October 11, 2025, Townville, SC – Ben and Ashley Sutton claimed victory at the first tournament of the American Bass Anglers Couples Series, South Carolina Division 11, held out of Broyles Landing on Lake Hartwell. With a mix of seasoned competitors and new teams, the event showcased outstanding fishing, teamwork, and camaraderie as anglers vied for top honors.
Ben and Ashley, the 2024 and 2025 National Couples of the Year, delivered an impressive performance, securing first place with a total weight of 15.07 pounds. The team credited their success to whooper plopper on the bank and dock bites, catching a limit by 9:00. Their standout catch included Men’s Big Bass at 4.47 pounds, earning them 200 points and $788 for first place and $105 for Men’s Big Bass.
In second place, Craig Sahms brought in a total of 12.60 pounds for the Sahms team, highlighted by his biggest bass weighing in at 2.91 pounds. His efforts earned their team 199 points and $394 for second place. Craig caught most of his bass on windy banks with a spinnerbait just below I-85 up the Tugaloo. His largest catches came on a spinnerbait near Andersonville Island. Teams are allowed one solo event per season. MaryAnn enjoyed time at her high school reunion this weekend while Craig secured second-place points.
The returning team of Chris and Stacey Gulledge made a strong impression with their third-place finish, weighing in a 12.53-pound sack. Chris’s solid 4.14-pound catch added to their success, earning 198 points and $235.
The fourth-place team was Darren and Amy Taylor, bringing 12.50 pounds to the scale. Their catch came on shaky heads on steep banks.
Final Results
Ladies Big Bass was awarded to Susan Mills for her 3.01-pound catch, earning $100.
Everyone has those days on the water when you catch fish, but they all seem to be fanners or you just never get that kicker you’ve been looking for. Thanks to Berkeley Outdoors, one of our generous sponsors, our couples can still receive a payday if they weigh in the smallest 5-fish limit. Camron and Brooklyn Chesney were the recipients of the Berkeley Outdoors $50 Smallest Limit Award with 5 bass weighing 5.61 pounds.
Thanks to our local sponsors, we can provide drawings for those teams that do not earn a paycheck.
The South Carolina ABA Couples Trail is honored to be sponsored by ALX Rods, Berkeley Outdoors, Berkley Baits, Choo Choo Custom Lures, Five Bass Tackle, JC’s Outdoors, Kissel Krafts Customer Rods, Lew’s, McElveen, Mule Skinner Baits, Phantom Outdoors, StrikeKing, TruCarts, and Yo-zuri.
Looking Ahead
The next event for the South Carolina Division 11 trail will take place on November 1st out of Hickory Knobb State Park on Clark’s Hill. Stay tuned for more exciting action and updates. For more information about the South Carolina American Bass Anglers Couples Series and upcoming events, visit the Facebook page: South Carolina ABA Couples Trail.
In the American Couples Series, anglers pair up for a team effort. Most teams consist of a husband and a wife, but that’s not a rule. Teams can consist of a boyfriend and girlfriend combination, a father and daughter duo, or any combination of one male and one female.
The teams compete in several regional or state divisions throughout the year. Once a pair forms a team, however, the two must fish together as a team throughout the season to be eligible to accumulate points and qualify for the annual national championship.
The entry fee for the American Couples Series one-day events is $100, and the top teams are invited to compete in the championship each fall.
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 ABA Professional League and the Top 150 Solo Tour, visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256) 232-0406.
American Bass Anglers is proud to be sponsored by Mercury Marine, T-H Marine, Power Pole, and WattCycle Batteries.
