Justin Hadden of Warrenville, South Carolina won the Boater Division, and Thomas Pennell, III of Boiling Springs, South Carolina won the Co-Angler Division.

PROSPERITY, S.C. – September 7, 2025 – Capital City/Lake Murray Country (CCLMC) is proud to announce the champions of the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Super Tournament Presented by T-H Marine, held September 6–7 on Lake Murray. The two-day competition showcased the skill and determination of anglers across the South Carolina Division, with Warrenville’s Justin Hadden claiming the top spot.

Hadden secured victory with a two-day total of six bass weighing 28 pounds, 12 ounces, earning $7,644 plus a $2,500 Phoenix Bonus. His Day 1 catch included two standout bass over six pounds each, and despite challenging conditions, his strategy of targeting Lake Murray’s signature fall offshore-schooling bite paid off.

“This fish trophy means more to me than the check does,” said Hadden, who has been working toward this achievement for 35 years.

Top 10 Boaters

  1. Justin Hadden, Warrenville, S.C. – six bass, 28-12, $7,664 (includes $2,500 Phoenix Bonus)

  2. Michael Gammons, North Charleston, S.C. – six bass, 27-11, $2,302

  3. Colby Goforth, Ball Ground, Ga. – six bass, 26-9, $1,536

  4. Hayden Seabolt, Dawsonville, Ga. – six bass, 26-0, $1,174

  5. Cole Huskins, Gastonia, N.C. – six bass, 24-12, $921

  6. Lucas Murphy, West Columbia, S.C. – six bass, 24-8, $844

  7. Justin Tingen, Moore, S.C. – six bass, 23-14, $767

  8. Johnathan Crossland, Chapin, S.C. – six bass, 23-4, $691

  9. Matt O’Connell, Brooks, Ga. – six bass, 22-15, $764

  10. Jason Burroughs, Hodges, S.C. – five bass, 22-11, $537

Hadden also earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater Award with a 6-pound, 3-ounce catch on Day 1, adding another $540.

Co-Angler Division

  • Thomas Pennell III of Boiling Springs, S.C., took first place with a two-day total of five bass weighing 16 pounds, 14 ounces, winning $2,302.

  • Pennell also earned the Fishing Clash South Carolina Division Co-Angler of the Year (AOY) title.

  • Lucas Murphy of West Columbia, S.C., secured the Fishing Clash South Carolina Division Angler of the Year (AOY) award in the boater division.

The top anglers from this event and others in the division advance to the BFL Regional Tournament on Lake Norman in Huntersville, N.C., October 3–4, competing for championship titles and major prize packages.

A Regional Showcase

Anglers traveled from across the country—including Florida, Georgia, and Pennsylvania—to compete on Lake Murray. Explore where they came from with this interactive travel map: View Angler Travel Map.

Full results and details are available at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

About Major League Fishing

Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at premier fisheries across the globe. MLF broadcasts on CBS, Discovery, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, and more, while also streaming on-demand through MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Founded in 2011, MLF is dedicated to advancing competitive fishing while improving bass quality of life through research, education, fisheries enhancement, and fish care.

About Capital City/Lake Murray Country

CCLMC is the official source for all things Lake Murray Country, covering Columbia, Lake Murray, Lexington, Newberry, Richland, and Saluda. To plan your trip and explore attractions, dining, lodging, outdoor recreation, fishing, golf, and events, visit LakeMurrayCountry.com or call 803-781-5940 | 1-866-SC-JEWEL. Stay connected on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and YouTube.

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