In the world of weekend bass angling, the ABA Professional League has taken center stage, igniting a revolution that’s empowering weekend anglers and changing the way they experience competitive fishing. As part of this league, the South Alabama Division is poised to offer thrilling tournaments set against the backdrop of some of the region’s most iconic fishing destinations.
2024 South Alabama Schedule
- Event 1: February 1, 2024, Lake Eufaula, AL at Lakepoint (Sign Up Now)
- Event 2: March 16, 2024, Lake Mitchell at Leesburg Landing
- Event 3: May 4, 2024, Lake Martin at Wind Creek
- Divisional Championship: September 7-8, 2024, Lake Martin at Wind Creek
Last March 4-5,2023 Rodger Beaver, Jr. won the Top 150 Solo Series on Lake Eufaula with 35.51 two-day total.
Launching at Lakepoint Resort State Park near the town of Eufaula, Ala. for the two-day event, Beaver swapped standings with Day 1 leader Tony Couch. Fishing consistently, Beaver landed a two-day tournament limit of 10 bass weighing 35.51 pounds. Beaver banks $18,500 for the win.
On the first day, the Dawson, Ga. angler held third place with five bass at 17.55 pounds. He caught most of his fish on a 1.5-ounce spinnerbait. He fished deep honey holes around brush and hard, rocky ridges most of the day. Then, he switched to punching mats, but lost a good fish that might have elevated him into second place on Day 1. Soon after, he caught a 4-pounder in Cowikee Creek, somewhat easing the loss of the bigger fish.
On the final day of the tournament, Beaver added 17.96 pounds with a 4.86-kicker for the victory. He still caught all, except one fish offshore. He returned to his deep brushy and rocky spots and threw that big spinnerbait again. This time, however, he observed something with his Garmin electronics that he couldn’t possibly learn otherwise.
“The Garmin Livescope brings things to light,” Beaver advised. “On the second day, when I’d bring a spinnerbait up to whatever structure I was fishing, it would spook the fish. When I saw what was happening on the Garmin Livescope, I swapped to a big Texas-rigged Brush Hog and started catching fish. That Garmin is amazing! I caught one weigh fish by punching the vegetation.”
A New Era in Bass Angling
The ABA Professional League has set a new standard by allowing weekend anglers to compete solo in a National Series. This groundbreaking shift provides anglers with unprecedented control over their destinies on the water. The series, scheduled to kick off in early January 2024, consists of 16 divisions, each hosting three one-day Divisional qualifying tournaments and one two-day Divisional Championship.
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 Eufaula, AL
Lake Eufaula, often referred to as the “Bass Fishing Capital of the World,” is a premier destination for anglers seeking to reel in trophy-sized bass. Nestled on the border between Alabama and Georgia, this expansive reservoir is renowned for its abundant populations of largemouth bass, making it a favored spot for fishing tournaments and casual fishing outings alike. The lake’s diverse habitat, featuring underwater structures, vast flats, and aquatic vegetation, provides an ideal environment for bass to thrive. Seasoned and novice fishermen alike flock to Lake Eufaula to enjoy not just the thrill of bass fishing but also the scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere that the lake offers.
Lake Eufaula, also known as Walter F. George Lake, is steeped in a rich history that dates back to its creation in the 1960s. Constructed as a hydroelectric project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the lake was named after Senator Walter F. George of Georgia, reflecting its significance in regional development and power generation. Spanning the border between Alabama and Georgia, Lake Eufaula was formed by damming the Chattahoochee River, transforming the landscape and creating one of the Southeast’s largest reservoirs. This monumental engineering feat not only facilitated flood control and electricity production but also spurred economic growth and recreational opportunities in the area. Over the years, Lake Eufaula has become a cherished natural resource, attracting visitors for its recreational offerings and serving as a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife. Its creation marked a pivotal moment in the region’s history, embodying a blend of technological advancement and natural beauty.
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.
