Athens, AL, February 12, 2024 – The American Bass Anglers (ABA) is set to launch the inaugural season of the ABA Professional League in Mississippi. 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 Mississippi Division event is scheduled for February 17, 2024, at Lake Ross Barnett in Brandon, MS Launching out of Tommy’s Landing.
The event is hosted by Pearl River Valley Water Supply
The 2024 Mississippi Division Schedule: (LINK)
- Event 1: Ross Barnett – February 17, 2024
- Event 2: Ross Barnett – March 9, 2024
- Event 3: Ross Barnett – May 05, 2024
- Divisional Championship: Ross Barnett – October 5-6, 2024
In a season opener on February 19, 2023, Jason L. Hannah clinched victory on Ross Barnett to secure his win, netting a 5-bass limit weighing in at 17.23 pounds. He anchored that bag with a 5.69-pound kicker. That gave him a 3.45-pound average.
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.
Ross Barnett
Lake Ross Barnett, a premier destination for bass fishing enthusiasts, continues to make headlines with its exceptional bass population and fishing conditions. This picturesque reservoir, renowned for its lush environments and abundant aquatic habitats, provides an ideal setting for both competitive anglers and recreational fishermen seeking trophy-sized bass. Recent tournaments have showcased the lake’s capacity to produce significant catches, with participants reporting impressive hauls and record-breaking weights. Local fishing guides attribute this success to the reservoir’s well-managed fishery, diverse structure, and the strategic placement of fish habitats by conservation groups. These efforts have not only enhanced the bass population but also ensured the sustainability of the sport, promising excellent fishing opportunities for years to come. With its combination of scenic beauty and rich fishing grounds, Lake Ross Barnett remains a top choice for those looking to experience the best of bass fishing.
Lake Ross Barnett, named after Mississippi’s 52nd Governor, Ross R. Barnett, was constructed in the early 1960s for water supply, flood control, and recreation. Spanning over 33,000 acres, it has become a hub for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. Beyond its recreational appeal, the reservoir has boosted local tourism through fishing tournaments and contributed to the region’s environmental and economic development. Lake Ross Barnett stands as a testament to successful reservoir management and conservation, embodying Mississippi’s commitment to natural beauty and resource sustainability.
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.
