Craft Wins Stockton
Erie, KS angler, Eric Craft topped the leaderboard on December 12, 2020, on Stockton Lake. Craft’s weight went 13.76 lbs. on the scales. Eric is a previous American Bass Anglers Angler of the Year.
Eric was followed closely by Mike Butcher who weighed in 13.69 lbs. Third, fourth and fifth places were Matt Roberts (13.60), Jeff Gilbert (13.27) and Austin Lowrey (13.22). Roberts had Big Bass with a 3.79 lb fish. He won cash and a $25 gift card from Heritage Tractor. Lowrey won 2nd Big Bass with a 3.15 lb fish.
It was a cold day with temperatures remaining around 40ᵒ from launch time to weigh-in time. The wind was out of the northwest at 10-15 mph with some gusts. The water temperature was close to 50ᵒ and the lake water level is inching up to about five feet below normal pool. Anglers reported catching most of their fish on jigs and crankbaits.
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 February 27, 2021 launching out of 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.
These anglers earn valuable points toward the divisional angler of the year title. The points champion 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. All anglers fish for both 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 for this fall on Kerr Lake in Virginia.
American Bass Anglers is sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, Triton boats, Mercury Motors, Motor Guide, Berkley, Abu Garcia, TH Marine, Power Pole, Garmin, Lucas Oil, REKS Sunglasses, Engel Coolers, OPTIMA Batteries, and Maui Jim.
For more information visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256) 232-0406.
