PHOTO BY MATT BROWN
“ I caught my third keeper at 9:30 the final morning that weighed 5 pounds , so I felt like I had a pretty good shot to win at that point ,” Sandidge said . “ But I knew we were on Guntersville and a co-angler caught an 18-pound bag on Day 1 , so anything was possible . I felt confident , but not really comfortable .”
Sandidge weighed in last on stage and only needed 9 pounds to jump into first . He cleared Swanson by more than 7 pounds to earn the win and a Phoenix 518 Pro powered by a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard . It was Sandidge ’ s third win of his MLF career and first since 2017 .
Horton takes co-angler title at All-American on Lake Hamilton
There was high drama on Lake Hamilton in early June for the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine All-American for the Strike King co-angler title . Separated by just 10 ounces , Mississippi c0-angler Clint Horton beat second-place finisher Cory Guinn with a three-day total of 15 bass for 21 pounds , 15 ounces . Horton walked away with a check worth $ 50,000 and memories that will last him a lifetime .
“ This is unbelievable ,” Horton said while holding his new trophy . “ I would have never expected this in a million years . I ’ ve been fishing tournaments for 10-plus years , and to win one of this size and importance is amazing .”
Horton came into the final day of the All-American in second place with 14-15 – only 2-8 behind leader Guinn . Once Horton found out he was paired with second-place boater Hunter Eubanks , the two began to talk about strategy for the final day . Luckily for Horton , Eubanks was more than willing to do what Horton felt comfortable with .
“ I got lucky and drew a great boater who let me fish how I wanted to ,” Horton said . “ I made some lucky skips under docks and caught fish . I flipped up by a laydown and caught a 2 1 / 2-pounder . Hunter could have caught that one but somehow I did , and that fish was probably the difference for me .”
Horton returned home to Mississippi to celebrate with his friends and family and went back to work as a supervisor for a construction company , a job he enjoys . Horton doesn ’ t fish BFL events for a chance at turning pro or gaining big sponsorships . He fishes for the love of the sport and the enjoyment it brings him . To make it his livelihood is not in the cards .
“ Fishing is just fun to me ,” Horton said . “ I don ’ t want to turn it into a job . I feel like I wouldn ’ t love it like I love it now . I ’ m happy with what I ’ m doing now and I ’ m happy that an event like the All-American exists so I can fish it .”
2022 Strike King
Co-Angler of the Year Winners toyota series PHOENIX BASS FISHING LEAGUE
Central Randy Wiggins
Northern Carter Wijangco
Plains Jeff Moss
Southern Mason Chapman
Arkie Andrew Wooley
Bama Mike Langdale
Buckeye Matt Fisher
Bulldog Benjie Winkler
Choo Choo Randy Wilson
Cowboy Greg Dennis
Gator Davis Dimauro
Great Lakes Mark Folsom
Hoosier Ryan Sykes
Illini Chuck Davis
LBL Pat Rapp
Michigan Dennis Sepeck
Southwestern Robert Chavers
Western Tyson Christman
Wild Card Alan Hults
Mississippi Sank Payton
Mountain Todd Stopher
Music City John Lawson
North Carolina Trevor Wright
Northeast Matt Hummel
Okie David Blankinship
Ozark Jeff Moss
Piedmont David Deciucis
Savannah River Johnny Hancox
Shenandoah Lenny Baird
South Carolina Thomas Pennell III
Volunteer Brad Barton
DECEMBER-JANUARY 2023 | MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM 79