Jim Banks wins the 2021 ABA season opener

Fish were biting Oct. 31,  as American Bass Anglers Division 126 opened their 2021 Season with a Halloween tournament on Stockton Lake. Earlier in the week, the weather had turned cold, freezing cold, but tournament day was much warmer and sunny with a brisk SSE wind. Eight of the 21 competitors brought a 5-fish limit to the scales.

Topping the leader board was Lamar angler, Jim Banks with a weight of 15.71 lbs followed closely by Austin Lowrey with 15.33 lbs. Rounding out the top five was Mike Dill with 14.80 lbs, Scott Tassi with 13.15 lbs and Scott Miles with 12.36 lbs. Lowrey took Big Bass awards with a bass weighing 3.68 lbs; 2nd Big Bass went to Dill with 6.62 lbs.

The water temperature dropped some during the week’s cold spell; it was anywhere from 52-59 depending on location and time of day. Spinnerbaits and crankbaits seemed to be the bait catching the most fish.

In addition to cash, anglers were also awarded prizes from many local sponsors including Albers Marine of Arma, KS, Crawford County C & V of Pittsburg, KS, The Bait Shop on South HWY 39 in Stockton, Bud’s Baits of Carthage and Joplin, Double M Reel Service of Girard, KS, Enriques Mexican Grill of Stockton, Heritage Tractors (Big Bass Sponsor for 2021 season), JAG’s Snacks (Big Stringer Sponsor for 2021 season), Ken’s Kafe of Arcola, Labette County Tourism of Parsons, KS, Meridian Professional Imaging of Parsons, KS, Pete’s Convenience Stores, Quality Printing of Parsons, KS, Stockton Simple Simon’s Pizza, Squeeze Inn of Stockton, Stockton Area C of C, Stockton Lake Outfitters of Greenfield, Stockton State Park Marina, Taco Mayo of Parsons and Coffeyville, KS, Wood’s Supermarket, Woody’s Fast Stop of Stockton

The next tournament in this division will take place on November 22, 2020 launching from Old State Park Ramp on Stockton Lake. Look for up-to-date announcements about the upcoming tournaments on centralmidwestbass.com facebook page.

Full results including pictures are posted at www.centralmidwestbass.com along with 2021 schedules and information about several area ABA Divisions. Call Becky with any questions at 316 644-1454.

Anglers earn valuable points toward the divisional Angler of the Year title and the divisional Champion of the Year. The points Angler of the Year from each division will compete in the annual American Bass Anglers AFT Angler of The Year Final Round at the AFT Championship. In addition, the top 500 anglers from the various divisions will earn the right to compete in the three-day ABA, AFT National Championship tournament.

The American Fishing Tour offers low cost, close to home bass tournaments that are designed for the weekend angler. It is available to boaters and non-boaters from age 14. Read about the AFT Tour at www.americanbassanglers.com or call 256 232-0406.