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Mike Pitchford Takes First at Rend Lake, IL

From Division Central Illinois District # 68 on 6/27/09. Mike from Mt. Vernon, IL is one step closer to the ABA National Championship with a 1st Place win in the American Fishing Tour bass tournament held on Rend Lake this past weekend. Mike’s  5  bass limit weighed in at a Whopping 19.54 lbs. ( This is also the Largest bag of fish caught at a District # 68 event this year. )  Second place went to Kevin Arbaugh from Olney, IL with a weight of 9.01 lbs, third place was John Jones from Olney, IL with a weight of 6.66 lbs. John also had a very nice big bass which weighed 5.11 lbs.

These anglers are acquiring valuable points to insure their birth in division’s two-day champion and the American Fishing Tour National Championship that will be held this fall.  Their points are also being used to determine the divisional angler of the year. The top angler by points earned in this division will represent the division in the Angler of the Year final round.

Tom Dupuis wins on Congamond

From Division 6 June 20, 2009 Tom Dupuis from Connecticut is one step closer to the ABA National Championship with his second 1st Place win this year, in the American Fishing Tour bass tournament held on Congamond Lake this past weekend.  Tom’s 5 bass limit weighed in at 11.69. Second place went to Tom Sweeney with a weight of 11.52, third place was Sean Lloyd with a weight of 10.67. Big bass was awarded to Sean Lloyd for catching a 3.89 pound large mouth.

Brian Metcalf Takes First Place at Lake Seminole

From Division 114 Seminole June 14 & 14, 2009 Brian Metcalf from Pensacola, FL is one step closer to the ABA National Championship with a 1st Place win and $1040.00 in the American Fishing Tour Divisional Championship bass tournament held on Lake Seminole this past weekend .Brian’s ten bass limit weighed in at 37.11 lbs. Second place went to Donald Cutchins with a weight of 34.87 lbs., third place was Bobby Smith with a weight of 32.77 lbs. Big bass first day went to Len Lindahl for catching a 7.31 large mouth and Big Bass day two went to Timmy Chapel for catching a 7.20 pound large mouth.

These anglers are acquiring valuable points to insure their birth in division’s two-day champion and the American Fishing Tour National Championship that will be held this fall. Their points are also being used to determine the divisional angler of the year. The top angler by points earned in this division will represent the division in the Angler of the Year final round.

Larry Haivala Takes First Place at  Bone Creek

From Division 58 ....DATE June 20, Larry Haivala, from Wichita, KS is one step closer to the ABA National Championship with a 1st Place win  in the American Fishing Tour bass tournament held on Bone Creek Lake this past weekend .  Larry’s  5 bass limit weighed in at 16.44 lb. Second place went to Ray Templeton with a weight of 15.88, third place was Kyle Kiister with a weight of 14.38. Big bass was awarded was to Todd Hillyard for catching a 3.88 pound large mouth.

These anglers are acquiring valuable points to insure their birth in division’s two-day champion and the American Fishing Tour National Championship that will be held this fall.  Their points are also being used to determine the divisional angler of the year. The top angler by points earned in this division will represent the division in the Angler of the Year final round.

Jesse Tisdale Takes First Place at Lake Claiborne

From Division 98 in North Central Louisiana, June 13, 2009......Jesse Tisdale from Choudrant, LA is one step closer to the ABA National Championship with a 1st Place win  in the American Fishing Tour bass tournament held on Lake Claiborne this past weekend.  Jesse’s 5 bass limit weighed in at 9.26 pounds.  Second place went to Troy Harrison with a weight of 6.94 pounds, and third place was Jeff Boatright with a weight of 6.65 pounds.  Big bass was also awarded to Jesse Tisdale who caught a 3.32 pound largemouth.

These anglers are acquiring valuable points to insure their birth in division’s two-day champion and the American Fishing Tour National Championship that will be held this fall.  Their points are also being used to determine the divisional angler of the year. The top angler by points earned in this division will represent the division in the Angler of the Year final round.

