ATHENS, Ala. Kevin Lasyone of Dry Prong, LA, found himself taking home the title for the season’s 3rd and final one-day Pro League tournament. Fishing Toledo Bend Reservoir this past weekend from Cypress Park, located in the middle of the lake near Many, LA.
Toledo Bend Reservoir is on the Sabine River between Texas and Louisiana. The lake has an area of 185,000 acres, the largest man-made body of water in both Louisiana and Texas. It is the largest in the South and the fifth largest by surface acre in the United States. The dam at the opposite end of the lake can generate 92 megawatts of electrical power. It is located in the northeast corner of Newton County, TX; however, it includes very little reservoir. Most of it extends northward into parts of Sabine and DeSoto Parishes in Louisiana and Sabine, Shelby, and Panola counties in Texas. The area had massive amounts of rain the week prior, which caused flooding of the Sabine River feeding into Toledo Bend. With the influx of millions of gallons of water, the fishing was nowhere near its best, but Lasyone still found a method to bring in 21.50 lbs. with a kicker of 6.05 lbs to earn 1st place and big bass for the event. Kevin’s pocket was lined with two checks. $3400.00 for the win and an additional $410.00 for big bass
Kevin tells us, “I was fishing the mid-lake area today. I wasn’t out too deep, though, probably 4 to 8 feet of water. The bait I chose today was a half oz football jig, and I know I caught 20 keepers today and culled a bunch of times. I had my limit early, probably by 0800, but I had some runts now I knew I would have to go. My last keeper came after that small time we had heavy rain, I’m guessing about 30 minutes or so. It was a decent day fishing; I know this lake can be much better than this, but we didn’t see the sun at all.”
In second place, Benji Gulett of Converse, LA, had a five fish limit that also could have won. His limit was 21.08 lbs., just 0.42 ounces behind Kevin. Benji’s bag of fish was solid across the board and did not have a bass that would overtake Kevin’s 6 lber. Benji took home a check for he took home a check for $1500.00.
Benji shares, “I was up North today. I caught all my fish on a football jig in 8 to 10 feet of water. My target structure was ridges. I chose this pattern because most of the fish in the lake right now are post-spawn. I probably caught 10 fish today, so I was able to cull a few times. It rained on me a couple of times, but the wind didn’t get too bad. I do know all the freshwater pouring into the lake made a big difference in the bite.”
Wesley Dawson of Chester, TX had a five fish limit of 19.65 lbs. and finished in 3rd place earning $1200.00. The weights among the top 3 anglers were very close.
Wes explained his day. “I went up North and fished an area with shallow Cypress trees today. I was flipping to them. The current was moving pretty swiftly, and the wind was blowing just perfectly. I stayed there all day today and caught about 25 fish. Not all keepers, but I was back and forth to the live well quite a few times making culls. I had my limit by 0830 this morning, so it was a pretty relaxed day, and I’m happy where I finished.”
Finishing fourth, Glenn Robertson of Shreveport, LA, had a solid five fish limit weighing 17.93 lbs. less than one pound ahead of Benji Dumas from Minden, LA, finishing in fifth place with a 5 fish limit weighing 16.99.
This was the final one-day event for the Louisiana division. Under the new format, anglers are required to fish one (1) of the one-day events to make the two-day championship. Knowing this, the field is set for Caddo Lake on June 22nd and 23rd. Of all the southwest divisions, Louisiana will be the first one to finish out the schedule. We will crown the Angler of the Year at the end of the season. (AOY) The AOY will earn a free entry for the division of their choice in 2025. The top 200 anglers by national point standings will receive an invitation to fish the 2024 Ray Scott Championship.
Top 25
For more information on upcoming tournaments, call Chris Wayand, tournament manager, at 256-230-5627 or ABA at 256-232-0406. O
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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.
