A chilly fall morning led to a comfortable afternoon for South Carolina Couples on Clarks Hill. The November 5th event was well attended with 31 teams participating. 130 fish were brought to the scales. 13 new couples joined the division.

Tricia Wood of Greenwood, South Carolina and Bill Cain of Greenwood, South Carolina took first place honors for the South Carolina D11 Couples event held on November 5th at Clarks Hill. Tricia and Bill came in with a five-fish sack weighing 12 pounds. Their winning bag was caught flipping laydowns and brush in less than 5 feet of water toward the back of creeks.

Julie and Jim Collins were a close second with a five-fish limit weighing 11.70 pounds. Their fish came on crankbaits and an “underspin”. This was Julie and Jim’s first time fishing with the South Carolina Couples.  Jim noted that their participation “was Julie’s idea.” And, it turned out to be sound advice!

Jenny and Dave Drummond got third place with 11.60 pounds. They fished yet another effective pattern with a buzz-bait and a “Whopper Plopper.” Their largest two fish were caught schooling late in the day. This must have been a gift for Jenny in that this was her birthday! This was also the Drummond’s first couple’s tournament.

Missy and Tom Bancroft claimed fourth place with five fish weighing 11.13 pounds. Their fish came pitching Ol’ Monster worms to docks in stained water.

Scotty Bartley and his daughter Morgan had great success with an 11.06 pound sack snatching a paycheck at fifth place. Both Morgan and Scotty caught fish approaching 4 pounds each.

Tammy and J.B. Wicker took sixth place with 11.0 pounds. A crankbait and Carolina rig delivered their nice five-fish limit. In this sack was J.B.’s Men’s Big Bass at 4.25 pounds.

Martha Goodfellow took Ladies and Tournament Big Bass with her 4.30 pound largemouth. Her hefty fish came with an Ol’ Monster worm pitched to a laydown in 3 feet of stained water. Martha credits the sensitivity of her Kissel Krafts Custom Rod and her nice Lews reel for helping catch this bass.

Tom and Susan Beavers got recognition for the “longest drive.” They traveled from Centre, Alabama for their fishing weekend. The weather cooperated nicely for their practice and tournament days.

There was a pre-tournament Friday evening dinner at Hickory Knob State Park. The social was thoroughly enjoyed by 7 of the teams.

We’d like to welcome all of the new teams that fished with us.
– Julie and Jim Collins
– Jenny and Dave Drummond
– Samantha and Travis Parrish
– Kimberly Michelle Bryant and Joey Madden
– Sherry Farrow and Sean Hall
– Ashley and Ben Sutton
– Carol and Michael Tidwell
– Amanda Godfrey and Clifton Bradley
– Paige Middleton and Zachary Hudson
– Jennifer and Alex Dziengielewski
– Amy and Marcus Allen
– Amie Faulkner and Mike Broome
– Deborah and Boyce Boswell

Brooke Mattison and David Chapman also returned after a year off.

Local sponsors got some special recognition. Jennifer and Alex Dziengielewski contributed a baitcast rod.  This will be awarded for Men’s or Lady’s Big Bass of the year after the 2017 June tournament on Lake Greenwood. Their ALX rod line will soon be carried by local Cabelas stores. Kissel Krafts Custom Rods is also contributing two custom rods to be awarded as prizes for the 2017 season.

Jennifer Dziengielewski won stylish Maui Jim’s sunglasses in the drawing. The “shades” were contributed by local Jervey Eye Group. A Jervey lens cleaner kit was again available as a drawing prize. We’ve gotten some great feedback on how effective the cleaner and cloth are on both glasses and marine electronics screens.

The Greenville Bonefish Grill contributed $25 coupons. Both of the teams drawing these prizes were delighted.  Michelle Bryant said, “It’s my favorite restaurant!” as she picked up a coupon.

Clifton Bradley was quick to pick up the proven lure pack from Scotty Bartley’s Weeble Lure business.  Yeti has contributed prizes for each of the 2017 tournaments.  A tackle bag from fishing friend Diana Uebelhack was quick to go in the drawing.  Other 2016 sponsors were thanked for their contributions for drawing prizes: Strickland Marine, Greenville Cabelas, Lews, Yo-Zuri, Costa and Simpsonville Starbucks.  Sponsor generosity offers far more teams the chance to go home as “winners.”

About American Bass Anglers: American Bass Anglers is committed to providing 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 American Bass Anglers, the Ram Truck Open Series, the American Fishing Tour or the American Couples Series, visit www.americanbassanglers.com.