Kevin Knotts Division 96 Championship
and Sean Anderson Wins AOY on Lake Greenwood

June 13 & 14, 2009, from AFT Division 96 in South Carolina. Kevin Knotts of Cross Hill, SC is one step closer to the ABA National Championship with a 1st place win and $898.00 in the American Fishing Tour 2-Day Division 96 Championship held on Lake Greenwood this past weekend. Kevin’s 10 bass limit in the 2-day tournament weighed in at 26.47 lbs. Second place went to Jeff Woods of Waterloo, SC with a weight of 21.14 lbs. who also had day 2 big bass at 5.54 lbs. Third place was Tony Sheppard of Lexington, SC with a weight of 20.63 lbs. Big bass of day 1 and of the tournament was awarded to Andy Lake of Saluda, SC for catching a 6.57 pound largemouth.

Sean Anderson of Saluda, SC finished 4th and with a total of 1185 points in D-96 takes the Division Angler of the Year title. Sean will fish the Angler of the Year Final Round against the other division AOY’s in the winner take all tournament on Lake Wilson on  September 26, 2009 before the National Championship for a Triton/Mercury boat package worth $50,000.00.

Daryl Adams Takes First Place at West Point

From Division 99 Georgia West on June 13 & 14, 2009 Daryl Adams from Senoia, Georgia is one step closer to the ABA National Championship with a 1st Place win and $1,170.00 in the American Fishing Tour bass tournament held on West Point Lake this past weekend.  Daryl’s 10 bass limit weighed in at 26.92 lbs. Second place went to Glenn Goodson with a weight of 21.11 lbs and third place was Rick Tilson with a weight of 19.58 lbs. Big bass was awarded was to Eric Teague on day 1 for catching a 6.62 pound large mouth and Travis Potts on day 2 for catching a 7.74 pound large mouth.

These anglers are acquiring valuable points to insure their birth in division’s two-day champion and the American Fishing Tour National Championship that will be held this fall.  Their points are also being used to determine the divisional angler of the year. The top angler by points earned in this division will represent the division in the Angler of the Year final round.

Jamie Gause Wins District 82 Championship

From Division 82 Southeast North Carolina June 14, 2009 Jamie Gause from Bladenboro, NC is one step closer to the ABA National Championship with a 1st Place win  in the American Fishing Tour bass tournament held on Sutton Lake this past weekend.  Jamie Gause 10 bass limit weighed in at 17.79lbs Second place went to Jason Theis with a weigh of 17.28 lbs. Tim Hilbourn was third with 14.69lbs. Big Bass was awarded to William Rhoderick with a largemouth weighing 5.10lbs

These anglers are acquiring valuable points to insure their birth in the American Fishing Tour National Championship that will be held this fall.  Their points are also being used to determine the divisional angler of the year. The top angler by points earned in this division will represent the division in the Angler of the Year final round.

Rick Klanke Takes First Place at  East Fork Lake, IL

From Division Central Illinois District # 68 on 5/9/09. Rick from Louisville, IL is one step closer to the ABA National Championship with a 1st Place win in the American Fishing Tour bass tournament held on East Fork Lake this past weekend . Rick’s  5  bass limit weighed in at 15.25 lbs.  Second place went to Mike Buchanan from Oblong, IL with a weight of 14.84 lbs, third place was Kevin Arbaugh from Olney, IL with a weight of 14.04 lbs. Mike Buchanan also had a very nice big bass which weighed 6.68 lbs.

These anglers are acquiring valuable points to insure their birth in division’s two-day champion and the American Fishing Tour National Championship that will be held this fall.  Their points are also being used to determine the divisional angler of the year. The top angler by points earned in this division will represent the division in the Angler of the Year final round.

Joe Wood Takes First Place at Long Pond

From Division 5 (New England East) on June 14th, 2009 Joe Wood from Dartmouth, MA is one step closer to the ABA National Championship with a 1st Place win and $823.00 in the American Fishing Tour bass tournament held on Long Pond, Freetown, MA this past weekend. Joe’s 5 bass limit weighed in at 13.25 lbs. Second place went to Jay Guidaboni with a weight of 10.96 lbs, third place was Jim Cook with a weight of 10.59 lbs. Big bass was awarded was to Joe Wood for catching a 4.25 lbs. largemouth. This was Joe’s first ever win, on the AFT trail, and we congratulate him for an outstanding tournament!

