TOURNAMENT angler Troy Danes has claimed the inaugural Megabass B.A.S.S. Australia Nation Championship at Lake Glenbawn by the smallest of margins.
With over $40,000 worth of cash, prizes and trophies up for grabs the biggest event of the bass tournament season season reportedly went off with a bang.
In an unbelievably close finish, Danes snatched the title from current Rookie of the Year Winner, Tom Slater, by 10 Grams and became the first Atomic B.A.S.S. Australian Champion.
Danes eventually took the lead from Tom Slater, with only Warren Carter and Luke Mulholland left to weigh-in. Danes hung on to win and now becomes the very first angler to compete for Australia against the world’s best from B.A.S.S. Nation at Monroe, Louisiana in the U.S. and a shot at entry to the Bassmaster Classic.
On both days during the Glenbawn event, Danes went to the 8 knot zone and had his bag by 7.30 am which took the pressure off and allowed him to fish freely throughout the session. He caught around a dozen fish on day one and only five fish on day two. With only 30 minutes to go Troy made a decision to move to the Narrows where he replaced a small 600 gram bass with a 1.54 kg kicker. This move was the deciding factor that allowed him to take the championship.
2nd place getter Tom Slater.
Tom Slater took out 2nd place with a 4/4 5.28 kg bag, which saw him miss out on top spot by only 10 grams! Coming from equal 15th position after day one he weighed the biggest sack for the tournament on day two and held the lead for some time in the hot seat. Slater has had a stellar year, taking the Austackle Rookie of Year title, equalling Australia’s number one bass angler Dean Silvester in the Samurai Pro AOY race, and again being very competitive in the championship overall.
Warren Carter took out 3rd place with 4/4, 5.15 kgs. The current Australian bream champion, Carter proved that he is looking at taking on the country’s best bass anglers in the future by claiming a very competitive third spot again. Also fishing the Narrows area Warren fished nearly exactly the same as he did the month earlier in the Lowrance Glenbawn Challenge Round.
Bream specialist Warren Carter took out 3rd.
Atomic B.A.S.S. Australia Nation Season 2
The organisers of B.A.S.S. Australia Nation say next season promises to be bigger and better with tournaments available for anyone from 11 years and up. For more information on getting involved head to www.bassaustralia.com.au.
Email enquiries to bass@bassaustralia.com.au.