Carter wins and has big bass

It was a cold morning as 39 anglers prepared for the launch of the American Bass Anglers Division 126 bass tournament held on Stockton Lake March 17, 2018. Jay Carter won the tournament with a five-fish limit that weighed 14.17 lbs, anchored with Big Bass of the day, a 5.43 lb largemouth. Carter won $1,135 cash and points that will qualify him to fish the D126 two-day Championship as well as the ABA National Championship.

The top 10 places weights ranged from 10.09 lbs to 14.17 lbs with several places within ounces of each other. Nine anglers weighed in the 5-fish limit; a total of 27 competitors weighed in at least one fish. Jerk baits, crank baits and jigs were the preferred lures. Fish came from all parts of the lake, from the clear water down lake to more stained water in the upper parts of the lake.

The day started with mid 30’s air temperature, overcast skies and a light easterly wind. The sun came out for a short time but the clouds returned later in the day. Temperature topped out in the upper 50’s. Water temperature ranged from 42 to 50 depending on location and time of day.

This was one in a series of tournaments conducted by American Bass Anglers, Division 126, all held on Stockton Lake. This tournament series is a draw format and designed for the week-end angler, boaters and non-boaters from age 14.  An ABA membership costing $35 per year is required and allows anglers to fish any ABA tournament. Entry fee for D126 tournaments is $70/angler; a $10 Big Bass option pot is offered.

The next tournament for this circuit will be April 21, 2018, on Stockton Lake using Old State Park as launch site. The full 2018 schedule can be seen at www.centralmidwestbass.com.  The season will culminate with a two-day Championship, Aug 11-12, 2018. Anglers fish each tournament for cash and prizes from area sponsors including Pete’s Convenience Stores, the Outboard Doctor, Albers Marine, Legacy Farm and Lawn and Ken’s Kafe. They earn points that qualify them to fish a National Championship, scheduled for Oct. 24-26, 2018 on Hartwell Lake in South Carolina.

Full results for this tournament and others can be found at www.centralmidwestbass.com. “Like” us on facebook to see not only D126, but other area ABA Divisions. More information about American Bass Anglers can be found at www.americanbassanglers.com or by calling 256 232-0406. Call Becky with any questions at 316 644-1454.