Stephen Truelove Takes Home the Win and Big Fish at Nickajack

From Division 30 “Southeast Tennessee” February 9th, 20 year old Stephen Truelove from Cleveland, Tennessee who is a Army Reserve was fishing as a non-boater and was also fishing the first tournament of his life as he took home the win and big fish award by catching 3 fish that weighed in at 15.19 pounds anchored by a 7.96 pound lunker largemouth.  Stephen collected $360 for the win with an additional $60 for big fish and he is now one step closer to the ABA National Championship. Second place went to Bill Payton with a weight of 9.41 lbs, third place was Michael Rench with a weight of 4.28 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.

The top five anglers were:
1. Stephen Truelove – 15.19 lbs
2. Bill Payton – 9.41 lbs
3. Michael Rench – 4.28 lbs
4. Garry Bittenbender – 3.47 lbs
5. Tommy Thompson – 3.46 lbs

Conditions: Clear and cool in the morning with lows in the low to mid 30’s with daytime highs in the mid 50’s, bright sunshine with winds 5 to 10 mph out of the northeast.

Winning Strategy: Stephens’s fish were caught on a square bill crankbait in 3 to 5 feet of water.

Next Divisional Tournament: This division’s next tournament will be March 9th on Chickamauga at Chester Frost Park

For more information on this or any future event in this division contact Gary Carter (706) 280-0711 or by email at: garyfishnfool@gmail.com
The American Fishing Tour offers low cost, close to home bass tournaments that are designed for the weekend angler. All ABA anglers fish for money and points. The points advance the angler to their divisional championship and the top 500 anglers in the US are invited to the American Fishing Tour National Championship.

About American Bass Anglers
American Bass Anglers is the largest tournament organization for the weekend angler.  American Bass Anglers operates the American Fishing Tour, The Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series and the American Couples Series.  Each tour is design specifically for the weekend angler offering low cost and close to home events so the anglers can qualify for larger championship.  For more information on American Bass Anglers visit www.americanbassanglers.com