ATHENS, Ala. – Michael E. Rector secured the win at the 2025 American Bass Anglers Professional League, presented by Caymas Boats, South Carolina Division 9 tournament on March 22, 2025, at Lake Hartwell.
Launching from Green Pond Landing and Event Center, Rector, from Pacolet, SC, brought in a five-bass limit totaling 20.70 pounds. His catch included a notable 6.87-pound bass that earned him the Big Bass prize. Rector collected $3,400 for his first-place finish, along with an additional $400 for the event’s biggest bass.
“I started the day targeting bedding fish on the lower end of the lake,” Rector said. “I caught a male early but couldn’t get the larger female. Once the wind picked up, I switched to throwing a spinnerbait and quickly hooked a few fish. The area got crowded, so I moved into a nearby pocket and landed three more using a Carolina rig near bedding areas. As I moved around, I noticed a fish breaking the surface. I threw a walking bait at it and caught my biggest fish, filling my limit by 10:15. Later in the day, I lost one around 4-5 pounds at the boat, but I managed to upgrade a two-pound fish with a four-pounder just before time ran out.”
Second place went to Parker Guy from Ocilla, GA, who weighed in a five-bass limit of 17.96 pounds, earning $1,500.
“My day began shallow, catching one of my bigger fish early—a four-pound spotted bass,” Guy explained. “I struggled after catching another decent fish and couldn’t figure out a consistent pattern. I tried some bedding fish from practice and landed one three-pounder but had to release him after he swallowed the bait. Eventually, I pieced together my limit with isolated catches, including another four-pounder later in the day.”
Bo Collins of Robbinsville, NC, finished third, bringing in five bass weighing 17.18 pounds, and earned $1,200.
“I had a good start and stayed consistent throughout the day, catching around 30-40 keepers once I found the right spots,” said Collins. “Most fish came on a swimbait and a Neko rig. Unfortunately, I never got the bigger fish I needed and missed a crucial six- to seven-pounder late in the day.”
Fourth place went to Justin Tingen of Moore, SC, with a five-bass limit weighing 16.75 pounds, and Bradley Day rounded out the top five with a limit totaling 16.68 pounds.
The next event for the South Carolina Division is May 3, 2025, at Clark’s Hill, launching from Dorn (Click to Register)
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
