Lady Bass Anglers Association gathered together for a two-day tournament on Lake Seminole
Published 12:30 pm Tuesday, February 11, 2025
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The sun glistened on the rippling waters as the 2025 Lady Bass Anglers Association gathered on Lake Seminole for their two-day tournament. This event, hosted in Bainbridge, Georgia—known as the Bass Capital of the World—took place last Thursday and Friday. The weigh-ins were held at Flint River and Early May Boat Basin Park.
Kristine Fischer cast her line with accuracy and resolve. Competing in her first professional angling event, Fischer’s unwavering focus and skill paid off as she clinched the top spot with an impressive 23.60 pounds. It was a momentous occasion for Fischer, who had spent countless hours honing her craft as part of the Women’s Pro Bass Tour. Fischer is no stranger to the tournament scene. Over the past 10 years, she has been a force to be reckoned with on a kayak. She opted to take on a new challenge by competing in the Bassmaster Opens.
Fischer was thankful to get her first win on the boating side. “I don’t even have words to describe what it’s like to get the win at Seminole, I’m in all my feelings about it. This is such an amazing group of women,” she said. “There were many smiles and positivity, and women cut from the same cloth. It’s an honor to fish with them.”
“I got a boat last year, and I’m very green to this sport,” Fischer said. “Please if you’re thinking at least sign up for a Co-Angler to fish the LBA, these women helped me so much.”
The atmosphere was galvanizing as the other competitors watched in admiration. Fischer’s victory was a testament to her dedication, patience, and passion for the sport. Heather Broom, a seasoned angler, secured second place with a commendable 19.51 pounds. Broom’s experience and prowess shone through, making her a formidable contender in the competition. Rounding out the top three was Julia Ann Darbonne, whose skillful technique earned her a solid 17.58 pounds. Darbonne’s performance was nothing short of impressive, showcasing her patience and determination.
“Day one wasn’t great, I really needed that fifth fish to stay in the hunt,” Broom said. “This morning I knew I needed to put my head down and at least get five keepers in the boat, my first five were small. This is a beautiful lake once you get out there, the sunrises are gorgeous, and second place was awesome to get started this year.”
On the Coangler side, the excitement continued as Cheryl Ohair emerged victorious with a remarkable 13.05 pounds. Ohair’s achievement was a result of her meticulous preparation and unwavering commitment to excellence. In second place was Secret York, who demonstrated exceptional skill and tenacity, securing 12.93 pounds. York dedicated her performance to Pam Martin-Wells and referenced her as the “nanny goat” for being on the 2025 Bass Fishing Hall of Fame ballot. Completing the top three was Pam Holwerda, whose impressive 11.51 pounds highlighted her success and patience on the waters.
Ohair won her first LBA tournament and was in a surreal state of mind processing what she had accomplished. “it feels surreal, I’m at a loss for words.” Ohair’s next event she hopes to fish at is Lake Caddo on April 3rd-4th.
“Our practice was terrible actually, we got one or two a day,” York said. “Maybe we’re a week early, we always find out when we leave. Today it was warmer and the bite was better, the lake and the city of Bainbridge are beautiful, everything has been taken care of and the ladies have been treated awesome.”
The event was a celebration of camaraderie, skill, and the shared love for the sport of angling. The participants, both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic newcomers, reveled in the spirit of competition and the joy of being out on the water. For Fischer, Broom, Darbonne, Ohair, York, and Holwerda, the day was a culmination of their hard work, perseverance, and unwavering passion for the sport of angling.
As the sun set on the event, the anglers reflected on their achievements and looked forward to future competitions. For Fischer, the victory was not just a personal triumph but also a source of inspiration for aspiring anglers everywhere. Congratulations to all the winners and participants for their remarkable performances and contributions to the sport of angling.
