Athens, AL – December 22, 2024 – As the 2025 ABA Professional League prepares to launch, the anticipation for this premier solo bass fishing series, whose format others are now following, promises an exciting season. The first events of the season will showcase iconic fisheries, challenging anglers to compete and win big on some of the nation’s best bass lakes.
Highlighting the First Four Lakes
Lake Okeechobee, FL – January 11, 2025 (Florida South Division) Register for Okeechobee
The “Big O” opens the Florida South Division, known for its vast expanse of water and vegetation that fosters world-class bass fishing. Anglers will navigate challenging hydrilla beds and cattail-lined shores to find the heavyweight bass that makes Okeechobee a top destination. This lake’s reputation for producing trophy-sized catches ensures a thrilling start to the season.
Highlights from the 2024 Opener
Last year’s Florida South Division opener on Lake Okeechobee offered a glimpse of the challenges and rewards anglers can expect in 2025. Despite a wind delay that shortened the tournament day, the event showcased the lake’s potential for producing heavy bags and exciting competition.
Charles “Charlie” Coleman Jr. of Sebastian, FL, claimed victory with five bass weighing 18.35 pounds, including a 7.17-pound kicker, earning a $5,000 first-place check.
“Crazy thing is I had five bites all day,” Coleman said. “It was tough. I caught three fish in one area and made a move to a different spot that I had a few bites the previous day. I caught my last fish, the 7-pounder, in some reeds.”
Register for Okeechobee
Lake Toho, FL – January 18, 2025 (Florida Central Division) Register for Toho
The Florida Central Division opener on January 18, 2025, will take place on Lake Toho, a lake synonymous with trophy bass and high-stakes competition. Its expansive hydrilla beds, shallow flats, and reed-lined banks provide endless opportunities for strategic fishing.
Highlights from the 2024 Opener
In 2024, Lake Toho hosted a standout event in the Florida Central Division, where Juan Caballero of Saint Cloud, FL, secured victory with an impressive five-bass limit weighing 20.43 pounds. Running out of Kissimmee Lakefront Park, Caballero’s win earned him a $5,200 first-place prize.
“My game plan was to head to Cypress, but with a high boat draw number, I stayed in Toho and fished a waypoint until the lock thinned out,” Caballero said. “I caught a 6-pounder on the third cast and a couple of 2-pounders. I had 19 pounds by 9:30 AM. I was using topwater, a wacky worm, and a chatterbait.”
Second place went to Raymond Trudeau, also of Saint Cloud, FL, who brought in a five-bass limit weighing 20.16 pounds, earning $2,800.
With such proven results in 2024, the 2025 opener on Toho promises to deliver similar excitement as anglers compete for significant payouts and early-season points.
Register for Toho
Lake Norman, NC – February 15, 2025 (North Carolina Division) Register for Lake Norman
Nestled in North Carolina, Lake Norman offers diverse fishing opportunities. This man-made reservoir challenges anglers with fluctuating water levels and varied structure, from rocky points to submerged timber. Known for its healthy population of largemouth and spotted bass, this event will test the versatility of even the most seasoned competitors.
When you go to Norman, make a stop in Cherryville, North Carolina, at The Great Outdoors, have a cup of coffee with and possibly gain some Lake Norman insight from one of the most legendary figures in the sport, Guy Eaker. With an amazing career spanning decades, Eaker earned a reputation as a true gentleman of the sport and one of bass fishing’s most consistent and dedicated competitors. Known for his sportsmanship and innovative techniques, Eaker is a member of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame and Legends of the Outdoors and has inspired countless anglers to pursue their passion at every level.
Eaker’s legacy continues to influence the fishing world, and his hometown of Cherryville, North Carolina, is home to The Great Outdoors, a premier Caymas Boat dealer and a hub for bass fishing enthusiasts.
The Great Outdoors: Serving Anglers with Excellence
Located in Cherryville, NC, The Great Outdoors offers a wide selection of Caymas Boats, Mercury Outboards, and the latest fishing tackle, gear and accessories for anglers seeking to elevate their game. Known for its exceptional customer service and knowledgeable staff, the dealership provides everything from top-tier bass boats to the items you need to make the most of your time on the water.
As a proud supporter of bass fishing, The Great Outdoors embodies the values of community, innovation, and passion that define the sport. Whether you’re a weekend angler or a seasoned competitor, the dealership’s commitment to quality and service makes it a go-to destination for all your fishing needs.
For more information, visit The Great Outdoors.
Highlights from the 2024 Opener
The 2025 North Carolina Division opener on February 15, 2025, brings anglers back to Lake Norman, a lake known for its diverse fishing opportunities and thriving populations of largemouth and spotted bass. Last year’s season opener proved why this venue remains a top choice for competition.
In 2024, Michael D. Stephens of Gastonia, NC, claimed victory with a five-bass limit weighing 21.70 pounds, anchored by a 5.33-pounder. Running out of Pinnacle Wildlife Access, Stephens earned $4,800 for his performance.
“I caught my fish on a Shane’s Alabama rig. It’s the best A-rig I’ve used,” Stephens said. “I covered a lot of water and caught them anywhere from 2-14 feet deep.”
Second place went to Cody Hoyle of Rutherfordton, NC, with a limit totaling 20.98 pounds, highlighted by a tournament-best 6.02-pounder. Hoyle credited his success to crankbaits fished in 3-10 feet of water and noted, “I probably caught 40 fish today.” His efforts earned him $3,360.
Lake Norman’s reputation as a venue where anglers can fish deep or shallow while targeting largemouth and spotted bass ensures a thrilling 2025 season opener.
