Lake Murray, SC 10/03/2024 - American Bass Anglers (ABA) and Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board (CCLMC) have announced the postponement of the 2024 American Fishing Tour Championship, originally scheduled for October 6-11, due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. The tournament will now take place on May 5-9, 2025, on Lake Murray.
“Our thoughts are with the Columbia community and everyone affected by this disaster,” said Morris Sheehan, President of ABA. “The safety and well-being of the residents, first responders, and our anglers remain our top priority.”
“We recognize the immense challenges the region faces, and have made this difficult decision with deep sympathy and respect for the ongoing recovery efforts in our region,” said Miriam Atria, President/CEO of CCLMC.
The American Fishing Tour (AFT) is a bass tournament designed for weekend anglers. It has over 50 divisions east of the Rockies, each hosting 6-10 events per season. The tournament is tailored for non-professional fishing enthusiasts and prohibits full-time guides and professional anglers from competing to ensure fair play and camaraderie. In 2000, the ABA held its first championship at Lake Murray, which was a significant milestone for weekend bass anglers across the country. Returning to Lake Murray 25 years later, where the first national championship took place, pays homage to the enduring legacy and continued appeal of the American Fishing Tour.
