Irmo, South Carolina, February 27, 2024 – Jake Coucoules emerged victorious at the 2024 Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series at Lake Murray, scoring a two-day total of 188.75 inches. The tournament, featuring a record-breaking regular season attendance of 258 kayak anglers nationwide, took place on February 24-25 and offered over $49,000 in prize money. Hosted by Capital City/Lake Murray Country (CCLMC), the event showcased remarkable competitive results.
Hailing from Maple Shade, N.J., kayak pro angler Jake Coucoules secured the top spot with a Day 2 score of 89 inches, claiming the $13,400 top prize. His two-day total edged out Ryan Matylewicz of Tunkhannock, Penn., by 4.75 inches. Coucoules expressed his joy, stating, “This is pretty surreal, but it’s the best moment of my life. I have to thank God because that’s the only way this weekend was possible.”
Ryan Matylewicz from Pennsylvania finished second with 184 inches, and Bailey Eigbrett of New York secured the third position with 183.5 inches. The Top 5 finishers, including Josh Stewart, TN, and Wyatt Hammond, NC, have qualified for the 2025 Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship.
Chad Walden of Graniteville, S.C., claimed the $500 Big Bass award for his 23.5-incher, breaking the big-fish tie with Eigbrett.
Top 10 Rankings:
- Jake Coucoules, NJ – 188.75”
- Ryan Matylewicz, PA – 184.00”
- Bailey Eigbrett, NY – 183.50”
- Josh Stewart, TN – 183.50”
- Wyatt Hammond, NC – 182.00”
- Derek Brundle, MA – 179.75”
- Jason Broach, SC – 178.25”
- Jeremy Heath, NC – 177.75”
- Matthew Conant, MA – 177.25”
- Casey Reed, VA – 177.00”
The event was not only a showcase of competitive angling but also an opportunity for the top finishers to qualify for future championships. Full results and details can be found at Bassmaster.com.
About B.A.S.S.: B.A.S.S. (Bassmaster tournament leagues, events, and media platforms) is the worldwide authority on bass fishing, promoting the culture of the sport for over 50 years. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., B.A.S.S. provides cutting-edge content through magazines, websites, TV shows, radio programs, and events.
About Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board: CCLMC serves as the official source for all things Lake Murray Country, offering information on attractions, dining, hotels, outdoor recreation, fishing, golf, and events. Explore the Top Southern Destinations of Columbia, Richland, Lexington, Newberry, and Saluda. Connect with CCLMC at LakeMurrayCountry.com or call 803-781-5940 | 1-866-SC-Jewel. Follow on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube. Use hashtags #LakeMurrayCountry #TopSouthernDestination.