Presented by Caymas Boats | Goose Creek, SC – April 11, 2025
Melissa Bancroft and her husband, Thomas, of Goose Creek, South Carolina, captured the title at the 2024 American Couples Series Championship, presented by Caymas Boats. The event was held on the rescheduled dates of April 10–11, 2025, on the legendary Santee Cooper Lakes, with teams launching from the John C. Land boat ramp.
Over two days of intense competition, the Bancrofts brought in five-fish limits each day for a combined total weight of 44.34 pounds, anchored by a 6.57-pound kicker. Their outstanding performance earned them the coveted championship title, a $750 cash prize, and a certificate for a pair of Power-Pole Pro Series II shallow water anchors.
“We started on the lower end of the top lake in a pocket full of beds we had scouted during practice,” explained Thomas. “Day one we fished with a Zoom worm with a chartreuse tail and a magnum version as well. Later in the day, we worked deeper, less visible beds and found some key bites. On day two, a wind shift brought in a wave of beds with the full moon, and we spent our time there, culling up a few times for the win.”
Jim Windham and Beth Lamb secured second with a two-day total of 42.52 pounds, earning $550.
“We started the first day throwing a spinnerbait and a lead-head trick worm along with an 8-inch lizard,” said Windham. “Day two was similar—spinnerbait early, but the lizard really produced most of our fish.”
Third Place & Secured Team of the Year:
David and Ashley Sutton took third place with 36.18 pounds and were crowned the 2024 American Couples Series Team of the Year.
“We started on some beds I’d found, but when those fish moved off, we flipped docks with a jig while Ashley swam a worm,” said David. “She landed a 5-pounder doing that. Mechanical issues kept us near the ramp on day two, but we still caught a limit and lost a big one late.”
John and Jordan Lanier brought in 35.04 pounds for a strong finish.
Joey and Abbigale Outlaw rounded out the top five with 34.53 pounds.
Hope Mangham caught the ladies’ Big fish, and she actually caught two monsters, a 7.74 and a 7.83. The 7.83 was the ladies’ big fish of the event.
About the American Couples Series
The American Couples Series, hosted by American Bass Anglers, is designed to give fishing teams of all skill levels a platform to compete in a friendly, supportive environment. Events are held across the country, offering a unique opportunity for couples to travel, compete, and connect with other anglers.
For more information, visit: What is the American Couples Series?
About Santee Cooper Lakes and Clarendon County
The Santee Cooper Lakes—comprising Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie—are renowned for world-class bass fishing and stunning natural beauty. With vast cypress-lined waters, submerged structures, and healthy fish populations, Santee Cooper is a bucket-list destination for anglers.
American Bass Anglers extends a heartfelt thank you to the Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce, local officials, and the entire Summerton and Goose Creek communities for their generous hospitality and support in making this championship a success. The John C. Land boat ramp and surrounding facilities were ideal for hosting this prestigious event.
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
