By TAM Staff
Eighteen-year-old Jack Story of Atlanta, Georgia, made bass fishing history at Lake Murray, South Carolina, capturing the 43rd annual Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American Championship Presented by T-H Marine and becoming the youngest champion ever to win the prestigious grassroots event.
While many of his classmates were celebrating high school graduation, Story was focused on a much bigger stage. Leading the tournament from start to finish, he brought a three-day total of 15 bass weighing 61 pounds, 8 ounces to the scales and secured the $100,000 top prize along with a coveted berth in REDCREST 2027, Major League Fishing’s premier championship event.
Story opened the tournament with a commanding 22-pound, 11-ounce limit and never relinquished the lead. His final-day catch of 17 pounds, 7 ounces was enough to hold off a hard-charging field that included runner-up Brooks Anderson of Georgia, who finished just 10 ounces behind with 60 pounds, 14 ounces.
Fishing techniques centered around blueback herring patterns proved key to Story’s success. Raised on Georgia’s Lake Lanier, he has developed an exceptional ability to target offshore bass using forward-facing sonar and soft-plastic jerkbaits. Throughout the event, a weightless Zoom Fluke in chartreuse and herring colors accounted for much of his catch.
Despite the victory margin, the final day was far from easy. Story struggled to locate his offshore fish early and was forced to make critical adjustments, including targeting bedding bass and fry-guarding fish he had located during practice. One timely late-day cull ultimately helped preserve his narrow lead.
When the final weights were announced, the usually composed teenager couldn’t contain his emotions.
“My hands were shaking so bad this morning I had to retie my leader knot several times,” Story said. “Everybody who has supported me made this possible.”
In the co-angler division, Zachary Howell of Tipton, Iowa, claimed the championship with nine bass weighing 28 pounds, 6 ounces, earning the $50,000 top prize. Howell dedicated the victory to his grandmother, who recently passed away after encouraging him to compete despite her battle with cancer.
Hosted by Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism, the 2026 BFL All-American showcased the nation’s top grassroots anglers and delivered one of the most memorable championships in tournament history.