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BOEHLE & WILSON WIN THE 2023 ANGLERS IN ACTION TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS
Posted by editor on November 6, 2023
2023 MIDWAY USA AIA TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS, PRESENTED BY PHOENIX BOATS
Lake of the Ozarks: November 4-5, 2023
Number of boats: 129
The 2023 Anglers in Action season wrapped up at Lake of the Ozarks on November 4-5, with the year end Midway USA Tournament of Champions, presented by Phoenix Boats. Some of the best anglers in the Midwest made their way to Lake of the Ozarks for this event, ready to hit the water and take their shot at being crowned the 2023 Anglers in Action Champions.
Over $100,000 in cash and prizes was up for grabs, which included the Grand Prize of a 2024 Phoenix 819 Pro, 2 Power Pole blades, and Lowrance HDS Live units from Russell Marine Products.
Lake of the Ozarks has been fishing extremely tough as of late, and that trend continued into the championship. Chris & Tim Jeffries took the Day 1 lead, with 5 bass that weighed in at 15.98 lbs. Terry Bradley & Matt Gunter were right on their tails though, with a 5 bass limit of 15.97 lbs. Roger & Corey Cook rounded out the top 3 on Day 1 with 14.47 lbs.
The bite on Day 2 seemed to improve some for the AiA anglers. There were 3 bags over 16 lbs. weighed in, including the heaviest one-day limit (18.64 lbs.) caught by Andy & Micah Littlejohn of the Grand Lake Division. Andy & Micah took the tournament lead with that bag, weighing in a 2 day total of 29.35 lbs.
Adam Boehle & Mark Wilson were lurking in the holding tanks though, knowing they had a chance at taking the title. Needing 15.93 to take the lead, Adam Boehle made his way up on stage, placed their bag on the AiA scales, and took the lead with a solid 17.72 lb. sack. That bag gave them a 2 day total of 31.15 lbs., which held up the remainder of the event and earned them the grand prize and the 2023 Anglers in Action Championship title. Congratulations gentlemen!
THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE ANGLERS & SPONSORS
We want to thank all of the anglers that fished with Anglers in Action this season. We appreciate each and every one of you and hope you all had a great time fishing AiA this year. We also want to thank all of our amazing sponsors and supporters that contribute to the success of AiA, without you all this trail would not be possible. Please support those that support Anglers in Action Tournament Trail.
Special thanks to Phoenix Boats and Anglers Port Marine for all of their support of this event, and to our Title Sponsor, Midway USA, for the support & partnership.
Thank you to Bassing Bob for keeping the anglers fed and refreshed throughout the event.
2023 Anglers in Action Champions: Adam Boehle & Mark Wilson
Tournament Breakdown from Mark & Adam:
We ran all over the lake from the Glaize Arm to the Dam, fishing jigs in and around docks utilizing the Croc-O-Gator Zapper and Reaction jigs. With the lake fishing so tough, we just kept the jigs wet, trolling motor going and just kept grinding. We had our limit both days around 11 and went searching for a better bite. We had one chance but it didn't stay buttoned, and we couldn't cull either day going through 8-9 keeper bites each day.
We would like to thank Croc-O-Gator Baits, Fitz Tackle, Mercury Motors, Caymas Boats, Anglers Port Marine, and Dobyns. Congrats to all the teams that did well in this stacked field of anglers. Thanks again to AIA and the amazing circuit you all run. Thanks to God for allowing us to do what we love to do and keeping all the anglers safe.
2nd Place Overall: Andy Littlejohn & Micah Littlejohn
Qualifying out of the Grand Lake Division, Andy & Micah Littlejohn took 2nd place overall for the 2023 AiA Tournament of Champions with a total weight of 29.35 lbs. They had a Day 1 weight of 10.73 lbs., but followed it up with the heaviest 1 day catch of the event, with an 18.64 lb. bag on Day 2.
Micah & Andy reported targeting fish off shore, with all of their bass coming on the a-rig. Congratulations guys!
3rd Place Overall: Roger Cook and Corey Cook
3rd place went to the father & son team of Roger and Corey Cook. Corey & Roger had a Day 1 weight of 14.47 lbs. along with a Day 2 weight of 12.99 lbs., for a combined weight of 27.46 lbs.
