2009 American Couples Champions,
Benjie & Christie Seaborn!

Columbus, MS........ Warm weather did not slow down Benjie & Christie Seaborn of Guin, Alabama from achieving their goal of winning the American Couples Series Championship.

"Yesterday we fished both Columbus and Aliceville Lakes", said Seaborn, "but today we just stayed on Columbus Pool. We had much bigger fish in practice than we’ve had during the tournament. We threw just about everything from Carolina rigs to Texas rigs, frogs, crank baits, and spinner baits."

"This was Christies first year to start fishing, however from todays’ win, she’s pretty much got a handle on it", continued Benjie. "I’ve fished Columbus Pool before, but this is one of those kind of places that local knowledge doesn’t help very much."

Taking second place was the first day leaders of Charles & Tammi Black of Rogersville, Alabama. “We just didn’t have as much current today, not as much wind and the fish just slowed down”, said Black. "So we figured we just needed to fish slow in the main lake area. We caught them on Shaky Heads, Texas rigs, Muscadine finese rig, and green pumpkin on Yum dingers. We fished ledges and the mouth of the creek", Black continued.    

At the end of day 1, the couple blew up their boat. "We thought our fishing was over yesterday after that happened, but we met the nicest local angler, Tommy Nichol, was gave us his boat to use!!! Can you imagine meeting someone that was willing to do that??? We are very appreciative to him for his kindness and generosity. And, yes, we’re a bit sad that we didn’t win, but can hardly believe how well we did under the circumstances", said Black.

Coming in third place was father and daughter, Don & Donna Larimore of Guntersville, Alabama. "They were very slow the first day, but today the wind changed and we caught that big fish right off at the start”, said Don. “We mostly fished under water hycinths and came off of points in 3 ½ ‘ of water. Don Larimore has been an ABA member since 1975 and was the Director in North Alabama for 17 years. Don ended the tournament with the Big Fish for the men at 6.20 pounds as well as winning the Big Fish Overall.

Winning the Big Fish for the women for Day 2 was Rita Smith with 3.81 pounds.

Playing host for the American Couples Championship is the Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau. Sponsors of the American Couples Series are Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, Royal Purple Synthetic Motor Oil, BioEdge Fishing Products, Ocean Waves Sunglasses, All Pro Rods, Vanndalizer Custom Baits, ProBass Networks, Rejuvenade, Smart Shield, and Frazier Marine Group.

The American Couples Series is held in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Massachusettes, South Carolina and Kentucky. In 2010 the series will also be offered in North Caolina, Louisiana, and Colorado. 

About American Bass Anglers
American Bass Anglers offers over 1,200 tournaments per year in 41 states that are designed for the weekend angler. American Bass Anglers commitment is to provide low cost, close to home tournaments for the weekend angler and at the same time offer each an upward path for angler progression. For more information on American Bass Anglers and the American Fishing Tour, The Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series, the American Couples Series, Military Bass Anglers, or the American Bass Anglers BBQ sponsored by Early Times Kentucky Whisky, visit www.americanbassanglers.com   

Final Results (PDF)