Lake Blackshear, GA, September 27, 2025. DeWayne Smith of Americus, Georgia, claimed victory at the American Fishing Tour (AFT) Division 74 season opener on Lake Blackshear. Smith caught a five-bass limit weighing 15.66 pounds, with a 5.13-pound kicker that secured first place and a $432 cash prize.
Phillip Morris from Monticello, Georgia, took second place with a five-bass limit totaling 12.43 pounds, featuring a 3.50-pound fish. He won $223.
Harry Cooper of Unadilla, Georgia, came in third with four bass weighing 11.69 pounds. His catch included a 4.13-pound fish, earning him $79.
Mathew Blackwell from Warner Robins, Georgia, finished in fourth place with three bass weighing 11.22 pounds. His biggest catch was an impressive 7.83-pound lunker, which earned him Big Fish honors and an extra $150.
Lane Worsham of Baconton, Georgia, rounded out the top five with four bass totaling 9.45 pounds, including a 4.20-pound fish.
The competition was fierce as anglers had to share the water with another large event launching nearby. September is usually a tough month for bass fishing on Lake Blackshear, and this year was no different.
Top Finishers
- DeWayne Smith – 15.66 lbs.
- Phillip Morris – 12.43 lbs.
- Harry Cooper – 11.69 lbs.
- Mathew Blackwell – 11.22 lbs. (Big Fish: 7.83 lbs.)
- Lane Worsham – 9.45 lbs.
- Sam Moody – 9.26 lbs.
- Steve Phillips – 9.16 lbs.
- George Haynie – 8.05 lbs.
- Derrick Burnam – 6.17 lbs.
- Brad Larson – 3.14 lbs.
The next Division 74 event will take place on Lake Blackshear, launching from Gum Creek Ramp, on October 18, 2025.
For more information about this event or Division 74, contact local director Henry Starks at (478) 808-9701 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.
