Bridgewater, CT – April 2026 – The first event of the 2026 American Bass Anglers American Fishing Tour Division 6 season is complete.
Anglers faced unseasonably warm weather with water temperatures between 61 and 65 degrees at Lake Lillinonah.
EJ Cusano took first place with a five-fish limit of smallmouth weighing 15.01 lbs.
He also caught the Big Fish, a 3.67-pounder, earning $376 for first and $165 for lunker for a total of $541 plus 190 points and the season’s first blue trophy.
Cusano caught his weight pitching a creature bait to beds in a shallow spawning pocket, with most bigger bites coming later in the day.
“I caught one first thing in the morning in that area,” Cusano said. “That bite was why I decided to check it out again later in the afternoon, which turned out to be the right decision.”
Ryan Bell finished second with 10.26 pounds for 189 points and $163.
Sean Lemanski, last year’s Division 6 Angler-of-the-Year, placed third with 9.50 pounds for 188 points.
Thank you to everyone who participated.
Top 5
Four regular season events remain before the two-day Division Championship. Anglers are earning points toward AOY and qualification for the ABA AFT National Championship, October 3rd–9th on Pickwick Lake in Alabama.
The next event is Sunday, April 26th from 7:00 AM–3:30 PM at Lake Lillinonah, launching from Steel Bridge.
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 Fishing Tour 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.
