Johnny Van Arsdale Takes the win on Caddo Lake
March 20, 2021, Shreveport, LA.: Johnny Van Arsdale of Haughton, LA won the American Fishing Tour Division 48 tournament presented by American Bass Anglers. Running out of Caddo Lake at the Earl G Williamson launch ramp near Oil City, LA Johnny brought back 4 fish that locked in the scales at 22.71 lbs. anchored by a solid 6.17 lb. kicker. For the victory Johnny took home a check for $660.
Johnny spent his day fishing the Texas side of Caddo Lake which borders both Louisiana and Texas, and he covered a lot of water to catch the winning bag. Our congratulations go out Johnny Van Arsdale for his win.
Second place was claimed by Jeremy Dodson with 4 fish and a total weight of total weight of 16.80 lbs.. For his efforts Jeremy took home $405 in prize money.
According to Jeremy this was the first time on the lake this year. He was pre-fishing for another tournament that was coming up and this was his last chance to take advantage of fishing. Jeremy says he caught all his fish while junk fishing to find a pattern.
Brandon Tingle took third with 4 fish and a total weight of 14.48 lbs. and took home $145 in prize money.
“I was fishing for pre-spawn bass in 3 ½ to 5 ft. of water. I used a 3/8 oz. Texas rig paired with a Rage Craw, that’s what they wanted early and then the bite got slow after 9am. I swapped to a Sinko (wacky rig) the rest of the day.â€
The Biggest Bass of the tournament was caught by Brandon Collins. His fish locked in the scales at 6.73 lbs. earning him $260. Brandon also captured Fourth place adding another $115 to his take away for the day.
To highlight the day, our future anglers were on the lake along side our ATF anglers. The Louisiana State High School Teams were out fishing a team tournament. We would like to thank the skilled adults that take the time to teach the young anglers the ropes of bass fishing and how to best preserve our sport that we all love so much. I snapped photos of a couple of the youth that have grown up close on our community. P. Grantham for Benton, and J. White for Haughton, both fishing their High School Teams. We hope to see them grow in their sport and fish with us when the time comes.
Top Ten Finishers:
1. Johnny Van Arsdale 22.71 lbs.
2. Jeremy Dodson 16.80 lbs.
3. Brandon Tingle 14.48 lbs.
4. Brandon Collins 14.13 lbs.
5. Jeff Pate 14.11 lbs.
6. Mark Hay 14.10 lbs.
7. Brian Hester 12.96 lbs.
8. Mike Cannon 11.92 lbs.
9. Andy Farrand 11.34 lbs.
10. Matthew Stokes 8.04The next tournament in this division will take place on Black Lake, near Campti, LA launching out of the Chandler’s launch ramp.
For more information on this event or division please contact local director Laurie Cork at 318-347-7380 or visit www.americanbassanglers.com
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, T-H Marine, Power Pole, Garmin, Monster Energy, Lucas Oil, Engel Coolers, OPTIMA Batteries, REKS Sunglasses, and HotelPlanner.com.