This weekend, American Bass Anglers will host one of its busiest tournament weekends of the year, with over 30 bass tournaments scheduled across the country. From Virginia to Texas and Florida to Massachusetts, anglers will compete in American Fishing Tour (AFT), Team Series, Pro League, and Couples Series events—each offering opportunities to earn points, payouts, and a shot at a championship title.
Whether fishing rivers, highland reservoirs, grass lakes, or tidal systems, anglers will face diverse spring conditions as they chase bass across some of the best fisheries in the country. Here’s a complete look at where the action is happening and what each lake has to offer.
American Fishing Tour (AFT)
Saturday, April 26 Events
- Kerr Lake, VA – Island Creek Ramp (Division 102)
Kerr Lake is a massive 50,000-acre reservoir known for its clear water and consistent bass fishing. The Island Creek ramp offers access to productive creeks and main lake points. - Possum Kingdom Lake, TX – South D&D Ramp (Division 112)
This Brazos River impoundment features steep rocky banks, deep water, and abundant cover. The South D&D ramp places anglers close to deep points and bluff ends. - Skiatook Lake, OK – Black Dog Ramp (Division 122)
Clear waters and rocky structure dominate this northeast Oklahoma lake. Black Dog ramp provides fast access to main lake humps and points where fish stage in spring. - Lake Gaston, VA – Holly Grove Marina (Division 13)
This 20,000-acre lake is known for its grass lines, docks, and shallow spawning areas. Holly Grove Marina is centrally located and provides full facilities. - Pomme de Terre, MO – Hermitage State Park (Division 49)
This Ozark lake offers clear water and plenty of wood cover. Hermitage State Park ramp is close to key spawning pockets and main lake banks. - Wequaquet Lake, MA – Barnstable Ramp (Division 5)
Wequaquet is a Cape Cod lake with rocky drop-offs and clear water. The Barnstable public ramp gives anglers access to productive flats and transition zones. - Wilson Lake, KS – Hell Creek Ramp (Division 66)
Wilson Lake is known for its crystal-clear water and smallmouth bass. The Hell Creek ramp provides access to rocky bluffs, flats, and main lake structure. - Smith Mountain Lake, VA – PenHook Ramp (Division 7)
This large mountain reservoir offers clear water and deep ledges. The PenHook ramp is near rocky banks and docks where both largemouth and spotted bass spawn. - Lake Blackshear, GA – Gum Creek Ramp (Division 74)
A scenic lake with cypress trees and backwater sloughs. The Gum Creek ramp is well-positioned near spawning flats and vegetated shoreline. - Lay Lake, AL – Flatlands Ramp (Division 75)
Lay Lake is a Coosa River reservoir offering a mix of current and grass. The Flatlands ramp offers great access to backwater pockets and main lake banks. - Buckeye Lake, OH – North Shore Ramp (Division 93)
This shallow, fertile reservoir is full of canals and shoreline structure. The North Shore ramp provides access to main lake flats and narrow channels.
Sunday, April 27 Events
- Potomac River, MD – Smallwood State Park (Division 11)
Tidal fishing dominates the Potomac, with grass beds and hard cover. The Smallwood State Park ramp gives anglers easy access to creeks and channel swings. - Lake Russell, SC – Hwy 72 Ramp (Division 25)
Lake Russell is a deep, clear lake with a strong population of spotted bass. The Hwy 72 ramp allows entry into mid-lake structure and coves. - Kentucky Lake, KY – Ken Lake Ramp (Division 32)
One of the country’s most iconic fisheries, Kentucky Lake offers ledges, shallow bays, and creek arms. Ken Lake ramp is near productive secondary points and flats. - Lake Quinsigamond, MA – Flint Pond Ramp (Division 36)
This narrow lake in central Massachusetts provides a mix of structure and depth changes. Flint Pond ramp puts anglers close to key transitions. - Lake Tawakoni, TX – Two Mile Bridge Ramp (Division 51)
This large Texas reservoir is known for vegetation and offshore humps. The Two Mile Bridge ramp gives anglers access to both shallow and offshore options. - Lake LBJ, TX – Bluebriar Park Ramp (Division 52)
A constant-level lake with dock fishing and rock structure. Bluebriar Park ramp sits near mid-lake points and clear water transitions. - Wilson Lake, KS – Hell Creek Ramp (Division 66)
The Kansas South division returns for a second day at Hell Creek. Clear water and windblown points will remain key targets. - Smith Mountain Lake, VA – PenHook Ramp (Division 7)
Another doubleheader event for anglers looking to adjust strategies on day two. Expect more fish pushing shallow in protected coves. - Smith Lake, AL – Smith Lake Park Ramp (Division 77)
This deep, clear reservoir holds both spotted and largemouth bass. Smith Lake Park ramp is near deep banks and spring transition areas.
