The world of weekend bass angling is about to witness a new chapter in competitive fishing, and it’s all thanks to the ABA Professional League. This revolutionary league is empowering weekend anglers and redefining their fishing experience. One of the most anticipated divisions in this league is the Virginia Division, promising an exciting lineup of tournaments set against the backdrop of two of the state’s most renowned fishing lakes.
2024 Virginia Division Schedule and Lakes
The Virginia Division of the ABA Professional League promises an action-packed season for weekend anglers:
March 9, 2024: Kerr Lake – Nutbush Launch – Register
Kerr Lake, also known as Buggs Island Lake, is a premier destination for bass fishing enthusiasts, offering a vast expanse of water and a diverse aquatic habitat that promises an exciting angling experience. This sprawling reservoir, straddling the border between Virginia and North Carolina, boasts over 850 miles of wooded shoreline and deep, clear waters, making it an ideal habitat for largemouth. Throughout the year, anglers flock to Kerr Lake to test their skills against these fish. Fishermen find that the lake’s abundant structure—ranging from submerged brush piles to rocky outcroppings—provides the perfect backdrop for pursuing bass.
April 27, 2024: Gaston – Summit Launch – Register
Lake Gaston, straddling the Virginia-North Carolina border, is a bass fishing destination renowned for its sprawling shoreline and rich aquatic ecosystems supporting robust largemouth bass populations. This 20,000-acre reservoir offers a mix of deep channels and sheltered spots ideal for competitive fishing, attracting anglers of all levels with its clear waters and moderate climate. Lake Gaston is a premier spot for bass fishing.
June 22, 2024: Kerr Lake – Nutbush Launch – Register
Henderson, North Carolina, is a welcoming gateway to the splendid Kerr Lake, one of the Southeastern United States’ most expansive reservoirs. Conveniently situated just a short drive from the lake, Henderson not only offers easy access to the myriad of outdoor activities for which Kerr Lake is famed.—such as fishing, boating, and camping—but also prides itself on providing an abundance of comfortable lodging options and a diverse array of dining experiences. Whether visitors are looking for a cozy bed and breakfast, a family-friendly hotel, or a luxurious resort, Henderson caters to all preferences, ensuring a pleasant stay for every traveler. The dining scene is equally inviting, with a variety of restaurants serving everything from traditional Southern comfort food to international cuisine, satisfying the tastes of both local and visiting food enthusiasts. This blend of hospitality and great dinning options, combined with the natural beauty and recreational opportunities offered by Kerr Lake, positions Henderson as a prime destination for those seeking a great weekend in the outdoors.
September 14-15, 2024: Kerr Lake – Nutbush Launch – Register
Kerr Lake, also known as Buggs Island Lake, is a man-made reservoir created with the completion of the John H. Kerr Dam in 1952. The dam was constructed on the Roanoke River to provide flood control, hydroelectric power, and recreational opportunities for the surrounding regions of Virginia and North Carolina. The lake was named in honor of Congressman John H. Kerr of North Carolina, who significantly advocated for the dam’s construction. Over the decades, Kerr Lake has grown in popularity, not only for its recreational offerings but also as a habitat for wildlife, becoming an integral part of the community’s cultural and natural heritage.
Learn more with Frequently Asked Questions (See this link)
Also, additional information (See this link)
Link to all Virginia Divisional Events (See this link)
A Watershed Moment in Bass Angling
The ABA Professional League is making history by allowing weekend anglers to compete solo in a prestigious National Series. This groundbreaking shift puts anglers in control of their destiny on the water. The series, commencing in early 2024, consists of 16 divisions, each featuring three one-day Divisional qualifying tournaments and one two-day Divisional Championship.
Lucrative Payouts and Coveted Prizes
One of the standout features of the ABA Professional League is its commitment to competitive payouts. Anglers who’ve long grappled with payouts below 70% at single-day events will find solace in this league, which offers an impressive national series payout of 80%. This ensures that anglers are duly rewarded for their skills and efforts.
For those who excel, the top award for a one-day divisional event can soar to an impressive $10,000 with a full field. Caymas Owners can further enhance their earnings by securing an additional $7,000 through the Caymas Cash program, potentially netting a substantial $17,000 at a one-day event.
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
Flexibility and Personalization
Flexibility reigns supreme in the ABA Professional League. Anglers accumulate points based on their performance in each event, with the best three one-day events and the best two-day event, regardless of the division, counting towards national standings. This unique system empowers anglers to strategically select events that align with their strengths and preferences, ultimately enhancing their national standing within the league.
Moreover, the league provides anglers with the opportunity to bounce back from low-scoring tournaments by participating in one-day or two-day events from different divisions. This flexibility gives them the ability to proactively influence their national standings.
The Quest for Angler of the Year
Excellence doesn’t go unnoticed in the ABA Professional League. Each Division’s Angler of the Year will have the chance to compete head-to-head for the coveted title of Angler of the Year at the Championship, with significant cash awards on the line.
A Commitment to Fair Play
Integrity and fair play are non-negotiable in the ABA Professional League. Truth verification measures are firmly in place at events to ensure a level playing field for all participants, underscoring the league’s unwavering dedication to maintaining fairness.
The Grand Finale
The apex of the ABA Professional League is the Championship, scheduled to take place in spring 2025. The venue will bring together the nation’s top anglers, all vying for the ultimate title in weekend bass angling.
More information, sample payouts, and Rules are available under Professional Series on AmericanBassAnglers.com
American Bass Anglers is proud to be sponsored by industry-leading companies, including Caymas Boats, Mercury Marine, MotorGuide, T-H Marine, Power Pole, RT Outdoors, Optima Batteries, HotelPlanner.com, and LurePartsOnline.com.
About American Bass Anglers: Committed to providing low-cost, close-to-home tournaments for weekend anglers, American Bass Anglers offers an exciting platform for individual angler progression.
For more information about American Bass Anglers and its various series, including the American Fishing Tour, the American Couples Series, the Professional League, the annual Military Team Bass Tournament, ABA Team Series, Top 150 Solo Tour, and the all-new ABA Professional League for 2024, presented by Caymas Boats, visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256) 232-0406 for more information.