These anglers are acquiring valuable points to insure their birth in division’s two-day champion and the American Fishing Tour National Championship that will be held this fall.  Their points are also being used to determine the divisional angler of the year. The top angler by points earned in this division will represent the division in the Angler of the Year final round.

Jason Lambert Wins Division 40 Championship

From Division 40 Tennessee West, Pickwick Lake, J.P. Coleman Park, June 11, 2009 Jason Lambert of Pickwick, TN lead wire to wire with a sack of 21.35 pounds on day one and 19.49 pounds on day 2 with a total of 40.84 pounds.  Brandon Perkins of Savannah, TN took second with a total of 33.01 pounds.  Big fish honors went to Jaspn Lambert with a 7.45# largemouth.

Justin Onsby of Arlington, TN captured the Angler of Year title for division 40. Justin came into the event with 784 divisional points. His 4th place finish at this event earned him 392 points for a total of 1176 and the divisional AOY title. Justin was followed closely by Brandon Perkins who finished the season with 1175 points.

Justin will now advance to the American Bass Anglers Angler of the Year Final Round. This is a one-day event that will be held on Wilson Lake September 26, 2009 in Florence, AL.  Justin will compete against all American Bass Angler Divisional Angler's of the Year for a new Triton Boat, motor and Trailer package valued over 50,000.

The Division 40 anglers worked all season to qualify for this two-day championship so they can make the top 500 and American Fishing Tour National Championship.  The Championship will be held on Pickwick Lake to be held the week of 27 September - 2 October 2009.

Sean Lloyd Takes First Place at  Pontoosuc

From Division 97 6/7/2009  Sean Lloyd from Springfield, MA is one step closer to the ABA National Championship with a First Place win and $365 in the American Fishing Tour bass tournament held on Pontoosuc Lake this past weekend.  Sean`s five bass limit weighed in at 14.45 lbs.

Second Place went to Ray Kirby with a weight of 13.01 lbs, Third Place was Matt Farrell with a weight of 12.52 lbs. Big bass was awarded was to Ernie Fitzell for catching a 3.69 lbs. large mouth.

These anglers are acquiring valuable points to insure their birth in division`s two-day champion and the American Fishing Tour National Championship that will be held this fall.  Their points are also being used to determine the divisional angler of the year. The top angler by points earned in this division will represent the division in the Angler of the Year final round.

SC Division 96 AFT Anglers Head for Lake Greenwood 2-Day Championship
Who will be the D-96 2009 Angler of the Year?

Ninety Six, South Carolina- Division 96 of the American Fishing Tour heads to Lake Greenwood this weekend for the division 2-day championship. Lake Greenwood produces well in summer weather tournaments. This weekend, June 13th & 14th up to 100 anglers will compete at this divisional championship event.  Launching out of Greenwood State Park these anglers are fishing for both cash and points. The points help the anglers to qualify for the American Fishing Tour National Championship.  

There is a lot at stake for the Division 96 weekend anglers. One angler from D-96 will advance from this tournament to the Angler of the Year Final Round. The top angler from each AFT division that has fished 4 one-day and a two-day in that division will get a one-day practice, one-day tournament shot at fully loaded Triton/Mercury Boat Package in September. With this last D-96 Championship left the top anglers are: Andy Lake – 796 points, Sean Anderson – 795 points, Phillip Anderson – 789 points, Rodney Cromer - 784 points and right behind them is the 2008 Division 96 AOY Don Kneece with 783 points.

“Lake Greenwood has produced big fish all season (9.42 pounder in February) mostly on the jig bite. You can’t count out the jig bite for the summer but topwaters, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and Carolina rigs will be big producers as well”, said Phil Morris, ABA Division 96 Director. “Greenwood is about 1 foot from full pool right now, loaded with docks and a very fishable lake at only 20 miles long and 11,440 acres”, concluded Morris.