Couples Series (CPL)
- Lake Hartwell, GA – Tugaloo State Park (Division 5 – April 26 & 27)
Couples will fish back-to-back events on Hartwell, a clear, highland reservoir famous for spotted bass and herring spawns. Tugaloo State Park provides excellent access to creek arms and open water points. - Kentucky Lake, KY – Jonathan Creek Ramp (Division 8 – April 27)
This division will fish a key west Kentucky area of the lake. Jonathan Creek Ramp gives teams fast access to spawning coves and shallow bays.
Pro League – Saturday, April 26
- Lake Tenkiller, OK – Sizemore Landing (Division 14)
Clear water, bluff walls, and deep timber define this northeast Oklahoma fishery. Sizemore Landing offers easy access to both the main lake and the creek arms. - Kerr Lake, VA – Nutbush Ramp (Division 19)
Another Kerr event for Pro League anglers, Nutbush provides deeper water and offshore structure. Expect a mix of shallow and main lake patterns. - Old Hickory Lake, TN – Cedar Creek Marina (Division 3)
This Tennessee River lake is known for current seams, riprap, and grass. Cedar Creek Marina gives access to a productive stretch of mid-lake water.
Top 150 Solo Series – April 25–26
- Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho), FL – Kissimmee Lakefront Park (Division 3)
Lake Tohopekaliga, commonly known as Lake Toho, is a renowned 22,700-acre fishery in Central Florida, celebrated for its trophy largemouth bass and diverse aquatic vegetation. The tournament will launch from Kissimmee Lakefront Park, which features a six-lane boat ramp, ample parking, and amenities such as a bait shop, fishing pier, and picnic areas. This venue provides anglers with convenient access to the lake’s productive fishing grounds.
Team Series
Saturday, April 26
- Lake Seminole, AL – Big Jim’s Marina (Division 2)
Teams will tackle grass mats, timber, and backwater sloughs on this legendary fishery. Big Jim’s Marina is centrally located for north and south lake access. - Lake Lanier, GA – Balus Creek Ramp (Division 5)
Clear water and deep structure dominate Lanier. The Balus Creek ramp gives teams a jump on offshore spotted bass and protected spawning pockets. - Lake Sara, IL – Lake Sara Marina (Division 6)
Lake Sara is a compact fishery with docks, weed lines, and timber. The marina ramp offers easy access to all areas of the lake. - Flint Creek Reservoir, MS – Water Park Ramp (Division 7)
This smaller lake has shallow banks and visible cover. The Water Park ramp is near shallow flats where spring fish stack up. - Watts Bar Lake, TN – Caney Creek Ramp (Division 9)
Teams will fish rocky banks and islands on this expansive reservoir. Caney Creek Ramp is well positioned for mid-lake and creek run access.
Sunday, April 27
- Lake Okeechobee, FL – C. Scott Driver Ramp (Division 11)
Okeechobee is a legendary big-bass lake filled with grass and shallow habitat. The C. Scott Driver ramp offers access to the northern section of the lake. - Lake Sara, IL – Lake Sara Marina (Division 6)
Day two for Illinois Central teams brings a chance to improve and adjust. Fish may push deeper or tighter to cover depending on pressure.
