Michael Wilder, Central Georgia Bass Club, Grabs Clarks Hill Lake Win
The Georgia Bass Federation (GBF) spent the week of 19-23 March, 2025 on Clarks Hill Lake, Appling, GA. in order to determine who would walk away with the title of Georgia Bass Federation 2025 State Champion. All three practice days were almost perfect. Mornings started out to be a bit chilly, but they warmed up as the day progressed. One day called for rainy conditions, but thankfully there were more clouds than actual rain. Water conditions were dependent upon which direction you went. Crystal clear conditions were found, but you could also find cloudy/stained water. Water temperatures ranged from the mid-50’s to 60 degree water as it got later in the afternoon. Day 1 proved to be a great day. Out of the fifty (50) teams participating, there were thirty-two (32) five (5) fish limits on the boater’s side and twenty-six (26) three (3) fish limits on the co-angler’s side. Top boater was Michael Wilder from the Central Georgia Bass Club with five (5) bass weighing 18-07 pounds and the top co-angler was Bijon Blazeski from the Roswell Bass Club with three (3) bass weighing 9-12 pounds.
Day 2 proved to be a bit tougher than day 1. There were twenty-six (26) five (5) fish limits and twenty-two three (3) fish limits were weighed in. Michael Wilder weighed in a second five (5) bass limit totaling 14 pounds 5 ounces to go along with his day 1 finish of 18 pounds 7 ounces to capture the overall first place honors and winning the honor of the Geogia Bass Federation 2025 State Champion. Bijon Blazeski had another solid day with three bass totaling 8 pounds 7 ounces winning him the honor of the Georgia Bass Federation 2025 State Champion on the Co-Angler’s side.
Overall Big Fish for the event on the Boater’s side was Aaron Conatser from Backlash Bass Club with 6 pounds 10 ounces and overall big fish on the Co-Angler’s side was Bijon Blazeski from Roswell Bass Club with 4 pounds 8 ounces.
All in all it was a great experience for all involved. The Butts Bass Club took home the Club Pride Trophy honors with a total weight of 83 pounds 3 ounces.
Many, many thanks go out to the GBF volunteers for the planning and execution of this event. Accommodations provided by the staff at Wildwood Park made our GBF anglers feel right at home. All members of their staff were courteous and helpful throughout the entire event.