Candlewood Lake

From Division 6 June 7, 2009 Leon Dykas from Connecticut is one step closer to the ABA National Championship with a 1st Place win in the American Fishing Tour bass tournament held on Candlewood Lake this past weekend.  Leon’s 5 bass limit weighed in at 12.24. Second place went to Tom Sweeny with a weight of 9.19, third place was Todd Rose with a weight of 8.36. Big bass was awarded to Tom Dupuis for catching a 4.6 pound large mouth.

These anglers are acquiring valuable points to insure their birth in the division’s two-day champion and the American Fishing Tour National Championship that will be held this fall.  Their points are also being used to determine the divisional angler of the year. The top angler by points earned in this division will represent the division in the Angler of the Year final round.

Randall Anders Wins on The Potomac River

From Division Division 11 in Maryland Randall Anders from Stafford, VA is another step closer to the ABA National Championship with a 1st Place win and $624.00 in the American Fishing Tour bass tournament held on the Potomac River this past weekend. Randy’s five bass limit weighed in at 19.92. Second place went to Richard Vann with a weight of 15.73. Third place was Scott Randall with a weight of 15.09 Big bass was awarded was to Randall Anders for catching a 5.20 pound large mouth.

These anglers are acquiring valuable points to insure their birth in division’s two-day champion and the American Fishing Tour National Championship that will be held this fall.  Their points are also being used to determine the divisional angler of the year. The top angler by points earned in this division will represent the division in the Angler of the Year final round.

Jason Theis Takes Sutton Lake

From Division 82 Southeast North Carolina May 31, 2009 Jason Theis from Hubert, NC is one step closer to the ABA National Championship with a 1st Place win and $468.00 in the American Fishing Tour bass tournament held on Sutton Lake this past weekend.  Jason Theis 5 bass limit weighed in at 11.63 lbs. Second place went to Nathaniel Drayton with a weight of 10.06lbs; third place was Eric Blue with a weight of 9.20lbs. Big bass was awarded to Daniel Sivta for catching a 3.21-pound large mouth.

These anglers are acquiring valuable points to insure their birth in division’s two-day champion and the American Fishing Tour National Championship that will be held this fall.  Their points are also being used to determine the divisional angler of the year. The top angler by points earned in this division will represent the division in the Angler of the Year final round.

Lee Hannah Takes First Place at  Barton’s Cove

From Western Mass May 31, 2009. Lee Hannah from Southampton Mass is one step closer to the ABA National Championship with a 1st Place win and $681 in the American Fishing Tour bass tournament held on the Connecticut river at Barton’s Cove this past weekend. Lee’s 4 bass weighed in at 11.31 lbs. Second place went to Fred Aubin with a weight of 9.10 lbs, third place was Paul Melo with a weight of 8.68 lbs . Big bass was also awarded to Lee for catching a 4.48 lb  pound large mouth.

These anglers are acquiring valuable points to insure their birth in division’s two-day champion and the American Fishing Tour National Championship that will be held this fall.  Their points are also being used to determine the divisional angler of the year. The top angler by points earned in this division will represent the division in the Angler of the Year final round.

JD Mavity Takes First Place at Big Hill

From Division 58, new ABA member, JD Mavity of Newton, KS is one step closer to the ABA National Championship with a 1st Place win and $660 in the American Fishing Tour bass tournament held on Big Hill Lake this past weekend. Mavity weighed in a 5-bass limit of 15.38 lb, edging out second place winner, Sonny Sprague of Cherryvale, KS whose weight was 14.88 lb. Third place went to Wichita angler, Terry Taylor with a weight of 14.55 lb. Big bass was awarded was to Daryl Carson of Parsons, KS for catching a 6 pound large mouth.

These anglers are acquiring valuable points to insure their birth in division’s two-day champion and the American Fishing Tour National Championship that will be held this fall.  Their points are also being used to determine the divisional angler of the year. The top angler by points earned in this division will represent the division in the Angler of the Year final round.

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ABA Members Head for Big Hill Lake

Kansas Division Number 58 of the American Fishing tour heads to Big Hill Lake this weekend, May 30. Fishing action has been reported as good, and up to 50 anglers are expected to compete at this divisional qualifying event. Launching out of Timberhill Boat Ramp, anglers are fishing for both cash and points. The points help the anglers to qualify for the Divisional 2-day Championship as well as the American Fishing Tour National Championship.

