(From right to left Raymond Trudeau, Frank Mitchum, Peter Saraf, James Topmiller, Lonny Mead, and Big Bass Randy Ables)
May 24, 2025 – Kissimmee, FL – Raymond Trudeau secured the win at the American Fishing Tour (AFT) Division 21 tournament held on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. The event, hosted out of Toho Lakefront Park Marina, drew a competitive field of local anglers vying for cash prizes and critical points toward divisional and national standings.
Trudeau topped the leaderboard with a five-fish limit weighing 19.47 pounds. Opting to stay on Lake Toho throughout the day, he credited his success to fishing a Zoom Speed Worm, a tactic that proved effective under the hot Florida sun. His efforts earned him the first-place payout of $723.
Finishing just behind in second place was Frank Mitchum, who brought in a 19.37-pound limit. Mitchum focused on hydrilla, using a ¾-ounce weight to punch through the cover and entice fish from below. He received $454 for his efforts.
Third place went to Peter Saraf, who weighed in 18.43 pounds and took home $187. Saraf made critical late-day upgrades using a rattle trap, culling three fish to improve his final weight.
James Topmiller secured fourth place with a 17.75-pound limit, earning $144, while Lonny Mead rounded out the top five with 12.47 pounds and received $108.
The tournament’s Big Bass honors went to Randy Ables, who weighed in a standout 8.86-pound largemouth. His impressive catch earned a $600 cash bonus.
With warming weather settling in across Florida, anglers reported success in shaded areas and around vegetation, including hydrilla mats, Kissimmee grass, bullrush, and pepper grass near deeper water. Several competitors noted spotting late-season spawning activity and relied on presentations like the Zoom Speed Worm to draw quality bites.
The next Division 21 event is scheduled for April 5, 2025, again on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. Anglers will launch from Toho Lakefront Park Marina in Kissimmee. For more details, contact Division 21 Director Tim Reuwer at (386) 473-4935 or visit www.americanbassanglers.com.
Top 20
This event contributed valuable points toward the division’s Angler of the Year title. Points leaders across all divisions will advance to the American Fishing Tour Angler of the Year Final Round at the AFT Championship. Additionally, the top 500 anglers nationwide will qualify for the three-day AFT National Championship.
About American Bass Anglers
American Bass Anglers, committed to providing low-cost, close-to-home tournaments, offers an exciting platform for individual angler progression. With the support of industry-leading companies, ABA continues to advance the sport of bass fishing.
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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
