Carl Cox had no trouble topping the field of 27 anglers on Stockton Lake Saturday, Feb 25. With a couple of 12 lb bags already weighed in, Cox brought his big bag to the scales; it went 17.80 lbs, topped off with Big Bass of the tournament, a 6.93 lb largemouth. That finish was worth $900. Mike Dill took 2nd with 12.42 lbs; Dale Boothe was 3rd with 12.07. Not far behind was Justin Angel with 12.03; Eric Craft topped off the top five finishes with 11.93 lbs.  Anglers reported catching most of their fish on jerk baits. The big fish came on a jig.

Air temperature at take-off was in the upper 20’s, creating some issues at the ramp while launching; it warmed to mid 40’s by weigh-in time at 3 p.m. Water temperature was reported to be between 45 and 50, depending on the time of day and the location. There was some north-wes t wind in the morning that calmed somewhat by afternoon.

This was the fourth 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 $25 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 March 25, on Stockton Lake using Old State Park as launch site. The full 2017 schedule can be seen at www.centralmidwestbass.com. The season will culminate with a two-day Championship, also on StocktonLake, June 24-25. Anglers fish each tournament for cash and prizes from area sponsors including Pete’s, the Outboard Doctor, Albers Marine, Happy O’s, Legacy Farm & Lawn and Antlers Ridge, as well as points that qualify them to fish a National Championship set for October 18-20, on the Quachita River at Monroe, LA.

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.

Carl Cox with two of his 5-fish limit.

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