HAWAII WOMAN TO FISH FOR ONE MILLION DOLLARS
Rochelle Barcenilla Will Fish with Early Times Pro Angler Kevin Wirth for Big Money

Louisville, KY – Rochelle Barcenilla of Waipahu, HI has been selected as the winner of the Early Times Kentucky Whisky “Reel in a Million” contest. Barcenilla, 30, was randomly chosen out of thousands of contestants for a chance to reel in a tagged bass that could change her life forever. She will travel cross-country to North Carolina’s Lake Norman on June 27 for a chance to catch a tagged bass worth one million dollars.

Early Times will lend the help of Kevin Wirth, one of the world’s top-ranked bass anglers, as her fishing partner for the day. Together they will try to reel in 25 tagged-bass connected to great prizes including the “Big Cash Bass” worth one million dollars. In addition to the million-dollar tagged bass, Barcenilla is eligible to pull in the other 24 tagged fish which are connected to prizes including a Triton bass boat, gift cards and fishing gear. Regardless of whether Wirth or Barcenilla catches the tagged bass, all money and prizes will go to Barcenilla.

Mike Cormier Wins His first ABA Tournament

From Division 36 Central Massachusetts......5/23/09......Mike Cormier is one step closer to the ABA National Championship with a 1st Place win and $534,00 in the American Fishing Tour bass tournament held on Shirley Lake this past weekend .  5 bass weighed in at 9.54 Second place went to Steve Marshall with a weight of 8.45, third place was Keith Law with a weight of 7.47.  Big bass was awarded was to Steve Marshall for catching a 3.06 pound large mouth.

These anglers are acquiring valuable points to insure their birth in division’s two-day champion and the American Fishing Tour National Championship that will be held this fall.  Their points are also being used to determine the divisional angler of the year. The top angler by points earned in this division will represent the division in the Angler of the Year final round.

Max Ray Takes First at Lake Taneycomo

From Division 64 in Missouri on May 23, 2009   Max Ray from Branson, MO is one step closer to the ABA National Championship with a 1st Place win in the American Fishing Tour bass tournament held on Lake Taneycomo this past weekend.  Max’s 3 bass weighed in at 7.28 pounds. Second place went to I.M. Bishop with a weight of 6.72 pounds, third place was Robert Swearngin with a weight of 5.63 pounds. Big bass was awarded was to Robert Swearngin for catching a 4.72 pound large mouth.

These anglers are acquiring valuable points to insure their birth in division’s two-day champion and the American Fishing Tour National Championship that will be held this fall.  Their points are also being used to determine the divisional angler of the year. The top angler by points earned in this division will represent the division in the Angler of the Year final round.

Eric Arabian Takes First at Mashpee-Wakeby Pond

From Division 5 (New England East) on May 24th, 2009 Eric Arabian from Acushnet, MA is one step closer to the ABA National Championship with a 1st Place win and $709.00 in the American Fishing Tour bass tournament held on Mashpee-Wakeby Pond, Mashpee, MA  this past weekend. Eric’s 5 bass limit weighed in at 14.68 lbs. Second place went to Matt Allen with a weight of 14.29 lbs, third place was Dean (Everybody Loves Somebody) Martin with a weight of 13.24 lbs. Big bass was awarded was to Dean Martin for catching a 4.55 lbs. largemouth.

These anglers are acquiring valuable points to insure their birth in division’s two-day champion and the American Fishing Tour National Championship that will be held this fall.  Their points are also being used to determine the divisional angler of the year. The top angler by points earned in this division will represent the division in the Angler of the Year final round.

Bobby Smith Takes First Place at Lake Seminole

From Division 114 Seminole May 24, 2009 Bobby Smith from Panama City, Fl is one step closer to the ABA National Championship with a 1st Place win and $520.00 in the American Fishing Tour bass tournament held on Lake Seminole this past weekend .Bobby’s five bass limit weighed in at 15.25 lbs. Second place went to Len Lindahl with a weight of 15.10 lbs., third place was Larry Gaines with a weight of 14.03 lbs. Big bass was awarded was to Larry Gaines for catching a 6.47 pound large mouth.