{"id":9334,"date":"2024-12-22T10:17:10","date_gmt":"2024-12-22T16:17:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/americanbassanglers.com\/news\/?p=9334"},"modified":"2025-02-11T12:16:25","modified_gmt":"2025-02-11T18:16:25","slug":"2025-aba-professional-league-kicks-off-with-premier-lakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/americanbassanglers.com\/news\/index.php\/2024\/12\/22\/2025-aba-professional-league-kicks-off-with-premier-lakes\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 ABA Professional League Kicks Off with Premier Lakes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Athens, AL \u2013 December 22, 2024<\/strong> \u2013 As the 2025 ABA Professional League prepares to launch, the anticipation for this premier solo bass fishing series, whose format others are now following, promises an exciting season. The first events of the season will showcase iconic fisheries, challenging anglers to compete and win big on some of the nation\u2019s best bass lakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlighting the First Four Lakes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lake Okeechobee, FL \u2013 January 11, 2025 (Florida South Division<\/a>)<\/strong> Register for Okeechobee<\/a>
The “Big O” opens the Florida South Division, known for its vast expanse of water and vegetation that fosters world-class bass fishing. Anglers will navigate challenging hydrilla beds and cattail-lined shores to find the heavyweight bass that makes Okeechobee a top destination. This lake\u2019s reputation for producing trophy-sized catches ensures a thrilling start to the season.

Highlights from the 2024 Opener<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last year\u2019s Florida South Division opener on Lake Okeechobee offered a glimpse of the challenges and rewards anglers can expect in 2025. Despite a wind delay that shortened the tournament day, the event showcased the lake\u2019s potential for producing heavy bags and exciting competition.

Charles \u201cCharlie\u201d Coleman Jr. of Sebastian, FL, claimed victory with five bass weighing 18.35 pounds, including a 7.17-pound kicker, earning a $5,000 first-place check.

\u201cCrazy thing is I had five bites all day,\u201d Coleman said. \u201cIt was tough. I caught three fish in one area and made a move to a different spot that I had a few bites the previous day. I caught my last fish, the 7-pounder, in some reeds.\u201d

Register for Okeechobee<\/a>

Lake Toho, FL \u2013 January 18, 2025 (Florida Central Division<\/a>)<\/strong> Register for Toho<\/a>
The Florida Central Division opener on January 18, 2025, will take place on Lake Toho, a lake synonymous with trophy bass and high-stakes competition. Its expansive hydrilla beds, shallow flats, and reed-lined banks provide endless opportunities for strategic fishing.

Highlights from the 2024 Opener<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2024, Lake Toho hosted a standout event in the Florida Central Division, where Juan Caballero of Saint Cloud, FL, secured victory with an impressive five-bass limit weighing 20.43 pounds. Running out of Kissimmee Lakefront Park, Caballero\u2019s win earned him a $5,200 first-place prize.

\u201cMy game plan was to head to Cypress, but with a high boat draw number, I stayed in Toho and fished a waypoint until the lock thinned out,\u201d Caballero said. \u201cI caught a 6-pounder on the third cast and a couple of 2-pounders. I had 19 pounds by 9:30 AM. I was using topwater, a wacky worm, and a chatterbait.\u201d

Second place went to Raymond Trudeau, also of Saint Cloud, FL, who brought in a five-bass limit weighing 20.16 pounds, earning $2,800.

With such proven results in 2024, the 2025 opener on Toho promises to deliver similar excitement as anglers compete for significant payouts and early-season points.

Register for Toho<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lake Norman, NC \u2013 February 15, 2025 (North Carolina Division<\/a>)<\/strong> Register for Lake Norman<\/a>

Nestled in North Carolina, Lake Norman offers diverse fishing opportunities. This man-made reservoir challenges anglers with fluctuating water levels and varied structure, from rocky points to submerged timber. Known for its healthy population of largemouth and spotted bass, this event will test the versatility of even the most seasoned competitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you go to Norman, make a stop in Cherryville, North Carolina, at The Great Outdoors<\/a>, have a cup of coffee with and possibly gain some Lake Norman insight from one of the most legendary figures in the sport, Guy Eaker. With an amazing career spanning decades, Eaker earned a reputation as a true gentleman of the sport and one of bass fishing\u2019s most consistent and dedicated competitors. Known for his sportsmanship and innovative techniques, Eaker is a member of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame and Legends of the Outdoors and has inspired countless anglers to pursue their passion at every level.
\"\"
Eaker\u2019s legacy continues to influence the fishing world, and his hometown of Cherryville, North Carolina, is home to The Great Outdoors<\/a><\/strong>, a premier Caymas Boat dealer<\/a> and a hub for bass fishing enthusiasts.

