Barnes Takes Top 150 On Lake Eufaula

Justin Barnes won the early June ABA Top 150 event on Eufaula.

Ellaville native Justin Barnes emerged as the winner at the Lake Eufaula ABA-AFT Top 150 tournament after a remarkable turnaround on the second day, June 3. Competing against 117 other anglers, Barnes secured first place with a total weight of 38.16 pounds, earning a prize of $16,400.

On the first day of the tournament, Barnes started in 10th place after launching from Lakepoint. His initial catch weighed 17.28 pounds, setting the stage for a challenging comeback on the final day.

Barnes implemented a strategic approach, focusing on offshore fishing and targeting hard bottom and shellbeds. He experimented with different baits, including a shaky head, crankbait and a drop shot to entice the fish. Fishing at depths ranging from 12 to 26 feet, Barnes explored multiple locations around the lake, adapting his tactics to the behavior of the fish.

The determination and perseverance paid off when Barnes presented his five fish to the scales on the final day, weighing an impressive 20.88 pounds. This equalled the leading weight from the first day and propelled him to the top of the leaderboard with a cumulative weight of 38.16 pounds.

Barnes’s victory demonstrated his ability to adapt to changing conditions and capitalize on opportunities. His outstanding performance secured him the prestigious title and a well-deserved cash prize.

What a payday for Matt Henry and Justin Kimmel. They won the Berry’s Classic the weekend of May 20-21 and split $10,000.

Aaron Batson had a 33.44-lb. haul to win the ABA-AFT 72 championship. The two-day event took place on Sinclair and Oconee.