Brooks Anderson Claims Victory in MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Opener on Lake Lanier

Anderson’s persistence pays off as he secures the top spot in the BFL Bulldog Division tournament

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Brooks Anderson emerged victorious in the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Lanier. The tournament, which marked the beginning of the BFL Bulldog Division season, saw Anderson overcome a slow start to reel in a five-bass limit weighing an impressive 23 pounds, 3 ounces. Despite losing a potential game-changer earlier in the day, Anderson’s strategic approach and unwavering focus propelled him to claim the top prize of $4,584.

A Slow Start and a Heartbreaking Loss

Anderson’s journey to victory was not without its challenges. Setting off from the south end of Lake Lanier, the Marietta, Georgia native struggled to find his rhythm in the early hours of the tournament. Three fishless hours passed before Anderson finally hooked his first catch, a sizable 4½-pounder. However, his elation quickly turned to disappointment as he lost the fish at the net. Undeterred, Anderson continued his pursuit, eventually finding success with a 4¾-pound bass that set him on the right path.

Techniques and Tactics

To secure his win, Anderson employed a combination of techniques, relying on a shaky-head rig, a Damiki rig, and a spoon. Utilizing Garmin Livescope, Anderson honed in on secondary points in 15 feet of water, where he expertly targeted bass with the shaky-head rig. Additionally, he strategically cast the spoon and Damiki rig around ditches and timber, capitalizing on the bass’s natural hiding spots.

The Turning Point and Final Push

Anderson’s fortunes took a turn for the better when he landed a 4-pound fish and a 4½-pound bass in the last half-hour of the competition. These late additions to his catch propelled him to the top of the leaderboard, instilling a glimmer of hope that victory was within reach. Acknowledging the fierce competition in the area, Anderson remained cautiously optimistic until the final weigh-in.

The Top 10 Boaters

Alongside Anderson, several other skilled anglers showcased their talent in the BFL Bulldog Division tournament. The top 10 boaters included:

1st: Brooks Anderson, Marietta, Ga., five bass, 23-3, $4,584
2nd: Alex Prince, Blue Ridge, Ga., five bass, 22-3, $2,292
3rd: Kevin Underwood, Gillsville, Ga., five bass, 21-7, $1,529
4th: Maddux Walters, Canton, Ga., five bass, 20-12, $1,070
5th: Christopher Wilder, Macon, Ga., five bass, 20-1, $1,417 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
6th: Brad Davis, Statham, Ga., five bass, 20-0, $840
7th: Zac Bennett, Loganville, Ga., five bass, 19-12, $764
8th: Ty Overmyer, Dawsonville, Ga., five bass, 18-15, $688
9th: Jeremy York, Conyers, Ga., five bass, 18-11, $611
10th: Matt O’Connell, Brooks, Ga., five bass, 18-1, $835

Joseph Chilcott Claims Victory in the Strike King Co-Angler Division

While Anderson took the top spot in the boater division, Joseph Chilcott of Williamson, Georgia emerged as the victor in the Strike King co-angler division. Chilcott showcased his angling prowess by bringing five bass to the scale, totaling an impressive 16 pounds, 2 ounces. His remarkable performance earned him a well-deserved prize of $2,292.

The Top 10 Strike King Co-Anglers

The top 10 co-anglers in the Strike King division were:

1st: Joseph Chilcott, Williamson, Ga., five bass, 16-2, $2,292
2nd: Joshua Green, Cartersville, Ga., five bass, 16-1, $1,146
3rd: Tim Greene, Loganville, Ga., five bass, 15-2, $765
4th: Brady Vaughn, Royston, Ga., five bass, 14-3, $535
5th: John McCoy, Jasper, Ga., five bass, 13-13, $458
6th: Matt Luczynski, Newnan, Ga., five bass, 13-1, $420
7th: Tommy Royston, Hartwell, Ga., five bass, 12-13, $382
8th: Ryan Frazier, Stone Mountain, Ga., five bass, 12-4, $344
9th: Justin Lemaster, Royston, Ga., five bass, 11-14, $306
10th: Steve Phillips, Douglas, Ga., five bass, 11-11, $267

Looking Ahead

With the BFL Bulldog Division tournament serving as a thrilling start to the season, anglers are eagerly anticipating the next event, scheduled for March 9 at Lake Lanier in Gainesville, Georgia. Boaters and co-anglers alike are encouraged to register for the upcoming tournament, which promises to be another exciting showcase of skill and competition.

Conclusion: Brooks Anderson’s triumph in the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League opener on Lake Lanier exemplifies the dedication and resilience required to succeed in the sport of competitive bass fishing. Overcoming a slow start and a heartbreaking loss, Anderson’s strategic approach and unwavering focus propelled him to victory. As the BFL season unfolds, anglers from the Bulldog Division and beyond will continue to showcase their talent, vying for a chance to compete in the highly anticipated BFL Regional tournament and the prestigious BFL All-American championship. The stage is set for an exhilarating season of bass fishing excellence.