Souther Couple Wins on Lake Hartwell
Hannah and T.J. Souther won the American Bass Anglers Couple's South Carolina April 28th on Lake Hartwell with 14.9 pounds. The couple's fish were caught mainly in shallow brush. One key to their success was Hannah’s Big Bass (and tournament big bass) of 4.2 pounds, which she caught working a spinnerbait.
Thirty-seven teams participated in the South Carolina Couples tournament on Lake Hartwell, April 28. The event was run from Anderson, SC’s, Greenpond Landing. Neil Paul, Director of the Anderson Convention and Visitors Bureau, arranged to have the couples treated like kings and queens. Special lighting was provided at the ramp for safe launching, registration and the morning Safety Meeting. Participants made several comments about their great welcome.
Anderson County is continuously improving their Greenpond facility. Their commitment to excellence has attracted some top-notch tournament events, including the Ray Scott Championship, the BassMaster Classic, and our upcoming Couples National Championship.
There was a rare 3-way tie for second: These teams all weighed 5-fish limits at 13 pounds, 14 ounces: Brianna and Brady Kimbrell, Robin Smith with Scott Reeves, and Shianne Parker with Joe Anders. Successful techniques included sight fishing, topwater and swimbaits. It became clear at weigh-in that there was a subtle competition between Robin Smith and her daughter Brianna Kimbrell. The tie insured no conflicts in the family.
Tammy and J.B. Wicker took fifth place with a 5-fish limit at 13.6 pounds. Their fish were caught shallow with Zoom Baby Brush Hogs.
Jessica and Bo Price were sixth with 5 bass at 12.6 pounds. Their fish were caught with a Wacky rig and a Zoom Horny Toad. Bo’s Men’s Big Bass at 3.9 pounds anchored their nice sack.
Victoria and Dale Goff claimed seventh place with another limit at 12.5 pounds. Whacky rigs and Zoom Baby Brush Hogs were in their successful formula.
Sherri McGee and her son Jaris were “just out of the money†at 12.1 pounds. Angler’s Headquarters provided a $50 gift card for this award (shop.anglersheadquarters.com/). They also gave a $10 gift card to each of the teams. They are a wonderful new sponsor for the South Carolina Couples.
Other sponsor gifts were available as drawing prizes for teams. These gifts included boat oil from Strickland Marine, jerseys from Phantom Outdoors, tee-shirts from Scotty Bartley’s Weeble Lures, and gifts from Hallmark, Jervey Eye Group, and a YO-ZURI lures & line gift pack.
South Carolina Couples would like to welcome these four new teams:
+ Chris Seigler & Wanda Reuss – Hodges, SC
+ Charles Dewey & Tiffany Anderson – Fort Mill, SC
+ Robert Murdock & Olivia Thomason – Honea Path, SC
+ Matt & Kayla Redd – Greer, SC162 fish were caught in the tournament. There were 29 5-fish limits caught. 98% of these fish were released healthy and happy. The theme of “integrity†surfaced yet again. Debbie and Bob Brown had a nice 11-pound limit. They had released several nice bass as they kept a tiny keeper that had passed away early in the day.
A fun dinner was attended by several teams at the Townville Café after the tournament. And, of course, Happy 29th Birthday to Candace Veal. It’s still not clear who “leaked†this information at the morning Safety Meeting.
The South Carolina Couples next tournament is on Lake Russell, May 19, 2018
American Bass Anglers commitment is to provide low cost, close to home tournaments for the weekend angler and at the same time offer each competitor an upward path for individual angler progression. For more information about the American Bass Anglers and the American Fishing Tour, the Open Series, the 100% Plus Team Tour, or the American Couples Series visit www.AmericanBassAnglers.com .
American Bass Anglers, Inc. is supported by Triton Boats, Mercury Outboards, Hydrowave, T-H Marine, ABU Garcia, Berkley, Livingston Lures, Best Western Hotels, Garmin, Maui Jim,Power Pole, Sirius XM, Optima Batteries and GEICO.
American Bass Anglers, Inc. can be contacted @ (256)232-0406 or visit www.AmercanBassAnglers.com
