Smyrna, TN – January 17, 2025: The Division 18 Tennessee Central tournament of the American Bass Anglers Team Series took place on January 18 at J. Percy Priest Lake, with Josh Womack and Anthony Guffie earning top honors. Competing out of Fate Sanders Marina, the pair delivered an impressive five-fish limit weighing 25.89 pounds, securing the first-place prize of $1,380.
John Wilkerson and Ben Ballou earned second place with a solid total of 22.37 pounds, taking home $690.
James Melton and Chris Tarpley rounded out the top three, bringing in a catch of 20.29 pounds and earning a $410 prize.
Josh Clary and Cody Little claimed fourth place with 19.50 pounds, adding $280 to their winnings.
Fifth-place finishers Clint Hayes and John Wesley capped off the top performances with a 19.18-pound limit that included the tournament’s biggest bass—a hefty 6.56-pound largemouth. Their efforts earned them a $230 payout.
Located just outside Nashville, J. Percy Priest Lake is a 14,200-acre reservoir managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Constructed in 1967 and named in honor of Congressman J. Percy Priest, the lake has become a premier destination for bass fishing enthusiasts. The lake’s waters provide excellent habitat for largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, thanks to its structure-rich environment of submerged timber, rocky points, and shallow coves. Anglers often report success using topwater lures, jigs, and crankbaits, particularly during seasonal patterns when bass move between deeper and shallow areas. Percy Priest has become a popular site for competitive tournaments, with its consistent bass populations attracting skilled anglers from across the region. The marina facilities, including Fate Sanders Marina, offer convenient access to prime fishing spots, further solidifying Percy Priest’s reputation as a top-tier bass fishing destination.
The next Division 18 Tennessee Central tournament is scheduled for March 15, 2025, once again launching from Fate Sanders Marina on Percy Priest Lake. (Register) Anglers are expected to face similar conditions as they strategize to land the lake’s prized bass and compete for top honors.
Top 15 Teams
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.
