Jay Carter Takes Win On Stockton

American Bass Anglers Division 126 held a qualifying tournament on Stockton Lake May 12, 2012. Air temperatures were 60-70˚ with very light wind, which switched to the north at the end of the afternoon. Water temperatures were mid 70’s. There was some overcast and rain had been forecast, but did not happen until after tournament hours.

Almost half of the field of anglers brought in a five fish limit. However, finding the bigger fish was the key to winning. Willard angler, Jay Carter took the win with a weight of 12.10 pounds. Carter reported catching a limit of fish early on top water, then upgrading his weight ounces at a time. He mainly worked the mid-lake area flipping spawning pockets when the top water bite was over. The win earned Carter $488. Carter’s personal sponsors include Bass Cat Boats, Mercury, Lews, Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock and Poor Boys Custom Jigs.

Shawn Freeman of Ozark, MO took second place with 11.82 pounds which included Big Bass of the day, a 4.06 pound largemouth. Big Bass and second place winnings totaled $485 for Freeman. Third place went to Scott Tassi of Arma, KS with 10.89lbs.Tassi took home $97 for his finish.

The next D126 tournament is scheduled June 2, 2012 using Old State Park Ramp as the launch site. View complete results with pictures at www.centralmidwestbass.com. Watch for more information about local  ABA tournaments in the El Dorado Springs Sun and the Cedar County Republican.

Local sponsor prizes were given out including product and gift certificates from Rogers Hunting, Fishing & Archery, www.theoutboarddoctor.com, Albers Marine, www.mobassfishin.com and Happy O’s Resort.

Anglers compete for cash, prizes and points which qualify them to fish a two-day Championship on Stockton  August 18-19, 2012 and a National Championship on Grand Lake of the Cherokees October 24-26, 2012.

ABA was designed for the week-end angler and is open to boaters and non-boaters. It is a draw format with partner pairing taking place the morning of the tournament. Anglers from age 14 and up can enter ABA tournaments.