The 2025 ABA Professional League season for the Louisiana Division is set to begin on February 15, 2025, at the legendary Caddo Lake, one of the most scenic and challenging bass fishing locations in the region. Anglers will launch from Earl G. Williamson Park in Oil City, Louisiana. Known for its stunning cypress trees and vast fishing cover, Caddo Lake promises to deliver an exciting and competitive tournament experience.
The Louisiana Division has a strong history of attracting some of the best anglers in the country. This year’s kickoff event builds upon the success of the 2024 season, which saw Ben McCormick’s exceptional performance, resulting in a total catch weight of 25.67 pounds with five fish. Reflecting on the event, McCormick recounted the day as extraordinary, detailing his early success in securing four fish over the slot limit and his strategic success in catching an essential under-slot fish. This success was further enhanced by unforeseen catches at another location, ultimately leading to a rewarding and enjoyable fishing experience.
Caddo Lake, a sprawling 25,400-acre body of water and Cypress tree wetland straddling the Texas-Louisiana border, is celebrated as an internationally protected wetland and one of the largest flooded Cypress forests in the United States. It is governed by slot limit regulations, which allow anglers to keep only four fish that exceed the 14-18 inch slot.
“It was a fantastic day. I caught so many fish today. I had caught my four overs very early which was a big relief at my first location. I knew I had a good bag, but I need to get my under slot fish. I had a spot I knew I was confident in, so I went there, and the first 3 casts I caught 3 fish. One of them was my under-slot fish. Mission complete. I figured why not stay here and have a little fun because they were stacked in there. To my surprise I culled out a 5.22 and a 5.43 on a location I wasn’t expecting anything but smaller fish from. I stayed there and had a blast until it was time to weigh in. Just one of those days.”
In second place, Kevin Lasyone of Dry Prong, LA, caught his four overs but couldn’t catch one to measure between 12 and 14 inches to finish out his limit. Kevin’s four fish weighed 19.85 lbs.
“I pulled up this morning to my first spot with a chatterbait and caught my 4 overs quick. I knew I needed an under, so I moved up shallow to try and catch one, but I kept catching slot fish and more overs. I also threw a senko and a lazy man. I caught around 15 or 20 today in 3 different locations but was never able to cull up.”
5th place Joe Fleming of Shreveport with a 5 fish limit weighing 19.39 lbs and big bass for the day of 8.49 lbs.
In 2024, the tournament’s fishing locations were predominantly around Cypress trees, with the lake’s water levels being higher than usual due to the preceding week’s heavy rainfall. This condition created discernible currents across the lake, all converging towards the spillway, thereby introducing an additional strategic element for the anglers to consider.
2025 Louisiana Division Schedule:
- February 15, 2025: Caddo Lake – Earl G. Williamson Park – Register
- May 3, 2025: Cross Lake – Ford Park Public Ramp – Register
- May 31, 2025: Red River – Red River South Marina – Register
- September 27-28, 2025: Caney Lake – Hooks Marina
Participants must register by February 14, 2025, to secure their entry for the Caddo Lake tournament. Early registration is recommended with late fees beginning Wednesday, 2/12, at 5 pm.
For registration details and tournament rules, visit AmericanBassAnglers.com. You can also contact Chris Wayand, the tournament manager, at (256) 230-5627 for further information.
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.
For more information, visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256) 232-0406
