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Michael Smith of Andalusia took the title in the 2022 American Bass Anglers American Fishing Tour Championship tournament held Oct. 19-21 on Lake Eufaula.

Running out of Lakepoint Resort State Park near the town of Eufaula, to fish the 3-day event, Smith won with three consecutive 5-bass daily tournament limits totaling 53.97 pounds. He beat his nearest competitor by less than half a pound. His 15 bass averaged 3.60 pounds.

Smith held second by less than a pound after Day 1 with five bass weighing 18.06 pounds. He improved upon that catch with 18.18 pounds on the second day to take the lead by 1.24 pounds with 36.24 pounds. He never relinquished the lead. On the final day, Smith brought in five keepers for 17.73 pounds, enough to earn the title and annual bragging rights.

“As the Angler of the Year in his division and because he won the tournament, Michael Smith won a fully rigged CX-20 Caymas boat and a check for $5,000,” said Tournament Director Chris Wayand. “As the highest placing finisher with Garmin electronics on his boat in the championship tournament, Smith earned a $500 bonus from Garmin.”

American Bass Anglers is sponsored by Caymas Boats, Mercury Marine, T-H Marine, Garmin Electronics, Power Pole, Lucas Oil, RT Outdoors, Sportsman Card, Optima Batteries, Hotel Planner. com and LurePartsOnline. com.

For more information about American Bass Anglers, the Open Series, the American Fishing Tour, the American Couples 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.

— The full story was originally published on the American Bass Anglers website.