June 22, 2024, Channahon, IL – Ryan Park of Plainfield, IL, emerged victorious in the American Fishing Tour (IL 39) tournament presented by American Bass Anglers. Launching from Big Basin near Channahon, IL, Park dominated the competition with a 5-fish limit weighing in at an impressive 17.25 pounds. He also secured the Big Bass honors with a 4.01 lb kicker fish. Park’s triumph earned him a prize of $376.00.
Despite facing strong gusty winds, white-capped waves, and 90-degree temperatures, Park managed to reel in his winning catch from an isolated area surrounded by eelgrass. Most of his catches came on a bladed jig, demonstrating his skill in challenging conditions.
The weather posed a significant challenge, but all anglers managed to catch fish, with most of the field weighing in a 5-fish limit. Overall, it was a successful and competitive tournament.
Chaser Ellison of Morris, IL, claimed second place with a total weight of 12.96 pounds for his 5-fish limit, taking home $163 for his efforts.
The Angler of the Year race for IL Division 39 is heating up, with Michael Rasmussen leading the pack, closely followed by Keith Ringer. Dave Blume and Andrew Blunier are neck and neck in 3rd and 4th place overall, making for an exciting finish to the season.
The next tournament in this division is scheduled for July 20th on the Morris Pool of the Illinois River, launching from the Seneca City ramp.
For more information on this event or division, please contact local director Dave Blume at 309-824-9999 or visit American Bass Anglers.
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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 American Fishing Tour Championship 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, Optima Batteries, Hotel Planner.com, and LurePartsOnline.com.
