Bolivar angler Scott Emmert topped the field of competitors on Stockton Lake Dec. 3 with a 5-fish limit weighing 12.73 lbs. Emmert won $579. Second place went to Kansas angler Kirk Deer with his 5-fish limit of 11.42 anchored with Big Bass of the tournament, a 3.62 lb largemouth. His payday was $576. Eric Craft took 3rd with 10.85 lbs; 4th went to Bruce Gandy with10.73 lbs. Full results with pictures can be seen at www.centralmidwestbass.com.

The day was cool and mostly cloudy with some wind. Temperatures were in the mid 40’s all day. Water temperature was in the mid 50’s. Anglers reported catching fish on crank baits, jerk baits, topwater, spinnerbaits and jigs. The bite was slow, but 10 of the 23 anglers brought in a 5-fish limit. Third through 8th places were all within ounces of each other, ranging from 10.31 lbs to 10.83 lbs. The Big Bass was also a tight race with seven 3 pounders weighed in, all very close (3.15 lbs to 3.62 lbs.)

This was the third 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 Feb. 25, 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 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 Oct. 18-20, 2017 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.

Stockton tourney winner 2 cc

STOCKTON TOURNEY WINNER – Scott Emmert won the Dec. 3 tournament on Lake Stockton with 12.73 lbs.