Participants who have not yet registered may complete their registration on-site at any event. For Professional League events, online registration is available until 12:00 PM (noon) on the Friday before the event. Alternatively, participants may register in person at the designated registration meeting on Friday afternoon.
For American Fishing Tour (AFT), Couples, and Team Series events, on-site registration is available the morning of the event.
Please note that late fees for the American Fishing Tour (AFT), Couples, and Team Series are waived for the following groups:
ABA Life Members, Active Military personnel, Caymas Boat owners, New or renewing ABA members, or Visiting ABA Directors.
You can become a member onsite at any of these events. For AFT, CPL and Team events you also don’t pay any late fee when you renew or become a member onsite.
Entry Fees:
American Fishing Tour – $70 (one-day event), Option Big Bass Pot onsite
American Couples Series – $100 (one-day event), Option Big Bass Pot onsite
Team Series – $150 (one-day event), Option Big Bass Pot onsite
Professional League – $350
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
Editors Note:
Boating Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility
As American Bass Anglers prepares for a busy tournament weekend, we want to remind all competitors that safety must always come first—before the fishing, before the points, and before the competition.
With the recent accidents at other events, we want to extend our sympathies to all involved and their families.
As organizations, we all strive to protect all anglers by stressing and enforcing all tournament rules, including safety.
ABA expects every angler to put the safety of themselves, their partner/non-boater, and fellow boaters above all else while on the water. Here are some practical, real-world safety reminders to follow:
Operate With Awareness and Control
All Competitors must always observe safe boating conduct and adhere to speed limits, recognizing that responsible operation is essential to ensuring everyone’s safety on the water. Anglers are expected to demonstrate maximum courtesy at all times, especially when navigating or fishing near non-competitors. Above all, every participant should conduct themselves with professionalism, reflecting integrity and sportsmanship at all American Bass Anglers events.
- Avoid Sharp or Sudden Turns: Always maintain control of your vessel and avoid abrupt maneuvers. If you can’t see clearly around a bend or obstruction, slow down and approach with caution. If you have any questions, slow down more!
- Give Right of Way: Be courteous and yield to boats. They may be less maneuverable or already established in a fishing area or narrow channel. Remember, safe boating is cooperative, not competitive.
- Be Situationally Aware: Constantly scan ahead, to the sides, and behind you. Know the locations of other boats, floating debris, and any hazards. If there is a question about distance from any object, the first thing to do is slow down. Keep a wide berth around anchored boats or those actively fishing.
- Slow Down in Crowded Areas: Boat launches, marinas, and tournament takeoff zones require extra caution. Reduce your speed and avoid creating unnecessary wake.
Remember These Key Rules from the U.S. Coast Guard and Boating Officials
- Wear a Life Jacket: Coast Guard stats show most boating fatalities involve victims not wearing life jackets. While wearing a life jacket is a requirement at all ABA Bass Tournaments, it is good to make it a habit anytime you are boating.
- Don’t Boat Under the Influence: Alcohol and boating don’t mix. Operating a boat while impaired puts everyone at risk and is strictly prohibited at all ABA events and all other bass tournaments.
- Complete a Safety Course: A certified boating safety course helps all anglers, no matter their experience level, understand navigation rules and emergency protocols.
Plan Ahead, Stay Prepared
- Inspect Before You Launch: Ensure your kill switch is functional, safety gear is on board, and navigation lights work properly for early takeoffs or late weigh-ins.
- Have a Float Plan: Let someone on shore know your tournament schedule and expected return time, and always check in with your tournament staff.
- Watch the Weather: High winds and thunderstorms can escalate quickly. Stay alert and ready to head to safety when conditions turn.
At every ABA tournament, your responsibility doesn’t end at your casting deck. It extends to how you operate on the water. Be smart. Be safe. Let’s ensure that everyone goes home safely at the end of the day.
For more safety tips, visit uscgboating.org or check your state’s DNR boating safety guidelines.
As with all ABA Events, each angler must read the complete rules for the upcoming event. If you have safety or other event rules questions, contact your local tournament director.
American Fishing Tour 2025 Rules
