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The Earle May Boat Basin was bustling with activity over the weekend, as Bainbridge played host to the Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series tournament. The tournament began on Thursday, continued through Friday, and ended with the final weigh-in on Saturday afternoon. Anglers launched from the Boat Basin, and would cast their lines up and down the Flint, Spring Creek, and of course Lake Seminole itself.

Come the final weigh-in on Saturday, there were multiple contenders who took the hot seat as more impressive catches were weighed. The ultimate victor of the tournament was Oklahoma native Kyle Cortiana, who caught 15 fish over the three days, with a total weight of 72 pounds, 6 ounces. In second place was Alabama angler Hayden O’Barr, who also caught the 15 fish limit, with a total weight of 67 pounds, 15 ounces. Louisianna’s Levi Thibodaux took third place, with a 15-fish limit and a total weight of 66 pounds, 8 ounces. Brody Campbell took fourth place, with 15 fish and a weight total of 65 pounds and 9 ounces. Rounding out the top five was Kyle Austin, again with 15 fish, and a total weight of 63 pounds.

In addition to his trophy, Cortiana also took home $34,145 in winnings. He briefly spoke with the Post-Searchlight about his experience and techniques, using a Kistler spinning rod and a Yum Sonar Minnow lure, on an Eagle Claw Pro-V Bend jighead. He added that he plans to stay in Bainbridge into May, before heading to Tenessee’s Pickwick Lake for a Tackle Warehouse Invitational.

According to Bainbridge Community Affairs Director Crystal Hines, the economic impact for the community is estimated to be $1,222,320, when factoring in the three days of the tournament, four days of practice, and the expenses from attending families and staff.