Ram American Fishing Tour National Championship practice underway

ANDERSON COUNTY, SC – Practice began this morning for the nearly 300 anglers that have made the trek to Lake Hartwell in Anderson, SC for this week’s 2015 Ram American Fishing Tour National Championship. Anglers are vigorously searching for limits of bass on Lake Hartwell in an effort to win one of two new Ram Truck packages and one of three new Triton Boat/Mercury Outboard packages rigged with Garmin Marine electronics, Odyssey Batteries, Motorguide trolling motors, and T-H Marine products.

Competition will begin Wednesday, October 21 and continue through Friday, October 23. Tournament launch and weigh-in will take place at the new Green Pond Landing facility all three days and all events are open to the general public. There will be “Salute to the Colors” flag presentation on Wednesday, October 21 at Green Pond Landing at daylight prior to launch for Day One competition. Weigh will begin at 3:00 PM on Wednesday and Thursday and at 2:00 PM on Friday. The event is hosted by Visit Anderson and Anderson County. There will be Anderson County first responders on hand for the event Wednesday morning and there will be staff on hand directing parking. Anderson County will be providing transportation down to the event area, via golf carts as needed, for any spectators that may need it.

“Once again, Anderson County has the privilege of hosting a nationally-recognized bass tournament,” said Anderson County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn. “Visit Anderson, Green Pond Landing and Event Center and our Parks Department hit yet another home run! Anderson County has a unique flavor of southern hospitality and we encourage everyone to put it on display this week. If you see Anglers around the county, make sure to make them feel at home!”

We caught up with local angler and 2015 Bassmaster Classic Champion, Casey Ashley, a while back to ask about what the lake conditions will be like for our AFT anglers this week. We asked about any patterns, conditions, etc. that our anglers may encounter.

According to Ashley, “the lake should be pretty clear and close to full pool. There should be lots of limits caught and 15-16 pound limits will be really strong.” When asked about patterns and baits he responded, “The topwater bite should be good. A chrome-colored Sammy or Pearl and Disco Violet colored Zoom Flukes in 25-35 feet of water over suspended fish can be good this time of year. Most of the fish will be scattered, so search baits will be needed to cover a lot of water. Even though there may not be large schools of fish present, Lake Hartwell patterns very well. If you find a working pattern, stick with it. The creeks should have a lot of shallow fish this time of year. Horny Toads, buzzbaits, and flipping docks with jigs will work in the creeks.” He summed up the event with one final statement about the fishing this week, “The junk fisherman will prevail here this time of year.”