July 12–13, 2025 | Lake Toho, Kissimmee, FL – The American Fishing Tour Division 21 season wrapped up in thrilling fashion at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes with a two-day championship event, where Raymond Trudeau of Saint Cloud, FL emerged victorious. Trudeau delivered a dominant performance, finishing with a two-day total weight of 34.46 pounds, earning first place and $1,200, as well as the Angler of the Year (AOY) title for Division 21.
Trudeau also claimed Big Bass honors on Day 1 with a 6.28-pound largemouth, earning an additional $460 bonus. His consistency and ability to adapt to hot Florida summer conditions throughout the season led him to a near-perfect AOY score of 1,199 points—just one shy of a flawless 1,200.
Christopher Maxwell delivered a strong showing across both days of the championship, bringing in a combined total of 31.13 pounds to secure second place and a $720 payout. Maxwell remained consistent throughout the event, capitalizing on key bites during the early morning windows. His ability to adjust to the heat and pressure paid off, placing him just a few pounds behind the eventual champion. His performance capped off a solid season and demonstrated his skill on Florida’s ever-challenging Kissimmee Chain.
Top Finishers – Two-Day Championship
- 1st – Raymond Trudeau: 34.46 lbs, Big Bass Day 1 (6.28 lbs), $1,200 + $460
- 2nd – Christopher Maxwell: 31.13 lbs, $720
- 3rd – James Topmiller: 30.95 lbs, Big Bass Day 1 (5.22 lbs), $246
- 4th – James Hoctor: 30.63 lbs, $188
- 5th – Edwin Rivera: 30.08 lbs
The Biggest Bass of the tournament came on Day 2, with Gary Lee landing a 6.43-pounder, earning a $460 cash bonus.
AOY Race – Top 3 Standings and Highlights
🥇 1st – Raymond Trudeau (1,199 points)
A longtime ABA competitor and ASC team member since 1997, Trudeau delivered a season of unmatched consistency. He won four total events including, the two-day finale, finishing no worse than 7th all year.
- Events: 8
- Fish Weighed: 45
- Total Weight: 133.67 lbs
- Wins: 4 first-place finishes
- Highlights: Big Bass (7.62 lbs on 3/15), multiple 19+ lb bags
- Final Event: 1st place with 34.46 lbs (2-day total)
🥈 2nd – James Topmiller (1,184 points)
Orlando-based angler and fellow ASC team member Topmiller showcased strong finishes all season. He placed top five in four events, including a win on February 1st and third at the championship.
- Events: 7
- Fish Weighed: 34
- Total Weight: 100.84 lbs
- Highlights: 1st place with 22.17 lbs (2/01), consistent top finishes
- Final Event: 3rd place with 30.95 lbs
🥉 3rd – James Hoctor (1,182 points)
In his first full ABA season, Hoctor proved to be a rising star. Competing in 9 events, he landed multiple top-five finishes and took home 4th place at the season finale.
- Events: 9
- Fish Weighed: 38
- Total Weight: 91.83 lbs
- Highlights: 2nd place with 20.79 lbs (2/01), Big Bass (10.12 lbs)
- Final Event: 4th place with 30.63 lbs
2025 Division 21 Final AOY Standings – Top 10
| Place | Name | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raymond Trudeau | 1,199 |
| 2 | James Topmiller | 1,184 |
| 3 | James Hoctor | 1,182 |
| 4 | Mike Calloway | 1,170 |
| 5 | Frank Mitchum | 1,168 |
| 6 | Gary Lee | 1,157 |
| 7 | Edwin Rivera | 1,156 |
| 8 | Timothy Reuwer | 1,154 |
| 9 | Joseph Horyza | 1,146 |
| 10 | Peter Saraf | 1,144 |
Conditions and Techniques
As expected for mid-July in Florida, the weather was hot and humid, pushing anglers to focus on submerged vegetation, weed lines, and lily pads where fish sought cooler cover. Top-producing techniques included speed worms, topwater baits, and soft plastics, with anglers needing to adapt to changing light and water conditions over the two days.
Looking Ahead
With the 2025 Division 21 season officially concluded, anglers and fans can anticipate another exciting year ahead. For information on upcoming events or to join the division, contact Director Tim Reuwer at (386) 473-4935 or visit www.americanbassanglers.com.
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.
For more information about the American Couples Series and other series, visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256) 232-0406.
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, please visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256) 232-0406.
