategic Points System and Flexibility
Anglers accumulate points based on their performance, with the system considering the best three one-day events and the best two-day event. This points system not only establishes national standings but also allows anglers the flexibility to compete in different divisions to boost their standings.
Upholding Fair Play
The ABA Professional League is committed to maintaining the integrity of the sport, with truth verification measures implemented to ensure a level playing field for all participants.
The Road to the 2025 Championship
The divisional points will become crucial as anglers set their sights on the 2025 Championship, where the title of Angler of the Year and a significant cash award will be at stake.
Join the League
Registration for the 2024 Professional League is now open. Anglers seeking a competitive edge, unparalleled rewards, and the chance to shape their destiny in the world of bass fishing are encouraged to participate.
Lake Norman
Lake Norman, North Carolina’s largest manmade lake, spans an impressive 32,475 acres and boasts a shoreline that stretches over 520 miles. This sprawling aquatic playground, created in 1963 by Duke Energy, has become a premier destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Known for its abundant populations of largemouth bass, spotted bass, and striped bass, Lake Norman offers a diverse habitat that includes deep open waters, shallow coves, and a variety of structure that provides an ideal environment for bass fishing. As such, it has become a favored venue for bass fishing tournaments, drawing competitors from across the nation. With its scenic beauty, rich aquatic life, and accessible facilities, Lake Norman embodies the perfect blend of natural challenge and recreational opportunity, making it a key spotlight in the sports fishing community.
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 about the ABA Professional League and other series, visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256) 232-0406.
Join the ABA Professional League and embark on a journey where skill, determination, and strategy are the keys to success. Experience the thrill of fishing like a true professional in the ABA Professional League!
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.
About American Bass Anglers: American Bass Anglers is dedicated to organizing affordable, local tournaments for weekend anglers while offering opportunities for individual angler advancement. To learn more about American Bass Anglers, including the Team Series, American Fishing Tour, American Couples Series, annual Military Team Bass Tournament, Top 150 Solo Tour, and Pro League, all presented by Caymas Boats, please visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256) 232-0406.