Register for Lake Norman
- Lake Oconee, GA – February 15-16, 2025 (Georgia Division) Register for Lake Oconee
The Georgia kick-off will host two back-to-back one-day qualifying tournaments. The first day on Saturday, February 15, and then on Sunday, February 16. Lake Oconee is a favorite among Georgia anglers. Its combination of clear water, riprap, and docks provides an ideal stage for technical fishing. Success on Oconee requires a mix of power and finesse as anglers adjust to seasonal bass behavior and local conditions.
Highlights from the 2024 Opener
The 2024 season saw John “Brad” Stalnaker of Eatonton, GA, take the top spot on Lake Oconee with a five-bass limit weighing 18.51 pounds. Running out of Spring Creek Marina, Stalnaker’s performance earned him $4,600 for the victory.
“I fished from up the river all the way down to the dam. I probably ran half a tank of gas out today, but that’s my style of fishing—I run and gun,” Stalnaker shared. “I’m looking for a fish that wants to bite, not one that I have to make bite. I caught fish flipping a jig, throwing a spinnerbait, swim-jigs, topwater—you name it. I fished grass, wood, docks, and seawalls. There wasn’t a specific pattern. Just put the trolling motor down and get it.”
Stalnaker also reflected on the importance of fishing in his life, adding, “I’m thankful that I had a daddy that took me fishing when I was young. Without him taking me and showing me the way—it’s so important to take kids out and do things with them outdoors.”
Second place went to Grant Kelly of Milledgeville, GA, who weighed in a five-bass limit at 17.75 pounds, earning $2,500.
“I started out pretty good first thing this morning,” Kelly said. “I had a few flurries where I caught several fish, then it slowed down and it was one bite here, one bite there. I ran down to the lower end of the lake and looked for some cleaner water.”
A Season of High Stakes and Big Rewards
The ABA Professional League offers unmatched opportunities for weekend anglers:
- Industry-Leading Payouts: With entry fees set at $350 per event, anglers compete for an 80% payout structure. Winners can take home up to $10,000 in a one-day event (based on a full field) and an additional $7,000 through the Caymas Cash program.
- Industries Best Format for Aspiring Professional Anglers: Again, ABA has again led the way, being the first to develop the best format for aspiring professional bass anglers. Fishing solo requires anglers to develop and depend on all their skills without interruption and learn to compete as top-level professional anglers. This is why the tour was named Professional League
- Flexibility and Strategy: Anglers can compete in multiple divisions, with their top three one-day finishes and best two-day divisional championship counting toward their national ranking.
- Road to the Championship: The 2026 Ray Scott Championship awaits the top anglers, along with divisional Angler of the Year honors and cash prizes.
2025 Full Schedule
Alabama North - 1 | Alabama South - 2 | |||
3/22/2025 | Weiss | 2/8/2025 | Eufaula | |
5/24/2025 | Guntersville | 3/15/2025 | Mitchell | |
6/28/2025 | Neely Henry | 4/12/2025 | Lay Lake | |
9/6-7/2025 | Neely Henry | 9/6-7/2025 | Eufaula | |
Florida Central - 6 | Florida South - 7 | |||
1/18/2025 | Toho | 1/11/2025 | Okeechobee | |
3/1/2025 | Toho | 2/22/2025 | Okeechobee | |
5/17/2025 | Harris Chain | 3/22/2025 | Okeechobee | |
9/13-14/2025 | Toho | 9/2021/2025 | Okeechobee | |
Georgia - 8 | Louisiana - 13 | |||
2/15/2025 | Oconee | 2/15/2025 | Caddo | |
2/16/2025 | Oconee | 5/3/2025 | Cross Lake | |
3/8/2025 | Lanier | 5/31/2025 | Red River | |
9/27-28/2025 | Oconee | 9/27-28/2025 | Caney Lake | |
Maryland - 21 | Mississippi - 12 | |||
5/31/2025 | Potomac | 2/22/2025 | Ross Barnett | |
7/26/2025 | Potomac | 5/17/2025 | Ross Barnett | |
8/23/2025 | Potomac | 6/14/2025 | Ross Barnett | |
9/27-28/2025 | Potomac | 9/20-21/2025 | Ross Barnett | |
North Carolina - 5 | Oklahoma - 14 | |||
2/15/2025 | Norman | 3/15/2025 | Eufaula | |
3/15/2025 | High Rock | 4/26/2025 | Tenkiller | |
6/21/2025 | Wylie | 6/7/2025 | Texoma | |
9/6-7/2025 | Norman | 9/13-14/2025 | Grand | |
South Carolina - 9 | Tennessee Central - 3 | |||
2/22/2025 | Keowee | 3/29/2025 | Percy Priest | |
3/22/2025 | Hartwell | 4/26/2025 | Old Hickory | |
5/3/2025 | Clarks Hill | 5/17/2025 | Center Hill | |
8/16-17/2025 | Murray | 9/14-15/2025 | Percy Priest | |
Tennessee East - 4 | Texas - 10 | |||
4/12/2025 | Watts Bar | 3/22/2025 | Sam Rayburn | |
5/31/2025 | Chickamuaga | 5/24/2025 | Lake of the Pines | |
6/7/2025 | Chickamuaga | 6/21/2025 | Lake Tyler | |
8/22-23/2025 | Chickamuaga | 9/6-7/2025 | Lake of the Pines | |
Virginia - 19 | ||||
3/1/2025 | Kerr | |||
5/10/2025 | Kerr | |||
6/14/2025 | Kerr | |||
9/20-21/2025 | Kerr | |||
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 Professional League, all presented by Caymas Boats, please 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.