Buckhead, GA. Sam Montgomery of Milledgeville, Georgia, secured first place at Lake Oconee’s American Fishing Tour Division 72 tournament held on March 8, 2025. Montgomery brought in a five-bass limit weighing 17.38 pounds, earning him the first-place trophy and a cash prize of $801. His impressive catch included a notable bass weighing 5.36 pounds.
Ryan Thomas from Madison, Georgia, finished closely behind in second place with his five-bass limit totaling 17.08 pounds. Thomas earned $519 and the second-place trophy, highlighted by a sizeable bass weighing 5.53 pounds.
Jerry Jones from Union Point, Georgia, landed the largest fish of the event, a 6.25-pound largemouth bass. Jones received the Big Bass trophy and the optional Big Bass cash pot worth $440.
The tournament drew 44 anglers competing for the top seven positions, with total cash payouts amounting to $2,156. The top ten anglers were:
Top 20
Following the awards presentation, additional draw prizes were distributed among participating anglers. David Mitchell won a $50 gift card to Sugar Creek Marina, while Michael May and Michael Sanford each received a $50 cash prize. Carl Hayes took home a $100 gift certificate for a custom wooden flag from Captain Kidd’s Designs, and Randy Woodham won a $200 gift certificate from Kissel Krafts Custom Rods.
Special appreciation goes to Bob Clark, Les Charles, and David Mitchell for assisting with morning boat checks, registration, and fish weigh-in.
Lake Oconee, located in central Georgia, is renowned for excellent bass fishing and is a popular destination for anglers year-round. Known for its diverse habitat including submerged timber, docks, and rocky points, Lake Oconee consistently produces quality largemouth bass catches and serves as an ideal location for competitive fishing events.
The next Division 72 tournament is scheduled for April 19, 2025, also at Lake Oconee, launching from Sugar Creek Marina. For additional information, please contact Tournament Director Benny Howell at 770-365-4795.
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