Roger & Corey used the jig primarily throughout the weekend, targeting shallow and deep brush to catch the majority of their bass. They also threw a small swimbait to add a few to their livewell. Great job gentlemen!
Lew's Big Bass - Day 1: Nathan Oliver & Jamie Eynard (6.79 lbs.)
Lew's Big Bass - Day 2: Ken Whitfield & Brian Maloney (6.62 lbs.)
Tournament Results:
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD COMPLETE RESULTS
Don't miss the 2024 Anglers in Action Tournament Trail season. We will kickoff the year at Lake of the Ozarks on March 3, 2024. Enter online now to secure an early take-off position.
Thank you all again and we will see you next season!
CHRIS (HOOCH) DUNN LANDS THE $100,000 BASS AT THE LAKE OF THE OZARKS BIG BASS BASH
Posted by editor on October 10, 2023
FISHING, FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND FUN...AT THE 2023 FALL BIG BASS BASH AT LAKE OF THE OZARKS!
What a Weekend! The 2023 AFTCO Big Bass Bash, presented by Phoenix Boats, took place at Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks on October 7-8. Anglers from across the country made their way to central Missouri to take part in one of the nation's largest amateur big bass tournaments.
Over $339,000 in guaranteed cash & prizes was up for grabs, including a massive $100,000 grand prize for big bass of the event, a 2024 Phoenix 818 draw boat, over $140,000 in bi-hourly payouts, $6,000 in early bird prizes, plus thousands more in additional prizes.
This event, which takes place each Spring & Fall at Lake of the Ozarks, brings a massive economic boost to the local community during the "off-season" each year. The Big Bass Bash brings family & friends together to enjoy some time at the lake and gives the "weekend angler" a chance to cash in on hundreds of thousands of dollars in guaranteed payouts.
We want to thank all of the anglers, our amazing sponsors, our staff, our host resorts and the Tri-County Lodging Association, MO House Representative, Lisa Thomas, all of the local businesses that support this event, along with all of the State Park employees and law enforcement officers that keep things running safe and smooth. Without a combined effort from each & everyone of you, this event would not be possible. Thank you all again!!
DON'T MISS THE 2024 BIG BASS BASH SEASON: SAVE THE DATES!
Lake of the Ozarks: April 20-21, 2024
Grand Lake, OK: June 1-2, 2024
Lake of the Ozarks: October 5-6, 2024
Congratulations to Chris (Hooch) Dunn, of Hettick, IL, who landed a 6.55 lb. bass on Saturday to take home the $100,000 Grand Prize. This was his first time fishing the Big Bass Bash.
Chris caught his winning bass on a chatterbait, just 2 coves over from the Point Randall Resort weigh-in station. Fishing shallow near a concrete boat ramp, Chris flipped that chatterbait up towards the bank. As soon as it hit the water, the bait jetted off to the right. Chris set the hook, told his buddy to grab the net, and the fight was on. He wrestled the big bass up to the boat, where his partner netted it and put the big girl in the livewell.
They took off to the Point Randall Resort weigh-in station, got the fish on the Big Bass Bash scales, and locked her in on 6.55 lbs.
That bass took the lead and held up the remainder of the tournament, earning Chris the first place prize of $100,000 and CHAMPION of the 2023 AFTCO Big Bass Bash, presented by Phoenix Boats. Congratulations again to Chris Dunn!
Karl Welschmeyer, of Linn, MO, took 2nd place overall and a $20,000 payday. Karl caught his bass on Sunday around 7:40am. He was flipping docks near Millstone Marina, using a green pumpkin Missile Bait when the big bass hammered it. Karl got the bass in the livewell, raced off to the Alhonna Resort weigh-in station, where his bass landed on 6.46 lbs. Karl took home the 2nd place trophy and a cool $20,000. Congratulations, Karl!
Chad Dick, of Baldwin, KS, grabbed 3rd place overall at the 2023 Fall Big Bass Bash. Chad was fishing near the Hurricane Deck Bridge on Saturday, flipping docks with a brushhog, when his 6.18 lb. bass slammed his lure. He weighed his bass in at the Red Oak Resort weigh-in station during the 2nd time slot on Saturday, and walked away with a solid $10,000 payday. Congratulations, Chad!
