ATHENS, Ala. –Robert Branagh won the 2025 American Bass Anglers Professional League, Presented by Caymas Boats, Florida South Division 7 tournament, held March 22nd, 2025 on Lake Okeechobee.
Running out of Roland Martin Marina & Resort in Clewiston, FL, the Malabar, FL angler caught five bass weighing 20.77 pounds, including a 6.68-pound kicker. For the Pro Division victory, Branagh took home a check for $2300 for his win.
“I started up at the North end pitching a 6-inch Bruiser Bait Senko on 17 LB fluorocarbon with a 3/16oz weight. I lost a couple of good ones and I should have been pushing 30 lbs today. I thought it was going to cost me, but it didn’t. This morning I ran all the way up north and caught them on a Bruiser Bait Bullet, just slow rolling it. I knew there were a bunch of beds there, and every once in a while, you get one to eat. “Branagh said.
Second place for the Pros, Ryan Martin of Melbourne, FL landed a 5-bass limit weighing 19.37 pounds including a 6.84-pound lunker that won big bass for the Pros. He earned $1000 for his finish and an additional $220 for the Big Bass award.
“I lost one fish that was probably 6 lbs to 7 lbs but it might have helped a little bit. I was just flipping reeds around the Harney Pond area with a Beaver style bait.” Martin said.
Nicholas Hoinig of Port St. Lucie, FL, took the third spot for the Pros. He landed a 5-bass limit, going 19.25 pounds. He earned $750 for the effort.
“I stayed pretty close to here; I was pitching a Gambler Burner Craw all day. I probably caught 20 fish and did lose two fish that would have helped. That probably would have done it, but I’m sure Rob lost a bunch, too, so yeah, that’s part of it.” Hoinig said
Finishing fourth, Henry “Preston” Heisler of Punta Gorda, FL, landed a 5-bass limit weighing 16.89 pounds. Mark Lundgren of St. Cloud, FL, rounded out the top five pros with a 5-bass limit weighing 16.25 pounds.
Top 15
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.
For more information on this tournament, call Billy Benedetti, tournament manager, at 256-230-5632 or ABA at 256-232-0406. Online, see www.americanbassanglers.com
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
