University of Montevallo Claims Victory in Bassmaster College Series at Lake Murray
January 29, 2024
January 29, 2024
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The 2024 Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops took place on Lake Murray, January 26-27, 2024. Last year B.A.S.S ranked Lake Murray No. 4 overall on Bassmaster Magazine’s 2023 100 Best Bass Lakes list and No. 1 in the Southeast. With those accolades, it is no wonder the Lake kicked off the Legends Trail of the Series. The highly competitive tournament hosted by Capital City/Lake Murray Country (CCLMC) yielded impressive results with the furthest national teams driving from California, Indiana, Kansas, and Wisconsin.
“These tournaments are big economic drivers for our region. These anglers drive here pulling their boats. Think of 500 Anglers buying gas, dining in our restaurants, and staying in our accommodations. Adding to the total are the parents, friends, and significant others who join in the action to support their angler,” said Miriam Atria, CCLMC President/CEO.
Peyton Harris and Dalton Head of the University of Montevallo claimed victory with a two-day total of 43 pounds, 12 ounces. “I thought we were going to need the same weight as yesterday,” Head said. “There are so many big fish out here. It is kind of comparable to a Florida lake with how many giants there are. Every spot you pull up to has 20 to 25 pounds on it. We felt we were one bite away and it was a huge surprise we pulled it off today.”
Harris and Head, who have been fishing together since high school, claimed their first title last season at Cherokee Lake, but a canceled Day 2 left the duo feeling like they still had something to prove. It turned out that they had all they needed. “It means so much to win a two-day Bassmaster tournament because you legit have to catch them both days,” Head said. “There is no slacking up. You have to catch them both days.”
Not only did they claim a spot in the 2024 Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops and the $6,162 first-place prize, but Harris and Head can now set their sights on the Team of the Year title. The Montevallo duo knew early in practice they had found quality bass. Whether they could get them to bite would be the question. “These were probably the smartest fish I have ever fished for,” Harris said. “I knew we were around really big fish, and after Day 1 when we got off to a quick start, we knew we had a shot at it.” After catching over 23 pounds on Day 1 to land in second place, Head and Harris made a detailed plan of moves they needed to make on Day 2.
Bryan College’s Bryce DiMauro and Tripp Berlinsky finished second with 42-7 and Elliot Wielgopolski and Aaron Jagdfeld from Adrian College finished third with 41-5. Jake Brown and Walker Brown from the University of North Alabama, who led the first round, caught the big bag of the tournament at 23-14 as well as the Big Bass of the Tournament. The 7-14 lunker largemouth earned the duo $100 in prize money. For more information including school standings and tournament results visit bassmaster.com.
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events, and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 515,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs, and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation, and youth fishing.
About Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board:
CCLMC is the official source for all things Lake Murray Country. To plan your next trip, find information on attractions, dining, hotels, outdoor recreation, fishing, golf, and events. Explore The Top Southern Destinations of Columbia, Richland, Lexington, Newberry, and Saluda. For more information about CCLMC visit LakeMurrayCountry.com or call 803-781-5940 | 1-866-SC-Jewel.
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