4th place overall went to Wayne Fischer of Climax Springs, MO. Wayne weighed in a 6.09 lb. bass during the last time slot on Saturday. He caught his bass at the 51 mile marker, using a black magnum worm. That bass landed Wayne 4th place overall and a check for $5,000. Congratulations, Wayne!
Jessica Webb, of Martinsburg, MO, took first place in the Ladies Bonus. Jessica weighed in a 4.28 lb. bass at the Alhonna Resort weigh-in station to earn the top spot and an additional $1,000 payday. Congratulations, Jessica.
The Ladies Bonus is in addition to any other money they may win throughout the tournament.
Conservation of our resources is key to a healthy future of bass fishing. The Big Bass Bash, AFTCO, and Ulrich Marine strive to make sure all bass are returned alive and healthy back to the tournament waters, ready to be caught another day.
EARLY BIRD WINNERS:
$500 - Tyler Johnson: Topeka, KS
$500 - Joe Prochnow: Ottawa, KS
$500 - Ron Schwartz: Wichita Falls, TX
$500 - Jim Overby: Rolla, MO
$500 - Nicholas Johnson: Lake St. Louis, MO
$500 - Tyler Austin: St. Charles, MO
$500 - Ron Hauser: Lake St. Louis, MO
$500 - Kevin Dillon: Wentzville, MO
$500 - Scott Bannon: Chesterfield, MO
$500 - Jason Helfer: O'Fallon, MO
$500 - Alex Hodgell: Minburn, IA
$500 - Mark Merritt: Pawnee, IL
EXACT WEIGHT WINNERS:
$500 - Brandon Nguyen: 3.00 lbs.
$500 - Michael Cosentino: 3.00 lbs.
$500 - Matt Morfeld: 3.00 lbs.
$500 - Shawn Tiemann: 3.00 lbs.
$500 - Dennis Kapp: 3.00 lbs.
$500 - Eric Luechtefeld: 3.00 lbs.
$500 - Robert Echele: 3.00 lbs.
$500 - Tristen Friesner: 3.00 lbs.
$500 - Tim Rose: 3.00 lbs.
$500 - Brandon Waters: 3.00 lbs.
$500 - Brian Mendenhall: 4.00 lbs.
$500 - Joel Russel: 4.00 lbs.
3:16 LB. EXACT WEIGHT, Sponsored by Midwest Land Group: Land Agent, Justin Swast
$1,000 - Saturday: Randy Jackson
$1,000 - Sunday: Keith Vollmer
BIG BASS BASH - BONUS T-SHIRT WINNERS
$125 - Charlie Chafin
$125 - Rich Taylor
$125 - Brian Hansen
PHOENIX BOAT DRAWING WINNER:
Bud Brickey of Belgrade, MO, was drawn for the $50,000 Phoenix
818 with Mercury 150 Pro XS.
BLACK RAIN ORDNANCE - DRAWING WINNER
Custom 5.56 Rifle - Robert Miles, Fulton, MO
Total Paid Out:
Top 4 Overall Payouts: $135,000
Bi-Hourly Payouts: $142,760
Phoenix Draw Boat: (Retail Value - $50,000)
Early Bird Draw Prizes: $6,000
Exact Weights (3 & 4 lb.): $6,000
Exact Weights (3.16 lb.): $2,000
Ladies Bonus Payouts: $1,750
Bonus T-Shirt Payouts: $375
Kid's Division: $1,800
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Total Payout: $339.685
CLICK HERE FOR TOURNAMENT RESULTS
CLICK HERE FOR KID'S DIVISION RESULTS
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO GALLERY
We want to thank all of you that participated in the Big Bass Bash and hope you had a great weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks. We also want to thank all of our great sponsors & supporters of this event;
AFTCO, Phoenix Boats, Bajio Sunglasses, Lew's, Sunline, Gorilla Grip, Bad Boy Mowers, Tri-County Lodging Association, Bassing Bob, Shoreline Boat & RV Repair, Bait Cave Customs, Huxco Construction, Midwest Land Group: Land Agent - Justin Swast, Wild River Jerky, Vinyl Images, Midway USA, Crock O Gator, Surdyke Yamaha, Fitz Fishing Tackle, Gamakatsu, Anglers Port Marine, Missouri House Representative, Lisa Thomas, Concord Village Lions Club, Ulrich Marine, and DA Films.
