Brian Elder of Belvedere, Tennessee, emerged victorious at the Top 150 Solo Championship Presented by Caymas Boats and held at Logan Martin Lake, Alabama. Elder’s performance over two challenging days earned him first place and the grand prize—a Caymas CX 18 Pro with a Mercury Pro XS 150.
The event, which took place at Lincoln’s Landing in Lincoln, Alabama, faced harsh conditions on the first day, with strong winds of over 20 mph and temperatures in the mid-40s. The second day saw frost on the decks and slightly milder winds of 6-12 mph. With Logan Martin being drawn down to winter pool, the current was a key factor in the anglers’ strategies on both days. Elder weighed in an impressive total of 39.83 pounds, securing his victory with a 10.07-pound margin.
Elder shared insight into his success, stating, “My win was just an extension of my practice.” He located key areas during practice where fish were holding under specific conditions of wind and current. His go-to lures included a True South Custom Lures Buzzbait, a Rocket Blade spinnerbait, a Yo-Zuri Rattle N Vibe, and a Blue Ridge Bait Company Roller Shad. Most of Elder’s productive spots featured hard-bottom areas where the current and wind converged. On the first day, he caught his best fish with the Roller Shad 4 and Rocket Blade, while day two required a slower approach, using the Roller Shad and skipping a jig around docks. One productive dock yielded multiple catches throughout the event, including a 6.06-pounder, a 4.91-pounder, and a 4.25-pounder at different times. “I didn’t get a lot of bites, but they were the right bites,” Elder said.
Top Finishers and Strategies
Brennan Flick of West Monroe, Louisiana, finished in second place, earning $2,500 with a total weight of 29.76 pounds. Flick’s first-day catch weighed 12.73 pounds, putting him in sixth place. On day two, he caught 17.03 pounds by focusing on downriver points, using a minnow bait, and casting a Magdraft around washouts where fish were holding.
Walter Ogle of Rockford, Tennessee, claimed third place with 29.52 pounds, taking home $2,000. Ogle employed a “river fishing” strategy, treating Logan Martin much like the Tennessee River near his home. He targeted shallow ditches with a Chatterbait and a Squarebill Crankbait, culling fish throughout the day to reach his final weight.
Wayne Christopher from Huntsville, Alabama, secured fourth place with a total of 26.35 pounds, winning $1,600. Christopher’s finish also qualified him for the Ultimate Angler Championship in October 2025. He used rattle baits to target shallow flats, running both upriver and downriver to locate baitfish.
Steven Harrison of Spring City, Tennessee, finished fifth with a total weight of 25.94 pounds, earning $900. Harrison spent the first day upriver targeting current breaks using a Spinnerbait and a Rattle Trap. On the second day, after smaller catches upriver, he made the decision to move to the dam in search of larger fish.
Larry Franks of Wilsonville, Alabama, took sixth place with 24.54 pounds, winning $850. Robert Stevens of Bernice, Louisiana, followed in seventh place with 23.98 pounds, earning $650.
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 Top 150 Solo 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, WattCycle Batteries, Hotel Planner.com, and LurePartsOnline.com.
