ATHENS, Ala. Chris Crow–won the 2025 American Bass Anglers Professional League, Presented by Caymas Boats, Florida South Division 7 tournament, held February 22, 2025 on Lake Okeechobee.
Running out of Roland Martin Marina & Resort in Clewiston, FL the Lake Placid, FL angler caught five bass weighing 27.13 pounds including a 6.80-pound kicker. For the Pro Division victory, Crow took home a check for $3200 for his win.
“I was fishing on the North end of the lake. I had kind of a slow start catching little ones this morning. There were some other guys around there and I kind of moved away from all of them, out towards the lake more. I caught everything on a frog. I just threw a frog all day. I told you, remember last tournament I don’t throw worms. I caught a couple around 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM and then I caught the biggest one around 1:30 PM. I’m just glad my wife and child are here for this. “Crow said.
Second place for the boaters, Robert Branaugh of Malabar, FL landed a 5-bass limit weighing 20.95 pounds including a big bass that weighed 7.16-pounds. He earned $1400 for his catch and $390 for the big bass award.
“I should’ve had probably 31lbs to 32 lbs today. I don’t know what was going on, they weren’t eating it good. I had the same problem last weekend as well on day 2 but all in all a good day. I caught my fish the same way just fishing rocks with a Big Bullet by Bruiser Bait with a Cast King reel and Covert 17 LB test. I caught that big fish around 11:30AM and then I knew I needed another good one or at least two more good ones. I ran down and started fishing back and I lost another one that was probably just as big.” Branaugh said.
Matt Wieteha of Miami, FL took the third spot for the boaters. He landed a 5-bass limit going 17.66 pounds. He earned $1100 for the effort.
“I lost some fish but nothing that would have overtaken Rob or Chris. I lost a couple 2 1/2, maybe a three pounder here and there, but nothing that would have scared them at all. I started up north in the morning caught a fish swimming a Gambler Big EZ and also caught 3 little ones. I was actually fishing somewhat near Chris, but I couldn’t figure the fish out like he did. So, I ended up running to another spot and ended up culling out all my smaller fish and caught a 3 pounder. I had about 30-40 minutes to go fish one area, rolled in there and caught a 5 pounder with 10 minutes to go.” Wieteha said
Finishing fourth, Mike Jones of Canal Point, FL landed a 5- bass limit weighing 17.14 pounds. Rene Martinez of Naples, FL rounded out the top five pros with a 5-bass limit weighing 16.75 pounds.
At the end of the season, the best anglers from across the nation advance the 2025 Ray Scott Championship to be held in April, 2026.
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
