Milledgeville, Georgia’s Matt Henry claimed a victory at the AFT D72 tournament held on January 11, 2025, at scenic Lake Oconee. Despite the frigid aftermath of a snowstorm the day before, Henry brought a five-bass limit weighing 17.25 pounds to the scales, earning him the first-place trophy and a $401 cash prize. His impressive sack was anchored by a massive 7.64-pound largemouth, which also secured the Big Bass trophy and an additional $120 in winnings.
Lake Oconee, nestled in central Georgia, is known for its stunning natural beauty and productive bass fishing. The lake spans over 19,000 acres and features a mix of wooded shorelines, submerged structures, and deep channels that challenge even the most seasoned anglers. Despite the chilly weather and icy conditions, the lake’s rich fishery offered up some quality bass for the competitors.
A dedicated group of anglers braved the cold to compete, showcasing their resilience and skills on a challenging day of fishing. The tournament produced an exciting leaderboard with the top ten anglers as follows:
Top 10
After the awards ceremony, the excitement continued with a random draw prize. Charlie Adams walked away with a $100 custom wooden flag crafted by Captain Kidd’s Designs, adding a special touch to the event.
A heartfelt thank-you goes to Bob Clark for his assistance with morning boat checks and managing the weigh-in process. His contributions helped ensure a smooth and successful tournament.
Looking ahead, the next AFT D72 tournament will take place on January 18, 2025, at Lake Sinclair, launching from the Dennis Station DNR ramp. Anglers eager to compete should contact Director Benny Howell at 770-365-4795 for more information. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action!
These tournaments are crucial for anglers as they accumulate points toward the coveted Divisional Angler of the Year title. Points champions from each division will compete in the American Bass Anglers AFT Angler of the Year Final Round, held at the AFT Championship. Additionally, the top 500 anglers from all divisions will qualify for the three-day ABA AFT National Championship, taking place next October on Lake Eufaula.
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.