2023 MIDWAY USA AiA TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS, PRESENTED BY PHOENIX BOATS
Posted by editor on July 3, 2023
INVITATION ONLY TOURNAMENT - TEAMS MUST QUALIFY TO FISH THIS TOURNAMENT.
PLEASE ENTER BY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27TH
To check your team's eligibility, click on your division standings below:
LAKE OF THE OZARKS
TABLE ROCK
GRAND LAKE
OPEN DIVISION
The 2023 Midway USA Anglers in Action Tournament of Champions, presented by Phoenix Boats, will take place at Lake of the Ozarks on November 4-5, 2023.
Grand Prize Package:
First place will win a Phoenix 819 with a 200 Mercury Pro XS, plus 2 Power Pole Blades, and electronics from Russell Marine Products.
If the winning team if Phoenix First Flight and Anglers Port Marine incentive compliant, they will also win $17,000 in additional incentive money.
CLICK HERE FOR TOURNAMENT RULES
Tournament Location:
Lake of the Ozarks, MO
Date: November 4-5, 2023
Launch/Weigh-In Location:
PB2 (Grand Glaize State Park)
711 Public Beach Rd
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Entry Fee & Payout:
$320 entry fee per team, includes Big Bass
CLICK HERE TO ENTER ONLINE
Overall Payout:
1 place paid for every 6 teams entered (max of 25 places paid)
Big Bass Payout:
Saturday Big Bass
1st: $1,000
2nd: $250 Lew's Gift Card per angler
Sunday Big Bass
1st: $1,000
2nd: $250 Lew's Gift Card per angler
Team Check In:
Friday, November 3rd: 3pm-6:30pm
PB2 (Grand Glaize State Park)
Teams will receive championship goodie bags, boat numbers, flight times...etc.
Division Champions can pick up plaques & checks during check-in.
Tournament Hours:
Saturday, November 4th:
takeoff - 7:15 am / safe light
weigh in - 3:00 pm
Sunday, November 5th: (Time Falls Back)
takeoff - 6:15 am / safe light
weigh in - 3:00 pm
Off Limits:
Sunset on Friday, November 3rd, until official start time Saturday morning.
Lodging Options:
Days Inn: 573-723-1852
Inn at Grand Glaize: 800-348-4731
Schmidt's Creek Hotel: 573-348-1781
Robin's Resort: 573-348-2275
Osage Village Inn: 573-348-5207
Holiday Inn Express: 573-302-1310
Quails Nest: 573-348-2834
SPEARS & KEELING TOP THE FIELD AT FINAL QUALIFYING EVENT OF 2023
Posted by editor on June 13, 2023
2023 Midway USA AiA Tournament Trail, presented by Pro-Guide Batteries
Grand Lake, OK: June 10, 2023
Number of boats: 115
Total payback: $30,825
Places paid out: 19 overall, 2 big bass
SPEARS & KEELING WIN FINAL QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT OF THE 2023 AIA SEASON. We want to thank everyone who participated in the 2023 Grand Lake Division this season. We appreciate your support of Anglers in Action and hope you all had a great time at Grand Lake. We will have our 2024 season schedule posted soon. Please keep an eye on the website & our social media pages for the 2024 dates.
Congratulations to Travis Spears and Chris Keeling on their win at Grand Lake, OK. Chris and Travis landed a solid sack of Grand Lake bass that weighed in at 20.46 lbs. They reported hitting numerous spots on Saturday, targeting main lake points in 10-20 feet of water using big crankbaits and a red shad 10 inch worm to accumulate their winning weight. Travis & Chris took home $10,000 for their win!
Sponsored by: Black Rain Ordnance, Shelter Insurance-Danita Keaton, First Central Bank, and Talley Tire Co.
2nd Place went to the team of Kevin Jackson & Bryan Jackson. Bryan & Kevin weighed in 5 Grand Lake bass that locked in on 17.95 lbs. Great job gentlemen!
John Pilcher and Curt Warren took 3rd place overall on Saturday, with 5 bass that tipped the scales at 17.65 lbs. Nice job guys!
