Mt. Juliet, TN – The American Bass Anglers Pro League’s Central Tennessee Division 3, sponsored by Caymas Boats, kicked off its season on March 9, 2024, at Lake Percy Priest. Despite the rainy forecast, more than half of the anglers brought a five-fish limit at the scales.
The tournament began in mild conditions, with temperatures around 48 degrees Fahrenheit and minimal wind at Fate Sanders Marina in Mt. Juliet. However, by the time of the weigh-in, the wind had picked up significantly, reaching approximately 18 mph, with the temperature slightly higher at 51 degrees.
Jay Melton, hailing from Murfreesboro, TN, emerged victorious in this challenging environment. He secured the win with a five-bass limit weighing a total of 22.95 pounds. His impressive haul included a 5.00-pound largemouth bass, which proved crucial in his narrow victory margin of 0.95 ounces. For his remarkable performance, Melton received a first-place prize of $3,500.
“Jay stated that he was fishing current breaks throwing a red rattle trap. When I was not fishing current breaks, I went fishing spawning areas as they seemed to be in the pre-spawn mode. I was catching my fish in 3 to 4 feet of water.”
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Coming in second among the anglers, David Lee of Hendersonville, TN. also landed his 5-bass limit. He came in with 22.00 pounds and pocketed $1800.00.
“I was fishing downriver, concentrating on spawning areas. The fish are moving to the pre-spawn stage, I was using an A-Rig with small swim baits on. They seem to be in about 5 feet of water, stated David.”
Finishing in third place Jeremy Homeyer from Franklin TN, had 5 fish for 20.78 with a lunker of 5.54 pounds. Jermey was able to pocket a check for $1200.00.
“I caught most of my fish early. I did most of my damage with a spinner bait. But also managed a couple on an A-Rig and a rattle trap. I had all my weight by 8:00 this morning which made it tough the rest of the day, stated Jermey.”
Finishing in 4th place Brain Carper of Murfreesboro, TN. Had a 5 fish limit for 20.29 pounds which put a $1000.00 check in his pocket he also had the biggest bass at 6.39 pounds worth $460.00.
“I was able to catch my fish on top water using a spook and a whooper flopper. As the day went I was still catching them on top water but also a rattle trap and an A-Rig. I probably caught 15 keepers all day with the big fish coming on a spook, stated Brian.”
Finishing in 5th place was Jason Dies of Lebanon, TN. He had 5 fish for 18.66 to be able to pocket a check of $900.00.
“I went upriver to start and was only able to get 1 bite and caught it. I decided to make the run to the dam and ran a couple of schools but never could get a bite, so came back to mid-river. I saw a couple of good fish with my livescope on the bottom in one area so started dragging a jig, stated Jason.”
Top 25
The next event for this division will be April 13, 2024 at Old Hickory, going out of Bulls Creek Ramp (old Flippers).
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.
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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, ABA Team Series, Top 150 Solo Tour, and Pro League, all presented by Caymas Boats, please visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256) 232-0406.
