Central Divisional Championship comes to a Close

 

2016 TBF Central  National Contenders

The final day proved to be just as tough as the first two days of competition, for most of the 94 anglers participating in the Central Division Championship, this week in Aberdeen, Mississippi. Only four anglers were able to bring a five fish limit to the scales on the final day. Jeffery Sullivan, of Starkville, MS provided the largest limit with a 14.06 sack, which was the largest catch of the entire week. Brian Maloney of Missouri had 10.09 while Stewart Ryan of Oklahoma had 10.06 and BJ Gibson weighed 10.04 and Tim Carmouche of Louisiana turned in 10.02 pounds. All other anglers were under ten pounds for the day. The Big Bass of the day went to Jeffrey Sullivan, of Mississippi, with a 4.12 lunker.

The overall individual winner turned out to be Johnny Babb from Holdenville, OK with a three day total of 26.08. Hoyt Akins of Arkansas made a run, but ended up in second with 23.03 pounds. Third place belonged to Jason Benjamin of Kansas with 22.05. The only other angler above twenty pounds was Joseph Webster of Misissippi with 20.11 pounds. When asked, most anglers reported catching most of their fish on topwater frogs and then some type of plastic creature baits, fishing around the grasslines.

In the overall states competition, Oklahoma came out on top again today to successfully defend their 2014 state, team championship. Their twelve team members compiled a total weight of 122.10 while Mississippi ended up with 110.12 pounds, to take the runner up spot. Coming in third was the team of Arkansas with 97.03 pounds.

There were also sixteen members who earned a spot in the upcoming 2016 TBF Federation National Championship. The top two anglers from each of the eight competing states are as follows:

Oklahoma: Johnny Babb & Stewart Ryan

Mississippi: Joseph Webster & Jeffery Sullivan

Arkansas: Hoyt Akins & Mike Palmer

Kansas: Jason Benjamin & Davis Heffel

Texas: Tyler Fisher & Dennis Hastings

Missouri: Brian Maloney & Cole Findley

Louisiana: Seth Lablanc & Tim Carmouche

Nebraska: Pat Klausen & Terry Hussey

With the Central Division, now in the books, we want to say a big “Thanks” to the folks of Aberdeen, Mississippi. Everyone there went out of their way to make sure all the anlgers had a good time while in Aberdeen. Also a big debt of gratitude goes out to the host state of Mississippi, the President and his wife, Edwin & Angie Gregory. Their dedication to the Federation and the anglers w=is second to none. They worked non-stop for almost a year to see that everything went off without a hitch. Finally, too all the volunteers and alternates who came and worked the event, things went smoothly because of your efforts. Thanks to all who had a part in this event.

 

For Complete results check out our results page HERE

For the event Photo Gallery Click HERE