Lew's Big Bass of the tournament went to the team of Curtis Heintz and Randy Heintz with a 5.24 lb. tank.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
Thank you to all of our 2023 Anglers in Action sponsors:
Phoenix Boats / Midway USA / Pro-Guide Batteries / Aftco / Bajio Sunglasses / Lew's / Midwest Land Group: Land Agent - Justin Swast / Sunline / Gamakatsu / Anglers Port Marine / Bassing Bob / Fish Intel / Shore Tire Company / Shoreline Boat & RV Repair / American Baitworks / Power Pole / Russell Marine Products / Crock-O-Gator Bait Company / Bait Cave Customs / Vinyl Images / PurKleen / Gorilla Grip Gloves / Rogue Custom Apparel
WAGGONER WINS 2023 CHEROKEE CASINO-GROVE BIG BASS BASH, PRESENTED BY BLACK RAIN ORDNANCE
Posted by editor on June 7, 2023
2023 Cherokee Casino Grove Big Bass Bash, presented by Black Rain Ordnance
Grand Lake, OK - June 10, 2023
What a weekend it was at Oklahoma's Grand Lake O' The Cherokees. This event was represented by anglers from more than 15 states across the country, and a few from our neighbor up north, Canada.
Over $201,000 in guaranteed cash payouts were awarded at this event, including a massive $100,000 grand prize to the angler who weighed in the biggest bass of the tournament.
We want to thank all of the participants that took part in the Big Bass Bash, and hope you all had a great time at Grand Lake. We also want to thank our title sponsor, Cherokee Casino of Grove, OK, our presenting sponsor, Black Rain Ordnance, all of our staff that keep things running smoothly, as well as Hammerhead Marina and Southwinds Marina for the weigh-in accommodations.
Congratulations again to Joe Waggoner, champion of the 2023 Cherokee Casino Grove Big Bass Bash, presented by Black Rain Ordnance.
1st Place: Joe Waggoner of Carl Junction, MO - 6.65 lbs.
2nd Place: Gunnar Wixon of Baxter Springs, KS - 6.53 lbs.
3rd Place: Chris Smittle of Vinita, OK - 6.39 lbs.
4th Place: Ed May of Grove, OK - 5.81 lbs.
1st Place Ladies: Sefra Wilson of Sayre, OK - 4.04 lbs.
EARLY BIRD WINNERS:
$250 - Randy Cummings: Springfield, MO
$250 - Tom Miles: Viburnum, MO
$250 - Charles Dean: Frontenac, KS
$250 - Scott Lee: Salina, OK
$250 - Nash Kibler: Crescent, OK
$250 - Chase Welty: Yukon, OK
$250 - Cameron Ratliff: Fayetteville, AR
$250 - Tim White: Holden, MO
EXACT WEIGHT WINNERS:
$250 - JP Northcutt: 4.00 lbs.
$250 - Mike Hodge: 3.00 lbs.
$250 - Vern Deatherage: 3.00 lbs.
$250 - Randy Lavasseur: 3.00 lbs.
$250 - Colton Curtis: 3.00 lbs.
$250 - Otis Dempsey: 3.00 lbs.
$250 - Steven Carders: 3.00 lbs.
BLACK RAIN ORDNANCE: BONUS T-SHIRT WINNERS
$125 - Charles Moore (Saturday 6-8 time slot)
$125 - Craig Greer (Saturday 8:01-10 time slot)
$125 - Jim Clay (Saturday 12:01-2 time slot)
$125 - Ryan Brooks (Sunday 8:01-10 time slot)
$125 - Tom Miles (Sunday 10:01-12 time slot)
Total Paid Out:
Top 4 Overall Payouts: $130,000
Bi-Hourly Payouts: $64,800
Early Bird Draw Prizes: $2,000
Exact Weights: $1,750
Ladies Bonus Payouts: $1,000
T-Shirt Bonus: $625
Kid's Division: $1,575
------------------------------
Total Payout: $201,750
CLICK HERE FOR TOURNAMENT RESULTS
CLICK HERE FOR KID'S DIVISION RESULTS
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO GALLERY
Thank you all again for your participation. We're looking forward to the 2024 Grand Lake Big Bass Bash, which will take place on June 1-2, 2024.
Don't miss the 2023 AFTCO Big Bass Bash at Lake of the Ozarks, which will take place on October 7-8. Over $325,000 in cash & prizes will be paid out. Click Here for more information.
