ZAVALLA, TX – Zane Parker of Kingwood, Texas, secured the victory at the American Bass Anglers (ABA) Pro League Texas Division event held March 22, 2025, on Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Parker weighed in a five-fish limit totaling 24.83 pounds, highlighted by a 5.63-pound kicker, earning him a payout of $3,400.
Fishing conditions were challenging, with unusually low weights attributed to unstable weather and high winds from multiple directions throughout the week, influencing fish positioning daily.
Parker explained his strategy: “I had my limit pretty quickly this morning. By 8:00 a.m., I knew I had around 17 pounds, but I also knew that wouldn’t be enough. I started on a school of fish and caught a couple of good ones. The rest of the day was spent looking for bigger fish, gradually culling up to my final weight. Initially, I fished in about 10 feet of water, then moved out to about 15 feet later. My key baits were a glide bait and a Sixth Sense Flip Gill. Overall, I caught over 25 fish today. It was a good day.”
Zack Fogle took second place, whose tournament day was cut short by a remarkable event. Around 10:30 a.m., Fogle hooked into an extraordinary largemouth bass weighing 13.39 pounds, classifying it as a Texas ShareLunker. After an intense fight involving multiple jumps and dives, Fogle prioritized fish care over further competition, concluding his fishing early to ensure the bass was properly handled. His total weight for the day was a five-fish limit of 21.75 pounds. Fogle received $1,930 for second place and the Big Bass award.
Fogle recounted the memorable catch: “I started shallow this morning, quickly catching my limit on a jerkbait. Later, while moving around a corner, I spotted some big fish suspended. They showed interest in the jerkbait but wouldn’t commit. Switching to a worm triggered the big bite. The fight was intense—jumping, pulling drag, going under the boat. When I finally landed her, I was stunned. I immediately called for assistance, knowing weighing her would end my day. Ensuring the fish’s survival was more important. Thanks to the ABA staff and Texas Parks and Wildlife for their prompt response. This was truly the fish of a lifetime.”
In third place was JD Chandler from Liberty, Texas, with a five-fish limit weighing 20.42 pounds, anchored by a solid 6.40-pound bass. Chandler earned $1,200 for his efforts.
Chandler shared his tactics: “I stayed mid-lake most of the day, targeting water less than 15 feet deep. I caught my fish using a Nikko worm and a minnow. Throughout the day, I culled close to ten times to build the limit I weighed.”
Shawn Temple from Krugerville, Texas, took fourth place with a five-fish limit weighing 16.34 pounds, earning $1,000. John Maxey from Tyler, Texas, rounded out the top five with a limit weighing 16.51 pounds, taking home $800.
Competitors are reminded that points earned in any division across the country qualify for the Ray Scott Championship. Participation in just one event qualifies anglers for the two-day tournament held in the fall. The next Texas Division tournament will be held on May 24, 2025, at Lake of the Pines from Lakeside Park.
For more information on upcoming tournaments, call Chris Wayand, tournament manager, at 256-230-5627 or ABA at 256-232-0406. Online, see www.americanbassanglers.com
The next AFT Division 21 tournament is scheduled for April 5, 2025, at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. Launching will take place from Toho Lakefront Park Marina in Kissimmee. For more information, anglers may contact division director Tim Reuwer at 386-473-4935 or visit www.americanbassanglers.com.
Competitors at these events earn valuable points toward the Divisional Angler of the Year title. Division champions qualify for the American Bass Anglers AFT Angler of the Year Final Round at the AFT Championship. Additionally, the top 500 anglers from all divisions advance to compete in the prestigious three-day ABA AFT National Championship.
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
