July 20th, 2023, Seneca, IL – Chaser Ellison from Morris, IL, emerged victorious in the American Fishing Tour (IL 39) tournament. The tournament was held on Morris Pool of the Illinois River, launching from the Seneca ramp, Ellison brought in a 5-fish limit weighing a total of 8.75 pounds, securing his win. His catch also included the tournament’s Big Bass, weighing 2.58 pounds. Ellison was awarded a prize of $313.00 for his win.
The weather conditions were challenging, with cloudy and hot weather, high river levels, and strong currents, all contributing to a tough day on the water. Recent storms had left the river fairly muddy. Only three anglers managed to bring in 5-fish limits. Ellison’s strategic decision to lock up to the next pool, where the water was clearer and held a larger largemouth bass population, proved the winning formula.
Andy Blunier, a local angler, secured second place with a 5-fish limit weighing 6.59 pounds, earning him $128.00. Blunier also opted to lock through to the next pool, following a similar strategy to Ellison’s.
The competition for Division 39 Angler of the Year is heating up, with only 9 points separating the top four anglers. Michael Rasmussen, Keith Ringer, Andy Blunier, and Dave Blume are all in the running, making for an exciting finish to the season.
The next tournament in this division is scheduled for August 10th on Pool 12 of the Mississippi River, launching from Mid-Town Marina in East Dubuque, IL. Another tournament will follow on August 11th, also on Pool 12, marking the last one-day tournament before the two-day Divisional event.
For more information about this event or the division, please contact local Director Dave Blume at 309-824-9999 or visit American Bass Anglers.
Top 10
These anglers earn valuable points toward the divisional angler of the year title. The points champion from each division will compete in the annual American Bass Anglers AFT Angler of The Year Final Round at the AFT Championship. In addition, the top 500 anglers from the various divisions will earn the right to compete in the three-day AFT National Championship tournament.
American Bass Anglers is 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 committed to providing low-cost, close-to-home tournaments for the weekend angler and, at the same time, offering each competitor an upward path for individual angler progression.
For more information about American Bass Anglers, the Open Series, the American Fishing Tour, the American Couples Series, the annual Military Team Bass Tournament, and the Top 150 Solo Tour, all presented by Caymas Boats, visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256) 232-0406
