June 20, 2024, ATHENS, Ala. – American Bass Anglers is excited to announce the details of the 2025 ABA American Team 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 April 16, 17 and 18, 2025.
“This is the inaugural Team Series Championship, and we are excited to hold it on Santee Cooper,” said Morris Sheehan, Owner of American Bass Anglers. “This is the absolute best time to fish Santee Cooper, and the team will really enjoy the challenge and the experience. The community support is overwhelming, and we are proud for the Championship to be hosted by SANTEE COOPER COUNTRY.
The championship tournament will take place from April 16, 17, and 18, and will launch from John C. Land Landing. Registration for the event opens on December 2, 2024, and will remain open until April 7, 2025.
Participants should be aware of the off-limits period from Monday, March 3, 2025, through 6:00 am local time on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Official practice will be permitted from Saturday, April 12, 2025, 6 am local time, through Tuesday, 3 pm April 15, 2025. A mandatory check-in will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 5 pm local time at (LOCATION TBD).
The top 250 Teams by points nationally will be invited to the ABA Team Championship, provided the Teams have finished a minimum of four of their Divisional one-day qualifying events and one two-day Divisional Championship. Teams in the top 250 by points standings must confirm their intent to attend by registering not later than the date provided in the invitation to secure their position. After the date provided in the invitation, if any of the top 250 points holders have not registered, the remaining slots will be filled from a waiting list of qualified and pre-registered boaters by points. Each team will complete all three days of the event with no field cuts.
What’s on the Line
The winning team will earn a 2025 Caymas Bass Boat rigged with a Mercury Outboard, T-H Marine equipment, and Optima Batteries.
The event will also pay the top 20% of the field, and big bass could be worth $2500 per day with a 250-boat field.
Also, there is a competition for the Team of the Year. Divisional AOYs will be invited to compete in the National Championship event for the ABA Team Series of the Year. The highest-finishing Divisional AOY Team at the National Championship will be the ABA Team Series Team of the Year. The 2025 Team Series Team of the Year will be awarded their entry fees for the 2025 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 2025 ABA American Team 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 Team 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.
