Dwayne Smith of Americus, Georgia, claimed victory at the American Fishing Tour (AFT) Division 74 tournament held on February 22, 2025, at Lake Blackshear. Smith brought four-bass to the scales, weighing in at an impressive 19.71 pounds. His catch was anchored by a 6.44 pounder. His performance earned him the first-place cash prize of $406. Smith stated that he caught his fish after 1.00pm.
Steve Phillips of Douglas, Georgia, finished in second place with a five-bass limit totaling 15.36 pounds. Phillips’s limit was anchored by an impressive 4.63 pounder earning him a cash prize of $200.

Third place was claimed by Henry Starks of Byron, Georgia with four bass for a total weight of 15.06 pounds. For his efforts Starks took home $79 in prize money.

In fourth place, Johnny Smith of Albany, Georgia, five-bass limit anchored by a 5.06 pounder tipped the scales at 14.37 pounds.

Rounding out the top five was Georgie Haynie of Vienna Georgia, with three fish, sporting a 7.05 pounder to claim Big Fish Honors and total weight of 14.14 pounds.
Top Ten Finishers
- Dwayne Smith 19.71lbs.
- Steve Phillips 15.36 lbs.
- Henry Starks 15.06 lbs.
- Johnny Smith 14.37lbs.
- George Haynie 14.14 lbs. Big Fish 7.07 lbs.
- Lane Worsham 11.93 lbs.
- Harry Cooper 10.32 lbs.
- Wayne Goff 8.16 lbs.
- Brad Larson 7.94 lbs.
- Sam Moody 5.86 lbs.
The next tournament in this division will take place on Lake Blackshear March 15, 2025, launching from the Gum Creek Ramp.
For more information on this event or division please contact local director Henry Starks 478-808-9701 or visit www.americanbassanglers.com
These anglers earn valuable points toward the divisional angler of the year title. The points champion from each division will compete in the annual American Bass Anglers AFT Angler of The Year Final Round at the AFT Championship. In addition, the top 500 anglers from the various divisions will earn the right to compete in the three-day ABA, AFT National Championship tournament.
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