Jasper, TN. Jeff Bradford came away with the win in the American Bass Anglers Pro League, Presented by Caymas Boats, East Tennessee Division 4, held April 27, 2024, at Nic-A-Jack Lake. The fishing seemed to be tough for most, with only 12 anglers bringing a 5-fish limit to the scales. It was about 62 degrees at takeoff time, with the temperature only rising to about 75 degrees at weigh-in time with a wind of about 11 miles per hour.
Launching at Marion County Park in Jasper, TN, Bradford from Ringgold, GA, came in with a 5-bass tournament limit of 15.98 pounds for the victory. He capped that catch with a 6.04-pound largemouth and pocketed a check for $2300.00 for 1st place.
Jeff stated that he fished a wacky rig all day and that he had pretty good practice with it. So, I just stuck with it all day. I mainly fish around logs and little pockets all day in one area. The pockets that I was keying in on had some protection from the wind, which were sitting ambush points from the bait fish.
Second-place finisher Mr. Ricky Parker from Adairsville, GA, had five fish weighing 14.64 lbs, and he had the big fish for the day weighing 7.36 lbs. This earned him $1,000.00, and the big fish check was worth $230.00, giving him a total of $1,230.00.
“I was fishing a Senko and a Shakey Head all day. I was looking for bedding areas for the fish are bedding. The area had to be flat with rocks and sand , and laydowns were the key to finding my fish. I was mainly fishing mid river, and the wind made it tough,” stated Ricky.
Ryan Godsey of Chickamauga, GA, finished in third place. He was trying for a three-peat because he had the last two tournaments that we had there. Ryan had a five-fish limit of 13.48 lbs., putting a check in his pocket worth $750.00.
“I ran upriver early this morning in hopes of getting a limit of spots, and I did. Then, about mid-morning, I decided to run that Caymas back down river and try to cull up. I was able to catch a couple of fish to help, but I lost 2 key fish that could have really helped me,” stated Ryan.
Danny Hall of Ellijay, GA, finished 4th with a 5 fish limit of 13.45 lbs. putting a check in his pocket for $550.00.
“I caught 3 of my fish on a buzz bait, 1 on the bed, and the other on a swim jig. I had 2 more fish that I was fishing that was on the bed. 1 was about a 4.5-pounder, and she bit 3 times. Then I caught her, but foul hooked her, so I had to turn her back loose. The 2nd was about a 7.5 pounder and lost her right the boat,” stated Danny.
Top 10
The next stop and final one-day event for this division will be May 11, 2024, at Chickamauga, which will depart from Chester Frost Park in Soddy Daisy, Tennessee.
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.
