On March 9th in Cross, SC, Michael and Holly Craven from Walterboro, SC, emerged victorious in the South Carolina Division of the American Couples Series. Launching from Black’s Camp on Santee Cooper Lake, the Cravens managed to secure a win with a total catch of five bass weighing 21.13 pounds, highlighted by a 6.64-pound bass. Their win awarded them a $500 prize.
The Cravens attributed their success to a strategic focus on pre-spawn fish in the lower lake, targeting specific areas despite challenging weather conditions. They utilized a variety of baits, including spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and lipless crankbaits to navigate the high winds and muddy waters, eventually moving to the upper lake after maximizing their catch in the lower lake.
Tom and Missy Bancroft secured second place with a catch of five bass totaling 20.02 pounds, earning them $325. Their strategy involved using a mix of swimbaits, swim jigs, and wacky rigged senkos, primarily fishing in the upper lake near Crappy Neck.
David and Sharon Murdaugh took third place with a total weight of 17.40 pounds from five bass, netting them $150. The Murdaughs found success fishing grass patches around the Crappy Neck area, primarily using a green pumpkin speed vibe worm.
Special accolades for the biggest bass caught were awarded to Sharon Murdaugh for the Ladies Biggest Bass at 5.95 pounds and Michael Craven for the Men’s Biggest Bass at 6.64 pounds, each receiving $65.
The event also featured a G-Line $100 Bounty awarded to the Cravens for using a G-Line Lithium Battery in their trolling motor, and a Berkeley Outdoors $50 Smallest Limit Award given to Tim and Tracy Gamble for their 11.61-pound catch.
The tournament appreciated the support of its sponsors, which allowed for additional prize drawings for teams. The next tournament for the South Carolina Division is scheduled for March 23rd at Santee Cooper Lakes, launching from Black’s Camp.
Top 5
For further information on the American Couples Series and upcoming events, participants can contact local directors Tom and Missy Bancroft or visit the American Bass Anglers website. The Series offers a platform for mixed-gender teams to compete in fishing, encompassing various team compositions beyond just married couples, emphasizing teamwork throughout the season leading to the national championship. The entry fee for these one-day events is $100, with top teams qualifying for the annual championship.
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.
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, 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.
