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The 9th Annual American Bass Anglers Ray Scott Championship was held in Bainbridge on Seminole Lake from Thursday, April 4, to Friday, April 5th. The bass fishing tournament saw 199 Anglers and Co-Anglers battle it out for the heaviest catches over two days.

Bainbridge secured the tournament after it was originally planned for Dayton, TN. American Bass Anglers (ABA) flipped the location in late November 2023, citing “enhanced support and seamless event logistics for the participating anglers” from Bainbridge, as well as an affinity for the city.

Morris Sheehan, President of ABA, said the “warm hospitality that Georgia, particularly the Bainbridge community, consistently extends to ABA events” played a role in the location switch. He also thanked Crystal Hines, the Community Affairs Director at the City of Bainbridge, for her “diligent efforts and partnership in hosting this significant tournament.”

Hines said hosting the tournament is a big deal for the fishing world and Bainbridge economy. 

“This exciting event promises not only to bring the exceptional anglers for great fishing but also a purpose, a significant boost to our local economy,” Hines told ABA in November. “We believe the championship will create a positive ripple effect, drawing visitors and fostering economic growth throughout our vibrant community.”

The Ray Scott Championship is invite-only and boasts “the most skilled weekend anglers in the nation,” according to ABA. These anglers competed for a share of a $200,000 prize pool, which included cash, prizes, and sponsor contingency awards. 

The champion boater received a CX20 Caymas boat powered by a Mercury Motor, and the champion co-angler claimed a CX18 Caymas boat with a Mercury Motor. In addition, participants received various draw prizes and sponsor contingency awards. 

TH Marine offered a $500 bonus to the top finisher utilizing an Atlas Jack Plate. Caymas Boats extended a cash award of up to $7,000 to the winning boater who competes from a Caymas Boat. Mercury Marine awards $1,000 to the winner if they fish with a Mercury Motor. (Sponsor awards are subject to anglers being registered for their programs, according to ABA.)

 

About American Bass Anglers

 

According to its website, ABA is committed to providing low-cost, close-to-home tournaments for the weekend angler and, at the same time, offering each competitor an upward path for individual angler progression.

For more information about ABA, the Professional League, the American Fishing Tour, the American Couples Series, the Team Series, the annual Military Team Bass Tournament, and the Top 150 Solo Tour, all presented by Caymas Boats, visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256) 232-0406