June 6, 2024, ATHENS, Ala. – American Bass Anglers is excited to announce the details of the 2024 ABA American Couples Series Championship tournament, presented by Caymas Boats and hosted by SANTEE COOPER COUNTRY. The tournament will be held on Santee Cooper in Santee, South Carolina, on October 24 and 25, 2024.
“We are thrilled to host this year’s championship at Santee,” said Morris Sheehan, Owner of American Bass Anglers. “This location offers an excellent setting for our couples to compete and enjoy their time on the water. The support from the host SANTEE COOPER COUNTRY and the Town of Santee, SC, has been outstanding, and we anticipate a fantastic Couples Championship”.
The championship tournament will take place from October 24 to 25, 2024, and will launch from John C. Land Landing. Registration for the event opens on July 15, 2024, and will remain open until October 23, 2024.
Participants should be aware of the off-limits period from sunset on September 22, 2024, through 6 am local time on October 19, 2024. Official practice will be permitted from October 19 through 3 p.m. on October 23. A mandatory check-in, anglers’ dinner, and safety briefing will be held on October 23 at Manning Jr. High School in Manning, SC. See the schedule of events for more information.
The 2024 championship continues the tradition of bringing together anglers in a unique team format. While many teams consist of husbands and wives, other pairings include boyfriends and girlfriends, fathers and daughters, or any combination of one male and one female angler. Teams compete in various state divisions and regional events throughout the year, earning points to qualify for the championship.
Teams qualify for the championship by competing in a minimum of three local American Couples Team tournaments. However, National Point standings determine what teams gets invited. The top 200 Couples Teams are invited to the championship; their national standings are based on their best five divisional finishes. A divisional event is worth 200 points to first place, meaning the best possible score is 1,000 points in a season.
Santee Cooper Country
Santee Cooper Country encompasses a rich natural and cultural heritage, providing visitors with an array of outdoor activities, historical sites, and local cuisine. The area is famous for its diverse wildlife, making it a haven for fishing, boating, bird watching, and other recreational pursuits. Anglers visiting for the tournament can take advantage of the region’s scenic beauty and the warm hospitality of its residents.
In addition to the competitive fishing, the event will provide participants with opportunities to enjoy the Santee area’s hospitality and natural beauty. The host hotel, Best Western Plus in Santee, SC, offers comfortable accommodations for participants and easy access to the tournament site.
Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie
Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie are the two primary reservoirs that make up the Santee Cooper system in South Carolina. Together, these lakes offer extensive recreational opportunities and are renowned for their excellent fishing.
Lake Marion:
- Size: Lake Marion is the largest lake in South Carolina, covering approximately 110,000 acres.
- Depth: It has a maximum depth of about 76 feet.
- Shoreline: The lake features 315 miles of shoreline with numerous shallow flats, drop-offs, points, and coves.
- Fishing: Known for its largemouth bass population, Lake Marion is a premier destination for bass fishing. It also supports a variety of other species, including catfish, crappie, and bream.
- Wildlife: The lake’s diverse ecosystem supports abundant wildlife, making it a great spot for bird-watching and other outdoor activities.
- Recreational Use: In addition to fishing, Lake Marion is popular for boating, kayaking, and camping, offering visitors a range of outdoor experiences.
Lake Moultrie:
- Size: Lake Moultrie covers about 60,400 acres.
- Depth: It has a maximum depth of around 75 feet.
- Shoreline: The lake boasts 210 miles of shoreline, characterized by clear waters and numerous underwater structures.
- Fishing: Lake Moultrie is famous for its trophy-sized catfish and also provides excellent opportunities for catching largemouth bass, striped bass, and crappie.
- Wildlife: Similar to Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie is rich in wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.
- Recreational Use: The lake supports a variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. It is also known for its scenic beauty and tranquil environment.
- Safety: Unlike Lake Marion, most of Lake Moultrie was timbered before impoundment. However, caution is urged when navigating in shallow water on Lake Moultrie, as many submerged stumps are present on its gently sloping shorelines.
Both lakes are interconnected by a canal, allowing for easy navigation between them. The Santee Cooper region’s natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and diverse recreational opportunities make it an ideal location for the 2024 ABA American Couples Series 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 American Couples Series 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, 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.
