ATHENS, Ala. – Oklahoma anglers, it’s time to shake off the winter blues, dust off those boat covers, and get your reels ready! The 2025 fishing season is just around the corner, and the ABA Professional League is kicking things off with an exciting opener on Lake Eufaula, OK, on March 15th. If you’ve been itching to hit the water after a long, cold winter, this is your chance to reel in big bass, big payouts, and a shot at glory—all while enjoying some prime spring fishing.
Springtime on Lake Eufaula is a fisherman’s dream. As the season awakens, expect water temps to creep into the 50s and 60s, with air temperatures forecast in the mid-60s for mid-March—perfect for a day on the water. The bass are shaking off their winter sluggishness, staging for the spawn, and feeding aggressively. Pre-spawn largemouths will be prowling the shallows, hitting crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastics around creek channels, stump fields, and the lake’s famous standing timber. Anglers can also expect a strong bite near riprap banks and secondary points as these fish bulk up for the spawn. With Lake Eufaula’s reputation for producing hefty bags—think 20-pound-plus limits—this event promises action-packed fishing and a chance to hook into a personal best. Mother Nature can always throw a curveball this time of year, but that’s part of the thrill—adapting to conditions and outsmarting the fish is what separates the winners from the pack.
The ABA Professional League’s 2025 season is built for anglers who live for competition and value big rewards. Each division features three one-day qualifying tournaments and a two-day Divisional Championship, with entry fees set at an affordable $350 per event (big bass included). The league delivers an impressive 80% payout—one of the best in the game. At a one-day divisional event with a 60-boat field, first place could net you over $4,000. Own a Caymas Boat? You’re eligible for an additional $7,000 through the Caymas Cash program, pushing your potential winnings to a jaw-dropping $10,000 for a single day on Lake Eufaula. That’s the kind of payday that makes spring fishing even sweeter!
Here’s how the season works: anglers earn points at every event, building their divisional and national standings. Fish all four events in your division and finish in the top 10 by points, and you’ll punch your ticket to the prestigious 2026 Ray Scott Championship. Want more chances to shine? The ABA Professional League lets you fish multiple divisions, counting your best three one-day finishes and your top two-day event toward your national ranking. This flexibility means one off-day won’t sink your season—you’re in control of your path to the top. The rest of the Ray Scott field will be filled by the top 200 in the national points race, so every cast counts.
Plus, Division-level Angler of the Year winners will duke it out at the Championship, with a cash prize awaiting the top AOY performer. Whether you’re chasing points, cash, or the thrill of competition, Lake Eufaula’s season opener is the perfect place to start.
Ready to join the action? Call Chris Wayand, tournament manager, at 256-230-5627 or the ABA office at 256-232-0406 for more details. You can also visit www.americanbassanglers.com to sign up and explore the full 2025 schedule. Don’t miss your shot at big bass and bigger rewards—Lake Eufaula is calling, and the ABA Professional League is ready to make your spring fishing unforgettable!
