Joey James of Albany, Georgia, emerged victorious at the American Fishing Tour (AFT) Division 74 tournament held on March 29, 2025, at Lake Blackshear. James secured the top spot with an impressive five-fish limit weighing 16.86 pounds, which included a notable 6.35-pound bass that earned him the Big Fish Honors in addition to the first-place prize. His outstanding performance was rewarded with a cash prize of $425.
Jeff Kight from Fitzgerald, Georgia, took second place with a five-bass limit totaling 15.66 pounds. Kight’s catch featured a substantial 5.25-pound bass, earning him a cash prize of $212. Brett Mathis of Warwick, Georgia, claimed third place with a five-fish limit weighing 14.96 pounds, anchored by a 4.54-pound bass.
In fourth place, Shannen Kitchens of Americus, Georgia, presented a five-bass limit weighing 13.74 pounds, with a 3.42-pound fish as the standout. Rounding out the top five was Johnny Smith of Albany, Georgia, whose five-bass limit totaled 13.53 pounds, highlighted by a 4.29-pound catch.
The next event in this division is scheduled for April 12, 2025, at Lake Blackshear, with participants launching from the Gum Creek Ramp. For additional details about this tournament or Division 74, please contact Local Director Henry Starks at 478-808-9701 or visit www.americanbassanglers.com.
Participants in these tournaments accumulate valuable points toward the divisional Angler of the Year title. The points leader from each division will qualify to compete in the annual American Bass Anglers AFT Angler of the Year Final Round at the AFT Championship. Furthermore, the top 500 anglers across all divisions will earn the opportunity to participate in the prestigious three-day ABA AFT National Championship tournament.
The American Fishing Tour provides affordable, local bass fishing tournaments tailored for weekend anglers. Competitors vie for cash prizes and points, which qualify them for their divisional championship. The top 500 anglers nationwide are invited to the American Fishing Tour National Championship, set to take place this fall on Lake Eufaula, Alabama.
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
