April 27-28, 2024, Cordele, Georgia – Jimmie Troxell from Leesburg, GA, clinched the victory at the American Fishing Tour Division 74 District Championship held at Lake Blackshear. This event attracted top anglers from the area, all competing for cash prizes and important divisional and national points.
On the first day, Troxell weighed in five fish with a total weight of 15.42 pounds, anchored by a 4.86-pounder. On the second day, Troxell returned with another 12.55 pounds, giving him a two-day total of 27.97 pounds. This impressive performance secured him first place, a cash prize of $802, and an additional cash for the biggest fish on day one. Troxell mentioned that most of his fish were spawning.
Johnny Smith from Albany, GA, secured second place by catching a limit both days. His total weight was 26.68 pounds, earning him a cash prize of $374. Smith credited his success to fishing around scattered patches of grass.

Lane Worsham from Byromville, GA, finished in third place, showcasing his skills by catching a limit on both days for a total weight of 23.60 pounds. In fourth place, Sam Moody from Warwick, GA, had a two-day total of 19.44 pounds. Harry Cooper secured fifth place with a two-day catch of 14.37 pounds. Derreck Burnam finished in sixth place with 11.06 pounds and secured the district’s Angler of the Year (AOY) race.
Brett Mathis won the Day Two Big Fish award with a 4.68-pounder, earning him $120.
The event started with comfortable weather, but it quickly heated up with little to no wind until the afternoon. Henry Starks expressed gratitude to all participants for their support during the season and looked forward to building the field for the upcoming 2025 season.
Top 10
About The American Fishing Tour
Anglers earn valuable points toward the divisional Angler of the Year title. The points champion from each division will compete in the American Bass Anglers AFT Angler of The Year Final Round at the AFT Championship. The top 500 anglers from various divisions will qualify for the three-day ABA AFT National Championship tournament.
The American Fishing Tour offers affordable, local bass tournaments designed for weekend anglers. Participants compete for both money and points, which advance them to their divisional championship and potentially the national championship held this fall on Lake Hartwell in Anderson, SC.
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 on the Military Team Bass Tournament and all other 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.