JUSTIN DELK HAS BIG BASS

JUSTIN DELK HAS BIG BASS – With only a few minutes delay, waiting for a thunderstorm to move over, 24 anglers took out from Old State Park ramp on Stockton Lake Saturday, March 25. Overcoming changing weather conditions, Jay Carter came to the scales with a big bag weighing 19.31 lbs. anchored by his largest bass, a 6.7 lb. largemouth. Second place went to Justin Delk with 16.54 anchored with Big Bass of the tournament, an 8.26 lb. giant bass. Carter took $600 for his win; Delk earned $570. Justin Angel was 3rd with 14.60lbs. Rounding out the top five was Scott Tassi with 11.10 and Eric Craft with 10.38. Anglers reported catching fish on jerk baits, spinnerbaits and jigs. The bigger weights came from the clear water, but several limits were caught in the stained and warmer water. Most of the fish weighed in were 15-16”, but three large bass came in – Delk’s, Carter’s and a 5 lber caught by Lucas Fornelli.

This was the fifth 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 April 29, 2017, 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 2-day Championship, also on Stockton Lake, June 24-25, 2017.

Anglers fish each tournament for points, cash and prizes from area sponsors including Pete’s, the Outboard Doctor, Albers Marine, Happy O’s, Legacy Farm & Lawn and Antlers Ridge. The points qualify anglers to fish the above mentioned 2-day on Stockton Lake as well as the American Bass Anglers National Championship set for Oct. 18-20, on the Quachita River at Monroe, LA.

More information about American Bass Anglers, including several area ABA Divisions schedules and results, can be found at www.centralmedswetbass.com or by calling  Becky at 316 644-1454. The full nation-wide schedule can be found at www.americanbassanglers.com.