Mayo began the quest for the title in March on Cross Lake in Shreveport, LA.  As the LBAA arrived in Shreveport, Mother Nature had already begun unleashing the rain and chilly weather. As the anglers practiced each day and worked to navigate the unique and beautiful waters of Lake Caddo, Mother Nature continued to drop rain all across the region. The water was rising even to the point that the navigation makers were starting to disappear and the yards of homes on the lake were being taken over by high waters. With less than two days of practice left the LBAA had to make changes as the Sherriff’s Department was preparing to shut down the lake. The event was forced to be moved to nearby Cross Lake which historically never closes. Anglers scrambled to get in at least a little practice time on the new lake before the event was slated to begin on Friday.  Anglers were cautioned to be wary of docks that were beginning to be covered with water. The most of the remainder of the lake was clear of debris and safe to navigate.  Once the event started, the cold muddy water proved to be very tough for anglers. Angela Mayo was the only co-angler who was able to bring a keeper fish to the boat. Her 3.15-pound fish not only earned her a check, but gave her a commanding lead in the Co-Angler division Angler of the Year Points race.  After the tournament, Mayo had this to say “That was a tough tournament.  It’s difficult to stay focused when the bite is so slow, but that’s what I had to do.  I kept my head down and fished deliberately.”

The next stop on the tour was Diamond City, Arkansas to fish on Bull Shoals Lake with waters ranging from dingy and dirty to clear enough to read a quarter in 20 feet of water. Often times, anglers are told to work the bait a certain way in order to get it to stand up or perform in a certain manner. Those fishing in the clear water could see what this rhetoric was really all about.  Mayo had this to say about Bull Shoals.  “I have never fished a lake like this before.  I felt like I was standing on the side of the big aquarium at a Bass Pro Shop and watching my bait on the bottom in 25 to 30 feet of water.  I actually saw the fish swim by, take the bait and swim off with it.  It was unbelievably clear.”  Mayo finished in 8th place, her lowest finish of the year.

Kentucky Lake, the third stop of the LBAA tour was quite a change from the clear waters of Bull Shoals Lake.  It seems like the LBAA has a knack for bringing changes in weather patterns and fishing to an area. Almost every stop this year has had water and weather conditions that are out of the norm for those locations. It happened again on Kentucky Lake. Heavy rains and lots of moving water just prior to and at the beginning of practice for the ladies brought about changes in the fishing every day.  Kentucky Lake is a river system lake with a lot of off shore areas to fish.  In July, fish are typically found on the ledges.  Mayo finished 3rd in this event.  “Although the fishing is much different than what I see on my home lake, Lake Norman in North Carolina, I enjoyed fishing the ledges.  Fishing in July is tough anywhere and this was no exception, but I am happy with how things went.”

The final regular season event was held in September on Old Hickory Lake near Nashville, TN. In the Co-angler division on Old Hickory, Angela Mayo led wire-to-wire and brought a 5.84 lb large mouth to the scales to win the big bass award for day one. Her total two-day weight allowed her to claim the LBAA Old Hickory Wildcard Co-Angler crown.

“For Old Hickory, I spent a lot of time researching the lake. I had several places to check in practice. Being able to stay with DeAnna Lovvorn and practice all week was important.” Mayo went on to say. “I caught several fish in practice on the same bait I caught most of my fish on here last year.  After a week of practice, I knew exactly what I was going to throw” Mayo stated.  With this win, Mayo secured the 2015 LBAA Co-Angler of the Year award.  “It’s great to win this award.  I’ve fished hard all year and it’s paid off.  I’m look forward to the 2015 Lady Bass Classic on Lake Pickwick, Alabama,” Mayo said.

The final event of the year, the Lady Bass Classic, was held October 15-17 on Pickwick Lake in Alabama. “This is my first and possibly last opportunity to win the Triple Crown in the co-angler division,” stated Mayo.  “If everything works out as I have planned, I will be making the move to the pro side next year. Regardless, I’m going to need to be consistent and hopefully have a limit each day.”  When asked whether or not a reduced field (15 per division) would add pressure or make a difference at the 2015 LBAA Lady Bass Classic Mayo stated “Having a reduced field increases your odds however, I will be fishing against the best women co-anglers in the county.  It’s going to be tough, but I am ready.”  After two days of competition, Mayo was in 3rd place, but only a pound out of first.  “I’m really excited to be paired with Lady Pro Amanda Godfrey.  She has had a great tournament so far and I’m looking forward to being out on the water with her for the final day.”

Mayo was able to bring a good limit to the scales on the final day of competition and win the 2015 Lady Bass Classic by over 6 pounds.  “When Amanda netted my third keeper, I knew that I had a shot at winning.”  “This has been an amazing year for me with the Lady Bass Anglers Association. I won two tournaments, qualified first in points for the Classic and won Angler of the Year in the co-angler division. Now to win the Classic, it’s just unbelievable!  The Lady Bass Anglers Association tour is the only trail out there specifically for women and it is a great tour to fish.  I’ve had the opportunity to fish with some of the best Lady Pros from all over the country.  I’d like to thank each and every one of them for doing what they do.  I’d also like to thank my sponsor, FishStyx Custom Rods, for custom building my rods for me this year.  Finally, I’d like to thank my coach – also known as my husband when I’m not fishing – for his patience, love and support as I’ve travelled all over the country pursuing my dream.”

About Lady Bass Anglers Association (LBAA)

The Lady Bass Anglers Association was formed by professional bass anglers Cheryl Bowden and Secret York. In four short seasons, the LBAA has developed a popular series of women’s professional bass fishing tournaments and gained fans across the country. The LBAA offers valuable sponsorship opportunities for corporate sponsors and marketing partners. For more information about the LBAA, contact LBAA Headquarters at (214) 738-7518 or visit www.ladybassanglers.com. You are also invited to follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LadyBassAnglers.

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