The Great Outdoors: Serving Anglers with Excellence<\/strong>
Located in Cherryville, NC,\u00a0The Great Outdoors<\/a>\u00a0offers a wide selection of Caymas Boats, Mercury Outboards, and the latest fishing tackle, gear and accessories for anglers seeking to elevate their game.<\/span> Known for its exceptional customer service and knowledgeable staff, the dealership provides everything from top-tier bass boats to the items you need to make the most of your time on the water.

As a proud supporter of bass fishing, The Great Outdoors<\/a> embodies the values of community, innovation, and passion that define the sport. Whether you’re a weekend angler or a seasoned competitor, the dealership\u2019s commitment to quality and service makes it a go-to destination for all your fishing needs.

For more information, visit The Great Outdoors<\/a>.

Highlights from the 2024 Opener<\/strong><\/strong>

The 2025 North Carolina Division opener on February 15, 2025, brings anglers back to Lake Norman, a lake known for its diverse fishing opportunities and thriving populations of largemouth and spotted bass. Last year\u2019s season opener proved why this venue remains a top choice for competition.

In 2024, Michael D. Stephens of Gastonia, NC, claimed victory with a five-bass limit weighing 21.70 pounds, anchored by a 5.33-pounder. Running out of Pinnacle Wildlife Access, Stephens earned $4,800 for his performance.

\u201cI caught my fish on a Shane\u2019s Alabama rig. It\u2019s the best A-rig I\u2019ve used,\u201d Stephens said. \u201cI covered a lot of water and caught them anywhere from 2-14 feet deep.\u201d

Second place went to Cody Hoyle of Rutherfordton, NC, with a limit totaling 20.98 pounds, highlighted by a tournament-best 6.02-pounder. Hoyle credited his success to crankbaits fished in 3-10 feet of water and noted, \u201cI probably caught 40 fish today.\u201d His efforts earned him $3,360.

Lake Norman\u2019s reputation as a venue where anglers can fish deep or shallow while targeting largemouth and spotted bass ensures a thrilling 2025 season opener.

Register for Lake Norman<\/a>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Lake Oconee, GA \u2013 February 15-16, 2025 (Georgia Division<\/a>)<\/strong> Register for Lake Oconee<\/a>
    The Georgia kick-off will host two back-to-back one-day qualifying tournaments. The first day on Saturday, February 15, and then on Sunday, February 16. Lake Oconee is a favorite among Georgia anglers. Its combination of clear water, riprap, and docks provides an ideal stage for technical fishing. Success on Oconee requires a mix of power and finesse as anglers adjust to seasonal bass behavior and local conditions.

    Highlights from the 2024 Opener<\/strong>

    The 2024 season saw John \u201cBrad\u201d Stalnaker of Eatonton, GA, take the top spot on Lake Oconee with a five-bass limit weighing 18.51 pounds. Running out of Spring Creek Marina, Stalnaker\u2019s performance earned him $4,600 for the victory.

    \u201cI fished from up the river all the way down to the dam. I probably ran half a tank of gas out today, but that\u2019s my style of fishing\u2014I run and gun,\u201d Stalnaker shared. \u201cI\u2019m looking for a fish that wants to bite, not one that I have to make bite. I caught fish flipping a jig, throwing a spinnerbait, swim-jigs, topwater\u2014you name it. I fished grass, wood, docks, and seawalls. There wasn\u2019t a specific pattern. Just put the trolling motor down and get it.\u201d

    Stalnaker also reflected on the importance of fishing in his life, adding, \u201cI\u2019m thankful that I had a daddy that took me fishing when I was young. Without him taking me and showing me the way\u2014it\u2019s so important to take kids out and do things with them outdoors.\u201d

    Second place went to Grant Kelly of Milledgeville, GA, who weighed in a five-bass limit at 17.75 pounds, earning $2,500.

    \u201cI started out pretty good first thing this morning,\u201d Kelly said. \u201cI had a few flurries where I caught several fish, then it slowed down and it was one bite here, one bite there. I ran down to the lower end of the lake and looked for some cleaner water.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Register for Lake Oconee<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A Season of High Stakes and Big Rewards<\/strong>
    The ABA Professional League offers unmatched opportunities for weekend anglers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n