Bailey/Hoffner Take First Win on KY Lake
2024 American Couples SeriesSeptember 19, 2023 Murray, KY. The inaugural event of the Kentucky Lake Division 8 2024 Couples Series, held on September 17, 2023, unfolded with a mixture of meteorological nuances, showcasing the unpredictable nature of outdoor sports. Despite an unanticipated two-hour rain shower that marked the commencement of the day's proceedings, participants later reveled in ideal conditions. The assembled ten teams displayed commendable angling prowess throughout the event, although the quest for sizeable catches proved to be an arduous undertaking for most.
Larry Bailey and Tammy Hoffner exhibited their angling acumen with remarkable precision by leveraging jigs strategically. Initially, they navigated the lake's ledges, reeling in promising specimens, before transitioning their efforts to the docks, where they continued to ply their craft with those same jigs. Remarkably, Bailey and Hoffner emerged as the sole tandem to achieve the tournament's coveted five-fish limit, ultimately amassing a weighty tally of 14.91 pounds. This remarkable feat earned them a cash prize of $450. Furthermore, Larry Bailey's remarkable prowess was underscored by his capture of the Men's Big Bass title, as he landed a substantial 4.77-pound largemouth bass, thus augmenting his total winnings by an additional $50.
The dynamic duo of Scott and Brandi Vanover secured the runner-up position, demonstrating their proficiency in conquering aquatic challenges. Their day commenced with a flurry of smallmouth catches during the early hours, with shallow topwater techniques yielding success. As the day progressed, they strategically repositioned themselves along steeper banks and points, employing soft plastic lures to maintain their momentum. Their endeavors translated into a commendable haul of four smallmouth bass, collectively weighing 8.88 pounds, and a monetary reward of $300.
Coleton and Taylor Jennings secured the third-place position, contributing to the day's competitive landscape with a one-two punch: one largemouth and one smallmouth bass, aggregating a total weight of 5.66 pounds.
Dee Baggett clinched the title of Lady's Big Bass with a formidable 1.92-pound largemouth, reaping a financial reward of $50 for her exceptional catch.
The remaining participants grappled with the challenges presented by the lake throughout the day, underscoring the exceptional skills exhibited by the top-performing teams.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our esteemed division sponsors, namely Jenko Fishing, Duckett Fishing, FISH:30 Apparel, and Brown Duck Outlet of Madisonville, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in our endeavors. These distinguished entities have generously contributed fishing and associated products, which have been allocated as prizes for various occasions during the year, including our upcoming year-end banquet. Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to Jenko Fishing, Duckett Fishing, FISH:30 Apparel, and Brown Duck Outlet, for their benevolent contributions that significantly enhance our division's endeavors.
Our upcoming tournament is scheduled for October 15, 2023, at the Port Road/Girl Scout Ramp in Springville, Tennessee. The day's activities will commence with a 6:30 AM launch, coinciding with Safe Light, and conclude with the weigh-in at 2:30 PM. For participants, registration and boat inspections will commence at 5:30 AM at the ramp, ensuring a seamless commencement of the event.
About American Bass Anglers: American Bass Anglers is dedicated to providing affordable and locally accessible tournaments tailored for weekend anglers. These events also offer a progressive pathway for individual angler development.
American Bass Anglers is sponsored by Caymas Boats, Mercury Marine, MotorGuide, T-H Marine, Power Pole, RT Outdoors, Optima Batteries, Hotel Planner.com, and LurePartsOnline.com.
For more information about American Bass Anglers, including the American Fishing Tour, American Couples Series, annual Military Team Bass Tournament, the Professional League, and Top 150 Solo Tour, all proudly presented by Caymas Boats, please visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256) 232-0406.