Sims Seals Final-Day Win at Lake Murray Big Bass Classic

LAKE MURRAY, S.C. — The Abu Garcia Big Bass Classic presented by Lake Murray Country delivered a competitive three-day showdown, with the winning fish coming late and shaking up the leaderboard on Championship Sunday. 

When the scales closed, it was Chad Sims who claimed the top spot with a 7.29-pound largemouth, a fish he weighed in during hour three of the final day. A perfectly timed catch that proved to be the difference-maker. 

Sims’ late push earned him the overall victory and the keys to a brand new Nitro Z18 powered by Mercury Marine. 

Unlike many Big Bass Tour events this year, where early leaders hold strong, Lake Murray came down to a final-day moment. Sims capitalized when it mattered most, jumping into the lead and holding off a tightly packed leaderboard through the remaining hours. 

With multiple anglers sitting just ounces behind, the pressure stayed high all the way through the final weigh-in. 

The tight spread in the top five highlighted just how competitive the event was, with only ounces separating several positions.
 
Strong Numbers and Consistent Action
Lake Murray produced steady action throughout the weekend, with 510 total fish weighed and an impressive 4.65-pound average, showing both quality and consistency across the field. 

From start to finish, anglers had opportunities to capitalize, with the lake producing quality fish in every session.
 
Wide Reach and Local Impact
The event drew anglers from 20 different states, reinforcing the Big Bass Tour’s national reach and continued growth.

With strong participation and consistent fishing, Lake Murray once again proved to be a premier destination for competitive bass fishing and a key stop on the 2026 tour.

Big Bass Tour Momentum Continues
From a late-day leaderboard shakeup to consistent action across all three days, Lake Murray delivered everything anglers have come to expect from the Big Bass Tour — opportunity, excitement, and the chance for one fish to change everything.
 
With another stop in the books, the 2026 season continues to build momentum as anglers across the country chase big bass, big payouts, and championship moments.